Nicholas Sellke^1,2,*, Erin Jesse^1,2, Justin M. Dubin³, Tomislav D. Medved^1,2, Neha S. Basti⁴, Janvi Ramchandra², Robert E. Brannigan⁴, Joshua A. Halpern⁴, Nannan Thirumavalavan^1,2

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.32, No.2, pp. 89-94, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cju.2025.065004 - 30 April 2025

Abstract Introduction: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine has emerged as an option for transgender patients seeking gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). We aimed to characterize the healthcare services provided by DTC telemedicine companies offering GAHT and to compare their costs to a tertiary care center. Methods: We identified DTC telemedicine platforms offering GAHT via internet searches and extracted information from their websites related to evaluation, treatment, monitoring, and cost. Cost of the DTC GAHT was compared to cost for comparable services at a tertiary care center. Results: Six DTC companies were identified. All platforms utilized an informed consent model… More >

Cong Zhang^1,2, Chutong Zhang², Lei Shen¹, Renwei Guo², Wan Chen¹, Hui Huang², Jie Ji^2,*

Energy Engineering, Vol.122, No.5, pp. 2077-2097, 2025, DOI:10.32604/ee.2025.064175 - 25 April 2025

Abstract This paper presents a solution for energy storage system capacity configuration and renewable energy integration in smart grids using a multi-disciplinary optimization method. The solution involves a hybrid prediction framework based on an improved grey regression neural network (IGRNN), which combines grey prediction, an improved BP neural network, and multiple linear regression with a dynamic weight allocation mechanism to enhance prediction accuracy. Additionally, an improved cuckoo search (ICS) algorithm is designed to empower the neural network model, incorporating a gamma distribution disturbance factor and adaptive inertia weight to balance global exploration and local exploitation, achieving… More >

Johanna Gaitán-Alvarez¹, Róger Moya^1,*, Alexander Berrocal¹, Karla J. Merazzo^1,2,3,4,5

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.4, pp. 799-816, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.058755 - 21 April 2025

Abstract The impregnation of nanoparticles magnetified into wood had been developed by different methods, like surface chemical coprecipitation and vacuum-pressure coprecipitation of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). However, there is a lack of information on the best method to coprecipitation NPs. Then, the present study has the objective to measure the effects of the impregnation process of wood veneers through two in situ processes (immersion and vacuum-pressure) using a solution of FeCl₃·6H₂O, FeCl₂·4H₂O and ammonia in three tropical species (Pinus oocarpa, Vochysia ferruginea and Vochysia guatemalensis). It was measured the degree of synthesis of iron NPs using weight and density gains, Fe⁺³ absorption, emission… More > Graphic Abstract

Xiaoying Qiu^1,*, Xiaoyu Ma¹, Guangxu Zhao¹, Jinwei Yu², Wenbao Jiang¹, Zhaozhong Guo¹, Maozhi Xu³

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.83, No.2, pp. 2025-2040, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.061869 - 16 April 2025

Abstract Physical layer authentication (PLA) in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) has gained significant attention. Compared with traditional encryption and blockchain technologies, PLA provides a more computationally efficient alternative to exploiting the properties of the wireless medium itself. Some existing PLA solutions rely on static mechanisms, which are insufficient to address the authentication challenges in fifth generation (5G) and beyond wireless networks. Additionally, with the massive increase in mobile device access, the communication security of the IoT is vulnerable to spoofing attacks. To overcome the above challenges, this paper proposes a lightweight deep More >

Elaine Yi-Ling Wu^*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.143, No.1, pp. 1185-1214, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.064636 - 11 April 2025

Abstract Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) offer cost-effectiveness, low-emission power solutions, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. However, the renewable energy allocation problem remains challenging due to complex system interactions and multiple operational constraints. This study develops a novel Multi-Neighborhood Enhanced Harris Hawks Optimization (MNEHHO) algorithm to address the allocation of HRES components. The proposed approach integrates key technical parameters, including charge-discharge efficiency, storage device configurations, and renewable energy fraction. We formulate a comprehensive mathematical model that simultaneously minimizes levelized energy costs and pollutant emissions while maintaining system reliability. The MNEHHO algorithm employs multiple neighborhood structures… More >

Tien-Wen Sung¹, Wei Li¹, Chao-Yang Lee^2,*, Yuzhen Chen¹, Qingjun Fang¹

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.83, No.1, pp. 407-434, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2025.061694 - 26 March 2025

Abstract To transmit customer power data collected by smart meters (SMs) to utility companies, data must first be transmitted to the corresponding data aggregation point (DAP) of the SM. The number of DAPs installed and the installation location greatly impact the whole network. For the traditional DAP placement algorithm, the number of DAPs must be set in advance, but determining the best number of DAPs is difficult, which undoubtedly reduces the overall performance of the network. Moreover, the excessive gap between the loads of different DAPs is also an important factor affecting the quality of the… More >

Maria J. D’Amico¹, Jennifer A. Hagerty²

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.31, No.3, pp. 11908-11910, 2024

Abstract Urethral injuries are rare among the pediatric population, and the majority occur after trauma. This is the case of an eight-year-old female with complete proximal urethral disruption and ruptured bladder neck without pelvic fracture after a motor vehicle crash. After the accident, her bladder neck was reapproximated and a suprapubic tube was placed. Three months later, she underwent reconstruction for a bladder neck closure and appendicovesicostomy. In managing these patients, focus should first be directed at achieving a safe means of urinary drainage, and next to repair the lower urinary tract to maximize continence and More >

Bassem Toeama¹, Nathan Perlis², Paul Grootendorst¹, William Orovan³, Emmanuel Papadimitropoulos^1,4

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.31, No.4, pp. 11963-11970, 2024

Abstract Introduction: Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian men. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel approach for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Little is known, however, about its costs. We aimed to collect the direct costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data of HIFU in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario.
Materials and methods: We collected direct costs and HRQoL data of 20 patients with localized low or intermediate risk prostate cancer who received whole gland HIFU at a privately owned… More >

Braden Rolig¹, James A. Brown²

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.31, No.5, pp. 12019-12021, 2024

Abstract The Hem-o-lok Weck clip is part of a polymer locking ligation system often employed for hemostasis in surgical practices. Its use is routine in a wide array of surgical subspecialties. Surgeons have limited options in removing these clips when they are aberrantly positioned.
Herein, we describe a novel, cost-effective approach for removing a Hem-o-lok clip using standard robotic instruments. This simple approach will allow surgeons to remove a Hem-o-lok clip precisely and quickly if it is not adequately placed.
During a routine robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy a Hem-o-lok Weck clip was noted to be in juxtaposition to… More >

Alex J. Xu¹, Jeffery S. Lin¹, Po Yen Chen², Samuel Carbunaru¹, Yeonsoo S. Lee³, Lee C. Zhao¹

Canadian Journal of Urology, Vol.31, No.6, pp. 12072-12076, 2024

Abstract Introduction: We describe a method of robotic ureterocalicostomy (RALUC) with the Da Vinci Single Port (SP) platform and present clinical outcomes in our cohort of patients.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing RALUC with the SP platform in a single-institution, IRB-approved database between 2020 2023. Demographics, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were collated. Surgical success was defined as freedom from hardware, avoidance of additional surgical reconstruction, and no obstruction on follow up imaging/ureteroscopy.
An incision is made 1/3rd the distance from anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. The retroperitoneal space is entered and SP… More >