Standard Software Research Articles

Fully automated quantitative coronary angiography versus optical coherence tomography guidance for coronary stent implantation (FLASH): Study protocol for a randomized controlled noninferiority trial

BackgroundArtificial intelligence-based quantitative coronary angiography (AI-QCA) has been developed to provide a more objective and reproducible data about the severity of coronary artery stenosis and the dimensions of the vessel for intervention in real-time, overcoming the limitations of significant inter- and intraobserver variability, and time-consuming nature of on-site QCA, without requiring extra time and effort. Compared with the subjective nature of visually estimated conventional CAG guidance, AI-QCA guidance provides a more practical and standardized angiography-based approach. Although the advantage of intravascular imaging-guided PCI is increasingly recognized, their broader adoption is limited by clinical and economic barriers in many catheterization laboratories. MethodsThe FLASH (fully automated quantitative coronary angiography versus optical coherence tomography guidance for coronary stent implantation) trial is a randomized, investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, noninferiority trial comparing the AI-QCA-assisted PCI strategy with optical coherence tomography-guided PCI strategy in patients with significant coronary artery disease. All operators will utilize a novel, standardized AI-QCA software and PCI protocol in the AI-QCA-assisted group. A total of 400 patients will be randomized to either group at a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint is the minimal stent area (mm2), determined by the final OCT run after completion of PCI. Clinical follow-up and cost-effectiveness evaluations are planned at 1 month and 6 months for all patients enrolled in the study. ResultsEnrollment of a total of 400 patients from the 13 participating centers in South Korea will be completed in February 2024. Follow-up of the last enrolled patients will be completed in August 2024, and primary results will be available by late 2024. ConclusionThe FLASH is the first clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility of AI-QCA-assisted PCI, and will provide the clinical evidence on AI-QCA assistance in the field of coronary intervention. Clinical trial registrationURL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT05388357.

First and second-generation commercial banks in Bangladesh: A comparative financial analysis

Purpose: This study assesses the overall performance of commercial banks in Bangladesh by classifying them into first- and second-generation groups. Research Methodology: The investigation encompassed secondary data from 2016 to 2020, along with a meticulous examination of the ratios of ten banks during that timeframe. Standard software such as the Microsoft Office package was utilized for conducting horizontal, vertical, and rational analyses. Return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and net profit margins are the primary metrics used to assess overall performance. Results: Research indicates that the first generation excels in certain instances, while the second generation performs at its peak capacity in other cases. Therefore, a comprehensive outcome exists. Implications: These indicators offer a concise and influential message to all stakeholders that may shape their decision-making process. Limitations: It may be beneficial to consider a longer timeframe and gather insights from interviews with industry professionals for subsequent studies. Other factors to consider include customer insights, industry conditions, the nation's economy, monetary policy, and the global trade situation. Novelty: This study focuses on the influence of employee retention on organizational performance in a service-oriented government institution.

Fixed-wing UAV based on vortex lattice method modular technology research

The so-called modularity refers to dividing the system into several modules from top to bottom, layer by layer when solving a complex problem with various properties reflecting its internal characteristics. The main driving force for the demand for UAV modular technology comes from the requirements of UAV large-scale industrialization for UAV generalization, serialization, application scenario richness, and economy. The modular design of UAV is based on standardized software and hardware interfaces to carry out UAV aerodynamic shape module design, modular design of airframe structure, modular design of application load, module design of flight control system, module design of power system, etc.

Highly efficient fiber to Si waveguide free-form coupler for foundry-scale silicon photonics

As silicon photonics transitions from research to commercial deployment, packaging solutions that efficiently couple light into highly compact and functional sub-micrometer silicon waveguides are imperative but remain challenging. The 220 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform, poised to enable large-scale integration, is the most widely adopted by foundries, resulting in established fabrication processes and extensive photonic component libraries. The development of a highly efficient, scalable, and broadband coupling scheme for this platform is therefore of paramount importance. Leveraging two-photon polymerization (TPP) and a deterministic free-form micro-optics design methodology based on the Fermat’s principle, this work demonstrates an ultra-efficient and broadband 3-D coupler interface between standard SMF-28 single-mode fibers and silicon waveguides on the 220 nm SOI platform. The coupler achieves a low coupling loss of 0.8 dB for the fundamental TE mode, along with 1 dB bandwidth exceeding 180 nm. The broadband operation enables diverse bandwidth-driven applications ranging from communications to spectroscopy. Furthermore, the 3-D free-form coupler also enables large tolerance to fiber misalignments and manufacturing variability, thereby relaxing packaging requirements toward cost reduction capitalizing on standard electronic packaging process flows.

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR MATCHING QUALIFICATIONS TO THE LEVELS OF THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

Mutual compatibility of different national qualifications frameworks (NQFs) based on their compatibility with the European Qualifications Framework (or another international one) is crucially important for the effective recognition of qualifications between states. In turn, it depends on the quality of “filling” NQF levels with qualifications. Right comparing professional (occupational) qualifications with NQF level is a non-trivial problem for standard developers. The quality of any national system of qualifications depends on the comparability of qualifications with the level of the NQF so the comparison process should be strongly argued to secure the comparability. For qualification standard developers (especially for occupational standard developers) there were no strictly justified recommendations on how to compare qualification with the NQF level. Th. Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is developed to resolve the problem of evidence-based comparing educational or professional (occupational) qualifications with the level of the National Qualification Framework (NQF). Research results give standard developers software tools based on a strong mathematical background to determine NQF level for developed standards. It is shown that Th. Saaty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is close to optimal for solving the problem of qualifications comparing and therefore looks like the best option for such methods. However, AHP demands non-trivial qualifications in mathematics and computing. The key problem resolved by this research is simplifying procedures to ensure effective access to the tool for qualification standard developers with minimal qualification in mathematics and computing. It is proven that each problem of qualification comparison with NQF level may be reduced to three options of decision. At the lower level of the decision-making process, there are 3-4 descriptors of qualification. Therefore, a user should be capable of forming at most four matrices of judgments and computing the main eigenvectors with some level of accuracy. The maximal dimension of matrices is four (for example it's true for the Ukrainian case). But for some national qualification frameworks that use only three descriptors maximal dimension of matrices equals three. Therefore, some simple approximation methods for eigenvector computing may be applied using only minimal means of Microsoft Excel or analogous applications. For the most general case of four NQF descriptors, Microsoft Excel macro is developed to secure achieving any level of accuracy. Corresponding API is developed by PHP programming language. Both Excel and API are accessible for users at the website of the Institute of Educational Analytics in Kyiv. The novelty of the article is that for the first time in national and international practice, it proposes an alternative/supplementary algorithmic method for determining the level of certain full and/or partial professional qualifications by the National Qualifications Framework, thus creating prerequisites for further automation of the activities of professional standards developers.

Improving a methodology for estimating the cross-country ability of all-wheel-drive vehicles

The object of this study is the cross-country ability of four-wheel drive vehicles under off-road conditions. Based on the results of analysis of known studies, it was determined that the procedures of experimental assessment of the load-bearing capacity of bearing surfaces (BS), based on the use of the cone index, are used in NATO member countries. They take into account the characteristics of the surface of the theater of operations and make it possible to determine the approximate speeds of all-wheel drive vehicles with the help of standardized computer software. In the procedures for assessing the load-bearing capacity of BSs, which use the soil deformation module E, there is no possibility for calculating the speed of the car with known axle loads. In addition, they provide for the determination of a number of parameters of the bearing surface, such as the coefficient of adhesion, the angle of internal friction in the soil, and the shear modulus during the formation of a track. This makes them much more difficult compared to the procedures used by NATO. Therefore, the problem that is solved in this work is to improve the methodology for assessing the reference cross-country ability of four-wheel drive vehicles. Based on the results of scientific research, motion modeling was carried out in the MATLAB Simulink environment to determine parameters of reference cross-country ability of four-wheel drive vehicles. In order to determine the cross-country ability of samples of wheeled military vehicles (WMV) based on the indicator of the maximum pressure value (mean measure pressure – MMP), the conducted experimental studies were analyzed. They showed a difference in the speed modes of vehicles of the same gross weight but different layout schemes, within 11–12 %. Therefore, the methodology for assessing the cross-country ability based on MMP has been improved to take into account the features of the layout of WMV samples. Specifically, taking into account the different values of loads on the front axle of vehicles with hoodless and hood layouts at the same gross weight. In general, the improved procedure makes it possible to give a quantitative assessment of the movement mobility of WMV samples with various layout schemes and an assessment of their potential cross-country ability on the basis of the proposed refinement of MMP calculation

Peningkatan Keterampilan Produksi dan Pemasaran Produk Unggulan Madu di Desa Margacinta, Kabupaten Pangandaran, Jawa Barat

Margacinta Village has abundant tourism potential, one of which is natural honey bee cultivation. Honey farmers in Margacinta Village are organized into the Taruna Karya Honey Farmer Group. During the harvest season, the honey produced by farmers is abundant (60 to 80 liters, but during the rainy season, honey farmers in Margacinta Village have the potential to experience crop failure, this clearly threatens the economy of honey farmers in Margaacinta Village. The implementation of this service is to develop tourism with the concept of agro-eduwisata. Development is carried out in several stages, starting from education, training, and practice for honey farmers, establishing mini ecosystems as a source of bee feed and agro-educational destinations, and marketing on various platforms. The service was carried out in response to community problems in Margacinta Village, so that the purpose of this service was to improve the economy of the community in general, the Taruna Karya Farmer Group in particular. The targeted outputs are the formation of honey village agro-tourism, the publication of the Apiscerana honey bee cultivation module, the existence of standard packaging standards for raw products, marketing of local products and honey village agro-tourism packages, the formation of mini bee ecosystems, and honey extraction using machine extractors so that the honey obtained is of higher quality.

A supervised approach for improving the dimensionless frequency estimation for time‐domain simulations of building structures on embedded foundations

AbstractThe analysis of soil–structure interaction (SSI) problems has been established successfully in recent decades. In particular, the solution in the frequency domain provides an exact and efficient method for computing the response of the coupled system. Despite this, the state of practice as a first attempt to incentivize time domain analyses compatible with standard finite element packages introduces the so‐called dimensionless flexible‐base frequency. This frequency, which depends solely on the structure‐to‐soil‐period ratio, allows transforming the frequency domain analyses into time domain analyses using frequency‐independent soil impedance values. However, if such frequency exists for the combined system, it must depend on several physical variables. In this work, we propose a supervised approach to obtain the flexible‐base dimensionless frequency at which the frequency‐independent soil impedance should be used. The analysis is carried out using five dimensionless parameters, and the importance of each one to the estimation of the dimensionless flexible‐base frequency is investigated. We use an inverse problem based on ensemble Kalman inversion (EnKI) to obtain the optimal frequency of the interaction. The data obtained are then employed in a machine‐learning framework to map a set of dimensionless parameters to such a frequency. The generated mapping is finally verified, and a significant improvement in time‐domain simulations is shown compared to the state of practice.

Identification and Analysis of Enamel Rod End Patterns in Primary Anterior Teeth Using Automated Biometrics: An In Vitro Study.

Recording enamel rod end patterns can be considered an alternative to fingerprints, which are susceptible to decomposition or mutilation. The available literature revealed that limited research has been performed on the recording of enamel rod end patterns, and none has been performed on primary teeth. Hence, this in vitro observational study was performed with the aim of identifying and analyzing the different patterns of enamel rod endings of primary anterior teeth. The objectives of this study were to record the different patterns of enamel rod endings obtained from the enamel surface of primary maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth through biometric analysis. The enamel rod end patterns of 30 noncarious primary anterior teeth with intact crown structures were recorded using the acetate peel technique. The photomicrographs of the imprints were then subjected to biometric conversion using Verifinger Standard Software Development Kit® (SDK®) version 6.5 software. The enamel surface of primary anterior teeth, the following enamel rod end patterns were detected and recorded-wavy branched (WB), linear branched (LB), linear unbranched (LUB), Whorl (W), loop (L), and stem-like (SL) patterns. WB was the only pattern that predominated all of the samples. Only WB and LB emerged as a single subpattern. The patterns LUB, L, W, and SL were never observed alone; rather, they were combined with two, three, or four other subpatterns, primarily WB and LB. In this study, six enamel rod end patterns were identified and recorded on the enamel surface of primary anterior teeth. Suvarnan SK, Baghkomeh PN, Farzan JM. Identification and Analysis of Enamel Rod End Patterns in Primary Anterior Teeth Using Automated Biometrics: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):149-152.

Tobacco packaging and labeling policies in the WHO African Region: Progress 15 years after adoption of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 11 Implementation Guidelines.

Article 11 of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) requires Parties to adopt and implement effective tobacco packaging and labeling policies to communicate health risks and reduce tobacco consumption. The goal of this study was to assess adoption of these policies in the WHO African Region (AFRO). We reviewed tobacco packaging and labeling policies adopted in AFRO from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' Tobacco Control Laws database (w w w.tobaccocontrollaws.org). We assessed these policies based on WHO FCTC Article 11 and its Implementation Guidelines examining three sub-policy areas (health warning labels [HWLs], descriptive constituents and emissions information, and misleading packaging and labeling). We developed a scoring system to rank AFRO countries individually and by World Bank's income-level groups and documented the progress during 1985-2023. Forty (of 47) AFRO countries adopted national laws, of which a majority adopted large rotating pictorial HWLs and banned misleading descriptors; only Cote d'Ivoire and Mauritius adopted standardized packaging. The higher a country is in the World Bank's income-level group, the stronger their packaging and labeling policies are. This observation was not present in the sub-policy area of HWLs. Prior to approving the WHO FCTC Article 11 Implementation Guidelines, only 23 countries adopted text-only HWLs whereas 26 countries adopted pictorial HWLs after the approval. Several AFRO countries have adopted tobacco packaging and labeling policies that align with the WHO FCTC Article 11 Implementation Guidelines. More efforts could be directed toward the low-income group and disseminating standardized packaging throughout AFRO. In the WHO African Region (AFRO), the number of tobacco users is increasing, highlighting the need for tobacco packaging and labeling policies aligned with WHO FCTC Article 11 and its Implementation Guidelines as these are proven tobacco control strategies. This study provides a country-level and income-level group ranking of tobacco packaging and labeling policies and documents the evolution of health warning labels adopted in AFRO. It also identifies regional and income-level group successes and gaps in tobacco product packaging and labeling policies and provides recommendations to further align with WHO FCTC Article 11 and its Implementation Guidelines.

PUFFIn – A user friendly fast interface for calculating and visualizing the dose distribution in materials

This article describes a new graphical user interface that uses the PENELOPE Monte Carlo code to calculate dose distributions in materials. It is named PUFFIn, for the Penelope User-Friendly Fast Interface and was developed as an educational and scoping analysis tool for non-experts in radiation modeling. PUFFIn enables the user to visualize and compare the dose distributions in objects (e.g., sterilized healthcare products) irradiated with cobalt-60 gamma-rays, electron beam (E-beam) or X-rays. From such comparisons, the user can determine the most efficient product and/or packaging designs for any given radiation field – whether for conceptual or existing products and packaging.PUFFIn is distributed in a complete, self-contained package of software, including the PENELOPE radiation transport code, a standard graphics package, and a set of simple exercises. The package is available to any user at no cost and requires a minimal amount of training compared to other similar software. PUFFIn's capabilities are described, as well as validation measurements performed at Texas A&M University E-beam facility and the Aerial E-beam Facility in France.

Reliable stabilization of discrete-time nonlinear singular systems with time-varying delays

The problem of delay-dependent reliable control for uncertain discrete-time nonlinear singular system with time-varying delays is investigated. A new set of delay-dependent sufficient conditions are established for the existence of a reliable controller which ensures the singular system to be regular, causal (absence of impulses) and stable for all admissible parameter uncertainties. First, the controller for singular system in the presence of known actuator fault matrix is designed. Further, the result is extended to study the robust stabilization of singular systems with unknown actuator fault matrix. The sensor failures of actuator are considered by a variable, which is varying in a given interval. The conditions for the existence of proposed controller design are established in the form of linear matrix inequality (LMI), which can be easily solved via standard numerical software. Finally, numerical examples with simulation results are provided to illustrate the usefulness of control design and results are compared with existing results to show the less conservatism of the proposed theory.

Pseudospectral methods for continuous-time heterogeneous-agent models

We propose a pseudospectral method to solve heterogeneous-agent models in continuous time. The solution is approximated as a sum of smooth global basis functions, in our case polynomials represented by their values at Chebyshev nodes. We illustrate the method by applying it to a Krusell-Smith model. It solves the differential equations characterizing the steady-state efficiently and precisely, despite using only very few nodes. System dynamics are then automatically differentiated to simulate a linearized model. The full solution takes a third of a second and only uses standard software. A benchmark against finite differences shows that pseudospectral methods achieve far greater precision for a given number of nodes and for a given runtime. We conclude by discussing the methods' applicability, which is promising for smooth multi-dimensional models.

Prosthetic framework improvement using lattice structure: A comparative finite element study of a mandibular implant-supported prosthesis

Objectives:An alternative option was proposed regarding the prosthetic rehabilitation of a fully edentulous mandible using only four implants. The aim was to reduce the stiffness of the prosthetic framework. To that end, the alternative option consists of a prosthetic framework optimized with a porous structure. Mechanical differences were analyzed between non-prosthetic mandible and restored mandible either with a conventional bulk titanium framework or with this alternative option. The non-prosthetic mandible corresponds to the mandible in its natural state, without prosthesis. This will be considered as the reference for comparison with restored models (mandible with prosthesis). Methods:Three models are used: the first one is the non-prosthetic mandible, the second one is the restored mandible with conventional bulk titanium prosthetic framework, and the third one is the alternative option. Prosthetic framework was optimized with the use of a lattice structure. A numerical analysis was performed (with Abaqus Standard software®) to obtain the effective parameters corresponding to equivalent homogeneous behavior. In the 3 models, physiological boundary conditions were used, considering the activity of several muscles of the masticatory system during three main tasks of mastication (incisive clenching, maximum intercuspation and unilateral molar clenching). Results:Numerical simulations allowed to obtain mandibular global kinematics, local displacement at the bone–implant interface and the state of strain at the bone–implant interface, for each masticatory tasks. For this comparative study, the non-prosthetic mandible model was used as a reference to observe the benefits of using a lattice prosthetic framework compared to a conventional bulk titanium framework. Conclusion:Compared to conventional titanium framework, the lattice prosthetic one appeared to be more respectful of the natural mandible kinematics, given by the reference model. It also resulted in strain values within the physiological loading range.

Spatiospectral image processing workflow considerations for advanced MR spectroscopy of the brain.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is one of the few non-invasive imaging modalities capable of making neurochemical and metabolic measurements in vivo. Traditionally, the clinical utility of MRS has been narrow. The most common use has been the "single-voxel spectroscopy" variant to discern the presence of a lactate peak in the spectra in one location in the brain, typically to evaluate for ischemia in neonates. Thus, the reduction of rich spectral data to a binary variable has not classically necessitated much signal processing. However, scanners have become more powerful and MRS sequences more advanced, increasing data complexity and adding 2 to 3 spatial dimensions in addition to the spectral one. The result is a spatially- and spectrally-variant MRS image ripe for image processing innovation. Despite this potential, the logistics for robustly accessing and manipulating MRS data across different scanners, data formats, and software standards remain unclear. Thus, as research into MRS advances, there is a clear need to better characterize its image processing considerations to facilitate innovation from scientists and engineers. Building on established neuroimaging standards, we describe a framework for manipulating these images that generalizes to the voxel, spectral, and metabolite level across space and multiple imaging sites while integrating with LCModel, a widely used quantitative MRS peak-fitting platform. In doing so, we provide examples to demonstrate the advantages of such a workflow in relation to recent publications and with new data. Overall, we hope our characterizations will lower the barrier of entry to MRS processing for neuroimaging researchers.

Going beyond summed stress scores: Correlating global and territorial coronary flow reserve by single photon emission tomography with routine myocardial perfusion imaging

(a) BackgroundTechnological advancement in the recent years has enabled the application of single photon emission tomography (SPECT) to evaluate myocardial blood flow (MBF). This method offers increased sensitivity in the assessment of coronary health, quantifiable through non-invasive imaging beyond the more conventional methods such as with myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). (b) AimsTo correlate MBF, derived by dynamic SPECT, both global and by coronary territories to the summed stress scores (SSS) on conventional MPI. (c) MethodsImages obtained from dipyridamole-gated SPECT MPI stress and rest studies performed on recruited subjects were examined. We calculated the global and regional coronary flow reserve (CFR) via a standard software package, taken as the ratio of stress MBF to rest MBF, using CFR<2.5 as the cut off. (d) ResultsAmongst the 90 recruited subjects (mean age 67 ± 8 years; of which 76% were males), 49% had MPI within normal limits (summed stress score (SSS) 0–3; Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 50%). We observed a progressive reduction in global and regional CFR across the normal SSS category to that of severely abnormal (SSS >13). Reduced global CFR with correspondent lower CFR across the regional arteries were detected in scans within normal limits of MPI scans in subjects who were older (69 ± 7 vs. 62 ± 9 years, p = 0.034). Decreasing CFR was significantly associated with increasing age across the regional arteries. (e) ConclusionIn our study we depict the global and regional MBF values obtained via SPECT MPI in correlation to the respective SSS categories. Our data proposes that dynamic SPECT has a part in refining cardiac risk stratification, particularly in the older adult population, who are at greater risk.

Detecting and resolving feature envy through automated machine learning and move method refactoring

Efficiently identifying and resolving code smells enhances software project quality. This paper presents a novel solution, utilizing automated machine learning (AutoML) techniques, to detect code smells and apply move method refactoring. By evaluating code metrics before and after refactoring, we assessed its impact on coupling, complexity, and cohesion. Key contributions of this research include a unique dataset for code smell classification and the development of models using AutoGluon for optimal performance. Furthermore, the study identifies the top 20 influential features in classifying feature envy, a well-known code smell, stemming from excessive reliance on external classes. We also explored how move method refactoring addresses feature envy, revealing reduced coupling and complexity, and improved cohesion, ultimately enhancing code quality. In summary, this research offers an empirical, data-driven approach, integrating AutoML and move method refactoring to optimize software project quality. Insights gained shed light on the benefits of refactoring on code quality and the significance of specific features in detecting feature envy. Future research can expand to explore additional refactoring techniques and a broader range of code metrics, advancing software engineering practices and standards.

Optimisation of the composition of safe dental gel with IL-1β antagonist for the treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases

Aim. The study aims to develop the composition of the oromucosal gel with the IL-1β interleukin antagonist for complex treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases. Materials and methods. Experimental studies were conducted based on the Department of Medicines Technology of Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University and the Training Medical and Laboratory Center of Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. As an active component, in the recipe of oromucosal gel, used antagonist of the interleukin IL-1B. Excipients: D-panthenol (the plasticizer), carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (the viscosity modifier and mucoadhesive component), Tween-80 (the enhancer absorption), benzalkonium chloride (the preservative), sodium hydrophosphate + citric acid (the phosphate buffer solution), purified water. The experiments used existing and auxiliary ingredients of pharmaceutical purity, which were obtained from Sinbias LLC, Istok-Plus LLC, LLC “Mobile Medical”. For the design of the experiment, the methodology of the response surface (Box-Behnken Design) is used: Na CMC, Tween-80, D-panthenol; and four answers: pH, viscosity test, system type, mucoadhesive properties. Research methods: rheological research (viscosity test, amplitude test, frequency test, mucoadhesive test, thixotropy test) performed in oscillation mode on the modular compact Rheometer Anton Paar MCR 302 (CP50-1 SN71317), which, compared to cylindrical devices, requires a much smaller amount of gel sample and allows the planned tests in the oscillation mode, the temperature in the experiments was provided with a built-in thermostat (Peltier Temperature Control, C-PTD 200). Pharmaco-toxicological studies were conducted on 46 white outbred rats of both sexes, weighing 160–180 grams, which were received from Vivarium by the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology. The studies were performed on enough animals, all manipulations were carried out by the provisions on the use of animals in biomedical experiments. The results of the study were calculated using the standard statistical package of the Statistica for Windows 13 (StatSoft Inc., No. JPZ804I382130ARCN10-J), as well as SPSS 16.0, Microsoft Office Excel 2003. Results. According to the design of the experiment, it is established that the components of the system do not change the value of pH in experimental oromucosal gels (6.5500 ± 0.0334). The Anova for Quadratic Model statistical analysis data certify the significant impact of Na CMC, and Tween-80 factors on the viscous characteristics of oromucosal gels (F-value &gt; p-value). Comparison of mucoadhesive characteristics of the studied samples of oromucosal gels was made using dynamic mechanical analysis and the results of statistical analysis of ANOVA for Quadratic Model highlight the significant influence of Na CMC, D-panthenol, Tween-80. Optimized oromucosal gel test data is obtained that its structure is restored after the applied effort, namely the restoration of the structure after 10 seconds occurs by 69.5 %, after 30 s by 76.1 %, after 180 s by 85.4 %, after 180 s which allows to predict the stability of the dosage form, both after manufacture and after use. Conclusions. The composition of the oromucosal gel of anti-inflammatory action with the IL-1β interleukin antagonist for the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of periodontal is developed. The optimized composition of the oromucosal gel obtained has satisfactory performance of kinetic stability and thixotropic properties. The developed gel for dentistry meets all the requirements for harmlessness and safety for dosage forms of this group toxicity, lack of local irritant and allergic action.

The impact of container call size - evidence from simulation modelling

We present an analysis of the impact of large container ship call sizes on the operational efficiency of container terminals as well as on hinterland modes of transport. We use standard container terminal simulation software, that can represent a realistic terminal operation. We include dynamic crane productivity, arrival time uncertainty, and deepsea vessel prioritisation in our model.Our experiments investigate the impact of introducing larger call sizes of container ships, increasing the uncertainty in arrival times of deepsea ships, and the impact of the phenomenon of split calls that are employed by the largest container ships in certain regions in the world. We differentiate between the impact on terminal operations, land-based hinterland traffic, and hinterland traffic over water, through barges and feeder vessels.Our results show that introducing large ships with large container call sizes comes with benefits and drawbacks. Benefits can be found in planning advantages for both the deepsea ships and barges and feeders handled in the terminal. Drawbacks occur as a result of operational peaks in subsystems such as the quay cranes, the stack and the land side gates. Higher uncertainty deteriorates the performance of the terminal, but the impact on the hinterland modes of transport is greater than on the large deepsea vessels. The impact of the split call is that it brings all the disadvantages of large vessels, but none of the benefits.Our analysis shows the operational impact of large call sizes on terminal operations and hinterland transport operations, based on container terminal simulations with a higher degree of realism than previous work. In addition, we offer, for the first time, insights in the impact of split calls of container ships at container terminals.

Analysis of Sinus Variability in a Group of Cameroonian Athletes.

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a useful method for assessing the heart's ability to adapt to endogenous and exogenous loads. Data from African population on HRV are scarce and even more so in sports populations. This study aimed to compare cardiac autonomic modulation response in Cameroonian athletes and sedentary. Methodology. We conducted a prospective and analytical study in sports teams in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon. The participants in our study were divided in three groups; people who practiced little or no sporting activity (sedentary as group 1) or who were regularly physically active as part of a sports team (footballers or handballers as second and third groups). They had to be aged 18 or over and have given their informed consent. Heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded at rest for ten minutes and then transferred to a computer equipped with Kubios HRV Standard software for analysis. Means ± mean standard errors were compared using the one-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey's post-test. The significance threshold was set at 0.05. Of the 60 people selected to participate to our study, 75.0% were sportsmen (40.0% handball players and 35.0% footballers). The resting HR of sedentary people was higher (p < 0.001) than that of footballers and handball players. The SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50 of sedentary people (16.22 ± 1.04; 9.97 ± 0.46; and 0.16 ± 0.06) were lower than those of footballers (30.13 ± 2.93; 20.61 ± 2.46; and 2.99 ± 0.63, with p < 0.001) and handball players (29.00 ± 1.86; 16.44 ± 1.16; and 2.15 ± 0.38, with p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 respectively). Absolute and relative very-low-frequency (VLF) power, absolute low and high-frequency (LF and HF) power, as well as total power (TP) were lower in sedentary people (3.66 ± 0.08 and 16.21 ± 0.64; 5.04 ± 0.15 and 2.50 ± 0.16 and 246.40 ± 18.04) compared to footballers (5.09 ± 0.24 and 26.87 ± 1.76; 5.85 ± 0.32 and 3.92 ± 0.22 and 836.10 ± 103.70, with p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001) and handball players (4.86 ± 0.16 and 30.82 ± 2.67; 6.03 ± 0.19 and 3.46 ± 0.16 and 927.30 ± 94.12, with p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). The LF/HF ratio was 12.1% and 20.1% lower in sedentary people (7.55 ± 0.58) compared with footballers (8.46 ± 0.50) and handball players (9.07 ± 0.60), respectively. Sportsmen showed greater parasympathetic and global modulation when compared to sedentary people.