Standard System Research Articles

Detailed Images of Deep Brain Stimulation Leads Using Micro-CT

Introduction: One of the challenges in directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) is to determine the orientation of implanted electrodes relative to targeted regions. Post-operative images must be aligned with a model of the implanted lead, usually a computer-based model provided by the manufacturer. This paper shows that models can alternatively be obtained by capturing images of individual leads using micro-CT, a high-resolution CT technique. Contrary to computer-aided design models, lead models generated this way provide realistic X-ray contrast and finer details. Methods: We scanned DBS leads from various vendors using a Bruker SkyScan 1276 micro-CT system. To reduce beam-hardening artefacts, samples were scanned at maximum X-ray tube voltage (100 kV) and with copper filtering. Images were made publicly available for download and 3D visualisation. Conclusion: Detailed images of single DBS leads can be generated using standard micro-CT systems. Their use as reference models could improve lead orientation algorithms, in particular those dedicated to X-ray modalities. Furthermore, the possibility to share models online could broaden access for clinical research.

A Matching Policy to Address ESG and Non-ESG Risks Impacted by a Relocation Policy in China’s Chemical Industry

China’s chemical industry has faced severe environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, such as high safety and environmental accidents and risks. To address these issues and promote industrial upgrading, China’s central government has issued a national relocation and improvement policy targeting its chemical industry. However, its countrywide policy implementation may also lead to other ESG risks during the relocation of chemical enterprises, namely industrial transfer. The typical ESG risks that appear to occur in developed eastern region provinces include a one-size-fits-all solution and unemployment, while less developed central and western region provinces may encounter pollution transfer, carbon leakage, environmental injustice, and health disparities. These ESG risks might overlap with other economic and financial (non-ESG) risks, like stranded assets, industry hollowing-out, and debt sustainability issue. These ESG and non-ESG risks could result from potential mismatches between chemical enterprises and chemical parks, categorized as mismatching errors explained by social-ecological systems, behavioral economics, and information economics. To better manage these risks, we propose an ESG matching policy comprising a national standardized ESG scoring and ranking system, a deferred acceptance mechanism, and a score announcement instrument. Such a policy innovation aims at achieving fair and efficient chemical enterprise–chemical park pairs, which would help manage both ESG and non-ESG risks and provide a just transition toolkit for China and other developing countries.

‘Converting’ Knowledge, Culture and Themselves

Abstract In this paper, I propose a new model of how the Mongol empire connected the various systems used by the subject peoples under their control. I contrast this to modern empires, which used a system of direct standardisation, so that one calendar, one currency, one system of measures, one way of doing history, often even one language (at least for most public purposes) and so on, was imposed on the entire empire. In the Mongol Empire, while a single system was not imposed, new methods of ‘conversion’ – or perhaps we could say ‘conversion formulae’ – appeared, by which disparate cultural practices of the conquered peoples were maintained, but rendered easily ‘convertible’ to each other, using tables and cognate methods. I discus this ‘conversion’ empire – as opposed to the modern ‘integration’ empire – in the fields of the calendar, language, money and historiography.

Promotion of a quality standard for Scutellariae radix based on the anti-inflammatory efficacy-oriented quality marker of the effect-constituent index.

The quality control of herbal medicines is key to their clinical efficacy. The multi-component and multi-effect characteristics of herbal medicines have prompted scholars to clarify various factors related to quality evaluation through various methods. Nevertheless, the relationship between chemical properties and their associated clinical efficacy is little reflected in the quality control techniques currently in use. To address the issue, a novel herbal quality standard system based on the efficacy-oriented Q-marker of the effect-constituent index (ECI) is promoted in this study, using Scutellariae Radix (SR), a widely used herbal medicine with anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-viral and other therapeutic effects, as a case study. Combined with chromatographic analysis and bioassay, four Q-markers including baicalin, baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A were selected based on the anti-inflammatory efficacy of SR. The ECI model of SR was constructed by combining the content determination of the Q-markers via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) with the corresponding biological potency obtained from the anti-inflammatory effects on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production. Correlation analysis showed that the ECI was significantly correlated with the measured anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.01). The ECI exhibited a good ability to determine and predict the bioeffect-based quality grade for SR. Overall, the construction and application of the ECI for SR in this study provides a beneficial reference for quality evaluation methods of other herbs with distinct effects and active ingredients.

A Review on Nano Enabled Controlled Release Fertilizers and their Nutrient Release Mechanisms

The imbalance in nutrient release from conventional fertilizers and plant nutrient uptake leads to a surplus accumulation of nutrients in the soil. A key approach to tackle this issue involves the engineering of nano-enabled fertilizers for the controlled release of nutrients to crops. In this context, it is important to understand the strategies for designing and utilizing nano-enabled fertilizers that can effectively regulate nutrient release and enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This review focuses on nano-structured materials that serve as nutrient carriers: nano-clays, hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, carbon-based nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, and other nanomaterials. In addition, the nutrient release mechanisms in controlled release fertilizers (CRFs)/slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) are discussed. The discussion and perspectives presented emphasizes the need for standardized and comprehensive fertilizer evaluation systems, design of multifunctional nanomaterials, and the creation of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers to improve NUE.

Consensus of experts on clinical quality management for flow cytometry-based detection of lymphocyte subsets

Flow cytometry (FCM) is used to detect lymphocyte subsets and evaluate the level of cellular immunity in the body, which is one of the commonly used FCM detection projects in clinical practice. To date, numerous institutions and academic organizations, both domestically and internationally, have published guidelines and consensus documents covering various aspects, including the establishment of cytometry laboratories, standardized procedures for detecting lymphocyte subsets, and their clinical applications across different fields, each with a distinct focus. However, in clinical practice, laboratories continue to face challenges in establishing standardized quality management systems, implementing quality assurance activities, developing appropriate detection protocols and gating strategies for various scenarios, and identifying and resolving common issues encountered during detecting. Currently, there is no unified consensus on these issues. To standardize the development of quality management systems for lymphocyte subsets detecion via FCM, enhance laboratory quality management practices, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of results, the Laboratory Medicine Committee of Chinese Association of Integrative Medicine (LMC-CAIM) convened experts to formulate this expert consensus.

A comprehensive simultaneous allocation algorithm of charging stations and vehicle to grid operation in radial networks

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) helps improve air quality by minimizing pollutants and promoting sustainable transportation practices. The integration of a substantial fleet of EVs leads to an increase in the installation of charging stations. The unplanned allocation of these loads impacts the distribution systems, such as increasing power loss. This paper introduces an algorithm that proposes an optimal allocation strategy for charging stations (CSs) in a distribution system. The allocation process aims to minimize the total apparent energy losses and ensure that the system voltage profile remains within limits. Load profile, charging and discharging profiles of CSs are considered. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) mode is one of the merits of integrating EVs in the grid, so this feature has been used to maintain system voltage stability and minimize energy loss. Power rating and locations of V2G mode are optimally determined to guarantee power quality indices. A hybrid algorithm of genetic algorithm (GA) and Self-Adaptive Multi-Population Elitist JAYA (SAMPE-JAYA) is developed to simultaneously allocate CSs and V2G in the systems. The proposed algorithm is verified on standard systems, IEEE 33, and 69-bus systems. The proposed algorithm is verified on standard IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus systems. V2G integration with CSs results in a reduction of energy losses by 6.33% and 22.25%, respectively, and voltage deviation improvements to 7.61% and 7.88% for the two systems.

Is anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve necessary for post-traumatic elbow stiffness? A retrospective study

ObjectiveTo explore whether anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is necessary in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness.MethodThis was a retrospective study of 177 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness treated at Shandong Provincial Hospital from 1 January 2012 to 31 October 2022. Sixty-one patients presented with ulnar nerve symptoms, and 116 patients had no nerve symptoms. Outcomes between patients with and without symptoms were compared using a range of clinical measures, namely range of motion (ROM), ulnar nerve symptoms, and various standardized scoring systems, namely, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), visual analog scale (VAS), improved Broberg and Morrey Score (BMS), Quick disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Amadio score.ResultsOpen elbow release surgery significantly improved elbow joint function in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness, regardless of the presence of ulnar nerve symptoms. Patients with ulnar nerve symptoms showed significant improvement after anterior transposition compared with in situ release. For patients without ulnar nerve symptoms, there was no significant difference in outcomes between the two types of ulnar nerve surgery.ConclusionAnterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is preferable for patients with ulnar nerve symptoms, while the choice between anterior transposition and in situ release can be individualized for patients without symptoms, based on intraoperative findings.

Study of the biochemical status of calves in the early postnatal period in connection with dyspepsia

Purpose: to study changes in the most important metabolic parameters in case of dyspepsia in calves.Materials and methods. Two groups of calves of 8 heads each, aged from 6 to 14 days, were formed. The first group included calves with signs of dyspepsia, who, in addition to diarrhea syndrome, had decreased appetite, weakness, and signs of abdominal pain. At the time of the study, the duration of the illness was 2-4 days. The second (control) group included clinically healthy animals of the same age. Blood was taken from the calves from the jugular vein in the morning before feeding. Blood serum was examined in a clinical biochemical laboratory using standard test systems to determine biochemical parameters.Results. In calves with dyspepsia, a significant decrease in the concentration of triglycerides by 1,8 times, cholesterol by 1,57 times, total protein by 5,5 % and albumin by 12,3 % was revealed. They also revealed a significant increase in the activity of transamination enzymes — ALT (2,6 times) and AST (1,6 times), which may indicate both damage to hepatocytes and the induction of enzymes to accelerate transamination reactions in order to meet energy needs calf body. The studies did not reveal significant changes in the concentrations of urea, creatinine and bilirubin.Conclusion. Studies have revealed metabolic changes that occur due to decreased absorption of nutrients in the intestines. Damage to the intestinal mucosa leads not only to a deterioration in the absorption of nutrients, but also to the penetration of proteins, primarily albumins, into the intestinal lumen and their removal from the body into the external environment. Redistribution of metabolic pathways to ensure homeostasis plays an adaptive role, but subsequently can have a negative role in the processes of growth and development of the calf’s body.

Disentangling the Roles of Distinct Cell Classes with Cell-Type Dynamical Systems.

Latent dynamical systems have been widely used to characterize the dynamics of neural population activity in the brain. However, these models typically ignore the fact that the brain contains multiple cell types. This limits their ability to capture the functional roles of distinct cell classes, and to predict the effects of cell-specific perturbations on neural activity or behavior. To overcome these limitations, we introduce the "cell-type dynamical systems" (CTDS) model. This model extends latent linear dynamical systems to contain distinct latent variables for each cell class, with biologically inspired constraints on both dynamics and emissions. To illustrate our approach, we consider neural recordings with distinct excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) populations. The CTDS model defines separate latents for both cell types, and constrains the dynamics so that E (I) latents have a strictly positive (negative) effects on other latents. We applied CTDS to recordings from rat frontal orienting fields (FOF) and anterior dorsal striatum (ADS) during an auditory decision-making task. The model achieved higher accuracy than a standard linear dynamical system (LDS), and revealed that the animal's choice can be decoded from both E and I latents and thus is not restricted to a single cell-class. We also performed in-silico optogenetic perturbation experiments in the FOF and ADS, and found that CTDS was able to replicate the experimentally observed effects of different perturbations on behavior, whereas a standard LDS model-which does not differentiate between cell types-did not. Crucially, our model allowed us to understand the effects of these perturbations by revealing the dynamics of different cell-specific latents. Finally, CTDS can also be used to identify cell types for neurons whose class labels are unknown in electrophysiological recordings. These results illustrate the power of the CTDS model to provide more accurate and more biologically interpretable descriptions of neural population dynamics and their relationship to behavior.

Walrus Pipes and Waving Panpipes

Musical instruments play a fundamental role in speculative music creations. Standing at the intersection of various fields, they embody concepts, meanings, symbols and musical consonances that are specific to each and every culture. In the present age, mass-produced Western instruments are primarily made for musical geniuses in service of virtuosity, while they all sound the consonances of a single standardized tuning system. In contrast, the 3D printed wind instrument project presented here aims to be a counterpoint to these instruments. They are simple, custom-made new instruments that work together as an ensemble, in service of communal playing. For this reason, they can be used for diverse musical purposes: they are open, nonauthoritative, and as embodiments of new meanings and uncommon consonances, they might as well be agents and representatives of speculative music worlds. This article reveals the complete design process of two 3D printed wind instrument ensembles developed throughout the project: the Walrus Pipes and the Waving Panpipes.

Patent ductus arteriosus with pulmonary endarteritis leading to pulmonary infarction in a 9-year-old boy: a case report

Abstract Background: Pulmonary endarteritis secondary to Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can present even in silent PDAs. Pulmonary endarteritis is treated with prolonged duration of antibiotics followed by PDA closure. It can also cause septic pulmonary emboli requiring critical care if multi-organ dysfunction ensues. Case presentation: A 9-year-old boy had high grade fever for one week and few nonspecific complaints. Echocardiogram showed PDA with infective endarteritis. Child was admitted with IV antibiotics. CECT chest done for resurgence of fever and need for increased oxygen demand showed multiple septic pulmonary emboli with pulmonary infarction. Surgical closure of PDA prevented further clinical deterioration. Conclusion: This case highlights the poor medical scenario of rural communities of Nepal. Such life- threatening complication can be prevented by timely recognition of the condition which is only possible by implementation of standard, accessible and affordable health care system across the country.

Estimate of Fire Safety Management in Residential Buildings: A Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Approach

The devastating consequences of fire incidents have brought global attention to the need for a thorough understanding of the factors responsible for this menace in order to provide a lasting solution. Poor fire safety management in buildings contributes to our societies’ increasing susceptibility to fire disasters. Nigeria, like every other nation in the world, has experienced a number of fire incidents over the years, most of them occurring in residential buildings. Thus, the study aimed to estimate fire safety management in buildings that provide accommodation and sleeping facilities for individuals and/or households, such as apartments, hotels, and hostels, which are referred to as residential buildings. The study was conducted to fill the gaps in the existing literature and provide relevant policy recommendations to address the challenges in fire safety management. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. Primary data were collected from a random selection of one hundred and eighty respondents, including one hundred and twenty (120) building occupants, twelve (12) hostellers, and forty-eight (48) hoteliers, using a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to analyze the dataset collected. The study’s findings indicate that fire safety awareness, households/management commitment to fire safety policies and standards, and fire safety practices have significant positive impacts on fire safety management in residential buildings. Conversely, the cause of fire incidents has a significant negative impact on fire safety management in residential buildings, with P-values less than 0.05 under the regression weights. Additionally, the study revealed that the majority of fire incidents in residential buildings stem from human carelessness, errors, poor human behaviors, and malfunctioning mechanical and electrical equipment. Furthermore, the study showed that achieving fire safety management objectives in residential buildings requires a greater awareness of fire safety, a commitment to fire safety policies and standards, and the implementation of fire safety practices among residents, hoteliers, and hostellers. The study thus recommends that residents, hostellers, and hoteliers should adopt a positive attitude towards fire safety management; prioritize fire safety training, fire risk assessment, and routine maintenance of fire safety equipment; ensure the use of surge protectors for electrical equipment; and establish a well-planned and organized emergency action plan and evacuation procedure, complete with proper documentation, to create a standardized system for preventing, mitigating, preparing for, and responding to fire emergencies. Similarly, the fire service should intensify public enlightenment on fire safety management with strict enforcement of fire safety policies and standards to ensure uncompromised fire safety practices and effective fire safety management in buildings.

Resolution of Non-Diabetic Intractable Wounds with Severe Comorbidities Using Autologous Micrografts

The wound healing process is a complex mechanism related to many factors, such as the patient’s comorbidity, blood flow, and nutritional status. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate patients affected by various disease states and treated with Rigenera® technology, a standardized micrograft preparation system. A total of 8 patients were treated with a suspension of autologous micrografts obtained from mechanical disaggregation of small pieces of skin tissue. The micrografts suspension was applied alone to the wound or in combination with porcine collagen scaffolds directly onto the wound as described in the text. Across all cases, there was marked improvement in wound healing, with a mean healing time of 103 days and a reduction of the diameter of the wounds by 54%. Notably, the use of micrografts resulted in an overall higher quality of life for the patients. This simple and low-cost micrografting procedure that can promote wound healing of different kinds of chronic non-healing wounds and does not require postoperative rest.

Development of a standard classification system for climate crisis adaptation information: Part-Ⅱ. Configurations and efficiency

Development of a standard classification system for climate crisis adaptation information: Part-Ⅱ. Configurations and efficiency

Molecular and Clinicopathologic Characterization of HER2-overexpressed Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix.

HER2 amplification in cervical cancer has been associated with worse clinical prognosis and a potential favorable response to HER2 inhibitors. Immunohistochemistry for the HER2 receptor is a universally accepted surrogate test for HER2 amplification, but no standardized scoring system currently exists for cervical carcinomas. In this study, we investigated HER2 overexpression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and correlated it with HER2 amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular methods. Seventy-two cases of human papillomavirus-associated cervical cancer were retrospectively reviewed, and at least 2 representative tumor sections were stained for HER2. HER2 scoring was performed using the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologist breast cancer criteria, and cases with equivocal (2+) to positive (3+) expression were analyzed for HER2 amplification using FISH and next-generation sequencing. The average patient age was 50yrs (range: 27-85yr), with most patients being African American (73.6%) and diagnosed at FIGO stage I (65.3%). Nineteen (26.4%) had equivocal HER2 expression and 4 (5.5%) showed positive expression. Three of the 4 cases with positive expression had enough tumors for FISH, and all 3 were amplified. Three cases with equivocal expression showed HER2 polysomy on FISH, and none showed HER2 amplification. Late clinical stage, high tumor grade, and regional lymph node metastasis were significantly correlated with HER2 overexpression and HER2 amplification. Next-generation sequencing of the 3 HER2-amplified tumors showed amplification of various genes, including CD274, JAK2, BIRC3, and ERBB2, and a PIK3CA missense mutation. In summary, HER2 immunohistochemistry is a reliable predictive marker of HER2 amplification in cervical cancer.

Enhancing Underwater SLAM Navigation and Perception: A Comprehensive Review of Deep Learning Integration.

Underwater simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is essential for effectively navigating and mapping underwater environments; however, traditional SLAM systems have limitations due to restricted vision and the constantly changing conditions of the underwater environment. This study thoroughly examined the underwater SLAM technology, particularly emphasizing the incorporation of deep learning methods to improve performance. We analyzed the advancements made in underwater SLAM algorithms. We explored the principles behind SLAM and deep learning techniques, examining how these methods tackle the specific difficulties encountered in underwater environments. The main contributions of this work are a thorough assessment of the research into the use of deep learning in underwater image processing and perception and a comparison study of standard and deep learning-based SLAM systems. This paper emphasizes specific deep learning techniques, including generative adversarial networks (GANs), convolutional neural networks (CNNs), long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, and other advanced methods to enhance feature extraction, data fusion, scene understanding, etc. This study highlights the potential of deep learning in overcoming the constraints of traditional underwater SLAM methods, providing fresh opportunities for exploration and industrial use.

Cyber Security of Smart-Grid Frequency Control: A Review and Vulnerability Assessment Framework

Smart grid involves application of information and communication technology (ICT) for monitoring, protection, operation and control of interconnected power systems under various scenarios. Smart grid control (SGC) is an important aspect that is constantly subjected to various vulnerabilities, threats and attacks under central and distributed control architectures. Cybersecurity of SGC, especially, load frequency control (LFC), is an important issue that is addressed in this article. The state-of-the-art in cybersecurity and attacks on SGC and intensive literature review is discussed with a comprehensive list of references on LFC. The authors present a part of their own work carried out on a systematic vulnerability assessment (VA) framework that can be used to identify weak points in the LFC system. The proposed methodology is explained for VA of the standard 39-bus New England test system and the 96-bus reliability test system (RTS) to illustrate the concept of cybersecurity and VA of smart grid LFC.

Ontology and Bruxism: Do We Have Enough Information?

The idea of classifying and defining bruxism according to ontological principles may be interesting, but currently we just do not have enough information to label in a black or white manner the many facets of bruxism. In an era in which general knowledge on bruxism by the dental communities is surely in need of improvement, efforts to clarify the road map tracked by the current panelists who drafted the definition should be appraised carefully. The recent introduction of a standardized multidimensional evaluation system (i.e., Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism [STAB]) and a screening instrument for bruxism (i.e., BruxScreen) should be viewed as the starting points to enter a new era in the discipline of bruxism, in which non-hierarchical and non-preconceived approaches are used to collect data. Artificial intelligence strategies to mine data gathered with the above instruments might help building predictive models along the etiology-status-consequences trajectory, as recently suggested in a model for awake bruxism metrics. Until then, proposals to adopt ontological principles to classify bruxism will be merely based on speculations rather than on facts.

A Research Study on Effective Growth of Franchise Business Model in Cafe &amp; Restaurant Sector in Ahemdabad City

The growth of the franchise business model in the café and restaurant sector in Ahmedabad is examined in this study, with a focus on franchisee perceptions across different age groups. Data from 172 franchisees were analyzed using a quantitative approach to test ten alternate hypotheses related to operational aspects such as training adequacy, brand recognition, and market competition. The results revealed consistent perceptions among franchisees, with no significant differences across age demographics. Specifically, franchisees uniformly accepted perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the franchise model, adequacy of support, and the influence of brand recognition, indicating a strong alignment in understanding the model's benefits. However, the findings also emphasized significant competition from local independent cafés, highlighting the need for strategic adaptations. The study's practical implications suggest that franchisors should prioritize standardized training and support systems, improve marketing strategies, and cultivate strong franchisee-franchisor relationships to drive growth. The research underscores the importance of addressing competitive dynamics and continuously improving support systems. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal impacts, diverse demographic influences, and the integration of digital transformation within franchise operations. This study provides valuable insights into franchise effectiveness, offering guidance for practitioners seeking to optimize franchise performance in the café and restaurant sector