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Droplet-based microfluidics enables the generation of uniform microdroplets at picoliter or nanoliter scale with high frequency (∼kHz) under precise control. The droplets can function as bioreactors for versatile chemical/biological study and analysis. Taking advantage of the discrete compartment with a confined volume, (1) isolation and manipulation of a single cell, (2) improvement of in-droplet effective concentrations, (3) elimination of heterogeneous population effects, (4) diminution of contamination risks can be achieved, making it a powerful tool for rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput detection and analysis of bacteria, even for rare or unculturable strains in conventional methods. This mini-review will focus on the generation and manipulation of micro-droplets and bacteria detection and analysis carried out by droplet-based microfluidics. Finally, applications with high potential of droplet-based bacteria analysis are briefly introduced. Due to the advantages of rapid, sensitive, high throughput, and compatibility with rare and unculturable bacteria in conventional methods, droplet-based microfluidics has tremendous potential of providing novel solutions for biological medicine, microbiological engineering, environmental ecology, etc.

[EN] This paper presents a quantitative vision of the study of crowdfunding, through a bibliometric analysis of the most relevant publications. The main goal is to deter¿ mine whether crowdfunding is really a subject of increasing interest, and to identify the most productive and infuential sources of its scientifc research. Data were col¿ lected from the general Web of Science, one of the most complete and prestigious databases. We found that the USA is where crowdfunding is most studied. The two most active authors (Brooks AC and Andreoni J) are also in the USA. Regarding the temporal evolution of publications and citations, exponential growth was observed from 2010, which together with the low numbers of citations and publications, high¿ light the youth of crowdfunding as a subject of study, and the high potential it has for future research. Finally, a compilation of the most relevant articles was made in terms of the number of citations. This is the basis for starting new studies that delve deeper into the theme. With the results obtained, any researcher interested in the subject can easily analyze the most relevant articles, and fnd the studies of the authors, entities, and countries with the greatest infuence on the subject.

Objective Type 3 Endoleaks (T3EL) following complex EVAR (c-EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm have been historically difficult to study due to their relative rarity. Previous studies within standard infrarenal EVAR have found an association between T3EL and decreased survival. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of T3EL in a national multicenter cohort, identify potential procedural characteristics associated with T3EL development, and determine their impact on clinical outcomes in c-EVAR. Methods A retrospective cohort review was conducted of elective c-EVAR for non-ruptured aneurysms within the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) between January 2010 and March 2020. The VQI standards define c-EVAR as suprarenal or pararenal AAA repaired with any thoracoabdominal repairs, fenestrated/branched repairs, parallel stent repairs, custom manufactured devices, and physician modified endografts. End-points assessed were rates of T3EL within c-EVAR, and impact of T3EL on reintervention and survival. Index endoleaks were defined as endoleaks discovered during index hospitalization. Incident endoleaks were defined as new endoleaks, that were not present at index hospitalization, discovered at follow-up. Results 4,070 c-EVAR cases were identified between January 2010 and March 2020, of which, 2,656 (65.2%) had appropriate follow-up data. Half the cohort had a modified or custom graft (n=2,055/4,070, 50.5%). Branches were employed in 3,687 patients (90.5%), while fenestrations and chimney techniques were documented in 13% (n=533) and 15.1% (n=613) respectively . The rate of index T3EL was 4.1% (n=167), and the rate of incident T3EL at follow-up was 0.04% (n=1). Devices categorized as either custom or physician modified were utilized more frequently in patients with index T3EL (78.4%, n=131/167) compared to patients without index T3EL (49.2%, n=1,924/3,903) (p Conclusions T3EL in c-EVAR remain relatively uncommon and are identified predominately at index hospitalization. Development of T3EL was associated with higher device modularity and modification, which suggests that as device technologies continue to advance and become more intricate the occurrence of T3EL may persist and continue to require evaluation. In this study, the presence of T3EL did not appear to have a statistically significant relationship with aortic reinterventions or survival, however these findings are not definitive due to low event rate numbers and high potential for Type 2 errors. Amid the theoretical risk of device fatigue and degeneration, continued evaluations of large cohorts at extended follow-up intervals and diligent reporting remain paramount.

Background/purpose Taiwan's two-year postgraduate year training program for dentists (PGYD) has been implemented since 2010. However, there was no relevant study for confirming the training effectiveness of PGYD trainees. This study evaluated whether different training institution attributes and different training modes for PGYD trainees could result in differences in the achievement of PGYD training purposes. Materials and methods We adopted the questionnaire survey to collect the views of PGYD trainees on the training effectiveness of PGYD and further evaluated whether different training institution attributes and different training modes for PGYD trainees could result in differences in the achievement of PGYD training purposes. Results For the “patient-centered” learning environment and the management ability to be a responsible dental clinic owner, the views of PGYD trainees in dental clinics and district hospitals were more positive than those in medical centers. For the clinical professional ability and the management ability to be a responsible dental clinic owner, the views of PGYD trainees in joint group were more positive than those in single hospital. Conclusion We conclude that both hospitals and dental clinics can achieve PGYD training purposes. The smaller training institutions (dental clinics or district hospitals) are better training institution attributes and the joint group is the better training mode to achieve PGYD training purposes. The joint groups with medical centers combining many dental clinics, especially those in remote areas, may be an excellent training mode, because this training mode has the high potential to subsequently balance the distribution of dentists in Taiwan.

Highlights • Knowledge of the genetic etiologies of cardiomyopathies has created novel opportunities for treatments. • Emerging treatments targets include gene therapy, myofilament function, protein quality control, and metabolism. • Consideration of the genetic cause, biophysical context, and cardiomyopathy disease stage will be critical to the success of these novel treatments., Summary The primary etiology of a diverse range of cardiomyopathies is now understood to be genetic, creating a new paradigm for targeting treatments on the basis of the underlying molecular cause. This review provides a genetic and etiologic context for the traditional clinical classifications of cardiomyopathy, including molecular subtypes that may exhibit differential responses to existing or emerging treatments. The authors describe several emerging cardiomyopathy treatments, including gene therapy, direct targeting of myofilament function, protein quality control, metabolism, and others. The authors discuss advantages and disadvantages of these approaches and indicate areas of high potential for short- and longer term efficacy., Central Illustration

Humans and the environment can come into contact with nanomaterials through a wide range of applications during all stages of the life cycle of nanoproducts. The aim of this commentary is to present an assessment of the potential for exposure and thus identify possible environmental, health and safety (EHS) issues for nanomaterials used in 10 technology sectors. We analysed all life cycle stages with regard to potential for exposure of workers, consumers/patients, and the environment. A wide variety of nanomaterials are used of which many have negligible potential for exposure, while others have medium or even high potential for exposure. Based on the likelihood of exposure, it appears that in general most attention should be paid to the agrifood, chemistry/materials, textiles and health sectors; and less to the information and communication technology (ICT), security and energy sectors. Toxicity and exposure are both important; however, the EHS impact of nanomaterials is always dependent on their particular use.

We examine how mission-oriented grand challenges—formed to address the public sector’s unmet needs through development of new technologies and products for high potential impact—originate and catalyze industry incubation. Our analysis of six prominent cases identifies the incubation process, consisting of identification of unmet needs as a grand challenge, championing and articulation of a mission, leverage of private enterprise, and success or failure of the mission for subsequent industry emergence. The resulting conceptual model highlights key similarities and differences of industry incubation stemming from the public sector’s mission-oriented grand challenges relative to industries triggered by scientific discoveries or unmet user needs where the public sector is not as salient. The analysis reveals successful outcomes are associated with the public sector’s goal setting and carrying out “market functions” pertaining to selection, coordination, and knowledge sharing. We also provide cautions and caveats regarding fault lines that may arise in public-private partnerships.

The electrochemical behavior of titanium (Ti) was investigated before and after anodic polarization at different potentials in simulated seawater solutions. The results showed that the Ti anodically polarized at 3.2 V was much more stable than those at 0.5 V and the open-circuit potential (OCP), and the passive film formed at the low potentials could be transformed to a more protective film after polarization at the high potential. The polarization at the high anodic potential could effectively enhance the long-term durability of Ti under natural immersion conditions. Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima could only slightly influence the electrochemical behavior of Ti. The film formed at the 3.2 V on Ti appeared to have very limitedly better antifouling performance than those formed at the 0.5 V and OCP.

El rápido desarrollo de tecnologías como la robótica y la inteligencia artificial, especialmente con su capacidad de aprendizaje, son los principales facilitadores de la evolución del transporte digital y automatizado en Europa. Sin embargo, la movilidad automatizada también conlleva nuevos riesgos que tienen su origen, en la cada vez más creciente autonomía de estos vehículos para adoptar sus propias decisiones no programadas ni predecibles. Es por este motivo que, en la otra cara de la moneda, se encuentra el elevado riesgo potencial de estas altas tecnologías de causar graves y cuantiosos daños en los casos de decisiones erróneas, siendo el sector del transporte, precisamente, un sector que se mueve en estas coordenadas de peligrosidad. De ahí, la conveniencia y urgencia de afrontar legislativamente, a nivel europeo, esta nueva realidad que avanza a un ritmo vertiginoso. El presente trabajo se centra en el estudio de las lagunas e insuficiencias existentes en la legislación europea sobre la responsabilidad civil por los daños derivados del transporte con inteligencia artificial, y en las iniciativas jurídicas adoptadas recientemente por la Unión Europea para la elaboración de una legislación completa y armonizada en esta materia.

There is great potential for standardized postoperative adverse events data collection to document, inform, audit, and feedback, all to optimize patient care. Adverse events, defined as any deviation from expected recovery from surgery, have harmful implications for patients, their families, and clinicians. Postoperative adverse events occur frequently in thoracic surgery, predominately due to the high-stakes (ie, high potential for cure) and high-risk (ie, vital physiology and anatomy and preexisting disease) nature of the surgery. As discussed, engaging surgeons in audit and feedback practices informed by standardized data collection would generate consensus recommendations to reduce adverse events and improve patient outcomes.

Probiotics have demonstrated their high potential to treat and/or prevent various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Probiotics are also effective against multidrug-resistant pathogens and help maintain a balanced gut microbiota ecosystem. Accordingly, the global market of probiotics is growing rapidly, and research efforts to develop probiotics into therapeutic adjuvants are gaining momentum. However, because probiotics are living microorganisms, many biological and biopharmaceutical barriers limit their clinical application. Probiotics may lose their activity in the harsh gastric conditions of the stomach or in the presence of bile salts. Moreover, they easily lose their viability under thermal or oxidative stress during their preparation and storage. Therefore, stable formulations of probiotics are required to overcome the various physicochemical, biopharmaceutical, and biological barriers and to maximize their therapeutic effectiveness and clinical applicability. This review provides an overview of the pharmaceutical applications of probiotics and covers recent formulation approaches to optimize the delivery of probiotics with particular emphasis on various dosage forms and formulation technologies.

The twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago is fortunate to have a long history of abundance of natural resources resulting in its being a major source of economic support for the English-speaking sovereign states of the Caribbean. The economic stability of the Caribbean is threatened, via a domino effect, by the current prevalent form of residential structures in Trinidad and Tobago because of a lack of conformity with proper seismic design in an earthquake-prone region (SS of 1.1 g–1.8 g). Continuing from a previous study of single-story houses in Trinidad and Tobago, fragility functions for three types of typical two-story residential structures were derived using Incremental Dynamic Analysis considering both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. The selected ground motion records are compatible with spectra derived for Trinidad and Tobago. Fragility functions for the structures are with respect to limit states of slight, moderate, extensive, and complete damage as well as out-of-plane dynamic instability. These fragility functions can be used for regional risk assessment hence the derivation of disaster mitigation and management plans thereby avoiding a major crisis in the Caribbean.

Most machine learning models are essentially “Black-box” models, of which the performance heavily relies on large scale data sets. In this work the idea of “Grey-box” modelling is adopted in order to take most advantage of known information represented by deterministic structure, and then the neural grey system model is developed. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used to train the proposed model, and the Bayesian regularization is used to tune the regularized parameter automatically. Six real world case studies are presented to show the performance of the proposed model, comparing to 6 existing machine learning models and 17 grey system models. The results show that the proposed model can significantly overperform the other models and has very good generality, illustrating its high potential in a wide variety of real world applications and the efficiency of the proposed modelling method.

In this study, healthcare waste (HCW) generated in four referral hospitals in Tanzania namely: Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), Bugando Medical Center (BMC) and Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital (TRRH) was characterized to establish its feasibility for energy recovery. The HCW collected and loaded into the incinerators was weighed and its composition determined (as highly infectious, infectious, sharps and non–infectious waste). To achieve effective energy recovery, waste segregation and color coding system were assessed. The moisture content and heating values of the waste were determined experimentally, ranging from 9.3 to 9.9 MJ/kg. Using interviews, direct observations and field measurements, the HCW generation rates, number of patients per day, number of beds and incineration rates in each health care facility were determined. Results indicated that the HCW generated were 2345, 789, 807 and 232 kg/day at MNH, KCMC, BMC and TRRH, corresponding to 1.34, 1.02, 1.1 and 0.76 kg/capital/day, respectively. The major component of the waste stream was infectious waste (which ranged from 34 to 76%). The moisture content ranged from 16 to 72% with the mean value of 43%. Further analysis on the characteristics of HCW indicated high potential for energy recovery from waste incineration. Key words: Waste characterization, waste generation rate, waste segregation, moisture content, calorific value of waste, composition of healthcare waste, incineration, heat recovery.

This research investigates antiviral potential of extracted honeybee products against COVID-19 main protease (Mpro) by computational methods. The crystal structure of COVID-19 Mpro was obtained from the protein data bank. Six synthetic drugs with antiviral properties were used as control samples in order to compare the results with those of natural ligands. The six honeybee components, namely 3,4,5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid, Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, (E)-2′-Geranyl-3′,4′,7-Trihydroxyflavanone, 6-Cinnamylchrysin, (+)-Pinoresinol, and (24E)-3-Oxo-27,28-dihydroxycycloart-24-en-26-oic acid, have represented the lowest binding energies of −9.0, −8.5, −8.2, −7.8, −7.7, −7.3 and −6.7 Kcal/mol, respectively. These natural inhibitors were then picked for further investigations on their pharmacokinetic features. Also a 150 ns of Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out in order to evaluate their effects on protein structure and dynamics. The 3, 4, 5-Tricaffeoylquinic acid is hopefully proposed for COVID-19 Mpro inhibition if further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial studies will approve its effectiveness against COVID-19.

Bacterial cellulose is one of the high potential sustainable materials with numerous applications. This research work analyses the moisture handling ability of the alkali-treated (purified), bleach...

Bladder cancer (Bca) is the second most common malignant tumor of the genitourinary system in Chinese male population with high potential of recurrence and progression. The overall prognosis has not been improved significantly for the past 30 years due to the lack of early theranostic technique. Currently the early theranostic technique for bladder cancer is mainly through the intravesical approach, but the clinical outcomes are poor due to the limited tumor-targeting efficiency. Therefore, the targeting peptides for bladder cancer provide possibility to advance intravesical theranostic technique. However, no systematic review has covered the wide use of the targeting peptides for intravesical theranostic techniques in bladder cancer. Herein, a summary of original researches introduces all aspects of the targeting peptides for bladder cancer, including the peptide screening, the targeting mechanism and its preclinical application.

Methods for the preparation of two highly flexible synthetic building blocks, namely pyrrole/aminoenone and pyrrole/aminoacrylonitrile ensembles, on the basis of available starting materials such as 2-acylethynylpyrroles or pyrrole-2-carbodithioates, are summarized. The presence of several reactive centers in their molecules (pyrrole ring, enamine and carbonyl or nitrile moieties) ensures their multiple reactivity and application as versatile intermediates in the synthesis of heterocyclic ensembles such as pyrrolyl pyridines, bipyrroles, pyrrolyl-isoxazoles and condensed compounds, such as pyrrolo[3,2-a]pyrazines, pyrrolizines, which have high potential for use in medical chemistry and materials science.

Introduction: Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb. is a species with high potential for use in commercial reforestation. Knowledge of nutrient requirements in nursery increases the chances of success in the field by generating plants with adequate morphological and physiological characteristics. Objective: To identify the key nutrients for O. pyramidale growth in nursery and to characterize the associated visual symptoms of deficiency. Materials and methods: The design was completely randomized with 10 treatments: one treatment without fertilization, one treatment with complete fertilization (CF), and eight resulting from the CF treatment with suppression of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B and cationic microelements (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn). The effect of each treatment was determined by height, root collar diameter, aboveground dry biomass, root dry biomass, leaf area and relative growth rate. An analysis of variance and separation of means was performed using the Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Results and discussion: Nutrient suppression had significant effects (P < 0.05) on growth after six months in nursery. P was the most limiting element, followed by N. The other treatments showed no significant differences compared to the FC treatment. N suppression caused yellowing, and lack of P caused necrosis with subsequent death and detachment in leaves. B suppression showed no clear deficiency symptoms. Conclusion: O. pyramidale showed high nutrient uptake efficiency. Only N and P strongly limited its development, which represent the key nutrients for the species.

Archaeological sites in urban areas are often poorly integrated with the modern urban fabric and appear as “trenches” at a lower level than the road. They become neglected and unvalued places. The study of archaeological ruins in urban centres must involve archaeologists and architects to integrate restoration, enhancement and improvement of physical and visual accessibility projects. New digital technologies can improve these activities thanks to 3D models, “digital replicas” that allow even remote study (especially during a pandemic). The paper presents the case study of a private Roman-imperial bath in Catania. The open-air site is located at a depth of 3 metres above the road level and is not exploited. Our study consisted of historical-bibliographical research, direct and SfM surveys that allowed creating a high-resolution textured 3D model. We have extracted orthophotos and sections for geometric and technical-constructive analyses and recognition of decay from this model. We drew up an archaeological restoration and valorisation design. In addition, we imported the model into the Sketchfab portal. So, we enriched the mesh with information from the analyses employing specific tags about annotations, 2D drawings, historical and technical-scientific information. In this way, the model becomes an interactive document to monitor over time the conservation state, validate the restoration design and contribute to the valorisation of the site. This is an easy tool of exchange between all involved users (researchers, professions and students). Thus, the digital replica also represents a very high potential for dissemination purposes.

High potential for progressive collapse is one of the main weaknesses of structural frames with simple connections. Therefore, strengthening of this structural system is a necessity for both existi...

The goal of gifted education is to serve the needs of individuals with high potential and advanced ability. However, the term “gifted” can create barriers in the minds of the public and policymakers, effectively framing these advanced learning opportunities as inequitable and inaccessible. Excellence gaps, or differences in advanced performance among student groups, provide clear indications that systemic changes need to be made in order to provide advanced learning opportunities to all students who need them. To refocus the collective efforts of scholars and stakeholders on promoting equity and excellence, research-based strategies for reducing excellence gaps (e.g., frontloading, universal screening) should be adopted. As best practices in the field shift, so too should terminology. Moving away from words that convey images of fixed abilities (e.g., gifted) and toward terms that acknowledge the dynamic, contextual nature of intelligence and talent is a good start. Suggestions for alternate terminology are discussed.

Tuberculosis is a prominent aliment throughout the world and a leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases. Drug development for multi-drug resistance and reducing the current therapy time is the top priority. Mycobacterial membrane protein large 3 (MmpL3) is a promising target with high potential, however, it has not been explored to its greatest potential. It is a membrane transporter that translocates trehalose-monomycolate which is a precursor for the synthesis of mycolic acid that is essential for the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall and is pathogenic in nature. In this review, we have discussed the current development of MmpL3 inhibitors, different scaffolds, their derivatives, and their synthetic schemes and provide insight into the challenges in developing these inhibitors.

Corn, which is a tropical grass that is very adaptive to climate change and corn, also has a life span of 75-150 days. Corn can usually grow to reach a height of 3 meters. Corn which usually has a scientific name Zea mays is not like other grain plants, Corn and commonly called jhegung in the language of Madura is a plant that has often been made into cultivated plants and has often been used by the community groups of West Tamberu Village as food as fuel or as animal feed. This study aims to determine the public perception of the benefits of corn plants found in Tamberu Barat Village, Sokobanah District, Sampang Madura Regency. In this study, researchers used descriptive exploratory methods which included: first-hand study, direct observation in the field, interviews using questionnaire guidance, data analysis and documentation of utilization of corn plants. The characteristics of the varieties found in Tamberu Barat Village consist of three varieties, namely local maize plants, hybrid maize plants, sweet corn plants. Public perceptions of corn plants in the western tamberu village are very high potential of corn plants which are used as food (59%), as fuel (10%), as animal feed (13%) and economic needs (18%).