Wideband millimeter-wave perforated cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna configuration

This article delves into the capabilities of 3D-printed millimeter-wave (mmWave) layered cylindrical dielectric resonator antennas (CDRAs). The proposed design yielded promising results, boasting a remarkable 53% impedance bandwidth spanning the frequency spectrum from 18 to 34 GHz. Furthermore, the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth achieved an impressive 17%, coupled with a maximum gain of 13.3 dBic. These notable results underscore the efficacy of the proposed design, positioning it as a viable solution for applications in Beyond 5G (B5G). A novel assembly technique was also investigated, employing additive manufacturing to seamlessly merge two layers with distinct dielectric constants into a singular layer. This innovative approach systematically eliminates the potential for air gaps between layers, enhancing the antenna’s overall performance. This approach exhibited potential, particularly in the performance of a millimeter-wave circularly polarized (CP) cylindrical DRA featuring a perforated coating layer. The synergy between measurements and simulations demonstrates a remarkable alignment, providing robust validation of the effectiveness of the proposed design

A circularly polarized mmWave dielectric-resonator-antenna array for off-body communications

This paper presents a novel 28 GHz circularly polarized rectangular dielectric-resonator antenna (DRA) array for millimeter-wave (mmWave) off-body applications. A feed network incorporating cross slots was utilized in the rectangular DRA design to realize circular polarization (CP). In terms of the free-space wavelength, λo, the DRA dimensions were (0.48λo × 0.48λo × 0.27λo) at 28 GHz. The antenna array was simulated by incorporating dielectric layers with parameters that are equivalent to those of the human body at the desired frequency of 28 GHz for off-body communications. Moreover, the precise alignment and assembly of the DRA, which pose major difficulties at mmWave frequencies, were achieved by outlining the DRA positions on the ground plane using a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The array configuration was fabricated and measured with excellent performance, realizing a measured impedance bandwidth of 29% in conjunction with an axial-ration (AR) bandwidth of 13% and a broadside gain of 13.7 dBic at 28 GHz

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

Background: Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks. Methods: The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned. Results: A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P < 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31). Conclusion: Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)