4-Harmonic functions and beyond

The family of partial differential equations −∆4u−ε∆∞u = 0 (ε > 0) is studied in a bounded domain Ω for given boundary data. We show that for each ε > 0 the problem has a unique viscosity solution which is exactly the (4+ε)-harmonic map with the given boundary data. We also explore the connections between the solutions of these problems and infinity harmonic and 4-harmonic maps by studying the limiting behavior of the solutions as ε → ∞ and ε → 0+, respectively

Clinical and Experimental Biomechanical Studies Regarding Innovative Implants in Traumatology

Fracture treatment has experienced a fascinating evolution in the last years. The aim of this chapter is to reveal some clinical and biomechanical studies regarding innovative implants. After a short introduction (1), we intend to present our results regarding (2) dynamic condylar screw versus condylar blade plate in complex supracondylar femoral fractures; (3) biomechanical analysis of four types of implants in humeral fractures; (4) clinical and experimental studies for optimal stabilization of trochanteric fractures: the gliding nail; (5) intramedullary XS nail for pilon and ankle fractures: design, biomechanics, and clinical results; (6) the XS nail for the treatment of patella and olecranon fractures; and (7) plates with polyaxial stability for fractures of distal radius and proximal humerus. In conclusion, the authors highlight the advantages of these innovative implants in difficult trauma cases

Efficient Microbial Decontamination of Translucent Liquids and Gases Using Optical Metamaterials

An effective way of decontamination using optical metamaterials like photonic crystals consisting of glass microspheres or granulated quartz with various geometries is proposed. The efficient decontamination using the evanescent zone of metamaterials opens a new perspective in pathogen decontamination. We propose different topological structures of metamaterials to enlarge the contact surface of ultraviolet radiation with polluted translucent fluids. The approach is based upon the increased transfer of UV radiation via evanescent waves of metamaterials into contaminated translucent fluids. A series of experimental estimations of the decontamination rate of this type of metamaterials have been made. For these investigations, a decontamination core filled up with metamaterials is used through which the contaminated fluid freely flows. Experiments have conclusively proved that evanescent zone of quartz and optical fiber metamaterials can effectively inactivate Coliform (including Escherichia coli), or Enterococcus bacteria, as well as yeast and Kombucha cultures

Determining the influence of dynamic balance in the technical training in football game at U13 level

Background and Study Aim. Technical training in football plays an important part in scoring goals. Precise movements can become the key to victory in a match. Among the principal factors determining the accuracy of shooting or kicking the ball is balance. The study aims to determine the influence of dynamic balance on technical training in U13 football. Material and Methods. A group of 26 football players from Otopeni Sports Club (Romania), aged 12-13 years, in the U13 category, participated in this study. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Sensamove MiniBoard platform with tests including: Lateral bipedal balance (LBB), Vertical bipedal balance (VBB), and Vertical unipedal balance for both right (VBRL) and left (VBLL) legs. Technical training was evaluated using tests recommended by the Romanian Football Federation: instep kick from 9 m (Test 1, points), outside kick in 30 sec. (Test 2, points), and 20 m long pass (Test 3, points). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between dynamic balance (lateral and vertical bipedal, and vertical unipedal for both legs) and technical training in U13 footballers. Results. The analysis of the comparative results between LBB and VBB variables reveals better performances by 9.2% at VBB. There are lower values of the vertical deviations mean by 2.9 degrees forward at LBB and by -2.8 degrees backward. The mean of lateral deviations is lower by -2.7 degrees to the left at VBB and by 3.3 degrees to the right. The comparative results between VBRL and VBLL variables show better performances by 0.3% at VBRL. The values of the vertical deviations mean are lower by 0.5 degrees forward at VBRL and 0.3 degrees backward. The mean of the lateral deviations (left-right) have equal values. Analyzing the performances obtained in technical tests highlights 22.2% (estimated maximum score) at instep kick, 62.5% (individual maximum value) at outside kick and 34.5% (estimated maximum value) at 20 m long pass. The influence of dynamic balance on technical training shows 60.7% positive connections and 39.3% negative ones between LBB and VBB variables. As for VBRL and VBLL variables, there are 67.9% positive connections and 32.1% negative connections between them. Conclusions. The weighting of values at performance and maintaining in space was highlighted. The mean of front-back and left-right deviations in bipedal and unipedal balance has lower values. The technical performances obtained were compared with the estimated maximum score and the individual maximum value. An increased number of positive connections to balance performance variables and of negative connections to the mean of deviations was noticed. This fact contributed to determining the degree of influence on the investigated variables. The findings can serve as a recommendation for future research

Slow Solar Wind Connection Science during Solar Orbiter’s First Close Perihelion Passage

The Slow Solar Wind Connection Solar Orbiter Observing Plan (Slow Wind SOOP) was developed to utilize the extensive suite of remote-sensing and in situ instruments on board the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter mission to answer significant outstanding questions regarding the origin and formation of the slow solar wind. The Slow Wind SOOP was designed to link remote-sensing and in situ measurements of slow wind originating at open–closed magnetic field boundaries. The SOOP ran just prior to Solar Orbiter’s first close perihelion passage during two remote-sensing windows (RSW1 and RSW2) between 2022 March 3–6 and 2022 March 17–22, while Solar Orbiter was at respective heliocentric distances of 0.55–0.51 and 0.38–0.34 au from the Sun. Coordinated observation campaigns were also conducted by Hinode and IRIS. The magnetic connectivity tool was used, along with low-latency in situ data and full-disk remote-sensing observations, to guide the target pointing of Solar Orbiter. Solar Orbiter targeted an active region complex during RSW1, the boundary of a coronal hole, and the periphery of a decayed active region during RSW2. Postobservation analysis using the magnetic connectivity tool, along with in situ measurements from MAG and SWA/PAS, showed that slow solar wind originating from two out of three of the target regions arrived at the spacecraft with velocities between ∼210 and 600 km s−1. The Slow Wind SOOP, despite presenting many challenges, was very successful, providing a blueprint for planning future observation campaigns that rely on the magnetic connectivity of Solar Orbiter

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

ROMAN ARMY AND SALT EXPLOITATION IN DACIA

The authors study the connections between salt resources, salt exploitation and Roman army in Dacia. Even though salt resources are attested almost across the entire province of Dacia (excepting perhaps the western part), the eastern part is the richest not only in salt deposits, but also salt springs. Salt was important not only for the troops (food — nutrition and preservation, hide and leather processing, horses’ and other animals’ alimentation), but also for the civilian population. The army needed salt not only for its own purposes, but for distributing it in the rest of the province. However, despite the important role of the army concerning the salt resources’ protection, we have to pay attention also at he other missions the troops were charged with.</span

Computer-Based Assessment and Self-Report Measures of Executive Functions in High-Functioning Adults with Autism

This study analyzes the profile of executive functions (EF) in high-functioning adults with autism (HFA), both in terms of performance on four computer-based tasks, as well as how these functions are perceived by the individuals through self-reporting measures. The study included 64 participants: 32 individuals with HFA, and 32 typically developing controls. Four CANTAB tasks were used (assessing spatial working memory, planning, visual memory, and inhibition), as well as a self-reported measure of executive functions (BDEFS) and a scale for the severity of autism symptoms (RAADS-R). The participants in the ASD group performed significantly lower than the control group on all four computer-based tasks, as measured by the total number of errors made (for the spatial working memory, visual memory, and inhibition tasks) and the number of problems solved at the first choice (for the planning task). No correlation was found in the ASD group between the severity of autism symptoms and the computer-based measures. These findings provide evidence that HFA adults may have various executive functioning impairments, and subsequent daily life problems, but these deficits do not necessarily correlate with the severity of core ASD symptoms

Laser Additive Manufacturing of Bulk Silicon Nitride Ceramic: Modeling versus Integral Transform Technique with Experimental Correlation

A semi-analytical-numerical solution is theorized to describe the laser additive manufacturing via laser-bulk ceramic interaction modeling. The Fourier heat equation was used to infer the thermal distribution within the ceramic sample. Appropriate boundary conditions, including convection and radiation, were applied to the bulk sample. It was irradiated with a Gaussian spatial continuous mode fiber laser (λ = 1.075 µm) while a Lambert-Beer law was assumed to describe the laser beam absorption. A close correlation between computational predictions versus experimental results was validated in the case of laser additive manufacturing of silicon nitride bulk ceramics. The thermal field value rises but stays confined within the irradiated zone due to heat propagation with an infinite speed, a characteristic of the Fourier heat equation. An inverse correlation was observed between the laser beam scanning speed and thermal distribution intensity. Whenever the laser scanning speed increases, photons interact with and transfer less energy to the sample, resulting in a lower thermal distribution intensity. This model could prove useful for the description and monitoring of low-intensity laser beam-ceramic processing