Initial Percentage Research Articles

Evaulation of varicocelectomy efficacy in primary and secondary infertile men

Introduction. Varicocele is one of the main causes of subfertility in men with primary and secondary infertility. Objective. In this study, we compared the initial semen parameters and the effectiveness of varicocelectomy in men with primary and secondary infertility. Materials & methods. 100 men suffering from primary infertility (PI) and secondary infertility (SI) and having varicocelectomy were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 58 men with PI and the group 2 42 men with SI. Preoperative clinical characteristics and semen parameters before and after varicocelectomy were analyzed and compared between groups. Results. Analysis revealed that the mean age of patients of the group 1 was significantly lower (p < 0,001) and duration of infertility was accurately shorter (p < 0,01) than those of group 2. Main semen parameters increased significantly in group I (e. g., sperm concentration increased by 50 %, from 62,2 ± 8,7 to 93,5 ± 10,0 M/ml and total motile sperm count increased by 113 %, from 76,7 ± 17,1 to 163,4 ± 27,8 M p < 0,05), while in group 2 only % of progressive motile sperm increased significantly (by 107 %, from 13,5 ± 2,6 to 28,0 ± 5,2 % p < 0,05). We identified significant difference in varicocelectomy efficacy between group 1 and group 2 in change of total motile sperm count (by 113 % vs. 74 % respectively, p < 0,01). We also revealed discrepancy between groups in correlation ratio (r) between initial and post-surgical percentage of progressive motile sperm. Conclusions. Patients with SI were older and had longer infertility period. Varicocelectomy resulted in significant semen parameters improvement in patients with PI. In patients with SI only a percent of progressively motile sperm improved significantly. It shows that male age and infertility duration may negatively affect varicocelectomy outcomes in male subfertility treatment.

Optimization of an analytical method based on the use of zwitterionic- phosphorylcholine -HILIC column for the determination of multiple polar emerging contaminants in reclaimed water.

The aim of this study was to optimize a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) method using a zwitterionic phosphorylcholine HILIC column for the determination of several Persistent and Mobile Organic Contaminants (PMOC) in wastewater samples. An experimental design approach was implemented to both better understand the retention mechanisms of several polar compounds and to find the optimal operating conditions for their detection and quantification. Eleven PMOCs, with logDpH=7 ranging from -5.27 to 0.24, were considered, including pesticides, artificial sweeteners, pharmaceuticals, and central nervous system stimulants. Key chromatographic variables-such as the initial percentage of the organic mobile phase, temperature, flow rate, gradient time, acid percentage, and the type and concentration of two different salts- were studied to assess their influence on peak areas, retention times and separation efficiency. The results indicated buffer type, flow rate, and initial percentage of organic mobile phase as the most influential factors affecting retention, though the effects were closely related to the chemical and physicochemical properties of the analytes. The optimized instrumental method demonstrated acceptable figures of merit, with recoveries ranging from 49 % to 100 % for all analytes (except taurine, which may require a different experimental preprocessing step). The method also showed satisfactory precision (repeatability of the entire experimental procedure), in terms of Relative Standard Deviation (RSD %), which was <10 % for all analytes. The developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of reclaimed water samples collected in six wastewater treatment plants in two regions of northern Italy. All target ECs were detected and quantified, except for clenbuterol, terbutaline, acesulfame K and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, which were below the detection limit.

Enhancing reliability in garment manufacturing through FMEA and FTA

This study employs Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to comprehensively investigate product defects in Biyan Konveksi's manufacturing processes, one of the growing SMEs producing clothing pieces. Analyzing critical failure modes, including tear failures, stitching irregularities, sizing discrepancies, and ribbon imperfections, the research employs FTA to trace root causes, revealing the interconnected nature of these failures. The initial defect percentage, attributed to human, machine, material, and environmental factors, stood above 3%, with culottes experiencing the highest defect percentage at 3.95%. After the company implemented the enhancement measures, the defect percentage dropped significantly, reaching a range of 1 to 1.25%. Subsequently, targeted enhancement strategies are proposed, encompassing the implementation of additional worker rest breaks to alleviate fatigue, comprehensive training for new staff, and stringent machine maintenance protocols. These interventions aim to curtail tear failures, refine stitching precision, rectify sizing errors, and enhance ribbon placement. Anticipated to yield a substantial reduction in overall defect percentages, the suggested improvements position Biyan Konveksi for sustained excellence, emphasizing proactive measures to enhance worker performance and optimize manufacturing processes. The study underscores the significance of a systematic approach, combining FMEA and FTA, in diagnosing and rectifying complex failure scenarios within manufacturing environments, offering practical implications for companies aiming to fortify their competitive edge in the market.

Standardization of Sucrose Concentration in Micropropagation of Valuable Aquascape Plant Echinodorus grisebachii

Aims: To standardize the optimum sucrose concentration in shooting and rooting medium in micropropagation of valuable aquascape plant Echinodorus grisebachii. Study Design: CRD. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture Vellayani 2022-2024. Methodology: In this study, eight treatments were evaluated separately for their effectiveness in shooting and rooting medium. For the shooting medium, 2 mgL-1 BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) and 3 sucrose concentrations (10, 20,30) gL⁻¹ were used in the MS medium and half-strength MS medium. For rooting medium 3.0 mgL⁻¹ IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid), three concentrations of sucrose as in shooting medium were tried. Results: The result of the study showed that out of 8 treatments tried for shooting medium MS + 2mgL-1 + 30 gL⁻¹ sucrose was best resulted in Shoot initiation (100 %), Minimum days to shoot emergence (6.17), Maximum number of shoots (9.83), Longest shoot (10.33) and maximum number of leaves (31). For rooting medium ½ MS + 3.0 mgL⁻¹ IBA + 30 gL⁻¹ sucrose was best resulted in minimum number of days in root emergence (12.58) and maximum root initiation percentage (99.25). Conclusion: An effective concentration of sucrose was standardized for Echinodorus grisebachii.

Boa Fumigator: An Intelligent Robotic Approach for Mosquito Control

The mosquitoe population is reaching critical levels globally, posing significant threats to public health and ecosystems due to their role as vectors for diseases. This paper presents the development of a mobile robotic platform named Boa Fumigator with autonomous fumigation and prioritized path planning capabilities in urban landscapes. The robot’s locomotion is based on a differential drive, facilitating easier maneuverability on semi-automated planar surfaces in landscaping infrastructure. The robot’s fumigator payload consists of a spray gun and a chemical tank, which can pan and fumigate up to 4.5 m from the ground. The system incorporates a wireless charging mechanism to allow for the autonomous charging of the mosquito catchers. A genetic algorithm fused with an A*-based prioritized path planning algorithm is developed for efficient navigation and charging of mosquito catchers. The algorithm, designed for maximizing charging efficiency, considers the initial charge percentage of mosquito catchers and the time required for fumigation to determine the optimal path for charging and fumigation. The experiment results show that the path planning algorithm can generate an optimized path for charging and fumigating multiple mosquito catchers based on their initial charge percentage. This paper concludes by summarizing the key findings and highlighting the significance of the fumigation robot in landscaping applications.

Comparison of clinical and laboratory data between hantavirus infection and leptospirosis: a retrospective case series study in southern Taiwan.

Leptospirosis (LS) and hantavirus (HV) are rodent-borne diseases and share similar clinical manifestations, posing diagnostic challenges. This retrospective study compared clinical characteristics, laboratory data, complications and outcomes of 33 LS and nine HV cases in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 2006 to 2021. Both LS and HV diseases had high rates of acute kidney injury (84.8% vs 66.7%) and hepatitis (65.6% vs 88.9%); LS showed more hyperbilirubinemia (70% vs 12.5% in HV, p=0.005), higher initial creatinine levels (2.9 vs 1.37, p=0.018) and elevated initial C-reactive protein (218.3 vs 28.6 mg/dl, p<0.001), but lower initial lymphocyte percentage (6.63% vs 14.2%, p=0.005) and platelets (138.7/mm3 vs 68.9, p=0.016) compared with HV. Microscopic hematuria was significantly more prevalent in LS (80% vs 28.65% in HV, p=0.016). Notably, the LS and HV groups exhibited statistically significant differences in thrombocytopenia (57.5% vs 100%, p=0.019), hyperbilirubinemia (70% vs 12.5%, p=0.005), shock (45.5% vs 0%, p=0.016) and hematuria (80% vs 28.6%, p=0.016). Neither group experienced fatalities. Fever, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury alert physicians to consider LS and HV for differential diagnosis. Elevated bilirubin, along with hematuria or shock, suggests a preferred diagnosis for LS.

(Invited) Studying Ni-YSZ Fuel Electrode Microstructure and Characteristics Using Symmetric Cells

Electrode-supported solid oxide cell (SOC) performance, efficiency, and stability are largely dependent on their Ni-YSZ cermet electrodes and supports. The design variables for these Ni-YSZ layers include the Ni/YSZ ratio, pore former volume fraction/size, thicknesses, and the firing conditions that partly determine their microstructures. These parameters can be used to optimize the electrode by maximizing active triple phase boundary (TPB) density in the functional layer, maximizing gas transport through the support, achieving required conductivity, maintaining mechanical strength, and minimizing overall Ni content.This study aims to investigate how Ni-YSZ characteristics affect overall electrochemical performance and mechanical strength. In the initial studies, Ni-YSZ electrode-supported symmetric cells with a single uniform Ni-YSZ layer without pore former were studied to focus on functional layer properties. Cells with different Ni contents were compared. Cells were manufactured by laminating tape-cast layers and co-sintering at high temperatures, with a YSZ electrolyte thickness of ~ 10 μm and Ni-YSZ thickness of ~ 150 μm. Initial NiO weight percentages in the NiO-YSZ slurries were varied from 45 to 70% in different cells. Although NiO-YSZ layers with different compositions are expected to have different shrinkages, we found that by sintering the symmetric cells at 1300°C, all cell configurations were free of defects, curvature, or delamination.Flexural strengths of both the electrodes and symmetric cells were characterized at ambient temperature via three-point bending tests. The NiO-YSZ composite reduction to cermet Ni-YSZ decreases flexural strength. In addition, increases in Ni content decrease flexural strength. The flexural strength results will be compared with values expected based on classic laminate plate theory.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were taken at open circuit voltage in 97% H2-3% H2O at 650°C, 700°C, 750°C, and 800°C. The impedance results fitted well using an equivalent circuit model that includes Ohmic, transmission line, and Warburg resistance elements. The Warburg resistance, which corresponds to gas diffusion processes, decreases significantly with increasing Ni content since most of the porosity results from the reduction of NiO to Ni. In these low steam conditions, the Warburg resistance element dominates overall impedance in 45 to 65 NiO weight percent electrodes. The 50-weight percent NiO electrode was found to minimize transmission line model resistance. The correlation between impedance results and the measured electrode microstructure (e.g., porosity, tortuosity, and active TPB density) will be discussed.

Effect of Nutrient Management During the Nursery Period on the Growth, Tissue Nutrient Content, and Flowering Characteristics of Hydroponic Strawberry in 2022

The objective of a strawberry nursery is to produce numerous runners and improve the quality of the runner plants, ensuring their uniformity and health. About 80% of the strawberry nurseries in Wanju-gun, Republic of Korea, are cultivated by the growers themselves, which results in variations in the cultivation techniques. Different methods are employed to reduce the nitrogen levels to promote floral bud initiation in the later nursery stage, and these methods vary between farms. This study was conducted on the ‘Sulhyang’ cultivar (Fragaria × ananassa Dutch. cv. Sulhyang) to measure the nutrient content in runner plants obtained from eight growers using various cultivation methods, supply EC levels, nutrient solution termination times, etc., and to correlate the nutrient levels with floral bud initiation during the nursery period. Four investigations were conducted at 15-day intervals from Julian day 214 (2 August) to Julian day 259 (16 September) in 2022, focusing on nutrient management during the nursery period, runner plant growth, petiole nitrate nitrogen content (NO3-N), and soluble solid content (SSC). The NO3-N content decreased, and the SSC/NO3-N ratio increased near the transplanting period, as assessed using a rapid inorganic nutrient diagnostic device. The proportion of runner plants that had advanced to stage 3 or above in floral bud initiation was investigated using a stereomicroscope. As a result, differences in the percentage of floral bud initiation were confirmed based on the varying nutrient management among the farms. In this study, on Julian day 243 (31 August 2022), there was a strong negative correlation (r = −0.86, r2 = 0.73) between the NO3-N content in the runner plants and the percentage of floral bud initiation. These results emphasize the importance of nutrient management during the nursery period, especially for strawberry self-propagating growers, and demonstrate a strong correlation between nutrient content and floral bud initiation in strawberries.

Evaluating the moisture absorption percentage in the adhesive layers of carbon fiber reinforced plastic joints via electromagnetic induction testing and diffusion analysis

In this study, we propose a method that combines moisture absorption analysis and electromagnetic induction testing (EIT) to detect weak bonds formed in the adhesive layers of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) joints due to moisture absorption. Although EIT is effective for assessing CFRP joint adhesive moisture absorption, early-stage detection of weak bonds is challenging. Our method addresses this by combining calculations of moisture absorption percentage via the diffusion equation and EIT-based measurements. First, we conducted diffusion analysis using the finite difference method (FDM). The moisture absorption percentage calculated via the FDM was validated by comparing it with the results of the moisture absorption tests of the CFRP adhesive joints, and good agreement was observed. Second, EIT was applied to the CFRP adhesive joints, and the experimental results indicated that the moisture absorption percentage of the CFRP joint can be qualitatively evaluated using EIT. Finally, the moisture absorption of the CFRP joint adhesive layer was quantitatively evaluated by combining the results of EIT on the CFRP joints with those of the numerical analysis. Therefore, the proposed method enables the previously difficult quantitative evaluation of the early-stage moisture absorption percentage of CFRP joint adhesive layers and is effective for the detection of weak bonds created by moisture absorption in CFRP joints.

Relevant biochar characteristics influencing compressive strength of biochar-cement mortars

To counteract the contribution of CO2 emissions by cement production and utilization, biochar is being harnessed as a carbon-negative additive in concrete. Increasing the cement replacement and biochar dosage will increase the carbon offset, but there is large variability in methods being used and many researchers report strength decreases at cement replacements beyond 5%. This work presents a reliable method to replace 10% of the cement mass with a vast selection of biochars without decreasing ultimate compressive strength, and in many cases significantly improving it. By carefully quantifying the physical and chemical properties of each biochar used, machine learning algorithms were used to elucidate the three most influential biochar characteristics that control mortar strength: initial saturation percentage, oxygen-to-carbon ratio, and soluble silicon. These results provide additional research avenues for utilizing several potential biomass waste streams to increase the biochar dosage in cement mixes without decreasing mechanical properties.Graphical

Abortion Law Changes and Occupational Therapy Practice in the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, changing access to abortion in many states. The impact of these changes on occupational therapy practice has not yet been explored through empirical research. To explore the perspectives of occupational therapy practitioners on how restrictions to abortion in the United States may have influenced their clients' needs and thus their practice. This was a qualitative research study. We used an interpretivist epistemological approach and an inductive, thematic content analysis. Participants were recruited through state occupational therapy associations and social media. Two independent researchers coded data and had an initial agreement percentage of 88%. Data trustworthiness was enhanced through documentation of decisions, reflexive thinking about our positionality and the data, and team-based discussions. Occupational therapy practitioners (N = 15) working in states with new abortion law changes at the time of interviews. The four key themes of this study were as follows: (1) abortion restriction laws are affecting some occupational therapy clients' mental health, (2) clients are discussing reproductive health with occupational therapy practitioners across a variety of settings, (3) occupational therapy practitioners are using clinical judgment and their personal beliefs to support clients affected by abortion restrictions, and (4) occupational therapy practitioners are seeking guidance and evidence-based resources to best support clients in the wake of abortion-related legislation changes. Our findings underscore the relevance of reproductive health to occupational therapy practice and highlight the importance of preparing occupational therapy practitioners to respond to client needs related to abortion care. Plain-Language Summary: We sought to determine whether occupational therapy practitioners perceive that the 2022 abortion-related restrictions are affecting occupational therapy practice; specifically, we wanted to know whether and how practice is being affected and what resources occupational therapy practitioners might need to address clients' needs. Fifteen occupational therapy practitioners were interviewed and revealed that many of their clients were experiencing stress and anxiety (i.e., mental health challenges) specifically related to abortion access. We also found that occupational therapy practitioners who routinely discuss reproductive health with clients were commonly hearing from clients about abortion-related needs. Overall, this research uncovers a need for resources and guidance from state or national occupational therapy organizations so that occupational therapy practitioners can better support their clients given these new changes in abortion access. Positionality Statement: We are a team of three researchers who identify as cisgender women, and we reside in an urban area in the northeastern United States. Two of us identify as White, and one identifies as a person of color. We have all participated in reproductive health access advocacy and critically examined our own lenses as we engaged in this analysis.

Assessment of Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein (LAMP5) in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients and Correlation to Prognosis and Outcome

Abstract Background Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic plasma cell disorder that is characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Despite improved survival rates in the past decade, therapy is not curative, and almost all patients relapse. Aim of the Work In our study, we will measure level of (LAMP5) in multiple myloma patients using ELISA and correlation with patient data and outcome and prognosis. Patients and Methods This case control study was conducted on 32 patients with multiple myloma recruited from Ain Shams University Hospitals, Clinical Haematology and Oncology division of Internal Medicine Department in a period starting from august 2023 and January 2024. They were 21 females (65.6%) and 11 males (34.4%) with age ranged from 35 - 79 years and with mean±SD of 58.66±10.48 years. Results In our study a statistically significant difference was found. The mean LAMP5 in the case group is much higher than in the control group (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) suggesting that LAMP5 is highly expressed in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients using ELISA. In our study we found no correlation between LAMP5 overexpression and initial percentage of plasma cells infiltrating bonemarrow in aspirate, immunophenotyping and trephine. There was no correlation between highly expressed LAMP5 and initial percentage of M band and type of the band detected by immunofixation. Conclusion Along side with LAMP5 being highly expressed in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in our study with cut off point &amp;gt;1.96, it has 100% sensitivity and 96.87 specificity and we still need more sample size for better evaluation of its role in progression of myeloma and overall survival and prognosis.

Exposure to family planning messages on social media and its association with maternal healthcare services in Mauritania

BackgroundMauritania, a lower-middle-income country in Northwest Africa, has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates worldwide and struggles to ensure optimal use of maternal healthcare services. Raising health awareness through family planning messages can promote maternal healthcare use, potentially reducing preventable maternal and child mortalities. The objective of the study was to assess the potential impact of exposure to family planning messages through social media on the utilization of maternal healthcare services among Mauritanian women.MethodsData from the 2019-20 Mauritania Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) on 7,640 women were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between exposure to family planning messages through social media and maternal healthcare services, specifically the timing and adequacy of ANC visits, and facility-based childbirth. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.ResultsThe percentage of timely initiation and adequate use of ANC among the participants were 65.6% and 45.1%, respectively. Approximately 75.0% of the women reported giving birth to their last child at a healthcare facility. Exposure to family planning messages on social media was significantly associated with increased odds of receiving adequate antenatal care visits (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.12,1.71) and giving birth in a health facility (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.09,3.08), Other factors such as age, health insurance, wealth, and desired timing of the last child were also found to be important predictors of maternal healthcare.ConclusionThe findings suggest that exposure to family planning messages on social media is strongly associated with adequate antenatal care and health facility-based childbirth, but not with early timing of antenatal care. Comprehensive maternal healthcare policies should consider the role of social media in promoting family planning messages.

Raising the barcode: improving medication safety behaviours through a behavioural science-informed feedback intervention. A quality improvement project and difference-in-difference analysis

Barcode medication administration (BCMA) technology can improve patient safety by using scanning technology to ensure the right drug and dose are given to the right patient. Implementation can be challenging,...

Публична дипломация за климата: градовете като нов участник

We are witnessing a deepening climate crisis that not only threatens people’s livelihoods and hinders development, but raises important geopolitical issues: sovereignty, territorial integrity and access to resources such as water, food and energy. It has the potential to cause significant impacts on societies, undermining people’s security and increasing the risks of conflict and instability. Addressing them requires a strategic and coordinated response at the global level. The tools of public diplomacy are among the possible steps for solutions and responses. While climate diplomacy largely refers to negotiations between governments in the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), numerous scientific analyzes and concrete facts show that climate issues and the „diplomacy“ surrounding them go beyond this narrow perspective or frame. A large percentage of climate initiatives are actually carried out by global networks of cities.

β-Cyclodextrin and APTES functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for improved lipase immobilization, transesterification efficiency, and reusability

This study focuses on the immobilization of Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) through physical adsorption, taking advantage of the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles for easy separation. Different types of nano-biocatalysts were prepared by immobilizing the lipase enzyme on bare iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4), APTES-functionalized iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4-APTES), and β-cyclodextrin-functionalized iron nanoparticles (Fe3O4-APTES-GA-β_CD). These nano-biocatalysts were employed in the transesterification process. The synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was achieved using the coprecipitation method, and the structural, magnetic, and morphological properties of the iron nanoparticles (MNPs) were characterized through FTIR, XRD, VSM, SEM, and TEM analyses. The presence of strong physical bonds, resulting from hydrophilic and hydrophobic adsorption between β-cyclodextrin and the enzyme, led to an increased loading amount from 27.37% to 44.89%. The nano-biocatalysts exhibited enhanced thermal and storage stability compared to free lipase. In transesterification reactions, ROL/Fe3O4-APTES-GA-β_CD exhibited the highest conversion percentage of 64.3% among the functionalized enzymes. Furthermore, the reusability study demonstrated that ROL/Fe3O4-APTES-GA-β_CD retained 40.9% of the initial conversion percentage after five cycles, displaying the highest reusability among all nano-biocatalysts in this study.

Teacher's Efforts to Improve Symbolic Thinking Ability Through Jampit (Clock Clock) Media for Group B Children in Ra Teladan Imam Syafi'i Academic Year 2023/2024

This study aims to improve children's symbolic thinking abilities through the use of clothespins as a media tool in group B children at RA Teladan Imam Syafi'i. This study is classroom action research (CAR) consisting of four stages: the first stage is the planning stage, the second stage is the implementation stage, the third stage is observation, and the fourth stage is reflection. The subjects of this study were 20 children in group B aged 5-6 years, consisting of 13 boys and 7 girls. Data were collected using data collection techniques such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis technique involved calculating the number of children achieving class mastery and individual mastery. The results of this study indicate that using clothespins as a media tool in group B children at RA Teladan Imam Syafi'i improves children's symbolic thinking abilities. Data show an improvement in children's abilities from before the intervention to the implementation of cycle II. The data before the intervention showed an initial percentage of 25%. After implementing the classroom action in cycle I using clothespins, the researcher obtained a percentage increase to 50%. In cycle II, the research achieved an 80% increase in the criteria of Developing as Expected (BSH).

The potential of a targeted unilateral compound training program to reduce lower limb strength asymmetry and increase performance: a proof-of-concept in basketball.

This study investigates the efficacy of training methodologies aimed at mitigating asymmetries in lower limb strength and explosiveness among basketball players. Thirty male university basketball athletes were enrolled in this research. Initial assessments were made regarding their physical attributes, strength, and explosiveness. Subsequently, the participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Over 10 weeks, the EG engaged in a unilateral compound training regimen, incorporating resistance training exercises such as split squats, Bulgarian split squats, box step-ups, and single-leg calf raises (non-dominant leg: three sets of six repetitions; dominant leg: one set of six repetitions) and plyometric drills including lunge jumps, single-leg hops with back foot raise, single-leg lateral jumps, and single-leg continuous hopping (non-dominant leg: three sets of 12 repetitions; dominant leg: one set of 12 repetitions). The CG continued with their standard training routine. Assessments of limb asymmetry and athletic performance were conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes. 1) Body morphology assessments showed limb length and circumference discrepancies of less than 3cm. The initial average asymmetry percentages in the single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) for jump height, power, and impulse were 15.56%, 12.4%, and 4.48%, respectively. 2) Post-intervention, the EG demonstrated a significant reduction in the asymmetry percentages of SLCMJ height and power (p < 0.01), along with improvements in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test metrics (p < 0.05). 3) The EG also showed marked enhancements in the double-leg countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) outcomes compared to the CG (p < 0.01), as well as in squat performance (p < 0.05). The 10-week unilateral compound training program effectively reduced the asymmetry in lower limb strength and explosiveness among elite male university basketball players, contributing to increased maximal strength and explosiveness.

The effect of different implant-abutmenttypes and heights on screw loosening in cases with increased crown height space.

The stability of the abutment screw is pivotal for successful implant-supported restorations, yet screw loosening remains a common complication, leading to compromised function and potential implant failure. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different implant-abutment types and heights on screw loosening in cases with increased crown height space (CHS). In this in vitro study, a total of 64 abutments in eight distinct groups based on their type and height were evaluated. These groups included stock, cast, and milled abutments with heights of 4 mm (groups S4, C4, and M4), 7 mm (groups S7, C7, and M7), and 10 mm (groups C10 and M10). Removal torque loss (RTL) was assessed both before and after subjecting the abutments to dynamic cyclic loading. Additionally, the differences between initial RTL and RTL following cyclic loading were analyzed for each group (p < .05). The C10 group demonstrated the highest RTL, whereas the S4 group exhibited the lowest initial RTL percentage (p < .05). Furthermore, the study established significant variations in RTL percentages and the discrepancies between initial and postcyclic loading RTL across different abutment groups (p < .05). Additionally, both abutment types and heights were found to significantly influence the RTL percentage (p < .05). The type and height of the implant abutment affected screw loosening, and in an increased CHS of 12 mm, using a stock abutment with a postheight of 4 mm can be effective in minimizing screw loosening.

ANALISIS PEMASANGAN TRANSFORMATOR SISIP UNTUK MENGATASI TRAFO PSG.039 OVERLOAD PENYULANG MG.07 DI ULP MATANG GELUMPANG DUA

The MG.07 Substation in Matang Gelumpang Dua is located in the PT. PLN (Persero) Customer Service Unit Matang Gelumpang Dua Area Bireun, supplied by the Bireun Main Substation with a feeder capacity of 280 A. The MG.07 feeder supplies transformer PSG.039, loaded at 103.4% of its 250 kVA capacity. The standard load for a transformer is 80% of its capacity. The solution to address this issue is to install an insert transformer to distribute the load from PSG.039. According to data from PT. PLN (Persero) Area Bireun in 2023, the annual increase in electricity usage in Matang Gelumpang Dua Bireun is 8.3%. Therefore, using a 250 kVA insert transformer with an initial loading percentage of 26.8%, it will be able to accommodate the increase in electricity usage for the next five years, with a total loading percentage after five years of 68.3%.