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Objectives: To study the presentation and management of the exstrophy-epispadias complex in adolescents and adults and to evaluate the outcome of the repair. Subjects and methods: This retrospective review of our medical records of adult patients with an exstrophy-epispadias complex managed between January 2010 and June 2015 included one female and 7 male patients. Only patients aged above 10 years who had not undergone any surgical treatment during childhood were included in the study. All patients were subjected to preoperative biopsy from the urinary bladder plate. None of them underwent cystectomy. Seven patients underwent urinary bladder augmentation using ileocystoplasty, bladder neck reconstruction with para-urethral tissue closure using a wedge of pubic bone, and single-stage epispadias repair. In one patient epispadias repair was not done due to intraoperative hemodynamic instability. Results: All patients are continent but one in whom epispadias repair was not done and who is waiting for epispadias repair. One patient has developed a urethro-cutaneous fistula at the base of the penis. Two patients developed urinary bladder stones, and both of them were managed by minimally invasive methods. All the patients are on clean intermittent self-catheterization. They are all doing well socially and psychologically. Conclusion: Though exstrophy-epispadias in adolescents and adults is a rare entity, the described modified surgical technique provides good results and improves the patients’ social and psychological well being.

The development and characterization of synthesis techniques for oxide materials based on ceria is a subject of extensive study with the objective of their wide-ranging applications in pursuit of sustainable development. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of controlled synthesis of Ce1−xMxO2−δ (M = Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, Ag, Sm, Cs, x = 0.0–0.3) in combustion reactions from precursors comprising glycine, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and cellulose as organic components. Controlled synthesis is achieved by varying the composition of the precursor, the type of organic component, and the amount of organic component, which allows for the influence of the generation of high-density electrical charges and outgassing during synthesis. The intensity of charge generation is quantified by measuring the value of the precursor–ground potential difference. It has been demonstrated that an increase in the intensity of charge generation results in a more developed morphology, which is essential for the practical implementation of ceria as a catalyst to enhance contact with gases and solid particles. The maximum value of the potential difference, equal to 68 V, is obtained during the synthesis of Ce0.7Ni0.3O2−δ with polyvinyl alcohol in stoichiometric relations, which corresponds to a specific surface area of 21.7 m2 g−1. A correlation is established between the intensity of gas release for systems with different organic components, the intensity of charge generation, morphology, and the value of the specific surface area of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structural and electrochemical properties of commercial powders of the nominal compositions Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9, Sc0.1Ce0.01Zr0.89O1.95, and Sc0.09Yb0.01Zr0.9O1.95 were investigated. The materials are prospective candidates to be used in electrochemical devices, i.e., gas sensors and fuel cells. Based on a comparison of the EIS spectra in different atmospheres (synthetic air, 3000 ppm NH3 in argon, 10% H2 in argon), the reactions on the three-phase boundaries were proposed, as well as the conduction mechanisms of the electrolytes were described. The Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 material is a mixed ionic–electronic conductor, which makes it suitable for anode material in fuel cells. Moreover, it exhibits an apparent and reversible response for ammonia, indicating the possibility of usage as an NH3 gas-sensing element. In zirconia-based materials, electrical conduction is realized by oxygen ion carriers. Among them, the most promising from an applicative point of view seems to be Sc0.09Yb0.01Zr0.9O1.95, showing a high, reversible reaction with hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a current treatment method with high success rates and low complication rates in treating large kidney stones. It can be conducted in different positions, especially supine and prone positions. PCNL in the supine position is becoming increasingly common due to its advantages, such as simultaneous retrograde intervention and better anesthesia management. This study aimed to assess how the choice of position impacts the PCNL learning curve. Materials and Methods: The results of the first 50 consecutive PCNL cases performed by two separate chief residents as primary surgeons in supine and prone positions in a reference center for stone treatment between August 2021 and January 2023 were evaluated. The two groups' demographic and clinical data, stone-free rates, operation times, and fluoroscopy times were compared. Results: While the mean operation time was 94.6 ± 9.8 min in the supine PCNL group, it was 129.9 ± 20.3 min in the prone PCNL group (p < 0.001). Median fluoroscopy times in the supine PCNL and prone PCNL groups were 31 (10–89) seconds and 48 (23–156) seconds, respectively (p = 0.001). During the operation, the plateau was reached after the 10th case in the supine PCNL group, while it was reached after the 40th case in the prone PCNL group. Conclusions: For surgeons who are novices in performing PCNL, supine PCNL may offer both better results and a faster learning curve. Prospective and randomized studies can provide more robust conclusions on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review outlines the state of the art, processing techniques, and mechanical testing methods of zirconia (ZrO2)-based composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The use of CNTs as a secondary phase in a zirconia matrix is motivated by their outstanding crack self-healing ability, the possibility to tailor the desired nano-structural properties, and their exceptional wear behavior. Therefore, a detailed investigation into CNT features has been provided. The debate of using the different Vickers indentation fracture toughness equations to estimate the resistance of crack propagation was critically reviewed according to crack characteristics. Finally, this review particularly highlights the exceptional role of ZrO2-based composites as a promising material owing to their outstanding tribo-mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progressive research trends in the development of low-cost, commercially competitive solid oxide fuel cells with reduced operating temperatures are closely linked to the search for new functional materials as well as technologies to improve the properties of established materials traditionally used in high-temperature devices. Significant efforts are being made to improve air electrodes, which significantly contribute to the degradation of cell performance due to low oxygen reduction reaction kinetics at reduced temperatures. The present review summarizes the basic information on the methods to improve the electrochemical performance of conventional air electrodes with perovskite structure, such as lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) and lanthanum strontium cobaltite ferrite (LSCF), to make them suitable for application in second generation electrochemical cells operating at medium and low temperatures. In addition, the information presented in this review may serve as a background for further implementation of developed electrode modification technologies involving novel, recently investigated electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel approach to designing a CMOS inverter using the Mayfly Optimization Algorithm (MA). The MA is utilized in this paper to obtain symmetrical switching of the inverter, which is crucial in many digital electronic circuits. The MA method is found to have a fast convergence rate compared to other optimization methods, such as the Symbiotic Organisms Search (SOS), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Differential Evolution (DE). A total of eight different sets of design parameters and criteria were analyzed in Case I, and the results confirmed compatibility between the MA and Spice techniques. The maximum discrepancy in fall time across all design sets was found to be 2.075711 ns. In Case II, the objective was to create a symmetrical inverter with identical fall and rise times. The difference in fall and rise times was minimized based on Spice simulations, with the maximum difference measuring 0.9784731 ns. In Case III, the CMOS inverter was designed to achieve symmetrical fall and rise times as well as propagation delays. The Spice simulation results demonstrated that symmetry had been successfully achieved, with the minimum difference measuring 0.312893 ns and the maximum difference measuring 1.076540 ns. These Spice simulation results are consistent with the MA results. The results conclude that the MA is a reliable and simple optimization technique and can be used in similar electronic topologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In electrical power engineering, elements such as reliability analysis, modeling, and optimization for complex systems are of the utmost importance. Although there exist myriad studies regarding reliability optimization with conventional methods, researchers are still seeking to find more efficient and accurate methods to address the issue of the redundancy allocation problem. To that effect, an ideal power energy management approach is put forward for the operation of a hybrid microgrid system with different kinds of productions. In the present study, we suggest three algorithms in order to optimize the series-parallel power energy system: the Firefly (FA), Bat (BA), and Interior Search (ISA) algorithms. Moreover, the reliability estimate of the system is solved with the Ushakov algorithm (UMGF). The components may completely fail, which decreases their performance rate. Furthermore, the optimization results are achieved using objective functions that include the total cost of the system, emission gases (NOX, SO2, and CO2) of the power production from fuel cells, diesel generators, and gas turbines, and take into consideration the dependability indices. Devices used in power subsystems are characterized based on their dependabilities, performances, capital costs, and maintenance costs. Reliability hinges on a functioning system, which naturally entails meeting customer demand; as a result, it is influenced by the accumulated batch curve. This method provides an idea with regards to the economic cost optimization of microgrid systems. Finally, we present the results of numeric simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, NiO, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) and (CeO2)0.8(Sm2O3)0.2 (SDC) nanopowders with different microstructures were obtained using hydrothermal and glycol–citrate methods. The microstructural features of the powders were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained oxide powders were used to form functional inks for the sequential microextrusion printing of NiO-SDC, SDC and LSCF-SDC coatings with resulting three-layer structures of (NiO-SDC)/SDC/(LSCF-SDC) composition. The crystal structures of these layers were studied using an X-ray diffraction analysis, and the microstructures were studied using atomic force microscopy. Scanning capacitance microscopy was employed to build maps of capacitance gradient distribution over the surface of the oxide layers, and Kelvin probe force microscopy was utilized to map surface potential distribution and to estimate the work function values of the studied oxide layers. Using SEM and an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, the cross-sectional area of the formed three-layer structure was analyzed—the interfacial boundary and the chemical element distribution over the surface of the cross-section were investigated. Using impedance spectroscopy, the temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity was also determined for the printed three-layer nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, recent achievements in the application of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and high-entropy oxides (HEOs) in the technology of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are discussed for the first time. The mechanisms of the stabilization of a high-entropy state in such materials, as well as the effect of structural and charge factors on the stability of the resulting homogeneous solid solution are performed. An introduction to the synthesis methods for HEAs and HEOs is given. The review highlights such advantages of high-entropy materials as high strength and the sluggish diffusion of components, which are promising for the use at the elevated temperatures, which are characteristic of SOFCs. Application of the medium- and high-entropy materials in the hydrocarbon-fueled SOFCs as protective layers for interconnectors and as anode components, caused by their high stability, are covered. High-entropy solid electrolytes are discussed in comparison with traditional electrolyte materials in terms of conductivity. High-entropy oxides are considered as prospective cathodes for SOFCs due to their superior electrochemical activity and long-term stability compared with the conventional perovskites. The present review also determines the prioritizing directions in the future development of high-entropy materials as electrolytes and electrodes for SOFCs operating in the intermediate and low temperature ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the treatment of choice for large renal calculi. The prone position has been considered the preferred position to obtain renal access. However, the supine position has recently gained popularity, which confers several potential advantages. The current study analyses the prognostic factors for successful supine PCNL procedures in a larger tertiary centre. Subjects: Prospective data were collected from all patients undergoing PCNL in the Galdako modified Valdivia position at our institution between February-2007 and September-2020. Surgical outcomes variables collected included: the rate of Endoscopic-combined intra-renal surgery (ECIRS), operative times, surgical effectiveness (no residuals <2 mm stone fragments) and complications. Results: A total of 592 patients underwent PCNL with a median age of 56 years (IQR: 42–67). The median stone size was 17 mm (IQR: 13–23). Of those, 79% of patients had an effective procedure. Stone size (p < 0.001), location (p < 0.001) and Guys-Stone Score (GSS) (p < 0.001) were associated with effectiveness. A Percutaneous nephrostomy tube was sited at the completion of the procedure in 97.3% of patients and a simultaneous double-J stent in 45.3%. Stent insertion was associated with larger stones (p < 0.001), the performance of ECIRS (p < 0.001) and higher GSS (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate was 21.7%. The main type of complication was an infection in 26.2 of the cases followed by the need for repeated nephrostogram in 12.7%. Conclusions: We demonstrate that PCNL in a high-volume centre is safe and efficacious in the Galdalko modified Valdivia position. Patients with smaller stones in the renal pelvis and a low GSS have the highest chance of a successful procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]