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Abstract Self-determination is an inherent and indisputable legal entitlement that must be universally available to every individual, irrespective of their physical capabilities. In the case of people who are blind or have low vision, these rights are often challenged. Access to information is a major factor in facilitating choices that align with their goals, aspirations, and meaningful participation in society. This critical review examines the legal, ethical, and psychological dimensions of information access and self-determination for individuals with visual impairments. The legal framework for self-determination and the right to information is primarily shaped by international human rights treaties and domestic legislation. Notably, international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) provide safeguards to ensure that individuals with visual impairment are afforded equal opportunities for societal engagement, including unrestricted access to information. However, implementing these laws remains challenging in many countries, particularly developing nations. This literature review highlights significant ethical implications of denying individuals with visual impairment access to information, leading to disempowerment and a lack of agency. Psychologically, self-determination and the right to information have been demonstrated as essential factors for the well-being of visually impaired individuals. Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in individuals with visual impairment. It has been shown that the inability to make choices that align with patients’ values and beliefs can negatively impact their mental health. A critical evaluation of the cultural and psychological barriers to information access can offer valuable insights into how international human rights treaties and domestic laws can be effectively implemented to safeguard the rights of individuals with visual impairments. The literature is scarce on preventive and early intervention strategies to mitigate mental health issues within this group, highlighting the need for further research.

A study published in the Journal of Neurology explores the use of biplanar MRI in the early detection of transient global amnesia (TGA). TGA is a condition characterized by temporary memory loss. The study found that biplanar MRI had a diagnostic yield of 70.6% in detecting diffusion lesions in TGA patients. This suggests that biplanar MRI may be a valuable tool for the early and accurate diagnosis of TGA. However, the study acknowledges the need for further research with larger cohorts to validate these findings. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Esophageal food impaction (EFI) is a common complaint of patients presenting to the emergency department. EFI requires urgent evaluation by the gastroenterology service and often necessitates esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for management. Timing of EGD in patients with EFI that does not improve with medical management remains a point of contention. We aim to evaluate outcomes of EFI in the context of time to intervention. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed among patients who presented to a multicenter health system with EFI between 2018 and 2022. Patients with EFI that did not resolve after medical management and required EGD were included. Outcome analysis evaluated rates of complications and hospitalizations. Results: Two hundred eighty sis unique patient presentations were included. 175 (61.2%) of patients underwent EGD within six hours of presentation, 59 (20.6%) underwent EGD six to twelve hours after presentation, and 52 (18.2%) underwent EGD beyond twelve hours after presentation. Complication rates did not differ between patients depending on timing of EGD (p = 1.000). Admission rates were higher among patients in whom EGD was performed longer after presentation (p = 0.003). Complication rates were higher among patients with advanced age (p = 0.037), prior impaction (p = 0.004), and those who have not received glucagon (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Timing of EGD after presentation in patients with EFI was not associated with a difference in complication rates. Delayed intervention was associated with a higher rate of hospitalization which should be taken into consideration when assessing the cost of EFI to the healthcare system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-determination is an inherent and indisputable legal entitlement that must be universally available to every individual, irrespective of their physical capabilities. In the case of people who are blind or have low vision, these rights are often challenged. Access to information is a major factor in facilitating choices that align with their goals, aspirations, and meaningful participation in society. This critical review examines the legal, ethical, and psychological dimensions of information access and self-determination for individuals with visual impairments. The legal framework for self-determination and the right to information is primarily shaped by international human rights treaties and domestic legislation. Notably, international conventions such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) provide safeguards to ensure that individuals with visual impairment are afforded equal opportunities for societal engagement, including unrestricted access to information. However, implementing these laws remains challenging in many countries, particularly developing nations. This literature review highlights significant ethical implications of denying individuals with visual impairment access to information, leading to disempowerment and a lack of agency. Psychologically, self-determination and the right to information have been demonstrated as essential factors for the well-being of visually impaired individuals. Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health conditions in individuals with visual impairment. It has been shown that the inability to make choices that align with patients’ values and beliefs can negatively impact their mental health. A critical evaluation of the cultural and psychological barriers to information access can offer valuable insights into how international human rights treaties and domestic laws can be effectively implemented to safeguard the rights of individuals with visual impairments. The literature is scarce on preventive and early intervention strategies to mitigate mental health issues within this group, highlighting the need for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing fertility rates have become one of the factors that concern all people in the world. Therefore, the study aims to use two mutated strains of probiotics enriched with selenium (PSe40/60/1 and BSe50/20/1) to improve fertility. Thirty Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups; control, LP + S was given Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 plus selenium, and BL + S was given Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 plus selenium. Free testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured in serum by biochemical analysis. Testicular tissues were examined by histopathological analysis. The count and motility of sperm, and sperm abnormalities were determined by microscopic examination. The method of qRT-PCR was used to detect gene expression of Tspyl1, Hsd3b6, and Star genes. The biochemical results showed that serum content of free testosterone (FT) hormone had significantly increase in the BL + S and LP + S groups compared with control. Levels of LH and FSH hormones were the highest in the BL + S group. The treated groups showed all developmental stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatogenesis, spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule spermatids, as well as intact Sertoli cells and Leydig cells without changes. When compared to the control group, sperm count and motility increased in the BL + S group, while sperm abnormalities decreased. The expression of Tspyl1 gene in testicular tissues decreased in the LP + S and BL + S groups, while the expression of Star and Hsd3b6 genes was higher in the BL + S group and lower in the LP + S group compared with the control group. Therefore, Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 enriched with selenium could be useful in enhancing male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils is a major agricultural and environmental concern. Biochar (BC) is well known for enhancing crop production, while incorporating lignin (LN) with BC for decreasing Cd uptake and availability has not been studied. Herein, we investigated the effects of LN+BC under different irrigation regimes on Cd uptake, soil properties, and maize growth in Cd-contaminated soil. We used three irrigation regimens as main treatments: 60%, 80%, and 100% of evapotranspiration (ET0). Sub-treatments were soil amendments consisting of 5% BC, 5% LN+BC, and control (CK). Results showed that 60% and 80% irrigation regimens increased Cd concentrations in plant parts while LN+BC application decreased Cd uptake. However, LN+BC and BC significantly decreased Cd uptake across all irrigation regimes. The combination of LN+BC was found to be more efficient in reducing Cd uptake. The order of Cd concentration in plant tissues was as follows: CK > BC > LN+BC. LN+BC significantly increased relative leaf water content (LRWC), membrane stability index (MSI), all growth indicators, and yield attributes compared to CK. Among organic amendments, LN+BC improved grain quality by increasing starch grains, decreasing protein matrix, enhancing side scattered (SSC), and forward scattered (FSC) light signals, followed by BC and CK. The incorporation of LN+BC boosted soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and organic matter (OM). Combining BC and LN can minimize Cd phytoavailability, enhance soil quality, and boost crop growth in contaminated agricultural soils. This study suggests that a combination of LN and BC can be added as an organic amendment in Cd-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfires are significant natural hazards threatening lives, property, and the environment. Modeling and predicting wildfire spread are crucial for effective fire management and mitigation efforts. This study evaluates the performance of three famous algorithms for predicting wildfire spread, Cellular Automata (CA), FlamMap, and Convolutional LSTM (ConvLSTM) network in the Golestan National Park (GNP), a part of the Hyrcanian forest and one of the most fire-prone areas. The fuel models in the study area were selected based on the Scott and Burgan models (Standard fire behavior fuel models: A comprehensive set for use with Rothermel's surface fire spread model (p. 153), 2005) list for each algorithm. The CA algorithm also considered the vegetation stand characteristics to determine the fuel type and density values. The training data for the ConvLSTM was created by conducting 325 fire simulations using FlamMap and BehavePlus fire modeling systems. The results showed that the ConvLSTM algorithm outperformed the other two algorithms regarding overall accuracy, Kappa and Sorensen coefficient. The ConvLSTM algorithm showed the highest values of the Sorensen coefficient for all three fires, ranging from 0.78 to 0.82, whereas, FlamMap and CA had underestimation and overestimation rates, respectively. Regarding the rate of spread, the CA algorithm performed better than the other algorithms. This study provides insights into the performance of different algorithms for predicting burned areas and the rate of spread in wildfires, which can help improve wildfire management and mitigation efforts in fire-prone areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the incidence and outcomes of postoperative delirium after cardiopulmonary bypass machine in adult cardiac surgery patients. Method: A prospective observational study was conducted in a single-center institution in the Republic of China. This study included 273 patients who underwent cardiac surgical procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass machine utilization. Results: This study used the Confusion Assessment Method to screen for delirium. Univariate analysis identified advanced age, emergency surgery and prolonged aortic cross-clamping time as significant predisposing factors for delirium, which occurred in 19.8% (n = 54) of cases and typically developed in average of 4.8 ± 3.28 days after the surgery. The analysis also identified that delirium was associated with increased complications and external referrals. A total of 142 patients (52.1%) were discharged to their homes, wherein the discharge rate in the delirium group was notably lower, with only 35.2% (n = 19) of patients, than in the delirium-free group with 56.2% (n = 123) of patients. Conclusion: Considering the increased probability of delirium-related complications following cardiac surgery, it is important to develop effective preventive strategies for patients with perioperative risk factors, such as advanced age, emergency surgery and prolonged cross-clamp time, by implementing practical measures to minimize the risk of delirium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a novel technique for performing high reduction radial shear rolling (HRRSR) of aluminum alloy bars. For this purpose, rolls with a special calibration were developed, including a high reduction section and a roll feed angle of 20°. The proposed process was investigated using FEM simulation, first. The temperature, stress-strain state, and force parameters analysis showed that the proposed method can produce defect-free bars with a natural gradient microstructure. Afterward, the experimental alloy Al-3Ca-2La-1Mn (wt%), was processed by a single-pass HRRSR process, resulting in a bar with an elongation ratio of 5. High compression and shear strains provide severe deformation of the initial cast microstructure and form a uniform distribution of small eutectic inclusions of the Al4(Ca, La) phase in the aluminum matrix. The obtained results, indicate the possibility of severe deformation of aluminum alloys using the radial shear rolling method. The proposed method of deformation can be the basis for an effective technology for obtaining bulk, long-length bars from various aluminum alloys, with a high reduction in a single pass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To produce maximum output power in a solar collector system, a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is considered a vital component in system design. Though, due to partial shading effect initiated by dynamic weather conditions, the tracking process becomes more complex when locating the global maximum power point (GMPP). To solve this issue, an innovative and adaptive MPPT based on sequential Monte Carlo is suggested to accurately and efficiently predict the global peak under rapid changing weather conditions. The proposed method adaptively predicts the next best duty cycle value that will generate the maximum output power. The capability of the technique has been tested strongly under standard test conditions (STC) and dynamic weather conditions including random partial shading and changing irradiance and temperature input values. The new recommended technique is compared to the classical perturb and observe algorithm, in addition to the particle swarm optimization, and flower pollination tracking techniques. The simulated results illustrated dominance in accuracy and efficiency under varying environment conditions. The efficiency calculated was found to be as high as 99.89% at STC and as low as 98.58% at dynamic and random partial shading conditions. In addition, the results displayed high tracking speed in predicting the GMPP while maintaining no oscillations at the output power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation behavior and microstructural evolution of a Co–28Cr–6Mo alloy during uniaxial compression tests have been analyzed. The tests are carried out at 1000, 1100, and 1200°C and strain rates of 1, 10, and 50 s–1 using a Gleeble 3800 machine. Deformation resistance curves are obtained and the peak stresses are determined. The deformation behavior of the alloy is characterized by an increase in the flow stress with the strain rate and by its decrease with increasing temperature. The peak stress is recorded at higher strains when the temperature decreases or the strain rate increases. Deformation in the temperature range of 1000–1100°C is accompanied by strain hardening and partial dynamic recrystallization. After deformation at 1200°C, the microstructure of specimens consists of equiaxed recrystallized grains, and the microhardness does not depend on the strain rate. At the same time, an increase in the strain rate at 1000–1100°C leads to a slight decrease in the microhardness. The data obtained can be used for selecting deformation conditions for the Co–28Cr–6Mo alloy using industrial metal forming methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Network Intrusion Detection System is a network security technology for detecting intruder attacks. However, it produces a great amount of low-level alerts which makes the analysis difficult, especially to construct the attack scenarios. Attack scenario construction (ASC) via Alert Correlation is important to reveal the strategy of attack in terms of steps and stages that need to be launched to make the attack successful. In most of the existing works, alerts are correlated by classifying the alerts based on the cause-effect relationship. However, the drawback of these works is the identification of false and incomplete correlations due to infiltration of raw alerts. To address this problem, this work proposes an effective ASC model to discover the complete relationship among alerts. The model is successfully experimented using two types of dataset, which are DARPA 2000, and ISCX2012. The Completeness and Soundness of the proposed model are measured to evaluate the overall correlation effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety and immunogenicity of a protein-based tetravalent vaccine SCTV01E that contains spike protein ectodomain (S-ECD) of Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron BA.1 are assessed and compared with bivalent protein vaccine SCTV01C (Alpha and Beta variants) and monovalent mRNA vaccine (NCT05323461). The primary endpoints are the geometric mean titers (GMT) of live virus neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to Delta (B.1.617.2) and Omicron BA.1 at day 28 post-injection. The secondary endpoints include the safety, day 180 GMTs against Delta and Omicron BA.1, day 28 GMTs to BA.5, and seroresponse rates of neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses at day 28 post-injection. 450 participants, comprising of 449 males and 1 female, with a median age (range) of 27 (18–62) years, are assigned to receive one booster dose of BNT162b2, 20 µg SCTV01C or 30 µg SCTV01E and completed 4-week follow-up. All SCTV01E related adverse events (AEs) are mild or moderate and no Grade ≥3 AE, serious AE or new safety concerns are identified. Day 28 GMT of live virus neutralizing antibodies and seroresponse against Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 with SCTV01E are significantly higher than those with SCTV01C and BNT162b2. These data indicate an overall neutralization superiority with tetravalent booster immunization in men. Here the authors present interim results from a clinical trial of a protein-based tetravalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (SCTV01E). SCTV01E demonstrates a comparable safety profile to a bivalent protein vaccine, while exhibiting superior immunogenicity compared to both a bivalent protein vaccine and an mRNA vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the immunosuppressant rapamycin inhibits the TORC1 kinase causing rapid alteration in gene expression and leading to G1 arrest. We recently reported the isolation and characterization from the histone mutant collection of a histone H2B R95A mutant that displays resistance to rapamycin. This mutant is defective in the expression of several genes belonging to the pheromone response pathway including STE5 encoding a scaffold protein that promotes the activation of downstream MAP kinases. Cells lacking Ste5 cannot arrest the cell cycle in response to rapamycin and as a consequence exhibit similar resistance to rapamycin as the H2B R95A mutant. Herein, we show that the H2B R95A mutation weakens the association of H2B with Spt16 a component of the FACT complex (FAcilitates Chromatin Transcription), and an essential factor that interacts with the histone H2A-H2B dimer to promote transcription and preserve chromatin integrity. From a collection of spt16 mutants, spt16 E857K and spt16-11 showed striking sensitivity to rapamycin as compared to the parent strain. spt16 E857K and spt16-11 expressed distinct forms of Ste5, while a suppressor mutation H2B A84D of the spt16-11 mutant prevents the expression of Ste5 and confers marked resistance to rapamycin. We interpret these findings to suggest that the Arg95 residue of histone H2B is required to recruit Spt16 to maintain the expression of STE5, which performs a role to arrest cells in the G1 phase in response to rapamycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) were developed for prolonged tamsulosin (TMS) delivery. Double layer (DL) TDDSs were prepared using Eudragit® RL by conventional film-forming. Ethylene-vinyl acetate was used as the backing layer, triethylcitrate as plasticizer, and Capmul® PG-8-70 NF and Captex 170 EP as penetration enhancers (PEs). An increase in either drug or PE concentration caused a significant increase in drug permeation flux. Modulation of drug permeation across Strat-M® membrane was examined using a single layer (SL) having the same thickness and drug content as the DLs, while the DLs were formulated to have variable drug spatial distribution across each layer (DL 4:6 and DL 6:4). SL/TDDS showed significantly higher daily drug permeation than DL/TDDSs for the first 4 days which could be related to the presence of high TMS concentration located on the upper surface of SL/TDDS as a result of solute migration of TMS during the drying process. However, this increase was followed by a progressive linear decrease after 5 days. Deflection points that were characterized by lower drug flux had been shown by SL/TDDS at more than one-point times. In contrast, DL 4:6 and DL 6:4 TDDSs demonstrated an ability to sustain TMS delivery for up to 2 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the association between non-executive employee shareholding and financial reporting quality. The analysis is conducted using a sample of non-financial firms listed in eleven European countries between 2006 and 2017. We find a positive association between non-executive employee ownership and financial reporting quality. Furthermore, we find this positive association to be more pronounced for firms operating in the following settings: higher labour union density, more industry peer firms and more flexible labour market regulations. Overall, these findings support the view that employee shareholding enhances the quality of financial reporting by aligning the interests of employees with those of shareholders through two channels: reduced agency problems and enhanced employee retention. Our study contributes to the research on the impact of ownership characteristics on financial reporting incentives. It underscores the role non-executive employee ownership can play in improving a firm's corporate governance and therefore the quality of financial reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering is one of the hot topics in recent research that needs special requirements. It depends on the development of scaffolds that allow tissue formation with certain characteristics, carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-collagen composite attracted the attention of the researchers with this respect. However, CNTs suffer from low water dispersibility, which hampered their utilization. Therefore, we aim to functionalize CNTs non-covalently with pyrene moiety using an appropriate hydrophilic linker derivatized from polyethylene glycol (PEG) terminated with hydroxyl or carboxyl group to disperse them in water. The functionalization of the CNTs is successfully confirmed by TEM, absorption spectroscopy, TGA, and zeta potential analysis. 3T3 cells-based engineered connective tissues (ECTs) are generated with different concentrations of the functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs). These tissues show a significant enhancement in electrical conductivity at a concentration of 0.025%, however, the cell viability is reduced by about 10 to 20%. All ECTs containing f-CNTs show a significant reduction in tissue fibrosis and matrix porosity relative to the control tissues. Taken together, the developed constructs show great potential for further in vivo studies as engineered tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapamycin is an immunosuppressant used for treating many types of diseases such as kidney carcinomas. In yeast, rapamycin inhibits the TORC1 kinase signaling pathway causing rapid alteration in gene expression and ultimately cell cycle arrest in G1 through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Herein, we screened a histone mutant collection and report that one of the mutants, H2B R95A, is strikingly resistant to rapamycin due to a defective cell cycle arrest. We show that the H2B R95A causes defects in the expression of a subset of genes of the pheromone pathway required for α factor-induced G1 arrest. The expression of the STE5 gene and its encoded scaffold protein Ste5, required for the sequential activation of the MAPKs of the pheromone pathway, is greatly reduced in the H2B R95A mutant. Similar to the H2B R95A mutant, cells devoid of Ste5 are also resistant to rapamycin. Rapamycin-induced G1 arrest does not involve detectable phosphorylation of the MAPKs, Kss1, and Fus3, as reported for α factor-induced G1 arrest. However, we observed a sharp induction of the G1 cyclin Cln2 (~ 3- to 4-fold) in the ste5Δ mutant within 30 min of exposure to rapamycin. Our data provide a new insight whereby rapamycin signaling via the Torc1 kinase may exploit the pheromone pathway to arrest cells in the G1 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare condition characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrotic changes of the mesentery. Aims: To determine the long-term management and outcomes of patients with sclerosing mesenteritis. Methods: Patients with biopsy-proven sclerosing mesenteritis at the Mayo Clinic between January 2006 and December 2016 were identified. Clinical data were collected retrospectively. Results: One hundred and three patients were identified, median age 68.0 years (range 35.0–85.3). Most patients were symptomatic (87.4%) at presentation. Patients received no treatment (52.4%), medical therapy (42.7%) or surgery (4.9%) on initial diagnosis. The most common initial regimens were prednisone plus tamoxifen (41.9%), prednisone alone (23.3%), and prednisone plus colchicine (11.6%) with 55.6%, 57.2%, and 60% of patients improving, respectively, p = 0.85 for a difference in response rates. At least half of the patients responded to prednisone plus tamoxifen, prednisone plus colchicine, or prednisone alone at 6.0, 7.2, and 8.4 months, respectively. At a median follow-up of 45.6 months (95% CI 24.1–69.7), 65.4% of patients were receiving medical therapy. Of those receiving tamoxifen-based, steroid-based, or steroid-sparing regimens, 100%, 87.5%, and 77.8% had improved by their last follow-up appointment respectively, p = 0.15. Conclusion: Prednisone plus colchicine has a similar efficacy to prednisone plus tamoxifen for the initial and long-term treatment of sclerosing mesenteritis. The majority of patients were initiated on medical therapy over the long term with most reporting symptomatic improvement within a year. Death from SM was rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies demonstrate parallels between CVD, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and COVID-19 pathology, which accentuate pre-existing complications in patients infected with COVID-19 and potentially exacerbate the infection course. Antidiabetic drugs such as sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have garnered substantial attention recently due to their efficacy in reducing the severity of cardiorenal disease. The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with COVID-19 remains unclear particularly since SGLT-2 inhibitors contribute to altering the RAAS cascade activity, which includes ACE-2, the major cell entry receptor for SARS-CoV2. A study, DARE-19, was carried out to unveil the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment on comorbid disease complications and concomitant COVID-19 outcomes and demonstrated no statistical significance. However, the need for further studies is essential to provide conclusive clinical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classical maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approaches are powerful under uniform irradiance conditions. However, under partial shading conditions, they fail to find the global maximum power point (GMPP) and are trapped in one of the local maximum power points (MPPs), resulting in loss of power. This paper presents an experimental investigation of a novel hybrid MPPT approach for photovoltaic systems working under partial shading conditions (PSCs). In the proposed hybrid approach, the firefly algorithm (FA) is modified and employed for global searching through two loops, and the perturbation and observation (P&O) algorithm is used for local searching through one loop. The model of the proposed algorithm is built in the environments of MATLAB/Simulink and Proteus virtual system modeling (VSM) while the experimental study is conducted using a 32-bit microcontroller. The simulation and experimental results are collected under irregular irradiance conditions and PSCs. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits superior performance in the task of finding and tracking the GMPP, shows high sensitivity in capturing any variation in atmospheric conditions, reduces the convergence time to the GMPP and reduces the steady-state oscillation around the optimal operating point. This finding has important implications for developing photovoltaic generation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide-based varistors are nonlinear voltage-dependent ceramic resistors used to suppress and limit transient voltage surges. However, due to their structural inhomogeneity, current concentration may come into existence, which causes thermal stress in local areas that even may destroy the components. As a result, these elements lose their reliability and ability to protect. In this study, the effect of structural inhomogeneity on their electrical properties was analyzed and demonstrated. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the impact of structural inhomogeneity on their performance in terms of surge energy absorption capability. In addition, to make a technological contribution, experiments using the classical proceeding were carried out to identify the optimal proportions for the following oxides (Bi2O3, Nb2O5, MnO2, Co3O4, Cr2O3, NiO, Ce2O3, La2O3). Using the optimal proportions of the oxides, a new ZnO varistor was manufactured. Characterization of the manufactured new varistor showed that it has a low inhomogeneity factor β = 0.11 and a high nonlinear coefficient α = 100 ± 1. This demonstrates that the manufactured varistor has a reasonable structural homogeneity, which allows for a uniform distribution of the current passing through it. For further evidence, the new varistor was shocked by 8/20 μs regular high pulses with a current of 15KA and a voltage of 3 kV for each pulse. No puncture failure was observed, which indicates its ability to absorb excess voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few previous studies estimated the association between micronutrient status and sleep quality; no previous work was done in patients with depression compared with healthy controls. Methods: Using a case-control design, 96 patients with depression were age- and sex-matched with 96 healthy controls. Dietary assessment utilized a standardized questionnaire, and analysis focused comprehensively on 18 micronutrient items. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of poor sleep quality. Results: Patients with depression had a significantly lower sleep quality than controls with PSQI scores of 7.3 ± 2.7 and 5.1 ± 2.5, respectively. The prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with depression was almost double the prevalence of poor sleep quality in the general population. The micronutrient status of vitamin B12 and Mg successfully predicted sleep quality in healthy controls. However, in patients with depression, micronutrient status failed to predict sleep quality. Conclusions: The current research showed that sleep quality was positively associated with Mg intake, and negatively associated with vitamin B12 in healthy adults. For patients with depression in this study sample, sleep quality was not associated with micronutrient intake status. Further research is needed to determine if intake of micronutrients can improve sleep and/or depressive symptoms in patients with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is expected to increase soil fertility, crop productivity, and food quality. However, the potential effects of ZnO NP utilization should be deeply understood. This review highlights the behavior of ZnO NPs in soil and their interactions with the soil components. The review discusses the potential effects of ZnO NPs on plants and their mechanisms of action on plants and how these mechanisms are related to their physicochemical properties. The impact of current applications of ZnO NPs in the food industry is also discussed. Based on the literature reviewed, soil properties play a vital role in dispersing, aggregation, stability, bioavailability, and transport of ZnO NPs and their release into the soil. The transfer of ZnO NPs into the soil can affect the soil components, and subsequently, the structure of plants. The toxic effects of ZnO NPs on plants and microbes are caused by various mechanisms, mainly through the generation of reactive oxygen species, lysosomal destabilization, DNA damage, and the reduction of oxidative stress through direct penetration/liberation of Zn2+ ions in plant/microbe cells. The integration of ZnO NPs in food processing improves the properties of the relative ZnO NP–based nano-sensing, active packing, and food/feed bioactive ingredients delivery systems, leading to better food quality and safety. The unregulated/unsafe discharge concentrations of ZnO NPs into the soil, edible plant tissues, and processed foods raise environmental/safety concerns and adverse effects. Therefore, the safety issues related to ZnO NP applications in the soil, plants, and food are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: simple, sensitive, free of organic solvents, kinetic spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of Clindamycin Hydrochloride, both in pure form and Capsules. Method is based on reaction of Clindamycin with potassium iodide and potassium iodate in an aqueous medium at (25 ± 2 °C) to produce yellow-coloured tri iodide ions (I3−). The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance at wavelength 350 nm during 40 min. Results: the effects of analytical parameters on reported kinetic methods were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the initial rate and fixed time (at 10 min) methods were used for constructing the calibration graphs. The graphs were linear in concentration ranges 1–20 μg ml−1 with limit of detection of 0.12 and 0.22 μg ml−1for the initial rate and fixed time methods, respectively. The results were satisfactory and the analytical performance for both methods was validated. Conclusion: The proposed methods have been applied to determine the components in capsules with an average recovery of 98.25–102.00% and the results are in good agreement with those found by the reference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are non-specific and multi-inflammatory. They vary from mild to severe manifestations that can be life-threatening. The association of SARS-CoV-2 infection and pseudoaneurysm formation or rupture of an already existing aneurysm is still unexplored. Several mechanisms may be involved, including the direct destruction to the artery by the viral infection or through the release of the inflammatory cytokines. We are presenting a case of a 13-year-old girl with a ruptured cerebral pseudoaneurysm of the left middle cerebral artery (M2 segment) with severe intracerebral hemorrhage as the earliest manifestation of COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are widely employed in industrial, robotic, water pumping and HVAC applications due to their numerous benefits such as small size, high-energy efficiency, high performance, low inertia and the ability to operate in full load at low speeds. In case the PMSM drive system is supplied from photovoltaic (PV) modules, it can be a perfect match for water pumping or HVAC applications. In such a system, in order to extract full energy from PV modules, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm must be employed. This article presents a PV system-fed PMSM drive system with sensorless speed control. The proposed system consists of two main parts. The first part deals with MPPT algorithm based on fuzzy logic controller and the second part deals with PMSM drive system with a sensorless speed estimator by using Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) approach to eliminate the use of an encoder. The operation of PMSM is accomplished by using the vector control method to obtain a similar dynamic of the DC motor. The overall system is modelled in Matlab/Simulink environment and simulation results are collected under various operating conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the development of passive, chipless tags for a novel indoor self-localization system operating at high mm-wave frequencies. One tag concept is based on the low-Q fundamental mode of dielectric resonators (DR) which exhibits peak scattering at its resonance frequency. As the radar cross-section (RCS) of DRs at mm-wave frequencies is far too low for the intended application, arrays of DRs and combinations with dielectric lens and corner reflectors are investigated to boost the RCS while keeping the scattering retro-directive over wide-angle incidence. Satisfactory results are demonstrated experimentally in W-band with metal corner reflectors combined with planar arrays of DRs; the tags produce a high RCS level over a moderately broad angular range and a wide frequency range where they exhibit a notch at the resonance frequency of the dielectric resonators. These designs suffer from low coding range of 3 to 6 bit, degradations of RCS in angular range, and a difficult separation of the tag response from strong clutter. Both the suppression of large clutter interference by using time gating of the tag response and a larger coding range are promised by a chipless tag concept based on multiple high-Q resonators in photonic crystal (PhC) technology. Experimental samples are characterized as transmission resonators and as retro-directive tags at the 230 GHz band. As a concept to boost the retro-directive RCS with a truly wide-angle response, the integration of PhC resonators with a Luneburg lens is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Failure of sleeve gastrectomy poses a potential challenge for surgeons as variable options exist for revision. One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a potential revisional option, and in this study, we sought to determine the safety and efficacy of OAGB post sleeve gastrectomy. Method: Prospective study on our initial experience with a consecutive group of patients who underwent OAGB as a revisional surgery for sleeve gastrectomy in the period between January 2015 and December 2018 was carried out. Morbidity and mortality data were recorded as well as the effect on comorbidities and weight loss. Results: A total of 56 patients underwent OAGB as a revision of sleeve gastrectomy. The average weight prior to OAGB was 112 ± 24.6 kg. The minimum weight they have reached after is 85 ± 21.3 kg after a duration of 19 ± 9.2 months. Percentage of total weight loss (TWL%) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively was found to be 7.6%, 9.8%, 14.1%, and 28.8%, respectively. TWL% on the last day of follow-up was 24%. Two patients had marginal ulcers, in which one had a perforation. Conclusion: OAGB is safe and effective for weight regain post sleeve gastrectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Operating room (OR) efficiency requires coordinated teamwork between the staff surgeon, anesthesia team, circulating nurse, surgical technician, and surgical trainee or assistant. Bariatric cases present unique challenges including difficult airways, challenging intravenous access, use of specialized surgical equipment, and synchronized exchange of orogastric tubes. The high contribution margin of these complex bariatric procedures rests on OR efficiency.Objective: To compare the efficiency of bariatric surgeries performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary academic medical center with its inherent variability of OR staff to that of a private hospital with a standardized surgical team.Methods: All laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (LRYGB) performed by a single surgeon at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (UHCMC) and a Community Affiliate (CA) from 2013 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics and preoperative comorbidities were compared. The variability of OR staff at each site was described. Four primary endpoints of the different OR phases were measured at the 2 locations and analyzed using standard statistical methods.Results: The OR data of 74 cases of LRYGB at UHCMC and 106 cases at the CA were analyzed. Patient cohorts were comparable by age (45 ± 12 vs. 45 ± 10; p = 0.88), sex (82% vs. 79% female; p = 0.62), BMI (47.16 ± 7.33 vs. 45.91 ± 6.85; p = 0.25), and comorbidities. At CA, the teams who participated in LRYGB cases were fairly constant (8 circulating and scrub nurses, 4 anesthetists, 3 anesthesiologists), whereas at UHCMC there was great variability in the number of staff with 108 staff (39 circulating nurses, 57 scrub nurses/technicians, 59 anesthetists or anesthesia residents, 24 anesthesiologists) participated in LRYGB cases. There was no statistical difference between the total mean OR time and surgical time of the cases performed at the 2 sites (203 ± 59 min vs. 188 ± 39 min; p = 0.06; 152 ± 56 min; 145 ± 37 min; p = 0.36). However, the pre- and post-case times were longer at UHCMC compared to the CA (38 ± 9 min vs. 33 ± 6 min; p < 0.0001; 13 ± 6 min vs. 10 ± 3 min; p = 0.01).Conclusion: The academic center has much greater variability in staff for these complex bariatric procedures. There was a trend toward longer OR times at the tertiary center as demonstrated by the difference in pre- and post-case times, but the consistent surgeon and assistant allowed for consistent surgical case time regardless of the setting. The implication of variability in OR staff can be overcome by the surgeon directing the procedure itself. The opportunity for improving the efficiency of bariatric surgery should focus on the perioperative care of the patient in OR that requires everyone to be familiar with the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This correction notice is for an article titled "Safety and immunogenicity of a tetravalent and bivalent SARS-CoV-2 protein booster vaccine in men" published in Nature Communications. The correction addresses an error in the author's name, where Linda Saf Eldin was incorrectly written as Linda Saifeldin. The original article has been corrected to reflect the accurate name. The authors of the article include Suad Hannawi, Linda Saf Eldin, Alaa Abuquta, Ahmad Alamadi, Sally A. Mahmoud, Aala Hassan, Shuping Xu, Jian Li, Dongfang Liu, Adam Abdul Hakeem Baidoo, Dima Ibrahim, Mojtaba Alhaj, Yuanxin Chen, Qiang Zhou, and Liangzhi Xie. [Extracted from the article]

This study examines herding tendency in the market for American Depository Receipts (ADRs) by analyzing daily data from 343 ADRs listed on the US stock exchange. Using two different approaches, Christie & Huang (Financ Anal J 51(4), 31–37, 1995) and Chang et al. (J Bank Financ 24(10), 1651–1679, 2000) showed that US investors do not herd when trading domestic stocks. We extend these works by using the same approaches to investigate whether US investors herd when trading registered ADRs. Two types of herding are considered in our analysis: informational cascades and investigative herding. We find strong evidence that US investors follow the same signals when trading ADRs rather than following others' trades. Specifically, they have a tendency to herd around the ADRs' home market indexes. These results suggest that such herding is based on value-relevant information, which is consistent with the presence of investigative herding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In basketball, the defender’s reaction to a pass is slower and more error prone if the attacking player gazes into the opposite direction. This so-called head-fake effect might be modulated by context information, that is, the frequency and the sequence of head fakes occurring. Accordingly, the present study investigates the head-fake effect for different frequency proportions (20% vs. 50% vs. 80%). The results show that the head-fake effect decreases when the head fake occurs more often. Furthermore, a potential influence of previous fake experience (i.e., congruency-sequence effect) on the size of the head-fake effect was investigated. Importantly, previous fake experience did not cause the frequency-based modulation of the general size of the head-fake effect. These findings bare important implications for sports practice, especially when it comes to instructing players about the tactical use of deceptive actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The HospitAl stay, Readmission, and Mortality rates (HARM) score is a quality indicator that is easily determined from routine administrative data. However, the HARM score has not yet been applied to patients undergoing bariatric surgery.Objective: The aims of the present study were to adjust the HARM score to the bariatric population and to validate the ability of the modified HARM score to serve as an inexpensive tool to measure the quality of bariatric surgery.Methods: A MBSAQIP 2015 PUF database was reviewed. For each discharge, a 1 to 10 score was calculated on the basis of length of stay (LOS), discharge status, and 30-day readmissions. We adjusted the LOS categories to the distribution of LOS in the MBSQIP database. The new LOS categories were used to calculate the modified HARM score, referred to as the BARiatric HARM (BAR-HARM) score. The association between HARM and BAR-HARM scores and complication rate was assessed.Results: A total of 197,141 cases were evaluated: 98.8% were elective and 1.2% were emergent admissions. The mean individual patient BAR-HARM score was 1.75 ± 1.04 for elective cases, and 2.02 ± 1.45 for emergency cases. The complication rates for the respective BAR-HARM categories ≤ 2, > 2 to 3, > 3 to 4, and > 4 were 3.95, 27.53, 40.14, and 79.97% (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The quality of bariatric surgery can be reliably and validly assessed using the BAR-HARM score, which is a modification of the HARM score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is one of the most common procedures performed for weight loss. Many seek the “perfect sleeve” with the notion that the type of calibrating device affects sleeve shape, and this in turn will affect outcomes and complications. Two major concerns after SG are amount of weight loss and acid reflux. Our aim was to determine if the various calibration methods could impact sleeve shape and thereby allow for better outcomes of weight loss and reflux.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 210 patients who underwent SG and had postoperative upper gastrointestinal (UGI) study from 2011 to 2015 in a single center by a single (fellowship-trained) bariatric surgeon. Data regarding demographics, calibrating devices and clinical outcomes at 1 year (weight loss and de novo acid reflux) were collected. UGIs were reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the clinical outcomes. Sleeve shape was classified according to a previously described classification as tubular, dumbbell, upper pouch, or lower pouch. The types of calibrating devices used to guide the sleeve size intraoperatively were endoscopy, large-bore orogastric tube, and fenestrated suction tube.Results: One hundred ninety-nine patients met inclusion criteria (11 had no esophagram). Demographics revealed age 45.76 ± 10.6 years, BMI 47 ± 8.6 kg/m2, and 82% female. Calibration devices used were endoscopic guidance (7.6%), large bore orogastric tube (41.4%), and fenestrated suction tube (50.5%). Sleeve shape was reported as 32.6% tubular, 20.6% dumbbell, 39.2% lower pouch, and 7.5% upper pouch (100% interrater reliability). No correlation was seen with type of calibration used. Of patients, 62.0% had > 50% excess weight loss at 1 year. Twenty-three percent of patients remained on PPI at 1 year (of which 43.3% did not have reflux preoperatively). The lower pouch shape showed a trend toward less reflux and more weight loss.Conclusion: This study showed no clear association between uniformity of sleeve shape and the type of calibration device used. The study showed a trend toward decreased reflux and improved weight loss with the lower pouch shape, regardless of calibration device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypermethylation in the CpG island promoter regions of tumor suppressors is known to play a significant role in the development of HNSCC and the detection of which can aid the classification and prognosis of HNSCC. This study aims to profile the methylation patterns in a panel of key genes including CDKN2A, CDKN2B, KLOTHO (KL), RASSF1A, RARB, SLIT2, and SFRP1, in a group of HNSCC samples from Saudi Arabia. The extent of methylation in these genes is determined using the MethyLight assay and correlated with known clinicopathological parameters in our samples of 156 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded HNSCC tissues. SLIT2 methylation had the highest frequency (64.6%), followed by RASSF1A (41.3%), RARB (40.7%), SFRP1 (34.9), KL (30.7%), CKDN2B (29.6%), and CKDN2A (29.1%). KL and SFRP1 methylation were more predominant in nasopharyngeal tumors ( P = 0.001 and P = 0.031 respectively). Kaplan Meier analysis showed that patients with moderately differentiated tumors who display SFRP1 methylation have significantly worse overall survival in comparison with other samples. In contrast, better clinical outcomes were seen in patients with KL methylation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the detection of frequent methylation in SFRP1 and KL genes' promoters could serve as prognostic biomarkers for HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new model-based on-line control of building energy consumption with no drawbacks related to the thermal model or the unplanned changes (occupation, exterior temperature, ...) is presented in this paper. The main theoretical tools of this method are the flatness-based control and the recent new setting of numerical differentiation for fast and on-line parameter estimation. Indeed the estimation techniques form an added value in terms of the reliability of the thermal model. Furthermore, the main advantage of using the differential flatness control scheme is that the system behavior can be described by the trajectory of a so-called flat output and a number of its successive time derivatives. This leads to a simple design of the control strategy without the integration of any differential equations. Numerical simulations as well as comparative studies with a classical PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller are provided to demonstrate the relevance of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basketball players' responses to an opposing players' pass direction are typically delayed when the opposing player gazes in another than the pass direction. Here, we studied the role of basketball expertise on this, the so-called head-fake effect, in three groups of participants (basketball experts, soccer players, and non-athletes). The specific focus was on the dependency of the head-fake effect on previous fake experience as an index of control over the processing of task-irrelevant gaze information. Whereas (overall) the head-fake effect was of similar size in all expertise groups, preceding fake experience removed the head-fake effect in basketball players, but not in non-experts. Accordingly, basketball expertise allows for higher levels of control over the processing of task-irrelevant gaze information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Normalization of the serum-free light-chain ratio (FLCr) with the absence of bone marrow monoclonal plasma cells following achievement of a complete response (CR) to therapy denotes a stringent CR in multiple myeloma (MM), and is associated with improved overall survival (OS). However, its value in patients achieving