Tag: nevin manimala

Sci Rep. 2023 Jul 29;13(1):12308. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-39509-4.

ABSTRACT

Linear antenna arrays (LAAs) play a critical role in smart system communication applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile communication and beamforming. However, minimizing secondary lobes while maintaining a low beamwidth remains challenging. This study presents an enhanced synthesis methodology for LAAs using the Adaptive Naked Mole Rat Algorithm (ANMRA). ANMRA, inspired by mole-rat mating habits, improves exploration and exploitation capabilities for directive LAA applications. The performance of ANMRA is assessed using the CEC 2019 benchmark test functions, a widely adopted standard for statistical evaluation in optimization algorithms. The proposed methodology results are also benchmarked against state-of-the-art algorithms, including the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Cuckoo Search (CS), Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (AHOA), Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), and Naked Mole Rat Algorithm (NMRA). The results demonstrate that ANMRA achieves superior performance among the benchmarked algorithms by successfully minimizing secondary lobes and obtaining a narrow beamwidth. The ANMRA controlled design achieves the lowest Side Lobe Level (SLL) of – 37.08 dB and the smallest beamwidth of 74.68°. The statistical assessment using the benchmark test functions further confirms the effectiveness of ANMRA. By optimizing antenna element magnitude and placement control, ANMRA enables precise primary lobe placement, grating lobe elimination, and high directivity in LAAs. This research contributes to advancing smart system communication technologies, particularly in the context of IoT and beamforming applications, by providing an enhanced synthesis methodology for LAAs that offers improved performance in terms of secondary lobe reduction and beamwidth optimization.

PMID:37516755 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-39509-4

Sci Rep. 2023 Jul 29;13(1):12328. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-39512-9.

ABSTRACT

This article deals with a comparative study of the physicochemical and electrical properties of monoesters of castor oil compared with their counterparts based on FeO₃ and Z_nO nanoparticles. The results are also compared with those in the literature on triesters, and also with the recommendations of the IEEE C 57.14 standard. The data is analysed statistically using a goodness-of-fit test. The analysis of the viscosity data at 40 °C shows an increase in viscosity. For concentrations of 0.10 wt%, 0.15 wt% and 0.20 wt% these are respectively 5.4%, 9.69%, 12.9% for F_eO₃ NFs and 7.6%, 9.91% and 12.7% for Z_nO NFs. For the same concentrations, the increase in acid number is respectively 3.2%, 2.9%, 2.5% for FeO3 samples and 3.18%, 2.0%, 1.2% for Z_nO samples. For the same concentrations, the fire point shows an increment of 4%, 3% and 2% for F_eO₃ samples and a regression of 8.75%, 6.88% and 5.63% for Z_nO samples. As for the breakdown voltage, for the same concentrations we observe respectively an increment of 43%, 27%, 34% for the F_eO₃. The results show an improvement on partial discharge inception voltage with FeO3 of 24%, 8.13% and 15.21% respectively for the concentrations 0.10 wt%, 0.15 wt% and 0.20 wt%.

PMID:37516740 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-39512-9

Sci Data. 2023 Jul 29;10(1):502. doi: 10.1038/s41597-023-02414-6.

ABSTRACT

Macrobenthic traits, for example feeding mode, life history, morphology, are increasingly used for determining responses of macrobenthic fauna to environmental change and influences on ecosystem functioning. Yet, trait information is scarce or non-existent in several parts of the world, such as New Zealand. This deficit makes collecting trait data a difficult and time-consuming task, limiting its potential use in trait-based assessments. Here, we present the New Zealand Trait Database (NZTD) for marine benthic invertebrates, the first comprehensive assessment of macrobenthic traits in New Zealand. The NZTD provides trait information for more than 700 macrobenthic taxa, categorised by 18 traits and 77 trait modalities. The NZTD includes five freely downloadable datasets, (1) the macrobenthic trait dataset, with outcomes from a fuzzy coding procedure, (2) the trait source information, (3) the references by taxa, (4) the full references list, and (5) the full taxa list used in the NZTD. Establishing the NZTD closes the trait knowledge gap in New Zealand and facilitates future research applying trait-based approaches to New Zealand’s coastal macrofauna.

PMID:37516737 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-023-02414-6

Theory Biosci. 2023 Jul 29. doi: 10.1007/s12064-023-00401-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This work concerns a many-body deterministic model that displays life-like properties such as emergence, complexity, self-organization, self-regulation, excitability and spontaneous compartmentalization. The model portraits the dynamics of an ensemble of locally coupled polar phase oscillators, moving in a two-dimensional space, that under certain conditions exhibit emergent superstructures. Those superstructures are self-organized dynamic networks, resulting from a synchronization process of many units, over length scales much greater than the interaction range. Such networks compartmentalize the two-dimensional space with no a priori constraints, due to the formation of porous transport walls, and represent a highly complex and novel non-linear behavior. The analysis is numerically carried out as a function of a control parameter showing distinct regimes: static pattern formation, dynamic excitable networks formation, intermittency and chaos. A statistical analysis is drawn to determine the control parameter ranges for the various behaviors to appear. The model and the results shown in this work are expected to contribute to the field of artificial life.

PMID:37516712 | DOI:10.1007/s12064-023-00401-4

World J Surg. 2023 Jul 30. doi: 10.1007/s00268-023-07135-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the second most deadly and third most common cancer worldwide. Early detection and removal of precancerous lesions play a crucial role in preventing cancer development and reducing mortality. Since FDG uptake is not specific for malignancy, incidental increased FDG uptake in the gastrointestinal tract may be challenging to interpret and may require further colonoscopic examination. This study aimed to investigate the features associated with malignant and premalignant pathology in patients with incidental colonic FDG uptake and determine the necessity of colonoscopy for each FDG uptake.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on data from patients who underwent colonoscopies between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients with FDG uptake in known colorectal malignancy regions were excluded. The study included 56 patients with incidental colonic FDG uptake. PET/CT images were visually and quantitatively analyzed, and the corresponding colonoscopy and histopathological results were recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between FDG uptake patterns, SUVmax values, and histopathological diagnoses. Colonoscopic findings were categorized as malignancy, polyps, and non-neoplastic lesions.

RESULTS: Among the 56 patients with incidental colonic FDG uptake, 36 lesions were identified, and histopathology revealed malignancy in 10 (17.9%) patients and premalignant polyps in the 26 (46.4%) cases. Focal FDG uptake with corresponding wall thickening or soft tissue density on CT was associated with a higher likelihood of premalignant or malignant lesions. The SUVmax values demonstrated a significant difference between negative findings and polyps/malignancies. However, no significant difference was observed between malignant and premalignant lesions. A ROC curve analysis was made and assesed a cut-off value of 11.1 SUVmax (sensitivity: 83.3% and specificity: 90%) to distinguish premalignant or malignant lesions from non-malignant lesions.

CONCLUSION: Incidental colonic FDG uptake with a focal pattern and corresponding CT findings were more likely to indicate premalignant or malignant lesions. SUVmax values were helpful in predicting the presence of pathological findings, but histopathological verification remains necessary for a definitive diagnosis. These findings contribute to our understanding of the clinical implications of incidental colonic FDG uptake and highlight the importance of follow-up colonoscopy for further evaluation.

PMID:37516690 | DOI:10.1007/s00268-023-07135-w

J Prosthet Dent. 2023 Jul 27:S0022-3913(23)00441-9. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.07.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The color of monolithic zirconia restorations is obtained by presintering or postsintering coloring techniques. However, studies on the differences in surface characteristics and their influence on color stability are lacking.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of shading and staining techniques for a zirconia ceramic on the surface characteristics and colorimetric parameters (color difference, translucency, and whiteness index) after exposure to coffee or red wine and then polishing.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ceramic disks (N=30; Ø10×1 mm) were allocated into 3 groups: preshaded-shaded by the manufacturer (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT, shade A2); manually shaded-unshaded zirconia (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT, bleaching shade-BL) colored by the brushing technique, before sintering; stained-unshaded zirconia (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT BL) colored by the staining technique, after sintering. Spectrophotometric color assessments ensured the same initial perceived color (Vita Classical A2) for specimens included in the study (∆E₀₀<1.77 acceptability threshold). Surface characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The specimens were immersed in coffee (n=5) or red wine (n=5) for 12 and 24 days and subsequently polished. The data were statistically and descriptively analyzed for color differences (∆E₀₀), translucency parameters (TP₀₀), and whiteness indexes for dentistry (WI_D), considering acceptability and perceptibility thresholds.

RESULTS: The shaded groups found an irregular ceramic surface with uniformly sized zirconia crystals. The stained group found a glass-covered smoother surface. Significant alterations in color parameters (∆E₀₀, TP₀₀, WI_D) were observed with immersion in pigmenting beverages (P<.001) both after 12 days, and after 24 days. The shaded specimens had greater color alterations after immersion but benefited from the polishing procedure, which reduced color differences below an acceptable threshold in comparison with the baseline. Stained specimens had lower color alterations after immersion, but the polishing protocol was detrimental as it whitened the ceramic by subsurface exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: The coloring technique influences the surface characteristics of zirconia ceramic and also the color parameters after exposure to colored beverages and polishing.

PMID:37516645 | DOI:10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.07.002

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2023 Jun 22:S2212-4403(23)00516-3. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.06.009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of mandibular asymmetry on the trabecular structure of the mandible as measured through fractal analysis (FA).

STUDY DESIGN: We divided a sample of 105 patients with skeletal class I occlusion, cervical vertebral maturation CS6, and skeletal vertical dimension ratios within normal limits into right asymmetric, left asymmetric, and symmetric groups. We performed FA on 6 bilateral regions of interest on panoramic radiographs of the patients and calculated the mean fractal dimension (FD) for each region. We performed the Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t tests to compare the significance of differences in FD between sides within each group and between groups for all regions. Statistical significance was established at P < .05.

RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences in mean FD values between the right and left condyles of the 2 asymmetric patient groups. The FD was greater in the left condyle of patients with right asymmetry and in the right condyle of patients with left asymmetry. The right condyle had a significantly greater FD in left asymmetric patients than in right asymmetric patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of FA indicate that asymmetry is characterized by an increase in the mean FD of the condyle that is responsible for the asymmetry. Fractal analysis can be a valuable diagnostic technique in distinguishing trabecular differences in the condylar areas of asymmetric individuals.

PMID:37516622 | DOI:10.1016/j.oooo.2023.06.009

Eur Urol Oncol. 2023 Jul 27:S2588-9311(23)00146-3. doi: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.07.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Men with high-risk prostate cancer undergoing surgery likely recur due to failure to completely excise regional and/or local disease.

OBJECTIVE: The first-in-human evaluation of safety, pharmacokinetics, and exploratory efficacy of IS-002, a novel near-infrared prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted fluorescence imaging agent, designed for intraoperative prostate cancer visualization.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A phase 1, single-center, dose-escalation study was conducted in 24 men with high-risk prostate cancer scheduled for robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with (extended) pelvic lymph node dissection using the da Vinci surgical system.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Adverse events (AEs), vital signs, complete blood count, complete metabolic panel, urinalysis, and electrocardiogram were assessed over a 14-d period and compared with baseline. The pharmacokinetic profile of IS-002 was determined. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed for exploratory efficacy.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: AEs predominantly included discoloration of urine (n = 22/24; expected, related, grade 1). There were no grade ≥2 AEs. IS-002 C_max and area under the curve increased with increasing dose. Plasma concentrations declined rapidly in a biphasic manner, with the median terminal half-lives ranging from 5.0 to 7.6 h, independent of dose and renal function. At 25 μg/kg, the exploratory efficacy readouts for the negative and positive predictive values were, 97% and 45% for lymph nodes, and 100% and 80% for residual/locoregional disease detection, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: IS-002 is safe and well tolerated, and has the potential to enable intraoperative tumor detection that could not be identified using standard imaging.

PATIENT SUMMARY: IS-002 is a new imaging agent that specifically targets the prostate-specific membrane antigen receptor. In this study, we tested IS-002 for the first time in men with high-risk prostate cancer undergoing surgery and found that IS-002 is safe, is cleared from the body quickly, and potentially allows identification of prostate cancer in areas that would not be identified by conventional white light imaging.

PMID:37516587 | DOI:10.1016/j.euo.2023.07.004

Nurs Open. 2023 Jul 29. doi: 10.1002/nop2.1959. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To know the attitudes towards sexuality of nursing students and those sociodemographic and cultural factors that can influence it.

DESIGN: An observational study was carried out on Nursing degree students. One hundred and eighteen nursing degree students who were going to take the sexual and reproductive health nursing course.

METHODS: A self-administered online questionnaire. This questionnaire had several parts specifically designed to collect sociodemographic variables. In order to determine the attitudes towards sexuality, the questionnaire based on the ATSS (Attitudes Towards Sexuality Scale). The Double Standard Scale (DSS) was also used. This scale evaluates double standards within the area of sexuality. The Rape Supportive Attitude Scale (RSAS), was included to determine beliefs about rape, rapists and their victims.

RESULTS: The ATSS shows a statistically significant association with religious beliefs (p = 0.005), with mean scores of 113.84 (SD = 9.81) for non-believers (no religion), 108.36 (SD = 15.68) for non-practicing believers and 102.32 (SD = 17.87) for believers (those who practice their faith). The mean score in the DSS shows a statistically significant association with alcohol consumption (p = 0.001). The mean score on the RSAS is statistically significantly associated with the place of residence (p = 0.050), the means were 44.32 (SD = 9.26) for those who lived in the city, 34.94 (SD = 19.21) if the place of residence was between 10,000 and 5000 inhabitants and 32.54 (SD = 15.01) if the family home was in a town with less than 5000 inhabitants.

CONCLUSION: Religious beliefs reduce liberalism and positive attitudes towards sexuality, whereas sporadic alcohol consumption increases them.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

PMID:37515451 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.1959