The ever-increasing demand for seafood-containing diets, especially fish, primarily due to their superior nutritional value, has impacted the availability of wild stocks, necessitating the focus on other underutilised aquaculture species. In this study, the proximate and fatty acid (FA) composition of the indigenous black South African mussel (Choromytilus meridionalis) was investigated. The effects of the hot-smoking as preservation method on the proximate composition for mussels were assessed using the standard AOAC protocols; while gas chromatography-flame ionised detection (GC-FID) was used to determine the FA content. The moisture level in hot-smoked mussels significantly (P

Commercial production of Choromytilus meridionalis (black mussel) and Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mediterranean mussel) contributes to half of the South African marine aquaculture production per year. However, limited ready-to-eat black mussel products are available. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the effects of storage (15 days at room temperature) on the total viable counts (TVC), coliforms, proximate composition, and fat oxidation (TBARS) of a small-scale kitchen-based ready-to-eat hot smoked black mussel product preserved with vegetable oil. Three batches of black mussel meat were smoked at 80ºC for 15 minutes. Half of each batch were packaged in sterile glass jars with heated (50ºC) vegetable oil and half without oil. Microbiological analyses were done at days 1, 3, 9 and 15. Proximate composition was determined at day 1 and TBARS at days 1 and 15. Coliforms for all samples throughout the storage period were undetected. TVC plates for mussels stored without oil had no growth at days 1 to 5, however, reached TVC > 5 log10.g-1 at day 15. TVC for mussels with oil increased from 0 at day 1 to > 5 log10.g-1 at day 3 and remained at counts > 5 log10.g-1. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in moisture, protein, and ash for mussels stored with oil and those without oil, while significant differences (P < 0.001) in total fat and carbohydrates (10.27 ± 2.10% and 6.80 ± 2.22% with oil, and 5.05 ± 1.49% and 10.59 ± 3.00% without oil) were detected. These differences were due to the presence of additional fats from the vegetable oil. TBARS at day 15 showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between mussels stored with oil and those without oil. There were no significant differences in TBARS from day 1 to 15 for both oil and without oil. Small-scale kitchen-based smoked black mussels preserved without vegetable oil could be stored for up to 9 days at room temperature.

Smoking during pregnancy remains one of the most significant risk factors for poor birth outcomes. The Loma Linda University Health Comprehensive Tobacco Treatment Program (CTTP) is the largest maternal tobacco cessation program in San Bernardino County – the largest county in the contiguous US. CTTP is an eight week, incentivized, behavioral intervention for tobacco cessation for pregnant smokers. As part of program evaluation, we used a retrospective cohort design to assess smoking abstinence and to identify predictors of relapse/smoking after enrollment. Among CTTP cohort enrollees (n=233) from 2012-2013 we found: 1) a 28.4% 8 week point prevalence abstinence (PPA), and at a median of 9 months of follow-up after the PPA, 81.6% continued to indicate tobacco cessation, and 2) a high rate of relapse or loss to follow-up (56%). Our modeling of relapse/smoking after enrollment indicated that this was higher in young mothers, non-Hispanic mothers (White, Black), first/third trimester mothers, and rural mothers. The evaluation identified efficacy of the behavioral model at 8 weeks, but that relapse/smoking was occurring in disparity populations. Formative research is needed to expand the programmatic outreach and enrollment of mothers wanting to quit smoking.

Toxins present in cigarette and e-cigarette smoke constitute a significant cause of illnesses and are known to have fatal health impacts. Specific mechanisms by which toxins present in smoke impair cell repair are still being researched and are of prime interest for developing more effective treatments. Current literature suggests toxins present in cigarette smoke and aerosolized e-vapor trigger abnormal intercellular responses, damage mitochondrial function, and consequently disrupt the homeostasis of the organelle’s biochemical processes by increasing reactive oxidative species. Increased oxidative stress sets off a cascade of molecular events, disrupting optimal mitochondrial morphology and homeostasis. Furthermore, smoking-induced oxidative stress may also amalgamate with other health factors to contribute to various pathophysiological processes. An increasing number of studies show that toxins may affect mitochondria even though exposure to secondhand or thirdhand smoke. This review assesses the impact of toxins present in tobacco smoke and e-vapor on mitochondrial health, networking, and critical structural processes including mitochondria fission, fusion, hyperfusion, fragmentation, and mitophagy. The efforts are focused on discussing current evidence linking toxins present in first, second, and thirdhand smoke to mitochondrial dysfunction

This study investigated the influence and interaction of tobacco promotional and control information with adolescents’ current smoking and smoking susceptibility. 12,278 students were recruited from junior, senior and vocational high schools located in Shanghai, China. The exposure to tobacco promotional and control message of participants over the past 30 days were examined, as well as current smoking and never smokers’ initiation susceptibility. Complex sample analysis was applied. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted. 89.3% and 91.5% of adolescents investigated were exposed to tobacco promotional and control message respectively, which separately increased and decreased the risk of current smoking and never-smokers’ smoking susceptibility, especially among males and junior high school students. The risk changed in consistency with the exposure level（P_trend < 0.001）. Tobacco control message seemed to mitigate the influence of tobacco promotions in the risk of both current smoking (OR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.41–0.99) and smoking susceptibility (OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.46–0.93). Tobacco-related message exposure was highly prevalent and associated with youth smoking risk and smoking susceptibility. It is important to enhance the comprehensiveness and enforcement of promotion bans. Given the improvement of tobacco control message on smoking risk brought by tobacco promotions, the publicity and dissemination of tobacco control information need to be consistently strengthened.

Background: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide with 25% of deaths due to lung cancer occurring in Europe. This study therefore sought to assess the burden of lung cancer by country and to evaluate the magnitude of fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and cigarette smoking by country in Europe. Methods: An ecological study nested on the World Health Organization air pollution database 2016 was conducted. We sampled 30 European Countries, with a total of 1625 mean annual samples of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) collected from 1625 designated sites (n = 1625). We further used the ‘World Health Disease Rankings’ database to extract Lung Cancer Morbidity and Mortality Rate by country. We used SAS version 9.4 to indicate the distribution of PM2.5 and Lung Cancer Mortality Rate. Results: Lung cancer Relative Risk (RR) was 1.0 in all never- smokers. RR for Ex-smokers for Adeno carcinoma was 3.5 in males and 1.1 in females, small cell carcinoma was 16.2 in males and 3.8 in females. RR for current smokers for Adeno carcinoma was 8.0 in males and 4.1 in females, small cell carcinoma was 57.9 in males and 18.2 in females. Mean annual PM2.5 by country ranged from 6.01 to 37.28µg/m3 whereas lung cancer mortality rate by country ranged from 19.67 to 54.26 deaths per 100,000 population. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking and exposure to both second hand smoke and high concentration of PM2.5 resulted into increased burden of lung cancer in Europe. Countries should re-strategize to reduce the burden of lung cancer in Europe.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the leading public health threats the world has ever faced and public health policy that seeks to limit the problem may not only have to target the price of tobacco but also the initiation stage in a smoker’s life – the adolescent stage. This research contributes to the health economics literature by using a Bayesian hierarchical logistic model, estimated using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC) methods to empirically identify what drives the intentions to quit smoking among adolescent smokers in Zambia. Results suggest that among the junior secondary school-going adolescent smokers in Zambia, about 63% have plans to quit smoking. We find socio-demographic characteristics and several tobacco-smoking-related factors as the main drivers of adolescent smokers’ plans to quit smoking. Most importantly, we provide insights that could be useful to help adolescent smokers realize their quitting plans.

Based on tests results, the possibility of using this solution in the technique of industrial hot forging was evaluated. The results of laboratory tests have confirmed that lubrication of metal pieces is sufficient as well as proved it to be effective in reducing decarburization of the surface layer. Research works conducted in an induction heater showed differences in decarburization depending on a substance and concentration of lubricants that were used. These differences become more apparent when observing the surface layer of the forged parts. Results indicate that decarburization may be reduced to a minimum when we use Bonderite product in a concentration of 66% and 50%. Another lubricant, Berulit 913, may also be used. However, due to burning graphite in high temperatures, reduction of decarburization goes only as far as half of the thickness of the decarbonized layer. Condursal has no significant effect; nevertheless, it protects over the induction heating stage.

Smoking a cigarette before bed or first thing in the morning is a common habit. In this review the relationship between smoking and sleep is investigated, based on the existing literature. Tobacco smoking disrupts sleep architecture by reducing slow wave and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and undermining sleep quality. Furthermore, smoking affects sleep-related co-morbidities, such as obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), insomnia, parasomnias, arousals, bruxism, restless legs but also non-sleep-related conditions such as cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, neurologic, psychiatric, inflammatory, gynecologic and pediatric. This review aims to consolidate all the existing knowledge about the relationship between smoking and sleep.

Tobacco use is bad for your health in many ways, not just your lungs. It affects many other parts of your body, including your nervous system. This abstract looks at the link between smoking and the nervous system and shows how smoking affects the nerve system in specific ways. There are a lot of different diseases and risks that can come from smoking. By weakening blood vessels and making it easier for blood clots to form, smoking makes the chance of having a stroke much higher. Using tobacco is also linked to a drop in brain function and memory problems, as well as a higher chance of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Also, people who smoke have a higher chance of getting multiple sclerosis, which is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can also cause peripheral neuropathy, which can damage nerves and cause tingling, pain, and stiffness in the limbs. Nicotine, the substance that makes tobacco addicting, changes the brain's reward circuits. This makes it hard to stop smoking because it leads to addiction. In addition to these effects on the body, smoking also has effects on the mind. It makes mood disorders like sadness and anxiety more likely, making the symptoms worse and hurting general health. Understanding the effects of smoking on the brain is important for improving overall health and getting people to stop smoking. Public health efforts, education, and targeted interventions are needed to make people aware of these risks and help them make choices about smoking that are based on accurate information. By looking at how smoking affects the brain, we can try to make people's lives better and protect their and their communities' well-being.

This paper explores as a case study the development of e-cigarette use and smoking within small friendship group (n=8) in Glasgow, Scotland. Interviewed twice at six months apart these 16/17 year olds reported substantial change in their use of and attitudes towards e-cigarettes and tobacco. At time 1 vaping generated much excitement and interest, with 6/8 having their own vape device. At time 2 only two young people still vaped, with the others no longer professing any interest in continued vaping. The two regular smokers, who had been smoking before they first vaped, now only vaped privately and to reduce their tobacco intake. This small case study illustrates plasticity in the use of electronic cigarettes; just as young people can initiate using these devices so too can they more away from their use- with such changes in actual use occurring within a relatively short period of time. These findings demonstrate more than anything else the volatility in young peoples’ substance use behaviour. If we are to better understand these behaviours we require both quantitative and qualitative research studies that are capable of both monitoring changes in individual and group behaviour over time but which are also able to elucidate the nuance of individual behaviour differentiating between long term, frequent, consistent use and more episodic, experimental and infrequent use by young people.

The hot wire anemometer is a commonly used device for measuring air speed in laboratories. In this paper, the relationship between air speed and the hot wire temperature in different air speed ranges was analyzed based on the theory of thermal equilibrium. A measurement circuit and hot wire shape were designed based on the principle of the hot wire anemometer, and the linear relationship between current and temperature in the hot wire at different air speeds was verified in an adjustable air speed field. The measured current was used to represent air speed. The designed hot wire anemometer was experimentally validated to provide measurement results that match the theoretical values in different air speed ranges. Finally, the sensitivity of the anemometer in different measurement ranges was determined based on the uncertainty of the instrument's sensitivity and the measurement formula.

The aim of the scoping review was to map out studies that compared the effect of smoking tobacco and smokeless tobacco on periodontal health. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework. The search for articles was conducted in five electronic databases namely: Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline, and PubMed. The search yielded two eligible articles for full-text screening. The two studies were cross-sectional in design, conducted in India and they both used bivariate analysis for comparison of the effects of tobacco smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco on the health of the periodontium without adjusting for confounders. The two studies used 10 measures to assess the health of the periodontium namely: Periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index, and periodontal index, plaque index score, debris index score, calculus index score, gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing and pocket depth. Periodontal probing depth, periodontal index, calculus index score and pocket depth worse for tobacco smoking when compared with smokeless tobacco users. Both studies seem to concur on worse pocket depths for tobacco smokers than for users of smokeless tobacco.

The number one leading cause of death in 2017 for Americans was cardiovascular disease, and health disparities can exacerbate risks. This study evaluates the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n=437,436) to estimate population risks for behavioral, socio-economic, psychological, and biological factors. A general linear model with a quasi-binomial link function indicated higher risks for the following groups: smokers, individuals with higher body-mass index scores, persons unable to work, individuals with depression, workers who missed more days due to mental issues, the elderly, those in race categories “indigenous Americans, Alaskan non-Hispanics” or “other, non-Hispanic,” and individuals with lower income. The results confirm previous studies and raise more questions about drinking and cardiovascular disease. Policy and ethical considerations are also discussed.

The study aimed to understand the experiences of adolescent smokers who participated in a smoking cessation program based on self-reflection, and to develop the theoretical basis for constructing similar programs. The participants, ten students from middle and high schools located in cities G and S, were interviewed after the program ended. Data were collected from August to November 2019 and analyzed using a phenomenological approach to understand participant experiences in depth. The analysis revealed five major themes: ‘Uniqueness of the Program,’ ‘Perception of Smoking Cessation,’ ‘Positive Reflection on Life,’ ‘Understanding Others,’ and ‘A Search for Hope and Vision in Life.’ The findings revealed that the smoking cessation program facilitated the development of self-identity and vision, which may indirectly strengthen the motivation for adolescent smokers to quit smoking. These findings suggest the need for a life-changing smoking cessation program that enhances self-concept and self-esteem. Moreover, it highlights the importance of follow-up research to ensure effectiveness, and the need to develop programs with creative content.

Despite the uptake of tobacco smoking declining in the UK, smoking is still the leading cause of preventable poor health and premature death. While improved approaches to smoking cessation are necessary, encouraging and assisting smokers to switch by using substantially less toxic non-tobacco nicotine products may be a possible option. To date few studies have investigated the rates of smoking cessation and smoking reduction associated with the free provision of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarette) to smokers. In this study the Blu Pro e-cigarette was given to smokers for use in place of tobacco for 90 days. The rates of smoking abstinence and daily smoking patterns were assessed at baseline 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. The response rate was 87%. After 90 days, the complete abstinence rate was 36.5% from 0% at baseline. Frequency of daily smoking reduced from 88.7% to 17.5% (P<0.001) and median consumption of cigarettes/day from 15 to 5 (P<0.001). Median days per month participants smoked also dropped from 30 to 13 after 90-days (P<0.001). On the basis of these results there may be value in smoking cessation services and other services ensuring that smokers are provided with e-cigarettes at zero or minimal costs for at least a short period of time.

This paper presents a new method of preparing a coating on the Ti65 titanium alloy by a two-step procedure comprising hot-dipped aluminum and solid carburization. The effects of the carburization in the presence of NaCl deposit at 810oC have been systematically studied. In this article, the microstructure, morphology, phase composition of the coating, and the corrosion products were investigated by SEM, EDS, and X-ray diffraction. Results indicated that the corrosion resistance of hot dip aluminum/carburizing composite coating was not significantly enhanced by hot dip aluminum coating. This can be attributed to the formation of TiC and Ti3AlC after carburization, which promoted the formation of loose and unprotected TiO2 in the coating during molten salt corrosion. In addition, the oxidation of the carbon atom into CO2 /CO leaded to a high concentration of vacancy in the coating, creating channels for NaCl to penetrate the coating and accelerated the corrosion rate.

The convective hot air drying technology can cause physicochemical, nutritional, and organoleptic losses in mango (Mangifera indica). Therefore, mango dehydration technologies were compared through a Systematic Literature Review to identify the effects on mango’s physicochemical, nutritional, and organoleptic properties. The bibliographic and theoretical results were analyzed. Of the 76 resulting articles, it was found that the countries with authors who participated most in the scientific production were those related to mango production or importation. Furthermore, the freeze-drying technology allows operating at lower temperatures than convective hot air drying, contributing to the preservation of ascorbic acid, among other compounds. The refractance window has the shortest operation time to obtain moisture values between 10 and 20%. The dehydrated samples using the refractance window are smooth, homogeneous, non-porous, and comparable to the color obtained with freeze-drying, which is acceptable for industrial applications.

The microstructure of the coating during hot-dip galvanizing under industrial conditions of two structural steels, a low-silicon ASTM A36 steel and a high-silicon Q345B steel, both of commercial quality, have been characterized for industrial-relevant times. For both cases it is noted that the formation of the Fe-Zn phases begins in early stages during the heating of the steel, a situation in which all the phases are in the solid state. The characterization was carried out through traditional metallographic techniques including SEM-EDS and DRX equipment. The evolution in time of the microstructure of both steels is examined, being able to observe that the mechanism by which silicon accelerates the formation of Fe-Zn phases in galvanizing is related to the change in the energy of the interfaces caused by a silicon accumulation in the liquid phase in contact with the ζ layer. These results provided us with a deeper understanding of the phase evolution in the hot-dip galvanizing of high silicon steels.

This article is devoted to the issues of thermal softening of materials in the surface layer of forging tools. The research covers numerical modeling of the forging process, laboratory tests of tempering of nitrided layers and the analysis of tempering of the surface layer of tools in the actual forging process. Numerical modeling was supported by measuring the temperature inside the tools with a thermocouple inserted into the tool to measure the temperature as close to the surface as possible. The modeling results confirmed the possibility of tempering the die material. The results of laboratory tests made it possible to determine the influence of temperature on tempering at different surface layer depths. Numerical analysis and measurement of surface layer microhardness of tools revealed the destructive effect of temperature during forging on the tempering of the nitrided layer and on the material layers located deeper below the nitrided layer.

The use of biodegradable materials has a growing field of application due to environmental concerns, however, scientific research on incremental forming using biomaterials is scarce. Thus, this study focuses on the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process applied to a composite sheet that combines a biodegradable thermoplastic matrix (Solanyl) reinforced with natural fibres (flax). The influence of the process parameters on the final geometry is determined, evaluating the effect of the following factors: step depth, wall angle and temperature reached during the process. Additionally, a heated aqueous medium is incorporated which facilitates the formability of the composite sheets. This method is especially useful for materials that have poor formability at room temperature. The benefits of using controlled heat include the reduction of formation forces applied to the plate, improved accuracy due to the reduction of elastic recovery, and the manipulation of the samples remarkably close to the glass transition temperatures. Through this experimental study with the variables analysed, a maximum shaping depth of 310 mm is obtained. These results confirm that the single point shaping used with bioplastic materials is possible and has positive outcomes for incremental forming.

The high volume of water in molasses has made this study serious. The reason is that using molasses as a partial replacement without treatment significantly affects the rheological properties of the neat bitumen and increases the likelihood of moisture susceptibility of the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement structure and create fractures of aggregate particles. Therefore, to use molasses as a partial replacement without affecting the structural integrity of the pavement, this study proposed a treatment method before blending it with petroleum-based bitumen. A series of experiment was conducted to accomplish the objective of this paper, including convectional tests, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test, amplitude and frequency sweep test, performance grade (PG) determination test, and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests. The IR spectra show that carbonyl index decreased with increasing molasses percent. There was PG improvement from the control grade to PG64 and PG70 when the base binder modified with 5-20% molasses and aged with rollingl thin film oven (RTFO) respectively. At the temperature 58oC nonrecoverable creep compliance at 3.2 kPa (Jnr3.2kPa) was decreased for each percent replacement. This led to improving the rutting potential. As well, at a temperature of 64oC the Jnr value was decreased only for 5% replacement, and then the Jnr value was gradually increased for the remaining percent replacement. Overall, this study revealed that treated molasses can be used as a partial replacement to enhance the rheological properties of the base bitumen and thus it can potentially be used to produce a sustainable bio-asphalt binder.

In the contemporary era, youthful and healthy skin is a pivotal determinant of beauty. Choices pertaining to one's dietary and lifestyle practices wield substantial influence over skin health. Currently, the focal point of attention lies in strategies to delay skin aging and maintain skin quality. Remarkably, the skin, the body's largest organ, serves as the primary defense barrier against external elements. Skin aging encompasses intrinsic and extrinsic categories, both susceptible to genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Given the strides in science and technology, the pursuit of effective and safe interventions for skin aging assumes paramount importance. Thus, this review delves into the intricate relationship between diet, lifestyle, and skin aging, culminating in an exploration of the crucial role played by excess iron in this intricate nexus. Understanding these dynamics holds promise for advancing our knowledge of skincare and the quest for timeless vitality.

Cadmium, an environmental toxin, is associated with a range of adverse health effects due to increased Reactive Oxygen Species production, including decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Notably, cadmium is found at concentrations 4-5x higher in the blood of smokers versus non-smokers. Experiments performed in human cancer cells indicate that melatonin may directly protect against cadmium-induced tissue damage via regulation of mitochondrial activity. Further, recent evidence has demonstrated that melatonin can improve bone health for individuals with osteoporosis and partially protect against cadmium-associated inhibition of bone repair. Here we review this data and propose supplementation with melatonin as a strategy to protect against the negative impacts of cadmium exposure on bone mineral density within individuals regularly exposed to cadmium via cigarette smoking.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the risk of mortality and morbidity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with RA have a 50-60% increased risk for CVD compared with the general population. Cardiovascular risk is commonly meas-ured using the Systemic Coronary Risk Estimation 2 calculator modified for patients with RA. Traditional modifiable risk factors for CVD include arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and low physical activity. In this study, we analyzed the effects of smoking and the risk of CVD in patients with RA. Methods: This was a prospective, clinical, cohort study with an eight-year follow-up pe-riod. A total of 201 patients, 124 with RA (study group) and 77 with osteoarthritis (OA) (control group), were included in this study. However, only 137 patients (82 with RA and 55 with OA) completed the study. Fifty-eight patients (41 with RA and 17 with OA) died during the study period. We compared the prevalence of smoking and its association with the risk for CVD and RA. Results: The prevalence of smoking in the RA group was higher than that in the OA group (p<0.0001). Trends in the prevalence of smoking in both groups did not change signifi-cantly during the follow-up period. In the RA group, smoking was associated with the in-cidence of CVD in current smokers (p=0.028) and in patients with a history of smoking (p=0.016). These results suggest that smokers have an increased risk for RA. The trend of continued smoking in patients with RA may be attributed to attempts to reduce stress caused by RA symptoms. Conclusions: Previous studies have shown that current and former smokers with RA have more severe symptoms, more joint damage, and poorer response to therapy than those who have never smoked. However, the reason underlying the trend of continued cigarette smoking in patients with RA remains unclear. Further studies are needed to clarify the trend of continued smoking in patients with RA.

Background: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted to many deaths from fulminant respiratory failure. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There has been great concern regarding the impact of COPD on COVID-19 illness. Methods: Data from the Philippine CORONA Study were analyzed to determine the association of COPD and COVID-19 in terms of mortality, disease severity, respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, and lengths of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital. The influence of smoking on COVID-19 disease severity and mortality were also reviewed. Results: A total of 10,881 patients were included in the study and 156 (1.4%) patients had been diagnosed with COPD. Majority of COVID-19 patients with COPD had other existing comorbidities: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic cardiac disease, and chronic kidney disease. COPD patients more commonly present with severe or critical COVID-19. COPD patients with COVID-19 were at higher risk to experience in-hospital mortality, respiratory failure, and to be admitted in the ICU. Smokers were more likely to present with higher COVID-19 severity and experience in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Our study supports that the growing evidence that COPD among COVID-19 patients is a risk for higher mortality, more severe form of COVID-19, higher ICU admission, and higher respiratory failure needing ventilatory support. Smoking increases risk for developing severe COVID-19 and mortality.

Understanding epigenome paths through which smoking contributes to cardiometabolic traits is important for downstream applications. In this study, I used a SNP-based analytical pipeline to integrate several publicly available datasets and identify CpG sites that mediate the impact of smoking on cardiometabolic traits. After applying stringent statistical criteria, 11 CpG sites were detected that showed significant association (P<5e-8) with cardiometabolic traits at both discovery and replication stage. By integrating eQTL data, I identified genes behind a number of these associations. cg05228408 was hypomethylated in smokers and contributed to higher blood pressure by lowering the expression of CLCN6 gene. cg08639339 was hypermethylated in smokers and lowered metabolic rate by increasing the expression of RAB29; furthermore, I noted TMEM120A mediated the impact of smoking-cg17325771 on LDL, and LTBP3 mediated the smoking-cg07029024 effect on heart rate. This study provides a list of CpG sites that mediates the impact of smoking on cardiometabolic traits and a framework to investigate epigenome path through which a lifestyle habit modifies disease risks.

The coronavirus disease–2019 pandemic created major obstacles for effective smoking cessation programs by significantly limiting access to healthcare. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a self-developed smoking cessation program during the pandemic. The program was based on remote lectures, educational interventions, and hybrid services provided by an outpatient clinic. We enrolled 513 participants between January 2019 and February 2022. Data on demographic characteristics, medical history, and smoking status at baseline and after at least 1-year follow-up were collected from medical records and a standardized self-developed questionnaire. Participants were classified into two groups according to their current smoking status. The smoking cessation rate at 1 year was 37%. Major predictors of smoking cessation were the place of residence, ability to refrain from smoking during severe illness, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The proportion of participants with high levels of nicotine dependence at baseline was 40.8% vs 29.1% at 1 year (p=0.003). In the group that did not quit smoking, there were more participants who smoked within 5 minutes after waking up, as compared with participants who quitted smoking (40.4% vs 25.4%; p=0.0004). Effective smoking cessation interventions can be performed using remote counseling and education.

Background: Smoking is disproportionately prevalent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian peoples, with 39% of Indigenous Australians aged over 15 years smoking daily. Efforts to reduce this high prevalence include culturally focused media campaigns, designed using community consultation, highlighting the need to determine how such health messaging is received by smokers. This study aimed to examine Indigenous Australian smokers’ reactions to a culturally focused anti-smoking mass media campaign—'Give up Smokes’. Methods: Intercept surveying across health services and events used recorded demographics, smoking status, quit attempts, smoking health effects, anti-smoking campaign recall, social support, and campaign reactions. Participants rated campaign images in five domains: 1) whether it made them stop and think; 2) personal relevance; 3) believability of design and message; 4) prompting concern about smoking; and 5) motivation towards quitting. Cluster analysis was used to segment smoker types. Results: Smoking health effects knowledge was high, and did not differ by quit readiness, attempts, or social support. Cessation support access was higher among those with greater readiness to quit. Social smoking behaviour and confidence to support others quitting did not significantly differ between participants, however importance of others quitting did. Quit readiness, attempts, and social support were associated with reaction to campaign design, but not message recall. Four types of smokers were described, using smoking characteristics, who differed in campaign message reactions. Conclusions: Strategies using campaign-exposed smoker characteristics to inform culturally focused health promotion are discussed in relation to four identified types of smokers.

Introduction: We investigated the potential effect of smoking on pathological staging in clinically low-risk patients. Material-Methods: Data of 59 patients who were diagnosed with a bladder tumor for the first time and had a single lesion radiologically and endoscopically smaller than 3 cm were investigated, retrospectively. A total of 33 patients who currently smoke or smoked were classified as ever smokers group and 26 patients who did not ever smoke were classified as never smokers group. Pathological diagnoses of the patients in both groups were compared. Results: A total of 9 patients (27.3%) in ever smokers group and 18 patients (69.2%) in never smokers group had Ta disease (p<0.05). Morover, 19 patients (57.6%) in ever smokers group and 5 patients (19.2%) in never smokers group had T1 disease (p<0.05). The number of patients with low grade (LG) tumor were 8 (24.2%) and 19 (73.1%) in ever smoking and never smoking groups, respectively (p<0.05). The number of patients with high grade (HG) tumor were 25 (75.8%) and 7 (26.9%) in ever smoking and never smoking groups, respectively (p<0.05). Ta HG was detected in 9 (27.3%) patients in ever smoking group. In contrast, no patients in never smoking group had Ta HG disease (p<0.05). The number of patients with T1 HG was 17 (51.5%) in ever smoking group and 2 (7.69%) in never smoking group (p<0.05). Conclusion:Smoking seems to associate with pathologically worse stage and grade in patients with primary, single, < 3cm bladder cancer.

Background and objectives: Smoking leads to autonomic dysfunction. However, the clinical methods for diagnosing this dysfunction are not sufficient. Since exogenous hypoxia leads to changes in the autonomic cardiac control, the aim of our study was to compare the activity of the autonomic nervous system via heart rate variability (HRV) in young “healthy” smokers and non-smokers before, during and after a short-term exogenous hypoxic exposure. Methods: Twenty-one healthy non-smoking males aged 28.0±7.4 (mean±SD) and fourteen healthy smoking males aged 28.1±4.3 with 9.2±5.6 pack-years were subjected to one-hour hypoxic exposure (FiО2=12.3±1.5%) via hypoxicator (AltiPro 8850 Summit+, Altitude Tech, Canada) with simultaneous recording of electrocardiography and pulse oximetry. HRV data was derived via specific software (Kubios HRV, Finland) by analyzing the pre-hypoxic, hypoxic and post-hypoxic periods. Results: Standard deviation of the intervals between normal beats (SDNN) was higher in non-smokers in the pre-hypoxic period (62.0±32.1 vs 40.3±16.2, p=0.013) but not in hypoxia (75.7±34.8 vs 57.9±18.3, p=0.167). When comparing intragroup HRV changes of shifting from hypoxic to post-hypoxic (normoxic) conditions we found that there is a significant increase in the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) (65.9±40.2 vs 75.1±45.9, p=0.011) and in the high frequency (lnHF) (6.8±1.4 vs 7.2±1.3, p=0.014) and a decrease in LF/HF (3.0±2.3 vs 1.9±1.5, p<0.001), but these changes were observed only in the group of non-smokers. Conclusions: Smoking likely impairs autonomic regulation in young healthy males and may lead to a decreased HRV even before subjective clinical signs and symptoms. Hypoxic exposure test could be applied in clinical practice for early detection of autonomic dysfunction in smokers, because their parasympathetic reactivation is blunted when shifting from hypoxic to normoxic ambient conditions measured by HRV.

AbstractWe investigated the effect of cigarette smoking on pathological staging in clinically low-risk patients. Data of 59 patients who were diagnosed with bladder tumor for the first time and had a single lesion radiologically and endoscopically smaller than 3 cm were investigated retrospectively. 33 patients who smoked were classified as Group I, and 26 patients who did not smoke were classified as Group II. Pathological diagnoses of the patients in both groups were compared. The mean age of the patients were 64.8 (20–86) years. In Group II, 5 (19.2%) were female and 21 (80.8%) were male (p < 0.05). Nine patients (27.3%) in Group I and 18 patients (69.2%) in Group II had Ta disease (p < 0.05). Nineteen patients (57.6%) in Group I and 5 patients (19.2%) in Group II had T₁ disease (p < 0.05). The number of patients with low grade (LG) tumor were 8 (24.2%) and 19 (73.1%) in Group I and in Group II, respectively (p < 0.05). The number of patients with high grade(HG) tumor were 25 (75.8%) and 7 (26.9%) in Group I and in Group II, respectively (p < 0.05). TaHG was detected in 9 (27.3%) patients in Group I. In contrast, no patients in Group II had TaHG disease (p < 0.05). The number of patients with T₁HG was 17(51.5%) patients in Group I and 2 (7.69%) patients in Group II (p < 0.05). Smoking is associated with pathologically HG and stage in patients with first time bladder tumor which is single and smaller than 3 cm.

Effects of plastic deformation on the indentation feature of hot-rolled commercial pure titanium alloy were detected using microindentation. It was found that the most deformed sample experienced the largest indentation resistance and had the maximum dislocation density and the indentation size influenced the CP-Ti indentation feature. The Vicker hardness and energy dissipated demonstrated the significant influence of the dislocation motion and size effects on the indentation in the indentation deformation. The linear relation of the energy ratio which is related to the microstructures and the indentation depth ratio was obtained for hcp materials Titanium alloys.

Titanium boride (TiB2) is a material classified as ultra-high temperature ceramics. The TiB2 structure is dominated by covalent bonds, which gives materials based on TiB2 very good mechanical and thermal properties, but also makes them difficult to sinter. Obtaining dense TiB2 polycrystals requires chemical or physical sintering activation. Carbon and molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) were chosen as sintering activation additives. Three series of samples were made, the first with carbon additives: 0 to 4 wt.%; the second with 2.5, 5 and 10 wt.%. MoSi2 and the third with both additions of 2 wt.% carbon and 2.5, 5 and 10 wt.% MoSi2. MoSi2. On the basis of dilatometric sintering analysis, all additives were found to have a favourable effect on sinterability of TiB2, and it was determined that sintering of TiB2 with carbon addition can be carried at 2100°C and with MoSi2 and both additives at 1800°C. The polycrystals were sintered using the hot pressing technique. On the basis of the studies conducted in this work, it was found that addition of 1 wt.% of carbon allows to obtain single-phase TiB2 polycrystals of high density (>90%). The minimum MoSi2 addition required to obtain dense sinters with a cermet-like microstructure was 5 wt.%. High density was also achieved by materials containing both additives. Samples with higher MoSi2 content, i.e. 5 and 10% showed densities close to 100%. Mechanical properties such; as Young's modulus, hardness and fracture toughness (KIc) of the polycrystals and composites were similar for samples with densities exceeding 95%. The Vickers hardness was 23 to 27 GPa, the fracture toughness (KIC) was 4 to 6 MPa·m0.5 and the Young's modulus was 480 to 540 GPa. The resulting TiB2-based materials showed potential in high-temperature applications.

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. Coffee is enjoyed for a variety of reasons, including its sensory characteristics among which flavor is the most important. Some sensory characteristics of coffee, such as acidity, are attributed to the levels of various organic acids (OAs) and chlorogenic acids (CGAs) present in the brew. The amount and composition of these organic acids are considered key factors that influence the acidity of the coffee. Many roasted coffee products on the market claim to be low in acid or even acid-free altogether. In the present study, we evaluated the acidity of different packaged coffee products. All coffee samples were brewed using the drip method per preparation instructions for each product, and pH values for all samples were measured and recorded. Our results revealed a wide range of pH values among the tested products, with the highest pH value (pH 5.72) in sample XL96 and the lowest value (pH 4.97) in sample XL10. The pH values for the remainder of the samples ranged between (pH 5.0-5.29). The results thus support the importance of creating a standard for the accurate representation of acidity level information on coffee labels.

Hot air frying is a new method of frying food, where the use of a small amount of oil is optional but recommended. The objective of this review was to know the state of the art of hot air frying technology, focusing on trends, and thus obtain new ideas for future work in this area of food. In conclusion, the availability of advanced devices will increase the demand for hot air fryers as demonstrated by the trend generating a great economic and social impact. This new technology not only provides health benefits, but also has environmental advantages. In addition, work focusing on food (i.e. tortilla chips, plantain chips, eggs and meats) is recommended, since there are not enough studies on the subject. Currently, research is being conducted on home fryers, so the use of fryers and their impact at the industrial level is a developing area that will require further research.

We evaluated progress towards animal biodiversity research in Georgia, a key area in the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot. By reviewing recently (1990-2018) published articles in all areas of animal diversity research, we unmasked the trends in biodiversity inventory, ecological and biogeographical studies, and conservation issues in Georgia. We concluded that species inventory and biodiversity research in Georgia has significantly increased during the last ten years, however the rate and extent of investigation is far from satisfactory. Major gaps remain in all branches of animal diversity research in Georgia, and consequently existing knowledge is inadequate to address modern challenges related to species and ecosystem conservation. We urge local governmental authorities and international scientific societies to support development of stronger research facilities and cultivate interest in biodiversity inventory and research in Georgia as an important step towards maintaining globally important biodiversity in the Caucasus.

The fatigue strength of the hot work steel depends on various factors, including the mechanical, properties and behavior and bulk and the surface under layer, the microstructural features as well as heat treatments. The influence of a series of heat treatments on the fatigue strength of H13 hot work steel was investigated. Different preheating, quenching and tempering treatments were applied to four sets of specimens and fatigue tests were conducted at room temperature using a rotating bending test machine. All heat treatments resulted in a certain improvement of the fatigue strength. Highest fatigue strength obtained by applying a double tempering heat treatment (first tempering at 550 °C for two hours and second tempering at 610 °C for two hours) after initial preheating and quenching. One tempering treatment (550 °C for two hours after preheating and quenching) did not significantly improve the fatigue strength.

Researches on flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials usually focus on conducting polymers (CPs) and CP-based composites; however, it is a great challenge to obtain high TE properties comparable to inorganic counterparts. Here, we report an n-type Ag₂Se film on flexible nylon membrane with an ultrahigh power factor ~987.4 ± 104.1 μWm⁻¹K⁻² at 300 K and an excellent flexibility (93% of the original electrical conductivity retention after 1000 bending cycles around a 8-mm diameter rod). The flexibility is attributed to a synergetic effect of the nylon membrane and the Ag₂Se film intertwined with numerous high-aspect-ratio Ag₂Se grains. A TE prototype composed of 4-leg of the hybrid film generates a voltage and a maximum power of 19 mV and 460 nW, respectively, at a temperature difference of 30 K. This work opens opportunities of searching for high performance TE film for flexible TE devices.

Groove pancreatitis represents a chronic focal form of pancreatitis affecting the zone between the pancreatic head and the duodenal „C” loop, known as the groove area. This is a rare condition that affects the pancreatic periampullary part, including the duodenum and the common bile duct, associated usually with long-term alcohol and tobacco misuse and being more frequent in men than in women. The most common clinical symptoms of groove pancreatitis include weight loss, acute abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice. This report is about a 66 year old woman with a history of heavy smoking, presenting with weight loss, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. Contrast enhanced computed tomography revealed the existence of a chronic pancreatitis as well as the dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, a cyst of the pancreatic head and enlargement of the biliary tract. Conservatory treatment was initiated but with no improvement of symptoms. Since there was no indication for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, we decided to perform a pancreatoduodenectomy, as surgery appears to be the single effective treatment.

The lung epithelium regulates gas exchange and is the first line of defense against airborne toxicants and microbial infections. Disruption of the integrity of lung epithelium results in altered permeability and severely impacts normal lung functions. To develop biomarkers of potential harm (BoPH) for assessing adverse health effects of cigarette smoking, we have evaluated lung barrier function. In a single-center, ambulatory, clinical study we measured lung permeability, as the half-life (T1/2) of inhaled 99mTC-DTPA, in 17 subjects consisting of 6 Smokers (SMK), 5 Moist Snuff Consumers (MSC), and 6 Non-Tobacco Consumers (NTC) at three weekly test visits. Smokers, relative to MSC and NTC, exhibited significantly faster clearance of the inhaled probe (shorter T1/2), indicating increased lung permeability. NTC and MSC had comparable clearance times of the inhaled probe (longer T1/2). Least squares regression modeling showed that the variability of the test was minimal and was not significant. Prediction profiling showed that the repeatability of the lung permeability test was robust and was able to differentiate the tobacco product use groups in this study. Thus, altered lung barrier function may serve as a BoPH for assessing the effects of tobacco use.

: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of smoking among students is a growing concern, particular-ly among medical students. Being associated with stress, competitiveness, and various social in-fluences, smoking can have detrimental effects on self-esteem and self-efficacy and may create a vicious cycle that may contribute to students’ well-being and academic performance out-comes.METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 456 medical students was conducted via an online survey using structured questionnaires on socio-demographic characteristics, smoking habits, nicotine dependence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking was 31.1% The scores of self-esteem and self-efficacy were positively correlated with smoking habits (W1=0.957, W2=0.975, P<0.05). Students presented rather low smoking addiction with male stu-dents having slightly higher scores than female students on self-esteem and self-efficacy, mili-tary students had higher self-esteem scores than civilians with physical activity having a posi-tive correlation with non-smoking behavior. CONCLUSION: According to our results, self-esteem and self-efficacy were slightly positively correlated with smoking habits. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant association between other social factors and smoking. Our results may develop a theoretical basis for medical students’ psychological variables studying for further implementation of university educational programs and preventive interventions em-powering students towards an overall better quality of life, addressing, among others, smoking behaviors.

Cigarette smoking and air pollution (particulate matter) are recognized as two major etiological factors for lung cancer. Of all the risk factors, cigarette smoking is significantly associated with lung carcinogenesis. The main mechanism lies in the metabolically activated carcinogens (majorly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines), which could covalently bind with DNA molecules and lead to irreversible mutations in pivotal cancer genes, such as TP53 and KRAS. Another major etiological factor for lung cancer is air pollution, which is with complex compositions and ubiquitous in daily life, especially in developing countries as China and India. The latest literatures on lung cancer epidemiology and etiology have been briefly summarized and reviewed in this work.

Objective: To investigate social, economic, and environmental contributors to quit or continue smoking and vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A qualitative study design was adopted to identify smokers’ beliefs in a LMIC, using a small community sample. Results: 276 participants were primarily surveyed. Motivation to continue smoking included temporary pleasurable effects, working remotely, stress or anxiety, whereas a motivator to quit smoking was the overlap with COVID-19 symptomatology. There was a rise in social awareness regarding the potential harm of smoking and vaping during the pandemic yet those participants who were younger felt they were immune from its morbid complications. Conclusions: With paradoxical associations of COVID-19 with cigarette and vape usage, it is important to pay attention to biases in data in favor of educating its users of the increased risk of severe disease.

The recent COVID-19 outbreak in China led to a worldwide pandemic associated with a severe acute respiratory illness. A higher incidence of COVID-19 infection was demonstrated in cancer patients, including patients with lung cancer. This study was conducted to get insights into the reasons for this enhanced frequency of COVID-19 infection. Methods: Using different bioinformatic tools, the expression and methylation pattern of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene were analyzed in healthy and malignant tissues with a focus on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and correlated to clinical parameters and smoking history. Results: ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were heterogeneously expressed across 36 healthy tissues with the highest expression in digestive, urinary and reproductive organs, while their expression was significantly lower in 36 cancer tissues. In LUAD, ACE2, but not TMPRSS2 was overexpressed, which inversely correlated to the promoter methylation. An age-dependent upregulation of ACE2 expression was found in LUAD compared to normal lung tissues. In a healthy lung, TMPRSS2 expression was dependent on sex and smoking history and downregulated in LUAD of smokers. Cancer progression was associated with decreased TMPRSS2, but unaltered ACE2 expression, while ACE2 expression in lung metastases of different cancers was higher than in metastasis of other sites. TMPRSS2, but not ACE2 expression, was associated with LUAD patients’ survival. Conclusions: Comprehensive molecular analyses revealed a heterogeneous, distinct expression and methylation profile of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in healthy lung vs LUAD tissues across sex, age and smoking history, which is associated with clinical parameters and might have implications for COVID-19 disease.

The study aims to explore gender differences in smoking and drinking in three Asian cities—Hanoi, Shanghai and Taipei, and assesses the magnitude of these gender differences across cities. A total of 17,016 adolescents and young adults, aged 15 to 24 years, residing in both urban and rural area of Hanoi, Shanghai and Taipei were selected by multistage sampling methods and surveyed by face to face interview. The gender differences are significant for smoking-only, drinking-only, and both behaviors in each city. With respect to smoking-only, males are more than 30.66 times as likely to report it compared with females in Hanoi, followed by Shanghai and Taipei. The above trend holds true when further examining drinking-only and both smoking and drinking. The magnitude of gender differences in smoking-only, drinking-only, and both behaviors widely vary across the three cities. Future research is needed to further examine the mechanisms behind these gender differences and how these differences may be utilized to prevent and reduce smoking and drinking in the adolescent and young adult population.

Introduction The prevalence of adolescent electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased in most countries. This study determines the relation between the frequency of e-cigarette use and the frequency and intensity of cigarette smoking. Furthermore, it evaluates the association between the reasons for e-cigarette use and the frequency of its use. Materials and Methods Participants were 68,043 middle and high school students aged 13–18 years from the 2015 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey. Of the 68,043 participants, we analyzed 6,655 adolescents with an experience of e-cigarette use. Results The prevalence of ever using and current (past 30 days) use of e-cigarettes was 10.1% and 3.9%, respectively. Of the ever e-cigarette users, approximately 40% used e-cigarettes for ≥1/month and 8.1% used e-cigarettes daily. Daily e-cigarettes users were 10 times greater among daily cigarette smokers than among cigarette users for <1/month (18.1% vs. 1.8%) and 16 times more prevalent among those smoking ≥20 cigarettes/day than among those smoking <1 cigarette/month (38.9% vs. 2.4%). The most common reason for e-cigarette use was curiosity (22.9%), followed by less harmful than conventional cigarettes (18.9%), smoking cessation (13.1%), and indoor use (10.7%). Curiosity was the most common reason among less frequent e-cigarette users; however, smoking cessation and indoor use were the most common reasons among more frequent users. Conclusions Results showed a positive relation between frequency or intensity of conventional cigarette smoking and frequency of e-cigarette use among Korean adolescents, and frequency of e-cigarette use differed according to the reason for the use of e-cigarettes.

Bi1-xSbx crystal is one of the best n-type thermoelectric materials below 200 K, but its weak mechanical strength hinders practical applications for deep refrigeration. Herein, we adopted the mechanical enhancement method of hot extrusion to investigate the comprehensive mechanical and thermoelectric properties of Bi0.905Sb0.095. It revealed that reducing the grain size of the matrix and increasing the extrusion ratio can improve the gain size uniformity and mechanical properties. While the thermoelectric performance depends on the texture, grain size, and local composition. The extruded sample prepared by ingot with the high extrusion ratio of 9:1 generated a high texture degree of (001) plane and small grain sizes between ~4-40 mm, which resulted in the high bending strength of Bi1-xSbx ~130 Mpa and a high-power factor of ~ 68 μW·cm-1·K-2@173 K, as well as the relative high figure of merit of 0.25@173K. This work highlights the importance of the uniform distribution of the grain size and the compositions for Bi1-xSbx, as well as the required universal key parameter for the hot-extrusion method.

Multilayered metallic sheets fabricated by hot metal forming processes are attractive structural components in the aerospace and automobile industry. The strength of the mechanical bond between the different layers is critical to the applicability of such components in load bearing applications. While it is well understood that the process conditions such as temperature, deformation and rate of deformation influence the bond strength, a clear functional relationship between these conditions and the bond strength has yet to be established. The objective of the current study is to investigate the joining of Aluminum-6061 alloy specimens by hot compression bonding. Hot compression tests of beam specimen pairs were conducted at different temperatures (300-500℃), with different strains and strain rates (10-2-10-1 [1sec]). Coupled thermo-mechanical finite element models were utilized to compute the time dependent thermo-mechanical fields that develop along the specimen interface. The computed values were used to map the spatial distribution of a scalar parameter J which is hypothesized to govern bond formation. Mechanical tensile tests were used to determine the bond strength and expose the bonded surfaces. It is demonstrated that the computed J distribution can be correlated well with SEM observations of the debonded surface. It is also shown that the actual bonded area can be predicted from the computations for a certain range of critical J values.

The lengthy maturation period is the key cause of the reduced hot pepper market value. An experiment was performed to assess the effects of R/B/W light qualities on reducing the maturation period. The maturation period was shortened by 16 days under 4R:1B:5W compared to the control. The appearance of the first flower is a limiting factor affecting the maturation period. It exhibited a dark purple color and an abnormal petal under 4R:1B:5W compared to the control, which was associated with increased contents of flavonoids, total organic acids, and phenolics and decreased total amino acid and carbohydrate contents. Plant hormone, flavonoid, ABC transporters, key metabolites (such as amino acid, carbohydrate, organic acid) was associated with first flower development. Ethylene response factors (ERFs) mediated by light, especially ERF021, were identified as potential hub regulators during the development of the first flower due to their involvement in all the associated metabolic pathways.

The hot rolling in the process chain of the aluminium rolled products present the critical element of material quality and influence on productivity. The desire to increase the letter demand modifications of hot rolling, consequential changes of microstructure, crystallographic texture, mechanical and formability properties must be knowledge and consistently considered in planning the rolling process and rolled product. Achieving lower thicknesses of the hot-rolled band would enable fewer passes with cold rolling; consequently, hot rolling with the same number of passes will complete with lower temperatures. Microstructural and texture characterization with the optical microscope and scanning electron microscope for the hot-rolled band 3.25 mm the smaller grains appeared in the center of the cross-section, unlike for the hot-rolled band 6 mm, the smaller grains were detected on the upper and bottom position of the cross-section. Furthermore, the comparison shows also that the hot-rolled band 6 mm has 64 % of random texture components and 83 % of recrystallized grains, and the proportional adjustment for the hot-rolled band 3.25 mm has the 42 % of random texture components and 55 % of recrystallized grains. For the mechanical testing results, the elongation values in rolling and transverse directions significantly differ just in the case of a hot rolled band of 3.25 mm. Consequently, the earing results are more than 1.5 % higher for the hot-rolled band, 3.25 mm, than the hot-rolled band, 6 mm.

Situbondo is one of the best mango producer city with a distinctive mango taste compared to other regions in East Java. Mango production in Situbondo in 2015 reached 222,471 quintals. One of the damage to post-harvest mango products is due to anthracnose disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hot water treatment in inhibiting anthracnose disease and maintaining the quality of mangoes. The study was conducted at the Plant Clinical Laboratory in January 2019 at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jember. The study design used was a completely randomized design with two factors, namely washing temperature (59 ± 1 ° C, 53 ± 1 °C, normal water temperature) and storage temperature (15.1 ± 1 ° C and 18.1 ± 1 ° C). Washing with a temperature of 53 ± 1 ° C can be used to clean fruit. Treatment with low temperature (15.1 ± 1 ° C and 18.1 ± 1 ° C) resulted in inhibiting changes in weight loss, fruit hardness, acid content (total titrated acid), and total dissolved solids while another treatment, 53 ± 1 ° C washing temperature with storage temperature 15.1 ± 1 ° C gives a good appearance that suppress the development of anthracnose, and inhibit fruit discoloration.

We developed an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of the poorly water-soluble molecule niclosamide that achieved more than a 2-fold increase in bioavailability. Notably, this niclosamide ASD formulation increased the apparent drug solubility about 60-fold relative to the crystalline material due to the generation of nanoparticles. Niclosamide is a weakly acidic drug, BCS class II, and a poor glass former with low bioavailability in vivo. Hot-melt extrusion is a high-throughput manufacturing method commonly used in the development of ASDs for increasing the apparent solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds. We utilized the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone–vinyl acetate (PVP–VA) to manufacture niclosamide ASDs by extrusion. Samples were analyzed based on their microscopic and macroscopic behavior and their intermolecular interactions, using DSC, XRD, NMR, FTIR, and DLS. The niclosamide ASD generated nanoparticles with a mean particle size of about 100 nm in FaSSIF media. In a side-by-side diffusion test, these nanoparticles produced a 4-fold increase in niclosamide diffusion. We successfully manufactured amorphous extrudates of the poor glass former niclosamide that showed remarkable in vitro dissolution and diffusion performance. These in vitro tests were translated to a rat model that also showed an increase in oral bioavailability.

We analyze the Covid-19 mortality scenario in India and compare it with those in other large-population regions such as Asia-excluding-China, Africa, European Union, South America, and USA. We compare existing fatality data and offer an interpretation for low fatality based on immunity due to endemic malaria and TB. We identify the hot climate in the past summer as a possible cause for low death count in southern-hemisphere countries without endemic malaria and TB. We also make India-specific observations for easing the lockdown and estimations for the time required to attain herd immunity. Whatever optimism we present should be viewed as a guarded optimism. There should not be room for complacency.

Low-cost monitors have made possible for the first time measurements of long-term (months to years) potential indoor exposures to fine particles. Indoor and outdoor measurements made over nearly 5 years (2017-2021) by the largest network of low-cost monitors in the United States (PurpleAir) are compared to the prevalence of adult smokers in 1650 Zip codes within the three West Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The results show that mean indoor exposures above the 75th percentile of adult smoking prevalence are more than 50% higher than those below the 25th percentile. Mean outdoor concentrations are also elevated, but by a smaller amount (20%). Both comparisons are significant at the p&lt;0.001 level. The elevation of the PM2.5 concentrations with increasing smoking prevalence is evidence of environmental disparities in income, education, and other socioeconomic indices..

Excretion of β2-microglobulin (β2M) above 300 µg/g creatinine, termed tubulopathy, was regarded as the critical effect of chronic exposure to the metal pollutant cadmium (Cd). However, current evidence suggests that Cd may induce nephron atrophy, resulting in a reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Herein, these pathologies were investigated in relation to Cd exposure, smoking, diabetes and hypertension. Data were from 448 residents of Cd-polluted and non-polluted regions of Thailand. The body burden of Cd, indicated by the mean Cd excretion (ECd) normalized to creatinine clearance (Ccr) as (ECd/Ccr) ×100 in women and men did not differ (3.21 vs. 3.12 µg/L filtrate). The prevalence odds ratio (POR) for tubulopathy and a reduced eGFR were increased by 1.9-fold and 3.2-fold for every 10-fold rise in Cd body burden. In women only, a dose-effect relationship was seen between β2M excretion (Eβ2M/Ccr) and ECd/Ccr (F = 3.431, η2 0.021). In men, Eβ2M/Ccr was associated with diabetes (β = 0.279). In both genders, eGFR was inversely associated with Eβ2M/Ccr. The respective covariate- adjusted mean eGFR values were 16.5 and 12.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower in women and men who had severe tubulopathy; (Eβ2M/Ccr) ×100 ≥ 1000 µg/L filtrate. These findings indicate that women were particularly susceptible to the nephrotoxicity of Cd, and that the increment of Eβ2M/Ccr could be attributable mostly to Cd-induced impairment in tubular reabsorption of the protein together with Cd-induced nephron loss, evident from an inverse relationship between Eβ2M/Ccr and the eGFR.

Smoking have been linked to male infertility by affecting the sperm epigenome and genome. In this study, we aimed to determine possible changes in the transcript levels of the PTPRN2, PGAM5, and TYRO3 genes in heavy smokers compared with non-smokers; and to investigate their association with fundamental sperm parameters. One hundred eighteen sperm samples (63 heavy-smokers (G1) and 55 non-smokers (G2) were included in this study. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. After total RNA extraction, RT-PCR was used to quantify the transcript levels of studied genes. In G1 a significant decrease in standard semen parameters in comparison to non-smokers has been shown (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, PGAM5 and PTPRN2 were differentially expressed (P≤0.03 and P≤0.01, respectively), and downregulated in spermatozoa of G1 compared to G2. In contrast, no difference was observed for TYRO3 (p≤0.3). In G1, mRNA expression level of studied genes correlated negatively with motility, sperm count, normal form, vitality, and sperm membrane integrity (p&lt;0.05). Therefore, smoking may affect gene expression and male fertility by altering DNA methylation patterns in genes associated with fertility and sperm quality, including PGAM5, PTPRN2, and TYRO3.

Background: The trends in the role of the germline in epigenetic transgenerational inheritance starts with the environmental factors acting on the first generation of a gestating mother. These factors influence the developing second-generation fetus by altering gonadal development, thereby reprogramming the primordial germ cell DNA methylation and leading to consequences that would be seen along generations. Objective: Despite these epigenetic factors now surfacing, the few available studies are on animal-based experiments and to make follow up on human intergenerational trials might take decades. To this response, this study aimed to determine the influence of parental energy, toxicant exposure, age and nutrient restriction on the early life of offspring growth in Gambia. Method: The study was on population-based observational study on parental energy influence, toxicant exposure, age, and nutrient restriction on offspring growth in Gambia. Results: This study showed that parents who worked in industrial areas were more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. In addition, mothers who are exposed to oxidative stress and high temperature are more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. Mothers who consumed a high protein diet were almost three more likely to have infants with good psychosocial skills in their offspring. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between maternal stress during pregnancy and psychosocial skills of offspring. Conclusion: This study was able ascertain if maternal diet during gestation, toxicant exposure, maternal stress and parental smoking habits have influence on the early life of offspring. While the study is recommending a large sample size study to eliminate selection bias, there should be an increased level of awareness of mothers on their offspring's health and their husbands' lifestyles that might influence the adulthood health of offspring.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is strongly associated with tobacco smoking and it is the increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of COPD among never smokers varies widely across regions, areas, and nations. COPD in smokers has been extensively explored worldwide, however, COPD in non-smokers is under-explored and there is limited data available on non-smoking COPD. We determined the role of environmental pollution and biomass fuel exposure in COPD patients who were non-smokers. We evaluated the clinical profile of non-smokers with COPD in a retrospective observational study. 180 non-smoker COPD patients were selected from the year 2016-to 2018. We found that many patients with COPD are non-smokers and the incidence is higher among the rural population, suggesting that non-smoking COPD is evolving rapidly due to biomass smoke and other environmental pollutant exposures.

Objective: To investigate the use of blood levels of N-(2 cyanoethyl)valine (CEVal), a haemoglobin adduct of acrylonitrile, to assess lack of compliance with smoking cessation. Methods: We report CEVal concentrations and percentiles over time for 2 cessation groups, compliance was established using NNAL concentrations. CEVal half-life was estimated. Optimal thresholds were calculated based on receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: At 180 days, among 67 participants in the continued smoking group and 159 assigned to smoking cessation or sole THP use. CEVal half-life was estimated to be approximately 30 days and the optimal thresholds were for NNAL at 40 pg/mL and CEVal at 35 pmol/g globin (81% sensitivity and specificity). Conclusions: A new generation of biomarkers of compliance is required, specific to the new generation of nicotine products. Methodological validation and standardisation could allow robust assessment of effects across clinical and observational studies while promoting comparability between studies. CEVal could play an important role as biomarker of compliance for smoking cessation and switching studies.

Traditional graphene-based films normally possess high thermal conductivity (TC) only along single direction, which is not suitable for thermal interface materials (TIMs). Here, a graphene film with excellent bidirectional TC and mechanical properties was prepared by hot-pressing super-elastic graphene aerogel (SEGA). Thermal annealing at 1800℃ improves the further restacking of graphene sheets, bring the SEGA high structure stability for enduring the hot-pressing process. The junctions and nodes between the graphene layers in the hot-pressed SEGA (HPSEGA) film provide bidirectional heat transport paths. The in-plane TC and through-plane TC of HPSEGA film with thickness of 101μm reach 740 Wm-1K-1 and 42.5 Wm-1K-1, respectively. In addition, HPSEGA film with higher thickness still maintains excellent thermal transport properties due to the interconnected structure reducing the effect of the defects. The infrared thermal images visually manifest the excellent thermal-transfer capability and thermal dissipation efficiency of the HPSEGA films, indicating the great potential as advanced bidirectional TIMs.

On the aero-engine combustor liner, a phenomenon of overheating resembling a hot spot exists, accompanied by a preferential peeling of the YSZ thermal barrier coating that will negatively affect the service life of the component. The temperature gradient of the hot spot may affect the YSZ fracture pattern.In this paper, the morphological and property changes of YSZ sintering is investigated experimentally, and a coupled analysis of the YSZ Crack Propagation Mode under the hot spot is performed using ABAQUS. The results show that the pore fractal size D of YSZ increases by 15%. Inside the hot spot region, the coating has a shear stress of 75MPa. By inserting Cohesive units globally in the model to simulate the random crack initiation and propagation, unlike the thinning of YSZ layered peeling caused by uniform superheating, hot spot will cause the crack initiation at the tip of the pores inside the coating and the oblique propagation, eventually forming an oblique crack connection through the pores. When the temperature gradient reaches 30K/mm, the crack propagation is 40% greater than in a uniform temperature field; consequently, the YSZ in the hot spot boundary region with a greater temperature gradient results in more severe bulk peeling.

Hot spring is a hot water that is naturally occurring on the surface from the underground and typically heated by subterranean volcanic activity and local underground geothermal gradient. There are four main hot springs in Rwanda such as: Kalisimbi, Bugarama, Kinigi and Nyamyumba former name Gisenyi hot springs. It is often believed that soaking in hot springs is a great way which naturally detox human skin. This research focused on the geochemical analysis of Nyamyumba hot springs located near the fresh water of Lake Kivu for the purpose of understanding its healing capacity and safety. Nyamyumba hot springs are located in the western branch of the East African Rift System and they are located near Virunga volcanic complex, explaining the rising and heating mechanism of water. The concentrations of Sulfate, Iron, Ammonia, Alkalinity, Silica, Phosphate, Salinity, Alkalinity, and Conductivity using standard procedures were measured. The results showed that hot spring water has higher concentrations of chemicals compared to Lake Kivu water and the geochemistry of these hot springs maybe associated with rock dissolution by hot water. The measured parameters were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) standards for recreational waters and it has been identified that Nyamyumba hot springs are safe to use in swimming and therapeutic activities.

Eco-friendly and low-cost water-based nanolubricants containing rutile TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were developed for accelerating their applications in industrial-scale hot steel rolling. The lubrication performance of developed nanolubricants was evaluated in a 2-high Hille 100 experimental rolling mill at a rolling temperature of 850 ℃ in comparison to that of pure water. The results indicate that the use of nanolubricant enables to decrease the rolling force, reduce the surface roughness and the oxide scale thickness, and enhance the surface hardness. In particular, the nanolubricant consisting of 4 wt% TiO2, 10 wt% glycerol, 0.2 wt% sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and 1 wt% Snailcool exhibits the best lubrication performance by lowering the rolling force, surface roughness and oxide scale thickness up to 8.1%, 53.7% and 50%, respectively. The surface hardness is increased by 4.4%. The corresponding lubrication mechanisms are attributed to its superior wettability and thermal conductivity associated with the synergistic effect of rolling, mending and laminae forming that are contributed by TiO2 NPs.

Very hot (> 65 °C) beverages such as espresso were evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as probably carcinogenic to humans. For this reason, research into lowering beverage temperature without compromising its quality or taste is important. For espresso, one obvious possibility consists in lowering the brewing temperature. In two sensory trials using ISO 4120:2004 triangle test methodology, brewing temperatures of 80°C vs. 128°C and 80° vs. 93°C were compared. From the tested levels, espresso brewed at the lowest temperature had the highest acceptance. However, most tasters were unable to distinguish between 80°C and 93°C. The results of these pilot experiments proof the possibility to decrease the health hazard of very hot beverages by lower brewing temperatures.

Hot rolling tests of a low-alloy steel were conducted at a rolling temperature of 850 ℃ under different lubrication conditions, including benchmarks (dry condition and water) and water-based nanolubricants containing different concentrations of nano-TiO₂ from 1.0 to 8.0 wt%. The effects of nanolubricants on rolling force, surface roughness, thickness of oxide scale and microstructure were systematically investigated through varying nano-TiO₂ concentrations. The results show that the application of nanolubricants can decrease the rolling force, surface roughness and oxide scale thickness of rolled steels, and refine ferrite grains. In particular, the nanolubricant containing an optimal concentration (4.0 wt%) of nano-TiO₂ demonstrates the best lubrication performance, owing to the synergistic effect of lubricating film, rolling, polishing and mending generated by nano-TiO₂.

It is important to realize the transformation behavior of wüstite because it greatly affects the final structure of the oxide layer and the surface quality of the steel products. In the present study, the transformation behaviors of the wüstite layer are examined under nearly-oxygen-free conditions, to simulate the cooling processes after the hot rolled strip is coiled. As the single phase wüstite was prepared at 950˚C, the 460˚C transformed oxide layer was composed of a mixture of iron and magnetite formed through eutectoid reactions. For the 750˚C-fabricated wüstite, only magnetite was observed after transformation, without iron precipitates and residual wüstite. It is speculated that the unusual transformation behavior of the low-temperature-made wüstite results from the pseudo-structural intermediate phase transformation between wüstite and magnetite. This pseudo-structure is a pre-transformed wüstite and of various concentration of ferrous ion, which is determined by the fabrication conditions. During the hot strip mill process, the so-called wet scale, wüstite, is produced continuously from finish mill to laminar flow sections and ended at 570˚C. Consequently, the final eutectoid transformation below 570˚C is dominantly controlled by the surface temperature ranged from 750˚C to 950˚C for low carbon steel.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that is commonly considered to be a potent driver of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development and related mortality. A growing body of evidence supports the role of the immune system, mainly played by alveolar macrophages (AMs), as key axes regulating the development of COPD or NSCLC phenotypes in response to harmful agents. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that influence most biological processes and interfere with several regulatory pathways. The purpose of this study was to assess miRNA expression patterns in patients with COPD, NSCLC, and ever- or never-smoker controls to explore theirinvolvment in smoking-related diseases. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens were collected from a prospective cohort of 43 sex-matched subjects to determine expression of hsa-miR-223-5p, 16-5p, 20a-5p, -17-5p, 34a-5p and 106a-5p by RT-PCR. In addition, bioinformatic analysis of miRNA target genes linked to cancer was performed. Distinct and common miRNA expression levels were identified in each pathological group suggesting their possible role as an index of NSCLC or COPD microenvironment. Moreover, we identified miRNA targets linked to carcinogenesis using in silico analysis. In conclusion, this study identified miRNA signatures in AMs, allowing us to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying smoking-related conditions and potentially providing new insight for diagnosis or pharmacological treatment.

Health communication has been highlighted as a cost-effective preventive intervention in Africa where prevalence of tobacco use is still relatively low compared to other World Health Organization (WHO) regions. This scoping review aims to examine tobacco control health communication interventions in Africa. The review was guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Data was extracted from twenty peer-reviewed papers, WHO Global Health Observatory on Anti-tobacco mass media campaigns for 54 African countries, and six WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control reports on Article 12. Data extraction informed by JBI data extraction questions was used for peer review studies while a pre-determined template was used for the other sources. Narrative data synthesis informed by the JBI manual for evidence synthesis was employed. Lack of research that comprehensively address all areas of health communication and Inconsistent use of health communication campaigns was identified. Only an average of 6 countries had ever implemented effective mass media campaigns in a decade while an average of 33 countries consistently failed to conduct campaigns that lasted more than 3 weeks. Although the involvement of key populations was clearly vital to ensure content relevance and message clarity; a lack of health communication informed by young people was observed as they rarely participated in key decision-making despite reportedly being targets of interventions. Clear health communication for tobacco use prevention informed by young people is lacking in African countries. Active participation of young people in developing targeted campaigns is needed to facilitate content relevance and comprehension to ultimately contribute to tobacco use prevention.

A significant percentage of children suffer from neurodevelopmental aberrations, which have long-term effects on both individuals and society. Since the developmental timelines of different brain regions vary, the type, severity and timing of harmful exposures are crucial for understanding the specific pathological processes and consequences involved. During development, the cerebellum is one of the first brain structures to begin to differentiate, but one of the last to achieve maturity. This relatively long period underscores its vulnerability to detrimental environmental exposures throughout gestation. Moreover, as the postnatal functionality of the cerebellum is multifaceted, enveloping sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional domains, prenatal disruptions in cerebellar development can result in a variety of neurological and mental health disorders. Here, we review major intrauterine insults that affect cerebellar development in both humans and rodents, ranging from abuse of toxic chemical agents such as alcohol and nicotine, to stress and sleep, malnutrition as well as infections. Understanding these pathological mechanisms in the context of the different stages of cerebellar development in humans and rodents may help us to identify critical and vulnerable periods and thereby to prevent the risk of associated prenatal and early postnatal damage that can lead to lifelong neurological and cognitive disabilities.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) exhibits a significant variation in presentation of symptoms ranging from mild to severe life-threatening symptoms, including death. COVID-19 infection susceptibility has been linked with various covariates, but studies in Qatar are limited. Data from Qatar Biobank (QBB) (n = 10,000; 18- to 79-year-old adults) were analyzed for associations between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and susceptibility to COVID-19. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between COVID-19 and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, education level, dietary patterns, supplement use, physical activity, history of bariatric surgery, diabetes, and hypertension. In total, 10.5% (n = 1045) of the participants had COVID-19. Compared to non-smokers, current and ex-smokers had lower odds of having COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR]= 0.55; 95% CI: 0.44-0.68 and OR= 0.70; 95% CI: 0.57-0.86, respectively). Vitamin D supplement use was associated with an 18% reduction of the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97). Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2), history of bariatric surgery and higher adherence to the modern dietary pattern– characterized by consumption of foods high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates– were positively associated with COVID-19. Our findings indicate that adopting a healthy lifestyle may be helpful in the prevention of COVID-19 infection.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Its presentation as ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) is influence by atherosclerosis risk factors. Aim: To assess the patterns of presentation and predicting risk factors of acute MI in Kosovo. Methods: This is a cross sectional study from the Clinic of Cardiology of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, which included all patients hospitalized with acute MI over a period of 7 years (January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2020). Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and epidemiological patterns and risk factors were analyzed. Results: Among 7353 patients admitted with acute MI (age 63 ± 12 years, 29% female), 4366 (59.4%) patients had STEMI, and 2987 (40.6%) NSTEMI. Patients age was not different between the two groups (p=0.077). NSTEMI patients smoked less (48.3% vs. 54%, p<0.001), but were more diabetics (37.8% vs. 33.6%, p<0.001), more hypertensives (69.6% vs. 63%, p<0.001), frequently had family history for coronary artery disease (CAD) (40% vs 38%, p=0.009), and included more females compared to STEMI patients (32% vs 27%, p<0.001). The two groups of patients, did not differ in the prevalence of significant CAD on angiography (66.8% vs. 67.8%, p = 0.396), but NSTEMI patients underwent less primary percutaneous interventions compared with STEMI patients (43.6% vs. 55.2%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In Kosovo, STEMI is commoner than NSTEMI, who were mostly males, more likely to have diabetes, hypertension and family history for CAD compared to those with NSTEMI. Smoking and arterial hypertension proved the strongest predictors of acute MI, in Kosovo, thus highlighting the urgent need for better atherosclerosis risk control and education strategy.

In current severe global emergency situation of 2019-nCov outbreak, it is imperative to identify vulnerable and susceptible groups for effective protection and care. Recently, studies found that 2019-nCov and SARS-nCov share the same receptor, ACE2. In this study, we analyzed five large-scale bulk transcriptomic datasets of normal lung tissue and two single-cell transcriptomic datasets to investigate the disparities related to race, age, gender and smoking status in ACE2 gene expression and its distribution among cell types. We didn’t find significant disparities in ACE2 gene expression between racial groups (Asian vs Caucasian), age groups (>60 vs <60) or gender groups (male vs female). However, we observed significantly higher ACE2 gene expression in former smoker’s lung compared to non-smoker’s lung. Also, we found higher ACE2 gene expression in Asian current smokers compared to non-smokers but not in Caucasian current smokers, which may indicate an existence of gene-smoking interaction. In addition, we found that ACE2 gene is expressed in specific cell types related to smoking history and location. In bronchial epithelium, ACE2 is actively expressed in goblet cells of current smokers and club cells of non-smokers. In alveoli, ACE2 is actively expressed in remodelled AT2 cells of former smokers. Together, this study indicates that smokers especially former smokers may be more susceptible to 2019-nCov and have infection paths different with non-smokers. Thus, smoking history may provide valuable information in identifying susceptible population and standardizing treatment regimen.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are particularly susceptible to respiratory infections like influenza, which exacerbate symptoms and increase healthcare utilization. While smoking cessation and influenza vaccination are recommended preventive measures, their combined impact on healthcare resource utilization is underexplored. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) assesses comorbidity burden in COPD patients and may influence healthcare outcomes. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 357 COPD patients, evaluating smoking cessation success over one year and influenza vaccination receipt, stratifying patients by CCI scores. Healthcare utilization outcomes included emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and medical expenses. Results showed that 51.82% of patients quit smoking and 59.66% received influenza vaccination, with higher comorbidity prevalence in advanced COPD stages (p=0.002). Both smoking cessation and influenza vaccination independently correlated with decreased emergency room visits, hospital admissions, days, and costs. Patients who both quit smoking and received influenza vaccination exhibited the lowest healthcare utilization rates. In conclusion, smoking cessation and influenza vaccination significantly reduce healthcare resource utilization in COPD patients, with the combination yielding synergistic benefits, particularly in those with lower CCI scores. Integrating these interventions and comorbidity management in COPD strategies is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

In this follow-up study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of the “I do not smoke, I exercise”, anti-smoking preventive health education program. The program was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior supplemented with life-skills teaching and targeted at high school students. The intervention comprised ten one-hour online sessions, administered by physical education instructors. The study cohort comprised 222 students (109 boys, 113 girls) from 11 secondary schools, with an average age of 16.42 ± 1.36 years. Data collection involved pre- and post-intervention self-assessment questionnaires. The examined variables included attitudes towards smoking, intention to smoke, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control (PBC), knowledge about smoking, smoking behavior, exercise behavior, attitudes toward the program's implementation, and satisfaction with the program. Separate paired samples t-test revealed a significant improvement in students' knowledge about smoking, perceived behavioral control, and overall program satisfaction following the intervention. However, no significant changes were observed in the remaining variables. These findings suggest that the health education smoking prevention intervention incorporates techniques and strategies that influence the Perceived Behavioral Control variable, emphasizing students' strong interest in educationally theorized programs integrating technology into their design. Future studies should consider further examination of tobacco control strategies within the high school context.

Tobacco smoke is an environmental mixture including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and may interfere in endocrine system as an EDC in aging. Thus, we performed a molecular epidemiological approach with in-depth biological monitoring of combustible cigarette smoking among adolescents and adults in South Korea (N=620) with exposure biomarkers, i.e., exhaled CO, urinary cotinine, t,t-muconic acid (TTMA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and obtained information of their lifestyle and tobacco addiction status. We also diagnosed the genetic polymorphisms on the 96 SNPs for tobacco-metabolism, -addiction, and expression differences and compared mtDNA abnormalities in buccal and blood cells. As results, there were positive associations among the above tobacco exposure biomarkers. Man or youth smokers showed high frequency in some of mtDNA alteration, such as ‘SNPs for inconsistent bases between buccal and blood cells’. Among the SNPs, the polymorphisms on SULT1A1, DRD2, and ADH1B were related to multi-exposure biomarkers. Interestingly, youth showed similar levels of urinary TTMA and MDA to adults, although their pack-year was approx. 1/6 volume of that of adults. We also observed the negative association between urinary MDA levels and the growth rate in the adolescents (p<0.05). In conclusion, the present biological monitoring provides high susceptible population, i.e., adolescents rather than adults, and reliable genetic factors affecting tobacco exposure. The inferred environment-gene-gene interaction suggests tobacco smoking accelerats aging in adolescents as an EDC.

Background: There is considerable evidence to support the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and children’s burden of disease. However, literature on the health outcomes of prenatal ETS exposure among Chinese children has not yet been comprehensively reviewed. Objective: This systematic scoping review examines the currently available evidence and identifies gaps for further research on the health consequences of prenatal ETS exposure among Chinese children. Methods: Following the JBI scoping review methodological framework, we conducted a computer-aid search of three electronic databases-- PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest to include studies from January 2011 to May 2023 that addressed the health outcomes of Chinese children whose mothers were exposed to ETS at any stage of the pregnancy. Further, a methodological quality assessment of the selected articles was conducted, using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists. Results: A total of 30 articles were reviewed, including eleven high-quality studies and nineteen moderate-quality studies. Five main themes, including hypertension, foetal and children’s development, behavioural disorders, respiratory outcomes, and other health outcomes. Majority of studies showed positive link between prenatal ETS exposure and increase risk of preterm birth, and moderately, foetal growth restriction. Few studies explored other potential adverse outcome of ETS, including hypertension, respiratory morbidity, lung function and asthma in their children. Conclusion: The current available evidence on prenatal ETS exposure in Chinese children has unveiled a wide range of health outcomes, including preterm birth, foetal development, behavioural disorders and much more. However, Chinese studies in this area are still lacking and a gap still exists in relation to the strength of association between prenatal ETS exposure and some health risks. Efficient anti-smoking policies and smoking cessation programs should be developed to promote maternal and child health. Further research is also needed to provide better evidence in this field.

The physical environment plays an important role in the transmission of respiratory infections like Covid-19. To find relevant articles on environmental factors influencing respiratory infection outbreaks, we searched Pub med Central on the following topics: 1. Environmental pollution causing coronavirus fatality- 73 results, relevant 1 article, 2. Environmental factors affecting Covid-19, 149 results from which there were 6 relevant articles, 3. Impact of air pollution on Covid-19 fatality, 10 results, relevant 3 articles, 4. Environmental factors affecting respiratory viruses- 10646 results were obtained, 2 relevant articles. We searched Google scholar on environmental factors affecting Covid-19 transmission and found 7 relevant papers. We excluded the duplicates in each of the key words search. Date of search was on 20^th April 2020. All articles included in results were scrutinized and relevance of articles was based on their content that discussed meteorological and physical environment factors in the spread and severity of Covid-19. We have discussed factors like air pollution, smoking, air temperature, humidity and air velocity as contributing factors. If meteorological factors are conducive to spread in a particular area, we need protective measures way before a respiratory infection outbreak occurs. Covid-19 is a lesson learnt the hard way, and we must enable people to practice hygienic practices with limited resources but high level of protection that it provides. Air pollution control can prevent priming of respiratory system which shall further protect from pulmonary infections.

Smoking is a risk factor for respiratory infections and there is reasonable concern that it may affect COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. Recent studies have focused on the interaction between smoking (and nicotine) and ACE2 expression, suggesting that ACE2 up-regulation could contribute to enhanced viral cell entry. However, case series have shown that there is an unexpectedly low prevalence of smoking among hospitalized COVID-19 cases. Since early April, we were the first to hypothesize that dysfunction of the nicotinic cholinergic system (NCS) may be implicated in the pathophysiology of severe COVID-19. We recently reported that many of the clinical manifestations of severe COVID-19 could be explained by dysregulation of the NCS. In this study, we present an amino acid sequence in the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein which is homologous to a sequence of a snake venom toxin. We present the 3D structural location of this “toxin-like” sequence on the Spike Glycoprotein. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 could potentially interact with acetylcholine receptors causing dysregulation of the NCS and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and effects of current smoking on adverse outcomes among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature (PubMed) for studies published until April 25. Studies were included into the analysis if they satisfied all of the following criteria: 1. To present hospitalized patients with COVID-19. 2. To classify patients into less and more severe disease, irrespective of the severity definition (defined as “adverse ourtcome”). 3. To present data on the smoking status, separately for each severity classification. We identified 18 (from a total of 1398) relevant studies. Pooled current smoking prevalence was compared with the gender-adjusted, population-based expected prevalence by calculating Prevalence Odds Ratio (POR). The association between current, compared to non-current and former, smoking and adverse outcome was examined by calculating Odds Ratio (OR). All analyses were performed using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Among 6515 patients, 440 of whom were current smokers, the pooled prevalence of current smoking was 6.8% (95%CI: 4.8-9.1%) and the POR was 0.21 (95%CI: 0.16-0.26, P < 0.001). In Chinese studies only, the POR was 0.22 (95%CI: 0.17-0.27, P < 0.001). Current smokers were more likely to have an adverse outcome compared to non-current smokers (OR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.06-2.20, P = 0.022). However, they were less likely to have an adverse outcome compared to former smokers (OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.27-0.74, P = 0.003). Conclusion: An unexpectedly low prevalence of current smoking was observed among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Hospitalized current smokers had higher odds compared to non-current smokers but lower odds compared to former smokers for an adverse outcome. The possibility that nicotine may have a protective effect in COVID-19 which may be masked by smoking-related toxicity and by the abrupt cessation of nicotine intake when smokers are hospitalized should be explored.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has developed the Population Health Impact Model (PHIM) to quantify, in the absence of epidemiological data, the effects of marketing a candidate modified risk tobacco product (cMRTP) on the public health of a whole population. Various simulations were performed to understand the harm reduction impact on the U.S. population over a 20-year period under various scenarios. The overall reduction in smoking attributable deaths (SAD) over the 20-year period was estimated as 934,947 if smoking completely went away and between 516,944 and 780,433 if cMRTP use completely replaces smoking. The reduction in SADs was estimated as 172,458 for the World Health Organization (WHO) 2025 Target and between 70,274 and 90,155 for the gradual cMRTP uptake. Combining the scenarios (WHO 2025 Target and cMRTP uptake), the reductions were between 256,453 and 268,796, depending on the cMRTP effective dose. These results show how a cMRTP can reduce overall population harm additionally to existing tobacco control efforts.

We present a study of hybrid neutron stars with color superconducting quark matter cores at finite temperature that results in sequences of stars with constant entropy per baryon, s/nB=const. For the quark matter equation of state, we employ a recently developed nonlocal chiral quark model while nuclear matter is described with a relativistic density functional model of the DD2 class. The phase transition is obtained by a Maxwell construction under isothermal conditions. We find that traversing the mixed phase on a trajectory at low s/nB≲2 in the phase diagram shows a heating effect while at larger s/nB the temperature drops. This behavior may be attributed to the presence of a color superconducting quark matter phase at low temperatures and the melting of the diquark condensate which restores the normal quark matter phase at higher temperatures. While the isentropic hybrid star branch at low s/nB≲2 is connected to the neutron star branch, it gets disconnected at higher entropy per baryon so that the "thermal twin" phenomenon is observed. We find that the transition from connected to disconnected hybrid star sequences may be estimated with the Seidov criterion for the difference in energy densities. The radii and masses at the onset of deconfinement exhibit a linear relationship and thus define a critical compactness of the isentropic star configuration for which the transition occurs which for large enough s/nB≳2 is accompanied by an instability. The results of this study may be of relevance for uncovering the conditions for the supernova explodability of massive blue supergiant stars by the quark deconfinement mechanism. The accretion-induced deconfinement transition with thermal twin formation may contribute to explaining the origin of eccentric orbits in some binary systems and the origin of isolated millisecond pulsars.

Aiming at the classification identification problem of aeroengines, this paper adopts telemetry Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer to collect aeroengine hot jet infrared spectrum data, and proposes an aeroengine classification identification method based on spectral feature vectors. First, aeroengine hot jet infrared spectrum data are acquired and measured, meanwhile, the spectral feature vectors based on CO2 are constructed. Then, the feature vectors are combined with the seven mainstream classification algorithms to complete the training and prediction of the classification model. In the experiment, two Fourier transform infrared spectrometers, EM27 developed by Bruker and a self-developed telemetry FTIR, were used to telemeter the hot jet of three aeroengines to obtain infrared spectral data. The training data set and test data set were randomly divided in a ratio of 3:1. The model training of the training data set and the label prediction of the test data set were carried out by combining spectral feature vectors and classification algorithms. The classification evaluation indicators were accuracy, precision, recall, confusion matrix, and F1-score. The classification recognition accuracy of the algorithm was approximately 98%. This paper has great significance for the fault diagnosis of aeroengines and classification recognition of aircrafts.

The quasi-beta processing was considered as a promising processing technology to obtain a component with an excellent mechanical properties. To achieve an optimized quasi-beta processing parameter of TC21 alloy, the hot deformation behavior in near β phase region for the alloy with a forged structure was investigated by the thermal compression test and finite element (FEM) simulation. The obtained results indicated that the flow behavior of the samples was significantly influenced by the hot deformation parameters and it exhibited a flow hardening behavior at the start stage of deformation. Based on the experimental data, the constitutive equation and processing maps were obtained. The optimum hot processing parameters was 986℃/10^-3s^-1. Based on the FEM simulation results, the evolution of temperature field, strain field and stress field in the deformed samples at different strains exhibited a similar trend in the unstable region, which distributed symmetrically along the center line of the samples, and the center area of the samples was the highest and the center area of the section was the lowest.

This paper describes methods for evaluating the thermal properties of textile materials, clothing composites, and clothing using an integrated measurement system that includes a hot plate, a multi-purpose differential conductometer, a thermal manikin, a temperature gradient measurement device, and a device for measuring the physiological parameters of the human body during the exact evaluation of garment thermal comfort. In practice, measurements were taken on four types of materials widely used in the production of conventional and protective clothing. The measurements were carried out using a hot plate and a multi-purpose differential conductometer, determining the thermal resistances of the material in its uncompressed form and a force that was ten times greater than that needed to determine its thickness. Using a hot plate and a multi-purpose differential conductometer, thermal resistances of textile materials were assessed at different levels of material compression. On hot plates, both conduction and convection had an impact on thermal resistance, but in multi-purpose differential conductometer, only conduction did. Moreover, the reduction of thermal resistance was observed while compressing textile materials.

This study is an attempt to create a framework, using the best available inventory data, to perform lifecycle assessment (LCA) on asphalt pavement production. In particular, the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as an end-of-life product of deteriorated pavements is under consideration. Following ISO 14000 series standards, the framework constitutes the four major LCA steps in defining goal and scope, lifecycle inventory analysis, environmental impact assessment, and results interpretation. Three different scenarios in which varying portions of RAP are incorporated into hot mix asphalt production are to be compared. The system boundary of this study is limited to the construction and rehabilitation phases and ignores the vehicular use phase. It was found under this study that since high RAP mixtures require more frequent and aggressive maintenance activities, the overall footprint of asphalt pavements constructed with higher RAP contents is also higher. This would necessitate more efficient design procedures and protocols for mixtures produced with high RAP contents to compensate for their lack of long-term performance.

Epidemiological studies indicate an increased risk of cancer from the consumption of very hot foods and beverages. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has already recommended threshold values for the maximum drinking temperature of very hot beverages. The contact time and the contact temperature are decisive for the risk of injury when hot media come into contact with human skin. However, measuring the contact temperature is not easily possible in practice. In the present study, a numerical simulation based on the solution of the heat conduction equation was initially used to investigate whether and for what period of time a constant contact temperature is to be expected under oral conditions. For small circular 3-cm food samples (e.g., cooked potatoes) with 2.5 mm thickness in contact with the tongue, the simulation results in a constant contact temperature of 10 s before cooling. With a thickness of 0.5 mm, the contact temperature is only maintained 1 s. Hot beverages, which spread as a thin film and thereby increase their surface area, can therefore be consumed at higher temperatures than solid foods. Furthermore, a simple test technique with a "measuring spoon" was developed. A hot sample is placed on the tongue. Orientating measurements were used to determine which contact temperature was considered to be just comfortable for any period > 10 s and for which period of less than 10 s it was still just bearable. The contact temperature, which was still perceived as tolerable for periods > 10 s, was 46.5 °C. The time spans for the higher contact temperature 48 °C were between 2 and 4 s and for 49 °C between 1 and 2 s. The course of the contact temperatures determined in the experiment over time allows to calculate the corresponding threshold values of consumption temperatures for various foods. Consumption temperatures of about 56 °C for potatoes and 60 °C for cheese are still perceived as tolerable. In view of the fact that the contact temperature is obviously the determining factor for the risk of injury from burns in the oral cavity in addition to the contact time, it makes sense to reference threshold values to the contact temperature rather than to the surface or consumption temperature of a food product, which is current customary practice. If this contact temperature is defined as a threshold value, the surface or consumption temperature for any other food can be calculated.

Iron powders having average particle sizes of ~40µm are mechanically mixed thoroughly with aluminum powders ranging from 1 to 10 in wt.% with an average particle size of ~10µm. Two different powder metallurgical techniques cold and hot pressing are used to study the effect of the additive element powder on the mechanical properties, wear properties and the microstructure of the iron based alloys. The hot pressing technique was performed at a temperature up to 500°C at 445.6 MPa. The cold pressing technique was performed at 909 MPa in room temperature. By increasing the Al content to 10 wt. % in the base Fe-based matrix, the hardness was decreased from 780 to 690 MPa and the radial strength was decreased from 380 to 202 MPa with reductions of 11.5% and 40%, respectively. Improvement of the wear resistance with the increase addition of the Al powder to the Fe matrix up to 5 times was achieved compared to the alloy without Al addition for different wear parameters namely; wear time and sliding speed.

COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive airflow obstruction. Tobacco smoking is the main cause of COPD (COPD-TS), but chronic exposure to biomass smoke (COPD-BS), mainly wood smoke, is the second risk factor; both are considered to cause different phenotypes of COPD. COPD-BS is more eosinophilic than COPD-TS. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the serum level of interleukins involved in eosinophil maturation, recruitment, and survival, and their association with small airway obstruction, measuring cytokines by multiplex test (Bio-Plex) and evaluating the central airway resistance with impulse oscillometry (IOS), comparatively in patients with COPD due to biomass and smoking. The results showed that IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-9, IL-13, IL-17, and eotaxin were increased in COPD-BS related to COPD-TS. Resistance parameters showed that R5, X5, AX (area reactance), and R5-R20 were significantly higher in COPD-BS than in the COPD-TS group (p < 0.05). R20 was not different between the groups. These data suggest that the cytokines involved in the effect of eosinophils on airway inflammation in COPD-BS were increased compared with COPD-TS, which appears to be related to a predominance of peripheral airway obstruction in patients with COPD-BS more than in COPD-TS

Most studies on the association of in utero exposure to cigarette smoking and childhood overweight or obesity (OWO) were based on maternal self-reported smoking data and few were based on objective biomarkers. In this study, we evaluated the associations between self-reported and biomarkers of in utero exposure to cigarette smoking with risk of childhood OWO. We analyzed data from 2351 mother-child pairs in the Boston Birth Cohort, a US low-income minority cohort that enrolled children at birth and followed prospectively up to age 18 years. In utero smoking exposure was measured by maternal self-report and by maternal and cord plasma cotinine and hydroxycotinine metabolites. We assessed the individual and joint associations of each smoking exposure measure and maternal OWO with childhood OWO using multinomial logistic regressions. We used nested logistic regressions to investigate the childhood OWO prediction performance when adding maternal and cord plasma biomarkers as input covariates on top of self-reported data. Our results demonstrated that in utero cigarette smoking exposure defined by self-report and by maternal or cord metabolites were consistently associated with increased risk of long-term child OWO. Adding maternal and cord plasma biomarker information to self-reported data improved the prediction accuracy of long-term child OWO risk.

A recent study found that a 3ppb increase in O₃ ambient concentration was associated with an increased progression of 0.18 percentage points in percent emphysema and that such increase was equal to smoking 20 cigarettes per day for 29 years. A simple estimation of population attributable fraction shows that COPD diagnoses due to smoking are actually 30 times more than those attributed to a 3 ppb increment in O₃ concentration. Labelling ozone pollution as the new smoking may distort perception of the risks and hinder proper response to real life threatening risk such as smoking.

If environmental exposures are shown to cause an adverse health outcome, reducing exposure should reduce the disease risk. Links between exposures and outcomes are typically based on ‘associations’ derived from observational studies, and causality may not be clear. Randomised controlled trials to ‘prove’ causality are often not feasible or ethical. Here the history of evidence that tobacco smoking causes lung cancer – in observational studies – is compared to that of low sun exposure and/or low vitamin D status as causal risk factors for the autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis. Evidence derives from in vitro and animal studies, as well as ecological, case-control and cohort studies, in order of increasing strength. For smoking and lung cancer, the associations are strong, consistent, and biologically plausible – the evidence is coherent or ‘in harmony’. For low sun exposure/vitamin D as risk factors for MS, the evidence is weaker, with smaller effect sizes, but coherent across a range of sources of evidence, and biologically plausible. The association is less direct – smoking is directly toxic and carcinogenic to the lung, but sun exposure/vitamin D modulate the immune system, which in turn may reduce the risk of immune attack on self-proteins in the central nervous system. Opinion about whether there is sufficient evidence to conclude that low sun exposure/vitamin D increase the risk of multiple sclerosis, is divided. General public health advice to receive sufficient sun exposure to avoid vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/L) should also ensure any benefits for multiple sclerosis.

Persistent cervical infection with high-risk Human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, there are other co-factors facilitating the hrHPV carcinogenic process, one of which is smoking. In order to assess the effect of smoking on high-risk (hr) HPV DNA positivity and on the expression of HPV E7 oncoprotein, as a surrogate of persistent hrHPV infection, we used data from women recruited for the PIPAVIR project, which examined the role of E7 protein detection in cervical cancer screening. Women were tested for hrHPV DNA, using Multiplex Genotyping and E7 protein, using a novel sandwich ELISA method, and gave information on their smoking habits. Among 1473 women, hrHPV prevalence was 19.1%. The odds ratio (OR) for hrHPV positivity of smokers compared to non-smokers was 1.785 (95%CI: 1.365-2.332, p<0.001). The ORs for E7 positivity, concerning hrHPV positive women, ranged from 0.720 to 1.360 depending on the E7 detection assay used, but this was not statistically significant. Smoking increases the probability of hrHPV infection, and smoking intensity is positively associated to this increase. Smoking is not related to an increased probability of E7 protein positivity for hrHPV positive women.

Disposable surgical gowns are usually made from petroleum-based synthetic fibers that do not naturally decompose, impacting the environment. A promising approach to diminish the environmental impact of disposable gowns involves utilizing natural fibers and/or bio-based synthetic fibers. In this study, composite web from polylactic bicomponent fiber and natural fibers, cattail and kapok fiber, were prepared by hot-press method. Only the sheath region of the PLA bicomponent fiber melts, acting as an adhesive that enhanced the strength and reduced the thickness of the composite web compared to its state before hot-pressing. Mechanical and physical properties of composite webs were evaluated. Composite webs created from kapok fiber displayed a creamy yellowish-white color, while those made from cattail fiber showed a yellowish-brown color. Composite webs exhibit hydrophobic properties when adding the natural fiber. The maximum natural fiber content, at a ratio of 30, can be incorporated into composite webs while preserving mechanical properties and proper water vapor permeability. This nonwoven material presents an alternative with the potential to replace petroleum-based surgical gowns.

Since the energy sector is the main source of greenhouse gases, it has the highest potential for improvement. Improvements can be achieved by generating energy from renewable sources. Combined with thermal energy storage, concentrating solar power plants represent a promising technology for dispatchable renewable energy, ensuring a stable energy supply even in remote areas without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, it is important to note that greenhouse gases and other polluting emissions may occur during the manufacturing process of concentrating solar power plant components. This work analyses the design of the receiver to produce thermal energy for the existing solar dish CSP plant at the Energy Center of the Politecnico di Torino. The objective of this plant is to produce hot water for a small case study. Considering the average solar irradiance for Turin equal to 800 W/m2, the surface heat flux was obtained from the first part of the analysis, which was used to obtain the maximum internal temperature in the receiver equal to 873.7 °C. The maximum temperature obtained was a constraint for the selection of the material for the solar receiver. Of the various possibilities, copper was chosen. In the second part of the work, a Life Cycle Assessment was carried out to compare the emissions generated during the production of the main components of the CSP plant with the emissions generated by the methane-fuelled water heater that produces the same amount of water as the CSP plant. It can be concluded that the manufacture of the main components of the CSP plant results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the operational phase of a conventional natural gas-fired water heater (1.6 kg CO2/day).

This study focuses on the increased risk of high heat release and asphyxiation (toxic gas poisoning) in the event of a fire of polyurethane (PU) and MDF-based building materials, which are commonly used in building fires. Among them, polyurethane (PU) building materials are essential for buildings except in Europe and some other countries due to their excellent thermal insulation performance, but problems of short-term heat release and spread of toxic gases in the event of a fire continue to occur. To overcome these problems, researchers are actively working on introducing various flame retardants into building materials. Therefore, in this study, we produced a laboratory-sized (500mm*500mm) plate flame retardant board that can be utilized as a building material with a lower heat release rate and a lower toxicity index by mixing expanded graphite and ceramic binder as flame retardants in a main material based on the cellulose of waste paper by replacing the existing building materials with a hot-press method. According to the ISO-5660-1 test on the heat release rate of the plate flame retardant board, the THR value was 2.9 (MJ/m2) for 10 minutes, showing an effect of reducing the THR value by 36.3 (MJ/m2) compared to the THR value of 39.2 (MJ/m2) of the specimen made using only paper. In addition, the toxicity index of the flame retardant board was checked through the NES 713 test. As a result, the test specimen showed a toxicity index of 0.7, which is 2.4 lower than the toxicity index of 3.1 of MDF, which is utilized as a conventional building material. Based on the results of this study, the cellulose fire retardant board showed the effect of reducing the heat release rate and toxicity index of building materials in a building fire, which reduces the risk of rapid heat spread and smoke toxicity. This has the potential to improve the evacuation time (A-SET) of evacuees in fires. It is also important to show that recycling waste paper and utilizing it as the main material for building materials can be an alternative in terms of sustainable development.

This article reports on the comparative study of the hot deformation behaviour of virgin (steel A) and rejuvenated heat treatment creep-exhausted (steel B) P91 steels. Hot uniaxial compression tests were conducted on the two steels at the deformation temperature range of 900°C-1050°C and a strain rate range of 0.01-10s-1 to 0.6 strain using Gleeble® 3500 equipment. The results showed that the flow stress largely depends on the deformation conditions. The flow stress for the two steels increased with an increase in strain rate at a given deformation temperature and vice versa. The flow stress-strain curves exhibited a dynamic recovery as the softening mechanism. The material constants determined using Arrhenius constitutive equations were: stress exponent was: steel A (5.76) and steel B (6.67), and the apparent activation energy was: steel A (473.1 kJ mol-1) and steel B (564.5 kJmol-1). From these results, steel A exhibited better workability than steel B. Statistical parameters analyses showed that the flow stress for the two steels had a good correlation between the experimental and predicted data. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R) was: steel A (0.97) and steel B (0.98). The Average Absolute Relative Error (AARE) values were: 7.62% (steel A) and 6.54% (steel B). The study shows that the Arrhenius equations can effectively describe the flow stress behaviour of P91 steel, and this method is applicable to the industrial metalworking process.

In this paper, in order to provide proper parameters for the preparation of semi-solid billets, the semi-solid annealing of hot-rolled 2A14 Al alloy was investigated. The microstructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). XRD results show that with the increase of temperature, equilibrium θ-Al2Cu gradually dissolved in the matrix. The EDS results of SEM and STEM show that there were coarse θ-Al2Cu phase, ultra-fine precipitate Al(MnFeSi) or (Mn, Fe)Al6 phase and atomic clusters in the microstructure. EBSD results show that the recrystallization mechanism was dominated by continuous static recrystallization (CSRX), the homogeneous nucleation occurred when the sample was heated to near solidus temperature, and CSRX happened in the semi-solid temperature. In the process of recrystallization, the micro-texture changed from preferred orientation to random orientation. A variety of experimental results show that static recrystallization (SRX) occurred at semi-solid temperature due to the blocking effect of atomic clusters on dislocation slip and the Zener drag effect of fine precipitates on low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) disappeared with melting at semi-solid temperature.

This paper evaluates an architectural design using an Energy Consumption consideration of Natural Ventilation in a hot dry climate (Khartoum State), at dwellings design applied. Method was used analysis of Autodesk IEVS software natural ventilation and energy consumption simulation. It resulted that to cooling, by natural ventilation in dwelling design used to get indoor temperature at the comfortable level during the summer. The Best-Case Situation of natural ventilation with consider of energy saving Based on the CFD simulation analysis, the performance of internal air velocity is approximately 0.7m/s. The wind velocity starts to slow down towards the rear of the apartment spaces. Approximately 95% of the internal areas have average air velocity between 0.43 m/s to 0.9 m/s. Internal Air flow pattern single floor house plan at Khartoum (Alazhari City); showing the internal air velocity of 0.7m/s near the window opening positions with the wind directions in the details and pressure of the air as worst-case situation, with velocity and temperature of the air with average 22o as a best-case situation. during a year. Architectural design process in the urban area of Alazhari City for dwelling towards to saving energy was applied and determined into an urban planning neighbourhood at Khartoum.

Nonwovens made of recycled carbon fibers (rCF) and thermoplastic (TP) fibers have excellent economic and ecological potential. In contrast to new fibers, recycled carbon fibers are significantly cheaper and the CO2 footprint is mostly compensated by energy savings in the first product life cycle. The next step for this promising material is its industrial serial use. Therefore the process chain from fiber to composite material is analyzed. Initially rCF length at different positions during the carding process is measured. Thereafter the influence of the TP fibers onto processing, fiber shortening and mechanical properties is evaluated. At last several nonwovens with different TP fibers and fiber volume contents between 15 vol.-% and 30 vol.-% are produced, consolidated by hot pressing and tested by 4-point bending to determine the mechanical values. The fiber length reduction ranges from 20.6 % to 28.4 %. TP fibers cushion the rCF against mechanical stress but hold rCF fragments back due to their crimp. The resulting bending strength varies from 301 MPa to 405 MPa and the stiffness from 16.3 GPa to 30.1 GPa. Design recommendations for reduced fiber shortening are derived as well as material mixtures which offer better homogeneity and higher mechanical properties.