Proportions Of Different Types Research Articles

U-Net Semantic Segmentation-Based Calorific Value Estimation of Straw Multifuels for Combined Heat and Power Generation Processes

This paper proposes a system for real-time estimation of the calorific value of mixed straw fuels based on an improved U-Net semantic segmentation model. This system aims to address the uncertainty in heat and power generation per unit time in combined heat and power generation (CHPG) systems caused by fluctuations in the calorific value of straw fuels. The system integrates an industrial camera, moisture detector, and quality sensors to capture images of the multi-fuel straw. It applies the improved U-Net segmentation network for semantic segmentation of the images, accurately calculating the proportion of each type of straw. The improved U-Net network introduces a self-attention mechanism in the skip connections of the final layer of the encoder, replacing traditional convolutions by depthwise separable convolutions, as well as replacing the traditional convolutional bottleneck layers with Transformer encoder. These changes ensure that the model achieves high segmentation accuracy and strong generalization capability while maintaining good real-time performance. The semantic segmentation results of the straw images are used to calculate the proportions of different types of straw and, combined with moisture content and quality data, the calorific value of the mixed fuel is estimated in real time based on the elemental composition of each straw type. Validation using images captured from an actual thermal power plant shows that, under the same conditions, the proposed model has only a 0.2% decrease in accuracy compared to the traditional U-Net segmentation network, while the number of parameters is significantly reduced by 74%, and inference speed is improved 23%.

Bioinformatics analysis of potential ferroptosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease biomarkers.

Ferroptosis plays a crucial role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we aimed to use a comprehensive bioinformatics approach and experimental validation to identify and verify potential ferroptosis-related genes in NAFLD. We downloaded the microarray datasets for screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and identified the intersection of these datasets with ferroptosis-related DEGs from the Ferroptosis database. Subsequently, ferroptosis-related DEGs were obtained using SVM analysis; the LASSO algorithm was then used to identify six marker genes. Furthermore, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to estimate the proportion of different types of immune cells. Subsequently, we constructed drug regulatory networks and ceRNA regulatory networks. We identified six genes as marker genes for NAFLD, demonstrating their robust diagnostic abilities. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis results revealed that these marker genes were associated with multiple diseases and play a key role in NAFLD via the regulation of immune response and amino acid metabolism, among other pathways. The expression of hepatic EGR1, IL-6, SOCS1, and NR4A1 was significantly downregulated in the NAFLD model. Our findings provide new insights and molecular clues for understanding and treating NAFLD. Further studies are needed to assess the diagnostic potential of these markers for NAFLD.

Effects of machine learning errors on human decision-making: manipulations of model accuracy, error types, and error importance

This study addressed the cognitive impacts of providing correct and incorrect machine learning (ML) outputs in support of an object detection task. The study consisted of five experiments that manipulated the accuracy and importance of mock ML outputs. In each of the experiments, participants were given the T and L task with T-shaped targets and L-shaped distractors. They were tasked with categorizing each image as target present or target absent. In Experiment 1, they performed this task without the aid of ML outputs. In Experiments 2–5, they were shown images with bounding boxes, representing the output of an ML model. The outputs could be correct (hits and correct rejections), or they could be erroneous (false alarms and misses). Experiment 2 manipulated the overall accuracy of these mock ML outputs. Experiment 3 manipulated the proportion of different types of errors. Experiments 4 and 5 manipulated the importance of specific types of stimuli or model errors, as well as the framing of the task in terms of human or model performance. These experiments showed that model misses were consistently harder for participants to detect than model false alarms. In general, as the model’s performance increased, human performance increased as well, but in many cases the participants were more likely to overlook model errors when the model had high accuracy overall. Warning participants to be on the lookout for specific types of model errors had very little impact on their performance. Overall, our results emphasize the importance of considering human cognition when determining what level of model performance and types of model errors are acceptable for a given task.

Classified Spatial Clustering and Influencing Factors of New Retail Stores: A Case Study of Freshippo in Shanghai

The diversified innovative strategies adopted by the new retail format in urban spaces have significantly driven retail transformation and innovation. The combination of online platforms and physical stores provides a substantial advantage in market competition. This paper takes “Freshippo”, a typical representative of China’s new retail, as an example. Based on multi-source data and using tools such as GIS spatial analysis, statistical analysis, and geographical detectors, this study comprehensively examines the spatial clustering characteristics and influencing factors of Freshippo physical stores in Shanghai. The findings show that Freshippo has significantly expanded in the Shanghai fresh food market by innovatively opening various types of stores. However, there are substantial differences in the proportions of different types of stores, with 94% of the stores having online retail capabilities. Each offline store in the new retail format presents a multi-level “complementary” spatial distribution feature across the urban space, with distinctive clusters in the urban central districts, urban periphery areas, and outer suburban districts. The radiation range of logistics and distribution services exhibits characteristics of “central agglomeration and multi-point distribution”, providing residents with diverse and accurate services. Additionally, the comparison of multiple model results shows that the location selection of various types of new retail stores is significantly influenced by multiple factors, especially the nonlinear amplification effect of factor interactions on store agglomeration. These findings provide an important scientific reference for understanding the development of new retail formats and offer new ideas that promote the transformation and innovation of the retail industry, thereby achieving sustainable development.

Uncovering quality changes of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) during solar drying and its relationship with protein-related properties

This study explored the intrinsic relationship between the quality traits and protein-related property changes during the solar drying of shrimps (Penaeus vannamei). During drying, the shrimp exhibited a gradual decline in L*a*b* values and a notable increase in the hardness and chewiness. Proteins were degraded and oxidized. Especially, the trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptide and carbonyl contents increased, whereas the total sulfhydryl content decreased. The proportions of different types of intramolecular bonds were significantly changed. The ionic and hydrogen bonds greatly decreased to 10.72% and 9.05% and the hydrophobic and disulfide bonds notably increased to 19.38% and 28.19%, indicating the changes in the spatial structure of the protein and its denaturation during the drying process. The Pearson's correlation analysis showed that protein degradation and denaturation greatly affected the textural properties and protein oxidation caused color changes. The result of this work provides a theoretical support for improving the quality of shrimp products.

Meta-analysis: Vidian Canal Length, Types, Dehiscence, and Relationship to Medial Pterygoid Plate

Abstract Vidian canal (VC) as an anatomical landmark directs endoscopic approaches to the petrous carotid artery and the anteromedial part of the cavernous sinus, facilitating precise surgical access to these intricate regions. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to determine the normal range, pooled averages of VC length, and distance between VC and foramen rotundum (FR); to evaluate the proportion of different types of VC and proportion of dehiscent VC; and to report the relation of VC to medial pterygoid plate (MPP). Embase, Pubmed Central, and other databases were searched for the published articles reporting length, types, dehiscence of VC, relationship with MPP, distance between VC and FR. Prevalence data from individual study were tabulated, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. A total of 203 studies were identified from the search. Excluding duplicates, 190 studies were screened for eligibility and 35 articles were selected. Excluding four studies for differential reporting of outcomes, 31 studies were considered for qualitative and quantitative analyses. Sixteen studies reported the length of VC. There was significant heterogeneity indicating variability in effect estimates across studies and this variability was due to difference between study population rather than random variation. The pooled average length of the VC was 14.93 (95% CI: 13.60–16.26). The pooled prevalence of Type 1, 2, and 3 VC was 31% (95% CI: 22%–40%), 43% (95% CI: 34%–51%), and 24% (95% CI: 14%–33%), respectively. The pooled prevalence of VC medial to MPP and on the same plane as that of MPP was 46% (95% CI: 25%–68%) and 48% (95% CI: 29%–67%), respectively.

Response of the subalpine bunchgrasses to wildfires and its effects in the relative abundance of the volcano rabbit in the Ajusco-Chichinautzin Mountain Range.

The volcano rabbit (Romerolagus diazi) is a lagomorph endemic to the central mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is classified as threatened at extinction risk. It is a habitat specialist in bunchgrass communities. The annual wildfires that occur throughout its distribution range are a vulnerability factor for the species. However, the effects of wildfires on volcano rabbit populations are not fully understood. We evaluated the occupancy and change in the volcano rabbit relative abundance index in the burned bunchgrass communities of the Ajusco-Chichinautzin Mountain Range during an annual cycle of wildfire events. Additionally, we assessed the factors that favor and limit occupation and reoccupation by the volcano rabbit using the relative abundance index in burned plots as an indicator of these processes. The explanatory factors for the response of the volcano rabbit were its presence in the nearby unburned bunchgrasses, the height of three species of bunchgrass communities, the proportion of different types of vegetation cover within a 500 m radius around the burned plots, heterogeneity of the vegetation cover, and the extent of the wildfire. Statistical analyses indicated possible reoccupation in less than a year in burned bunchgrass communities adjacent to unburned bunchgrass communities with volcano rabbits. The relative abundance index of volcano rabbits was not favored when the maximum height of the Muhlenbergia macroura bunchgrass community was less than 0.77 m. When the vegetation around the burned plots was dominated by forest (cover >30% of the buffer) and the fire was extensive, the number of latrines decreased per month but increased when the bunchgrass and shrub cover was greater around the burned plots. While the statistical results are not conclusive, our findings indicate a direction for future projects, considering extensive monitoring to obtain a greater number of samples that contribute to consolidating the models presented.

Performance study of new lightweight cementitious composites with glass beads as filler

Glass beads are a kind of inorganic lightener material with low density and high strength. They can be used to prepare lightweight cement composite and significantly improve traditional cement materials' fluidity, compressive, and flexural properties after setting. In this paper, a new lightweight cementitious hole sealing material was prepared by utilizing the excellent properties of glass beads, and the new lightweight cementitious composite drilled hole sealing material was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed by flow test, uniaxial compression, nuclear magnetic resonance, and SEM experiments, to derive the effects of the substitution of different types of glass beads with different proportions of different types of glass beads on the material's fluidity, compressive strength, pore distribution, and microstructure. The results show that the new cementitious materials have better fluidity, in which the fluidity of the optimal group is increased by 8 % compared with that of pure cement mortar; the mechanical properties of the optimal group are significantly improved with the hollow glass beads acting as the aggregate, and the peak stress reaches 55.025 MPa; the peak stress can reach 60.191 MPa with the use of modified hollow glass beads acting as the aggregate; moreover, with the incorporation of hollow glass beads, the material is more compact, and the pore distribution and microstructure of the material is improved. In addition, with the incorporation of hollow glass beads, the densification of the material showed a trend of first enhancement and then a gradual decrease, while the densification of the material weakened after the incorporation of solid glass beads. Therefore, hollow glass beads are more suitable for improving and optimizing cementitious sealing materials. The research and development of this material are conducive to improving cementitious materials' sustainability and alleviating the cement production's environmental burden. At the same time, it provides a reference for the research and development of new high-quality cementitious materials.

The Classification and Evaluation of an Interlayer Shale Oil Reservoir Based on the Fractal Characteristics of Pore Systems: A Case Study in the HSN Area, China

The evaluation of shale reservoir quality is of great significance for the exploration and development of shale oil. To more effectively study the distribution characteristics of shale reservoir quality, thin-section observation, scanning electron microscopy and pressure-controlled porosimetry were used to obtain the pore structure characteristics of shale in Chang 7, including pore types, pore size distribution, etc. In addition, the fractal dimensions of the shale samples were calculated based on pressure-controlled porosimetry data. The results show that residual interparticle pores, dissolution pores and clay-dominated pores were the main pore types. The overall pore size was mainly distributed between 3 nm and 50 μm. The pore system was divided into four types using fractal features, and the shale reservoir was divided into four types based on the proportion of different types of pore system. In different types of reservoirs, the production capacity of exploration wells varies significantly, as does the production capacity of horizontal wells. The classification of shale reservoirs using mercury intrusion fractal analysis proved to be suited for the efficient development of Chang 7 shale oil reservoirs.

Profile of various congenital anomalies in fetus detected during antenatal period among high risk mothers by Ultrasonography at Tertiary Care Centre, South Gujarat

Background: With the improvement of basic maternal and child health care services, the deaths due to malnutrition and infections are on a descending trend and due to westernization and lifestyle modifications, perinatal deaths due to anomalies are in ascending trend. Aim & Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the antenatal proportion of congenital anomalies, types, pattern of anomalies and factors associated with anomalies in Tertiary Care Centre, South Gujarat. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study in Department of Fetal Medicine of New Civil Hospital, Surat. Methods and Material: Sample size was 435. First 10 consecutive high-risk ANC patients, who were referred to Fetal Medicine department from Obstetrics and Gynecology department per day were selected. Data was collected during September 2021 to February 2022. Statistical analysis used: Frequencies, proportions and tests of significance was applied for testing the association of socio-demographic variables, clinical variables etc on presence or absence of congenital anomalies. Results: Proportion of different types of congenital anomalies in high risk pregnant mother was 17.2%. There was significant association between presence of congenital anomalies with history of irregular menstruation (p value: 0.001, OR: 5.19, [CI: 1.76-15.27]) and inadequate amniotic fluid (p value: 0.00, OR: 14.5[CI: 7.23-29.06]). Among total detected anomalies in Ultrasonography scanning, most common anomalies were Cardio-vascular system anomalies (36.4%) and Central Nervous System anomalies (24%). Conclusions: Congenital anomalies were present in about 17 % of high risk antenatal mothers.

Experimental research and energy effectiveness analysis on chip-level two-stage loop thermosyphon system for data centre free cooling

The development of 5G technology has put forward new requirements for computing the abilities of chips, and chip power has also significantly increased. Consequently, the heat load of the rack will increase rapidly in the future. Traditional computer room air conditioning (CRAC) systems cannot satisfy the rack’s high heat flux dissipation requirements, and new cooling forms such as chip-level cooling should be adopted. In this study, a two-stage chip-level cooling system, which is pumpless and waterless, offers flexible and detachable installation based on practical requirements, was proposed. The cooling system removes heat from the chips to the outdoors via two thermosiphon loops, where the heat is first transferred to cold plates tightly attached to the chip surfaces, then transferred through heat exchangers attached to the rack side, and finally dissipated outdoors through air cooling. In this study, a two-stage chip-cooling system was constructed and tested in an enthalpy-difference laboratory. The effects of the liquid filling ratio on the thermal resistance, total temperature difference, and fluid flow pattern under different heat loads were investigated. Second, a heat transfer model for analysing thermal resistance networks was constructed, and the proportions of different types of thermal resistance were determined. Third, an energy-saving analysis of the system is established. The experimental results showed that at single chip heat load 200 W and total heat load 2 kW, the heat transfer temperature difference between chips and outdoors is less than 20 °C at extremely high energy efficiency (cooling load factor reaches 0.05 at outdoor temperature 40 °C), which makes it feasible for free cooling throughout the year in most Chinese areas. The annual PUE in Beijing using the proposed system is 1.15, which indicates a 30 % reduction of the total energy consumption of data centres.

Proportion of toxin and non-toxin virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from diabetic foot infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus isolates are the leading cause of diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Identification of specific virulence factors of S. aureus involved in the pathogenesis of DFIs may help control the infection more effectively. Since the most prevalent virulence factor genes are probably related to the DFI pathogenesis, the aim of this study is to evaluate the proportion of virulence factor genes of S. aureus isolates from DFIs.Materials and methodsWe conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify all articles reporting the proportion of different types of virulence factors of S. aureus isolates from DFI samples.ResultsSeventeen studies were eligible, in which 1062 S. aureus isolates were obtained from 1948 patients and 2131 DFI samples. Among the toxin virulence factors, hld 100.0% (95% CI: 97.0, 100.0%), hlg 88.0% (95% CI: 58.0, 100.0%), hla 80.0% (95% CI: 31.0, 100.0%), hlgv 79.0% (95% CI: 35.0, 100.0%) and luk-ED 72.0% (95% CI: 42.0, 95.0%) had the highest proportion respectively. Among the genes associated with biofilm formation, both icaA and icaD had the highest proportion 100.0% (95% CI: 95.6, 100.0%).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that among the toxin virulence factors, hemolysins (hld, hlg, hla, hlgv) and luk-ED and among the non-toxin virulence factors, icaA and icaD have the greatest proportion in S. aureus isolates from DFIs. These prevalent genes may have the potential to evaluate as virulence factors involved in DFI pathogenesis. Finding these probable virulence factor genes can help control diabetic foot infection more effectively via anti-virulence therapy or preparation of multi-epitope vaccines.

Numerical Study on Heat Generation Characteristics of Charge and Discharge Cycle of the Lithium-Ion Battery

Lithium-ion batteries are the backbone of novel energy vehicles and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. Taking a 5 Ah ternary lithium-ion battery as an example, a two-dimensional axisymmetric electrochemical–thermal coupling model is developed via COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 in this study and then is validated with the experimental data. The proportion of different types of heat generation in a 26,650 ternary lithium-ion battery during the charge/discharge cycle is investigated numerically. Moreover, the impact of essential factors such as charge/discharge multiplier and ambient temperature on the reaction heat, ohmic heat, and polarization heat are analyzed separately. The numerical results indicate that the total heat generated by the constant discharge process is the highest in the charging and discharging cycle of a single battery. The maximum heat production per unit volume is 67,446.99 W/m3 at 2 C multiplier discharge. Furthermore, the polarization heat presents the highest percentage in the charge/discharge cycle, reaching up to 58.18% at 0 C and 1 C multiplier discharge. In a high-rate discharge, the proportion of the reaction heat decreases from 34.31% to 12.39% as the discharge rate increases from 0.5 C to 2 C. As the discharge rate rises and the ambient temperature falls, the maximum temperature increase of the single-cell battery also rises, with a more pronounced impact compared to increasing the discharge rate.

Optimization of Packing Irregular Three-Dimensional Objects

Introduction. Nowadays the irregular packing problem is becoming more important, since effective space management and optimal arrangement of objects are becoming key factors for ensuring efficiency and saving resources in a wide range of applications, e.g., additive manufacturing, space engineering, material sciences and logistics. It becomes an integral part of strategic development in the fields of production and science. The purpose of the paper. The paper is devoted to construction of a mathematical model and development of an efficient technique for densely filling a container with the maximum number of sets of irregular three-dimensional objects. Results. Irregular objects are approximated with a certain accuracy by non-convex polyhedra, which can be represented by the union of convex polytopes. Non-overlapping and containment constraints are described using quasi-phi-functions and phi-functions. A mathematical model of the packing problem is provided as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming considering given proportions of different types of objects. A solution strategy is proposed to search for local-optimal solutions. To find reasonable feasible packing, a fast algorithm based on a strip approximation of objects is used. A numerical example of the development of a print map of a set of industrial parts with maximum filling of the working chamber of a 3D-printer is given. Conclusions. The results confirm the efficiency of the proposed packing strategy, which is based on an integrated approach that takes into account the geometric features of irregular objects and their completeness. Keywords: packing, irregular objects, set of parts, mathematical modeling, optimization, 3D-printing.

Multi-slice computed tomographic analysis and identification of remarkable anatomical types of segmental bronchi in bilateral inferior lobes: based on extensive data.

The progress of interventional respiratory medicine necessitates a comprehensive knowledge of the segmental bronchi because of their complexity in branching patterns. Therefore, based on extensive research data, we aimed to examine the anatomical diversity and sex-related variations of the segmental bronchial branching patterns in the bilateral inferior lobes. Following the exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 10,000 participants who underwent multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scans from September 2019 to December 2021 at Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University were enrolled in this retrospective study. The computed tomography (CT) data were utilized to generate three-dimensional (3D) and virtual bronchoscopy (VB) simulations of a bronchial tree using the syngo.via post-processing workstation. The distinct bronchial patterns in the bilateral inferior lobes were then found and categorized using the reconstructed images. The proportions of different types of bronchial branches and their sex-related correlations were analyzed by cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis. Our findings primarily identified four types of bronchial branching patterns in the right inferior lobe (RIL), i.e., (B6, B7, B8, B9+10), 71.44%; (B6, B7, B8+9, B10), 16.06%; (B6, B7+8, B9+10), 7.40%; (B6, B7, B8+9+10), 5.10%; and four types in the left inferior lobe (LIL), i.e., (B6, B7+8, B9+10), 82.89%; (B6, B7+8, B9, B10), 13.53%; (B6, B7, B8+9, B10), 2.88%; (B6, B7, B8+9+10), 0.70%. Besides various research methods and outcomes, this study has revealed the types of bronchial branches that were not seen in previous studies. In addition, the proportion of bronchial branches in the LIL did not differ significantly between males and females (P>0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the proportion of bronchial branches in the RIL between sexes (P<0.05). The current study has validated the segmental bronchial variations in the bilateral inferior lobes. The diagnosis of symptomatic patients as well as the performance of interventions like bronchoscopies, endotracheal intubation, and lung resections may be significantly influenced by our findings in the clinical setting.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Heterotrophic Bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae Inhabiting an Anthropogenic-Affected River Stretch in Bulgaria

The increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of pathogens is a significant threat to human and animal health, but it is also an environmental challenge for water resources. The present study aimed to quantify heterotrophic bacteria resistant to five groups of antibiotics (ABs) in a selected Yantra River stretch (including its tributary, the Belitsa River); to assess AMR prevalence among Enterobacteriaceae; and to assess the impact of urban effluents or rural runoff on AMR prevalence along the river course at eight sampling points. Culture-dependent methods were used in a population-based study of total AMR and for AB susceptibility testing of Enterobacteriaceae isolates. The data reveal significant differences in AMR dissemination and a lower (up to 10%) proportion of different types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in the Yantra River water compared to the Belitsa River (up to 20%). The incidence of resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates was in the range of 1% to gentamicin to 36% to ampicillin, including multidrug resistance of 19%, and different AMR patterns of isolates from each river. The prevalence of AMR among aquatic bacteria highlights the need for adequate waste water treatment and for management, monitoring and control of treatment processes to limit anthropogenic pressure through discharge of untreated or incompletely treated waste water and to ensure the ecological well-being of receiving waters.

Clinical characteristics of 1124 children with epiphyseal fractures

BackgroundIn this study, to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the clinical characteristics of epiphyseal fractures in children and improving their management, we explored and analyzed the proportions of different types of epiphyseal fractures in children and evaluated the causes of injury and epidemiological characteristics.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed children younger than 18 years with fresh epiphyseal fractures who were admitted to our hospital from July 2015 to February 2020. Demographic information, injury mechanisms, fracture characteristics, fracture classification and surgical information were collected.ResultsA total of 1124 pediatric patients (1147 epiphyseal fractures), including 789 boys and 335 girls, were included in this study. Epiphyseal fractures were classified as Salter-Harris type II (1002 cases), type IV (105 cases), type III (25 cases), Salter-Harris type I (14 cases), and Salter-Harris type V (1 case). The number of fracture sites peaked in the adolescent group (440 cases). The most three common sites of epiphyseal fractures were the distal radius (460 cases) in which Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common (454 cases) and Salter-Harris type I (3 cases), Salter-Harris type IV (2 cases), Salter-Harris type III was the least common (1 case). Followed by phalanges of fingers (233 cases) in which Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common (224 cases) and Salter-Harris type IV (4 cases), Salter-Harris type I (3 cases), Salter-Harris type III fractures were the least common (2 cases). Distal humerus (146 cases) in which Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common (95 cases), followed by Salter-Harris type IV (49 cases), Salter-Harris type I fractures were the least common (2 cases). The most three important causes of fractures were falls (720 patients), car accident injuries (68 patients), and basketball falls (43 patients). Among the 1124 children with epiphyseal fractures, 1058 were treated mainly by surgery and the ratio of open and closed reduction was 1:5.3. Eighty-eight patients showed an interval > 72 h between the injury and the hospital visit. Among these 88 patients, the most common fracture type was distal radial epiphyseal fracture (32 cases), and all fractures were of Salter-Harris type II.ConclusionsThe epidemiological characteristics of epiphyseal fractures in children indicate the need to strengthen health and safety education and protective measures to prevent the occurrence of these fractures in children. In addition, emergency surgeons and orthopedic surgeons in general hospitals should strengthen their basic knowledge of diagnosing and treating epiphyseal injuries in children to reduce missed diagnoses, misdiagnoses or malpractice.

A carbon fiber paper based electrode of high activity for electro-oxidation of aqueous sulfur dioxide

Significant improvements in the activity of a carbon-based electrode for the electro-oxidation of aqueous sulfur dioxide were obtained by introducing surface oxygen functionalities through the anodization of carbon fiber paper (CFP) in sulfuric acid solution. Electrodes of varying surface oxygen content (2.9 atomic% to 25.6 atomic%) and relative proportion of different types of oxygen functional groups were obtained by changing the anodization potential and the concentration of sulfuric acid. The activity of the optimal electrode was quantified by exchange current density and charge transfer resistance, respectively. The exchange current density was about 2.17-times the pristine CFP electrode (17.6 × 10−4μA cm−2 compared to 8.09 × 10−4μA cm−2). The morphological and structural changes in the electrode on anodization were determined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis. The chemical analysis of the electrode surface, done using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), showed a strong correlation between the electrode’s activity and the ratio of the percentage of hydroxyl groups to the sum of percentages of epoxy and carbonyl groups. The electrode performed well in an accelerated stability test based on cyclic voltammetry for over 1000 cycles.

Profile of Childhood Glaucoma Attending a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Northern India.

To ascertain the prevalence and clinical features of the various types of childhood glaucoma at a tertiary eye care hospital in Northern India. Retrospective chart review of all children less than 16 years of age with childhood glaucoma who presented from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2019, who was diagnosed to have any subtype of childhood glaucoma as per Childhood Glaucoma Research Network (CGRN) classification and advised appropriate management. Out of 405 children with childhood glaucoma, 36% had primary glaucoma, whereas the rest had secondary glaucoma. Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) was the most common form of primary glaucoma. Glaucoma associated with acquired conditions was the most common cause of secondary glaucoma. Primary glaucoma was mostly bilateral in contrast to secondary glaucoma. The most common age of presentation with primary glaucoma was <1 year of age, and in children with secondary glaucoma was 11-16 years. On presentation, 80% of eyes had intraocular pressure (IOP) of >20 mm Hg and 70% had cupping of >0.7. Eyes with PCG were primarily managed surgically. In our cohort, PCG was the most common primary childhood glaucoma. Traumatic glaucoma was the most common secondary glaucoma. Since childhood glaucoma is an important cause of visual morbidity in children, its timely diagnosis and prompt management are essential to prevent irreversible visual loss. Understanding the disease pattern, their presenting features, and the proportion of different types of childhood glaucoma can help in planning appropriate eye care services, create awareness and better allocate resources to plan appropriate management strategies. Screening programs and counseling of parents should also be strengthened. Dubey S, Jain K, Pegu J, et al. Profile of Childhood Glaucoma Attending a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Northern India. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):68-74.

Contrasting effects of wooded and herbaceous semi-natural habitats on supporting wild bee diversity

The use of pesticides and the lack of resources caused by the simplification of landscapes are often cited as the main drivers of the loss of wild bees. Landscape complexity has been shown to interact with local pesticide use in studies of the effect of these factors on the abundance and diversity of insects. But, to date, few studies have simultaneously investigated local and landscape effects on wild bees using more precise descriptors of the landscape and of farming practices. The aim of the present study was thus to disentangle the effects of landscape composition and farming practices on the taxonomic and functional diversity of wild bees and their possible consequences for pollination potential. We analysed a dataset of 107 crops at whose edges wild bees were captured between 2013 and 2019. Pesticide treatments of each crop were recorded throughout the year. At the landscape level, the proportions of different types of land use were calculated in a circle with a radius of 500 m. We caught 1536 wild bees belonging to 86 species and, using generalized mixed modelling, found that the number of insecticide applications had a negative effect on wild bee abundance and richness, while forest cover within a 500-m radius had a positive effect on wild bees whatever the farming practices. However, we also showed that the effect of the proportion of permanent grasslands on taxonomic and functional diversity of wild bees differed depending on the use of fungicides in the field. Finally, we found a negative effect of the number of herbicide applications on pollination potential. This study advances our understanding of the contrasting but complementary roles of diverse semi-natural habitats in agricultural landscapes in supporting wild bee diversity and which, under certain conditions, may buffer the detrimental consequences of pesticide use.