Variation In Percentage Research Articles

Behavior of CBR value of laterite soil mixed with metakaolin

Laterite soil is a material widely used for civil engineering purposes in South Kalimantan. Most laterite soil has low bearing capacity due to high clay and plastic content, causing cracks and damage, especially when mixed with a fairly high volume of water. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the soil through stabilization using metakaolin. An experimental study was conducted using laterite soil from Mount Kupang, Cempaka Village, Banjarbaru. This soil wasmixed with metakaolin on various percentage variations of the mixture, namely 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the weight. The incubation period of the sample commences from 3, 7, and 14 days. Some of the test conducted include soil consistency limits (Atterberg limit test), soaked laboratory, and unconfined compressive strength (UCT). The result showed an effect on the characteristics of laterite soil mixed with metakaolin. The Plasticity Index (PI) value of laterite soil experienced a constant decrease due to the influence of methakoline by 14.75%. The soaked CBR value increased in a mixture of 2 to 8% metakaolin, but there was a decrease in the case of 10% at a curing time of 3, 7, and 14 days. Furthermore, the maximum soaked CBR value in laterite soil samples was mixed with 10% metakaolin at a curing period of 14 days and experience a percentage increase of 43.47%. The maximum qu value also increased by 42.02% in a mixture of 8% metakaolin and decreased in a 10% metakaolin at a curing time of 14 days.

An investigation of clay percentage variation on composite materials sustainability identification by digital image correlation

ABSTRACT The study focuses on stress and strain evaluation of composite resin material with the reinforcement of clay in the glass-reinforced epoxy composite (GREC). The strain measurement used the DIC technique. The tensile test specimens were prepared from the laminate sheets as per ASTM D638 standard. The influence of nano clay weight percentage such as 2.5%, 3.5%, and 4.5% during preparation of GREC is studied in the article. The fibre orientation angles are 90°, and the fibre volume percentage is 45%. Hand lay-up methods are used to prepare the composite resin material. The samples were tested as per the standardised procedures. The specimen rupture at a localised strain reached a maximum value of 0.01293, 0.01571, and 0.0143 with 2.5%, 3.5% and 4.5% Nano clay, respectively. The material behaviour in terms of major strain (εyy), Poisson’s ratio (µ) and thickness strain (Δt) is evaluated at the gauge length of the specimen. DIC strain measurement clearly demonstrates the 3.5% percentage of clay addition as it yields better results as elastic modulus and tensile strength have improved. The composite resin with clay addition could be used in various applications, such as low-cost housing, structural works, medical devices, automotive panels, etc

Parametric Optimization Approach to Evaluate Dynamic Shading Within Double-Skin Insulated Glazed Units for Multi-Criteria Daylighting Performance in Tropics

This research aims to support the choice of an appropriate dynamic louver shading system (DL-SS) within double-skin facade insulated glazed units (DSF-IGUs) as a high-performance integrated window system (DSF-IGUs/DL-SS) that meets both thermal and energy performance via daylight availability under a tropical climate. The research framework has developed a multi-objective optimization method to achieve research objectives via optimizing two different scenarios of the proposed system. The first scenario was optimized for daylighting availability, meanwhile, the second scenario was optimized for energy and thermal performance. For each scenario, the best solutions are selected from respective Pareto fronts according to energy efficiency criteria, thermal comfort via enhancing daylighting availability. Based on the best options resulting from both optimizations, the final step involved comparing the results of all performance indicators in the best cases to select the best solution. Overall, based on the optimizing objectives, the ranking of the best cases varied based on giving priority to the improvement objective in the optimization process. For each scenario, the best solutions are selected from the respective Pareto fronts. Overall, ranking of the best cases varied based on giving priority to the improvement objectives. Optimizing DL-SS within DSF-IGUs while giving priority to improving energy and thermal comfort while maintaining daylighting at acceptable levels is more reasonable. Thus, the DSF-IGUs/DL-SS best-case resulting from the second optimization scenario was overcome all best cases and ranked first in energy and thermal comfort. Compared to the base case, the differences of total Predicted mean vote and percentage of dissatisfied for better thermal comfort achieved were -0.35% and -1.48% with an average decreased by 22.99% and 28.72%, respectively. The differences of total energy and cooling load for better energy performance reduced by -96.84 kwh/m2. and -86.88 kwh with an average decreased by 25.33% and 26.20%, respectively. Meanwhile, the total satisfied of spatial Daylight Autonomy for better daylighting distribution and better daylighting availability of useful daylighting illuminance improvement were improved by -5.54% and +24.76% with an average percentage variation increased by 6.25% and 36.87%, respectively.

Updating the epidemiology of canine leishmaniosis in the United Kingdom through the use of electronic health data.

Dogs infected with Leishmania infantum have been increasingly reported in the UK mostly related to imported/travelled dogs. Up-to-date epidemiologic data are essential for a better control of this zoonotic disease in such emerging areas. This study aimed for the first time, to estimate the percentage and temporal variation of dog and cat samples testing positive for L. infantum infection at commercial diagnostic laboratories, and to describe the travel history of positive dogs and cats positive to leishmaniosis in a network of UK veterinary practices. Leishmania infantum serology and PCR data were collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) from five UK national veterinary diagnostic laboratories between 2010 and 2022 and were analysed. In addition, electronic health records (EHRs) were collected from 251 veterinary practices across the UK between March 2014 and September 2022. Text mining tools were used to identify cases compatible with clinical leishmaniosis as recorded in the clinical narratives; these were subsequently manually validated. Data from a total of 25,327 diagnostic samples (25,201 from dogs and 126 from cats) were analysed including 20,517 sera tested by either quantitative ELISA or IFAT, and 4,810 by PCR. Leishmania infantum antibodies were detected in 39.7% of tested dog samples and 1.07% of cat samples. In dogs, seropositivity increased from 2013 to 2022. Leishmania DNA was only detected by PCR in samples from dogs (11.8%). A total of 368 dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CanL) were identified from clinical narratives. Of these, 189 had either visited, or were rescued/imported from, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and other southern European countries. Among factors associated with CanL in the UK canine population, dogs between 3-6 years of age were 4.71 times more likely to have CanL than those two years or younger. In addition, there was an increased risk of having recorded CanL clinical cases from 2017 to 2022, compared to 2014. Southeast of England was the UK region that accounted for the highest number of CanL cases (34.51%). This study provides recent trends in Leishmania infection in dogs in the UK, identifies risk factors and countries likely associated with imported cases, and provides important insights to help plan and monitor national intervention strategies.

Undernutrition, and overweight and obesity: the two faces of malnutrition in Brazil, 1990-2019

Abstract Background The double burden of malnutrition consists of the coexistence of nutritional deficiencies (malnutrition and overweight/obesity. Approximately 2.28 billion children and adults are overweight, and more than 150 million children are malnourished. The Decade of Action on UN Nutrition and SDGs that broaden the focus to both sides of malnutrition: overweight/obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Objectives To analyze the global burden of disease attributable to undernutrition and high body mass index (BMI) in Brazil and its 27 states, as well as its association with the socio-demographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. Methods: Study design This is an epidemiological time-series study. This study analyzed the undernutrition and high BMI estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study conducted from 1990 to 2019 for Brazil and its states, using the following metrics: absolute number of deaths, standardized mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). This study also analyzed the correlation between the percentage variation of mortality rates and SDI. Results A decrease in the number of deaths (75%), mortality rate (75.1%), and DALYS (72%) attributable to undernutrition was found in Brazil and in all regions. As regarding the high BMI, an increase in the number of deaths was found (139.6%); however, the mortality rate (9.7) and DALYs (6.4 %) declined in all regions, except in the North and Northeast regions, which showed an increase. A strong correlation was identified between undernutrition and high BMI with SDI. Conclusions Our study observed a double burden of malnutrition in Brazil, with a reduction in the burden of diseases due to malnutrition in Brazil and variation in the burden due to high BMI according to the socioeconomic status of the region. Public policies are necessary in order to guarantee the human right to a healthy and sustainable diet, together with food and nutrition security and a diminishing of social inequality. Key messages • Overcome the malnutrition public policies are necessary to guarantee the human right to healthy and sustainable food, such as encouraging the production and commercialization of fruits & vegetables. • Overcoming undernutrition and excess weight requires public policies aimed at reducing social inequality and providing access to healthy food for all, and taxation of ultra-processed foods.

Prognostic significance of right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling acute improvement after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Abstract Background Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) of mitral valve is a valid treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation. The right ventricle is acutely affected by early hemodynamic changes following the correction of significant mitral regurgitation. Echocardiographic parameters of the right chambers could have a prognostic impact even in a periprocedural setting. In particular, right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling improvement may be of pivotal importance, as this parameter is a validated marker of right ventricle function. Purpose To evaluate the prognostic impact of early improvement of right ventricle to pulmonary artery coupling assessed by means of the Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion/Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio after TEER. Methods This retrospective single centre study included patients treated with TEER in our hospital from 2015 to 2023. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and shortly after device positioning. Acute effects of TEER on echocardiographic parameters were assessed by paired samples t-test. Diagnostic accuracy of the percent variation in the TAPSE/PASP ratio was assessed by means of receiver-operating characteristics analysis. Prognosis was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results The study included 95 patients (age 78 ± 10 years; 63% men; BMI 25 ± 5 kg/m2) with severe or moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation. Mean baseline Left Ventricle (LV) ejection fraction was 45 ± 16%, LV end-diastolic volume was 157 ± 62 ml and effective regurgitant orifice area was 41 ± 25 mm2. Post-procedural echocardiographic assessment showed early improvement of LV end-diastolic diameter (p < 0.001), LV end-diastolic volume (p = 0.025), LV stroke volume (p < 0.001), LV global longitudinal strain (p < 0.001), right ventricle free wall longitudinal strain (p < 0.001) and PASP (p = 0.002). Percent improvement of TAPSE/PASP ratio showed a sufficient diagnostic accuracy in predicting a composite outcome of hospitalisation for heart failure and all cause mortality at 1 year (area under the curve 0.66, p = 0.047), with an optimal cut-off of 5.5%. An improvement of the TAPSE/PASP ratio over this threshold was associated with a reduction in the composite outcome (hazard ratio 0.38, p = 0.045). Conclusion TEER improves both left and right ventricular dynamics, which can be detected with echocardiography. In particular, an acute improvement of the TAPSE/PASP ratio is associated with an improvement in short-term prognosis. A comprehensive assessment of right ventricular function, including TAPSE/PASP ratio, should be routinely performed before and after TEER.

Cost variation analysis of disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs in Indian market

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with systemic complications, necessitating treatment to manage inflammation and prevent joint damage. In India, significant cost discrepancies exist among branded formulations of generic drugs, posing a financial burden on patients and impacting treatment adherence. This study focuses on cost differences of disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) among Indian brands and advocating strict adherence to drug price control order (DPCO) rules and suggests scheduling non-scheduled drugs under DPCO. Methods: This observational study analysed the cost of 6 oral DMARDs across 16 tablet formulations using data from National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and DPCO ceiling prices 2024. Number of brands per formulation, cost ratios, percentage variations, and DPCO price violations was analysed. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel Office 2021, and Zotero was utilized for managing references. Results: This study highlights significant price variations among DMARDs in the Indian market, with methotrexate 2.5mg exhibiting the highest cost ratio (1:3.63) and percentage cost variation (263.6%). Azathioprine 50mg has the most brands available (23), while sulfasalazine 500mg, sulfasalazine 1000mg, and tofacitinib 11mg are among the formulations with the fewest brands (3 each). Notably, sulfasalazine 500mg and hydroxychloroquine 200mg showed the most frequent instances of pricing violations above DPCO recommendations. Conclusions: Strict regulation for price control and monitoring should be implemented since the DPCO has not yet achieved its goal of enforcing price ceilings, and non-scheduled drugs should be included under DPCO regulations effectively to enhance adherence to RA therapy.

Comparative study of chemical constituents and biological potency in Lantana camara Linn. leaf essential oil collected from two different sites in Northeast India

The ubiquitous occurrence of Lantana camara highlights its exceptional ecological versatility. Leaves of L. camara were obtained for this study from two different locations of NE, India. Hydro distillation was used to extract the essential oils from the leaves, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were used to study the chemical profiles of the isolated oils. The essential oil analysis detected 35 components in total essential oil from Location 1 (BLCEO) while in Location 2 essential oil (JLCEO), 29 components were identified. Caryophyllene, humulene and sabinene were present in considerably major amounts in both BLCEO and JLCEO, though variation in area percentage was seen. The anti-oxidant properties of BLCEO were better than that of JLCEO. The BLCEO has also exhibited better results in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. However, both the essential oils did not show any prominent results in α-amylase inhibitory assay and anti-tyrosinase activity. In this study, the phytochemical composition and their effect on the bioactivity of both samples were observed. The chemical constitution of L. camara essential oils (LCEO) and its possible ecological ramifications have also been well explained.

Epidemiological Study of Downy Mildew Disease of Opium Poppy

The downy mildew caused by Peronosporaspp is a major disastrous disease of many plant species. The symptoms of downy mildew disease incidence on opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) were collected in three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22 for prediction of weather parameters on the progression of downy mildew disease. The downy mildew disease initiation was recorded in the 52nd SMW (10.0%DMI) when the maximum temperature was 19.430C. At 3rd SMW, the maximum temperature dropped 17.330C and DMI reached up to 20.00 percent depicting the progression and spread of downy mildew disease in opium poppy with the decrease of maximum temperature. The maximum disease incidence was recorded 92.53 percent in 10th SMW when maximum and minimum temperature were 29.030C and 13.530C. Regression analysis between dependent variable downy mildew disease incidence Vs. independent variables (viz., rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity) showed that all the weather parameters contributed more than 85 percent variation (R2 = 0.869, 0.957, 0.859) in the downy mildew incidence of opium poppy. One unit change of maximum temperature, minimum temperature (1.00c), maximum and minimum relative humidity (1.0%) might cause to change 0.128, 0.70, 0.117 0.130 units in downy mildew incidence, respectively.

Effect of three different root canal sealants on human dental pulp stem cells

The cytotoxic effects of three root canal sealers with different bases on human dental pulp stem cells were assessed in this study using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. The cytotoxic effects of three root canal sealers with different bases on human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were assessed in this study using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. The cytotoxicity of the sealers was tested after one, 4, and 7 d. Human dental pulp stem cell proliferation was concluded using an MTT assay. Cells not treated with sealer extract were used as controls. The absorption levels were measured using an Eliza spectrophotometer. P was set at 0.05 when the percentage of cell proliferation was matched between groups and observation times using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).During the second passage (P2), human dental pulp stem cells displayed a single morphological and phenotypic trait, with fibroblast morphology being the most common. There were no appreciable variations between the four groups after a day. There was a notable variation in the average percentage of cell proliferation between the groups after 4 and 7 days. The control group had the highest percentage, followed by the GuttaFlow Bioseal group, the Well Root St group, and the AH-Plus group, which had the lowest percentage. For every sealing group, after one day, the highest mean percentage of cell proliferation was recorded, followed by day four, and after day seven, the lowest mean percentage. The observation periods showed minimal cytotoxic effects of GuttaFlow Bioseal, whereas AH-Plus was the most cytotoxic to human dental pulp stem cells. The highest mean percentage of cell proliferation for all sealers was recorded on day one.

A STUDY ON PIRFENIDONE VERSUS NINTEDANIB IN PATIENTS WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic condition with a poor prognosis and have an average life expectancy of 3-4 years. Two antifibrotic treatments have been approved to treat IPF: nintedanib and pirfenidone. These medications lower the decline in lung function and lower the risk of acute respiratory deterioration, which is linked with a high morbidity and death.Individual clinical trials have not been powered to demonstrate mortality decreases, however analysis of pooled data from clinical trials and observational research imply that anti-fibrotic drugs increase life expectancy. This study describes the utility of anti-fibrotic drugs and compare their efficacy. Methods and Materials: This 6 month cross-sectional study conducted at Santhiram Medical College and General Hospital in Nandyal.In patients with IPF , Clinical, functional and radiological data were gathered at baseline and during the follow-up, as per our Center procedure.This study compares and evaluates the efficacy of nintedanib and pirfenidone. A total of 40 patients over the age of 18 with IPF diagnosis were included. Patients under 18 years , those with known fibrosing lung diseases, bronchial asthma, COPD, HIV, Tuberculosis, or other organ failures were excluded. Results: At baseline, IPF patients treated with Pirfenidone had Forced vital capacity(FVC) and Forced expiratory volume at 1 second(FEV1) predicted percentages of 63.57 ± 8.34% and 72.31 ± 4.91%, respectively. In IPF patients treated with Nintedanib, at baseline(time 0), FVC and FEV1 percentages were 60.15±8.82% and 72.31±4.91% respectively. There were no significant variations in FVC and FEV1 percentages at time 0 between patients treated with the two medications (p=0.23,p=0.7,respectively). At 3-month follow-up, patients treated with Pirfenidone had predicted FVC and FEV1 values of 65.73 ± 7.84% and 72.94 ± 4.45%, respectively, whereas patients treated with Nintedanib had predicted valuesof 65.75 ± 7.67% and 72.42 ± 4.45%. At 6-month follow-up, patients on Pirfenidone had predicted FVC and FEV1 values of 66.9 ± 8.72% and 73.5 ± 4.50%, respectively. Nintedanib treatment resulted in 67.7±8.46% and 72.94±4.51% outcomes. Conclusion: our study shown that pirfenidone and nintedanib are equally effective at reducing FVC decline over a 6-month time frame.While nintedanib was slightly more beneficial in lowering FVC decline during the 6-month period. Both drugs were well tolerated, while nintedanib showing good tolerance in the majority of IPF patients.

Understanding of the effect of concentration of green polysaccharide-based TiO2 for photoelectrochemical, photocatalytic, and antibacterial properties

Composites formed by TiO2/babassu mesocarp were synthesized by the sol-gel method with a percentage variation of 3 % and 5 % (w/v) called 3BBT and 5BBT, respectively. The materials were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy, and surface area was calculated by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET). Electrochemical studies were carried out, and photocurrent data was obtained as a function of the variation in gallic acid concentration and applied potential. The photocatalytic efficiency of the material was investigated by the degradation of the Methylene Blue (MB) dye under light. The antimicrobial activity of the materials was tested on Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. XRD showed that the composites obtained are in the anatase crystallographic phase, and the increase in the percentage of babassu mesocarp influenced the reduction of peak intensity and crystallite size. The microscopy showed a more porous aspect of the 3BBT material and a denser aspect of the 5BBT material. It was confirmed by textural characterizations, which showed reduced pore volume and specific surface area of 5BBT compared to 3BBT. Increasing the percentage of polysaccharides caused a reduction in the band gap energy of TiO2 (Eg = 2.90 eV and Eg = 2.47 eV for 3BBT and 5BBT, respectively). The electrochemical study showed that the composites could detect gallic acid, providing increased sensitivity according to the increased applied photocurrent. They also showed good precision for the photoelectrochemical measurements, as verified in the repeatability test (2.66 % and 3.68 % RPD for 3BBT and 5BBT, respectively). The 3BBT showed greater photocatalytic capacity, discoloring 63.4 % of the MB dye in 120 min under light and electrons are the main species involved in photocatalytic activity demonstrated by 3BBT. Antibacterial tests indicated that the 5BBT material exhibits a greater capacity to inhibit E. coli and S. aureus bacteria.

Utilizing Machine Learning for Intelligent Data Management in Event-Driven Microservices Architectures

The following research paper is a case study of three specific machine learning algorithms, LSTM networks, GBMs and RL for managing data in event-driven microservices architectures. This work assesses the performance of these algorithms using factors including anomaly detection, resource consumption prediction, and service coordination concerning such challenges as anomalies. LSTM networks was used in assessment of the anomalous patterns with accuracy reaching 92%, and false positive rate of 5%. The ability of the GBMs was evaluated for its capacity to accurately predict resource requirements, and in turn, minimize resource over-commitment and under-commitment that occurred, achieving 89% accuracy, with a percentage variation of 18% and 14% accordingly. The RL algorithms proved their potential to enhance the decision-making process governing the orchestration of services and failure recovery with the decision-makers achieving 22% increase in decision making accuracy and failure recovery time was reduced to 4. 5 minutes. These algorithms are discussed separately in the next sections with reference to their applications in intelligent data management in business event processing system. These findings are useful to improve the application of these machine learning techniques to increase the performance, utilization of resources and reliability of the system.

Marketing Strategies and Sales Performance of a Manufacturing Company

This study was carried out to investigate how marketing strategies, consisting of product, price, place, and promotion strategies, affected the sales performance of a food and beverage manufacturing company. A review of extant literature indicated the need for studies, in this regard, in Nigeria’s food and beverages industry. The study adopted a survey research design. Two hundred and seventy four employees of a food and beverage manufacturing company in Lagos State were studied. Data were collected on a four-point scale ranging from strongly disagree, 1, to strongly agree, 4. Mean and standard deviation values of statements relating to marketing strategies were obtained from descriptive statistics while inferential statistics based on multiple regression analysis produced results that determined the effects of marketing strategies on sales performance. The results indicated statistical significance [F(4,269)df = 4783.108, p < .05)] for the effect of marketing strategies on sales performance. Product (β = .478, t = 5.588, p < .05), place (β = .454, t = 5.360, p < .05), and promotion (β = .075, t = 1.773, p > .05) strategies had positive effects on sales performance while price strategy indicated insignificant negative effect (β = -.023, t = -.626, p > .05) on sales performance. Marketing strategies explained 98.6 percent variation in sales performance. The conclusion of the study indicated a need for the managers of the company to increase the tempo of premium-pricing promotion strategy and advertisements in the social and electronic media as well as reevaluate the pricing strategy of the company as a means of improving its effectiveness by increasing the chances of achieving the objectives of cost recovery and meeting the needs of customers.

Tendência da taxa de mortalidade por sepse em Minas Gerais entre 2010 e 2023: um estudo ecológico

Sepsis is a critical condition with high mortality, responsible for approximately 11 million deaths annually worldwide and 20% of deaths in Brazil. Between 2010 and 2019, Brazil recorded over 1 million cases and around 463,000 deaths due to sepsis, with the highest mortality in the Southeast region. This ecological study analyzed the age-standardized mortality rate for sepsis in Minas Gerais from 2010 to 2023, using data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Prais-Winsten linear regression was applied to identify trends, and the correlation between the age-standardized mortality rate for sepsis (TPMS) and the Social Development Index (SDI) was investigated. Results showed a significant increase in sepsis mortality, with the rate rising from 9.16 in 2010 to 17.98 in 2023, reflecting an Annual Percentage Variation (APV) of 12.86%. The analysis revealed a growing trend with an R² of 0.9600. The positive correlation between TPMS and SDI indicates that regions with higher social development may have higher mortality rates due to better diagnostic capabilities, rather than worse health conditions. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions, such as awareness programs and improvements in sepsis management. Public health strategies focused on prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment are essential to mitigate the impact of sepsis and improve clinical outcomes in the region.

A novel nanoscale FD-SOI MOSFET with energy barrier and heat-sink engineering for enhanced electric field uniformity

This paper aims to present a novel method to mitigate the undesirable issues associated with short-channel-effects (SCEs) and the critical lattice temperature of a fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) MOSFET in the nanoscale regime. The proposed approach is based on simultaneously merging the energy barrier and heat-sink engineering simultaneously. Hafnium oxide as a high-k dielectric inside the channel region around the drain region is embedded to redistribute the band energy resulting in the enhancement of the energy barrier. This reformation of the band profile reduces variations in the channel depletion charge volume percentage caused by the drain voltage, thereby mitigating short-channel effects (SCEs). In order to promote effective thermal conduction, a portion of the buried oxide is replaced by doped P-type silicon which acts as an effective heat-sink. The devices under the investigation have been simulated using SILVACO software, considering the comprehensive physical models. Drain-Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL), leakage current, Ion to Ioff ratio, subthreshold swing, hot carrier effect and lattice temperature as the essential parameters have been successfully improved for the proposed device in comparison to the conventional device.

Changes in Physiopathological Markers in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Skeletal Muscle: A 3-Year Follow-up Study.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a slowly progressive disease caused by abnormal CTG repetitions on the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase (DMPK) gene. Long mRNA from CTG repetitions stabilizes in nuclear foci and sequester muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1 (MBNL1). Cardinal signs of DM1 include muscle wasting and weakness. The impacts of DM1 progression on skeletal muscle are under-researched. Identifying physiopathological markers related to maximal strength loss over time in DM1. Twenty-two individuals with DM1 participated in two maximal isometric muscle strength (MIMS) evaluations of their knee extensors and two vastus lateralis muscle biopsies, 3 years apart. Muscle fiber typing, size (including minimal Feret's diameter [MFD] and atrophy/hypertrophy factors [AF/HF]), and nuclear foci and MBNL1 colocalization (foci/MBNL1+) were evaluated. Immunoblotting was used to measure glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β), p62, LC3BI, LC3BII, and oxidative phosphorylation proteins. There are significant correlations between the fold changes of MIMS with type 1 fiber MFD (ρ= 0.483) and AF (ρ= -0.514). Regression analysis shows that baseline percentage of foci/MBNL1+ nuclei and strength training explain 44.1% of foci/MBNL1+ nuclei percentage variation over time. There are fair to excellent correlations between the fold changes of MIMS and GSK3β (ρ= 0.327), p62 (ρ= 0.473), LC3BI (ρ= 0.518), LC3BII (ρ= -0.391) and LC3BII/LC3BI (ρ= -0.773). Type 1 MFD decrease and AF increase are correlated with MIMS loss. There seems to be a plateau effect in foci/MBNL1+ nuclei accumulation and strength training helps decrease this accumulation. Autophagy marker LC3BII/LC3BI ratio has a good biomarker potential of MIMS loss, but more investigations are needed.

Outcomes of retropupillary iris claw lens implantation in patients with intraocular lens dislocation and low (less than 1000 cells/mm2) corneal endothelial cell density

BackgroundPosterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a common complication of cataract surgery. Dislocated IOLs often require surgical intervention due to the potentially severe risks of leaving this condition untreated. If a patient with extremely low corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) presents with IOL dislocation, the surgeon faces a crucial dilemma of choosing the most optimal surgical treatment option. We sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens (R-IOL) implantation in patients with IOL dislocation and extremely low (< 1000 cells/mm2) ECD.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of nine patients (all men) whose pre-operative ECD was < 1000 cells/mm2 and who underwent R-IOL implantation due to intraocular subluxation or total dislocation into the vitreous cavity between 2014 and 2020. We evaluated corneal endothelial function and visual outcomes after surgery.ResultsNine patients were included in this study. The mean age at diagnosis was 64.89 ± 7.15 years (range 57–76 years), and the follow-up duration was 37.93 ± 23.72 months (range 18.07–89.07 months). No patients developed bullous keratopathy during follow-up. Compared to the initial ECD, corneal thickness (CT), coefficient variation of cell area (CV) and percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), there was no statistically significant decrease in the ECD, CV, and HEX at last follow-up (P = 0.944, 0.778, 0.445, 0.443). There was significant improvement in the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at the last follow-up (average 0.13 logMAR, 20/27 Snellen) compared to the pre-operative mean UDVA (average 1.09 logMAR, 20/250 Snellen) (P < 0.01).ConclusionsR-IOL implantation did not result in a statistically significant decline in corneal endothelial function in patients with preoperatively low ECD, and it significantly improved the mean UDVA postoperatively. R-IOL implantation appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for intraocular lens dislocation in patients with low ECD (< 1000 cells/mm²); however, long-term follow-up studies are warranted to corroborate these findings.

SUICIDE MORTALITY IN THE ELDERLY IN THE MACROREGIONS OF SANTA CATARINA: Temporal trend 2011 to 2020

To analyze the variation in suicide mortality rate among elderly individuals in the macroregions of Santa Catarina (SC), from 2011 to 2020. Ecological study, using data from the Mortality Information System and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Deaths of elderly individuals (60 years or older) with suicide as the underlying cause, according to ICD-10 codes X60-X84, Y10-Y19, and Y87, were included. Segmented linear regression analysis was adopted to calculate the annual percentage variation and significant changes in trend. From 2011 to 2020, there were 1,721 suicide deaths in SC. There was a significant increase in suicide mortality rates among elderly individuals in the state of SC (2016 to 2020) and in the macroregions of Meio Oeste and Serra (2011 to 2020), Grande Oeste (2018 to 2020), and Grande Florianópolis (2016 to 2020). Mortality rates decreased in SC (2011 to 2016) and in the macroregions of Grande Oeste (2011 to 2018), Grande Florianópolis (2011 to 2016), and Foz do Rio Itajaí (2011 to 2020). Suicide mortality rates differ among the macroregions of the state and SC.

Performance Analysis of a 50 MW Solar PV Installation at BUI Power Authority: A Comparative Study between Sunny and Overcast Days

Ghana, being blessed with abundant solar resources, has strategically invested in solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies to diversify its energy mix and reduce the environmental impacts of traditional energy technologies. The 50 MW solar PV installation by the Bui Power Authority (BPA) exemplifies the nation’s dedication to utilizing clean energy for sustainable growth. This study seeks to close the knowledge gap by providing a detailed analysis of the system’s performance under different weather conditions, particularly on days with abundant sunshine and those with cloudy skies. The research consists of one year’s worth of monitoring data for the climatic conditions at the facility and AC energy output fed into the grid. These data were used to analyze PV performance on each month’s sunniest and cloudiest days. The goal is to aid in predicting the system’s output over the next 365 days based on the system design and weather forecast and identify opportunities for system optimization to improve grid dependability. The results show that the total amount of AC energy output fed into the grid each month on the sunniest day varies between 229.3 MWh in December and 278.0 MWh in November, while the total amount of AC energy output fed into the grid each month on the cloudiest day varies between 16.1 MWh in August and 192.8 MWh in February. Also, the percentage variation in energy produced between the sunniest and cloudiest days within a month ranges from 16.9% (December) to 94.1% (August). The reference and system yield analyses showed that the PV plant has a high conversion efficiency of 91.3%; however, only the sunniest and overcast days had an efficiency of 38% and 92%, respectively. The BPA plant’s performance can be enhanced by using this analysis to identify erratic power generation on sunny days and schedule timely maintenance to keep the plant’s performance from deteriorating. Optimizing a solar PV system’s design, installation, and operation can significantly improve its AC energy output, performance ratio, and capacity factor on sunny and cloudy days. The study reveals the necessity of hydropower backup during cloudy days, enabling BPA to calculate the required hydropower for a consistent grid supply. Being able to predict the daily output of the system allows BPA to optimize dispatch strategies and determine the most efficient mix of solar and hydropower. It also assists BPA in identifying areas of the solar facility that require optimization to improve grid reliability.