Test Parameters Research Articles

Study of Babak River water quality using physical and chemical parameters in Kebon Kongok landfill (Lombok, Indonesia)

The study has been conducted on the water quality level of the Babak River around Kebon Kongok landfill, Lombok. This research was conducted considering that water has many benefits in the daily lives of people. This research uses an experimental method by analyzing physical parameters (temperature, conductivity, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS)), and chemical parameters in the form of heavy metal content lead (Pb), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu)). Analysis results were compared with quality standards based on Ministry of Health Regulation No. 32 of 2017 concerning water quality. Based on the study, it was found that the farther the distance of water measured from the source of pollution, the value of the physical and chemical parameters of water will be smaller. Most of the physical parameter test results show the Babak River water quality is still at the safe threshold limit but there is 1 point of river water that is polluted due to the distance that is too close to the active zone. Chemical parameters show the results of heavy metal content below the threshold limit. Analysis of the water quality shows that the water is still in good condition, which is below the threshold set by the Indonesian government.

Monetary value of health-a practical decision-making framework combining equity considerations and WTP.

We estimate the first monetary value of a health gain in Croatia to inform the debate about the appropriate "demand-side" cost-effectiveness thresholds in Croatia but also Central and Eastern Europe, where such debates are still uncommon. We test the empirical support for two equity considerations: age and severity operationalized as proportional shortfall (PS), and propose a pragmatic framework for combining equity considerations with the monetary value of health into a single threshold. We used the contingent valuation method to elicit the willingness to pay per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) in Croatia, using a representative sample of the population (N = 1,500, online survey). 29 EQ-5D health states were valued using payment scales and open-ended question as payment vehicles. To test the hypotheses, we used both parametric tests and non-parametric tests. Multilinear regression was employed to test the theoretical validity of the results. The monetary value of a health gain in Croatia is equivalent to 1.15 of GDP per capita (equaling €17,000). Age of patients seems to be an important equity-related characteristic. The WTP per QALY in the age-neutral risk group (€11,900) was nearly equivalent to the WTP per QALY in the adult (neutral) risk group (€11,700) but lower by 16% compared to the WTP per QALY estimated in children (€14,200; p = 0.00). WTP estimates are theoretically valid and to, a small degree, scale sensitive. There is a positive association between the level of proportional shortfall and willingness to pay. To increase the usefulness of our results for the policy-makers, we combine the elicited preferences into a single decision-making framework and construct several cost-effectiveness thresholds based on willingness to pay and equity-related preferences. Based on empirical results, cost-effectiveness thresholds could range up to €20,308 for the most severe health conditions in children or could be lowered to €16,777 for less severe health conditions. In Central and Eastern Europe, in spite of a growing understanding of the importance of further developing value-based assessment frameworks there has been very little empirical research to guide, inform and promote this development. Countries in this region use mainly GDP-based thresholds without empirical evidence to support such important decisions. This may lead to thresholds that are too high, with detrimental consequence for the pricing and reimbursement systems.

Nonparametric testing of the covariate significance for spatial point patterns under the presence of nuisance covariates

Determining the relevant spatial covariates is one of the most important problems in the analysis of point patterns. Parametric methods may lead to incorrect conclusions, especially when the model of interactions between points is wrong. Therefore, we propose a fully nonparametric approach to testing significance of a covariate, taking into account the possible effects of nuisance covariates. Our tests match the nominal significance level, and their powers are comparable with the powers of parametric tests in cases where both the model for intensity function and the model for interactions are correct. When the parametric model for the intensity function is wrong, our tests achieve higher powers. The proposed methods rely on Monte Carlo testing and take advantage of the newly introduced concepts: the covariate-weighted residual measure and nonparametric residuals. We also define a correlation coefficient between a point process and a covariate and a partial correlation coefficient quantifying the dependence between a point process and a covariate of interest while removing the influence of nuisance covariates.

Can the presence of SLAP-5 lesions be predicted by using the critical shoulder angle in traumatic anterior shoulder instability?

Although SLAP-5 lesions are associated with recurrent dislocations, their causes and pathomechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the association between SLAP-5 lesions and scapular morphology in traumatic anterior shoulder instability (ASI). We hypothesized that there may be a relationship between SLAP-5 lesions and scapular morphology in traumatic ASI patients. The study included 74 patients with isolated Bankart lesions and 69 with SLAP-5 lesions who underwent arthroscopic labral repair for ASI. Critical shoulder angle (CSA) was measured on the roentgenograms, while glenoid inclination (GI) and glenoid version (GV) were measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by two observers in two separate sessions blinded to each other. Both groups were compared in terms of CSA, GI, and GV. The mean ages of Bankart and SLAP-5 patients were 28.4±9.1 and 27.9±7.7 (P=0.89), respectively; their mean CSA values were 33.1°±2.6° and 28.2°±2.4°, respectively (P<0.001). The ROC analysis's cut-off value was 30.5°, with 75.0% sensitivity and 76.7% specificity (AUC = 0.830). SLAP-5 lesions were more common on the dominant side than isolated Bankart lesions (P=0.021), but no difference was found between the groups in terms of GI and GV (P=0.334, P=0.081, respectively). In ASI, low CSA values appeared to be related to SLAP-5 lesions, and the cut-off value of CSA for SLAP lesion formation was 30.5° with 75.0% sensitivity and 76.7% specificity. Scapula morphology may be related to the SLAP-5 lesions, and CSA can be used as an additional parameter in provocative diagnostic tests and medical imaging techniques for the detection of SLAP lesions accompanying Bankart lesions. III retrospective case-control study.

Enhancing trauma care through innovative trauma and disaster team response training: A blended learning approach in Tanzania.

In Tanzania, inadequate infrastructures and shortages of trauma-response training exacerbate trauma-related fatalities. McGill University's Centre for Global Surgery introduced the Trauma and Disaster Team Response course (TDTR) to address these challenges. This study assesses the impact of simulation-based TDTR training on care providers' knowledge/skills and healthcare processes to enhance patient outcomes. The study used a pre-post-interventional design. TDTR, led by Tanzanian instructors at Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute from August 16-18, 2023, involved 22 participants in blended online and in-person approaches with simulated skills sessions. Validated tools assessed participants' knowledge/skills and teamwork pre/post-interventions, alongside feedback surveys. Outcome measures included evaluating 24-h emergency department patient arrival-to-care time pre-/post-TDTR interventions, analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests based on data distributions. Participants' self-assessment skills significantly improved (median increase from 34 to 58, p<0.001), along with teamwork (median increase from 44.5 to 87.5, p<0.003). While 99% of participants expressed satisfaction with TDTR meeting their expectations, 97% were interested in teaching future sessions. The six-month post-intervention arrival-to-care time significantly decreased from 29 to 13min, indicating a 55.17% improvement (p<0.004). The intervention led to fewer ward admissions (35.26% from 51.67%) and more directed to operating theaters (29.83% from 16.85%), suggesting improved patient management (p<0.018). The study confirmed surgical skills training effectiveness in Tanzanian settings, highlighting TDTR's role in improving teamwork and healthcare processes that enhanced patient outcomes. To sustain progress and empower independent trauma educators, ongoing refresher sessions and expanding TDTR across low- and middle-income countries are recommended to align with global surgery goals.

Performance evaluation and user experience of BT-50 transportation unit with automated and scheduled quality control measurements.

Even in the current era of hematology analyzer automation and peripheral equipment, quality control sample measurement remains a manual task, leading to variability in quality control data and increased workload. In this study, we evaluated the performance of quality control measurement using the BT-50 Transportation Unit (BT-50, Sysmex, Kobe, Japan), equipped with a scheduled automatic quality control function, to ensure measurement accuracy and streamline the workflow of hematology testing. We evaluated the automatic measurement performance of quality control samples using the BT-50 for sixrepresentative blood test parameters: WBC (white bloodcell), RBC (red blood cell), HGB (hemoglobin), HCT (hematocrit), PLT (platelet), and RET% (reticulocyte percent). We evaluated the equivalence and compared measurement accuracy between the BT-50 and the manual method. We then compared the variability to other laboratories and confirmed the stability of quality control samples. We also evaluated changes in workflow and staff resources before and after the introduction of the BT-50. The quality control measurement results for the BT-50 and the manual method were found to be equivalent for all six parameters. The variability measured by the BT-50 was lower for some parameters compared to the manual method. Furthermore, the workflow was streamlined by reducing manual processes, resulting in increased efficiency. We confirmed the performance of quality control measurements using the schedule function of the BT-50. Introducing the BT-50 reduced the operator's workload, improved operational efficiency, and promoted the standardization of quality control measurements.

P03 Anti-ageing effects of oestetrol on the skin: protection from cellular senescence and restoration of dermal architecture

Abstract Introduction and aims Skin is a major endocrine organ, undergoing profound structural and functional alterations in response to hormonal changes. Postmenopause, the rapid decline in circulating 17β-oestradiol (E2) leads to skin ageing, while exogenous E2 administration restores skin function, promoting the regenerative capacity of aged skin. Nevertheless, the risk of off-target effects limits the clinical use of E2 for skin indications. Oestetrol (E4), a natural oestrogenic steroid currently undergoing clinical trials as a hormone replacement therapy, presents a favourable safety profile and could be a suitable alternative to E2. However, as no studies have investigated the effects E4 on skin ageing, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of E4 to overcome effects of skin ageing. Methods Micro-osmotic pumps were subcutaneously implanted into 14-month-old female mice, allowing sustained systemic delivery of E2 or E4 over 3 weeks. Reversal of skin ageing was assessed via noninvasive skin parameter testing, histological analysis and biomechanics. Aged human dermal fibroblasts were treated with E4 to measure effects on the extracellular matrix deposition (ECM) in vitro. Finally, human keratinocytes were treated with E4 prior to inducing senescence to assess potential protective effects against skin ageing. Readouts included senescence-associated beta galactosidase staining, immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Systemic administration of E4 reversed multiple characteristics of skin ageing. E4 treatment significantly increased skin hydration, stimulated collagen deposition and elevated elastic fibre synthesis. These structural changes improved the biomechanical function of skin, increasing breaking strength and elasticity. In vitro studies confirmed direct anti-ageing activity on multiple cell types. E4 substantially increased ECM deposition in aged human dermal fibroblasts and protected against senescence induction in human keratinocytes. Conclusions Collectively, these preclinical data demonstrate significant beneficial effects of E4 on aged skin, strongly supporting future clinical evaluation of E4 to alleviate the effects of skin ageing following menopause.

Establishing reference intervals for common hematology test parameters from apparently healthy geriatrics in Asella town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2020: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundReference intervals are an important method tool for identifying abnormal laboratory test results. Complete blood count reference values are useful to interpret complete blood count (CBC) results and make clinical decisions, but these values have not been established for geriatrics in Asella town. Therefore, this study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for complete blood count (CBC) parameters from geriatric participants/subjects in Asella town, Southeast Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to May 2020. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemography and other characteristics from 342 eligible geriatric participants. Weight, height, and vital signs were measured, and 8 mL of blood sample was collected. Screening tests such as HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis, stool examination, and urinalysis were performed. The hematological parameter was measured using a Sysmex kx-21 hematology analyzer. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. The non-parametric independent Kruskal–Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test (Mann–Whitney U test) were used to compare the parameters between age groups and genders. The 97.5 and 2.5th percentile were the upper and lower reference limit for the population.ResultsAccording to the study’s findings, the reference intervals of red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet count, hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT) in male geriatrics were 3.8–5.85 × 1012/L, 3.1–9.66 × 109/L, 115.8–353 × 109/L, 12.4–17.76 g/dL, and 35.06–50.2%, respectively. The respective values for women were 3.94–5.48 × 1012/L, 3.13–8.4 × 109/L, 137.5–406 × 109/L, 12.5–16.4 g/dL, and 36.09–48.2%. Most of the hematological parameters showed significant differences between the two genders (p value &amp;lt;0.05).ConclusionAccurate gender and age-specific reference intervals are crucial in managing patient health. The current study offers essential CBC hematological parameters that can assist clinicians in interpreting laboratory results and can improve healthcare quality in the geriatric population. Therefore, it is more relevant to use the current RIs in the geriatric set-up.

Lap-slip model of rebar-to-concrete in RC/ECC/UHPC based on GA-BP neural network

Rebar lap splicing is a widely used method of reinforcement connection in precast concrete structures, and the lap-slip model serves as an important prerequisite for conducting detailed mechanical calculations of reinforced concrete lap splice members. Most traditional bond-slip mechanical models are semi-empirical and semi-theoretical formulas derived from experimental data; they do not consider the effect of reinforcement lap spacing, which prevents them from accurately reflecting the force transfer characteristics of lap reinforcement in concrete. In this paper, a Back Propagation (BP) neural network based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to establish a lap-slip model of reinforced concrete considering rebar spacing, which improves on the current bond-slip mechanical model. Several sets of rebar lap tests based on RC/ECC/UHPC were designed, and full-sample parameter sensitivity analyses were carried out using the lap length, the thickness of the concrete cover, the rebar spacing and the stirrup ratio as test parameters. The results showed that rebar lap spacing was an important influencing factor in the proposed lap-slip model, with a sensitivity coefficient reaching 0.471. The lap-slip model, based on the GA-BP neural network, was developed and compared with existing models; the predictive ability of the model was verified by the ten-fold crossover method. The generalizability of the GA-BP model was verified by randomly selecting non-training test data as well as lap test data of rebar in different types of concrete. The results indicated that the model exhibits high predictive and generalization abilities, with most correlation coefficients exceeding 0.95. The proposed model was compared with a mechanical model established using the traditional fitting formula method, and the results showed that the prediction accuracy of the lap-slip model established based on the GA-BP neural network is slightly lower than that of the mechanical model obtained using the fitting formula method, but it still offers high prediction accuracy, and the prediction results are more objective and realistic, which is of guiding significance for practical applications and related research.

Effect of vertical stiffeners on the seismic performance of T‐shaped CFST column to steel beam joint

SummarySpecial‐shaped concrete‐filled steel tubular (SCFST) columns have recently been developed for efficient steel‐concrete composite construction. In this study, a novel vertical stiffener joint for the SCFST column and steel beam frame structure is proposed. Five SCFST columns with H‐section beam joints were investigated under cycling loading. The test parameters mainly consider the column stiffening form, vertical stiffener type, and the column axial load. The failure pattern, hysteretic curves, and strain development of specimens are analyzed. Experimental results demonstrate the proposed joint with vertical stiffeners can develop the steel beam's full plastic flexural capacity and exhibit favorable seismic performance. In addition, a finite element (FE) model is developed to explore the effects of the following parameters on the hysteretic performance: vertical stiffener sizes, width‐to‐thickness ratio of column steel tube, and the column axial load. Based on the experimental and FE analyses, a stress and deformation model of the joint steel tube was established. To facilitate the practical applications, a calculation formula for joint strength was also put forward, considering the contribution of vertical stiffener, and front and side steel plates of the joint steel tube.

Factors associated with adherence to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

This cohort study aimed to investigate the factors associated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation adherence and assess the long-term effects of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation adherence in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The medical records of patients with ALS admitted to a tertiary hospital for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation initiation were retrospectively reviewed. Pulmonary function parameters, variables of blood gas analysis, the site of symptom onset, the time from onset and diagnosis to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation application, ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, neurophysiological index, and the length of hospital stay were evaluated. The adherence to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was defined as the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for ≥ 2 h/day or ≥ 4 h/day. The correlations between noninvasive positive pressure ventilation adherence or length of hospital stay and other clinical parameters were analyzed. Fifty-one patients with ALS were included in the study. The time from onset and diagnosis to NIPPV application was reduced by 16 months in the adherent group than that in the non-adherent group; however, the parameters of blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests did not differ significantly between the groups. Furthermore, the neurophysiological index of the abductor digiti minimi muscle was higher by 4.05 in the adherent group than that in the non-adherent group. The adherence to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation prolonged tracheostomy-free survival compared to that of non-adherence. Desaturation events, lower forced vital capacity, last pCO2, bicarbonate, and base excess, and higher differences in pCO2, were associated with an increase in the length of hospital stay. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation application shortly after symptom onset and ALS diagnosis in patients with CO2 retention and reduced forced vital capacity can be considered for successful adherence. Adherence to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation may result in reduced tracheostomy conversion rates and prolonged tracheostomy-free survival.

STEROIDS AND TRITERPENOIDS IN ACACIA CATECHU BARK EXTRACTS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Objective: Plant-derived steroids and triterpenes have been recognized for a number of health benefits. As indicated in previous research, some of the phytosterols are essential dietary substances. This study was aimed at investigating the presence or absence of these phytochemicals in various test bark extracts from Acacia catechu plant samples. Methods: For this study, thirty samples of test plants were gathered in various seasons from the research location. Six different solvents were then prepared for each sample. Then the qualitative tests of the studied parameters were done using various standardized methods. Additionally, bibliographic analysis was done to validate and co-relate the present study with earlier findings. Results: Results showed the presence of test parameters in all solvent systems except aqueous extracts, though the colour intensity (quantity) was different in all other extracts. Based on the dark-colored reaction mixture, it can be claimed that the steroid and triterpene content was relatively higher in methanolic and ethanolic extracts. The comparative bibliographic study was also validating the beneficial applications of the same. Conclusion: Possibly, this preliminary study helped to find out the medicinal significance of native flora of Guna district and also serve as the base for further investigations.

Dung Beetle Optimized Fuzzy PID Algorithm Applied in Four-Bar Target Temperature Control System

With the widespread application of infrared thermal imagers in various fields, the demand for thermal imagers and their performance parameter testing equipment has increased significantly. There are particularly high demands on the detection accuracy of minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) testers. Traditional MRTD testers have an issue with the four-bar target temperatures being easily affected by the external environment, resulting in non-uniform temperatures and imprecise detection results. This paper proposes an improvement to the four-bar targets by making them temperature-controllable. Temperature is controlled by installing thermoelectric coolers (TECs) and thin-film platinum resistors at the center and periphery of the four-bar targets with different spatial frequencies. The dung beetle algorithm is used to optimize fuzzy PID parameters to regulate the TEC’s heating and cooling, improving the overall temperature uniformity of the four-bar targets. Temperature simulations of the four-bar targets were conducted on the COMSOL platform, with the control part simulated on the Simulink platform. The simulation results show that, compared to traditional PID, the fuzzy PID controller reduces overshoot by approximately 3.6%, although the system still exhibits mild oscillations. The fuzzy PID controller optimized by the dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm, in comparison to standard fuzzy PID, reduces the settling time by about 40 s and lowers overshoot by around 7%, with oscillations in the system nearly disappearing. Comparing the fuzzy PID optimized by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm with the fuzzy PID optimized by the DBO algorithm, the DBO-based controller shows shorter rise and settling times, further illustrating the superiority of the fuzzy PID control optimized by the dung beetle algorithm. This provides a theoretical foundation for improving the accuracy of MRTD detector measurements. Finally, experimental verification was carried out. The experimental results indicate that DBO (drosophila-based optimization) has significant advantages, and its optimized results are closer to the actual values.

Parallel Hierarchical Multi-View Feature Fusion Based on Canonical Correlation Analysis for Mammogram Retrieval

Due to the diversity of image sources, content-based multi-source image fusion and retrieval have shown promising capabilities in computer vision tasks, and especially when applied in Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) to automate and improve the accuracy of medical image analysis. The combination of computer vision and CAD systems has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by augmenting the expertise of clinicians, improving overall diagnostic accuracy and helping experts in the clinical decision-making process by classifying and retrieving similar annotated clinical images to a given query. In the context of multi-view mammography interpretation, the concept of multi-view feature fusion has recently been studied to improve retrieval performance while effectively guaranteeing the complementarity of both MLO and CC views. However, conventional multi-view feature fusion makes descriptors long and lacks to take into consideration the relationship between descriptors. To deal with this issue, we propose two hierarchical multi-view feature fusion methods, for multi-view mammogram retrieval, based on the Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA), which is the most commonly used multivariate parametric test. In fact, we have adapted CCA to determine the relationship between two descriptors by processing latent correlation factors. Moreover, after extracting descriptors for each view, a comparative study of texture and shape fusion descriptors is proposed in order to identify the more discriminative features for multi-view mammogram retrieval. Then, a query-dependent distance metric preserving both visual resemblance and semantic similarity is carried out to dynamically determine the more appropriate distance measure for each query image. Extensive experiments on the challenging Curated Breast Imaging Subset of Digital Database for Screening Mammography (CBIS-DDSM) have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical multi-view feature fusion for mammogram retrieval, which outperforms the performance achieved either by conventional fused information or by single view information. To improve the transparency of our paper, the source code of the proposed method and the related dataset (including readme files) are publicly accessible through the following GitHub link: https://github.com/ABDERRAHIMMAR/Multi-View-Feature-Fusion-for-Mammogram-Retrieval . This open-access resource empowers researchers and practitioners to delve deeper into our methodology, fostering collaboration and advancements in the field of computer-aided diagnosis and medical image analysis.

The Impact of Drop Test Conditions on Brain Strain Location and Severity: A Novel Approach Using a Deep Learning Model.

In contact sports such as rugby, players are at risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to high-intensity head impacts that generate high linear and rotational accelerations of the head. Previous studies have established a clear link between high-intensity head impacts and brain strains that result in concussions. This study presents a novel approach to investigating the effect of a range of laboratory controlled drop test parameters on regional peak and mean maximum principal strain (MPS) predictions within the brain using a trained convolutional neural network (CNN). The CNN is publicly available at https://github.com/Jilab-biomechanics/CNN-brain-strains . The results of this study corroborate previous findings that impacts to the side of the head result in significantly higher regional MPS than forehead impacts. Forehead impacts tend to result in the lowest region-averaged MPS values for impacts where the surface angle was at 0° and 45°, while side impacts tend to result in higher regional peak and mean MPS. The absence of a neck in drop tests resulted in lower regional peak and mean MPS values. The results indicated that the relationship between drop test parameters and resulting regional peak and mean MPS predictions is complex. The study's findings offer valuable insights into how deep learning models can be used to provide more detailed insights into how drop test conditions impact regional MPS. The novel approach used in this paper to predict brain strains can be applied in the development of better methods to reduce the brain strain resulting from head accelerations such as protective sports headgear.

Experimental and analytical study on enhancing flexural strength of RC beams using post‐ tensioned heavy‐duty metal straps wrapped around anchored steel plates

AbstractThis paper addresses the challenge of enhancing the bending capacity of beams through a cost‐effective and practical approach. Current methods are often expensive, brittle, time‐intensive, or massive. In response, an alternative method is proposed that involves the utilization of post‐tensioned heavy‐duty metal straps wrapped around steel plates anchored to the beams. To evaluate the effectiveness of the method, six large‐scale normal reinforced concrete beams were constructed with a width of 160 mm and a depth of 240 mm, and a clear span of 1900 mm. The testing parameters were the position of the steel plates along the length of the beam and the position of the metal straps along the height of the steel plates. Quantitative results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the load‐carrying capacity of the beams. Compared to the control specimen, the method led to a minimum increase of 40% of load carrying capacity and a maximum increase of 66%. Key influencing factors include the location of the metal straps on the steel plates (120 or 90 mm away from the bottom of the beam) and the position of the steel plates on the face of the beam (650 mm or 350 away from the edge of the beam). Notably, the load‐carrying capacity increases when the metal straps are positioned lower on the steel plates and the plates are placed further away from the center of the beam. Finally, analytical results obtained using VecTor2 software align well with experimental findings.

Comparison of the Sample Preparation Strategies and Impacts on the Tensile Strength of Gas Shale with Variable Moisture Conditions

Moisture significantly affects the mechanical behavior of gas shale and further determines the hydraulic fracturing performance, as it is more attractive. Nevertheless, batch experiments have usually involved variable methodologies regarding the preparation of moisture-contained shale specimens in the sequence (and/or frequency) of drying and soaking treatments. Accordingly, this work investigates how the preparation methodology influences the test results of moisture-contained shale samples. This study compares three commonly used shale sample preparation strategies for acquiring different moisture contents, that is, “dry-wet”, “dry-wet-dry”, and “wet-dry-wet” strategies, followed by a Brazilian splitting test for the mechanical parameters. The results show that under the same saturation conditions, the longer the soaking time during sample preparation, the higher the degradation degree of shale tensile strength. Meanwhile, prolonged soaking can lead to a more discrete distribution of strength values, and the failure mode may deviate from the Brazilian splitting theory model. Under the combined influence of moisture content and soaking time, the tensile strength of shale decreases approximately linearly with increasing saturation, while the degradation degree increases nonlinearly with increasing saturation, and the degradation rate changes from slow to fast. According to the observation of the microstructure of hydrated shale, prolonged soaking can lead to an increase in the expansion of clay minerals in shale by hydration, resulting in looser and more fragmented internal structure, and further degradation in shale strength. In order to weaken the interference of hydration when studying the effect of moisture content on the tensile strength of shale, the soaking time should be minimized as much as possible during the preparation process.

Evaluation of erythrocyte and reticulocyte indices in a newborn with severe hemolytic disease

Currently, significant progress has been made in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. However, the development of anemia in a newborn child due to this disease remains an urgent problem for both neonatologists and pediatricians. In such children, a comprehensive assessment of the hemogram is of particular importance. The study of erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters of a general blood test is necessary to determine prognostic criteria for the restoration of hematopoiesis and determine the status of iron deficiency. A clinical observation of a newborn child with the development of anemia due to hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is presented (clinical case). A dynamic analysis of reticulocyte parameters (absolute and relative numbers) and reticulocyte fractions was carried out. An increase in reticulocytes (absolute and relative numbers) was established, mainly due to the fraction of immature reticulocytes during the development of anemia in a newborn child. Such indicators as the hemoglobin content in reticulocytes, the average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte, the average hemoglobin concentration in an erythrocyte in a general blood test in an infant during the neonatal period remained within the reference values. The data obtained made it possible to determine a personalized approach to the treatment of anemia and avoid blood transfusion in this child.

Parameter Estimation and Testing for the Doubly Geometric Process with Lognormal Distribution: Application to Bladder Cancer Patients' Data

Parameter Estimation and Testing for the Doubly Geometric Process with Lognormal Distribution: Application to Bladder Cancer Patients' Data

Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Property of Green Okra Fruit Extract Against Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteria Tooth Root Canals

Background: Root canal treatment aims to eliminate bacteria that cause pulp abnormalities. Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria in the infected tooth pulp, even those that have been treated. Irrigation was carried out together with biomechanical preparation using a combination of NaOCl and EDTA. The material is antibacterial, dissolves the organic and inorganic tissue of the root canal dentin, lacks odor and irritates the soft tissue. An alternative irrigation material from Jember cultivation is green okra. The fruit contains flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of green okra fruit extract on the growth of E. Faecalis bacteria. Method: Phytochemical analysis to see the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and terpenoids. Antimicrobial analysis included the inhibition test using disc diffusion, MIC and MBC tests using the dilution method. Samples were green okra fruit extract 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.563%, 2.5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA. The MIC and MBC tests were examined for Optical Density values ​​with a spectrophotometer and then subcultured to see whether there was growth of bacterial colonies. Analysis of the research data used ANOVA and LSD parametric statistical tests Result: Phytochemical content sequentially is Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Steroids, Terpenoids. Antimicrobial properties Green okra fruit extract concentration of 6.25% had the smallest inhibition zone, the largest OD value and the highest colony count. The concentration of 100% has the largest inhibition zone, the lowest OD, there are no bacterial colonies. Antimicrobial power The concentration of 100% is close to that of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl. In the Kruskal Wallis test, there were differences in the Mann-Whitney test study group, there were significant differences between all groups Conclusion: The phytochemical content of green okra fruit extract has antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis approaching 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at 100% concentration, 6.25% MIC concentration and 12.5% ​​MBC concentration. Keywords: Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Green okra fruit extract, Enterococcus faecalis