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Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems face challenges due to the significant temporal dispersion caused by the combined effects of scattering, absorption, refractive index variations, optical turbulence, and bio-optical properties. This collective impairment leads to signal distortion and degrades the optical receiver’s bit error rate (BER). Optimising the receiver filter and equaliser design is crucial to enhance receiver performance. However, having an optimal design may not be sufficient to ensure that the receiver decision unit can estimate BER quickly and accurately. This study introduces a novel BER estimation strategy based on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to improve the accuracy and speed of BER estimation performed by the decision unit’s computational processor compared to traditional methods. Our new CNN algorithm utilises the eye diagram (ED) image processing technique. Despite the incomplete definition of the UWOC channel impulse response (CIR), the CNN model is trained to address the nonlinearity of seawater channels under varying noise conditions and increase the reliability of a given UWOC system. The results demonstrate that our CNN-based BER estimation strategy accurately predicts the corresponding signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and enables reliable BER estimation.

Various published COVID-19 models have been used in epidemiological studies and healthcare planning to model and predict the spread of the disease and appropriately realign health measures and priorities given the resource limitations in the field of healthcare. However, a significant issue arises when these models need help identifying the distribution of the constituent variants of COVID-19 infections. The emergence of such a challenge means that, given limited healthcare resources, health planning would be ineffective and cost lives. This work presents a universal neural network (NN) computational instrument for predicting the mainstream symptomatic infection rate of COVID-19 and models of the distribution of its associated variants. The NN is based on a mixture density network (MDN) with a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) object as a backbone. Twelve use cases were used to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the proposed MDN. The use cases included COVID-19 data for Canada and Saudi Arabia, two date ranges (300 and 500 days), two input data modes, and three activation functions, each with different implementations of the batch size and epoch value. This array of scenarios provided an opportunity to investigate the impacts of epistemic uncertainty (EU) and aleatoric uncertainty (AU) on the prediction model’s fitting. The model accuracy readings were in the high nineties based on a tolerance margin of 0.0125. The primary outcome of this work indicates that this easy-to-use universal MDN helps provide reliable predictions of COVID-19 variant distributions and the corresponding synthesized profile of the mainstream infection rate.

This paper introduces a new simple moment-generating function (MGF) design modelling method to conclude an optimum filter to maximize the Q-factor and increase the link communication span. This approach mitigates the pulse temporal dispersion, particularly the underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) systems. Hence, some form of equalizing filter design is highly desirable. The model solution environment includes a Double Gamma Function (DGF) water channel impulse response, intersymbol interference (ISI), stochastic Poisson process, and additive Gaussian thermal noise (AGTN). The optimal filters exhibit temporal profiles comparable to those derived by published works based on complex Chernoff Bound (CB) and Modified Chernoff Bound (MCB) methods. The results show the impact of the optimum filter at a signal level and optical receiver level utilizing Eye-Diagrams and BER vs. Q-Factor, respectively. The computation involves four different UWOC propagation channel models for Coastal and Harbor waters. One of the main conclusions indicates that the optimum filter manages the temporal dispersion due to the ISI impairment correctly. Also, the proposed optimum filter reduces eye-opening and the corresponding Q-Factor by less than 15% for a five-times increase in pulse width for the same transmitted optical power level.

Graphene, renowned for its exceptional electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, takes center stage in the realm of next-generation electronics. In this paper, we provide a thorough investigation into the comprehensive fabrication process of graphene field-effect transistors. Recognizing the pivotal role graphene quality plays in determining device performance, we explore many techniques and metrological methods to assess and ensure the superior quality of graphene layers. In addition, we delve into the intricate nuances of doping graphene and examine its effects on electronic properties. We uncover the transformative impact these dopants have on the charge carrier concentration, bandgap, and overall device performance. By amalgamating these critical facets of graphene field-effect transistors fabrication and analysis, this study offers a holistic understanding for researchers and engineers aiming to optimize the performance of graphene-based electronic devices.

The radiation shielding properties of ball clays produced with various percentages of 5, 10, 15, and 20 w.t% of micro and nano ZnO were experimentally evaluated in this paper. The effects of micro and nano ZnO on the attenuation competence of the prepared ball clays were compared. At all energies, we discovered that the ball clay with nano ZnO has a higher linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) than ZnO with microparticles. This finding suggests that nano-sized ZnO-ball clay samples absorbed more photons than microsized ZnO ball clay samples. The half-value layer (HVL) for the ball clay prepared with micro and nano ZnO was reported. At all the energies tested, we discovered that the ball clay with nano ZnO has a slightly lower HVL than the ball clay with micro ZnO. The HVL at 0.06 MeV is found to be 0.934 cm for the ball clay containing 5 w.t% micro ZnO and 0.866 cm for the ball clay containing 5 w.t% nano ZnO. We concluded from the HVL results that if the space in which the shield will be used is limited, the ball clay with nano ZnO is more useful because a thinner specimen with nano ZnO can attenuate half ofthe incoming photons. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to investigate the properties of ZnO/ball clay.

Abstract Background Prenatal corticosteroid administration in preterm labor is one of the most important treatments available to improve neonatal outcomes; however, its beneficial effects on late preterm infants (after the 34th week of gestation) remained unknown. We aimed to assess the effects of betamethasone on the clinical condition of the late preterm infants born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation. Methods This retrospective cohort study was performed on 100 consecutive infants born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation and received betamethasone before delivery as the cases and 100 neonates with the same delivery conditions but without receiving betamethasone. All neonates were followed up within hospitalization to assess the neonatal outcome. Results The neonates receiving betamethasone suffered more from respiratory distress syndrome (49% versus 31%, p = 0.008, RR = 1.59 95% CI (1.12–2.27)) and requiring more respiratory support (71% versus 50%, p = 0.002, RR = 1.43 95% CI (1.13–1.80)) as compared to the control group. There was no difference between the two groups in other neonatal adverse events or death. Conclusion the use of betamethasone in the late preterm period (after 34 weeks of gestation) has no beneficial effects on lung maturity or preventing neonatal adverse outcomes, even may lead to increase the risk for RDS and requiring respiratory support.

Abstract Many published infection prediction models, such as the extended SEIR (E-SEIR) model, are used as a study and report tool to aid health authorities to manage the epidemic plans successfully. These models face many challenges, mainly the reliability of the infection rate predictions related to the initial boundary conditions, formulation complexity, lengthy computations, and the limited result scope. We attribute these challenges to the absence of a solution framework that encapsulates the interacted activities that manage: the infection growth process, the infection spread process and the health effort process. In response to these challenges, we formulated such a framework first as the basis of our new convolution prediction model (CPM). CPM links through convolution integration, three temporal profile levels: input (infected and active cases), transformational (health efforts), and output functions (recovered, quarantine, and death cases). COVID-19 data defines the input and output temporal profiles; hence it is possible to deduce the cumulative efforts temporal response (CETR) function for the health effort level. The new CETR function determines the health effort level over a period. Also, CETR plays a role in predicting the evolution of the underlying infection and active cases profiles without a system of differential equations. This work covers three countries: Saudi Arabia, France, and Canada.

Metal additive processing in polymer: fullerene bulk heterojunction systems is recognized as a viable way for improving polymer photovoltage performance. In this study, the effect of niobium (Nb) metal nanoparticles at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/mL on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)-6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blends was analyzed. The effect of Nb volume concentration on polymer crystallinity, optical properties, and surface structure of P3HT and PCBM, as well as the enhancement of the performance of P3HT:PC61BM solar cells, are investigated. Absorption of the P3HT:PC61BM mix is seen to have a high intensity and a red shift at 500 nm. The reduction in PL intensity with increasing Nb doping concentrations indicates an increase in PL quenching, suggesting that the domain size of P3HT or conjugation length increases. With a high Nb concentration, crystallinity, material composition, surface roughness, and phase separation are enhanced. Nb enhances PCBM’s solubility in P3HT and decreases the size of amorphous P3HT domains. Based on the J–V characteristics and the optoelectronic study of the thin films, the improvement results from a decreased recombination current, changes in morphology and crystallinity, and an increase in the effective exciton lifespan. At high doping concentrations of Nb nanoparticles, the development of the short-circuit current (JSC) is associated with alterations in the crystalline structure of P3HT. The highest-performing glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM:Nb/MoO3/Au structures have short-circuit current densities (JSC) of 16.86 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltages (VOC) of 466 mV, fill factors (FF) of 65.73%, and power conversion efficiency (µ) of 5.16%.

This work presents a new polymorphic, reusable, and comprehensive mathematical model for COVID-19 epidemic transition cycle dynamics. This model has the following characteristics: (1) The core SEIR model includes asymptomatic and symptomatic infections; (2) the symptomatic infection is a multi-variant; (3) the recovery stage provides a partial feed to the symptomatic infection; and (4) the symptomatic and asymptomatic stages have additional feed streams from the protected stage. The proposed formalisation template is a canonical way to achieve different models for the underlying health control environment. This template approach endows the model with polymorphic and reusable capability across different scenarios. To verify the model’s reliability and validity, this work utilised two sets of initial conditions: date range and COVID-19 data for Canada and Saudi Arabia.

Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films using various 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) polymer additive concentrations were fabricated by the electrochemical deposition method. The optical, electrical, morphological, and structural properties of the CZTS thin films synthesized using different concentrations of 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL, and 20 mg/mL were investigated using different techniques. Cyclic voltammetry exhibited three cathodic peaks at −0.15 V, −0.54 V, and −0.73 V, corresponding to the reduction of Cu2+, Sn2+, Sn2+, and Zn2+ metal ions, respectively. The analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicated the formation of the pure kesterite crystal structure, and the Raman spectra showed pure CZTS with the A1 mode of vibration. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) indicated that the films are well grown, with compact, crack-free, and uniform deposition and a grain size of approximately 4 µm. For sample DIO-20 mg/mL, the elemental composition of the CZTS thin film was modified to Cu:Zn:Sn: and S = 24.2:13.3:12.3:50.2, which indicates a zinc-rich and copper-poor composition. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results confirmed the existence of Cu, Sn, Zn, and S elements and revealed the element oxidation states. The electrochemical deposition synthesis increased the absorption of the CZTS film to more than 104 cm−1 with a band gap between 1.62 eV and 1.51 eV. Finally, the photovoltaic properties of glass/CZTS/CdS/n-ZnO/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO)/Ag solar cells were investigated. The best-performing photovoltaic device, with a DIO concentration of 20 mg/mL, had a short-circuit current density of 16.44 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 0.465 V, and a fill factor of 64.3%, providing a conversion efficiency of 4.82%.

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Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs) are one of the bioreactors that have been used to produce bio-hydrogen by biological methods. The objective of this comprehensive review is to study the effects of MEC configuration (single-chamber and double-chamber), electrode materials (anode and cathode), substrates (sodium acetate, glucose, glycerol, domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater), pH, temperature, applied voltage and nanomaterials at maximum bio-hydrogen production rates (Bio-HPR). The obtained results were summarized based on the use of nanomaterials as electrodes, substrates, pH, temperature, applied voltage, Bio-HPR, columbic efficiency (CE) and cathode bio-hydrogen recovery (C Bio-HR). At the end of this review, future challenges for improving bio-hydrogen production in the MEC are also discussed.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an environmentally friendly technology and a source of renewable energy. It is used to generate electrical energy from organic waste using bacteria, which is an effective technology in wastewater treatment. The anode and the cathode electrodes and proton exchange membranes (PEM) are important components affecting the performance and operation of MFC. Conventional materials used in the manufacture of electrodes and membranes are insufficient to improve the efficiency of MFC. The use of nanomaterials in the manufacture of the anode had a prominent effect in improving the performance in terms of increasing the surface area, increasing the transfer of electrons from the anode to the cathode, biocompatibility, and biofilm formation and improving the oxidation reactions of organic waste using bacteria. The use of nanomaterials in the manufacture of the cathode also showed the improvement of cathode reactions or oxygen reduction reactions (ORR). The PEM has a prominent role in separating the anode and the cathode in the MFC, transferring protons from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber while preventing the transfer of oxygen. Nanomaterials have been used in the manufacture of membrane components, which led to improving the chemical and physical properties of the membranes and increasing the transfer rates of protons, thus improving the performance and efficiency of MFC in generating electrical energy and improving wastewater treatment.

In the present paper, the theoretical investigation of the device structure ITO/CeO2/SnS/Spiro-OMeTAD/Mo of SnS-based solar cell has been performed. The aim of this work is to examine how the Spiro-OMeTAD HTL affects the performance of SnS-based heterostructure solar cell. Using SCAPS-1D simulation software, various parameters of SnS-based solar cell such as work function, series and shunt resistance and working temperature have been investigated. With the help of Spiro-OMeTAD, the suggested cell’s open-circuit voltage was increased to 344 mV. The use of Spiro-OMeTAD HTL in the SnS-based solar cell resulted in 14% efficiency increase, and the proposed heterojunction solar cell has 25.65% efficiency. The cell’s performance is determined by the carrier density and width of the CeO2 ETL (electron transport layer), SnS absorber layer and Spiro-OMeTAD HTL (hole transport layer). These data reveal that the Spiro-OMeTAD solar cells could have been a good HTL (hole transport layer) in regards to producing SnS-based heterojunction solar cell with high efficiency and reduced cost.

In the traditional surface plasmon resonance sensor, the sensitivity is calculated by the usage of angular interrogation. The proposed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor uses a diamagnetic material (Al2O3), nickel (Ni), and two-dimensional (2D) BlueP/WS2 (blue phosphorous-tungsten di-sulfide). The Al2O3 sheet is sandwiched between silver (Ag) and nickel (Ni) films in the Kretschmann configuration. A mathematical simulation is performed to improve the sensitivity of an SPR sensor in the visible region at a frequency of 633 nm. The simulation results show that an upgraded sensitivity of 332°/RIU is achieved for the metallic arrangement consisting of 17 nm of Al2O3 and 4 nm of Ni in thickness for analyte refractive indices ranging from 1.330 to 1.335. The thickness variation of the layers plays a curial role in enhancing the performance of the SPR sensor. The thickness variation of the proposed configuration containing 20 nm of Al2O3 and 1 nm of Ni with a monolayer of 2D material BlueP/WS2 enhances the sensitivity to as high as 374°/RIU. Furthermore, it is found that the sensitivity can be altered and managed by means of altering the film portions of Ni and Al2O3

Industrial wastes, for instance, tannery wastes are rich soups of resistant and bioremediation-potent bacteria. In the present work, Chromium (Cr) and tannic acid (TA) resistance bacterial strains were isolated from tannery effluent and identified as Bacillus subtilis (MCC 3275) and Bacillus safensis (MCC 3283) based on its 16S Ribosomal RNA homology. Hexavalent Cr is highly toxic and mutagenic due to its high mobility and reactivity. Whereas, TA is known to inhibit enzyme activity, substrate deprivation, and interaction with membranes and matrix-metal ions. The developed In vitro co-cultured microcosm of B. subtilis and B. safensis was able to remove Cr(VI) up to 95% and TA up to 23%. The bacteria cultures separately were able to degrade Cr(VI) to 88% by B. subtilis and 91% by B. safensis and TA up to 27%. Plackett Burman design (PBD) followed by Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for the optimization of physio-chemical parameters. The optimized conditions for co-culture development were recorded as K2HPO4 = 0.2 g/L, MgSO4 = 0.2 g/L, NH4Cl = 0.5 g/L, glucose – 0.2 g/L, TA – 5%, Cr = 200 ppm, incubation period of 96 h, agitation speed of 110 rpm, pH = 5.0, temperature= 30 °C and inoculum size = 3%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) revealed the thorough mechanism of cellular uptake followed by degradation of Cr(VI) and TA. The efficiency of co-culture for other heavy metals was observed as follows: Zn 65%, Pb 63%, Cd 65%, and Ni 65%. Bioremediation using bacteria is an economical and environmentally better alternative to conventional remediation methods. The isolated bacteria are useful in the effluent treatment of tannery or related industries and in metal recovery in mining processes.

Bacterial infections represent nowadays the major reason of biomaterials implant failure, however, most of the available implantable materials do not hold antimicrobial properties, thus requiring antibiotic therapy once the infection occurs. The fast raising of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is making this approach as not more effective, leading to the only solution of device removal and causing devastating consequences for patients. Accordingly, there is a large research about alternative strategies based on the employment of materials holding intrinsic antibacterial properties in order to prevent infections. Between these new strategies, new technologies involving the use of carbon-based materials such as carbon nanotubes, fullerene, graphene and diamond-like carbon shown very promising results. In particular, graphene- and graphene-derived materials (GMs) demonstrated a broad range antibacterial activity toward bacteria, fungi and viruses. These antibacterial activities are attributed mainly to the direct physicochemical interaction between GMs and bacteria that cause a deadly deterioration of cellular components, principally proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. In fact, GMs hold a high affinity to the membrane proteoglycans where they accumulate leading to membrane damages; similarly, after internalization they can interact with bacteria RNA/DNA hydrogen groups interrupting the replicative stage. Moreover, GMs can indirectly determine bacterial death by activating the inflammatory cascade due to active species generation after entering in the physiological environment. On the opposite, despite these bacteria-targeted activities, GMs have been successfully employed as pro-regenerative materials to favor tissue healing for different tissue engineering purposes. Taken into account these GMs biological properties, this review aims at explaining the antibacterial mechanisms underlying graphene as a promising material applicable in biomedical devices.

In the present work, bismuth borate glass samples with the composition of (99-x) B2O3 + 1Cr2O3 + (x) Bi2O3 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt %) were prepared using the melt quenching technique. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of the prepared glass samples was measured through a narrow beam technique using a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. Four point sources were used (241Am, 133Ba, 152Eu, and 137Cs) to measure the MAC for the prepared glasses. The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results obtained from the XCOM, and it was shown that for all samples at all tested energies, the relative deviation between the samples is less than 3%. This finding signifies that the experimental data can adequately be used to evaluate the shielding ability of the glasses. The MAC of the sample with x = 25 wt % was compared with different lead borate glasses and the results indicated that the present sample has high attenuation which is very close to commercial lead borate glasses. We determined the transmission factor (TF), and found that it is small at low energies and increases as the energy increases. The addition of Bi2O3 leads to reduction in the TF values, which improves the shielding performance of the glass system. The half value layer (HVL) of the BCrBi-10 sample was 0.400 cm at 0.595 MeV, 1.619 cm at 0.2447 MeV, and 4.946 cm at 1.4080 MeV. Meanwhile, the HVL of the BCrBi-20 sample is equal to 0.171 and 4.334 cm at 0.0595 and 1.4080 MeV, respectively. The HVL data emphasize that higher energy photons tend to penetrate through the glasses with greater ease than lower energy photons. Furthermore, the fast neutron removable cross section (FNRC) was determined for the present samples and compared with lead borate glass and concrete, and the results showed a remarkable superiority of the bismuth borate glass samples.

Simulation models are used for predicting educational future requirements. Based on the aim of the study, a quantitative research methodology was used in studying educational future indicators. The data was collected from the Kuwaiti official statistics, the Ministry of Education, and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. The educational indicators such as school intensity, classroom intensity, and student to teacher ratio from 2010/2011 till 2014/2015 were studied and analyzed. Simulation models were applied to predict the requirements for 2024/2025. The results showed that increasing the number of students would result in an increase in the number of schools, classrooms, faculty, staff, and textbooks. The educational indicators in the governmental sector were better compared with the private sector at all levels of education. This indicates that students have more favorably opportunities for education at governmental schools. However, results showed that students are more inclined to enroll in private schools at the primary level than in other higher school levels. The simulation results showed that improving educational efficiency by increasing success rates will, in turn, lead to an increase in students’ enrollment and the educational requirements. In light of these findings, the researcher recommends using simulation models and benefiting from their advantages in saving time, effort, and supporting decision-making.

Radiation leakage is a serious problem in various technological applications. In this paper, radiation shielding characteristics of some natural rocks are elucidated. Mass attenuation coefficients (µ/ρ) of these rocks are obtained at different photon energies with the help of the EPICS2017 library. The obtained µ/ρ values are confirmed via the theoretical XCOM program by determining the correlation factor and relative deviation between both of these methods. Then, effective atomic number (Zeff), absorption length (MFP), and half value layer (HVL) are evaluated by applying the µ/ρ values. The maximum μ/ρ values of the natural rocks were observed at 0.37 MeV. At this energy, the Zeff values of the natural rocks were 16.23, 16.97, 17.28, 10.43, and 16.65 for olivine basalt, jet black granite, limestone, sandstone, and dolerite, respectively. It is noted that the radiation shielding features of the selected natural rocks are higher than that of conventional concrete and comparable with those of commercial glasses. Therefore, the present rocks can be used in various radiation shielding applications, and they have many advantages for being clean and low-cost products. In addition, we found that the EPICS2017 library is useful in determining the radiation shielding parameters for the rocks and may be used for further calculations for other rocks and construction building materials.

One of the most frequent ways to widen the adsorption range of carbon nitride (CN) is to add a well-known photosensitizer into its basic structure. So far, such attachments have been accomplished by using weak van der Waals forces. However, using strong covalent bonding to attach such photosensitizer with CN is yet to be determined. Here, for the first time, we covalently bonded porphyrin (5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-(2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazinyl) phenyl)-Porphyrin (TDP)), a renowned photosensitizer, effectively with CN by thermally balanced molecular strategy. A photoreaction system was set up for the deoxygenated conversion of CO2 to CO under visible light, where cobalt acted as a redox controller to speed up the charge transportation, while CN-TDP worked as a CO2 activating photocatalyst. The subsequent photocatalyst has a broader absorbance range, a greater specific surface area, and intramolecular organic connections that help to decrease the electron-hole pairs’ recombination rate. Furthermore, the average weight ratio between urea and TDP was well-tuned, resulting in a fantastic CO2 photoconversion for CN-TDP7.0 compared to the blank sample. This substantial increase in photocatalytic activity predicts a significant shift in CN’s specific surface area, band gap, chemical composition, and structure, as well as the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers from the ground state (HOMO) to the excited state (LUMO), making it a top candidate for CO2 photoreduction. At the same time, this approach paves the path for the bottom-up fabrication of carbon nitride nanosheets.

Regenerative medicine is a field that aims to influence and improvise the processes of tissue repair and restoration and to assist the body to heal and recover. In the field of hard tissue regeneration, bio-inert materials are being predominantly used, and there is a necessity to use bioactive materials that can help in better tissue–implant interactions and facilitate the healing and regeneration process. One such bioactive material that is being focused upon and studied extensively in the past few decades is bioactive glass (BG). The original bioactive glass (45S5) is composed of silicon dioxide, sodium dioxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorus pentoxide and is mainly referred to by its commercial name Bioglass. BG is mainly used for bone tissue regeneration due to its osteoconductivity and osteostimulation properties. The bioactivity of BG, however, is highly dependent on the compositional ratio of certain glass-forming system content. The manipulation of content ratio and the element compositional flexibility of BG-forming network developed other types of bioactive glasses with controllable chemical durability and chemical affinity with bone and bioactivity. This review article mainly discusses the basic information about silica-based bioactive glasses, including their composition, processing, and properties, as well as their medical applications such as in bone regeneration, as bone grafts, and as dental implant coatings.

BACKGROUND: Expedited discharge following esophagectomy is controversial due to concerns for higher readmissions and financial burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of expedited discharge with hospitalization costs and unplanned readmissions following esophagectomy for malignant lesions. METHODS: Adults undergoing elective esophagectomy for cancer were identified in the 2014-2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients discharged by postoperative day 7 were considered Expedited and others as Routine. Patients who did not survive to discharge or had major perioperative complications were excluded. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess association of expedited discharge with index hospitalization costs as well as 30- and 90-day non-elective readmissions. RESULTS: Of 9,886 patients who met study criteria, 34.6% comprised the Expedited cohort. After adjustment, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.71, p = 0.001) and increasing Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (AOR 0.88/point, p

BACKGROUND: While insurance reimbursements allay a portion of costs associated with cardiac operations, uncovered and additional fees are absorbed by patients. An examination of financial toxicity (FT), defined as the burden of patient medical expenses on quality of life, is warranted. Therefore, the present study used a nationally representative database to demonstrate the association between insurance status and risk of financial toxicity (FT) among patients undergoing major cardiac operations. METHODS: Adults admitted for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and isolated or concomitant valve operations were assessed using the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample. FT risk was defined as out-of-pocket expenditure >40% of post-subsistence income. Regression models were developed to determine factors associated with FT risk in insured and uninsured populations. To demonstrate the association between insurance status and risk of FT among patients undergoing major cardiac operations. RESULTS: Of an estimated 567,865 patients, 15.6% were at risk of FT. A greater proportion of uninsured patients were at risk of FT (81.3 vs. 14.8%, p

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices with high power density, rapid charge/discharge rate, and excellent cycle stability. Carbon-based supercapacitors are increasingly attracting attention because of their large surface area and high porosity. Carbon-based materials research has been recently centered on biomass-based materials due to the rising need to maintain a sustainable environment. Cellulose and lignin constitute the major components of lignocellulose biomass. Since they are renewable, sustainable, and readily accessible, lignin and cellulose-based supercapacitors are economically viable and environmentally friendly. This review aims to systematically analyze published research findings on electrospun lignin, cellulose, and lignin/cellulose nanofibers for use as supercapacitor electrode materials. A rigorous scientific approach was employed to screen the eligibility of relevant articles to be included in this study. The research questions and the inclusion criteria were clearly defined. The included articles were used to draw up the research framework and develop coherent taxonomy of literature. Taxonomy of research literature generated from the included articles was classified into review papers, electrospun lignin, cellulose, and lignin/cellulose nanofibers for use as supercapacitor electrode materials. Furthermore, challenges, recommendations, and research directions for future studies were equally discussed extensively. Before this study, no review on electrospun lignin/cellulose nanofiber-based supercapacitors has been reported. Thus, this systematic review will provide a reference for other researchers interested in developing biomass-based supercapacitors as an alternative to conventional supercapacitors based on petroleum products.

Composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) salt, and silica (SiO2) filler was investigated and optimized in this study for improved ionic conductivity and potential window for use in electrochemical devices. Various quantities of SiO2 in wt.% were incorporated into PVA-K2CO3 complex to prepare the CPEs. To study the effect of SiO2 on PVA-K2CO3 composites, the developed electrolytes were characterized for their chemical structure (FTIR), morphology (FESEM), thermal stabilities (TGA), glass transition temperature (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)), ionic conductivity using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potential window using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Physicochemical characterization results based on thermal and structural analysis indicated that the addition of SiO2 enhanced the amorphous region of the PVA-K2CO3 composites which enhanced the dissociation of the K2CO3 salt into K+ and CO32− and thus resulting in an increase of the ionic conduction of the electrolyte. An optimum ionic conductivity of 3.25 × 10−4 and 7.86 × 10−3 mScm−1 at ambient temperature and at 373.15 K, respectively, at a potential window of 3.35 V was observed at a composition of 15 wt.% SiO2. From FESEM micrographs, the white granules and aggregate seen on the surface of the samples confirm that SiO2 particles have been successfully dispersed into the PVA-K2CO3 matrix. The observed ionic conductivity increased linearly with increase in temperature confirming the electrolyte as temperature-dependent. Based on the observed performance, it can be concluded that the CPEs based on PVA-K2CO3-SiO2 composites could serve as promising candidate for portable and flexible next generation energy storage devices.

To non-invasively monitor and screen for diabetes in patients, there is need to detect low concentration of acetone vapor in the range from 1.8 ppm to 5 ppm, which is the concentration range of acetone vapor in diabetic patients. This work presents an investigation for the utilization of chitosan-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor in the detection of trace concentration acetone vapor in the range of breath acetone in diabetic subjects. The structure, morphology, and elemental composition of the chitosan-PEG sensing layer were characterized using FTIR, UV-VIS, FESEM, EDX, AFM, and XPS methods. Response testing was conducted using low concentration of acetone vapor in the range of 0.5 ppm to 5 ppm using SPR technique. All the measurements were conducted at room temperature and 50 mL/min gas flow rate. The sensor showed good sensitivity, linearity, repeatability, reversibility, stability, and high affinity toward acetone vapor. The sensor also showed better selectivity to acetone compared to methanol, ethanol, and propanol vapors. More importantly, the lowest detection limit (LOD) of about 0.96 ppb confirmed the applicability of the sensor for the non-invasive monitoring and screening of diabetes.

This work reports the use of a ternary composite that integrates p-Toluene sulfonic acid doped polyaniline (PANI), chitosan, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as the active sensing layer of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. The SPR sensor is intended for application in the non-invasive monitoring and screening of diabetes through the detection of low concentrations of acetone vapour of less than or equal to 5 ppm, which falls within the range of breath acetone concentration in diabetic patients. The ternary composite film was spin-coated on a 50-nm-thick gold layer at 6000 rpm for 30 s. The structure, morphology and chemical composition of the ternary composite samples were characterized by FTIR, UV-VIS, FESEM, EDX, AFM, XPS, and TGA and the response to acetone vapour at different concentrations in the range of 0.5 ppm to 5 ppm was measured at room temperature using SPR technique. The ternary composite-based SPR sensor showed good sensitivity and linearity towards acetone vapour in the range considered. It was determined that the sensor could detect acetone vapour down to 0.88 ppb with a sensitivity of 0.69 degree/ppm with a linearity correlation coefficient of 0.997 in the average SPR angular shift as a function of the acetone vapour concentration in air. The selectivity, repeatability, reversibility, and stability of the sensor were also studied. The acetone response was 87%, 94%, and 99% higher compared to common interfering volatile organic compounds such as propanol, methanol, and ethanol, respectively. The attained lowest detection limit (LOD) of 0.88 ppb confirms the potential for the utilisation of the sensor in the non-invasive monitoring and screening of diabetes.

The main aim of this paper is to study two temperature thermoelasticity in a generalization form to solve the half-space problem of two dimensions under gravity, perturbed magnetic field, and initial stress. The fundamental equations are solved considering a new mathematical technique under Lord-Şhulman (LS), Green-Naghdi (GN type III) and three-phase-lag (3PHL) theories to investigate displacement, stress components, and temperature distribution. The results obtained by the three theories, i.e., (LS), (GN type III), and (3PHL), considering the absence and the presence of gravity, initial stress, and magnetic field have been compared. The results were numerically calculated and graphically displayed to exhibit the physical meaning of the phenomenon and the external parameters’ effect. A comparison has been presented between the results obtained in the absence and the presence of the external considered parameters and with the previously obtained results by other researchers.

Defect-engineered photonic crystal (PC) microcavities were fabricated by UV photolithography and their corresponding sensitivities to biomarkers in patient plasma samples were compared for different resonant microcavity characteristics of quality factor Q and biomarker fill fraction. Three different biomarkers in plasma from pancreatic cancer patients were experimentally detected by conventional L13 defect-engineered microcavities without nanoholes and higher sensitivity L13 PC microcavities with nanoholes. 8.8 femto-molar (0.334 pg/mL) concentration of pancreatic cancer biomarker in patient plasma samples was experimentally detected which are 50 times dilution than ELISA in a PC microcavity with high quality factor and high analyte fill fraction.

The present study was arranged between October 2012 to June 2013 in Wasit province. A total of 500 blood samples of sheep were collected: (450 of clinically suspected sheep with theileriosis (359 females and 91 males), and 50 of healthy animals as a control group (35 females and 15 males). Theileria parasite was seen in two forms rod and ring from inside the RBCs in blood smears stained with Giemsa stain. Results of microscopical examination of blood smears show that 22.8 % of suspected animals were infected with Theileriosis with significant differences at (p

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in adults aged

Background Guidelines for choice of prosthetic heart valve in people of reproductive age are not well established. Although biologic heart valves (BHVs) have risk of deterioration, mechanical heart valves (MHVs) require lifelong anticoagulation. This study aimed to characterize the association of prosthetic valve type with maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant patients. Methods and Results Using the 2008 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample, we identified all adult patients hospitalized for delivery with prior heart valve implantation. Multivariable regressions were used to analyze the primary outcome, major adverse cardiovascular events, and secondary outcomes, including maternal and fetal complications, length of stay, and costs. Among 39 871 862 birth hospitalizations, 4152 had MHVs and 874 had BHVs. Age, comorbidities, and cesarean birth rates were similar between patients with MHVs and BHVs. The presence of a prosthetic valve was associated with over 22-fold increase in likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular events (MHV: adjusted odds ratio, 22.1 [95% CI, 17.3-28.2]; BHV: adjusted odds ratio, 22.5 [95% CI, 13.9-36.5]) as well as increased duration of stay and hospitalization costs. However, patients with MHVs and BHVs had no significant difference in the odds of any maternal outcome, including major adverse cardiovascular events, hypertensive disease of pregnancy, and ante/postpartum hemorrhage. Similarly, fetal complications were more likely in patients with valve prostheses, including a 4-fold increase in odds of stillbirth, but remained comparable between MHVs and BHVs. Conclusions Patients hospitalized for delivery with prior valve replacement carry substantial risk of adverse maternal and fetal events, regardless of valve type. Our findings reveal comparable outcomes between MHVs and BHVs.

BackgroundSociodemographic disparities in atrial fibrillation (AF) management and thromboembolic prophylaxis have previously been reported, which may involve inequitable access to left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) during cardiac surgery. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of LAAO utilization with sex, race, and hospital region among patients with AF undergoing heart valve operations.MethodsAdults with AF undergoing valve replacement/repair in the 2012-2019 National Inpatient Sample were identified and stratified based on concurrent LAAO. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were developed to identify factors associated with LAAO utilization. Mortality, complications including stroke and thromboembolism, hospitalization costs and length of stay (LOS) were secondarily assessed.ResultsOf 382,580 patients undergoing valve operations, 18.7% underwent concomitant LAAO. Over the study period, the proportion of female patients receiving LAAO significantly decreased from 44.8% to 38.9% (p

The occurrence of coherence phenomenon as a result of the interference of the probability amplitude terms is among the principle features of quantum mechanics concepts. Current experiments display the presence of quantum techniques whose coherence is supplied over large interval times. Specifically, photosynthetic mechanisms in light-harvesting complexes furnish oscillatory behaviors owing to quantum coherence. In this manuscript, we study the coherent quantum energy transfer for a single-excitation and nonlocal correlation in a dimer system (donor+acceptor) displayed by two-level systems (TLSs), interacting with a cavity field with a time-dependent coupling effect considering the realistic situation of coupling between each TLS and the cavity field. We analyze and explore the specific conditions which are viable with real experimental realization for the ultimate transfer of quantum energy and nonlocal quantum correlation. We show that the enhancement of the probability for a single-excitation energy transfer greatly benefits from the energy detuning, photon-number transition, classicality of the field, and the time-dependent coupling effect. We also find that the entanglement between the donor and acceptor is very sensitive to the physical parameters and it can be generated during the coherent energy transfer.