Test Parameters Research Articles

Pollution Monitoring via Potentiometric Membrane Sensors for the Determination of Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride in the Presence of Its Main Photo-Degradation Products in River Water

The utilization of membrane sensors for the monitoring and determination of pharmaceutical environmental pollutants has emerged as a crucial objective in recent years. Given the extensive use of chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ) in medicine, its presence in the environment, particularly in surface water such as rivers, is highly probable. Prolonged exposure of river water to sunlight and the photo-degradability of CPZ may enhance its photo-degradation. For the purpose of measuring CPZ in the presence of its primary photo-degradants, two sensitive and selective membrane electrodes were developed. These were synthesized utilizing two ion-pairing agents: sodium tetraphenylborate (TPB) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The electrodes exhibited a linear range that extended from 1 × 10−6 M to 1 × 10−2 M. The membrane electrodes of CPZ-TPB and CPZ-PTA exhibited slopes of 59.90 ± 0.60 mV/decade and 58.90 ± 0.80 mV/decade, respectively. The sensors mentioned above showed acceptable performance in a pH range of 2.0 to 6.0. All test parameters were optimized to provide superior electrochemical performance. The fabricated membranes were effectively employed to sensitively quantify CPZ in the presence of its principal photodegradants. The developed sensors were successfully employed to quantify CPZ in river water samples without necessitating pre-treatment procedures.

Effects of Er:YAG laser debonding on changes in the properties of dental zirconia.

To investigate changes in the optical and mechanical properties of novel zirconia ceramics applied in dentistry after Er:YAG laser debonding and to evaluate the feasibility and value of reusing zirconia restorations debonded by an Er:YAG laser. Four types of zirconia ceramics were investigated: self-glazed zirconia (SGZ), 3Y-TZP, 4Y-PSZ and 5Y-PSZ. Forty rectangular (25 mm*8 mm*1.5 mm) specimens were fabricated for each zirconia type, and a total of 160 specimens were manufactured. The zirconia specimens were divided into four subgroups according to the applied Er:YAG laser debonding process: the control group, 4 W laser group, 5 W laser group, and 6 W laser group. For each subgroup, 10 specimens were subjected to color tests (color difference (△E) and transparency parameter (TP) tests) and subsequent mechanical tests (flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM), Vickers hardness (VH) and surface roughness (Ra) tests). The △E, TP, FS, EM, VH and Ra values were measured and calculated. One random sample from each subgroup was observed by SEM. Statistical analyses were performed by one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05). The △E and TP values after Er:YAG laser debonding were not significantly different among the subgroups (P > 0.05). However, the 6 W laser group had the highest △E and lowest TP. The ranges of changes in △E and TP were below the clinically detectable threshold (△E = 1.2, △TP = 1.33). In terms of the mechanical properties, there were no significant differences in the FS, EM, VH or Ra among the subgroups. No obvious microcracks were detected on the surfaces of the zirconia specimens during SEM. Er:YAG laser debonding does not obviously affect the optical or mechanical properties of novel zirconia ceramics in dentistry. Moreover, it is potentially feasible and valuable to reuse zirconia restorations after Er:YAG laser debonding.

Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Bearing Capacity of Axially Compressive Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns with Local Corrosion

This study aims to examine the effects of local corrosion on the axial compression performance of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) members. Nineteen CFST short columns with local corrosion were designed and fabricated to undergo axial compression mechanical property tests, with the radial corrosion depth of the local corrosion area as the key test parameter. The failure mechanism and mechanical property change laws of CFST axial compression short columns with circumferential full corrosion at the ends and middle were studied. Combined with finite element modeling, the influence laws of the three-dimensional geometrical characteristics of the local corrosion zone, i.e., the axial length, the annular width and the radial depth, on the structural bearing performance were thoroughly explored and discussed. The results revealed that the main reason for the reduction in load-carrying capacity of circular CFST axial columns due to local corrosion is attributed to the reduction of the effective cross-sectional area of the steel tube in the corrosion area. When local corrosion occurs at different axial positions, the variation range of the bearing capacity of CFST columns is within 10%. Regarding the impact of the three dimensions of local corrosion on the axial load-carrying capacity of CFST, the radial corrosion depth was identified as the most influential factor, followed by the annular corrosion width, and finally by the axial corrosion length. When the axial corrosion length exceeds 20% of the specimen length, its further influence on the load-carrying capacity is considered limited. Finally, a practical calculation formula for the bearing capacity of locally corroded CFST columns is proposed. The predicted results of this formula fit well with the test results and can quickly estimate the remaining bearing capacity of the structure by measuring the geometric parameters of the local corrosion area, providing a reference for the assessment and maintenance of CFST structures.

Effect of Part Size, Displacement Rate, and Aging on Compressive Properties of Elastomeric Parts of Different Unit Cell Topologies Formed by Vat Photopolymerization Additive Manufacturing

Due to its ability to achieve geometric complexity at high resolution and low length scales, additive manufacturing (AM) has increasingly been used for fabricating cellular structures (e.g., foams and lattices) for a variety of applications. Specifically, elastomeric cellular structures offer tunability of compliance as well as energy absorption and dissipation characteristics. However, there are limited data available on compression properties for printed elastomeric cellular structures of different designs and testing parameters. In this work, the authors evaluate how unit cell topology, part size, the rate of compression, and aging affect the compressive response of polyurethane-based simple cubic, body-centered, and gyroid structures formed by vat photopolymerization AM. Finite element simulations incorporating hyperelastic and viscoelastic models were used to describe the data, and the simulated results compared well with the experimental data. Of the designs tested, only the parts with the body-centered unit cell exhibited differences in stress–strain responses at different part sizes. Of the compression rates tested, the highest displacement rate (1000 mm/min) often caused stiffer compressive behavior, indicating deviation from the quasi-static assumption and approaching the intermediate rate response. The cellular structures did not change in compression properties across five weeks of aging time, which is desirable for cushioning applications. This work advances knowledge on the structure–property relationships of printed elastomeric cellular materials, which will enable more predictable compressive properties that can be traced to specific unit cell designs.

Effectiveness of Kabat Technique versus Mirror Book Therapy on clinical and electrophysiological parameters in patients with Bell’s palsy: a comparative interventional study

Abstract Background Bell’s palsy significantly impacts facial function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Objective To compare the effects of the Kabat Technique (KT) and Mirror Book Therapy (MBT) on clinical and electrophysiological parameters in patients with Bell’s palsy. Methods This randomized controlled trial included 31 patients divided into two groups: KT (n = 16) and MBT (n = 15). Both groups received their respective interventions (6 days/week for 3 weeks) in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Sunnybrook Facial Grading Score and Nerve Conduction Test (amplitude and latency of frontalis, nasalis, and mentalis muscles) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results Statistical analysis (SPSS v20) revealed significant intragroup improvements in all outcome measures (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparison showed MBT had superior improvements in amplitude of frontalis and reduced latency of nasalis. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in the Sunnybrook grade shift. Conclusion This study suggests that KT and MBT, combined with conventional physiotherapy, positively impact clinical and electrophysiological parameters in Bell's Palsy patients. MBT showed superior results in select Nerve Conduction Test parameters.

Predicting Mutual Fund Stress Levels Utilizing SEBI’s Stress Test Parameters in MidCap and SmallCap Funds Using Deep Learning Models

Abstract: The Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI), under the direction of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), provided open access to various risk parameters with respect to MidCap and SmallCap funds for the first time from February 2024. Our study utilizes AMFI datasets from February 2024 to September 2024 which consisted of 14 variables. Among these, the primary variable identified in grading mutual funds is the stress test parameter, expressed as number of days required to liquidate between 50% and 25% of the portfolio, respectively, on a pro-rata basis under stress conditions as a response variable. The objective of our paper is to build and test various neural network models which can help in predicting stress levels with the highest accuracy and specificity in MidCap and SmallCap mutual funds based on AMFI’s 14 parameters as predictors. The results suggest that the simpler neural network model architectures show higher accuracy. We used Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) over other machine learning methods due to its ability to analyze the impact of dynamic interrelationships among 14 variables on the dependent variable, independent of the statistical distribution of parameters considered. Predicting stress levels with the highest accuracy in MidCap and SmallCap mutual funds will benefit investors by reducing information asymmetry while allocating investments based on their risk tolerance. It will help policy makers in designing controls to protect smaller investors and provide warnings for funds with unusually high risk.

Abstract 4136159: Determinants of Exercise Intolerance in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: a Systematic Review

Background: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a syndrome of an exaggerated heart rate (HR) response with standing, disproportionately affecting young women associated with exercise intolerance due to dizziness, palpitations, and/or chest pain. Research question: How does the exaggerated increase in HR with standing translate into impaired exercise tolerance in subjects with POTS? Aims: To systematically analyze determinants of exercise intolerance in subjects with POTS. Methods: We searched the National Library of Science and identifed 11 cohorts with a diagnosis of POTS and an assessment of exercise capacity. We abstracted the information including type of exercise testing, hemodynamics and gas exchange parameters (peak oxygen consumption [VO 2 ]) with exercise, and effect of interventions (if present). Results: We identified 849 subjects with POTS, female:male ratio of 8.5:1, 25±8 years, and 365 age-and sex-matched controls. A cycle ergometer was used in 8 studies (574 subjects, 68%) and a treadmill in 3 (275 subjects, 32%). Peak VO 2 was measured in 10 studies (836 subjects, 98%), and exercise hemodynamics in 9 (593 subjects, 70%). All 11 (100%) studies described a higher HR at rest and during submaximal exercise in subjects with POTS, with a similar slope of HR/load, and shorter time to peak HR. Of the 9 studies with hemodynamics, 6 (67%) reported a reduction in stroke volume (SV) with standing and with exercise, but only 1 (11%) documented a reduction in cardiac output (CO). Two studies (22%) enrolling teenagers showed a variable increase in SV and CO in POTS. Peak VO 2 was reduced in 8 (80%) studies when compared with predicted values, but only in 4 (40%) when compared with controls matched for deconditioning. Intravenous fluid administration in two studies did not affect HR, SV, CO or peak VO 2 . Exercise training in one study (19 subjects) and propranolol 20 mg in another study (11 subjects) led to improving peak VO 2 . Conclusions: An exaggerated HR response with standing and with exercise is a hallmark of POTS, a mechanism by which subjects reach a higher HR at lower workloads. While the increase in HR is associated with a reduction in SV, CO is typically maintained and occasionally increased, therefore making it an unlikely mechanism responsible for the peculiar exertional symptoms of POTS. Strategies that result in a reduction in HR may, on the other hand, translate in improved exercise capacity in subjects with POTS.

A Review of Rheological Properties of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

The rheological properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete have a significant impact on engineering quality, and experimental characterization of the rheological properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete has significant engineering significance and scientific research value. By reviewing relevant literature both domestically and internationally, the article compares and analyzes the construction characteristics and applicable scope of commonly used concrete rheometers, and analyzes the influence of factors such as water cement ratio, mineral admixtures, aggregate properties, steel fiber properties, and additives on the rheological performance test results. The results show that there are significant differences in the test results using different rheometers, and the degree of influence of different factors on the rheological properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete is also different. This can provide reference for the selection of rheological performance testing methods and parameter control of steel fiber reinforced concrete.

Pengaruh Model Game Based Learning Terhadap Aktivitas dan Hasil Belajar Komputer Siswa Kelas V di SD Plus Marhamah

The variation of the game-based learning model and aims to determine its influence on the activities and learning outcomes of grade V students at SD Plus Marhamah. The research method applied in this study is quantitative with a quasy experiment design. The sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The sample was represented by class V.B as the control group and class V.C as the experimental group, each totaling 25 students. Data was collected through questionnaires for learning activities and tests for learning outcomes. Data analysis included normality test, homogeneity test, and t-test at a significance level of 0.05 to see the difference between the control group and the experiment. The results of the study showed that there was a significant influence of the application of the game-based learning model on student activities and learning outcomes. Based on this parametric statistical test (one tailed test), significant differences can be seen between the experimental class and the control class, both in activities and learning outcomes. Thus, it can be concluded that the game-based learning model has a positive and significant impact on the activities and learning outcomes of grade V students at SD Plus Marhamah

Self Help Groups as a Support System: Their Influence on Stress Levels in New Nursing Students

New students must adapt to a new environment because of the differences in the nature of education in Senior High School (SMA) and college. If students are unable to meet the demands in college, it can cause stress. One of the therapeutic activities that aims to improve and maintain mental health in students is Self Help Group (SHG) therapy . The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Self Help Group (SHG) on stress levels in new students of the Nursing Study Program at the University of Muhammadiyah Gresik. This study uses a one group pretest-posttest approach. The population is 48 new students of the Nursing Study Program, Muhammadiyah University of Gresik, class of 2023. The sampling technique uses total sampling , with the research sample being all new students of the Nursing Study Program. Data collection uses questionnaires and Self Help Group (SHG) therapy observation sheets. Data analysis uses the parametric statistical test of the paired T-test (Paired Sample T-Test). The results of the study on stress levels before being given Self Help Group (SHG) therapy were that almost half of the students experienced severe stress as many as 21 (48.8%) and after being given Self Help Group (SHG) therapy, almost half of them experienced a decrease in severe stress levels in new students as many as 16 (37.2%) students. The results of the Paired Sample T-Test statistical test obtained a ρ value of 0.038 <α 0.05. There is an influence of Self Help Group (SHG) on stress levels in new students of the Nursing Science Study Program, Muhammadiyah University of Gresik.

Abstract 4138282: Effect of cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters and global longitudinal strain on survival after surgery for severe primary mitral regurgitation

Background: Optimum timing of surgery for severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) particularly in the absence of significant symptoms or echo evidence of LV impairment remains unclear. Other modalities of assessment include cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and novel echo measurements, such as LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS). We sought to evaluate whether pre-op CPET or LVGLS are associated with survival after surgery. Methods: We identified consecutive patients who had surgery for severe primary MR between 2007 and 2017 and had pre-op CPET. Clinical and mortality data were collected from chart review and our institutional database. LVGLS was retrospectively collected by a single person blinded to patient outcomes. Primary outcome was post surgery all cause death, and we used univariable analysis to identify variables associated with all cause death. Results: We included 176 patients with median age 63 (IQR 51, 71) years, 63 patients (35.8%) were female and 31 patients (14.8%) had a history of atrial fibrillation. 165 patients (93.8%) had mitral repair, 18 (10.2%) had concomitant CABG, 22 (12.5%) had concomitant ablation procedure and 14 (8.0%) had concomitant tricuspid procedure. 114 patients (64.8%) were in NYHA Class I and 56 (31.8%) were in NYHA Class II. There was no operative mortality. Median % predicted peak VO2 (ppVO2) was 89 (74, 101), median ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) was 28.0 (25.7, 31.0) l/min/l/min and median respiratory exchange ratio was 1.2 (1.1, 1.2). 73 patients (41.5%) had abnormal CPET (defined as ppVO2<85%). Median LVEF was 65 (60, 68) %, median LVESD was 35 (32, 38) mm and median LVGLS was 18.5 (16.6, 20.3) %. 45 patients (25.9%) had abnormal LVEF (defined as ≤ 60%), 11 patients (6.7%) had abnormal LVESD (defined as ≥45mm) and 35 patients (20.8%) had abnormal LVGLS (defined as <16%). At a median follow up of 10.2 (6.8, 13.2) years, there were 19 (10.8%) deaths. In the univariate analysis, age at surgery (HR 1.12, p<0.001), LVESD (HR 1.11, p=0.009), LVGLS (HR 1.11, p=0.013) and VE/VCO2 (HR 1.08, p=0.044) were associated with all cause mortality. Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with no or mild symptoms exhibit echocardiographic evidence of LV impairment when having surgery for severe primary MR. CPET parameters such as VE/VCO2 and novel echocardiographic measurements such as LVGLS may predict risk of long term mortality and potentially inform timing of surgery in these patients.

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN KOAGULAN ALAMI SARI BELIMBING WULUH PADA TAHU PUTIH BERDASARKAN PERBEDAAN KONSENTRASI DAN LAMA PENGGUMPALAN

Tofu is a food whose process involves agglomerating soybean curd using coagulants, one of which is vinegar. In addition, from the other side, vinegar acid has shortcomings so that a natural coagulant substitute such as starfruit wuluh is needed. Belimbing wuluh one of the fruits that contains citric acid so that it can be used as a natural coagulant to replace vinegar, besides that it also contains oxalic acid, acetic acid, malic acid, formic acid, ascorbic acid and other compound components. This study aims to determine the effect of star fruit juice concentration and clotting time on the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of white tofu using star fruit as a coagulant. The method used was Randomized Group Design (RGD) using two factors, namely the concentration of Wuluh starfruit juice (factor 1) consisting of 4%, 5% and 6% and the coagulation activity (factor 2) consisting of 20 minutes, 30 minutes and 40 minutes. The testing parameters include protein content, fat content, moisture content, ash content, carbohydrate content, chewiness and organoleptic (scent, taste, color, texture and liking). The results of the analysis showed that there was an effect of the use of star fruit juice concentration and clotting time on protein in white tofu, which ranged from 3.50% - 6.77%; the range of water content ranged from 85.79% - 89.89%, chewiness was 3.08 N - 16.03 N. However, there was no significant effect on ash, fat and carbohydrates. As for the organoleptic test, the results showed a significant effect for scent parameters ranging from 2.80 (somewhat fragrant) - 4.05 (fragrant), color ranging from 2.45 (not bright white) - 3.45 (slightly bright white), texture ranging from 2.85 – 3,65 (slightly chewy) and liking ranging from 3.05 (slightly like) - 3.7 (like).

Innovative high-strength screw connections for additive manufactured thermoplastic components

AbstractComponents that are additively manufactured by material extrusion (MEX) are exposed to complex challenges due to their layered structure. Anisotropy and the risk of delamination must be given special consideration, especially when they are exposed to high loads. In case high-loaded components have additionally to be connected to other parts or assemblies via screw connections, the connection area in the MEX-manufactured component is a limiting factor for usability. This article presents a novel method in which a preheated metallic threaded sleeve with internal and external threads is inserted into the component in order to create a high-strength threaded anchoring. This prevents pre-damage such as delamination in advance. As part of preliminary investigations, a selection of relevant parameters was first made. An open parameter test rig was developed with which the threaded sleeves could be applied into test specimens with high repeat accuracy. The effectiveness and the increase in the achievable pull-out forces were demonstrated by means of pull-out tests. It was also shown that the heat input via the outer thread flanks during application has a positive influence on the overall strength of the component.

The Potential of Micro-Dictum Preparation in Surface Water Reclamation Subject to Strong Anthropogenic Pressure

The aim of this research was to analyze the potential of e micro-dictum preparation containing compositions of beneficial microorganisms using this product in surface water reclamation. The experiments were carried out in 2016. The scope of this research included the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of a solid preparation; tests of the microbiological parameters of micro-dictum; an analysis of the spread of microorganisms in the aquatic environment; a study of water quality with the solid preparation; and tests of the formulation in real conditions and its potential in the reclamation of surface waters. Tests on the produced formulation were carried out in the laboratory in containers and under real conditions. Laboratory tests have shown that the analyzed preparation may introduce certain amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into the water. However, they are not important in the case of water reclamation. Analyses of the micro-dictum preparation showed that the content of lactic acid bacteria in the center of the ball is lower compared to the outer layers. The results describing an increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria correlate with a decrease in pH and oxygen dissolved in the water with the preparation. The tests showed no negative impact on changes in the physical and chemical properties of water at the site of application. Changes in physical parameters were recorded, in particular dissolved oxygen and pH at the bottom, where the greatest microbiological activity occurred.

Impulse oscillometry system and pulmonary function test assessment of the impact of tumor location, staging, and pathological type on lung function in primary lung cancer.

To study the effects of tumor site, stage, pathologic type and imaging findings on lung function in primary lung cancer, as well as the correlation between impulse oscillometry system (IOS) and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters. The impact of tumor location, staging, and pathological type on lung function were evaluated in 219 patients with primary lung cancer through IOS and PFT. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between IOS parameters and PFT parameters. The PFT parameters in adenocarcinoma were significantly higher than those in SCLC, while the other parameters in IOS were obviously lower than those in SCLC except X5Hz (P < 0.05). The PFT parameters of FVC%, FEV1% and MVV% in SCC were evidently higher than those in SCLC, while the parameters of IOS were significantly lower than those in SCLC (P < 0.05). The PFT parameters of adenocarcinoma were higher than those of SCC (P < 0.05). In the PFT parameters of stage I patients, FEV1/FVC%, MEF50%, MMEF75/25%, and DLCO% were markedly higher than those of stage II patients, and FVC%, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%, MEF50%, MEF25%, PEF%, MMEF75/25%, TLC%, and DLCO% were obviously higher than those of stage III and IV patients; and the MVV%, Z5Hz%, R5Hz% in IOS parameters were obviously lower than those in stage III, while Fres (1/s) and X5Hz were significantly lower than those in stage IV (P < 0.05). Compared with Phase IV, the X5Hz of stage II patients was clearly higher (P = 0.023). Besides, PFT parameters of peripheral lung cancer were obviously higher than those of central lung cancer (P < 0.05), while Z5Hz%, Fres (1/s) and R5Hz% of IOS parameters were clearly lower than those of central lung cancer (P < 0.05). Moreover, for patients without and with other pulmonary imaging manifestations, the PFT parameters of the former were significantly higher than those of the latter (P < 0.05), while only Fres (1/s) of IOS parameters was significantly lower than the latter (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there is a low to moderate correlation between IOS parameters and PFT parameters. Patients with central SCLC and SCC and advanced lung cancer had the worst lung function. The IOS parameters show a good correlation with the traditional PFT parameters, and IOS can be used as an alternative measurement method for PFT when necessary.

The impact of malignancy on death anxiety and psychological well-being in middle-aged and older patients undergoing abdominal surgery: a quasi-experimental study.

Malignancy is a critical factor affecting death anxiety and psychological well-being. This study examined the impact of malignancy on death anxiety and psychological well-being in middle-aged and older adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery and projected it along with sociodemographic profiles. This study is quasi-experimental in design. It was conducted with patients undergoing abdominal surgery at a university hospital due to suspected malignancy. A total of 93 patients participated in the study: 57 patients diagnosed with malignancy were included in the experimental group, while 36 patients without a malignancy diagnosis were included in the control group. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researchers based on the literature, the 'Turkish Death Anxiety Scale', and the 'Psychological Well-being Scale'. The analyses revealed that the data were normally distributed, and parametric tests were used to analyze differences between demographic variables and groups. Cohen's d and r values were examined to assess the effect size in the tests. The study found a significant difference in death anxiety between the experimental and control groups (P < 0.05), with higher mean scores in the experimental group. Malignancy had a large effect on death anxiety (d = 1.42). Additionally, the control group had significantly higher mean psychological well-being scores compared to the experimental group (P < 0.05). The study found that malignancy significantly affects death anxiety and psychological well-being. Increased death anxiety in patients with malignancy was associated with reduced psychological well-being. Thus, assessing death anxiety and providing targeted nursing care are essential for supporting the psychological well-being of these patients.

The role of histohematologic barriers and the possibility of using polarization biomedical optics methods in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis

Background. Violation of the integrity of the histohematologic barriers (blood-brain, blood-testis, blood-ocular, blood-labyrinth, blood-thyroid) leads to autoimmune damage to these organs. One of the manifestations of the latter is autoimmune thyroiditis, the structural and quantitative changes of which can be more informatively accurately assessed by polarization biomedical optics. The purpose of the study was to substantiate the possibility of using polarization biomedical optics methods in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis based on the use of pathophysiological analysis of blood-brain barrier integrity disorders. Materials and methods. Two groups of patients were studied: control group 1 — healthy donors (n = 51), study group 2 — people with autoimmune thyroiditis (n = 51) who underwent a puncture biopsy of the thyroid gland for diagnostic purposes. Instrumental laser methods were used: polarization, interference, multifractal. The statistical parameters of polarization ellipticity maps, polarization ellipticity of phase and multifractal spectra of digital microscopic images of native thyroid histological sections in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were quantified: mean, dispersion, asymmetry, and kurtosis. The probability of differences compared to the controls, taken as 100 %, was evaluated using the Student’s parametric test (p &lt; 0.05). Results. A significant increase in the mean and variance at inhibition of the asymmetry and kurtosis of polarization ellipticity, as well as in the mean and variance at reduction of the asymmetry and kurtosis of polarization ellipticity of phase digital microscopic images of thyroid native histological sections was revealed. There were a significant increase in dispersion and a decrease in the asymmetry and kurtosis of multifractal spectra of polarization ellipticity maps of digital microscopic images of native histological sections. Conclusions. A significant increase in the biophysical optical parameters of digital microscopic images of thyroid native histological sections from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis was found due to the growth of connective tissue in the interstitium as a result of an autoimmune inflammation. There was a significant inhibition of the asymmetry and kurtosis of the ellipticity of polarization of phase digital and multifractal spectra of polarization ellipticity maps of microscopic images of native histological sections in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis due to a decrease in the amount of colloids as a crystalline component caused by damage to the blood-thyroid barrier.

Bending Behavior of RC Beams with Regular Web Openings and Non-corroding GFRP Reinforcement

The present study pertains to the flexural behavior of RC beams with openings and non-metallic (GFRP) reinforcement. The main goal of preferring GFRP reinforcement over the conventional steel reinforcement was to safeguard the beams against the reinforcement corrosion. The presence of multiple regular transverse openings throughout the beam length increases the susceptibility of reinforcing bars to corrosion as the larger contact area in these beams with the outside environment increases the ingress of corrosive agents. Within the scope of the study, a total of 8 RC beams, including two reference beams without web openings, were tested under four-point bending. The test parameters were the flexural reinforcement ratio, the presence of short stirrups in the chords, and the presence of diagonal reinforcement spiraling around the openings. Since GFRP stirrups are difficult to bend, each stirrups was formed by connecting four individual FRP bars around the longitudinal bars. The opening circular geometry was adopted to avoid stress concentrations around the sharp corners of opening and to facilitate the placement and fixing of different schemes of reinforcement in the beams. The present tests depicted that the diagonal reinforcement around the openings have considerable contribution to the flexural behavior of RC beams with GFRP reinforcement and with multiple regular transverse openings. The RC beams with openings were able to approach their analytical flexural capacities in the presence of diagonal reinforcement for both moderately and heavily reinforced beam groups. The analytical deflection predictions of GFRP-RC beams with openings showed a good agreement with experimental data.

The relationship between cause of death and skeletal markers of physiological stress in the Hamann-Todd collection.

Socioeconomic status, past stress events, and other factors may contribute to the cumulative burden of physiological stress, which influences an individual's susceptibility to mortality and cause of death (COD). Here, we explore the association between skeletal evidence of stress and COD in the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection (HTOC), a predominantly low socioeconomic status sample from the late 19th and early 20th century. Skeletal markers of stress including linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH), stature, and antemortem tooth loss (AMTL) were analyzed in 298 individuals in the HTOC. Recorded CODs were grouped into six broad categories and contrasted with stress indicators, ages-at-death, and demographic variables, using various parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. COD varied by socially ascribed race and sex within the sample. Overall, infectious diseases were more prevalent than degenerative diseases. Individuals that died of infectious diseases had significantly lower ages-at-death compared to degenerative diseases (p < 0.001). There was no association between LEH and COD (χ2 = 4.449, p = 0.487). Stature varied significantly across COD categories for males (F = 2.534, p = 0.032), but not females (F = 1.733, p = 0.132). Controlling for age-at-death, AMTL prevalence was associated with COD (H = 18.53, p = 0.002), with cardiovascular disease being associated with higher prevalence of AMTL. These findings show that some skeletal stress indicators are associated with COD in the HTOC, but the causal pathways of these relationships are not clear. This study adds to growing bodies of literature exploring relationships between past stress events and susceptibility to mortality and long-term consequences of poor living conditions for past individuals.

Revisiting, Reframing and Recovering Learning Loss: An Arched Impression on Primary Education During Covid Epoch

Amidst the pandemic phase, students have not learned what they were supposed to learn in normal classroom days while many forgot the lessons taught in pre-pandemic time. As a result of the extended and unprecedented shutdown of schools, educational institutes globally happen to be in a state of unfortunate extremity with prodigious dissipation in the learning process. The present study intended to find out the aspect of learning loss of children consequential to the protracted shutdown of schools. Based on 1200 primary students, the study employs various parametric and non-parametric tests. The study found learning loss about 1.530 points with standard deviation 0.468. Further, though learning loss is not significantly evident among genders but differs regionally. Due to learning loss, numerical skill and hand writing fluency also note a marked difference in many primary classes. The study proposed recommendations for achieving universal primary education during the Covid-19 pandemic era. The study envisaged an exclusive inquiry in the domain of socio-economic literature by scanning the lifestyle patterns of an academic community in a distinct empirical approach. The outcomes delivered from the study undertaken may strive to assist in the formulation of developmental policies for the growth and betterment of future generations.