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Background: Congenital kyphosis is a spinal deformity that arises from the inadequate anterior development or segmentation of the vertebrae in the sagittal plane during the initial embryonic stage. Consequently, this condition triggers atypical spinal growth, leading to the manifestation of deformity. Concurrently, other congenital abnormalities like renal or cardiac defects within the gastrointestinal tract may co-occur with spinal deformities due to their shared formation timeline. In light of the specific characteristics of the deformity, the age range of the patient, deformity sizes, and neurological conditions, surgical intervention emerges as the optimal course of action for such cases. The selection of the appropriate surgical approach is contingent upon the specific characteristics of the anomaly. Case Presentation: This investigation illustrates the utilization of a surgical posterior-only strategy for correcting pediatric congenital kyphoscoliosis through the implementation of a vertebral column resection method along with spine reconstruction employing a mesh cage. The individual in question, a 16-year-old female, exhibited symptoms such as a progressive rib hump, shoulder asymmetry, and back discomfort. Non-invasive interventions like bracing proved ineffective, leading to the progression of the spinal curvature. After the surgical procedure, diagnostic imaging displayed a marked enhancement across all three spatial dimensions. After a postoperative physical assessment, it was noted that the patient experienced significant enhancements in shoulder alignment and rib hump prominence, with no discernible neurological or other adverse effects. Conclusions: Surgical intervention is considered the optimal approach for addressing such congenital anomalies. Typically, timely surgical intervention leads to favorable results and has the potential to halt the advancement of deformity and curvature enlargement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the growing scarcity and rising costs of fossil fuels, researchers are exploring alternative energy sources that can mimic the conventional fuels. This study focused on ternary fuel blends made from waste fried oil (WFO) biodiesel, methanol, and diesel. To enhance their stability, 10, 20, and 30 ml of n-butanol per litre of ternary blends are added. The blends were tested in a variable compression ratio (VCR) engine under peak load conditions. The experiments are carried out by varying the compression ratio (CR) of the engine from 16:1 to 18:1. The results showed that increasing the CR improved combustion for all fuel blends. Among the ternary blends, B30M20D50 outperformed pure diesel in terms of combustion characteristics. When compared to diesel, B30M20D50 yielded 5.08 %, 5.31 %, and 4.59 % higher Pmax at CR 16:1, 17:1, and 18:1, respectively. Under the same conditions, NHRR outperformed diesel by 1.46 %, 3.12 %, and 2.44 %, respectively. While ternary blends with up to 20 % methanol exhibited stable combustion, higher methanol concentrations led to erratic rise in the coefficient of variation. The interdependency analysis revealed a strong correlation between the combustion parameters for the B20M30D50 blend across different compression ratios.

Almost 50 years after the VCR’s (Video Cassette Recorder) worldwide penetration in the international entertainment market, this paper will explore VCR-use-related and VCR-viewing-related activities, and the cultural practices of the Greek video cultures, particularly videotape collectors, in the 21st century. Rooted in various disciplines, the article aims to illuminate the persistent nature of VHS collectors’ previous entertainment routines. From owning a VCR device and maintaining their videotape collections to enriching them with new acquisitions from video libraries and online buys, Greek videotape aficionados’ practices show continuities and discontinuities from the past. Furthermore, it will explore how these practices have influenced their perception of current uses and gratifications of VHS technologies, revealing a perspective rooted in (tech) nostalgia. Moreover, the article will argue that the enduring presence and resilience of VHS technologies can be regarded as a testament to collective memory, a resistance to the digitalization of entertainment, and a longing for simpler ways of life, particularly in the aftermath of the 2007–2008 financial recession and the rise of new technologies.

Purpose: Unremoved vitreoschisis‐induced vitreous cortex remnants over the peripheral retinal surface posterior to the vitreous base (pVCR) may increase the risk of surgical failure after primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. The purpose of this study was to validate our previous findings on pVCR prevalence during vitrectomy for RRD and to examine their association with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and surgical failure. Methods: Prospective observational multisurgeon study of 100 eyes of 100 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy for RRD by one of four vitreoretinal surgeons. Collected data included detected pVCR and known PVR risk factors. Pooled analysis with our previous retrospective study (251 eyes of 251 patients) was also performed. Results: Initial PVR (≥C) was present and removed in 6/100 (6%) patients, pVCR were detected in 36/100 (36%) patients, pVCR were removed in 30/36 (83%) patients with pVCR, and 4/36 (11%) patients with pVCR were high myopes (≤−6D). Six per cent (6/100) developed a retinal redetachment, of which 3/6 (50%) had initial PVR (≥C). Surgical failure rates in eyes with and without pVCR were 17% (6/36) and 0% (0/64), respectively. In eyes with pVCR and surgical failure, pVCR were not or not completely removed during the first surgery. Overall analysis showed that pVCR were statistically significantly associated with PVR. Conclusions: This study confirms our previous findings: a pVCR prevalence of around 35% and an association between pVCR, PVR formation and surgical failure in patients undergoing vitrectomy for RRD. More research is needed to determine which patients would benefit most from pVCR removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, combination of a solid oxide fuel cell with two CCP subsystem to generate power and refrigeration is investigated. The proposed system consists of two combined ORC-VCR system which their input energy is supplied by the waste heat of a SOFC. The energy and exergy analysis is carried out for the system components. The results indicate that recovering the waste heat of the SOFC, the energy and exergy efficiencies are improved by 45.82% and 6.14% compared to the standalone SOFC system. Besides, the proposed system can generate 382.4kW power and 176.28kW refrigeration, respectively. Moreover, the exergy analysis demonstrates that the air heat exchanger, afterburner, SOFC stack and evaporatorI have considerable exergy destruction rate in comparison with other system components. The effect of key parameters of the SOFC and ORC-VCR subsystems on the system performance are also analyzed. The results revealed that SOFC net power and refrigeration capacity increase with increasing current density. Furthermore, by increasing the SOFC operating temperature, the refrigeration capacity increases. However, there is an optimum value for the fuel cell operating temperature in which the SOFC net power is maximum.

In this work, we identified that different chemotherapeutic drugs may select cells with different antioxidant capacities. For this, we evaluated the sensitivity of two multidrug-resistant (MDR) erythroleukemia cell lines: Lucena (resistant to vincristine, VCR) and FEPS (resistant to daunorubicin, DNR) derived from the same sensitive cell K562 (non-MDR) to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, we evaluated how the cell lines respond to the oxidizing agent in the absence of VCR/DNR. In absence of VCR, Lucena drastically decreases cell viability when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, while FEPS is not affected even without DNR. To analyze whether selection by different chemotherapeutic agents may generate altered energetic demands, we analyzed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the relative expression of the glucose transporter 1 gene (glut1). We observed that the selection through DNR apparently generates a higher energy demand than VCR. High levels of transcription factors genes expression (nrf2, hif-1α, and oct4) were kept even when the DNR is withdrawn from the FEPS culture for one month. Together, these results indicate that DNR selects cells with greater ability to express the major transcription factors related to the antioxidant defense system and the main extrusion pump (ABCB1) related to the MDR phenotype. Taking into account that the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells is closely related to resistance to multiple drugs, it is evident that endogenous antioxidant molecules may be targets for the development of new anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of a solid oxide fuel cell with two CCP subsystems to generate power and refrigeration is investigated in the present paper. The proposed system consists of two combined ORC-VCR systems whose input energy is supplied by the waste heat of a SOFC. Energy and exergy analysis was carried out for the system components. The results indicate that by recovering the waste heat of the SOFC, the energy and exergy efficiencies are improved by 45.82% and 6.14% compared to the stand-alone SOFC system. In addition, the proposed system can generate 382.4kW power and 176.28kW refrigeration, respectively. Moreover, the exergy analysis demonstrates that the air heat exchanger, afterburner, SOFC stack, and evaporatorI have a considerable exergy destruction rate compared to other system components. The effects of key parameters of the SOFC and ORC-VCR subsystems on the system performance are also analyzed. The results revealed that increasing current density increases SOFC net power and refrigeration capacity. Furthermore, by increasing the SOFC operating temperature, the refrigeration capacity increases. However, an optimum value for the cell operating temperature produces the maximum SOFC net power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, thermodynamic analysis for integration of a PEMFC with an organic Rankin cycle, and an ejector expansion vapor compression refrigeration system is presented. The input energy of the system is supplied by the waste heat of a PEMFC. Energy and exergy analysis is performed on each system component and compared with a simple ORC-VCR without an ejector. The results show that employing the ejector can improve the refrigeration capacity, energy efficiency, and exergy efficiency by 18.88%, 12.29 %, and 12.27%, respectively, compared to a simple ORC-VCR system. Moreover, the overall energy and exergy efficiency of the system is 33.43% and 5.46% higher than a standalone PEM fuel cell. Furthermore, in the parametric study, the effect of condenser temperature, evaporator temperature, ejector efficiency, PEMFC operating temperature, current density, and PEMFC operating pressure on the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, and refrigeration capacity of the system is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Congenital kyphosis is a spinal deformity that arises from the inadequate anterior development or segmentation of the vertebrae in the sagittal plane during the initial embryonic stage. Consequently, this condition triggers atypical spinal growth, leading to the manifestation of deformity. Concurrently, other congenital abnormalities like renal or cardiac defects within the gastrointestinal tract may co-occur with spinal deformities due to their shared formation timeline. In light of the specific characteristics of the deformity, the age range of the patient, deformity sizes, and neurological conditions, surgical intervention emerges as the optimal course of action for such cases. The selection of the appropriate surgical approach is contingent upon the specific characteristics of the anomaly. Case Presentation: This investigation illustrates the utilization of a surgical posterior-only strategy for correcting pediatric congenital kyphoscoliosis through the implementation of a vertebral column resection method along with spine reconstruction employing a mesh cage. The individual in question, a 16-year-old female, exhibited symptoms such as a progressive rib hump, shoulder asymmetry, and back discomfort. Non-invasive interventions like bracing proved ineffective, leading to the progression of the spinal curvature. After the surgical procedure, diagnostic imaging displayed a marked enhancement across all three spatial dimensions. After a postoperative physical assessment, it was noted that the patient experienced significant enhancements in shoulder alignment and rib hump prominence, with no discernible neurological or other adverse effects. Conclusions: Surgical intervention is considered the optimal approach for addressing such congenital anomalies. Typically, timely surgical intervention leads to favorable results and has the potential to halt the advancement of deformity and curvature enlargement.

Both ranked‐choice voting (RCV) and runoff seek to prevent the election of candidates with only minority support by enabling more broadly approved rivals to win through come‐from‐behind victories (CFBVs). Although CFBVs are intrinsic to RCV and runoff, they have received little scholarly attention. This study suggests that, amid voters' status quo bias, CFBVs provoke dissatisfaction. In a survey experiment fielded on U.S. voters, CFBVs under RCV significantly reduced satisfaction, while there was a weaker negative effect under runoff. Similarly, RCV was repealed or faced a visible repeal attempt in the vast majority of U.S. jurisdictions that experienced a CFBV in the first or second use of the rule. This was not the case for runoff. We encourage greater voter education, including regarding the rationale for and mechanics of CFBVs under RCV as well as consideration of runoff and other rules that encourage the election of candidates with majority support. Related Articles: McCarthy, Devin, and Jack Santucci. 2021. "Ranked Choice Voting as a Generational Issue in Modern American Politics." Politics & Policy 49(1): 33–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12390. Nielson, Lindsay. 2017. "Ranked Choice Voting and Attitudes toward Democracy in the United States: Results from a Survey Experiment." Politics & Policy 45(4): 535–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12212. Stiers, Dieter. 2019. "Static and Dynamic Models of Retrospective Voting: A Clarification and Application to the Individual Level." Politics & Policy 47(5): 859–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12324. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research combines a dual evaporator vapour-compression refrigeration system with an organic Rankine cycle. The integrated system is a renewable energy-based technology that can provide refrigeration at different refrigeration temperatures and capacities. The system's performance is compared using five different organic working fluids: butane, pentane, isopentane, hexane, and R245fa, to recommend the most suitable fluid for the system. Coefficient of performance (COP), exergy efficiency (η ex), total cost (C tot), and payback period (PB) are taken as the performance parameters. Moreover, the system's exergy performance is analysed using advanced exergy analysis (AEA), and sensitivity analysis to determine the optimal operating condition for system components. The result indicates that butane is the optimal fluid for improving energy, exergy, economical, and environmental performance. The system has a COP of 0.377, an exergy efficiency of 10.91%, a total cost of $33,091, and a payback period of 5.8 years. Boiler, compressor, condenser, and EPG make up 31% of the total exergy destruction that can be avoided by adequately selecting their operating condition. The optimal condition for boiler temperature, condenser temperature, the pinch-point temperature difference in condenser and boiler, and compressor efficiency is 120 °C, 40 °C, 3 °C, 10 °C, and 0.7, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multi-objective optimization study is carried out to determine the optimal exergetic performance (ηex) and the payback period (PB) of the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) integrated vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) system based on exergy, economic, and environmental criteria using non-dominated sort genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is carried out to improve the exergetic performance of the system. The working fluid, the pinch-point temperature difference of the ORC evaporator (ΔToep), condenser (ΔTcondp), and the VCR evaporator (ΔTvep), cooling water inlet temperature (Tcw1), chilled fluid temperature (Tcf2), and heat-source inlet temperature (Th1) are taken as the decision variables. The results of this study indicate that butane is the most suitable working fluid for optimal exergetic efficiency, ηex (33.7%) and payback period, PB (4.9 years) of the system. The optimal values of other decision variables such as Th1, Tcw1, Tcf2, ΔToep, ΔTvep, and ΔTcondp are 378 K, 313 K, 276 K, 10 K, 5 K, and 5 K respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The costs of conventional fuels are rising on a daily basis as a result of technical limits, a misallocation of resources between demand and supply, and a shortage of conventional fuel. The use of crude oil contributes to increased environmental contamination, and as a result, there is a pressing need to investigate alternate fuel sources for car applications. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that is derived chemically by reacting with the sources of biodiesel. The present research is based on analyzing the effect of fish oil biodiesel-ethanol blend in variable compression engine for variable compression ratio (VCR). The processed fish oil was procured and subjected to a transesterification process to convert fatty acids into methyl esters. The obtained methyl esters (biodiesel) were blended with ethanol and diesel to obtain a ternary blend. The ternary blend was tested for its stability, and a stable blend was obtained and tested in VCR engines for its performance, combustion, and emission characteristics. In the second phase, experiments are conducted in the diesel engine by fueling the fish oil methyl ester and ethanol blended with diesel fuel in the concentration of 92.5 vol% of Diesel+7.5 vol% of Fish oil+1.25 vol% ethanol, 92.5 vol% of Diesel+7.5 vol% of Fish oil+5 vol% ethanol, 87.5 vol% of Diesel+12.5 vol% of Fish oil+1.25 vol% ethanol, 87.5 vol% of Diesel+12.5 vol% of Fish oil+5 vol% ethanol, 82.5 vol% of Diesel+17.5 vol% of Fish oil+1.25 vol% ethanol, 82.5 vol% of Diesel+17.5 vol% of Fish oil+ 5 vol% ethanol to find out the performance parameters and emissions. Because the alternative fuel performs better in terms of engine performance and pollution management, the percentage chosen is considered the best mix. The results showed that the use of a lower concentration of ethanol in the fish oil biodiesel blend improved the engine thermal efficiency by 5.23% at a higher compression ratio. Similarly, the engine operated with a higher compression ratio reduced the formation of HC and CO emissions, whereas the NOx and CO2 emissions increased with an increased proportion of biodiesel in diesel and ethanol blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar cooling technologies have become essential, especially in tropical countries due to the amount of solar radiation and the growing need for cooling. Gigantically, this study aims to depict a hybrid solar cooling system driven by a photovoltaic/thermal unit. The PV cells are used to power a Vapor Compression Refrigeration (VCR) cycle; whereas the waste thermal energy that has been utilized from cooling the PV modules is applicably used to run the Ejector Cooling Refrigeration (ECR) cycle. A mathematical model of the system has been generated to simulate this hybrid solar cooling system. The electrical energy derived from the PV cells was used to run the (VCR) cycle, resulting in a cooling capacity that ranges from a minimum of 3.215 kW to a maximum of 3.99 kW. Meanwhile, the heat utilized by cooling the PV modules was used to run the ECR resulting in an additional cooling capacity arranges from a minimum of 1.85 to a maximum of 2.46 kW. Consequently, as a result, the total cooling capacity of the hybrid system arranges from 5.14 kW to 6.4 kW with a COP of 5.8 and a maximum of 6.9 have been occupied during the period of study. Compared to the conventional VCR cycle powered by a solar non-cooled PV unit, the hybrid system has produced 24.8% increasingly more cooling capacity while using the same (25 m2 ) area of panels in July privately when running the system for 18 hours. Based on the economic viability of the system, crucially the payback period of the added cost from combining the VCR with the ECR systems will be returned within 7.3 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Horner's syndrome (HS) classically consists of the symptom triad of miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis. It is caused by impairment of a certain pathway in the sympathetic nervous system. It may also appear as part of the clinical signs of other diseases and syndromes, including Pancoast tumors, intradural and/or epidural tumors, thoracic outlet syndrome, syringomyelia, brachial plexus injury, and aortic dissection. Here, we report a very rare complication of vertebral column resection in children, and we present the clinical findings of a case of Horner's syndrome with a current literature review. Case presentation: A five-year-old child with severe congenital kyphoscoliosis qualified for surgical treatment of the spinal deformity via a posterior approach, with three-column osteotomy and fusion. Results: After successful surgery, the patient presented with HS due to distraction of the sympathetic nerve trunk and, thus, innervation to the left eye. At the 4-year follow-up, the child had fully recovered. Conclusions: Pediatric HS after posterior instrumented scoliosis correction surgery with posterior vertebral column resection of the thoracic spine is very rare. This is the first reported case of HS after posterior vertebral column resection and spinal fusion for congenital kyphoscoliosis without the use of epidural analgesia. Symptom resolution may be variable and, in some cases, delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The Vaccine Coverage Rate of influenza remains low and omnichannel efforts are required to improve it. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a QR Code nudging system in outpatient departments. (2) Methods: The study was performed in 6 departments ensuring ambulatory activities in a French university Hospital between November and December 2021. By scanning QR codes, users accessed anonymously to the ELEFIGHT® web app, which provides medical information on influenza and invites them to initiate a discussion about influenza prevention with their physicians during the consultation. (3) Results: 351 people made 529 scans with an average reading time of 1 min and 4 s and a conversion rate of 32%, i.e., people willing to engage in a discussion. (4) Conclusions: The study suggests that direct access to medical information through QR codes in hospitals might help nudge people to raise their awareness and trigger their action on influenza prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no consensus on whether and when surgical treatment is indicated for combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE). We aim to discuss the benefits of surgical intervention and techniques that may improve the outcome. A 24-year-old man experienced progressive visual loss for 6 months in his left eye due to CHRRPE. At presentation, visual acuity was 1.3 LogMAR and fundoscopy revealed extensive tractional pre- and epiretinal membranes, subretinal exudation, and a vasoproliferative tumor in the inferior periphery. A complete vitrectomy was performed, while paying special attention to vitreous shaving at the vitreous base and removal of vitreoschisis-induced vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) from the retinal surface posterior to the vitreous base. Tractional membranes and internal limiting membrane were peeled, and the vasoproliferative tumor was excised. Silicone oil tamponade was removed 11 weeks after surgery. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Visual acuity improved to 0.8 LogMAR and remained stable for 48-month follow-up. Vitreoretinal surgery can prevent complications that occur with CHRRPE. In addition, visual function may improve even if the initial visual acuity is low. Timely and complete vitrectomy with extensive membranectomy and detection and removal of VCR is recommended to avoid complications in challenging CHRRPE.

• Zeotropic mixture of Hexane and R245fa is used as the working fluid. • Condenser and ORC evaporator contribute 75.3% to total exergy destruction. • Energy and exergetic performance of the system is maximum at mass fraction of 0.5. • The system can achieve the exergetic efficiency of 58% at optimal condition. In this study, a multi evaporator vapor-compression refrigeration (mVCR) system driven by Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is proposed as a refrigeration system for supermarkets, restaurants, etc. The system is analyzed for its thermodynamic performance in terms of coefficient of performance (COP s) and exergetic efficiency (η ex). A zeotropic mixture of hexane and R245fa is used as working fluid over pure fluid to assess its impact on the thermodynamic performance of the system. Moreover, the system is optimized using an evolutionary algorithm called genetic algorithm (GA) to determine the optimal values of the operating parameters for the maximum exergetic efficiency of the system. The results indicate that COP s and η ex are maximum at the mass fraction of 0.5 of the zeotropic mixture. The maximum values of COP s and η ex are 0.425 and 31.1% respectively. The system can achieve an exergetic efficiency of 58% at the optimal set of operating parameters. The corresponding optimal values of the temperature of the ORC evaporator, VCR evaporator 1, VCR evaporator 2, and the condenser are 388 K, 268 K, 268 K, and 303 K respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) under calcareous and alkaline soils is a significant abiotic stress affecting the growth and yield of peanut. In this study, the genomic regions governing IDC tolerance were mapped using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from TMV 2 (susceptible to IDC) and TMV 2-NLM (tolerant to IDC), which was phenotyped during the rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020 in the iron-deficient calcareous plots. The best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values for IDC tolerance traits like visual chlorotic rating (VCR), and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) were used for QTL analysis along with a genetic map carrying 700 GBS-derived SNP, AhTE and SSR markers. In total, 11 and 12 main-effect QTLs were identified for VCR and SCMR, respectively. Among them three QTLs were major with the phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 10.3–34.4% for VCR, and two QTL were major for SCMR with PVE of 11.5–11.7%. A region (159.3–178.3 cM) on chromosome Ah13 carrying two QTLs (one each for VCR and SCMR) was consistent with the previous report. A SNP marker, Ah14_138037990 identified from single marker analysis for VCR was located in the intronic region of the gene Arahy.QA0C1, which is important for protein-binding. Overall, this study identified new QTLs and also validated QTL for IDC tolerance. These genomic resources could be useful for genomics-assisted breeding of peanut for IDC tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-column osteotomy (3-CO) is a powerful technique in adult deformity surgery, and pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) is the workhorse to correct severe kyphotic spinal deformities. Aging of the population, increasing cases of iatrogenic flat back deformities and understanding the importance of sagittal balance have led to a dramatic increase of this surgical technique. Surgery, however, is demanding and associated with high complication rates so that every step of the procedure requires meticulous technique. Particularly, osteotomy closure is associated with risks like secondary fracture, translation, or iatrogenic stenosis. This step is traditionally performed by compression or a cantilever maneuver with sometimes excessive forces on the screws or instrumentation. Implant loosening or abrupt subluxation resulting in construct failure and/or neurological deficits can result. The aim of this prospective registry study was to assess the efficacy and safety of our surgical PSO technique as well as the osteotomy closure by flexing a hinge-powered OR table. In a series of 84 consecutive lumbosacral 3-CO, a standardized surgical technique with special focus on closure of the osteotomy was prospectively evaluated. The surgical steps with the patients positioned prone on a soft frame are detailed. Osteotomy closure was achieved by remote controlled bending of a standard OR table without compressive or cantilever forces in all 84 cases. This technique carries a number of advantages, particularly the reversibility and the slow speed of closure with minimum force. There was not a single mechanical intraoperative complication such as vertebral body fracture, subluxation, or adjacent implant loosening during osteotomy closure, compared to external cohorts using the cantilever technique (p = 0.130). The feasibility of controlled 3-CO closure by flexing a standard OR table is demonstrated. This technique enables a safe, gentle closure of the osteotomy site with minimal risk of implant failure or accidental neurological injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article presents the monograph by Piotr Sitarski, Maria B. Garda, and Krzysztof Jajko Nowe media w PRL [New Media in the Polish People’s Republic]. The authors of the book presented how technological development was assimilated by society in the final stage of the existence of the Polish People’s Republic. Individual chapters describe the process of social assimilation of video, microcomputers, and satellite television in Poland. Referring to social history, the authors show the beginnings of the Polish digital society in the 1980s. They do this using modern methodologies from history of technology, social history, and oral history. The aim of the article is to show the processes discussed in the book against the background of social and political changes of the epoch. The documents cited (Uchwała generalna VI Kongresu Techników Polskich [Resolution of the VI Congress of Polish Technicians]) and events (Rok Nauki Polskiej [Year of Polish Science], II Kongres Nauki [II Congress of Science]) allow us to see the links between the modernization of the Polish and communist propaganda. The technology was aimed to certify the strength of the socialist system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Horner’s syndrome (HS) classically consists of the symptom triad of miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis. It is caused by impairment of a certain pathway in the sympathetic nervous system. It may also appear as part of the clinical signs of other diseases and syndromes, including Pancoast tumors, intradural and/or epidural tumors, thoracic outlet syndrome, syringomyelia, brachial plexus injury, and aortic dissection. Here, we report a very rare complication of vertebral column resection in children, and we present the clinical findings of a case of Horner’s syndrome with a current literature review. Case presentation: A five-year-old child with severe congenital kyphoscoliosis qualified for surgical treatment of the spinal deformity via a posterior approach, with three-column osteotomy and fusion. Results: After successful surgery, the patient presented with HS due to distraction of the sympathetic nerve trunk and, thus, innervation to the left eye. At the 4-year follow-up, the child had fully recovered. Conclusions: Pediatric HS after posterior instrumented scoliosis correction surgery with posterior vertebral column resection of the thoracic spine is very rare. This is the first reported case of HS after posterior vertebral column resection and spinal fusion for congenital kyphoscoliosis without the use of epidural analgesia. Symptom resolution may be variable and, in some cases, delayed.

Purpose: The pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), the most important cause of retinal detachment surgery failure, is still not fully understood. We previously hypothesized a causal link between vitreoschisis-induced vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) and PVR formation. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate this association by showing the clinical occurrence of PVR in the presence of VCR across the retinal surface, illustrated by histopathological analysis. Observations: A 69-year-old male was referred because of widespread epiretinal membrane formation after treatment of recurrent retinal detachments. During surgery with extensive membrane peeling, a large continuous membrane was peeled from the superior arcade towards the inferior temporal mid-periphery. Histopathological analysis of this membrane revealed areas with different characteristics: paucicellular laminar collagen-rich areas, suggestive for VCR, areas with increased cellularity, and more fibrotic areas with low cellularity.The immunohistochemical analysis identified cell type variety in these areas: collagen-rich areas showed glial cells and hyalocytes, while in areas with high cellularity fibroblasts, macrophages and retinal pigment epithelial cells were found, which have previously been shown to play an important role in the development of PVR as they can transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, which were seen in the more fibrotic areas. Conclusions and importance: These findings support the theory that VCR have a role in PVR development, where VCR can act as a scaffold for fibrocellular proliferation. We suggest that the presence of VCR over the retinal surface should be qualified as a risk factor for PVR formation. Detection and adequate removal of VCR may improve the success rate of retinal detachment surgery.

The effects of the seawater-intake temperature on the performance of the refrigeration system which exists on a cargo vessel were introduced in this study. The performance of the real refrigeration system was analysed by using both conventional and advanced exergy analyses and exergoeconomic evaluation. First, a parametric study with different seawater-intake temperatures was carried out by applying conventional exergy and advanced exergy analyses to the refrigeration system considered to identify the pinch point components and processes with high irreversibilities. Then, advanced exergy analyses were applied to overcome technological and physical limitations to increase the knowledge about the refrigeration system. The exergetic efficiency of the refrigeration system was calculated based on varying seawater-intake temperature which enters the condenser while other operating parameters are kept constant. Seawater-intake temperatures were selected in terms of regional seawater temperatures which are assumed to be in the vessel route. As a result of the study, it was determined that the hot entry of the seawater into the condenser causes a reduction in the exergetic efficiency of the refrigeration system. The gap between real system exergetic efficiency and the unavoidable cycle exergetic efficiency increased as the pinch point temperature differences increased in the condenser by approximately 16%. Some of the exergy destruction in the refrigeration system components was unavoidable and constrained by technological and physical limitations. Based on the findings in this study, it has been shown that the greatest improvement in the exergetic efficiency of the cooling system can be achieved by improving the condenser and compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 in Alfisols (Kandicpaleustalfs) at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), GKVK, Bengaluru to study the influence of different approaches of nutrient recommendations on growth and yield of aerobic rice and also to evaluate the STCR targeted yield equations developed for Alfisols of eastern dry zone of Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in RCBD comprising twelve treatments replicated thrice. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height at harvest (91.67 cm), number of tillers hill-1 (46.13), productive tillers per hill-1 (45.00), panicle length (22.48 cm), number of grains per panicle (144.90) and test weight (24.23 g) was recorded in STCR approach with a target of 65 q ha-1 through inorganic approach based on predicted soil test values. Similarly, significantly higher grain yield (68.85 q ha-1) and straw yield (74.19 q ha-1) of aerobic rice was recorded in treatment received fertilizer nutrients based on STCR inorganic approach for the targeted yield of 65 q ha-1 based on predicted soil test values which was superior compared to package of practice (POP) and low-medium-high (LMH) / soil test laboratory (STL) approach. Further, the higher value cost ratio was recorded (VCR: 10.99) in STCR target of 55 q ha-1 through inorganics based on predicted soil test values followed by STCR target of 65 q ha-1 through inorganics based on predicted soil test values (10.09). The per cent deviation was within ± 10.00 per cent at yield target of 65 and 55 q ha-1 through inorganics and integrated based on both actual and predicted soil test values indicating that these STCR equations are best to prescribe the fertilizer dose for aerobic rice on Alfisols of eastern dry zone Karnataka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no consensus on whether and when surgical treatment is indicated for combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE). We aim to discuss the benefits of surgical intervention and techniques that may improve the outcome. A 24-year-old man experienced progressive visual loss for 6 months in his left eye due to CHRRPE. At presentation, visual acuity was 1.3 LogMAR and fundoscopy revealed extensive tractional pre- and epiretinal membranes, subretinal exudation, and a vasoproliferative tumor in the inferior periphery. A complete vitrectomy was performed, while paying special attention to vitreous shaving at the vitreous base and removal of vitreoschisis-induced vitreous cortex remnants (VCR) from the retinal surface posterior to the vitreous base. Tractional membranes and internal limiting membrane were peeled, and the vasoproliferative tumor was excised. Silicone oil tamponade was removed 11 weeks after surgery. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Visual acuity improved to 0.8 LogMAR and remained stable for 48-month follow-up. Vitreoretinal surgery can prevent complications that occur with CHRRPE. In addition, visual function may improve even if the initial visual acuity is low. Timely and complete vitrectomy with extensive membranectomy and detection and removal of VCR is recommended to avoid complications in challenging CHRRPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The Vaccine Coverage Rate of influenza remains low and omnichannel efforts are required to improve it. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of a QR Code nudging system in outpatient departments. (2) Methods: The study was performed in 6 departments ensuring ambulatory activities in a French university Hospital between November and December 2021. By scanning QR codes, users accessed anonymously to the ELEFIGHT® web app, which provides medical information on influenza and invites them to initiate a discussion about influenza prevention with their physicians during the consultation. (3) Results: 351 people made 529 scans with an average reading time of 1 min and 4 s and a conversion rate of 32%, i.e., people willing to engage in a discussion. (4) Conclusions: The study suggests that direct access to medical information through QR codes in hospitals might help nudge people to raise their awareness and trigger their action on influenza prevention.

Value addition of agro products improves the livelihood opportunities for rural farmers. Cold Storage is one of the techniques to improve the shelf life of agro product. With the increase in the utilization of refrigeration and air cooling using vapour compression refrigeration technology, global warming and ozone depletion due to the refrigerants have also been increased. So, to overcome this problem, several restrictions were placed on the refrigerant by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). There is no way to slow down the growth of this technology, so the focus should be shown on finding an alternative. Various studies have been carried out on an alternate refrigeration system. This paper attempts to study the power quality challenges in the conventional vapour compression system. A comparative analysis of vapour compression refrigeration (VCR) and vapour absorption refrigeration (VAR), power factor analysis and temperature measurement on both technologies has also been carried out and reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a clinical case of surgical treatment of an adult patient with severe rigid congenital kyphosis developed due to multiple anomalies in the thoracolumbar spine. Surgical intervention included vertebral column resection (VCR) and the deformity correction using segmental third-generation instrumentation with transpedicular fixation. The VCR made it possible to correct the relationship between vertebrae in the anomaly zone, to improve the shape of the spinal canal and increase its volume, and to achieve apparent mobility of the spine at the apex of the kyphosis. Preservation of the anterosuperior portion of the body of the resected vertebra allowed avoiding anterior mesh cage use to support and reconstruct the anterior supporting column of the resected segment. This enabled performing necessary correction of severe kyphotic deformity, reduced the risk of neurological complications, and favored the formation of solid bone block in the long-term period after surgery

In this paper, the organic Rankine cycle integrated vapor compression refrigeration system has been evaluated thermodynamically and optimized using Taguchi-integrated gray relation analysis. Exergetic efficiency and pressure ratios of compressor and expander are considered as the performance characteristics. The optimal setting of input parameters is 298 K temperature of condenser, R602 working fluid, 80% isentropic efficiency of the expander, 85% isentropic efficiency of the compressor, evaporator temperatures for ORC at 373 K, and VCR at 268 K. The condenser and the ORC evaporator have strongly affected the performance of the system (sensitivity analysis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, we present an improved full Wilson current mirror‐based interface system, which utilizes an auto‐balancing technique, for High Electron Mobility Transistor (HEMT)‐based biochemical sensors. The auto‐tuning technique maintains a constant voltage across the sensor and simultaneously provides an output voltage proportional to the measurand. The proposed circuit is particularly useful for HEMT‐based sensors with large offset current since the design performs base current compensation. The design and analysis of the proposed circuit are verified experimentally on a prototype Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The effectiveness of the circuit is proven by carrying out repeated experiments for evaluating linearity, accuracy, and standard deviation. The obtained result of the prototype shows that the proposed circuit is able to work from 300 Ω to 2.1 kΩ with a relative error of less than ±2%. The prototype is finally tested with an in‐house fabricated HEMT‐based heavy metal sensor. The measurement range of the proposed circuit is tunable according to the sensor operating range, which enables the potential use of the proposed circuit for a wide range of HEMT‐based sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present work is the evaluation of mechanically subcooled simple vapour compression refrigeration system on the basis of energy and exergy analysis, and compatibility of alternative low GWP and zero ODP HFOs R1234yf and R1234ze to replace HFC 134a. A computer program has been developed in Engineering Equation solver software to compute the system performance parameters such as COP, exergetic efficiency, total exergy destruction and exergy destruction ratio. The effect of degree of subcooling (5 to 30°C), evaporator temperature (-30°C to 15°C), effectiveness of liquid vapour heat exchanger (0.2 to 1.0) and compressor efficiency (0.4 to 1.0) has been investigted on the performance parameters viz. exergy desturction, exergy destruction ratio (EDR) and exergetic efficiency of the system components. The results of current analysis highlight that the R1234ze is the best alternate refrigerant considered in the analysis and can replace R134a as the COP and exergetic efficiency of R1234ze are 1.87% and 1.88% more than that of R134a for 30°C of subcoooling. However, R1234yf offers lower performance than R134a. The components condenser and evaporator are the sites of highest and lowest exergy destruction respectively for the refrigerants considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refrigeration and air conditioning systems consume about 17% of the world-wide electricity and their conventional refrigerants cause ozone depletion and global warming. In this study a novel thermo-mechanical refrigeration (TMR) system is developed and analyzed that is powered, instead of electricity, by thermal energy from waste heat or renewable sources in the ultra-low temperature range of 60–100 °C. A novel isobaric expander-compressor unit (ECU) is designed and combined with vapor compression refrigeration cycle to constitute the TMR system. The technological solutions (mainly towards simplification of the design) are crucial components of the study novelty. The suitable refrigerants for the system are systematically investigated, analyzed and selected from a list of 43 refrigerants. Nine fluids for the power loop (the isobaric expansion cycle) and nine fluids for the cooling loop (the thermal refrigeration cycle) were selected and compared based on their mode of operation (subcritical and supercritical), environmental effects and safety class. It is found that the HFO refrigerants such as R1234yf and R1234ze have acceptable performance with no ODP and very low GWP. Natural refrigerants R717 (ammonia) has the best performance in subcritical mode with toxicity as the main drawback. At heat source temperatures less than 85 °C, the system operation in subcritical mode is more efficient and more compact than in the supercritical mode. Thorough analysis and recommendations are made for the size of the ECU in terms of the diameters of the expander and the compressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Competitividade e Sustentabilidade - ComSus is the property of Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Kepes is the property of Universidad de Caldas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Analog signal conditioning circuit based on dual differential subtractor for wide range resistive measurement of single element resistive sensor is presented in this paper. The differential output from the sensor and a voltage-controlled reference resistor is followed by an auto-nulling technique, which helps to achieve high accuracy and wide dynamic range by generating a control voltage proportional to the sensor resistance. The presented automatic approach not only enhances the auto-nulling range but also ensures constant sensitivity. The interface design provides high accuracy, fast and linear response at the same time avoids drawbacks of lead wire variations. A prototype PCB of the proposed circuit is fabricated and tested. The experimental result shows that the circuit can measure a wide range of resistance (20 $\text{k}\Omega $ - 1.1 $\text{M}\Omega$) with relative error less than 0.78%, compared to other bridge-based circuits which are capable of measuring the maximum resistance of up-to 10 $\text{k}\Omega $ for the same accuracy. Multiple variations of the proposed circuit are designed and experimentally tested for verifying the tunability of the circuit in terms of the sensitivity and the range of resistance measurement. The prototype circuit is also interfaced with an in-house fabricated MEMS-based ammonia sensor, proving its efficacy in resistive sensor system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la competitividad de las exportaciones de soja y carne bovina in natura en el Paraguay en el periodo de 2005 a 2013. Para medir la competitividad se utilizó el modelo del Índice de Ventaja Comparativa Revelada utilizando la base de datos del Banco Central del Paraguay (para los productos agrícolas), UN Comtrade (para las exportaciones de la soja y la carne bovina), y de la Organización Mundial del Comercio (para los totales de las exportaciones agrícolas mundiales). El comercio internacional de la carne bovina ha sufrido cambios en el tiempo, sea por las enfermedades como la fiebre aftosa y la encefalopatía espongiforme bovina así como también por el efecto de la crisis económica mundial. Paraguay ha aumentado su participación en la producción y exportación de la carne bovina, que tiene como destinos más importantes a Brasil, Líbano y Chile (carne bovina in natura refrigerada) y a la Federación Rusa, Israel y Angola (carne bovina in natura congelada). La exportación del grano de la soja ha destinado su producción principalmente a Argentina, Uruguay y la Unión Europea. El Paraguay cuenta con la ventaja comparativa revelada para los commodities de la soja y la carne bovina (congelada y refrigerada) en todos los periodos de estudios.

Spinal osseous tuberculosis, or Pott's spine, although very common in endemic countries, has a lower incidence in very young children. However, the infection has the propensity to cause greater vertebral destruction in this age group, leading to severe structural kyphotic deformity and associated neurologic deficits. We report the case of a 19-month-old child with severe tubercular kyphotic deformity of the upper thoracic spine managed with posterior vertebral column resection (VCR) and nonfusion posterior pedicle screw instrumentation. This 19-month-old boy presented with 1-month history of spontaneous-onset, progressive, painful rigid kyphotic deformity of the upper back associated with spastic paraparesis with bowel and bladder incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed severe destruction of bodies of D4–D7 vertebrae with cord edema and draping of the spinal cord over the internal gibbus at D4–D7. Surgery was performed with a restricted anterior fusion via single-stage posterior VCR at D4–D7 with nonfusion pedicle screw instrumentation from D1 to D9, with subsequent extension of instrumentation to D10 after 4 months. Multilevel posterior VCR with a restricted fusion and nonfusion pedicle screw instrumentation beyond the resection site can be safely done in young children (age <3 years) requiring rigid tubercular kyphotic deformity correction. However, these patients require regular follow-up and may need multiple surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the thermodynamic analysis of dedicated mechanically subcooled vapour compression refrigeration system is presented. A software based computer program in EES has been formulated for computation of the performance results. The effect of varation of degree of subcooling (5-30°C), evaporator temperature (-20 to 10°C) and condenser temperature (30-50°C) has been investigated for energetic and exergetic performance of the system. The analysis of the system has been carried out using zero ODP and very low GWP (1 to 4) refrigerants viz.HFO-R1234ze and R1234yf to compare the performance of HFC-R134a. The results depicts that the COP and exergetic efficiency of dedicated subcooled VCR cycle are better than that of simple VCR cycle. Refrigerant R1234ze performs better than R1234yf and comparable to R134a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Competitividade e Sustentabilidade - ComSus is the property of Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)