(1) Background: With the ever-increasing number of polymer materials and limited data on polymer gear calculations, designers are often required to perform extensive experimental testing in order to establish reliable operational data for specific gear applications. This research investigates the potential of a Polyvinyldene fluoride (PVDF) polymer material in gear applications, considering various loading conditions and different types of gear transmission configurations, including both self-mated mesh and steel/PVDF mesh. (2) Methods: PVDF gear samples were tested on a specially designed test rig that enables active torque control and temperature monitoring in order to obtain the necessary design parameters and failure modes. Each test for certain load conditions was repeated five times, and to fully investigate the potential of PVDF gear samples, comparative testing was performed for Polyoxymethylene (POM) gear. (3) Results: Tribological compatibility, tooth load capacity, and lifespan assessment, along with the types of failure, which, for some configurations, include several types of failures, such as wear and melting, were determined. Temperature monitoring data were used to estimate the coefficient of friction at the tooth contact of analyzed gear pairs, while optical methods were used to determine a wear coefficient. (4) Conclusions: The tribological compatibility of polymer gear pairs needs to be established in order to design a gear pair for a specific application. PVDF gear samples mated with steel gear showed similar lifespan properties compared to POM samples. Temperature monitoring and optical methods serve as a basis for the determination of the design parameters. PVDF is an appropriate material to use in gear applications, considering its comparable properties with POM. The particular significance of this research is reflected in the establishment of the design parameters of PVDF gear, as well as in the analysis of the potential of the PVDF material in gear applications, which gives exceptional significance to the current knowledge on polymer gears, considering that the PVDF material has not previously been analyzed in gear applications.

Newer research points to alterations in the plasma redox status and the HDL subclass distributions in cancer. We aimed to assess the redox status and the HDL subclass distributions, lipids, and inflammatory markers in lymphoma patients in order to determine whether they were correlated with changes in FDG-PET/CT scans. At the beginning of this study, redox status, HDL subclasses, lipids, and inflammation biomarkers were determined in 58 patients with lymphoma (Hodgkin lymphoma, n=11 and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, n=47), and these same measurements were reassessed during their ensuing treatment (in 25 patients). Initially, the total oxidation status (TOS), the prooxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB), the OS index (OSI), the total protein sulfhydryl groups (SH-groups), and the advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were significantly higher in lymphoma patients as compared to healthy subjects, but the total antioxidant status (TAS) was significantly reduced. The PAB had a strong correlation with the CRP and interleukin-6 (rho=0.726, p<0.001; rho=0.386, p=0.003). The correlations between these parameters and the maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were: PAB, rho=0.335 and p=0.010; SH-groups, rho=0.265 and p=0.044; CRP, rho=0.391 and p=0.002; HDL3b, rho=0.283 and p=0.031; HDL2b, rho= -0.294 and p=0.025; and HDL size, rho= -0.295 and p=0.024. The reductions in SUVmax between two follow-up points were associated with increases in the OSI, TOS, and SH-groups, as well as a reduction in the PAB and TAS. In conclusion, the redox parameters in patients with lymphoma were consistent with FDG-PET/CT findings. Targeting the redox status parameters and the HDL subclasses could be potential strategies in the molecular fight against lymphoma.

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive polyphagous pest of soft-skinned fruit that has started to threaten small fruit production in Europe since 2008. High reproductive capacity, short generation time, and difficulties in visualizing early damage contribute to its rapid spread. Currently, the control strategy against D. suzukii mostly relies on treatment with synthetic insecticides. Keeping in mind that this pest causes the greatest damage during the harvesting period, control using chemicals is not recommended due to the increased risk of high pesticide residue levels in the fruit. With the aim of reducing the use of insecticides, there is a need for developing an environmentally safer way of control. Alternative solutions could rely on the use of essential oils (EOs), which can be used in conventional and organic production systems. Four essential oils, geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), dill (Anethum graveolens), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), and bergamot (Citrus bergamia), were assessed for their insecticidal effects using four different tests (contact toxicity, fumigant-contact toxicity, repellent effect, and multiple-choice tests). The EOs applied were dissolved in acetone at three different concentrations. The most promising one was the geranium essential oil, which had the best effect in all conducted tests, even at the lowest applied concentration. Geranium oil caused very high mortality (95%), even at the lowest concentration applied, after 24 h in the fumigant-contact test, and it caused a mortality of over 85% in the contact test. It was also noticed that geranium demonstrated a deterrent effect by repelling females from laying eggs for four days after at the lowest applied concentration. Scots pine and dill EOs have moderate to strong effects in most tests. The mortality of 100% was achieved for the highest applied concentration in the fumigant-contact and contact tests. Bergamot EO did not have any significant insecticidal activity. Geranium, Scots pine, and dill have great potential to be used as an environmentally friendly way of controlling D. suzukii as they exhibit deterrent, repellent, and insecticidal effects.

With an incidence of 1% of all ectopic pregnancies, cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP) is due to possible early misdiagnosis or bleeding and rupture can become a life-threatening condition with the need for urgent hysterectomy, which has been seen in clinical practice recently. We present a case of early diagnosed invasive CEP treated with combined minimally invasive procedure (MIP) due to acute pelvic pain and bleeding. In our case, we applied several of these methods to a primigravida with early invasive CEP with fertility preservation. By combining the self-described local medications with uterotonics and cervical anaemia treatment, intravenous tranexamic acid and MIP, we were able to preserve the uterus with minimal blood loss and the possibility of future conception.

The heating of a body (heat target, HT) by thermal radiation is often accompanied by heat losses, caused by the scattering of thermal rays and by not hitting its surface. These losses occur in infrared heating of different rooms. The heat source, i.e. modular infrared heater, can change the output intensity of thermal radiation within various wavelength intervals. Although there are different combinations of modular infrared heaters with variations in power, and geometric position in relation to HT, in this paper one characteristic combination, is analyzed. By setting the HT on the surface of the nanofluid collector with nano-enhanced phase change material (NePCM), it enables the increase in the overall efficiency of this heating process. The nanofluid collector consists of a complex pipe element through which the nanofluid flows, and a collector inside which the thermal-accumulating NePCM is placed. According to their characteristics, infrared thermal rays heat only HT, while the heating of the ambient air through which they pass is negligible. Based on this fact, the accumulated heat inside the NePCM can be used for convective heating of the ambient air around the HT surface. This process reduces the convective heat dissipation from HT to the ambient air and increases the efficiency of the modular infrared heat source. Furthermore, the accumulated heat inside the NePCM can be used for various technical applications. In this study, a mathematical model of the unsteady thermal entropy generation of the described heating system is established. By finding the unsteady thermal entropy, the next process of minimizing thermal irreversibility and maximizing the energy efficiency of the analyzed system is enabled. The volume fraction ratio of Al2O3 nanoparticles varies within the base fluid (water). Furthermore, the temperature of the infrared heaters varies as well as the volume fraction ratio of Al2O3 within the NePCM

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This study aims to analyze a synergy between Science and Religion within philosophical, socio-political, and human security approaches as the solution to the longing for a peaceful, secure, and just world. It indicates the perspectives of harmony and alliance of Religion and Science and examines the theoretical concepts of non-violent resistance related to numerous global challenges. The starting point of this paper is that Science and Religion, alongside social and political dynamics, have massive effects on global challenges such as conflicts (national, geopolitical, ideological, or religious), environmental matters, globalization and migrations, growing radicalism, nationalism, human security, or influence social justice. Historically, the relationship between Science and Religion has recently ranged from conflict to hostility. The normative action of mutual understanding and the interaction and cooperation between Science and Religion depends primarily on the participants (non-politized theologians and scientists) in constructive dialogue, particularly regarding global issues. Conflicting narratives between Science and Religion is an opportunity for joint learning and contribution to a better world and a compassionate culture. Therefore, the leading ideas of the discourse across borders are the promotion of synergy between sciences and religions and cooperation between nations in promoting a compassionate society – an empathetic civilization. Non-violent dissent to global challenges should be involved in changing the power imbalance as a source of structural violence. Nevertheless, liberation must focus on social justice, sociopolitical stability, and critical human security. In facing global challenges, Science and Religion must have diplomatic value by promoting mutual understanding and using a common language through collaboration. Religious traditions and Science, strengthened by global non-religious spiritualism as the valuable means of general spiritual growth, should assert a culture of peace and dialogue for transnational challenges. However, material science and theology are not explicitly formative to growing radical nationalism, racism, conflicts, hegemonism, destruction of the Earth, and socioeconomic inequality. The healthy strategic union between Science and Religion enforced by ethical and constructive politics can support and enhance the resolution of global issues and antagonistic practices. Such a normative-formative framework should ensure that knowledge is developed to advance human, social, economic, and environmental goals according to the moral principles of each Religion.

The starting point of this paper is that science and religion, alongside social and political dynamics, have massive effects on global challenges such as conflicts (national, geopolitical, ideological, or religious), environmental matters, growing radicalism, nationalism, or influence social justice. Historically, the relationship between science and religion has recently ranged from conflict to hostility. The normative action of mutual understanding and the interaction and cooperation between science and religion depend primarily on the participants (non-politized theologians and scientists), in constructive dialogue, particularly regarding global issues. Conflicting narratives between science and religion is an opportunity for joint learning and contribution to a better world and a compassionate culture. Therefore, the leading ideas of the discourse across borders are the promotion of synergy between sciences and religions, as well as cooperation between nations in promoting a compassionate society – an empathetic civilization. Nonviolent dissent to global challenges should be involved in changing the power imbalance as a source of structural violence, but the practice of liberation must focus on social justice, sociopolitical stability, and critical human security. In facing global challenges, science and religion must have diplomatic value by promoting mutual understanding and using a common language through collaboration. Religious traditions, and science, strengthened by global non-religious spiritualism as the valuable means of general spiritual growth, should assert a culture of peace and dialogue for transnational challenges. However, material science and theology are not explicitly formative to growing radical nationalism, racism, conflicts, hegemonism, destruction of the earth, and socioeconomic inequality. The healthy strategic union between science and religion enforced by ethical and constructive politics can support and enhance the resolution of global issues and antagonistic practices. Such a normative-formative framework should ensure that knowledge is developed to advance human, social, economic, and environmental goals according to the moral principles of each religion.

Psychological care involves caring for the patient's psychological needs using a range of skills such as listening, perceiving, communicating, and empathizing, with the ultimate res of alleviating human suffering. The nurse spends the most time with the psychiatric patient; she is with the patient from his admission to the hospital, during his stay, until he leaves the hospital. Observing the patient's behavior, she determines problems in health care. In order for a nurse to solve this problem, she must be educated, experienced in her professional vocation, and have a good knowledge of the healthcare process, because that is the only way she can make an appropriate plan and choose the most appropriate interventions. In addition to knowing the process of health care, a nurse must also be extremely patient and possess certain communication skills due to the nature of the illnesses of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. Therapeutic communication is actually the core and essence of all interactions between a nurse and a patient. It is often stated that it is the nurse who takes care of the psychiatric patient and who has the most face-to-face contact with patients. The nurse deals with the total personality of the psychiatric patient, and therefore she applies models that make the assessment of the patient's needs the basis of health care. The main goal of this scientific review is to investigate and analyze the role of psychiatric nursing as an indispensable element in nursing practice, explore its importance for improving the quality of health care and patient well-being, and provide guidelines for the integration of psychiatric nursing in nursing practice.

Objective: Advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious ophthalmological complications, including blindness. This research aimed to determine visual outcomes after pars plana vitrectomy secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy, as well as to identify its predictors. Methods: This prospective clinical study was performed in the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo. 60 subjects (eyes) with performed pars plana vitrectomy secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy were included in the study. Results: After univariate linear regression analysis, glucose, HbA1c, vascular endothelial growth factor, previous pan-retinal laser photocoagulation, baseline best corrected visual acuity, gas injection, vitreous haemorrhage, iris rubeosis, and glaucoma were found to be statistically significant parameters associated with postoperative visual outcome (p<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between factors and postoperative best corrected visual acuity. Only intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor concentration, previous pan-retinal photocoagulation, and gas injection remained statistically significant associated with postoperative best corrected visual acuity (p<0.05). Conclusion: Vitrectomy is an effective treatment for advanced proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Factors correlated with the better visual outcome are good systemic control, previous pan-retinal photocoagulation, low intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor concentration, younger age, intraoperative internal gas tamponade, combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy surgery, and the absence of postoperative complications. Abbreviations: PDR = proliferative diabetic retinopathy, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor, TDR = tractional retinal detachment, BCVA = best corrected visual acuity, DR = diabetic retinopathy, RDD = rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, NVG = neovascular glaucoma, BRVO = branch retinal vein occlusion, CBC = complete blood count, DBT = differential blood count, ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate, HbA1c = glycosylated hemoglobin, PHACO = phacoemulsification, ILM = internal limiting membrane, PPV = pars plana vitrectomy, IOP = intraocular pressure, PRP = pan-retinal photocoagulation, ETDRS = Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study

The CVAE is one of the most widely-used models in trajectory prediction for AD. It captures the interplay between a driving context and its ground-truth future into a probabilistic latent space and uses it to produce predictions. In this paper, we challenge key components of the CVAE. We leverage recent advances in the space of the VAE, the foundation of the CVAE, which show that a simple change in the sampling procedure can greatly benefit performance. We find that unscented sampling, which draws samples from any learned distribution in a deterministic manner, can naturally be better suited to trajectory prediction than potentially dangerous random sampling. We go further and offer additional improvements including a more structured Gaussian mixture latent space, as well as a novel, potentially more expressive way to do inference with CVAEs. We show wide applicability of our models by evaluating them on the INTERACTION prediction dataset, outperforming the state of the art, as well as at the task of image modeling on the CelebA dataset, outperforming the baseline vanilla CVAE. Code is available at https://github.com/boschresearch/cuae-prediction.

The Numerous papers have presented models for the mechanical reliability of optical fibres, or the lifetime of optical fibres, has been modelled in many works. Improvement of the mechanical and optical characteristics of standard single-mode fibres requires new tests and analyses. This paper provides an overview of scientific research into the mechanical reliability of optical fibres by some of the largest manufacturers. The investigation of the mechanical reliability and state of optical fibres after 20 years of real usage is the contribution of the paper, which concludes on its own. The contribution of the work is also in the analysis of the conditions under which optical cables - fibers were used. A prediction of the parameters limiting the lifetime of optical fibres was made based on the analyses that were conducted.

This article introduces a method for detecting liquids over long distances that is based on measuring the difference in the detected reflected power from the end of a conventional single-mode fiber in different mediums. The power of reflected light is affected by the medium outside the fiber, as well as the maximum distance between the sensor end and the detector. The proposed approach was tested on a length of 3.01 km. An investigation of the greatest distance with commercially available laser diodes (MQW - DFB) and a PIN diode is provided; remote measurements at distances more than 34 km are theoretically possible in ideal conditions. We found that the usage of reflecting connectors is the primary constraint in obtaining theoretically calculated distances.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a secure communication technique which uses quantum mechanics to protect communications. To overcome large distances, it requires the use of quantum repeaters, which are still challenging nevertheless feasible, or Twin-Field-QKD (TF-QKD) technology, which has been demonstrated several years ago. As it develops and matures, quantum technology is expected to play an increasingly major role in networks. Satellite QKD enables secure communication between devices via both satellites and ground stations. The study explores the transmission of quantum encryption technology in space and presents an overview of cubesats and satellites that currently use quantum key distribution (QKD) technology.

This paper discusses a low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) method for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems that serve as an interconnector between the main onshore ac grid and an islanded offshore ac load. When a line-to-ground fault occurs in the onshore ac grid, a voltage sag will be applied to the HVDC transmission system. This sag will cause fluctuations of the dc voltage, which will cause a shutdown of the entire HVDC system. The proposed LVRT method stabilizes the dc voltage of the HVDC transmission line by reducing the amplitude of the voltage of the offshore ac grid, which is kept constant during normal operation. The proposed method allows the HVDC system to remain connected during voltage sags in the onshore ac grid and enables faster transmission recovery after fault clearance. The validity of the proposed LVRT method is verified by simulations.