HOMOGENIZATION OF A NON-PERIODIC OSCILLATING BOUNDARY VIA PERIODIC UNFOLDING

This paper deals with the homogenization of an elliptic model problem in a two-dimensional domain with non-periodic oscillating boundary by the method of periodic unfolding. For the non-periodic oscillations, a modulated unfolding is used. The L-2 convergence of the solutions and their fluxes are shown, under natural hypotheses on the domain

Islamic Law and Sustainable Development Goals

This study aims to analyze Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prescribed by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under Islamic Law. This paper is qualitative method of research analyzing SDGs under verses of Holy Qur'an and traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This study found that what SDGs ask member states to do has been prescribed in Holy Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ way back 1400 years ago and demanded by Almighty Allah and the last Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for eradication of poverty, hunger, malnutrition etc. Islamic law prohibits usury, gambling, uncertainty and other illegal activities to protect poor people of the society against rich landlords. Therefore, member states are required to follow SDGs to achieve peace, harmony and economic growth for betterment of humanity which is also a duty under verses of Holy Qur'an and traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to achieve success in this world and in the hereafter

Recovery of Xanthan Gum from Palm Oil-Based Fermentation Broth by Diafiltration with Flat Polysulfone Microfiltration (MF) Membrane

Xanthan gum recovery from palm oil-based broth by diafiltration was carried out using flat microfiltration (MF) membrane. Optimization of process parameters such as transmembrane pressure (TMP), crossflow velocity (CFV), ionic strength (IS) and diafiltration factor (DF) was performed by Taguchi method using signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of larger-the-better criterion yielding the following optimum conditions: level 1, level 2, level 3, and level 2, respectively, corresponding to Xanthan recovery of 68 %. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the significance of TMP on providing a driving force for Xanthan’s transmembrane transport (XTT), whereas little effect of DF indicated the evidence of sieving action by cake layer on XTT, which was also responsible for complete rejection of oil indicated by the absence of fatty acid component in permeate upon GC-MS analysis. On the contrary, better XTT was observed during MF operation on zero-oil broth due to absence of oily cake layer rendering CFV more effective

Spatial and Temporal Evolution of Particle Migration in Gap-Graded Granular Soils: Insights from Experimental Observations

This study presents physical observations and insights into particle migration characteristics throughout the suffusion process. Using a purpose-built coaxial permeameter cell, suffusion experiments were conducted on idealised internally unstable gap-graded granular soils at varying fines content and hydraulic loading conditions. The specimens were prepared with a mixture layer comprising finer and coarser fractions underlying a coarse layer composed of the coarser fraction alone. This enabled the finer fraction within the mixture layer to migrate through the coarse layer with upward seepage flow. The local porosity profile along the specimen was determined using spatial time domain reflectometry and an inversion algorithm, which enabled the development of a novel field map of the difference in porosity from the initial condition. This field map provided a visual guide of the spatial and temporal variation in porosity and enabled particle migration internally within the specimen to be quantitatively characterised from onset to progression to washout. The limiting onset condition identified from the field map was shown to be comparable to that obtained using conventional approaches, thereby providing strong validation for the application of porosity-based field maps. As suffusion progressed, the height of infiltrating finer particles into the coarse layer increased linearly with time, while the overall rate of particle migration from the mixture layer to the coarse layer evolved in a non-linear manner with the rate of migration increasing as the specimen reached a complete mixture condition, where the finer fraction infiltrated the entire coarse layer. The attainment of a complete mixture condition was dependent on the fabric of the gap-graded soil ... (see PDF for full abstract).Comment: 28 pages, 20 figures. Article published in Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering 2023 (see https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/JGGEFK.GTENG-11094

Therapeutic anticoagulation complications in the elderly: a case report

Background: The demographic transition leads to a continuously growing number of elderly patients who receive therapeutic anticoagulation by reason of several comorbidities. Though therapeutic anticoagulation may reduce the number of embolic complications in these patients, major complications such as bleeding complications need to be kept in mind when considering such therapy. However, evidence regarding the choice of anticoagulation agents in chronic kidney disease patients of higher age is limited. In this report, a guideline-based anticoagulation treatment which led to a fulminant atraumatic bleeding complication is discussed. Case presentation: We present the case of an 85-year-old female stage V chronic kidney disease patient who suffered from a diffuse arterial, subcutaneous bleeding in her lower left leg due a therapeutic anticoagulation using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Anticoagulation was started in accordance with general recommendations for patients with atrial fibrillation, and the dosage was adapted for the patient's renal function. Nevertheless, the above-mentioned complication occurred, and the bleeding led to a hemorrhagic shock and an acute kidney injury on top of a chronic kidney disease. The hematoma required surgical evacuation and local coagulation in the operating room. In the further course, the patient underwent additional four surgical interventions due to a superinfected skin necrosis, including skin grafting. Furthermore, the patient needed continuous renal replacement therapy, as well as intensive care unit treatment, for a total of 47 days followed by 36 days of geriatric rehabilitation. Afterwards, she was discharged from the hospital to her previous nursing home. Discussion and conclusions: Although therapeutic anticoagulation may sufficiently protect patients at cardiovascular risk, major complications such as bleeding complications may occur at any time. Therefore, physicians need to regularly re-evaluate any prior indication for therapeutic anticoagulation. With this case report, we hope to draw attention to the cohort of geriatric patients and the need for more and well differentiated study settings to preferably prevent any potentially avoidable complications

Enhancing Clinical Validation for Early Cardiovascular Disease Prediction through Simulation, AI, and Web Technology

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a major global health challenge and a leading cause of mortality, highlighting the need for improved predictive models. We introduce an innovative agent-based dynamic simulation technique that enhances our AI models’ capacity to predict CVD progression. This method simulates individual patient responses to various cardiovascular risk factors, improving prediction accuracy and detail. Also, by incorporating an ensemble learning model and interface of web application in the context of CVD prediction, we developed an AI dashboard-based model to enhance the accuracy of disease prediction and provide a user-friendly app. The performance of traditional algorithms was notable, with Ensemble learning and XGBoost achieving accuracies of 91% and 95%, respectively. A significant aspect of our research was the integration of these models into a streamlit-based interface, enhancing user accessibility and experience. The streamlit application achieved a predictive accuracy of 97%, demonstrating the efficacy of combining advanced AI techniques with user-centered web applications in medical prediction scenarios. This 97% confidence level was evaluated by Brier score and calibration curve. The design of the streamlit application facilitates seamless interaction between complex ML models and end-users, including clinicians and patients, supporting its use in real-time clinical settings. While the study offers new insights into AI-driven CVD prediction, we acknowledge limitations such as the dataset size. In our research, we have successfully validated our predictive proposed methodology against an external clinical setting, demonstrating its robustness and accuracy in a real-world fixture. The validation process confirmed the model’s efficacy in the early detection of CVDs, reinforcing its potential for integration into clinical workflows to aid in proactive patient care and management. Future research directions include expanding the dataset, exploring additional algorithms, and conducting clinical trials to validate our findings. This research provides a valuable foundation for future studies, aiming to make significant strides against CVDs

Comparing Perioperative Outcome Measures of the Dynamic Hip Screw and the Femoral Neck System

Background and Objective: Various fixation devices and surgical techniques are available for the management of proximal femur fractures. Recently, the femoral neck system (FNS) was introduced, and was promoted on the basis of less invasiveness, shorter operating time, and less fluoroscopy time compared to previous systems. The aim of this study was to compare two systems for the internal fixation of femoral neck fractures (FNF), namely the dynamic hip screw (DHS) with an anti-rotation screw (ARS) and an FNS. The outcome measures included operating room time (ORT), dose–area product (DAP), length of stay (LOS), perioperative changes in haemoglobin concentrations, and transfusion rate. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-centre study was conducted. Patients treated for FNF between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2021 were included, provided that they had undergone closed reduction and internal fixation. We measured the centrum-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) and the Pauwels angle preoperatively and one week postoperatively. Results: In total, 31 patients (16 females), with a mean age of 62.81 ± 15.05 years, were included. Fracture complexity assessed by the Pauwels and Garden classification did not differ between groups preoperatively. Nonetheless, the ORT (54 ± 26.1 min vs. 91.68 ± 23.96 min, p < 0.01) and DAP (721 ± 270.6 cGycm² vs. 1604 ± 1178 cGycm², p = 0.03) were significantly lower in the FNS group. The pre- and postoperative CCD and Pauwels angles did not differ statistically between groups. Perioperative haemoglobin concentration changes (–1.77 ± 1.19 g/dl vs. –1.74 ± 1.37 g/dl) and LOS (8 ± 5.27 days vs. 7.35 ± 3.43 days) were not statistically different. Conclusions: In this cohort, the ORT and DAP were almost halved in the patient group treated with FNS. This may confer a reduction in secondary risks related to surgery

Collagen wrapping and local platelet-rich fibrin do not improve the survival rates of ACL repair with dynamic intraligamentary stabilization: a retrospective case series after ≥5 years postoperatively.

PURPOSE Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair has been recommended as a treatment principle for ACL tears. Several authors have advocated a potential role for primary repair techniques in the ACL decision tree. However, long-term results have been controversial. This study aims to determine the survival of the primarily repaired ACL after dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) with and without augmentation. METHODS Between 2014 and 2019, 102 patients with isolated proximal ACL ruptures underwent DIS repair within 21 days from injury and were available for follow-up either clinically or telephonically after ≥5 years postoperatively. In 45 cases, DIS repair was augmented with collagen fleece wrapping, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or both. Failure was defined as traumatic re-rupture or conversion to ACL reconstruction. The patients being available for physical examination underwent a.-p. stability measurement with a KT-1000 device. Functional outcome was measured with the IKDC, Tegner and Lysholm scores. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Log-Rank Test and Binominal logistic regression were performed. RESULTS After a minimum 5-year follow-up, 71/102 (69.6%) DIS repairs were not re-reptured and clinically and/or subjectively stable. Augmentation did not improve survival rates (p = 0.812). The identified factors influencing failure were a younger age and a pre-injury Tegner activity level of ≥7. 95.7% of those patients with an intact ACL repair had normal or near normal knee function based on the IKDC scoring system. CONCLUSIONS The 5-year overall survival rate of DIS was 69.6%. Collagen fleece wrapping and local PRF application did not improve survival. Patients not suffering failure of repair demonstrated high satisfaction. Nevertheless, the results are inferior to those of established ACL reconstruction procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Case series, Level IV

Effect of MXene Loaded on g-C3N4 Photocatalyst for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue

This is the final version. Available on open access from MDPI via the DOI in this recordPhotocatalytic degradation is one of the environmentally friendly methods used in treat-ing dye wastewater. In this study, a series of MXene/g-C3N4 heterostructure photocatalysts with different loading amounts of MXene (1, 4, 8, and 12 wt.%) were successfully synthesized via the wet impregnation method and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated via the degradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation. As such, the 1 wt.% MXene/g-C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst achieved a high degradation of methylene blue compared to the pure g-C3N4 under visible-light illumination of 180 min. This significant improvement was attributed to the intimate interfacial contact, evidently from the FESEM analysis, which allows the smooth photocharge carriers to transport between g-C3N4 and MXene. Additionally, the larger BET surface area demonstrated by the 1 wt.% MXene/g-C3N4 heterostructure allowed this sample to have higher adsorption of dye molecules and provided a higher number of reactive sites, which was beneficial for the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. Nevertheless, it was found that the excessive loading of MXene can substantially impede photocatalytic activity. This was attributed to the decrease in the active sites, as well as the weakened crystallinity of the MXene/g-C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst, evident from the FTIR and XRD analysis. All in all, this study has shown the potential of the MXene/g-C3N4 photocatalyst as a promising photocatalyst for highly efficient wastewater treatment applications.Chemical Engineering Department of Universiti Teknologi PETRONASCentre of Innovative Nanostructures and Nanodevices (COINN