Use Of Modification Research Articles

Sensory Substitution for Tactile Feedback in Upper Limb Prostheses.

Present commercially available prosthetic devices fall short when it comes to providing users with accurate and non-invasive tactile feedback from their artificial limb, leading to more difficult control and leaving many at a heightened risk of device rejection. Current methods of simulating hand sensation in patients affected by upper limb loss are either invasive and expensive, or otherwise sub-optimal in their feedback mechanism. Here we propose, build, and implement a novel device for tactile feedback in upper limb prostheses. The device consists of an adaptable tactile sensing glove that can be applied to existing artificial limbs and an audio feedback system that leverages the plasticity of the brain to communicate touch to the user through sensory substitution. This device aims to take advantage of the existing pathways between auditory and tactile sensory regions in the brain by mapping force magnitude and location from the integrated force sensors on the gloves to specific volume and frequency, respectively. The device was successfully manufactured for proof of concept, and further testing with prosthetic users will aim to assess the efficacy of the device and identify potential modifications for use in research and commercialization.

Do the diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation apply to non-straight men and to sexual activities other than penile-vaginal intercourse?

Professional standards committees have generally applied the diagnostic criteria for premature ejaculation only to situations involving (presumed) heterosexual men having penile-vaginal intercourse. This paper reviews the existing evidence supporting expansion of the criteria for use among non-straight men engaging in sexual activities that do not include vaginal intercourse. In brief, estimated ejaculation latencies appear similar across men identifying with different sexual orientations, and various partnered sexual activities (oral, vaginal, and manual) tend to be well correlated. In contrast, masturbation latency patterns are different between men with and without premature ejaculation, and ejaculatory control and bother/distress may be less critical to gay men than straight men during partnered sex. Finally, it should be noted that existing patient report outcomes (PROs) require modification for use with non-straight men.

농촌 마을회관의 고령친화형 공간조성을 위한 기준에 관한 연구

This study reviewed the applicability of barrier-free standards and universal design standards for the elderly to improve the settlement environment of rural communities that have a substantial number of super-aged residents. As a result of researching the scope and application status of the existing standards, the scope of application of this study was divided into entrance doors, bedrooms, restroom, stairs, passageways, and communal living areas. While the standards were easy to apply, it was found that more facilities received standard certification in urban rather than rural areas. We compared the size of village halls with existing standards in five sites where field surveys were possible to review the applicability of these standards to rural areas. It was discovered that the area of residential space in rural areas was too small to apply the age-friendly design standards. It was difficult to apply the facilities and designs as per these standards, and further, the classification of the application standards was not suitable for a town hall consisting of an entrance, room, living room, restroom, and kitchen. Therefore, these standards were found to have low applicability and needed modifications for use in rural areas. Therefore, based on the results of the field survey, this study classified the space of the rural town hall in a manner similar to the existing standards, and an age-friendly building plan for each space was suggested. The criteria for the creation of an elderly-friendly residential environment were proposed by combining the barrier-free standard and universal design standard taking into account the human body dimensions of the elderly to evolve a design standard for rural housing similar to that of a town hall. In the future, for structures other than those suggested in this study, the criteria applicable to the common living facilities in rural areas may be established in detail to create a healthy rural residential environment. This study can provide the basic data to add functionality to rural living areas. Further research will have to be conducted to build on this data.

Implementation of Low-output-impedance Sinusoidal Oscillator and Its Modification for use in Filters

Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT wydaje czasopisma fachowe informujące swoich czytelników o najnowszych osiągnięciach naukowych i nowoczesnych rozwiązaniach technicznych w Polsce i na świecie, popularyzuje problemy techniczne oraz poszerza wiedzę i kulturę techniczną.

Effect of Rot-, Fire-, and Water-Retardant Treatments on Jute Fiber and Their Associated Thermoplastic Composites: A Study by FTIR.

Natural renewable materials can play a big role in reducing the consumption of synthetic materials for environmental sustainability. Natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted significant research and commercial importance due to their versatile characteristics and multi-dimensional applications. As the natural materials are easily rotten, flammable, and moisture absorbent, they require additional chemical modification for use in sustainable product development. In the present research, jute fibers were treated with rot-, fire-, and water-retardant chemicals and their corresponding polymer composites were fabricated using a compression molding technique. To identify the effects of the chemical treatments on the jute fiber and their polymeric composites, a Fourier transformed infrared radiation (FTIR) study was conducted and the results were analyzed. The presence of various chemicals in the post-treated fibers and the associated composites were identified through the FTIR analysis. The varying weight percentage of the chemicals used for treating the fibers affected the physio-mechanical properties of the fiber as well as their composites. From the FTIR analysis, it was concluded that crystallinity increased with the chemical concentration of the treatment which could be contributed to the improvement in their mechanical performance. This study provides valuable information for both academia and industry on the effect of various chemical treatments of the jute fiber for improved product development.

Editors-in-chief perceptions of patients as (co) authors on publications and the acceptability of ICMJE authorship criteria: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundAccess to, and awareness of, appropriate authorship criteria is an important right for patient partners. Our objective was to measure medical journal Editors-in-Chief’ perceptions of including patients as (co-)authors on research publications and to measure their views on the application of the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journals Editors) authorship criteria to patient partners.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey co-developed with a patient partner. Editors-in-Chief of English-language medical journals were identified via a random sample of journals obtained from the Scopus source list. The key outcome measures were whether Editors-in-Chief believed: 1) patient partners should be (co-)authors and; 2) whether they felt the ICMJE criteria for authorship required modification for use with patient partners. We also measured Editors-in-Chief description of how their journal’s operations incorporate patient partner perspectives.ResultsOne hundred twelve Editors-in-Chief responded to our survey (18.7% response rate; 66.69% male). Participants were able to skip any questions they did not want to answer, so there is missing data for some items. 69.2% (N = 74) of Editors-in-Chief indicated it was acceptable for patient partners to be authors or co-authors on published biomedical research articles, with the remaining 30.8% (N = 33) indicating this would not be appropriate. When asked specifically about the ICMJE authorship criteria, and whether this should be revised to be more inclusive of patient partners, 35.8% (N = 39) indicated it should be revised, 35.8% (N = 39) indicated it should not be revised, and 28.4% (N = 31) were unsure about a revision. 74.1% (N = 80) of Editors-in-Chief did not think patients should be required to have an academic affiliation to published while 16.7% (N = 18) and 9.3% (N = 10) indicated they should or were unsure. 3.6% (N = 4) of Editors-in-Chief indicated their journal had a policy that specifies how patients or patient partners should be considered as authors.ConclusionsOur findings highlight gaps that may act as barriers to patient partner participation in research. A key implication is the need for education and for consensus building within the biomedical community to establish processes that will facilitate equitable patient partners inclusion.

Guiding Stem Cell Differentiation and Proliferation Activities Based on Nanometer-Thick Functionalized Poly-p-xylylene Coatings

Modifications of biomaterials based on the combination of physical, chemical, and biological cues for manipulating stem cell growth are needed for modern regenerative medicine. The exploitation of these sophisticated modifications remains a challenge, including substrate limitation, biocompatibility, and versatile and general cues for stem cell activities. In this report, a vapor-phase coating technique based on the functionalization of poly-p-xylylene (PPX) was used to generate a surface modification for use with stem cells in culture. The coating provided the ability for covalent conjugation that immobilized bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and the modified coating surfaces enabled direct stem cell differentiation and controlled proliferation because of the specific activities. The ligations were realized between the growth factors and the maleimide-modified surface, and the conjugation reactions proceeded with high specificity and rapid kinetics under mild conditions. The conjugation densities were approximately 140 ng·cm−2 for BMP-2 and 155 ng·cm−2 for FGF-2. Guiding the activities of the human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) was achieved by modifying surfaces to promote the hADSC differentiation capacity and proliferation rate. The reported coating system demonstrated biocompatibility, substrate-independent conformity, and stability, and it could provide an effective and versatile interface platform for further use in biomedical applications.

Scintillation materials based on metal iodates by rare earth doping modifications for use in radioluminescence and X-ray imaging

We obtained metal iodates scintillators with high X-ray response and scintillating films with high X-ray sensitivity and imaging spatial resolution.

X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis of waste sulfur modification for use in concretes

Secondary sulfur obtained as a by-product in the oil refining process is a major problem as an environmental pollutant. One of the possibilities of environmental protection is the use of sulfur obtained in this way as a component of sulfur concrete. Mixing of sulfur with suitable additives can provide longer working lifetime of sulfur concrete, as well as maintenance of the former physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of concrete. Such mixtures are usually called modified sulfur or sulfur cement. Secondary sulfur produced in the oil refining process by the Klaus process (approval of crude oil) cannot be used in this form. In order to be ready for the use of sulfur concrete and asphalt, it is necessary to modify elemental sulfur from cyclic to chain form, obtaining of modified sulfur whose application is as a binding agent in a concrete instead of portland cement is described in this paper. Influence of dicyclopentadien, an organic additive, on sulfur modification has been studied in this research. Microstructure and mineral analysis of modified and unmodified sulfur cement binding are performed using polarized and scanning electron microscopes and X-ray diffraction spectrometer.

Application and optimization of reference change values for Delta Checks in clinical laboratory.

BackgroundDelta check is a patient‐based QC tool for detecting errors by comparing current and previous test results of patient. Reference change value (RCV) is adopted in guidelines as method for delta check, but the performance is not verified. We applied RCV‐based delta check method to patients' data and modified for application.Materials and methodsReference change value were calculated using results of internal QC materials and biological variation data. Test results of 17 analytes in inpatients, outpatients, and health examination recipients were collected. The detection rates of currently used delta check method and those of RCV‐based method were compared, and the methods were modified.ResultsReference change value‐based method had higher detection rates compared to conventional method. Applied modifications reduced detection rates. Removing the pairs of results within reference interval reduced detection rates (0.42% ~ 10.92%). When RCV was divided by time interval, the detection rates were similar to prior rates in outpatients (0.19% ~ 1.34%). Using RCV multiplied by twice the upper limit of reference value as cutoff reduced the detection rate (0.07% ~ 1.58%).ConclusionsReference change value is a robust criterion for delta check and included in clinical laboratory practice guideline. However, RCV‐based method generates high detection rates which increase workload. It needs modification for use in clinical laboratories.

Osteopathic Considerations for the Pregnant Patient with COVID-19.

In any given year, approximately 130 million babies are born worldwide. Previous research has shown that pregnant women may be more severely affected and vulnerable to contracting emerging infections, making them a particularly high-risk population. Therefore, special considerations should be given to treatment methods for pregnant women with COVID-19. In this narrative review, the authors evaluate scholarly journal articles and electronic databases to determine what is known about the pathophysiology of COVID-19 in pregnancy and the associated mortality rate. Osteopathic manipulative treatment techniques to mitigate the underlying pathology were identified, and modifications for use in pregnancy and the critical care setting are described.

Self-assembled nano-silica-embedded polyethylene separator with outstanding physicochemical and thermal properties for advanced sodium ion batteries

Sodium ion batteries (NIBs) provide significant advantages for large-scale energy conversion and storage devices. NIBs are extensively investigated because of the global abundance of Na resources. The Na ion is similar to the Li ion; however, the conventional poly(ethylene) (PE) separator used in Li ion batteries is unsuitable for NIBs because of its extremely poor wettability by the Na+ electrolyte and its high thermal shrinkage. These properties can cause severe safety issues at elevated temperatures, as well as poor ionic conductivities. Therefore, the PE separator needs modification for use in high-performance NIBs. Here, we propose a unique nano-SiO2 impregnation method that preserves the thickness of the separator to ensure a high volumetric energy density. Silica matrices are incorporated into the PE separator through a simple chemical modification that includes embedding the hydroxyl group by benzoyl peroxide treatment, followed by Si–O condensation to introduce 3-(trimethyloxysilyl)propyl methacrylate auxiliaries. These steps allow the introduction of multiple Si–O functional groups onto the PE backbone through chemical reactions with tetraorthosilicate. The proposed separator exhibits high wettability and ionic conductivity while maintaining the initial separator thickness. The nano-SiO2-impregnated PE has significantly improved thermal stability and high dimensional stability even at an elevated temperature of 140℃. Na full-cell systems, consisting of Na0.9Li0.05Ni0.25Fe0.25Mn0.5O2 and hard carbon electrodes, exhibit considerably increased cycle lives and rate capabilities when fabricated with this nano-SiO2-impregnated PE separator.

Strategic categories and competition: significant clustering for strategic groups

PurposeStrategic groups research has been hampered by the poor alignment between theory and methods. This has been due in large part to the lack of significance tests for cluster analysis. Now that significance tests are available, the theoretical and methodological implications are discussed. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe theory behind strategic groups is reframed to capitalize on the available significance tests. Subsequently, the significance tests are also modified to fit the proposed theory. Due to this integrative approach, this is both a theoretical and a methodological paper.FindingsIn lieu of significance tests, finding differences in performance emerged as the litmus test for the existence of discrete strategic groups. The concept of strategic groups gradually evolved to fit this requirement. Now that significance tests are available, these legacy effects of the structure-performance link can be removed. This reveals that three conflicting concepts have been sharing the label of strategic groups: strategic categories, interdependent strategic groups and strategic performance groups. The theory also reveals that the significance tests developed in ecological research need modifications for use in strategic groups research.Research limitations/implicationsA theory is proposed for interdependent strategic groups and a significance test of external isolation is proposed as part of this integrative solution.Originality/valueThis integrative solution appears to resolve the historical mismatch between theory and methods that has plagued this field since its inception. This creates a variety of intriguing areas for future research.

A model-based concordance-type index for evaluating the added predictive ability of novel risk factors and markers in the logistic regression models

ABSTRACTThe Concordance statistic (C-statistic) is commonly used to assess the predictive performance (discriminatory ability) of logistic regression model. Although there are several approaches for the C-statistic, their performance in quantifying the subsequent improvement in predictive accuracy due to inclusion of novel risk factors or biomarkers in the model has been extremely criticized in literature. This paper proposed a model-based concordance-type index, CK, for use with logistic regression model. The CK and its asymptotic sampling distribution is derived following Gonen and Heller's approach for Cox PH model for survival data but taking necessary modifications for use with binary data. Unlike the existing C-statistics for logistic model, it quantifies the concordance probability by taking the difference in the predicted risks between two subjects in a pair rather than ranking them and hence is able to quantify the equivalent incremental value from the new risk factor or marker. The simulation study revealed that the CK performed well when the model parameters are correctly estimated for large sample and showed greater improvement in quantifying the additional predictive value from the new risk factor or marker than the existing C-statistics. Furthermore, the illustration using three datasets supports the findings from simulation study.

The Oxford study of Calcium channel Antagonism, Cognition, Mood instability and Sleep (OxCaMS): study protocol for a randomised controlled, experimental medicine study

BackgroundThe discovery that voltage-gated calcium channel genes such as CACNA1C are part of the aetiology of psychiatric disorders has rekindled interest in the therapeutic potential of L-type calcium channel (LTCC) antagonists. These drugs, licensed to treat hypertension and angina, have previously been used in bipolar disorder, but without clear results. Neither is much known about the broader effects of these drugs on the brain and behaviour.MethodsThe Oxford study of Calcium channel Antagonism, Cognition, Mood instability and Sleep (OxCaMS) is a high-intensity randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental medicine study on the effect of the LTCC antagonist nicardipine in healthy young adults with mood instability. An array of cognitive, psychiatric, circadian, physiological, biochemical and neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalography) parameters are measured during a 4-week period, with randomisation to drug or placebo on day 14. We are interested in whether nicardipine affects the stability of these measures, as well as its overall effects. Participants are genotyped for the CACNA1C risk polymorphism rs1006737.DiscussionThe results will clarify the potential of LTCC antagonists for repurposing or modification for use in psychiatric disorders in which cognition, mood and sleep are affected.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN33631053. Retrospectively registered on 8 June 2018 (applied 17 May 2018).

The Video-Microscopy Linked Electrochemical Cell – An Innovative Method Allowing for a More Accurate Interpretation of Electrochemical Measurements of Magnesium Degradation

An innovative miniature optical-electrochemical cell was developed and tested that allows for the conducting of electrochemical corrosion measurements and simultaneous microscopic observations over a small, well-defined surface area of corroding magnesium samples. The setup consists of a miniature electrochemical cell that is clamped onto the magnesium sample before being filled with electrolyte, bringing a sample surface area of about 0.8 mm2 in contact with the electrolyte. The miniature cell comprises afferent/efferent electrolyte ducts as well as a connection to the Mini Cell System (MCS), a combination counter and reference electrode that itself is connected to a potentiostat. The transparent roof of the electrolytic cell allows optical microscopic access to the corroding magnesium surface. Consequently, all measured and induced currents and voltages refer to the same small area corroding completely within the field of view of the microscope, thus allowing for real time observation and linking of surface phenomena such as hydrogen evolution and oxide deposition to electrochemical data. The experimental setup was tested on commercial purity (cp) and extra high purity (XHP) magnesium (Mg) samples using open circuit potential and cyclic voltammetry methods under static and flowing conditions. The measurements and observations with this new method pave the way for a more detailed understanding of magnesium corrosion mechanisms, thus improving predictive power of electrochemical corrosion measurements on newly developed magnesium alloys and modifications for use as absorbable stents or orthopedic implants. Different electrochemical test can be run under various conditions, while being easy to set up and reproduce as well as being minimally destructive to the sample.

Аналіз ефективності й оптимізація технологічних режимів барабанних сушильних установок

Issues of technological systems modes optimization for streaming raw materials processing have a significant impact on the enterprises profitability in the chemical, food and metallurgical industries. At present, the task of moving from the profitability requirements to control actions remains actual. The task requires the development of specialized methods. Such methods should use an efficiency factor with evaluating of a technological operation results by a combination of cost estimates of the output product, costs and time. In the paper it is shown the structure of the channel system for raw materials processing should contain blocks for calculating the consumption costs of raw materials, resources and energy for the processing and transporting parts of the station and for calculating the overall efficiency factor. An example of a production line for drying a granular product in a drum furnace with zone and axial burners using different types of fuel is considered. The mutual influence of the line components on its productivity, quality and costs is taken into account. The non-linear form of the efficiency factors expression required modification for use in the dynamic programming method. For optimal mode searching we chose a dynamic programming method that determines the optimal phase trajectory with maximizes the additive criterion formulated for this method. Cost estimation of the trajectory sections was carried out using a computational model. The model describes the dynamic processes in the station. The search for optimal controls was carried out from the end of a possible trajectory to the beginning in a discretized space of phase coordinates. The phase coordinates are the position of the product portion inside the drum, the moisture content of the product; control variables: drum angular velocity, fuel consumption in each burner. A comparison of the efficiency factor values for the found optimal trajectory and efficiency factor values for trajectories with deviations showed the validity of the chosen approach.

A ‘Real-World’ Comparison of TEG 5000 and TEG 6s Measurements and Guided Clinical Management

Background: Thrombelastography (TEG) is used as a point-of-care test to help identify a cause of bleeding and to guide transfusion of blood products. The TEG 5000 has been used for many years and has been the basis of transfusion algorithms. The TEG 6s was released in 2017. Few data exist on the comparison of TEG 5000 and TEG 6s in real-world situations. We assess for agreement between TEG 5000 and TEG 6s to determine whether current TEG 5000-based transfusion algorithms require modification for use with TEG 6s.

Modification of existing patient-reported outcome measures: qualitative development of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MDASI-MPM).

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer of the lung pleura. The MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure of symptom burden, the combined impact of disease-related and treatment-related symptoms on functioning. Validated PRO measures may require modification for use in specific study populations. We sought to modify the MDASI for patients with MPM and create a fit-for-purpose symptom-burden measure for use in a clinical trial, according to US Food and Drug Administration guidance on PRO utilization to support labeling claims. A literature review for MPM symptoms was conducted. Patients with MPM were qualitatively interviewed about experiences of disease and treatment. Descriptive analysis identified symptoms and interference with functioning to define MPM-related symptom burden. An expert panel rated the relevance of identified symptoms to patients with MPM. Patients who received the investigational drug in a previous Phase I study were interviewed for drug-specific symptoms. Literature review and interviews of 20 patients identified 31 MPM-related symptoms. A conceptual model of MPM-related symptom burden was developed. After expert-panel relevance review, five MPM-specific items and the 13 core MDASI symptoms met criteria for inclusion in a provisional MDASI-MPM for psychometric testing. Interviews with six patients identified six drug-specific symptoms; three were mentioned by multiple patients. Of these three, one was not in the core MDASI. The MDASI-MPM has established content validity and, with the addition of one symptom item, is ready for psychometric testing as fit-for-purpose for a clinical trial of an investigational agent.

LAWS AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE EGYPTIAN URBAN AREAS AND SHORTCOMINGS

This study deals with the laws and legislations governing urbanization in terms of the definition of urbanization legislation, the relationship between the parties involved in planning, and the early laws that regulate urbanization beginning in 1883 with the establishment of administrative councils which are concerned with the maintenance of streets, squares and parks. (No. 52 of 1940) and amended to become part of the Urban Planning Law No. (3) of 1982, in addition to Law No. 51 of 1940 on the Regulation of Buildings and Law No. 53 of 1966 regarding the prohibition of the bulldozing of agricultural land and the Law (106 of 1976) and its amendments (Law No. 3 of 1982), which is the first law to establish the general policy and prepare the urban development plans at the level of the Republic and the general plans for the cities and villages, detailed plans and requirements. Which must be available when dividing the land and determine the body entrusted with the preparation of studies necessary for the development work, and then dealt with the unified construction law No. (119 of 2008), which defines areas of re-planning as areas subject to land use modification when preparing the general strategic plan for the city or village or outline, and procedures for the preparation and approval of the outline of the re-planning area and negotiation procedures with owners of real estate And the land within the area of modification of use, re-planning and the tasks of the committees of inventory and negotiation, and evaluation committees, and then dealt with the penalties imposed by the law for buildings that violate the provisions of the law and the infringement of agricultural land and the lack of executive and supervisory bodies supervising Z movement of urbanization.