Slight Advantage Research Articles

Short-Term Efficacy of LCBDE+LC Versus ERCP/EST+LC in the Treatment of Cholelithiasis Combined with Common Bile Duct Stones: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Minimally invasive treatments for cholelithiasis have gained popularity. The complexity of diagnosing and treating choledocholithiasis offers multiple surgical options, including laparoscopic common bile duct exploration plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LCBDE+LC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and/or endoscopic sphincterotomy plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP/EST+LC). Objective: To compare outcomes in patients with typical signs, symptoms, laboratory, and imaging features of cholelithiasis combined with common bile duct stones, we retrospectively analyzed the short-term outcomes of LCBDE+LC and ERCP/EST+LC. Methods: We analyzed 318 patients with gallbladder stones treated between January 2022 and May 2024. Of these, 152 underwent LCBDE+LC, and 166 underwent ERCP/EST+LC. We compared patients' baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and short-term complications between the two groups. The primary outcome was the effectiveness of choledochal stone removal, while secondary outcomes included length of stay, hospitalization costs, and patient satisfaction. Results: Patients' baseline characteristics were similar between the LCBDE+LC and ERCP/EST+LC groups. Stone clearance rates were comparable (97.37% versus 95.18%, P = .306), with a slight advantage in the LCBDE+LC group. The length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the LCBDE+LC group (6.49 ± 1.18 days versus 6.77 ± 1.11 days, P < .05). The LCBDE+LC group also had lower total hospitalization costs ($5188.78 ± 861.26 versus $6498.76 ± 1190.58 P < .01). Additionally, the incidence of pancreatitis was lower in the LCBDE+LC group (0.66% versus 6.02%, P < .01). There were no significant differences between the groups in other short-term complications such as abdominal infection, cholangitis, biliary bleeding, or bile leakage. Postoperative follow-up indicated higher patient satisfaction and acceptance in the LCBDE+LC group (SSQ-8, 85.84 ± 4.31 points versus 81.20 ± 4.54 points, P < .01). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the LCBDE+LC holds promise as a safe and efficacious approach for the management of cholelithiasis combined with common bile duct stones. However, further prospective clinical trials are essential to corroborate these results and confirm their broader applicability.

Occlusal splint or botulinum toxin-a for jaw muscle pain treatment in probable sleep bruxism: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo conduct an equivalency randomized controlled trial comparing occlusal splint (OS) and botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) on jaw muscle pain in probable sleep bruxism. MethodsSixty patients (≥18 years, probable sleep bruxism, and jaw muscle pain) were randomly allocated into groups. The primary outcome was the reduction of jaw muscle pain, assessed using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS, v2.0). Secondary outcomes included: parameters of jaw opening and mandibular mobility; distribution of muscle pain; Jaw Functional Limitation Scale–20 (JFLS-20), Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC); and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Only the evaluator was blinded. Multilevel mixed-effects regression models were used. ResultsFifty-nine patients (30 received OS and 29 BTX-A) were analyzed at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up. One patient dropped out after receiving the intervention. No differences between the interventions were observed concerning the GCPS (p = 0.627), although a significant reduction was observed at 3 (OR=13.26, 95%CI[6.61–26.59]) and 6 months (OR=12.36, 95%CI[4.93–30.98]), regardless of the treatment. BTX-A showed a lower score reduction on JFLS-20 than OS (OR=0.29, 95%CI[0.11–0.82]). BTX-A presented inferior results for the parameters: opening without pain(p = 0.045), unassisted maximum opening(p = 0.024), assisted maximum opening(p = 0.041), and protrusion(p = 0.016). An improvement in OHIP-14 scores was observed at 3 (IRR=1.08, CI95%[1.02–1.14]) and 6 months (IRR=1.10, CI95%[1.04–1.16]), regardless of the intervention. BTX-A participants(n = 23;79,3%) reported mild discomfort during chewing. ConclusionOS and BTX-A can effectively decrease the GCPS scores, improve OHRQoL, and enhance functional outcomes in sleep bruxist patients with jaw muscle pain. OS demonstrated slight advantages in specific parameters. Clinical SignificanceBoth occlusal splints and botulinum toxin-A effectively reduce jaw muscle pain in bruxist patients, improving quality of life and mandibular function. Clinically, occlusal splints may offer additional benefits in specific functional parameters. (NCT03456154)

When ChatGPT Meets Smart Contract Vulnerability Detection: How Far Are We?

With the development of blockchain technology, smart contracts have become an important component of blockchain applications. Despite their crucial role, the development of smart contracts may introduce vulnerabilities and potentially lead to severe consequences, such as financial losses. Meanwhile, large language models, represented by ChatGPT, have gained great attentions, showcasing great capabilities in code analysis tasks. In this paper, we presented an empirical study to investigate the performance of ChatGPT in identifying smart contract vulnerabilities. Initially, we evaluated ChatGPT's effectiveness using a publicly available smart contract dataset. Our findings discover that while ChatGPT achieves a high recall rate, its precision in pinpointing smart contract vulnerabilities is limited. Furthermore, ChatGPT's performance varies when detecting different vulnerability types. We delved into the root causes for the false positives generated by ChatGPT, and categorized them into four groups. Second, by comparing ChatGPT with other state-of-the-art smart contract vulnerability detection tools, we found that ChatGPT's F-score is lower than others for 3 out of the 7 vulnerabilities. In the case of the remaining 4 vulnerabilities, ChatGPT exhibits a slight advantage over these tools. Finally, we analyzed the limitation of ChatGPT in smart contract vulnerability detection, revealing that the robustness of ChatGPT in this field needs to be improved from two aspects: its uncertainty in answering questions; and the limited length of the detected code. In general, our research provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of employing large language models, specifically ChatGPT, for the detection of smart contract vulnerabilities.

Assessment of Large Language Models (LLMs) in decision-making support for gynecologic oncology

ObjectiveThis study investigated the ability of Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide accurate and consistent answers by focusing on their performance in complex gynecologic cancer cases. BackgroundLLMs are advancing rapidly and require a thorough evaluation to ensure that they can be safely and effectively used in clinical decision-making. Such evaluations are essential for confirming LLM reliability and accuracy in supporting medical professionals in casework. Study designWe assessed three prominent LLMs—ChatGPT-4 (CG-4), Gemini Advanced (GemAdv), and Copilot—evaluating their accuracy, consistency, and overall performance. Fifteen clinical vignettes of varying difficulty and five open-ended questions based on real patient cases were used. The responses were coded, randomized, and evaluated blindly by six expert gynecologic oncologists using a 5-point Likert scale for relevance, clarity, depth, focus, and coherence. ResultsGemAdv demonstrated superior accuracy (81.87 %) compared to both CG-4 (61.60 %) and Copilot (70.67 %) across all difficulty levels. GemAdv consistently provided correct answers more frequently (>60 % every day during the testing period). Although CG-4 showed a slight advantage in adhering to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines, GemAdv excelled in the depth and focus of the answers provided, which are crucial aspects of clinical decision-making. ConclusionLLMs, especially GemAdv, show potential in supporting clinical practice by providing accurate, consistent, and relevant information for gynecologic cancer. However, further refinement is needed for more complex scenarios. This study highlights the promise of LLMs in gynecologic oncology, emphasizing the need for ongoing development and rigorous evaluation to maximize their clinical utility and reliability.

Comparative analysis of accelerated gradient algorithms for convex optimization: high and super resolution ODE approach

We investigate convex differentiable optimization and explore the temporal discretization of damped inertial dynamics driven by the gradient of the objective function. This leads to three accelerated gradient algorithms: Nesterov Accelerated Gradient (NAG), Ravine Accelerated Gradient (RAG), and (IGAHD). The latter was introduced by discretizing inertial dynamics with Hessian-driven damping to attenuate inherent oscillations in inertial methods. By analysing the high-resolution ODEs of order p = 0,1,2 for these algorithms, we gain insights into their similarities and differences. All three algorithms share the same low-resolution ODE of order 0, which is the dynamic proposed as a continuous surrogate for (NAG). To differentiate Nesterov from Ravine, we refine the comparison and demonstrate distinct high-resolution ODEs of order 2 in h (termed super-resolution). The corresponding Taylor expansions in h reveal matching terms of order 1 but differing terms of order 2. To the best of our knowledge, this result is completely new and emphasizes the need to avoid confusion between the Ravine and Nesterov methods in the literature. We present numerical experiments to illustrate our theoretical results. Performance profiles, measuring the number of iterations, indicate that (IGAHD) outperforms both (NAG) and (RAG) methods. (RAG) exhibits a slight advantage over (NAG) in terms of the average number of iterations. When considering CPU-time, both (RAG) and (NAG) outperform (IGAHD). All three algorithms exhibit similar behaviour when evaluating based on gradient norms.

Comparative Efficacy of Adagrasib and Sotorasib in KRAS G12C-Mutant NSCLC: Insights from Pivotal Trials.

Background: The KRAS G12C mutation, prevalent in various malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), represents a unique therapeutic target. Adagrasib and sotorasib, two FDA-approved agents specifically targeting this mutation, have shown promise in clinical trials. This study aims to compare their efficacy in treating KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC, drawing insights from pivotal clinical trials. Methods: We analyzed data from three key clinical trials: KRYSTAL-1, CodeBreak100, and CodeBreak200. Our methodology involved reconstructing individual patient data from published Kaplan-Meier curves using the IPDfromKM tool (Version 0.1.10). The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), evaluated through hazard ratios (HRs) and the restricted mean survival time (RMST) method. Results: The HR for PFS favored adagrasib (HR: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.69, 1.19], p = 0.473), suggesting a non-significant trend toward better disease control compared to sotorasib. For OS, the HR was 0.99 [95% CI: 0.75, 1.33] (p = 0.969), indicating no significant difference between the two drugs. RMST analysis supported these findings, with adagrasib showing a consistently higher RMST in PFS at 6, 12, and 18 months. However, OS benefits converged over time, with adagrasib marginally surpassing sotorasib by the 18-month mark. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis reveals that while adagrasib may offer a slight advantage in PFS, both drugs demonstrate comparable efficacy in OS for KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC. The subtle differences observed, particularly in PFS, could inform clinical decision-making, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on long-term effects and identifying patient subgroups that may benefit more from one drug over the other.

The effects of MIND diet on depression, anxiety, quality of life and metabolic and hormonal status in obese or overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised clinical trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, associated with increased risks of metabolic disorders, depression and reduced quality of life. This study examined the impact of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on mental health, PCOS-related quality of life (PCOSQ), anthropometric indices, hirsutism, and metabolic/hormonal parameters in women with PCOS. Total of 52 women with PCOS, aged between 18 and 45 years, were randomly assigned to either the low calorie MIND diet group or the control group. Anthropometric data, depression and anxiety scores, serum levels of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]), PCOSQ, and Ferriman-Gallwey score were evaluated before and after the intervention. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week follow-up period. After 8 weeks, the MIND diet significantly reduced depression (β -3·03; 95 % CI: [-5·36, -0·70]; P = 0·011) and anxiety (β -3·54; 95 % CI: [-6·60, -0·49]; P = 0·024) scores compared with the control group. The MIND diet group exhibited significant increases in the emotion (β 0·63; 95 % CI: [0·18, 1·08]; P = 0·007) and body hair (β 0·65; 95 % CI: [0·03, 1·28]; P = 0·04) domains of the PCOSQ compared to the control group. The changes in other parameters did not show significant differences between the two groups. Both the MIND diet and control groups showed improvements in weight and BMI, with a slight advantage for the MIND diet group. These findings suggest that the MIND diet may be beneficial for improving mental health and some aspects of PCOSQ in women with PCOS.

What is the true normal: comparison of different equations for estimating peak oxygen uptake for outcome prediction in heart failure

Abstract Background and Objectives One of the strongest prognostic parameters obtained during Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with heart failure (HF) is the peak oxygen uptake (pVO2), as a standalone or as a percentage of the predicted peak oxygen uptake (ppVO2) reached. However, traditional standards by which ppVO2 is calculated have limitations, having been derived from small cohorts, lacking portability and poorly represented by women. Thus, we aim to compare the FRIEND Registry equation to previously used methods of calculating ppVO2 as it relates to prognostic value imparted by the percentage of ppVO2 (%ppVO2) reached during CPET and portability to the Portuguese HF population. Methods Single centre retrospective study of patients with HF with LVEF &amp;lt; 50% who underwent CPET between 2015-2021. Patients who did not reach RER≥ 1.05 were excluded from our analysis. All tests were evaluated and ventilatory thresholds determined by 3 independent, experienced operators. ppVO2 was calculated according to 1) the Wasserman equation; 2) the Wasserman equation using ideal body weight; 3) the Neder equation, 4) the SHIP equation and 5) the FRIEND equation. Our primary endpoint was a composite of CV death, urgent transplant or left ventricular assist device implantation and HF hospitalization. Results We included 238 patients (mean age 59 ± 11 years, 83% males). The HF aetiology was mostly ischemic in nature (68%), with LVEF of 34 ± 9% and median NTproBNP of 776 (2566 – 2342) pg/mL. Most patients (67%) were in class NYHA I-II and with high prevalence of GDMT (93% ACEi/ARB; 97% beta-blockers and 64% on MRA). Mean BMI in this group was 27.3 ± 4.7 kg/min. Patients performed CPET on a treadmill with a protocol adjusted to their predicted exercise capacity. Mean pVO2 was 18.1 ± 6.2mL/kg/min, corresponding to a median %ppVO2 that ranges from 51 ± 16% to 71 ± 22%, depending on the equation that is used. Mean VE/VCO2 Slope was 42 ± 13 and 48 % (n = 98) of patients showed exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV). Mean ppVO2 as per the FRIEND and Wasserman equations was 18.9 ± 6.6 and 21.2 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, with no statistically significant difference between both. %ppVO2 as calculated through all equations was an independent predictor of prognosis on multivariate analysis adjusted for LVEF, NTproBNP and VE/VCO2 Slope (p &amp;lt; 0.001 for values derived from all equations). However, the FRIEND and Wasserman equations showed a slight advantage over the remaining 2 equations, with higher AUC on ROC curve analysis (see figure). Conclusions In our population of Portuguese patients with HF, both the FRIEND registry and Wasserman equations for predicting pVO2 yielded strong prognostic power. However, these equations provide different absolute predicted VO2 values for the same patients and thus should not be used interchangeably. Standardisation of the type ppVO2 equation used should be recommended by local scientific societies.

Systematic Review: Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Losartan vs. Candesartan for the Treatment of Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Effective management of hypertension is essential for preventing comp lications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) like losartan and candesartan are well-established therapeutic options for blood pressure (BP) control and are widely prescribed due to their favorable side-effect profiles and organ-protective properties. Despite being members of the same drug class, these ARBs differ in their pharmacokinetics, receptor binding affinity, and clinical efficacy. This systematic review aims to provide a detailed comparison of the efficacy and safety of losartan versus candesartan in managing hypertension. We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, retrieving studies published from 2000 to 2024 that compared the two ARBs directly in hypertensive populations. A total of 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, comprising more than 12,000 participants, were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes evaluated were the reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiovascular event prevention, and adverse event profiles. The results suggest that both losartan and candesartan effectively lower BP, but candesartan consistently demonstrated greater reductions in both systolic and diastolic BP compared to losartan. Candesartan also appeared to have superior cardiovascular outcomes, with a lower incidence of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure hospitalizations. The safety profiles of both drugs were comparable, though losartan was associated with a slightly higher incidence of cough and discontinuation due to adverse events. Overall, candesartan may offer a slight clinical advantage over losartan, particularly in patients requiring more potent or sustained BP control. However, both drugs remain valuable options in the management of hypertension. Further long-term studies are recommended to confirm these findings and to investigate the potential benefits of each drug in specific patient subgroups.

Association between changes in body composition and progression of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The correlation between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the occurrence of liver fibrosis is well-established. However, the longitudinal association between body composition and liver fibrosis progression in patients with T2DM remains incompletely explored. Total of 390 patients with T2DM underwent body composition assessments, followed by a median duration of 2.13 years. The calculated parameters included body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), trunk fat mass index (TFMI), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), muscle/fat mass ratio (M/F) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass/trunk fat mass ratio (A/T). Liver fibrosis was evaluated through liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Patients were classified according to BMI and body composition, followed by a comprehensive investigation into the impact of body composition changes on liver fibrosis outcomes. Among 72 patients with incident advanced liver fibrosis at readmission, ΔBMI, ΔFMI and ΔTFMI increased, while ΔM/F and ΔA/T decreased. Individuals who kept obese had a dramatically elevated hazard of incident advanced liver fibrosis compared to those who kept non-obese, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.464. When TFMI heightened, the hazard of incident advanced liver fibrosis was 3.601 times higher compared to the decreased group. Additionally, individuals in increased ASMI and A/T groups showed a slight advantage in preventing incident advanced liver fibrosis compared to the stable groups. Stable obesity was associated with a greater hazard of liver fibrosis advancement, and an increase in TFMI may promote the progression of liver fibrosis. Maintaining a balanced muscle/fat ratio appeared to help prevent the progression.

Multiplication and adaptation of BLRI Napier-3 fodder at farmer’s level

In Bangladesh, feed costs account for 70% of dairy farming expenses. High-yielding fodder (HYF) varieties, such as the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) developed Napier variety 3 (BN-3), offer significant potential for reducing these costs. This study conducted two agronomical trials, one on-station at the Experimental Plot of BLRI, Regional Station, Baghabari, Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, and one on-farm at the Experimental Plot in the village of Tiar Bondor shahjadpur, Sirajganj during the economic year of 2018-2019. The objectives of this study were to assess the production performance and proximate composition of BN-3 at both the on-station and farmer community levels. Each trial plot measured (20×10) square feet and was prepared according to BLRI's fodder cultivation guidelines. Data from five consecutive harvests over approximately one year were collected and analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software. Results indicated a higher fresh biomass yield was (57.66±4.68 tons/ha/harvest) at on-station compared to the farmer community level (54.89±1.20 tons/ha/harvest), though the difference was not statistically significant (P&gt;0.05). On-station trial also showed superior tiller numbers (30.72±4.27 per hill) and stem perimeter (6.68±0.06 cm). Leaf length and plant height were significantly better (P&lt;0.05) at on station trial. The nutrient composition of BN-3 exhibited non-significant variations between on-station and on-farm conditions. These findings suggest that, while on-station cultivation of BN-3 may provide slight advantages in specific growth parameters, its nutrient composition remains consistent across different farming conditions, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective feed option for Bangladeshi dairy farmers. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2024, 9(3), 27-32

Numerical Simulation of Shock Wave in Gas–Water Interaction Based on Nonlinear Shock Wave Velocity Curve

In a gas–water interaction problem, the nonlinear relationship between shock wave velocity is introduced into a Hugoniot curve, and a Mie–Grüneisen Equation of state (EOS) is established by setting the Hugoiot curve as the reference state. Unlike other simple EOS based on the thermodynamics laws of gas (such as the Tait EOS), the Mie–Grüneisen EOS uses reference states to cover an adiabatic impact relationship and considers the thermodynamics law separately. However, the expression of the EOS becomes complex, and it is not adaptive to many methods. A multicomponent Mie–Grüneisen mixture model is employed in this study to conquer the difficulty of the complex form of an EOS. In this model, some coefficients in the Mie–Grüneisen EOS are regarded as variables and solved using newly constructed equations. The performance of the Mie–Grüneisen mixture model in the gas–water problem is tested by low-compression cases and high-compression cases. According to these two tests, it is found that the numerical solutions of the shock wave under the Mie–Grüneisen EOS agrees with empirical data. When compared to other simple-form EOSs, it is seen that the Mie–Grüneisen EOS has slight advantages in the low-compression case, but it plays an important role in the high-compression case. The comparison results show that the solution of the simple-form EOS clearly disagrees with the empirical data. A further study shows that the gap between the Mie–Grüneisen EOS and other simple-form EOSs becomes larger as the initial pressure and particle velocity increase. The impact effects on the pressure, density and particle velocity are studied. Moreover, the gas–water interaction in a spherical coordinate plane and a two-dimensional coordinate is a significant part of our work.

Coordinated Ship Welding with Optimal Lazy Robot Ratio and Energy Consumption via Reinforcement Learning

Ship welding is a crucial part of ship building, requiring higher levels of robot coordination and working efficiency than ever before. To this end, this paper studies the coordinated ship-welding task, which involves multi-robot welding of multiple weld lines consisting of synchronous ones to be executed by a pair of robots and normal ones that can be executed by one robot. To evaluate working efficiency, the objectives of optimal lazy robot ratio and energy consumption were considered, which are tackled by the proposed dynamic Kuhn–Munkres-based model-free policy gradient (DKM-MFPG) reinforcement learning algorithm. In DKM-MFPG, a dynamic Kuhn–Munkres (DKM) dispatcher is designed based on weld line and co-welding robot position information obtained by the wireless sensors, such that robots always have dispatched weld lines in real-time and the lazy robot ratio is 0. Simultaneously, a model-free policy gradient (MFPG) based on reinforcement learning is designed to achieve the energy-optimal motion control for all robots. The optimal lazy robot ratio of the DKM dispatcher and the network convergence of MFPG are theoretically analyzed. Furthermore, the performance of DKM-MFPG is simulated with variant settings of welding scenarios and compared with baseline optimization methods. Compared to the four baselines, DKM-MFPG owns a slight performance advantage within 1% on energy consumption and reduces the average lazy robot ratio by 11.30%, 10.99%, 8.27%, and 10.39%.

Comparison of zuberitamab plus CHOP versus rituximab plus CHOP for the treatment of drug-naïve patients diagnosed with CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a phase 3 trial

BackgroundIn patients with untreated CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a phase 3 trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zuberitamab plus CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine,...

Assessing the lightning performance of sustainable GTL type dielectric liquids versus mineral oils and synthetic ester in a non-uniform electric field

This paper presents for the first time the results of complex comparative tests on the lightning performance of a wide range of sustainable electrical insulating liquids made in GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) technology. Three different GTLs are compared with conventional mineral oils (inhibited and uninhibited) as well as biodegradable synthetic ester. Tests are aimed to determine Lightning Impulse Breakdown Voltage (LIBV) and Acceleration Voltage (Va) at standard lightning impulse voltage of both polarities. Those are performed at 25 mm gap distance of point-sphere electrode setup representing non-uniform electric field distribution. In addition, light emission is studied as well. Results show that for the conditions of experiment LIBV values tend to be similar for all tested dielectric liquids with a slight advantage of mineral oils at negative polarity and GTL-I oil at positive polarity. In turn, in terms of Va, it was found that at negative polarity the GTL oils are, in general, fully comparable with a high grade inhibited mineral oil. The Va of GTLs is in the range 260–275 kV versus 255–260 kV that characterizes mineral oils. When considering positive polarity the GTL-I is slightly inferior to other hydrocarbons with Va equal to 195 kV versus 230–255 kV characterizing other GTLs and mineral oils. For both polarities tested synthetic ester has much lower acceleration voltage in relation to hydrocarbon liquids including GTLs, which constitutes a huge disadvantage of the ester. Although the studies are limited to only one gap distance and non-uniform electric field distribution, it can be stated that the GTLs are worth to be examined as alternative to mineral oil when considering LIBV and Va as the analysed quantities. In addition, a special added value of the performed measurements should be mentioned that the measurements confirmed that Va parameter may be a good dielectric indicator of a dielectric liquid performance, especially when examining new product introduced to the market.

Effects of Two Types of Estrogen on the Follicular Wave for in Vivo Oocyte Collection in Brown Swiss Cows

The manipulation of follicular waves through hormonal treatments, such as estrogen administration, plays a crucial role in optimizing in-vivo oocyte collection for assisted reproductive technologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of two specific types of estrogen on follicular wave dynamics and their impact on in-vivo oocyte collection in Brown Swiss cows. Fourteen cows, in their first lactation, weighing approximately 340 kg were randomly assigned to one of two treatments including T1 (estradiol cypionate) and T2 (estradiol benzoate). Both treatments were administered at 1.2 mg of estrogen, at day 0 of the experiment. All Brown Swiss cows were provided with a diet entirely consisting of alfalfa grazing. On day 7, follicular wave dynamics were assessed using a DP-50 vet ultrasound device equipped with a 7.5 MHz transducer for transvaginal follicular aspiration guidance. Follicle counts were categorized into three size ranges including 2-4 mm (small), 4-8 mm (medium), and greater than 8 mm (large). Additionally, the quantity and quality (viable oocytes) of the collected oocytes were evaluated by the Ovum Pick Up (OPU) team for oocyte viability on day 7. The study assessed the follicular dynamics (number of follicles) and efficiency of oocyte collection (viable oocytes) in cows treated with Estradiol Cypionate (T1) and Estradiol Benzoate (T2). The average number of small, medium-sized, and large follicles size were 6.048 ± 6.037, 3.16 ± 2.01, and 0.53 ± 0.67 respectively. The total number of follicles was 9.59 ± 3.56. The mean number of viable oocytes recovered was 3.024 ± 1.66, while the mean number of non-viable oocytes was 1.47 ± 1.01. The results indicated no significant differences between treatments in the size of small, medium, and large follicles, nor in the total number of follicles and viable oocytes recovered. However, a significant difference was observed in the number of non-viable oocytes recovered, with a higher mean in T2 (1.86) compared to T1 (1.09). The results indicated an adequate follicular response and viable oocyte recovery in both treatment groups (estradiol cypionate and estradiol benzoate). However, variations in oocyte viability were observed, with estradiol cypionate showing a slight advantage.

Sustainable management of polyethylene terephthalate waste flow using a fuzzy frank weighted assessment model

The consequences for the ecosystem of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste are becoming increasingly significant and widespread. Companies managing PET waste strive to enhance sustainability in all areas. The development of systematic decision-making approaches and frameworks for PET waste management is strongly needed. This research aims to present a new methodological framework for the categorization of the most efficient PET waste management solutions. The introduced fuzzy Frank weighted sum product assessment (FWESPA) model enables rational and flexible reasoning by nonlinearly processing uncertain information. A nonlinear aggregation function is proposed for the fusion of fuzzy strategic options. It is advantageous in simulating the impact of strategic options on a final decision. An integral part of the introduced fuzzy FWESPA model is a reverse sorting algorithm. This innovative algorithm can improve the performance of traditional normalization techniques. Also, an improved fuzzy Frank ordinal priority approach linear model is formulated to define the significance of evaluation criteria. The comprehensive real-life study demonstrates the proposed decision-analytics-based approach. The results showed the following rankings of considered alternatives: “recycling” (ℤA2 = 0.8565) > “energy recovery” (ℤA1 = 0.7364) > “remanufacturing” (ℤA4 = 0.690) > “incineration” (ℤA3 = 0.6592). Based on the results presented, alternatives “recycling” (A2) and “energy recovery” (A1) represent dominant alternatives with a slight advantage of recycling. Research findings can be used when deciding the appropriate way to enhance PET waste handling. The findings also describe the benefits and limitations of each treatment option for PET waste, as well as highlight the crucial challenges.

Sustainable Spatial Development of Multifunctional Villages: A Case Study of Eastern Poland

The decline in the role of agriculture as the basis for the livelihood of rural residents has led to the development of new directions for rural transformation. In Poland, the concept of multifunctional development has gained the most popularity. However, it does not have a defined spatial development model. There has also been no research into how the development of non-agricultural functions affects spatial development and to what extent this development is sustainable. Therefore, the aim of this study is to show and compare the changes that have taken place over the last 40–50 years in the spatial arrangements of development in traditional agricultural villages and in villages with different non-agricultural functions (tourist, industrial, and service functions). At the same time, we want to indicate which of these functions have contributed to the development of the most sustainable spatial arrangements. To this end, we selected three indicators of sustainable development of rural space: compactness of buildings, continuation of traditional rural layouts, and availability of services, and then carried out an analysis of changes in these indicators on the basis of archival and current cartographic materials and data on service facilities. We conducted the research for four municipalities in eastern Poland (50 villages). The results indicate the predominance of negative spatial phenomena such as the deterioration of the accessibility of services and spatial development contrary to historical spatial layouts. There is a spillover of development in the form of discontinuous, chaotic clusters of buildings often having the character of suburbia and, consequently, the disappearance of village centres, worsening walkability, and blurring of village boundaries. The only positive change is an increase in the compactness of buildings—mainly in villages that previously had a dispersed character. It is difficult to identify village functions that would unequivocally favour spatial sustainability. The service villages showed slight advantages in terms of social (availability of services) and environmental (compactness of buildings) factors. In contrast, the development of agricultural villages was more favourable in cultural terms (traditional village layouts). In all aspects, negative changes were recorded in industrial villages and (the worst results) in tourist villages. However, the trends were similar in all municipalities, which draws attention primarily to the lack of a rational spatial policy related to multifunctional village development.

Association of hsCRP and Serum Kalirin Levels with the Development and Severity of Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Iraqi Patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early-onset CAD, also known as PCAD, is a severe form of CAD associated with high mortality and a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to reducing complications. While hsCRP is an established biomarker for CAD, kalirin is a potential novel biomarker due to its role in promoting smooth muscle proliferation and endothelial dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum kalirin and hsCRP levels with the presence and severity of PCAD and to compare the diagnostic value of both biomarkers. Method: The study recruited 92 participants into two groups: the PCAD group (46) included patients with confirmed CAD by angiographic findings and the second group was the non-CAD group (46) with negative findings by coronary angiography. The levels of serum kalirin and hsCRP were measured for both groups using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results: Serum levels of kalirin and hsCRP were strongly associated with the presence of PCAD (p&lt;0.001), and both biomarkers were associated with disease severity (p=0.002, &lt;0.001, respectively). ROC analysis showed that hsCRP possesses a slight advantage (AUC=0.796) over kalirin (ROC=0.717) as a diagnostic marker for PCAD. Conclusions: Serum kalirin and hsCRP levels are associated with PCAD and with the severity of the disease, both markers possess moderate diagnostic capabilities for PCAD with a slight advantage for hsCRP.

Intelligent ultrasonic aspirator: Advancing tissue differentiation through hierarchical classification during hand-held resection

Modern neurosurgery strives to maximize tumor removal while preserving healthy tissue integrity. Accurate intraoperative differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue is crucial yet challenging. Often neurosurgeons rely on their experience and haptic feedback during palpation to distinguish between tumor and healthy tissue. A commonly used hand-held tool for tissue removal during neurosurgery is the ultrasonic aspirator, which changes its electrical properties as it interacts with tissue. The goal is to equip the ultrasonic aspirator with the ability to differentiate between different types of tissue while at the same time not interfering with the surgical workflow and providing comprehensible outcomes. To this end, a hierarchical classification approach is employed as a proof of concept, enabling precise identification of tissue stiffness during resection.The hierarchical approach is compared with the standard flat classification, commonly used in machine learning. Within the hierarchical approach, two strategies are employed: mandatory leaf-node predictions (MLNP) and non-mandatory leaf-node predictions (NMLNP). The NMLNP allows prediction to revert to a parent node when certainty is low. Data are acquired on three artificial tissue models – differing in stiffness – with an ultrasonic aspirator in a hand-held manner. The dataset comprises 1,821 data points for training and 186 for testing after balancing.The results indicate a slight performance advantage for the hierarchical classification MLNP approach over the flat classification approach in the absence of confidence thresholds, with weighted F2-scores of 0.781 and 0.762, respectively. However, the application of confidence thresholds results in both approaches exhibiting comparable performance, with the hierarchical NMLNP approach achieving a weighted F1-score of 0.920, thereby demonstrating superior overall performance. The effects of enforcing these thresholds and excluding data with low certainty are thoroughly investigated. This work emphasizes the feasibility of tissue differentiation using a hand-held ultrasound aspirator while resecting tissue. Moreover, it highlights the capability of hierarchical classification in advancing tissue differentiation accuracy during neurosurgical procedures, which could ultimately aid surgeons and enhance the safety of intraoperative workflows.