Technical Review Research Articles

Left Transradial Access Using a Radial-Specific Neurointerventional Guiding Sheath for Coil Embolization of Anterior Circulation Aneurysm Associated With the Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: Technical Note and Literature Review

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare condition, but the most common anomaly of the aortic arch. Although neurointerventions via transradial access (TRA) are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, transradial carotid cannulation has been extremely challenging in patients with an ARSA. Herein, we present a case of ARSA-associated anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm that was successfully treated with a radial-specific 6F Simmons guiding sheath via left TRA. We also review the relevant literature. A 68-year-old-woman who was diagnosed as having an ARSA-associated ACoA aneurysm underwent simple coiling via left TRA. After the 6F Simmons guiding sheath was engaged into the right common carotid artery using the pull-back-technique, transradial quadraxial system (6F Simmons guiding sheath/6F intermediate catheter/3.2F intermediate catheter/coil-delivery microcatheter) was implemented. Simple coiling of the aneurysm was successfully achieved without catheter kinking or system instability. The postprocedural course was uneventful. A follow-up magnetic resonance angiography showed no evidence of recanalization 1 years 9 months after the procedure. Transradial anterior circulation intervention has been rarely used for patients with an ARSA due to unfavorable catheter trajectory. Left TRA using the 6F Simmons guiding sheath is a useful treatment option to address anterior circulation interventions for patients with an ARSA. Preoperative diagnosis of ARSA is necessary for the application of our method.

Computed Tomography Perfusion for the Diagnosis of Brain Death: A Technical Review.

Timely diagnosis of brain death (BD) is critical as it prevents unethical and futile continuation of support of vital organ functions when the patient has passed. Furthermore, it helps with avoiding the unnecessary use of resources and provides early opportunity for precious organ donation. The diagnosis of BD is mainly based on careful neurological assessment of patients with an established underlying diagnosis of neurological catastrophe capable of causing BD.Ancillary testing, however, is tremendously helpful in situations when the presence of confounders prevents or delays comprehensive neurological assessment. Traditionally, four-vessel digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography have been used for blood flow (BF) examinations of the brain. The lack of BF in the intracranial arteries constitutes conclusive evidence that the brain is dead. However, there is an apparent discrepancy between the BF and sufficient cerebral perfusion; several studies have shown that in 15% of patients with confirmed clinical diagnosis of BD, BF is still preserved. In these patients, cerebral perfusion is significantly impaired. Hence, measurement of cerebral perfusion rather than BF will provide a more precise assessment of the brain function.In this review article, we discuss a brief history of BD, our understanding of its complex pathophysiology, current Canadian guidelines for the clinical diagnosis of BD, and the ancillary tests-specifically CT perfusion of the brain that help us with the prompt and timely diagnosis of BD.

Combined Endovascular Antegrade and Direct Retrograde Carotid Artery Stenting for Chronic and Long Segment Common Carotid Artery Occlusion: Technical Note and Review of Literature.

Common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion (CCAO) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke and bypass surgery is the common treatment approach. However, safer alternatives should be developed to treat CCAO. A 68-year-old male was diagnosed with left-sided CCAO with decreased left visual acuity due to neck radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. Recanalization therapy using a pull-through technique was initiated because cerebral blood flow progressively decreased during the follow-up period. First, after a short sheath was inserted into the CCA, the occluded CCA was retrogradely penetrated through the sheath. Second, a micro-guidewire was guided to the aorta from the femoral sheath where it was caught using a snare wire guided from the cervical sheath. Subsequently, the micro-guidewire was gently pulled out from the cervical sheath, penetrated the occluded lesion, and was secured to the femoral and cervical sheaths. Finally, the occluded lesion was dilated using a balloon, and the stent was placed. Five days postprocedure, the patient was discharged uneventfully and exhibited improved left visual acuity. In terms of reliable penetration of obstructive lesions and reduction of embolic and hemorrhagic complications, combined endovascular antegrade and direct retrograde carotid artery stenting is a versatile and minimally invasive treatment option for CCAO.

Technical Review and Survey of Future Trends of Power Converters for Fast-Charging Stations of Electric Vehicles

The development and implementation of electric vehicles have significantly increased and are profoundly reshaping the automotive sector. However, long charging times, limited driving range, and difficulties as to suitable charger converter design are the main limitations of the adoption of EV technology. DC fast-chargers offer the best solution for mitigating the charging time problems of EVs. This paper provides an extensive review of the status of the technical development of fast-charging infrastructure architectures and standards, and a classification of fast-charging methods. Key power electronic converter topologies for fast-charging systems, with their advantages and comparisons, are also addressed.

Technical, Economic, and Environmental Review of Waste to Energy Technologies from Municipal Solid Waste

Global municipal solid waste production and electricity demand gradually increased as a result of urbanization, population increase, and economic growth. The appropriate selection of Waste to energy (WTE) technologies needs consideration of energy efficiency, financial, and environmental aspects. This article discusses the technical, financial, and environmental side of existing WTE technologies. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies include thermal, physical, biochemical, and bio-electrochemical technology. Pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration are thermal technology used to generate energy from waste in the form of heat and syn-gas. Anaerobic digestion and landfill are biochemical technology to to generate energy from waste in the form of biogas. Physical technology is used to to generate energy from waste in the form of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Microbial fuel cells (MFC) and microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) are the most recent WTE technology that produces electricity and hydrogen fuel. The results of the assessment of existing technology show that anaerobic digestion and landfill are low-cost WTE technology but have a low potential for energy generation. Plasma gasification is WTE technology with a high potential for energy generation, cold gas efficiency (CGE), carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), and H2/CO ratio, low CO2 emissions, and high operating costs. MEC has a high H2-potential for energy generation, low CO2 emissions, and the highest capital cost. Incineration is a common conversion technology with a low potential for energy generation, high CO2 emissions, and high capital costs. The selection of WTE technologies is influenced by technical, economic, and environmental factors.

Surgical Management of Meningiomas Involving the Torcula, Transverse Sinus, and Jugular Bulb: A Technical Note and Review of the Literature.

Meningiomas that invade the confluens sinuum are rare and require extensive preoperative planning. Here, we describe the surgical and radio-oncological management of an aggressive large occipital meningioma invading the superior sagittal sinus, torcula, right and left transverse sinus down to the level of the jugular bulb in a 21-year-old female patient. Details of the surgical approach are presented to highlight the planned staged resection of this tumor at the level of the torcula to initially debulk the lesion while preserving venous outflow through the patent's sinus. Once the tumor fully occluded the confluens, a second-stage en bloc resection ensued. Postsurgical adjuvant radiation therapy was delivered via fractionated external beam therapy which has provided local control of the tumor since. This case is being discussed in the context of the pertinent literature to demonstrate the highly complex interdisciplinary and staged management of partially intravascular meningiomas involving the major venous sinuses.

Recent Advances of Brillouin Optical Correlation-Domain Analysis for Enhanced Sensing Accuracy

Optical fiber sensors based on Brillouin scattering were first introduced over three decades ago, and various types of distributed sensing schemes have been developed. The Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA), first proposed in 2000, is a quasi-distributed Brillouin sensor which supports arbitrary access to a sensing position by the frequency modulation of a continuous-wave light source. Compared to time-domain distributed sensors, the BOCDA is more suitable for the measurement requiring a high spatial resolution or high sampling rate in a relatively short sensing distance. In this paper, we present technical reviews on recent technologies that can be applied to improve the sensing accuracy of a BOCDA system, such as differential measurement, injection-locking, and orthogonally polarized probe sidebands.

A Review of Optimization Technologies for Large-Scale Wind Farm Planning With Practical and Prospective Concerns

Wind energy utilization is essential for realizing global energy transformation. To capture steady and powerful wind resources, wind turbines tend to be more remotely located with increasingly larger scales. This requires more sophisticated wind farm (WF) planning techniques to increase power production, reduce investment cost, and enhance power supply reliability, or pursue a balance among them. This paper establishes a research framework for large-scale WF planning, with a technical review of the optimization methodologies involved, aiming to provide an updated, broader, and forward-looking vision for WF planners. Beyond the state-of-the-art summary of WF planning in the realm of wind turbines' micro-siting and collector system design techniques, the related considerations on various practical factors are also well assessed including reliability, equipment rating, environment, and landscape. Further, viewing WF as an integrated system with scale expansion, the new research areas including WF joint-planning and re-development are explored and discussed to provide strong technical references for the foreseeable future.

Is Reviewing Valuations a Tool for Curtailment of Professional Opinions?: A Perspective of a Reviewer Based on Valuations for Secured Lending Purpose

This paper delves into the pivotal role of valuation reviews in mortgage lending, dispelling misconceptions prevalent among private practice valuers. Drawing on the International Valuation Standards Framework, the study emphasizes the importance of qualified and ethical valuers in producing credible reports. Leveraging the author's extensive experience in the state sector and as a valuation reviewer for leading banks, the paper provides insights into fourfold review techniques—Administrative (Compliance) Review, Desk Review, Field Review, and Technical Review. These techniques ensure the accuracy, appropriateness, and adherence to Generally Accepted Valuation Principles, as per International Valuation Standards. In addition, the paper explores the technical background of mortgage valuations, highlighting nine key principles followed by valuers and examining Sri Lanka Valuation Standard-07. This paper also includes ten compelling case studies, covering diverse scenarios such as legal principles, wasting assets, building limits, accuracy of calculations, and valuation challenges associated with cattle farms and apartment buildings under construction. The paper reinforces the crucial role of valuation reviews in maintaining the integrity of mortgage valuations and the inclusion of ten case studies adds practical insights, covering a spectrum of scenarios and reinforcing the argument for adherence to regulatory standards and client requirements.

Unlocking Neural Function with 3D In Vitro Models: A Technical Review of Self-Assembled, Guided, and Bioprinted Brain Organoids and Their Applications in the Study of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Understanding the complexities of the human brain and its associated disorders poses a significant challenge in neuroscience. Traditional research methods have limitations in replicating its intricacies, necessitating the development of in vitro models that can simulate its structure and function. Three-dimensional in vitro models, including organoids, cerebral organoids, bioprinted brain models, and functionalized brain organoids, offer promising platforms for studying human brain development, physiology, and disease. These models accurately replicate key aspects of human brain anatomy, gene expression, and cellular behavior, enabling drug discovery and toxicology studies while providing insights into human-specific phenomena not easily studied in animal models. The use of human-induced pluripotent stem cells has revolutionized the generation of 3D brain structures, with various techniques developed to generate specific brain regions. These advancements facilitate the study of brain structure development and function, overcoming previous limitations due to the scarcity of human brain samples. This technical review provides an overview of current 3D in vitro models of the human cortex, their development, characterization, and limitations, and explores the state of the art and future directions in the field, with a specific focus on their applications in studying neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Evolving National Security: A Roadmap from Present to Future in Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Policies (A Technical Review)

Evolving National Security: A Roadmap from Present to Future in Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Policies (A Technical Review)

A State-of-The-Art Technical Review on Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment Plant

This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The outdated and ineffective performance of existing treatment plants has raised concerns regarding public health and environmental safety. CEPT has emerged as a promising alternative approach to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of primary treatment. By adding chemical coagulants or precipitants to the wastewater, CEPT facilitates the aggregation and settling of suspended solids and contaminants, leading to improved treatment outcomes. This review evaluates the performance and effectiveness of different chemical coagulants, including ferric chloride (FeCl3), polyaluminum chloride (PACl), and alum, in terms of their ability to remove various pollutants such as suspended solids, turbidity, organic matter, nutrients, and emerging contaminants.
 The findings from the reviewed studies indicate that different coagulants exhibit varying efficiencies in removing specific parameters such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phosphorous. Alum, ferric chloride, and ferric sulfate showed effectiveness in tannery wastewater treatment, while PACl maximized the removal of macro pollutants. The use of organic carbon sources and sludge recycling demonstrated cost reductions and improved nutrient removal. CEPT was found to be effective in TSS and BOD removal, potentially allowing for compact treatment facilities and enhancing the capacity of biological treatment units. The utilization of recovered alum from water treatment sludge (WTS) in CEPT showed comparable efficiencies to fresh alum. The paper also identifies research gaps and future directions in the field of chemically enhanced primary treatment, while discussing the challenges and limitations associated with CEPT processes. While the reviewed studies provide valuable insights into the performance of different coagulants and coagulant aids, further research is necessary to assess their long-term effects and cost-effectiveness in large-scale applications. The optimal choice of coagulant depends on specific wastewater characteristics and treatment goals. Understanding and optimizing CEPT processes will contribute to the development of innovative solutions for challenges in wastewater treatment systems caused by urbanization, population growth, and emerging contaminants in the major city like Kathmandu.

A State-of-The-Art Technical Review on Seismic Resilience of Rcc Structural Components Using Seismic Resistance Based Retrofitting Techniques

Existing buildings can be at a greater seismic risk due to non-conformance to current design codes and may require structural retrofitting to improve building performance. The most recent example of that can be seen from the 2015 AD earthquake in Nepal and other sub continental regions, where numbers of buildings were destroyed with more fatal consequences have drawn the attention of the government authorities of Nepal and the general public for seismic earthquake resistance design of buildings. Following the post seismic assessment of building in Nepal after 2015 earthquake, it is revealed that the existing reinforced concrete buildings have some inadequacies in structural components and thus the intensive research and study is required to for the better understanding of the structure in terms of immediate consequences due to direct damage and way to recovery using seismic retrofit assessment.
 This paper presents an overview on performance based evaluation of retrofitted rcc structural member using some advanced retrofitting techniques which is innovative and can be cost effective retrofitting strategies demanding less skilled man power. It is concluded that better seismic resilience can be achieved with the help of innovative methods with the application of innovative materials like textile mortars and fibers. In the following sections a review of experimental flexural loading on beam is presented.

Bio-electrochemical system analysis and improvement: A technical review

Bio-electrochemical systems (BESs) use electrode–microorganism interactions for biotechnology applications such as electricity generation, wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and producing valuable products. The crossover between biotic and abiotic factors is the driving force of BES operations. The interaction of these factors determines the overall efficiency of BES in various applications. Scientists are investigating various aspects for modulating these factors to increase the efficiency and use of the BES across a broader spectrum. In this review, the integration of BESs with electrochemical capacitors, use of synthetic and biosurfactants, application of BESs in biogas generation, utilization of 3D electrodes in BESs, and combining BESs with thermoelectric regulators have been thoroughly discussed. The potential applications of BESs and research gaps in various domains were also covered. This review will be beneficial to researchers better understand and therefore apply the modelling and optimization techniques for BESs constructively, ultimately contributing to the circular cascading bioeconomy.

Addressing Non-response Bias in Surveys of Wealthy Households in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Strategies and Implementation

Survey data is a crucial tool for understanding behaviours in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but it is often subject to various biases that impede statistical inference. One of these biases is the systematic non-response of wealthy populations, which poses a considerable risk to research on income and wealth inequality, entrepreneurship, consumer behaviour, housing markets, demand for urban services, education and career trajectories, and other topics relevant to these groups. This article offers a technical and methodological review of non-response bias inherent in surveys of wealthy households, encompassing unit non-response and item non-response. Based on a literature review, we suggest a range of strategies that can be used to minimize these biases, starting with strategies for implementing the survey itself and then proposing solutions for adjusting the sample after the survey. This article provides researchers and survey managers with a theoretical understanding of the issues at stake, as well as practical tools for mitigating biases specific to surveys of wealthy households in LMICs.

Technical Review on Endoscopic Treatment Devices for Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Postsurgical Leaks.

Upper gastrointestinal postsurgical leaks are challenging to manage and often require radiological, endoscopic, or surgical intervention. Nowadays, endoscopy is considered the first-line approach for their management, however, there is no definite consensus on the most appropriate therapeutic approach. There is a wide diversity of endoscopic options, from close-cover-divert approaches to active or passive internal drainage approaches. Theoretically, all these options can be used alone or with a multimodality approach, as each of them has different mechanisms of action. The approach to postsurgical leaks should always be tailored to each patient, taking into account the several variables that may influence the final outcome. In this review, we discuss the important developments in endoscopic devices for the treatment of postsurgical leaks. Our discussion specifically focuses on principles and mechanism of action, advantages and disadvantages of each technique, indications, clinical success, and adverse events. An algorithm for endoscopic approach is proposed.

Impact of Pasta Intake on Body Weight and Body Composition: A Technical Review.

Pasta is a staple carbohydrate across many cultures but has been implicated in overweight and obesity due to its position as a refined carbohydrate. Yet, the unique structure of pasta and its low glycemic response suggest it may contribute to a healthy body weight. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the effects of pasta and dietary patterns high in pasta on body weight and body composition outcomes, and evaluate potential mechanisms by which pasta may influence body weight. A search of PubMed and CENTRAL identified 38 relevant studies examining pasta intake and body weight outcomes or potential mechanisms. Observational studies generally report no association or an inverse association of pasta intake with body weight/body composition outcomes. One clinical trial reported no difference in weight loss between a hypocaloric diet with high intake vs. low intake of pasta. Pasta may influence body weight via its low glycemic response, but evidence of effects on appetite, appetite-related hormones, and gastric emptying is limited and inconclusive. In conclusion, observational and limited clinical data suggest pasta is either inversely or not associated with overweight or obesity in healthy children and adults, and does not contribute to weight gain within the context of a healthy diet.

TARGET – Development of Submersible ROV System for BMN Inspection

Most PWRs have penetrations in the RPV lower heads for in-core nuclear instrumentation. These penetrations generally are made of nickel-based Inconel Alloy 600. Weld materials are typically Alloy 82/182. Operating conditions of PWR plants are causing nickel-based alloys cracking through a process called primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC). In 2003, the licensee for the South Texas Project Unit 1 (STP-1) identified apparent boron deposits on the lower RPV head near two bottom mounted nozzles (BMNs). The NRC issued Bulletin 2003-02 to obtain information on licensee inspection activities and inspection plans for the RPV lower head. EPRI issued MRP-206 report that provides inspection and evaluation guidelines for BMNs for PWR plants, including guidelines for periodic bare metal visual examination for evidence of primary coolant leakage, or periodic non-visual nondestructive examinations for indications of service-induced cracking. The non-visual inspections (ultrasonic testing examination) may detect service-induced degradation before through-wall cracking, leakage, circumferential cracking below the bottom of the J-groove weld, release of loose parts, or incipient boric acid wastage of the low-alloy steel reactor vessel lower head material occurs. Therefore, periodic examinations will adequately manage potential for cracking by PWSCC and preserve structural integrity. INETEC developed TARGET system for BMNs inspection, consisted of submersible ROV and specially designed probe, composed of several UT probes. UT system and technique to detect, length and depth size the service-induced degradation in the BMN volume material is developed. The EPRI NDE Center performed a technical review and validated INETEC’s ultrasonic examination technique for BMNs. Aforementioned validation was done according to requirements defined by: 1) MRP-206, 2) MRP-411.

Application of multi-criteria decision analysis techniques and decision support framework for informing select agent designation for agricultural animal pathogens.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins (DASAT) established a list of biological agents and toxins (Select Agent List) that potentially threaten agricultural health and safety, the procedures governing the transfer of those agents, and training requirements for entities working with them. Every 2years the USDA DASAT reviews the Select Agent List, using subject matter experts (SMEs) to perform an assessment and rank the agents. To assist the USDA DASAT biennial review process, we explored the applicability of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) techniques and a Decision Support Framework (DSF) in a logic tree format to identify pathogens for consideration as select agents, applying the approach broadly to include non-select agents to evaluate its robustness and generality. We conducted a literature review of 41 pathogens against 21 criteria for assessing agricultural threat, economic impact, and bioterrorism risk and documented the findings to support this assessment. The most prominent data gaps were those for aerosol stability and animal infectious dose by inhalation and ingestion routes. Technical review of published data and associated scoring recommendations by pathogen-specific SMEs was found to be critical for accuracy, particularly for pathogens with very few known cases, or where proxy data (e.g., from animal models or similar organisms) were used to address data gaps. The MCDA analysis supported the intuitive sense that select agents should rank high on the relative risk scale when considering agricultural health consequences of a bioterrorism attack. However, comparing select agents with non-select agents indicated that there was not a clean break in scores to suggest thresholds for designating select agents, requiring subject matter expertise collectively to establish which analytical results were in good agreement to support the intended purpose in designating select agents. The DSF utilized a logic tree approach to identify pathogens that are of sufficiently low concern that they can be ruled out from consideration as a select agent. In contrast to the MCDA approach, the DSF rules out a pathogen if it fails to meet even one criteria threshold. Both the MCDA and DSF approaches arrived at similar conclusions, suggesting the value of employing the two analytical approaches to add robustness for decision making.

P.088 Computed tomography angiography for diagnosis of brain death; a technical review

Background: Brain death is defined as an irreversible cessation of all brain activity. Ancillary tests are an objective way to support an initial diagnosis of brain death. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an imaging modality utilized as an ancillary mean to assist clinicians with such diagnosis. Different criteria and scoring systems have been proposed, however clear criteria are yet to be recognized to demonstrate full brain circulatory arrest. We aim to discuss different scoring systems presented in the literature and make evidence-based recommendations. Methods: A literature search using titles and key terms was conducted for articles containing brain death ancillary testing diagnosis, and CTA as primary focus. Results: CTA has the benefits of being non-invasive, fast, readily and widely available and it is especially useful in unstable patients. It is essential, however, to confirm intravascular injection of contrast injection by checking opacification of External Carotid Artery branches on CTA to prevent false diagnoses. Conclusions: When faced with the challenging decision to declare brain death in a patient, radiologists often face great apprehension and concern for the large responsibility bestowed upon them. It is critical for radiologist to understand that the final diagnosis of brain death is based on clinical criteria.