This study aimed to examine the association of blood triglyceride levels with fasting blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence in Chinese adults with normal triglyceride levels (<1.7 mmol/L), using linear regression and binary logistic regression, respectively. This cross-sectional study included 16,706 Chinese adults, among which 1,067 had T2D. Triglycerides were positively associated with fasting plasma glucose after multivariate adjustment (β=0.034, P<0.001). One natural log unit increase in blood triglycerides was associated with a 61% higher multivari-ate-adjusted risk of T2D (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-2.17; P=0.002). The positive associations remained when participants who were treated with lipid-lowering or an-ti-diabetic drugs were excluded. The optimal cut-off of triglycerides for T2D was 1.09 mmol/L (obtained using Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis). Participants with triglycerides of ≥1.09 mmol/L had a 28% higher risk of T2D (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07-1.53; P=0.006) compared to those with triglycerides below the cut-off. In conclusion, this study showed that, in people with normal triglyceride levels, triglycerides at the upper normal range correlated with increased T2D diagnosis risk, with an optimal cut-off of 1.09 mmol/L. Therefore, adults with high “normal” triglyceride levels (1.09-1.69 mmol/L) may need to be closely monitored for the development of T2D.

Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient crucial for crop productivity. Plants absorb P salts, mainly orthophosphate, from soil, yet the primary P source resides in organic materials. Soil phosphomonoesterases (APases) play a vital role in releasing P from organics via hydrolysis. Acid and alkaline phosphatases are crucial for alleviating P deficiency in plants. In this review focused on agricultural soils, we studied the relationship of biophysicochemical, agricultural management, and climate factors on APases also its connection with crop growth and yields. Our findings indicate a strong linkage between both APases and soil pH, positively influenced by clay content, organic matter, microbial biomass carbon, and nitrogen. Adopting healthy soil practices like balanced organic fertilizer usage, optimal soil water levels, reduced tillage, crop rotation, and using beneficial plant microbes help boost APase activity. However, the connection between APases and crop productivity remains uncertain due to insufficient research in this area. Our review emphasizes the vital need to evaluate the relationship between APases and meso-macrofauna, alongside essential plant nutrients such as potassium, nutrient ratios, and the synergistic effects of various factors. Understanding the rapid, efficient assimilation of P through APases in the plant-soil and/or plant-microbiota ecosystem it can be crucial for crop productivity and yields.

Generative models have recently gained popularity in Remote Sensing, offering substantial benefits for interpreting and utilizing satellite imagery across diverse applications such as climate monitoring, urban planning, and wildfire detection. These models are particularly adept at addressing the challenges posed by satellite images, which often exhibit domain variability due to seasonal changes, sensor characteristics, and especially variations in spectral bands. Such variability can significantly impact model performance across various tasks. In response to these challenges, our work introduces a novel approach that harnesses the capabilities of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), augmented with Contrastive Learning, to generate target domain images that account for multi-spectral band variations effectively. By maximizing mutual information between corresponding patches and leveraging the power of GANs, our model aims to generate realistic-looking images across different multi-spectral domains. We present a comparative analysis of our model against other well-established generative models, demonstrating its efficacy in generating high-quality satellite images while effectively managing domain variations inherent to multi-spectral diversity.

The goal of this study was to develop a rapid diagnostic kit for rheumatic disease and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) screening. A novel rapid vertical flow assay (VFA) was engineered and used to assay anti-nuclear (ANA) and anti-dsDNA (αDNA) autoantibodies from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy controls (HC). Observer scores and absolute signal intensities from the VFA were validated by ELISA. The rapid ten minute point of care VFA test engineered demonstrated a limit of detection of 0.5 IU/ml for ANA and αDNA autoantibodies in human plasma with inter-operator CV of 19% for ANA and 12% for αDNA. Storage stability was verified over a three-month period. When testing anti-dsDNA and ANA levels in 22 SLE and 18 HC serum samples, the duplex VFA revealed 95% sensitivity, 72% specificity and 84% accuracy in discriminating disease groups, comparable to the gold standard, ELISA. The rapid αDNA/ANA duplex VFA can potentially be used in primary care clinics for evaluating patients or at-risk subjects for rheumatic diseases and for planning follow-up testing. Given its low cost, ease and rapid turnaround, it can also be used to assess SLE prevalence estimates.

In this work, we report a series of undoped and 1% Ga or Y doped lanthanum manganite compounds which have been synthesized via sol-gel technique. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX). The XRD results confirmed a good crystallinity for all the studied samples and a change in the crystal structure of Ga or Y doped lanthanum manganite (Pm-3m space group) is observed compared to pristine sample (R-3c space group). Thermal analysis highlighted a different behavior of the doped samples compared to the undoped sample observed by the different mass loss in the analyzed temperature range. For these materials, it is shown for the first time that the static electrical conductivity, σDC of Ga or Y doped LaMnO3 compounds increases compared to the σDC pristine sample, and the thermal activation energy of the conduction EA,cond increases linearly with the temperature, for all three studied sample.

The efficient and sustainable management of hospitals is an increasingly relevant challenge in the healthcare sector. With limited financial resources, regulatory pressures and increasing demands for quality services, hospitals are faced with the want to approve sound policies to certify financial and operational sustainability. Management accounting is critical in this instance. In Portugal the DL nº 284, of July 26, 1999, allow us to confirm the need to reinforcement of profitability and efficiency in the provision of healthcare. Management accounting is an essential tool for monitoring and controlling costs, making strategic decisions, efficiently allocating resources and evaluating performance in the hospital environment. It allows a comprehensive view of financial and operational aspects, providing valuable information for management and strategic planning. However, the sustainability of hospital management accounting is a critical and complex topic that deserves special attention. Hospitals face several challenges, such as the complexity of hospital costs, the integration of information systems and the measurement of healthcare value. These challenges can compromise the effectiveness of management accounting and its ability to provide relevant and reliable information for decision making. As a result, it is required to address the sustainability of hospital management accounting by identifying the specific challenges faced in this area and exploring opportunities to overcome them. By addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities, hospitals can strengthen their position in the healthcare sector, improve their operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation and ensure the provision of quality services to patients. In this article, the challenges faced by hospital management accounting will be analysed, such as the complexity of costs, the integration of information systems and the measurement of value in healthcare. Additionally, opportunities to improve financial and operational management will be highlighted through the adoption of advanced technologies, an emphasis on value-based management and collaborative partnerships. By exploring these themes, this essay aims to make a contribution. to the advancement of hospital management accounting and the sustainability of hospitals in the current healthcare scenario.

Modern engineering faces challenges in ensuring technical standards for service, durability, and sustainability. Political, administrative, and budgetary factors, coupled with climate change, pose tasks to structural integrity, affecting industries and economies. Marine infrastructures represent a strategic asset of the country as it handles a large part of the economic exchanges. This article analyzes five essential factors that play a fundamental role in the performance analysis of coastal structures: Chloride-induced corrosion, degradation models, maintenance strategies, monitoring, and climate change. Starting with reinforcement corrosion, considered as the main cause of distress, particularly in coastal zones for the long-term behavior of structures. Additional pressure from the influences of climate change is becoming evident and extreme, leading to reduction in capacity. To guarantee the lifespan, degradation models contribute by estimating the long-term performance of the asset as a strategic piece to the development of effective maintenance solutions. Additionally, quantifying the condition of the structure from monitoring data, plays a crucial part that provides information on the current situation of the structure. Finally, this review summarizes the challenges associated with the maintenance of aging marine structures considering aspects such as corrosion, monitoring, and the future challenges this area will face due to climate change.

Literature review indicates that the basic microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V is bimodal which consist of two phases: α + β, and it occurs after the fabrication in conventional methods such as casting, plastic forming or machining processes. After the additive manufacturing methods, there could be significant changes in the microstructure. Due to the rapid heat exchange during heat-treatment process, bimodal microstructure transforms into lamellar microstructure which consists of two phases α′ + β. Despite applying optimum printing parameters, 3D-printed products exhibit typical surface defects and discontinuities. Recently, two of the primary technologies for the improvement of surface layer properties of titanium alloys are shot peening and electropolishing. Literature review signalizes that shot peening and electropolishing processes have positive impact on the corrosion behaviour, mechanical properties and the condition of the surface layer of titanium alloy. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies about combining shot peening and electropolishing in one hybrid process on titanium alloys, which could synthesize the benefits of both processes. The scope of future investigation is also included in this review.

Background and Objectives: Impacted lower third molar extraction, is a common oral surgical pro-cedure. Pain, swelling and limitation of mouth opening that may occur in the postoperative pe-riod are factors that affect the daily routines of patients. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of polybutester and polypropylene sutures on postoperative complications after lower impacted third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: On 35 patients with bilateral impacted lower third molars included in the study; two different suture materials were used as polybutester suture in group 1 and polypro-lene suture in group 2. Measurements were made for the evaluation of edema and trismus be-fore the operation and on the 2nd and 7th day after the operation, and a visual analogue scale (VAS) was given to patients to fill in after the operation. Wound healing, suture related injury, and suture related discomfort in patients were noted. Results: According to the results of the study, the pain felt on the side using the polybutester su-ture on the 2nd postoperative day was less than the side using the polypropylene suture (p<0.05). On the 2nd postoperative day, it was observed that the suture on the side which the polybutester suture was used caused less discomfort to the patients than on the side which the polypropylene suture was used (p<0.05). It was observed that women experienced more pain (p<0.01) and more trismus (p<0.05) after the operation compared to men. Conclusions: On postoperative 2nd day, less pain was observed on the side where the polybutester suture was used and it was also found that the polybutester was better tolerated. These results support the use of polybutester suture in the surgery of im-pacted third molars.

Pyridoxine is a versatile molecule that forms part of the family of B vitamins. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin B6 deficiency and certain type of metabolic disorders. Besides, pyridoxine molecule has been investigated as a suitable ligand toward metal ions. Nevertheless, the study of the magnetic properties of metal complexes containing lanthanide(III) ions and this biomolecule has been unexplored. We have synthesized and characterized a novel pyridoxine-based GdIII complex of formula [Gd(III)(pyr)2(H2O)4]Cl3 • 2 H2O (1) [pyr = pyridoxine]. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group Pī. In its crystal packing, the cationic [Gd(pyr)2(H2O)4]3+ entities are linked each other through H-bonding interactions involving non-coordinating water molecules and chloride anions. In addition, Hirshfeld surfaces of 1 were calculated to further investigate their intermolecular interactions in the crystal lattice. The study of the magnetic properties of 1 through ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveals the occurrence of slow relaxation of magnetization in this mononuclear Gd(III) complex, this fact indicating an unusual single-ion magnet (SIM) behavior. We have also studied the relaxometric properties of 1, as a potential contrast agent for high-field MR imaging, from solutions of 1 prepared in physiological serum (0.0 - 3.2 mM range) and measured at 3 T on a clinical MR scanner. The relaxivity values obtained for 1 are larger than those of some commercial MR imaging contrast agents based on mononuclear Gd(III) systems

Cs2NaInCl6 double perovskites, which have excellent photoelectric conversion properties and are non-toxic and lead-free, have recently attracted much attention. In particular, double perovskite quantum dots (QDs) are considered to be a promising material for optoelectronic device applications. Ligands such as oleic acid (OA) and oleylamine (OAm) are essential for the synthesis of perovskite QDs, but their roles on double perovskite QDs are not yet clear. In this study, we have investigated the binding of OA and OAm to Cs2NaInCl6 QDs through FTIR and NMR and their effects on the surface defect reduction and stability improvement for Cs2NaInCl6 QDs. We found that only OAm was bound to the QD surfaces while OA was not. The OAm has a great effect on photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) improvement by passivate the QD surface defects. The stability of the QDs was also investigated, and it was shown that OA played a significant role in the stability of the QDs. Our findings provide critical insights into the roles of the ligands for photophysical properties and stability of lead-free double perovskite QDs.

In-wheel motor vehicles are gaining attention as a new type of electric vehicle due to their efficient power units located inside each wheel hub. However, they are more susceptible to wheel resonance due to the increase in unsprung mass caused by the motor's weight. This can result in decreased both the ride comfort and driving stability. To resolve this issue, this study aims to apply an optimal switching controller with a semi-active n actuator; magnetorheological (MR) damper. For the implementation of the optimal switching controller, a road type classification is also carried out. An acceleration sensor is used for road type classification, and control logics include a ride comfort controller; the linear quadratic regulator (LQR _Paved Road) and a wheel motion controller (LQR_Off Road) for improved driving stability. For paved roads, the LQR_Paved Road control input is applied to the MR damper. However, if a road type prone to wheel resonance is detected, the control logic switches to the LQR_Off Road. During the transition, a weighted average of both LQR_ Paved Road and LQR_Off Road control input is applied to the actuator. Computer simulations are undertaken to evaluate vibration control performance, including the ride comfort and driving stability at various road profiles.

The solar heat pump system based on photovoltaic photothermal (PV/T) modules is a new technology that integrates photovoltaics and heat reutilization. It can improve the efficiency of photovoltaic conversion and recovery the remaining heat generated during the photoelectric conversion process, thereby improving the comprehensive efficiency of the whole system. Simulink software is a visual simulation tool, which has the advantages of strong applicability, clear simulation structure and calculation process. The design of its graphical programming greatly simplifies the user modeling process and allows for direct viewing of results, therefore improving the simulation efficiency. At present, there is little research on simulation of solar heat pump systems with PV/T modules based on Simulink software. In this paper, the mathematical models of each component contained in the PV/T solar heat pump system were established based on the system working principle, energy conservation equations and some empirical formulas, and then the operation of the system was simulated by the Simulink software. Due to the operation characteristic of PV/T modules is the key influencing factor for the whole system performance, the model and simulation process for PV/T modules were introduced in detail. The results showed that the surface temperature of PV/T modules under different operating conditions was significantly lower than that of ordinary photovoltaic panels, and the temperature change amplitude was lower. As results, the power generation and photovoltaic conversion efficiency were significantly improved.

Opioid use disorder has increased in the world in recent years and Iran ranks first in terms of opium smoking in the world. In fact, opium smoking by traditional methods, in addition to dependence on morphine, is a behavioral addiction in Iran. The body position during opium smoking is usually non-standard and non-ergonomic. Over time, changes in muscle tissue, tendons and ligaments, and the connective tissue go from elasticity to neuromuscular plasticity. This study aims to compare sway back posture and musculoskeletal problems between opium smokers and non-drug users. In this comparative and cross-sectional study, 80 opium smokers were compared with 74 non-drug users in terms of sway angle (sway back posture), and musculoskeletal complaints (NORDIC questionnaire) and the association of possible risk factors was investigated. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Correlation Coefficient and paired-t tests using SPSS version 23. There were significant differences between two groups in terms of sway back posture (P=0.007), and neck (<0.001), upper back (<0.001) and lower back (0.006) musculoskeletal complaints. Homelessness, the lifetime duration of opium smoking (in months), and the duration of daily opium smoking (in minutes) had significant correlation with sway back posture and musculoskeletal complaints. Homelessness was the strongest predictor and had strongest correlation. Overall, an increase in the duration of sitting in non-ergonomic positions could lead to increase in sway angle and sway back posture and increase in musculoskeletal complaints of neck, upper back and lower back due to the non-neutral posture of opium smoking. It seems that plasticity and structural and functional adaptations of the posture occurs due to opium smoking and further studies are recommended.

Demography and behavior of Teinopodagrion oscillans was studied in a protected area from Andean region. Adult damselflies were individually marked, and using their recapture histories we estimated survival, longevity, sex ratio, and population size using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models. Furthermore, aspects of their behaviour were recorded. Survival, recapture, and lifespan were similar for both sexes and all age groups. Mature males were larger and the distance from the water was similar for all individuals. The most supported model was the time-dependent model for survival and recapture (Phi(t) p(t)). This suggests that weather variations affect in a significant way the demography of this population. Individuals exhibited high fidelity to their site perch, perching with open wings near to water on a variety of perch. Mature males make short flights from the perch to intercept conspecific and interspecific males and to hunt prey. Tandem position was formed on macrophytes and then the pair flight away. Oviposition lasted for 11.23 minutes on average, with the females ovipositing by abdomen submersion. Our results offer insights on demographic characteristics and behaviour of this species, providing crucial information for short and long term conservation decisions of the biodiversity in ecosystems of the Andean region.

This study investigated whether reciprocal collaborative pedagogy significantly impacts Indonesian electrical engineering polytechnic students in reducing reading anxiety and improving self-efficacy in ESP reading comprehension skills. Fifty Polytechnic students were equally assigned to two groups. Control groups learned in the traditional reciprocal teaching method individually. Experimental group engaged in reciprocal collaborative pedagogy. Each group received a 6-week reading strategy training. E-learning platforms were used in this study as a complementary tool to distribute ESP reading materials, announcements, and the experiment details being taught. The quantitative and qualitative results demonstrated that the tasks in reciprocal collaborative pedagogy positively affects Indonesian electrical engineering polytechnic students' learning experience and outcomes. This pedagogy promotes a productive learning environment through peer interaction, active engagement, and peer group discussions of the whole learning activities, reducing feelings of anxiety and building confidence in ESP-specialized text.

There are no investigations about the outcomes of idiopathic PVCs catheter ablation (CA) in athletes compared to sedentary population. We conducted a prospective single-centre observational study. The primary and secondary procedural outcomes were premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) post-ablation reduction in athletes vs. non-athletes group and in agonist vs. leisure-time athletes. The third was the evaluation of the resumption of physical activity and the improvement of symptoms in agonist and leisure-time athletes. From January 2020 to October 2022 we enrolled 79 patients with RVOT/LVOT/fascicular PVC presumed origin. The median percentage of decrease between the pre-procedure and post-procedure Holter monitoring in non-athletes group was 96 (IQR 68 – 98) and 98 in athletes group (IQR 92 – 99) (p=0,08). Considering the athletes, the median percentage of decrease in PVCs number was 98 (IQR 93-99) and 98 (IQR 87-99) respectively in leisure-time and agonistic athletes (p=0,42). Sixteen (70%) leisure time and 17 (90%) agonist athletes (p=0,24) have resumed physical activity 3 months after PVCs CA; among agonistic athletes, 59% have resumed competitive physical activity. Much of leisure-time (88%) and agonist (70%) athletes experienced an improvement in symptoms after ablation. PVC CA was effective and safe in both groups, reducing symptoms and allowing a quick and safe return to sports activities in athletes.

Flow experience, characterized by deep immersion and complete engagement in a task, is highly recognized for its positive psychological impacts. However, previous studies have been restricted to use a single type of task, and the exploration on its neural correlates has been limited. This study aimed to explore the neural correlates of flow experience with the employment of multifac-eted flow-induction tasks. Six tasks spanning mindfulness, artistic tasks, free recall, and varying levels of Tetris complexity (easy, flow, and hard conditions) were employed to have a relatively complete coverage of the known flow-induction tasks for a better induction of individualized flow experience. Twenty-eight participants were recruited to perform these six tasks, with a sin-gle-channel prefrontal electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Significant positive correlations were observed between the subjective flow scores of individual’s best-flow-experience task and the EEG activities at delta, gamma, and theta bands, peaking at latencies around 2 minutes after task onset. The outcomes of our multiple regression analysis yield a maximum coefficient of de-termination (R²) of 0.279. Our findings report the EEG correlates of flow experience in naturalistic settings and highlight the potential of portable and unobtrusive EEG technology for an objective measurement of flow experience.

Background: The use of wearable devices has burgeoned over the past decade, including wearables for infants and young children. Typically, such devices assess a single modality, and few have undergone scientific validation. To address this gap, we developed an infant wearable platform, LittleBeats™, that integrates electrocardiogram (ECG), motion, and audio sensors on a single printed circuit board to permit daylong remote assessments of infants and caregivers in home environments. Objective: Complementing our prior reports focused on LittleBeats™ data collected among infants and children in the home context, our main objective here is to present a technical validation of each sensor modality against established laboratory protocols and gold-standard equipment. Materials and Methods: We conducted five studies, including assessments of (a) interbeat interval (IBI) data obtained from the LittleBeats™ ECG sensor versus the gold-standard BIOPAC among adults (Study 1, N=16) and infants (Study 2, N=5), (b) performance of automated activity recognition (upright vs. walk vs. glide vs. squat ) among adults using accelerometer data obtained from LittleBeats™ versus Google Pixel 1 smartphone (Study 3, N=12), and (c) performance of speech emotion recognition (SER; Study 4, N=8) and automatic speech recognition (ASR; Study 5, N =12) algorithms among adult samples using audio data from LittleBeats™ versus smartphone. Results: Results for IBI data obtained from the LittleBeats™ ECG sensor indicate acceptable mean absolute percent error (MAPE) rates for both the adults (MAPE = 5.29% to 5.97%; Study 1) and infants (MAPE =0.96% to 1.66%; Study 2) across low- and high-challenge sessions, as well as expected patterns of change in respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA) across sessions. For activity recognition (Study 3), LittleBeats™ data showed good to excellent performance (Accuracy = 89%, F1-score=88%; Cohen’s kappa =.79), although the smartphone outperformed LittleBeats™ by less than 4%. Finally, performance on the SER applied to LittleBeats™ versus smartphone audio data (Study 4) indicated comparable performance, with a matched-pairs test indicating no significant difference in error rates (p=.26). On the ASR task (Study 5), the best performing algorithm yielded relatively low word error rates, although LittleBeats™ (4.16%) versus smartphone (2.73%) error rates are somewhat higher. Discussion: Taken together, results from these controlled laboratory studies conducted predominantly with adults indicate that the LittleBeats™ sensors yield data quality that is largely comparable to those obtained from gold-standard devices and protocols that have been used extensively in prior research. The advantages of the LittleBeats™ platform is the (a) integration of multiple sensors into one platform that was (b) designed specifically for use with infants and young children. Leveraging data from the multiple modalities and fine-tuning postprocessing steps to further increase data quality, combined with assessing data quality among infants and young children in their natural environments, will be key next steps in this research program.

To win a taekwondo competition, more points must be scored, and the key to scoring points is to improve the motor performance of the kick. The wing kick is an offensive and defensive maneuver. Core stability appears to be important for improving athletic performance, but the specific relationship and effect of core stability on athletic performance in the aerial phase of taekwondo is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between core stability and athletic performance in taekwondo in order to provide appropriate theoretical support for training and to help coaches and athletes to improve athletic performance. A total of 16 subjects (height: 167.34±9.2 cm; weight: 61±8.96 kg; age: 24.7±3.25 years) were studied. Data were captured using 13 infrared cameras at 120Hz, kinematic and kinetic data were captured using a motivated motion capture system, and the data were exported to Visual3D in order to calculate the execution time of the aerial phase, the angular momentum of the left lower extremity, and MVC analysis of the EMG using EMG works. The core stability level of the subjects were measured using the Sahrmann Core Stability Test (SCST) to correlate with the other data, and then the subjects were grouped according to their core stability levels and the data from both groups were analyzed with t-tests. Results During the double fly lifting of aerial segments, SCST levels showed a very strong negative correlation with execution time (r= -0.739) and there was a statistically significant difference in execution time between high and low SCST levels (p &lt; 0.001), and the desired negative correlation was also seen in lower limb angular momentum X-axis (thigh r= -0.6294, shank r= -0.536, foot r= -0.6175), especially in the X-axis. The left rectus femoris (LRF) data had greater activation in the low SCST group(p=0.0019*). Through this experiment, we found that athletes with high core stability had faster execution times, lower angular momentum, and higher core muscle activation. Therefore, we conclude that incorporating core stability training into taekwondo training has the potential to improve kicking performance.

The circular supply chain was applied to many industries in the past studies, whereas the rubber recycling industry has not been explored in detail yet. Therefore, this study indentified the key factors of the circular supply chain used in remanufactured products, thereby perfecting its framework. This study put forward 5 aspects and 19 criteria for reference, so that companies in the rubber recycling industry are able to clearly know the direction of implementation when con-structing the circular supply chain for remanufactured products. This study integrated expert opinions with the fuzzy Delphi method and the fuzzy decision making trial and evaluation laboratory proposed key factors, and performed the ranking of importance. The results have displayed that key aspects include the circular business model (A3), increasing the value of resources in the supply chain (A4), and risk management of the circular supply chain (A2). The factors that the rubber recycling industry needs to pay attention to are: optimizing the production process (C2), sharing data in the product lifecycle (C4), effectively tracking and recycling products (C5), redesigning remanufactured products (C13), enhancing resource efficiency (C16), and identifying waste composition and separating materials (C14) . Based on the abovementioned, we had a discussion in this study.

Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops grown worldwide. Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a seed-borne tobamovirus, poses a serious threat to tomato productions due to its ability to break the resistant genes (Tm-1, Tm-2, Tm-22) in tomato. The objective of this work was to identify new resistance source(s) of tomato germplasm against ToBRFV. To achieve this aim, a total of 476 accessions from 12 Solanum species were tested with the ToBRFV US isolate for their resistance and susceptibility. As a result, a total of 44 asymptomatic accessions were identified as resistance/tolerance, including 31 accessions of S. pimpinellifolium, one accession of S. corneliomulleri, four accessions of S. habrochaites, three accessions of S. peruvianum and five accessions of S. subsection lycopersicon hybrid. Further analysis using serological tests identified four highly resistant S. pimpinellifolium lines, PI 390713, PI 390714, PI 390716 and PI 390717. The inheritance of resistance in the selected lines was verified in next generation and confirmed by RT-qPCR. To our knowledge, this is a first report of high resistance to ToBRFV in S. pimpinellifolium. These new genetic resources will expand the genetic pool available for breeders to develop new resistant cultivars of tomato against ToBRFV.

Electric vehicles can effectively make use of the time-of-use electricity price to reduce the charging cost, meanwhile using the grid power to preheat the battery before departure is particularly important for improving the vehicle mileage and reducing the use cost.In this paper, a dynamic programming algorithm is used to optimize the battery AC charging-preheating strategy to minimize the total cost of battery charging and preheating, with the charging current and battery preheating power consumption as the control variables. The cost difference between the optimized control strategy and the conventional preheating strategy was analyzed under different ambient temperatures (-20℃~ 0℃) and different target travel time (7:00 ~ 12:00). The simulation results show that the optimized control strategy makes the battery SOC and temperature reach the set value at the user's target departure time, and the total cost of the grid is the lowest. Compared with the conventional preheating strategy, the optimized control strategy can utilize the power grid energy in the valley price area, reduce the opening time of water heating PTC in the flat and the peak price zones, and the cost utilization rate can reach 18.41% ~ 73.96%, and the cost-saving effect is significant.

The major arboviruses belong mainly to the families Bunyaviridae, Togaviridae, and Flaviviridae amongst which chikungunya virus and dengue virus have emerged as a global public health problem. The main objective of the study was to develop a specific, sensitive, and cost-effective molecular multiplex RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assay for the rapid and simultaneous detection of CHIKV and the four serotypes of DENV for arbovirus surveillance. Specific primers of all virus were designed, one step multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR) and RT-qPCR (mRT-qPCR) was developed using reference strains of CHIKV and DENV serotypes. The specificity of the test for all the viruses was confirmed by sequencing. The standard curves showed a high correlation coefficient, R2= 0.99, for DENV-2 and DENV-3; R2= 0.98, for DENV-4 and CHIKV; R2= 0.93, for DENV-1. The limits of detection were calculated to be 10-2 copies/µL for all viruses. The specificity and sensitivity of the newly developed mRT-PCR and mRT-qPCR were validated using positive serum samples collected in India and Burkina Faso. The sensitivity of mRT-PCR and mRT-qPCR are 91%, and 100% respectively. The specificity of both assays was 100% specific. mRT-PCR and mRT-qPCR assays are low cost and a combination of both will be a useful tool for arbovirus surveillance.

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disorder stemming from biallelic mutations in GBA1, characterized by glucocerebrosidase dysfunction and glucocerebroside and glucosylsphingosine accumulation. Since phenotypes of murine models of GD often differ from those in patients, careful characterization of Gba1 mutant mice is necessary to establish their ability to model GD. We performed side-by-side comparative biochemical and pathologic analyses of four murine Gba1 models with genotypes L444P/L444P (p.L483P/p.L483P), L444P/null, D409H/D409H (p.D448H/p.D448H), and D409H/null, along with matched wildtype mice, all with the same genetic background and cage conditions. All mutant mice exhibited significantly lower glucocerebrosidase activity (p < 0.0001) and higher glucosylsphingosine levels than wildtype, with the lowest glucocerebrosidase and highest glucosylsphingosine levels in mice carrying a null allele. Although glucocerebrosidase activity in L444P and D409H mice was similar, D409H mice showed more lipid accumulation. No Gaucher or storage-like cells were detected in any of the Gba1 mutant mice. Quantification of neuroinflammation, dopaminergic neuronal loss, alpha-synuclein levels and motor behavior revealed no significant findings, even in aged animals. Thus, while the models may have utility for testing the effect of different therapies on enzymatic activity, they did not recapitulate the pathological phenotype of patients with GD, and better models are needed.

The determination of the specific surface free energy, specific properties and Lewis’s acid base of solid materials is of capital importance in many industrial processes such as adhesion, coatings, two dimensional films and adsorption phenomena. (1) Background: The physicochemical properties of many solid particles were characterized during the last forty years by using the retention time of injected well-known molecules into chromatographic column containing the solid substrates to be characterized. The obtained net retention time of the solvents adsorbed on the solid allowing the determination of the net retention volume directly correlated to the specific surface variables, dispersive, polar and acid-base properties. (2) Methods: Many chromatographic methods were used to quantify the values of the different specific surface variables of the solids. However, one found a large deviation between the different results. In this paper, one proposed a new method that quantify the specific free energy of adsorption as well as the Lewis’s acid-base constants of many solid surfaces. (3) Results: The new applied method allowed us to obtain the specific enthalpy and entropy of adsorption of polar model organic molecules on several solid substrates such as silica, alumina, MgO, ZnO, Zn, TiO2 and carbon fibers. (4) Conclusions: our new method based on the separation between the dispersive and polar free surface energy allowed to better characterize the solid materials.

(1) Background: To estimate resistance, reactance and phase angle values among moderate preterm infants and their variation according to neonatal and maternal characteristics and nutritional intake. (2) Methods: This was a cohort that evaluated 43 moderate preterm infants using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The study variables included resistance, reactance and PA measurements, in addition to classification of nutritional intake. (3) Results: The mean resistance was 602.0+118.2 Ω, reactance was 57.2 Ω (IIQ = 42.6-65.2) and phase angle was 522° (IIQ = 4.1-6.6). Lower resistance values were found in the presence of risky pregnancy (532.2+111.9 Ω vs 650.9+97.9 Ω, p&lt;0.001) and lower reactance values, in the presence of harmful maternal lifestyle habits at both the first (p=0.01) and second assessments (p=0.01). Eight preterm infants were considered to have insufficient nutritional intake (23.5%); 17, sufficient (50.0%) and 9, partially sufficient (26.5%). There was less reactance among preterm infants with insufficient nutritional intake (p &lt; 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were within the range of values reported in other studies. There was an association between full diet and adequate nutritional intake with higher resistance values, and a lower reactance value was associated with the presence of risky pregnancy and harmful maternal lifestyle.

The use of disinfectants, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUACs), has dramatically escalated globally since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We report a case that highlights the risks associated with the ingestion of a low-concentration QUACs solution and emphasizes the importance of effective management in resolving severe lesions without sequelae. A 17-month-old boy experienced severe respiratory failure after ingesting a disinfectant containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The child was initially treated in a local emergency department and was subsequently transferred to a pediatric poison center. Upon evaluation, the child was found to have grade III-A corrosive esophageal lesions and chemical pneumonitis. Several complications, including massive pneumothorax and candidemia, occurred during the clinical course of the disease. However, with timely medical intervention and appropriate supportive care, the patient completely recovered without any long-term sequelae. The properties of BAC and a comprehensive management approach may have been responsible for the patient's full recovery despite the potential life-threatening effects of the ingestion of disinfectants.

This study aimed to use spatiotemporal tensor data to measure the level of employment quality in China's provinces and analyzed the magnitude and direction of its influencing factors in the spatiotemporal dimension. Taked 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government in China from 2011 to 2020 as the research object, the employment quality evaluation system was constructed from six dimensions of employment environment, employment status, employability, labor remuneration, social security, and labor relations. The employment quality index data was expressed as a three-order high-dimensional tensor spatio-temporal data form, and the employment quality of China's provinces was measured from the spatio-temporal perspective by using principal tensor analysis, and the visual analysis of the development and change process of employment quality was carried out. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of employment quality was carried out, and the time-space dual fixed effect model of the spatial Dubin model was selected to analyze the direction and magnitude of the influence factors of employment quality on itself and its neighboring provinces. The research showed that: (1) The overall level of employment quality in China was not high and the employment quality varies greatly among provinces, and the employment quality development gap among provinces showed a trend of widening. (2) The development of employment quality in western China was relatively fast, while the development of employment quality in central China showed insufficient stamina. (3) Sichuan Province had a strong radiation effect on the development of employment quality in neighboring provinces, and Beijing and Tianjin had a strong siphon effect on the development of employment quality in neighboring provinces. (4) The level of industrialization and informatization promoted the development of employment quality in China's provinces, while the industrial structure had a significant negative effect on the development of employment quality.

This study aimed to evaluate the positive effect of autumn olive berries (AOB) extract on aging delay by improving the lipid metabolism of middle-aged C. elegans who became obese due to high glucose (GLU) diet. As a result of investigating the total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging ability of freeze- or spray-dried AOB, freeze-dried AOB showed better antioxidant potential. Afterward, through HPLC analysis, it was confirmed that catechin was the main compound in the polyphenols of AOB. Therefore, we used freeze-dried AOB in subsequent in vivo experiments. AOB inhibited lipid accumulation in both the young adult and middle-aged groups in a concentration-dependent manner under both normal and 2% GLU conditions. Additionally, AOB inhibited ROS accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner under normal and 2% GLU conditions in the middle-aged worms. In particular, AOB also increased the number of body bending and egg production in middle-aged worms. To confirm the intervention of genetic factors related to lipid metabolism in the effect of AOB, body lipid accumulation was confirmed using worms deficient in the daf-16, atgl-1, aak-1, and akt-1. Regarding the effect of AOB on reducing lipid accumulation, the impact was nullified in daf-16 deficient worms under the 2% GLU condition and nullified in both daf-16 and deficient worms under fasting conditions. This means that AOB regulates lipogenesis and lipolysis by mediating daf-16 and atgl-1 in middle-aged worms. Our results suggest that AOB contributes to the aging delay effect by improving lipid metabolism in metabolic impaired middle-aged worms.

We use the Stefan-Boltzmann law to derive and investigate what we will call the black hole CMB temperature luminosity. Interestingly, the CMB luminosity is always the same for every black hole at a luminosity distance equal to the Schwarzschild radius, which is fully valid in black hole cosmology, a topic that is actively discussed to this day. The CMB black hole luminosity is always the same , regardless of the mass of the black hole. This is in contrast to the Bekenstein-Hawking luminosity, which is linked to the Hawking temperature, that is mass dependent.

Usually, the vector control of the induction machine (IM) is done by using cascade control structures with conventional linear PI controllers, the inner loop being designed for current control, and the outer loop for rotor flux and speed control. In this paper, starting from the dq model of the IM with the rotor magnetic flux space vector aligned along the d axis, advanced control algorithms are proposed for the two control loops of the cascade structure. For the current inner loop, after the decoupling control of the two dq currents, predictive algorithms with constraints are used to control and limit the currents. Since the outer loop has a nonlinear affine multivariable plant model, a homotopy-based variant of feedback linearization is used to obtain a non-singular decoupling matrix of the feedback transformation even when the rotor flux is zero at the start-up of the motor. During the continuous variation of the homotopy parameter, the model of the plant is variable, in which case the model free algorithms are properly used to control the flux and speed of the IM. The comparative analysis obtained for the cascade structure with conventional PI controllers and advanced algorithms, respectively, shows that the last lead to improve the dynamical performance of the IM.

Mountain ecosystems are crucial for global biodiversity conservation. However, their landscape features are constantly changing owing to urban expansion. Understanding the relationships between biotic communities and landscape features is essential for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to examine the effect of land-cover type on avian communities in Lishui, a mountainous urban area in eastern China. Avian surveys were conducted using a total of 168 line transects across different land-cover types once per season from December 2019 to January 2021. We assessed the diversity of bird communities by calculating various metrics at both taxonomic and functional levels. Among the land-cover types measured, woodland, built-up land, cultivated land, and water bodies significantly influenced bird community diversity and composition. Species richness, species abundance, and functional richness were negatively correlated with the proportion of woodland but positively correlated with the proportion of non-natural land cover, such as built-up and cultivated land. In contrast, functional evenness was positively correlated with the proportion of woodland and grassland but negatively correlated with the proportion of non-natural land cover. Land-cover type also exhibited significant correlations with avian functional characteristics such as diet, foraging strata, and body mass, thereby influencing the overall community structure. Our results indicated that mountainous landscape patterns substantially affect avian communities. Different land-cover types possess varying resource endowments that affect the distribution of avian species. Therefore, urban landscape planning in mountainous areas should carefully consider the various functions provided to organisms by different types of land cover to promote biodiversity.

This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical investigations aimed at enhancing the flexural capacity of Precast Concrete Corbel Beam-Column Connections (PC-CBCC) using Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) sheets. The experimental study primarily focused on assessing the flexural capacity of pinned PC-CBCCs reinforced with FRP layers, comparing them to a moment-resisting connection. A series of half-scale specimens, including three PC-CBCCs with varying FRP configurations, were tested alongside one in-situ concrete fixed connection. The objective was to quantify the ultimate flexural capacity of PC-CBCCs reinforced by FRP sheets. The effects of FRP layer thickness, locations, and potential debonding were examined under unidirectional static tests while applying a constant axial compressive load to the columns and subjecting the beams to lateral loads until fracture. Additionally, a precise finite element model of the PC-CBCCs and a fixed joint was developed and verified to simulate nonlinear static analyses of the connections in ANSYS software. A comprehensive comparison was conducted to determine their responses by employing various FRP configurations and properties. The tests and numerical results demonstrate that wrapping PC-CBCCs with anchored FRPs can transform pin connections into moment-resistant joints. Moreover, critical design parameters such as bond length, thickness, and placement of FRP sheets, along with appropriate mechanical anchorage, are identified to prevent debonding and delamination.

Saline-alkaline aquaculture has become important breakthrough to expand available space for aquaculture in China. However, the biochemical composition and quality of Eriocheir sinensis reared in carbonate alkalinity water are still unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the edible yield, coloration, nutritional and flavor quality of Eriocheir sinensis. Significantly lower gona-dosomatic index (GSI) and meat yield (MY) were detected in intensive pond (IP) than those in semi intensive reed wetland (SIWR) (P< 0.05). Six color parameters differed between IP and SIRW in the hepatopancreas (P< 0.05). The contents of crude protein and fat in the female hepatopan-creas of IP were significantly higher than those in SIRW(P< 0.05). The higher concentrations of ∑MUFA, ∑EFA, h/H in the female edible tissues were checked in IP than those in SIRW, with significant difference including ∑MUFA in the hepatopancreas and ovary, ∑EFA in the muscle, and h/H in the ovary (P<0.05). Better total free amino acid (∑FAA) contents of muscle were de-tected in SIRW than that in IP. Significantly increasing tendency was detected in K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn of ovary from SIRW to IP (P< 0.05). Overall, the Eriocheir sinensis reared in carbonate alkalinity water is an important source of nutrient.

Reflux esophagitis, a treatment for gastric ulcers known as Ilaprazole (Ila), is not stable during storage and handling at room temperature, requiring storage at 5 degrees celsius. In this study, to address these issues with Ila, coformers rich in oxygen (O) and hydroxyl (OH) groups capable of forming hydrogen bonds with were selected. These coformers included Xylitol (Xyl), Meglumine (Meg), Nicotinic acid (Nic), L-Aspartic acid (Asp), and L-Glutamic acid (Glu). A 1:1 physical mixture of Ila and each coformer was prepared, and the potential for cocrystal for-mation was predicted using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) screening. The results indi-cated the potential for cocrystal formation in the Ila/Xyl physical mixture. Subsequently, Ila and Xyl were mixed in ethyl acetate (EA) in a 1:1 ratio, and after 28 hours of slurry, the formation of Ila/Xyl cocrystal was confirmed through solid-state CP/MAS 13C NMR spectrum analysis, showing intermolecular hydrogen bonding and conformational changes. Furthermore, the 1:1 ratio of Ila/Xyl cocrystal was confirmed through solution-state NMR (1H, 13C, and 2D) molecular structure analysis. To assess the stability of Ila/Xyl cocrystal at room temperature, it was stored and com-pared with Ila at 25±2°C and relative humidity (RH) of 65±5% over three months. The results showed that the purity of Ila/Xyl cocrystal remained at 99.8% from the initial purity of 99.75% over the three months, while Ila was predicted to decrease from an initial 99.8% purity to 90% after three months. Additionally, at 25±2°C and RH 65±5%, a specific impurity B in Ila/Xyl cocrystal was observed to be 0.03% over three months, whereas Ila was predicted to increase from an initial 0.032% to 2.28% after three months. To evaluate the dissolution rate of Ila/Xyl cocrystal, a formulation was prepared and compared with Ila at pH 10, with a dosage equivalent to 10mg of Ila. The results showed that Ila/Xyl cocrystal reached 55% within 15 minutes and 100% within 45 minutes, while Ila was predicted to reach 32% at 15 minutes and 100% only after 60 minutes. However, overall, the Ila/Xyl cocrystal showed results equivalent to or exceeding the dissolution rate of Ila. Therefore, it is predicted that the Ila/Xyl cocrystal will maximize its effectiveness as a more convenient crystal structure for formulation development, allowing storage and preservation at room temperature without the need for the problematic 5°C refrigeration during ambient con-ditions and storage, addressing the issues associated with Ila.

The realization of value in eco-products represents a rapidly advancing research theme. However, the clarity of relevant concepts, types and operational mechanisms remains elusive. A comprehensive review of current-stage research outcomes in eco-product value realization not only provides a novel approach to rejuvenating regional economies but also proactively contributes to the enhancement of local ecological environments. This article conducts a systematic literature review on the fundamental concepts, research scope and pathways for realizing the value of eco-products. The conclusions are as follows: (1) To clarify the basic concepts of ecosystem services and eco-products, the interrelationship between the two and the research scope of eco-products. (2) To elaborate the method for accounting the value of eco-products. (3) To demonstrate governmental path, market path and collaborative path for realizing the value of eco-products. (4)To review cases pertaining to the realization of value in public eco-products, quasi-public eco-products and operational eco-products both domestically and internationally. Building on this research foundation, the article identifies shortcomings in past research results and proposes key directions for future research progress.

The guthi, an ancient institution deeply embedded in Nepal's social, cultural, and economic fabric, has long overseen the maintenance of temples, shrines, festivals, and heritage sites since the Lichchhavi era (400-750). Since 1960, however, this system has been challenged by government land reforms, which has impacted its influence on sustainable heritage conservation. Nevertheless, there's compelling evidence that land nationalization and the guthi's declining authority have harmed local heritage conservation. Nevertheless, the guthi system has endured, serving as an important informal means of heritage conservation and highlighting the adaptability of traditional institutions. These community-based trusts, originally established for social and religious purposes, have played a pivotal role in preserving cultural practices, monuments, and temples for future generations. This article aims to demonstrate the central role of the guthi as the cornerstone of Nepal's efforts to conserve and manage both tangible and intangible cultural treasures. Using observational techniques, case studies, and a qualitative approach, it explores the historical evolution of heritage conservation through the lens of the guthi, taking into account subjective, valued, and constructed realities. The paper concludes by urging policymakers to recognize the significant contribution of indigenous systems such as the guthi in achieving sustainable heritage conservation. Embracing such traditional strategies can mitigate multifaceted problems and effectively preserve Nepal's cultural heritage through the guthi.

In modern automobiles, Infotainment High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of drivers and passengers by providing advanced features consisting of music, navigation, communication, entertainment, etc. However, as the use of information technology in vehicles increases, it results in cybersecurity threats such as data breaches and the loss of sensitive information. To improve the security of the infotainment system in automotive vehicles, the research conducted threat modeling at the component level using Microsoft’s STRIDE tool and performed risk assessment by using SAHARA (Safety-Aware Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment) and DREAD methodologies to evaluate associated risks. It provides a systematic representation of threats, associated risks, and generic mitigation strategies to counter cybersecurity attacks. Through the threat modeling process, 34 potential security threats were identified. The study also provided a comparative analysis to calculate the risk values of the threats to prioritize for treatment. These identified threats and associated risks need to be considered to avoid potential cyberattacks, before deploying the infotainment HPC system in real-world automotive vehicles.

The size of the population and the need for residential spaces are increasing. One possible solution is to add new floors to existing buildings. The positive aspects of such a solution with respect to its socio-economic impact and impact on the environment is that large amounts of carbon dioxide release will be avoided, waste and its treatment will be reduced, and agricultural land and green spaces will be preserved. However, adding floors to existing structures might be structurally challenging, especially in terms of the behavior under seismic actions. This paper presents a numerical study of a reinforced concrete frame in an old building to which new floors are subsequently added. The analysis shows that the frame does not behave as a whole with the old part of the structure, nor does it behave the same as if it were made with rigid joints compared to additional ones connected using hinge joints. The change from the corner (knee) joint to the external joint has its own effect on the distribution of internal forces in the structure as a whole and in the joint in particular.

This study evaluates the incidence and characteristics of adverse events (AEs) following the second COVID-19 booster dose, leveraging Taiwan's distinctive approach of extending booster vaccinations to all citizens, unlike the targeted high-risk group strategies in other countries. Utilizing data from Taipei Veterans General Hospital's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from October 27, 2022, to January 19, 2023, the research examines AEs in 441 out of 1711 second booster recipients, considering factors like age, vaccine brands, and booster combinations. The findings reveal incidence rates (IR) of 25.6% (95% CI: 21.1-30.8) after the first booster and 24.9% (95% CI: 20.5-30.0) after the second, mostly non-serious, with those having AEs post-first booster 5 times more likely to report them again (Incidence rat rato, 5.02, P&lt;0.001). Significantly, switching from the mRNA1273 vaccine to another brand reduced AE risk by 18%. The study underscores that AEs are more repetitive than cumulative with additional booster doses, advocating for personalized vaccination strategies based on individual medical histories and previous vaccine reactions. These insights are valuable for healthcare providers in discussing potential AEs with patients, thereby improving vaccine compliance and public trust, and for policymakers in planning future booster vaccination strategies.

Research on the development of new lightweight Al-Li alloys using selective laser melting pro-cess has great potential for industrial applications. This paper reports on the development of novel aluminum-lithium alloys using selective laser melting technology. Al-Cu-Li-Mg-Ag-Sc-Zr pre-alloyed powders with lithium contents of 1 wt.%, 2 wt.% and 3 wt.%, respectively, were prepared by inert gas atomization. After SLM process optimization, the microstructure and me-chanical properties of the as-formed specimens were investigated. The densification of the three newly developed alloys are 99.51 %, 98.96 % and 92.01 %, respectively. They all have good form-ability, with the lithium loss rate about 15 %. The as-formed alloy with 1% Li content presents good comprehensive properties with a yield strength of 412.6 ± 16.0 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 461.1 ± 11.7 MPa, and an elongation of 13.6 ± 1.1%. The three alloys exhibit a layered molten pool stacking morphology and have a typical heterostructure. The columnar crystals and equiaxed fine grains are alternately arranged, and most of the precipitated phases are enriched at the grain boundaries. The change of Li content mainly affects the precipitation of Cu-containing phase. When the Li content is 1 wt.%, there are θ phase, T1 phase and TB phase. When Li increased to 2 wt.%, T1 and T2 phases precipitated together. When Li reaches 3 wt.%, δ' phase precipitates with T2 phase. This study provides useful guidance for the future SLM form-ing of new crack-free and high-strength Al-Li alloys.

Vibro-fluidized dry coal beneficiation involves the unavoidable mixing of -1 mm coal dust into the fluidized bed, which compromises the stability and homogeneity of the bed density and reduces the effectiveness of fine-grained coal separation. In order to understand the features of coal powder separation and mixing (-1 mm) in a vibrating fluidized bed, as well as to achieve a uniform and stable bed density, a wide-grained dense medium consisting of -1 mm coal dust and 0.3-0.15 mm magnetite powder was homogeneously mixed in this work. The degree of density separation in the entire bed was examined, as well as the local mixing properties of the Wide-grained Dense Medium. It was discovered that when low vibrational energy was introduced at the same gas velocity, particle separation was enhanced in comparison to the usual fluidized bed. Little bubbles were found to ensnare fine coal dust and migrate upward, increasing density separation. The introduction of high vibrational energy leads to particle disorder within the bed and an increase in the level of particle mixing. The beneficial effects of vibration on the bed are diminished when the gas velocity is gradually increased under specified vibration circumstances. This causes big bubbles to develop more frequently, which increases particle mixing. Among them, the 1-0.5 mm fine-grained coal exhibits the best mixing state; it is less impacted by variations in air velocity and vibration levels, whereas the -0.5 mm coal dust is more affected by each of these variables. Furthermore, a wide range of air velocity regulation without a significant segregation state change was discovered to be achievable by the particle system under vibration circumstances of f=25Hz A=1mm and f=25Hz A=2mm.

Contacting bodies in extreme environments are prone to severe wear and failure due to friction and seizure, which are associated with significant thermal and mechanical loads. This phenomenon greatly impacts the economy since most essential components encounter these challenges during machining, an unavoidable step in most manufacturing processes. In machining, stress can reach 4 GPa, and temperatures can exceed 1000 °C at the cutting zone. Severe seizure and friction are the primary causes of tool and workpiece failures. Liquid lubricants are popular in machining for combatting heat and friction; however, concerns about their environmental impact are growing, as two-thirds of the 40 million tons used annually are discarded and they produce other environmental and safety issues. Despite their overall efficacy, these lubricants also have limitations, including ineffectiveness in reducing seizure at the tool/chip interface and susceptibility to degradation at high temperatures. There is therefore a push towards solid lubricants, which promise a reduced environmental footprint, better friction management, and improved machining outcomes but also face challenges under extreme machining conditions. This research aims to provide a thorough insight into solid lubricant use in machining, discussing their mechanisms, effectiveness, constraints, and potential to boost productivity and environmental sustainability.

Currently, the use of medications during pregnancy in Latin America is common; studies with Latin American samples find that nearly 90% of pregnant women use some medication at least once during pregnancy. Furthermore, approximately 21% of the respondents self-medicated. Worldwide, the prevalence of this disease is 32%. The most common medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Many of these drugs are available over the counter without a prescription. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature on the adverse effects on the woman and the fetus was performed. Objective: To determine the adverse effects associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on pregnant women and fetuses during pregnancy. Methods: Systematic literature review. The following search strategy was used for the databases: Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, through September 3, 2022. The population of pregnant women without previous comorbidities was defined. The intervention of interest was the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy. The outcomes of interest were adverse effects for the mother or fetus (weight of the newborn, congenital malformations present in the fetus, systemic effects in the pregnant woman during her gestation period). The types of studies included clinical trials, cohort studies and case‒control studies. Results: 1 study included 2,985 pregnant women without previous comorbidities. The use of aspirin more frequently during pregnancy stands out. The adverse effects on the fetus were preterm birth <37 weeks, low birth weight < 2500 g and increased admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. No adverse effects were found for the mother. Conclusions: There are not enough data indicating that the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy is safe. Some studies show that the use of NSAIDs during pregnancy could be related to problems in the development and growth of the fetus and health effects for the mother during pregnancy, so it is advisable to use these drugs under medical prescription and for the shortest possible time. in the gestation stage.

Through a variety of unique ecosystem services, peatlands provide critical support to society and play a significant part in the global environmental system. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities pose a hazard to these peatlands. This study estimated a total economic value (TEV) of peatland ecosystem services and examined relationships between the TEV and landscape characteristics in Riau province, Indonesia. A comprehensive economic valuation questionnaire, covering household socioeconomic conditions, ecological information and landscape characteristics, perception of peatland importance, peatland product collection data, and villagers' willingness to pay (WTP) for habitat and biodiversity protection, was administered to 200 household representatives (92% confidence) from five villages distributing across distinct landscapes. The survey took place from May to June 2023. The respondents derived numerous advantages from the peatlands, culminating in an average TEV of USD 3,174.31 per household per year. This value predominantly reflects a use value, accounting for 80.85% of the TEV. Notably, the use value emanates primarily from the provisioning of food through fishing, soil fertility, wild plants, and animals. However, to a lesser extent, there exists a marginal presence of a non-use value, encompassing the habitats provided to endemic or endangered species, the preservation of biodiversity for future generations, and the sanctity associated with forests deemed sacred. The observed variance in landscape characteristics appears to wield an influence on amounts of benefits derived from the peatlands. This phenomenon can be attributed to prevailing land use conditions and geographical distances.

The new logic of partitions is dual to the usual Boolean logic of subsets (usually presented only in the special case to the logic of propositions) in the sense that partitions and subsets are category-theoretic duals. The new information measure of logical entropy is just the normalized quantitative version of partitions. The new approach to interpreting quantum mechanics (QM) is showing that the mathematics (not the physics) of QM is the Hilbert space version of the mathematics of partitions. Or putting it the other way around, the math of partitions is a skeletal version of the math of QM. The key concepts throughout this progression from logic to information theory to quantum theory are distinctions versus indistinctions, definiteness versus indefiniteness, or distinguishability versus indistinguishability. The distinctions of a partitions are the ordered pairs of elements from the underlying set that are in different blocks of the partition. Logical entropy is defined (initially) as the normalized number of distinctions. The cognate notions of definiteness and distinguishability run through the math of QM, e.g., in the key non-classical notion of superposition (= ontic indefiniteness) and in the Feynman rules for adding amplitudes (indistinguishable alternatives) versus adding probabilities (distinguishable alternatives).

Fractal analysis of time series aims to extract the hidden or complex structures issued from the associated real data, such as scaling laws, non-stationary, dynamics, and so on. In the present work, the air quality index and its components are considered as time series owing fractal structures. To understand their underlying dynamics, wavelet multifractal approach is applied starting with a wavelet multifractal spectrum test to confirm the multifractality of the underlying data. Next, a new model is introduced improving the classical minmax one, provided with a statistical measure for the adequacy of the new model. The theoretical findings are applied to the north west Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia for environmental and climate data related to pollutants and factors involved in the estimation of the air quality index.

With global climate change and resource constraints looming large, sustainable design has become a focus of attention for all industries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and behavioural intentions of undergraduate fashion design students towards sustainable fashion practices. Undergraduate fashion design students (n = 441) from three universities in Guangdong Province, China, participated in this survey. By constructing different scales of environmental knowledge, attitude towards sustainable fashion practice and behavioural intention towards sustainable fashion practice, and by using structural equation modelling to analyse the relationship between environmental knowledge and sustainable fashion practice, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) environmental knowledge has a positive effect on attitude towards sustainable fashion practice (p＜0.05); (2) environmental knowledge has a positive effect on behavioural intention towards sustainable fashion practice (p＜0.05); (3) Subjective norms has a positive effect on behavioural intention towards sustainable fashion practice (p＜0.05). (4) Attitudes towards sustainable fashion practice play a mediating role in the relationship between environmental knowledge and intentions towards sustainable fashion practice behaviour (p＜0.05). The findings of this study have implications for environmental education for undergraduate fashion design students and for sustainable production in companies.

Anthracnose stands as the primary obstacle to lupin cultivation, impeding development despite the considerable agronomic, ecological, and economic potential of such legume crops. This review explores recent efforts to unravel the complexities of anthracnose in domesticated lupins, focusing on both the plant perspective and the causative pathogenic agent, Colletotrichum lupini. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies has yielded crucial insights into various facets of this devastating disease, encompassing plant and pathogen biology, genetic and molecular regulations of the interaction, fungal diversity and population dynamics, and screening of plant genetic resources for anthracnose resistance. The lack of effective disease control measures, relying primarily on the use of disease-free seeds, highlights the need to develop anthracnose-resistant varieties. However, challenges arise from the intricacy of lupin's response to the disease, influenced by polygenic inheritance, in spite of loci with major effects, and environmental factors. The slow pace of genetic improvement underscores the need for more efficient breeding processes, including biotechnological approaches. This review offers a comprehensive overview of current progress and knowledge gaps, stressing the urgent need to further enhance understanding of C. lupini pathogenic mechanisms and lupin‘s resistance. Integrating advanced technologies and accelerated research efforts is paramount for achieving efficient disease management and sustainable lupin cultivation in the face of anthracnose challenges.

"Hydrogen is an extremely promising energy carrier, poised to become a commercially viable product in the coming years. However, there are significant hurdles that need to be addressed. One such challenge is the high energy consumption during the electrolysis process, which is used to produce hydrogen. Furthermore, the co-production of CO and CO2 during steam hydrocarbon reforming adds to the complexity. Finding innovative solutions to these issues is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean and efficient energy source." Simultaneously, various industries have the capability to generate hydrogen as a by-product, each with differing levels of purity. For instance, sodium and chlorine production plants have the potential to produce high-purity hydrogen. On the other hand, digester and sewage gas can yield low-purity hydrogen. In both instances, there is an economic incentive to utilize this hydrogen for energy production or to inject it into existing natural gas pipelines A brief estimation of the technical potential of utilizing hydrogen from various sources in Nigeria, specifically for fuel cell usage, has been conducted. Moreover, resource potential visualization maps have been generated to help visualize the availability and distribution of these hydrogen sources throughout the country.

Recent advances in nanomaterials have been heavily influenced by low-dimensional nanocarbon allotropes. In particular, carbyne has attracted attention for its potential as a true one-dimensional carbon chain with sp1 hybridization. To maximize the capabilities of this material, we employ a focused data-driven inverse design approach based on the carbon nanomaterials genome concept. This involves using deep learning neural network models to identify key descriptors tied to desired properties, enabling property prediction and reverse engineering of nanocarbons. Our iterative approach entails: (i) gathering growth/property data on nanostructures; (ii) identifying informative numerical/categorical predictors; (iii) developing deep learning models mapping descriptors to properties; (iv) refining models with new insights; (v) determining required descriptors/conditions for target properties via inverse mapping; (vi) validating models by synthesizing predicted nanostructures; and (vii) enhancing models with validation data. This allows uncovering hidden growth-property connections, precisely tuning nanocarbons for desired attributes. We introduce new methodologies including exciting synergistic effects, synchronizing atomic vibrations, active screen plasma, energy-driven transformations, surface acoustic micro/nano-manipulation, doping and directed self-assembly to expose relationships and integrate insights into the inverse design flow. This research promises to accelerate discovery of next-generation low-dimensional nanocarbons with exceptional properties and applications.

Silver powder, as the primary component of solar silver paste, significantly influences various aspects of paste performance, including printing, sintering, and conductivity. Silver powders prepared using the liquid-phase reduction method exhibit different microstructures depending on whether the growth process is dominated by aggregation or crystalline growth. This study explores the impact of different silver powder microstructures on packing density and sintering activity. It is observed that polycrystalline aggregated silver powder possesses higher surface energy, lower packing density, and greater sintering activity. Investigation into the influence of different silver powders on the electrical conductivity, adhesion, and structural density of silver paste reveals that polycrystalline aggregated silver powder is more suitable for lower sintering temperature pastes, whereas crystalline growth-type silver powder is better suited for higher sintering temperature pastes, resulting in a denser sintered silver layer. Finally, an analysis of the impact of various silver powders on the aspect ratio and electrical performance of solar cell silver grid lines yields higher aspect ratios (0.40) and photoelectric conversion efficiency (19.26%).

Due to their contribution to human health, the production of healthy snacks has garnered the attention of both the scientific community and the food industry. This study was conducted to determine the suitability of frying and baking processing methods for producing green banana chips using two varieties: Barraganete and Dominico. The aim was to identify a treatment geared towards producing healthy snacks. Initially, the physicochemical properties of the raw materials were analyzed, revealing significant differences in starch, fat, fiber, and protein content. Subsequently, the bananas were processed into baked and fried chips. Multivariate statistical techniques such as ANCOVA, MANOVA, and post-hoc tests were applied to examine the influence of initial characteristics and detect variations attributable to the cooking method. The main findings showed that the initial protein level had a significant covariate effect on the final content in the chips. The Dominico variety generally proved more suitable for making baked chips, retaining higher percentages of protein, starch, fiber, and lower fat content than Barraganete. Baked chips showed significantly lower sodium and fat values than fried ones when differentiated by processing method. The "Dominico + Baked" treatment emerged as the superior alternative, with favourable levels of protein, starch, and low sodium and fat, positioning it as the most suitable for producing a healthy snack.

Fastener holes are among the most common natural stress concentrators in metal structures. The life cycles of various structural elements, such as those in aircraft structures, automobiles, and rail-end bolt joints are limited by fatigue damage around the holes. An effective approach to delay the formation and growth of fatigue macrocracks is to introduce residual hoop compressive stresses around the holes. Two methods have become established in the prestressing of fastener holes in aircraft components: split sleeve and split mandrel, which implement one-sided processes. The common disadvantage of both methods is the complex procedure due to the need for high accuracy of the initial holes. This article presents a new modified split mandrel method providing the same tightness (interference fit) with a wide tolerance of the pre-drilled hole diameters reducing the number of technological cycle steps and production costs. То implement the new method, a functionally connected tool and a device with a hydraulic drive were developed. An extensive experimental study of 2024-T3 AA specimens was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the method under a high scattering of the pre-drilled holes. The new method provided a deep zone of residual hoop compressive stresses on both faces of the specimens after cold working and after hole final reaming. The removal of a plastically deformed layer around the hole of suitable thickness during the final reaming decreased the axial gradient of residual hoop stress distribution. Fatigue tests on a tensile pulsating cycle verified the effectiveness of the modified split mandrel method to significantly increase the fatigue life by 6.6 times based on cycle fatigue strength compared to the conventional case of machining the holes. The obtained S-N curves for three groups of samples with initial hole diameters of 8.0, 8.1, and 8.2 mm which were cold worked with the same tightness of 0.32 mm and final reamed, aligned well indicating that the new method can provide constant fatigue strength for a given stress amplitude.

The importance of enzymes in the poultry industry is ever increasing because they help to extract as many nutrients as possible from the raw material available and reduce environmental impacts. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to examine the effect of a natural enzyme complex (ASC) on diets low in AME, Ca and P. Ross 308 broilers (n = 900) were fed one of four diets: (1) positive control (PC) with no enzyme added (AME 12.55 MJ/kg, AVPhos 4.8 g/kg and AVCal 9.6 g/kg); (2) negative control (NC) with no enzyme added and down-specified for AME, Ca and P (AME 12.18 MJ/kg, AVPhos 3.3 g/kg, AVCal 8.1 g/kg); (3) negative control plus ASC at 200 g/t; and (4) negative control plus ASC at 400 g/t. Broiler performance, digesta viscosity, tibia mineralization and mineral content were analyzed at d 21. Between d 18 and 20, excreted DM, GE, total nitrogen, Ca, and P were analyzed. ASC at 200 g/t and 400 g/t improved the FCR (p = 0.0014) significantly when compared with that of the NC. There were no significant differences in BW or FI between the treatments. Birds fed ASC at 200 g/t and 400 g/t had significantly improved digesta viscosity (p &lt; 0.0001) compared with that of the PC and NC and had significantly higher excreted DM digestibility (p &lt; 0.01) than the NC and the PC with 400 g/t ASC. ASC inclusion significantly improved P retention (p &lt; 0.0001) compared with that in the PC. Ca retention was significantly increased by 400 g/t ASC compared with that in the PC and NC (p &lt; 0.001). AME was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.0001) for all treatments compared with that in the NC. There were no significant differences between treatments for any of the bone measurements. This study showed that feeding ASC can support the performance of broilers when fed a specification reduced in Ca, P and AME, with the greatest results being seen with the higher inclusion level of ASC.

An integrated approach to active flow control is proposed by finding both the drooping leading edge and the morphing trailing edge for flow management. This strategy aims to manage flow separation control by utilizing the synergistic effects of both control mechanisms, which we call the Combined Morphing Leading Edge and Trailing Edge (CoMpLETE) technique. This design is inspired by a bionic porpoise nose and the flap movements of the cetacean species. The motion of this mechanism achieves a continuous, wave-like, variable airfoil camber. The dynamic motion of the airfoil's upper and lower surface coordinates in response to unsteady conditions is achieved by combining the thickness-to-chord (t/c) distribution with the time-dependent camber line equation. A parameterization model was constructed to mimic the motion around the morphing airfoil at various deflection amplitudes at stall angle of attack and morphing actuation start times. The mean properties and qualitative trends of the flow phenomena are captured by the transition-SST (Shear Stress Transport) model. The effectiveness of the dynamically morphing airfoil as a flow control approach is evaluated by obtaining the flow field data, such as velocity streamlines, vorticity contours, and aerodynamic forces. Different cases are investigated for the CoMpLETE morphing airfoil, which evaluates the airfoil’s parameters, such as its morphing location, deflection amplitude, and morphing starting time. The morphing airfoil’s performance is analyzed to provide further insights into the dynamic lift and drag force variations at pre-defined deflection frequencies of 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 2 Hz. The findings demonstrate that adjusting the airfoil camber reduces streamwise adverse pressure gradients, thus preventing significant flow separation. Although the trailing edge deflection and its location along the chord influence the generation and separation of the Leading-Edge Vortex (LEV), these results show that the combined effect of the morphing leading edge and trailing edge has the potential to mitigate flow separation. The morphing airfoil successfully contributes to the flow reattachment and significantly increases the maximum lift coefficient (c_(l,max))). This work also broadens its focus to investigate the aerodynamic effects of a dynamically morphing leading and trailing edge, which seamlessly transitions along the side edges. The aerodynamic performance analysis is investigated across varying morphing frequencies, amplitudes, and actuation times.

Abstract: Assessing infection by a parasite, such as Haemonchus contortus, requires time and experienced personnel. Field-based diagnostics using metagenomic species-specific targeting methods would be beneficial. Here, we examine two helminth control methods, zoledronic acid (ZA), an activator of γ δ T cells, and a neutralizing antibody (AB) against γ δ T cells. We conducted a randomized complete block designed investigation for the effects of Haemonchus contortus (Hc) infection on Alpine wethers (young castrated male goats) to identify if metagenomic methods will provide strong evidence for diagnostics. Different tissues were collected from wethers and the microbiome compositions were identified. The relative proportion of microbial community members in the environments; the richness of the microbial community; and the evenness of distribution in microbial community members were determined. It was hypothesized that numerous parameters that include many data points will provide a more precise means to identify infection or health based on similarity to uninfected control data parameters. We found that samples did not sequence well, when multiplexed with high concentration libraries, giving taxonomic numbers that had residual and unmeasured confounding bias related to analysis or selection that define significance of OTUs in the tissue samples at the phylum or species level.

$\beta$-decay is one of the key factors to understand the $r$-process and evolution of massive stars. The Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions drive the $\beta$-decay process. We employ the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) model to calculate terrestrial and stellar $\beta$-decay rates for 50 top-ranked nuclei possessing astrophysical significance according to a recent survey \cite{Nab21}. The model parameters of the pn-QRPA model effect the predicated results of $\beta$-decay. The current study investigates the effect of nucleon-nucleon pairing gaps on charge-changing transitions and the associated $\beta$ decay rates. Three different values of pairing gaps, namely TF, 3TF and 5TF, were used in our investigation. It was concluded that both GT strength distributions and half-lives are sensitive to pairing gap values. The 3TF pairing gap scheme, in our chosen nuclear model, resulted in best prediction with around 80$\%$ of the calculated half-lives within a factor 10 of the measured ones. The 3TF pairing scheme also led to calculation of biggest $\beta$-decay rates in stellar matter.

Sediment cores were collected from a mudflow lobe (80 m water depth) offshore of the Mississippi River’s Southwest Pass in 2017 to better understand the sedimentology near the lobe entraining the SS Virginia shipwreck (sunk by a German U-Boat in 1942) and surrounding Mississippi River Delta Front. Core analyses included 210Pb/137Cs geochronology, granulometry, and X-radiography. Sediment accumulation rates (SAR) calculated from excess 210Pb activity in multicores are 0.22–0.29 cm/yr at seabed depths less than 20 cm and 0.29–0.51 cm/year at depths greater than 20 cm. 137Cs accumulation rates are ~0.15 to ~ 0.37 cm/year since 1954 and 1963 respectively. Sediment accumulation rates from 210Pb and 137Cs geochronology and indicators of relative sedimentation and bioturbation from X-radiographs suggest that rates of sediment accumulation near Virginia have declined since ca. the mid-20th century. This may be explained by the multi-decade downslope mass transport of the mudflow lobe in which the shipwreck is embedded, and decreases in sediment supply delivered offshore from the Mississippi River. Mass-transport calculations of the Virginia lobe derived from core properties and published lobe advection rates suggest downslope mass transport is far higher than sediment resupply from the Mississippi River, consistent with recent studies of delta retreat.

Manual handling tasks, both in daily activities and at work, require high dexterity and the ability to move objects of different shapes and sizes. However, musculoskeletal disorders that can arise due to aging, disabilities, overloading, or strenuous work can impact the natural capabilities of the hand with serious repercussions both in working and daily activities. To address this, researchers have been developing and proving the benefits of wrist exoskeleton., This paper, which is the part II of a study on wrist exoskeletons, presents and summarizes wearable wrist exoskeleton devices conceived for use in rehabilitation, assistance, and occupational fields. Exoskeletons considered within the study are those available either in a prototyping phase or on the market. They can support the human wrist by relieving pain or mitigating fatigue while allowing at least one movement. According to the requirements to be met, the majority have been designed active (80%) for higher force/torque transmission, and soft for better kinematic compliance, ergonomics, and safety (13 devices out of 24, more than 50%). Electric motors (11 devices out of 24, almost 50%) and cable transmission (9 devices out of 24, almost 40%) are the most common due to their simplicity, controllability, safety, power-to-weight ratio, and the possibility of remote actuation. As sensing technologies, position and force sensors are widely used in all devices (almost 90%). The control strategy depends mainly on the application domain: for rehabilitation, CPM (Control Passive Motion) is preferred (35% of the devices), while for assistance and occupational purposes AAN (Assistance-As-Needed) is more suitable (38% of the devices). What emerges from this analysis is that while rehabilitation and training are fields in which exoskeletons have been grown more easily and gained some user acceptance (almost 18 devices of which 4 are available on the market), relatively few devices have been designed for occupational aims (6 of which only 2 are available on the market) due to difficulties in meeting the acceptance and needs of users. In this perspective, as a result of the state-of-the-art analysis, the authors propose a conceptual idea of a portable soft wrist exoskeleton for occupational assistance.

The Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering (R-SPS) method is compared in this work with the two-steps SHS-SPS route, based on combination of the Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) with the SPS process, for the fabrication of dense (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2)B2-SiC and (Hf0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2Ta0.2Zr0.2)B2-SiC ceramics. A multiphasic and inhomogeneous product, containing various borides, is obtained at 2000°C/20min by R-SPS, from transition metals, B4C and Si. In contrast, if the same precursors are first reacted by SHS, and then processed by SPS under the optimized condition of 1800°C/20min, the desired ceramics are successfully attained. Both High-Entropy-Boride/SiC products display densities > 97%, uniform microstructures and contained only small amounts of residual oxides (<2.4 wt.%). The presence of SiC makes the sintering temperature milder, i.e. 150°C below to that needed by the corresponding additive-free system. Fracture toughness is also markedly improved, particularly when considering the Nb-containing system processed at 1800°C/20min, whereas KIC progressively decreases (from 7.35 to 5.36 MPa m1/2) as the SPS conditions become more severe. SiC addition is found to inhibit the volatilization of metal oxides like MoO3 formed during oxidation experiments, thus avoiding mass loss in the ceramics. The benefits above also likely take advantage of the fact that the two composite constituents are synthesized in parallel, according to the SHS-SPS approach, rather than being produced separately and combined subsequently, so that strong interfaces between them are formed.

Sunscreens are topical preparations containing one or more compounds that protect humans from ultraviolet (UV) light. This review focuses on analytical methods, particularly liquid chromatography, aimed at identifying and determining UV filters (UVFs) in environmental and marine biota matrices. A literature review was done using NIH (PubMed and Medline), FDA and EPA databases, Google Scholar, and Federal Regulations. This retrospective literature review is focused on the last five years. UVFs quantification in environmental and biological matrices showed a wide array of methods where liquid chromatography is predominant. The scientific literature identified a large variety of analytical methodologies that are compared in this review, to evaluate the better results in terms of limits of quantification and the possibility to identify as many analytes as possible simultaneously.

Post-extubation dysphagia (PED) can lead to serious health problems in critically ill patients. Contrasting its high incidence rate of 12.4% reported in a recent observational study, many ICUs lack routine bedside screening, likely due to limited awareness. This study aimed to establish baseline data on the current approaches and the status of perceived best practices in PED screening and treatment, as well as to assess awareness of PED. A nationwide cross-sectional, online survey was conducted in all fourteen adult ICUs in the Republic of Cyprus in June 2018, with a 100% response rate. Over 85% of ICUs lacked a standard screening protocol for PED. The most commonly reported assessment methods were cough reflex testing and the water swallow test. Treatment approaches included muscle strengthening exercises without swallowing and swallowing exercises. Only 28.6% of ICUs acknowledged PED as a common issue. The study identified significant gaps in awareness and knowledge regarding PED screening and treatment in Greek-Cypriot ICUs. Urgent implementation of comprehensive dysphagia education programs within the units is necessary, and interdisciplinary collaboration among nurses, intensivists, and speech and language therapists is crucial to improve the quality of care provided.

Brown leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria spp. is among the most common diseases in potato crops. Typical brown spot symptoms were observed in commercial potato-cultivated areas of northern Korea during June 2021–2022. In total, 77 isolates were collected, and based on sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the collected isolates were identified as Alternaria spp. (83.1%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that a majority of these isolates clustered within a clade that included A. alternata. Additionally, the ITS region and rpb2 yielded the most informative sequences for the identification of A. alternata. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that the collected pathogens elicited identical symptoms in the field. In the pathogenicity test performed on seven commercial cultivars, the pathogens exhibited strong virulence in both wound and non-wound inoculations. Among the cultivars tested, Arirang-1ho, Arirang-2ho, and Golden Ball were resistant to the pathogens. Furthermore, when testing effective fungicides in vitro, mancozeb and difenoconazole were found to be effective agents for inhibiting mycelial growth. In summary, our findings suggest that A. alternata plays a critical role in leaf disease in potato crop regions and emphasise the necessity for continuous monitoring and management to protect against this disease in South Korea.

In the last years, new findings and new methods (stable isotopes of oxygen, zinc and nitrogen, 2D and 3D modelling, geometric morphometric analyses of the teeth) have enhanced our knowledge of the Neogene shark fauna and its palaeobiology. Several papers deal with the large Otodus (Megselachus) species, including the construction of a 3D model as well as insights into lifestyle and diet. In addition, skeletal remains of Carcharias gustrowensis, Carcharodon hastalis, Keasius parvus and a natural tooth set of Carcharodon hubbelli have been described in the last 13 years, and the dentition of the Neogene species Carcharoides catticus, Megachasma applegatei and Parotodus benedenii have been reconstructed. Stable isotope analyses of the teeth from the Neogene species of Araloselachus, Carcharias, Carcharodon, Galeocerdo, Hemipristris, and Mitsukurina have given insights into the trophic position of these genera during the Neogene, and shark teeth preserved near skeletal remains of prey animals (mammals) and shark bite traces on these remains provide direct evidence of trophic interactions. Tooth shape, fossil locality and palaeoenvironment have been used to better understand the taxa Carcharhinus dicelmai, Megalolamna paradoxodon, Pachyscyllium dachiardii and P. distans. Among extant species, Galeorhinus galeus can be traced back to the Eocene. The following taxa can be traced back to the Oligocene: ?Alopias superciliosus, and Rhincodon typus. Species already present in the Miocene include: Alopias vulpinus, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchoides, C. amblyrhynchos, C. albimarginatus, C. amboinensis, C. brachyurus, C. brevipinna, C. falciformis, C. glaucus, C. leucas, C. limbatus, C. longimanus, C. macloti, C. obscurus, C. perezi, C. sealei, ?Carcharodon carcharias, Centrophorus granulosus, Cetorhinus maximus, Dalatias licha, Deania calcea, Galeocerdo cuvier, , Glyphis glyphis, Heptranchias perlo, Isurus paucus, Lamna nasus, Negaprion brevirostris, Odontaspis ferox, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, Sphyrna media, S. mokarran. First appearing in the Pliocene are: Scymnodon ringens, Somniosus rostratus, Zameus squamulosus. For some extant species (Carcharias taurus, Hexanchus griseus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Notorynchus cepedianus, Sphyrna zygaena) it is not clear if the assigned Neogene teeth represent the same species. Applying these new methods to more fossil shark taxa, a detailed search for shark fossils, as well as better knowledge of the dentition of extant species (especially those with minute-sized teeth) will further enhance knowledge of the evolution and palaeobiology of sharks.

A wide variety of bioactive peptides have been identified in the central nervous system and several peripheral tissues in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A (Ciona robusta). However, hemocyte endocrine peptides have yet to be explored. Here, we report a novel 14-amino acid peptide, CiEMa, that is predominant in the granular hemocytes and unilocular refractile granulocytes of Ciona. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR revealed the high CiEma expression in the adult pharynx and stomach. Immunohistochemistry further revealed the highly concentrated CiEMa in the hemolymph of the pharynx and epithelial cells of the stomach, suggesting biological roles in the immune response. Notably, bacterial lipopolysaccharide stimulation of isolated hemocytes for 1-4 hours resulted in increased CiEMa secretion. Furthermore, CiEMa-stimulated pharynx exhibited mRNA upregulation of the growth factor (Fgf3/7/10/22), vanadium binding proteins (CiVanabin1 and CiVanabin3), and forkhead and homeobox transcription factors (Foxl2, Hox3, and Dbx), but not antimicrobial peptides (CrPap-a and CrMam-a) or immune-related genes (Tgfbtun3, Tnfa, and Il17-2). Collectively, these results suggest that CiEMa plays roles in signal transduction involving tissue development or repair in the immune response, rather than in the direct regulation of immune-response genes. The present study identified a novel Ciona hemocyte peptide, CiEMa, providing insights into the molecular and functional diversity of the immune response in chordates.

We will demonstrate how the CMB temperature simply can be predicted from what we will call geometric mean Planck gravitational potential energy in the universe. This falls nicely in line with the recent discovery that the CMB temperature also is a geometric mean of the minimum and maxium temerature in the Hubble sphere, and also that the CMB tem- perature can be derived from the Stefan-Boltzman law. Since the Coulomb force for Planck charges are identical to the Newton force for two Planck mass particles this also seems to give a potential connection between electrostatic force and the CMB temperature.

1. Background Septic shock is a rare and serious infectious disease. Patients surviving the early phase are at high risk of multiple amputations of limbs. They are potential sources of serious disability. 2. Methods The objective was to describe the functional prognosis and quality of life of the four-limb amputee patients following septic shock. This is a descriptive, retrospective and mono-centric study. The patients included between 2010 and 2019 had septic shock after 18 years, responsible for amputation of the four limbs. We studied the mean age of septic shock, the causative organisms, the infectious door enter, the different levels of amputation, the fitting process, the resumption of walking, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Questionnaire. 3. Results We suceed to include 15 patients.. 53.3% women and 46.7% men with an average age of 46.1 years. 80% presented bilateral trans-tibial amputations, all were able to return walking even over short distances, within an average of 8.4 months. 40% did not require a technical walking aid, 33.3% had no walking perimeter limitation. 47% had a higher mental and social quality of life score than the general population. The younger the patients, the better their physical quality of life. After two years of follow-up, the younger the patients, the better their functional autonomy. Patients with better functional autonomy had a better physical quality of life. 4. Conclusion The number of amputations due to spetic shock is likely to increase in the years to come throughout the world. Our study prove that quadri-amputee patient can regain a fully acceptable functional and quality of life being monitored in a specialized health center with multidisciplinary health professional to help him.

The past is an important lesson for facing the future with greater awareness. In this context, school plays a key role to spread knowledge on natural phenomena and to promote behavior change. Together with researchers, teachers can be strong allies to build more resilient future citizens. The Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) school training activities provide tools to get ready for the next earthquake and/or tsunamis. About 5000 students from both Middle schools (ISCED 2) and High schools (ISCED 3) were involved in active learning activities based on a flipped-up approach during special online scientific events in the Pandemic. Online lab activities were conducted respectively during the European Researchers’ Night (“Earthquakes: history teaches us the future: researchers for a day with experimentation in didactics for ESL”) and during the World Water Day 2021 and the World Earth Day 2021 (“Tsunamis: history teaches us the future researchers for a day with experimentation in didactics for ESL”). These two Episodes of Situated Learning (ELS) experiences triggered students’ interest, favoring remote learning, developing life skills, focusing on historical seismic studies of both past earthquakes and tsunamis.

Because the including of human anatomy forms the foundation for clinical medicine, it has contributed a pivotal role in medical education for many centuries. Thus with advancements in the science of modern, current day medicine, its continued place in the medical school curriculum deserves careful attention. In an attempt to provide guidance to decision-makers involved in clinical anatomy curriculum development at the medical school level, the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) developed this document, which defines the contours of a gross anatomy curriculum leading to the M.D. or D.O. degree. The main body of the document sets forth the anatomical concepts as well as the subject matter a student should master prior to graduation from medical school. Gross anatomy dissection is still a crucial topic in graduate and medical school. The nature and content of gross anatomy, which was historically regarded as a core course in the first year of medical education in MBBS, MD, DO, and some PhD and Graduate curricula as well as in other disciplines of selective graduate education and non-allopathic medical programs, have been significantly impacted by emerging challenges in the pedagogy of delivering medical education in the past ten years. A seemingly ever-increasing emphasis on additional modules in molecular biology, emerging pharmacotherapeutics and pathophysiology content have resulted in a condensation and apparent erosion of previously allotted classroom and laboratory hours in the gross anatomy curriculum. In addition, an imposition of financial constraints and a decreasing availability of sufficient cadaver donations to support gross anatomy dissection labs has also occurred in some locations. An innovative clinically focused cadaveric anatomy program is described which has improved the delivery and content retention of medical and graduate students and has become one of the most sought-after modules in the revised clinically oriented curriculum and has been deemed highly relevant to current medical education and graduate studies.

MIPs inspired by antigen-antibody interactions have received substantial interest as a biomimetic artificial receptor system in environmental applications. Herein, we present a molecularly imprinted surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor integrated with Au nanoparticles for the identification of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical. The synthetic wastewater samples were analyzed to ensure the method's reliability and feasibility. Under ideal conditions, the suggested approach performed well in terms of analytical performance to BPA, with a wide linear range of 0.1 to 10 ppb and LOD of 10 ng/L. The sensor results and the Langmuir adsorption model have good agreement. It has also been shown that repeated use of the biosensor can be achieved. According to selectivity studies, BPA adsorbed within the imprinted cavities favorably compared to 4-nitrophenol and phenol. The produced BPA-imprinted SPR sensor provides improved sensitivity based on the signal amplification strategy, unconjugated sensing without the need for labeling, real-time sensing, low sample consumption rates, quantifiable assessment, and very good kinetic rate constant calculation in actual samples. Also, because the produced sensor is reusable with relative standard deviations (RSD)<1.25, indicating the sensor's accuracy, the SPR-based biomimetic BPA sensor is simple to practice and may be an economical option.

The effects of different pulse frequencies on the microstructure grain size and solid solubility of Al-9Si alloy were systematically investigated using OM, SEM, and EDS. The effects on the mechanical properties of the alloy were analyzed using micro-Vickers hardness tester and multifunctional friction tester. During the solidification process, the Al-9Si alloy is exposed to high-frequency electric current pulses with a current density of 300A/cm2 and frequencies of 0Hz, 500Hz, 1 000Hz, and 2 000Hz. The experimental results show that as the high-frequency pulse frequency increases, the Lorentz force also increases. The intense electromagnetic stirring leads to grain refinement. However, as the pulse frequency continues to increase, the combined effect of Joule heating and Lorentz force results in an enlargement of the melt zone and an increase in grain size. At a pulse frequency of 1 000Hz, the eutectic structure size of the Al-9Si alloy is optimal, with the average size reduced to 13.87μm and a dense distribution, effectively eliminating primary Si. The EDS results revealed that the high-frequency pulse led to a more uniform distribution of Si elements within the matrix, and the solid solubility of Si in the α-Al matrix increased to a maximum value of 1.99%, representing a 39.2% increase. At a pulse frequency of 1 000Hz, the sample demonstrates the most favorable mechanical properties, with the friction coefficient reaching a minimum value of 0.302, representing a 37.7% decrease in the average friction coefficient. The results demonstrate that high-frequency pulsing is an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of Al-9Si alloy.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed a digital revolution that has transformed the way information are broadcast and consumed. This rapid evolution was accompanied by an “infodemic” (Beaulieu, 2019), a transformation of workplaces (Lulli LG, 2021)and difficulties in managing information flows (Bendahan & Nader, 2020). In this scientific article, we examine the communication strategies adopted by hospital structures as they are perceived by staff, highlighting their psychological and professional experiences throughout the crisis period. The results of the study carried out among hospital staff (n=200) demonstrate that the perception of communication strategies is generally positive for 78.56% of participants (M=1.85). The assessments of the staff interviewed as for the effect of this communication on the psychological experience and on the management of professional tasks have a positive trend respectively (M=2.15) and (M=1.86)

Background: Tilmicosin, a macrolide antibiotic, has the potential to treat bacterial respiratory infections in donkeys. However, the pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin in donkeys have not been reported. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin in donkey plasma, urine and feces after a single intragastric administration to determine the suitability of tilmicosin for donkeys. Animals: A total of 4 healthy fattening male donkeys were selected with body weights of 148, 140, 145, and 135 kg, with an average body weight of 142.00 ± 4.95 kg. Methods: The donkeys were administered intragastrically a single dose of 10 mg·kg-1 BW tilmicosin. Blood, urine and fecal samples were collected. The concentrations of tilmicosin in plasma, urine, and feces were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem masss pectrometry. Results: After a single intragastric administration of 10 mg·kg-1 body weight, tilmicosin in donkey plasma reached a maximum concentration of 11.23 ± 5.97 mg·L-1 at 0.81 ± 0.11 h, with a mean residence time of 8.05 ± 2.44 h, a Cl/F of 0.48±0.22 L·kg-1·h-1, and a Vd/F of 9.28 ± 4.10 L·kg-1. The percentage of tilmicosin excreted through the urine of donkeys is (2.47±0.43)%, and the percentage excreted through the feces is (66.43±8.65)%. Conclusions: A single intragastric administration of 10 mg·kg-1 BW of tilmicosin to donkeys was rapidly absorbed and was able to achieve plasma concentrations of against pathogenic bacteria.

This research emphasizes a meta-heuristic Modified Ant Lion Optimizer (MALO) optimization approach for simultaneous utilization of DSTATCOM devices and distributed Photovoltaic (PV) sources with network reconfiguration in a radial power distribution scheme. In a radial power distribution network with network reconfiguration majority of the research is based on Constant Power model analysis. However, it is noticed that load models have a substantial impact on the distributed PV sources and the D-STATCOM device's optimal size and position. The effect of the Constant Power (CP) and Polynomial (ZIP) with load growth load models for the simultaneous insertion of distributed PV sources and DSTATCOM devices with network reconfiguration examined in this research work for power system planning. The penetration levels of distributed PV sources considered for the investigation are 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The principal objective of this research is to reduce network total power losses, enhance the voltage magnitude profile at all buses, and reduce the overall operating cost while adhering to equality and inequality constraints. The proposed algorithm verified on 118-node test systems. The investigation is carried out for planning network upgradation to a High Voltage Distribution System(HVDS) on 317 nodes in the rural Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited(BESCOM) radial distribution scheme. Simulated results obtained by this method are validated with the BAT algorithm and available techniques in the literature.

This study employs molecular docking experiments to investigate the binding interactions of Hypericin with key proteins implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hypericin demonstrated a significant binding energy of -10.1 kcal/mol with ABAD (3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase type II). The analysis revealed multiple binding interactions, including hydrogen bonds with arginine 6, serine 7, and glutamic acid 140, as well as hydrophobic bonds involving leucine 11, aspartic acid 142, and aspartic acid 86. These findings illuminate the intricate molecular interactions between Hypericin and ABAD, suggesting its potential as a lead compound for further therapeutic development in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, a parallel docking investigation was conducted for Beta-secretase 1 (BACE1), a protein pivotal in the generation of beta-amyloid peptides—a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Inhibiting BACE1 activity is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Computational analyses suggest that Hypericin may serve as a potential inhibitor of BACE1. Molecular Docking results reveal a robust binding affinity between Hypericin and BACE1, supported by a significant binding energy score of -10.3 kcal/mol. Notably, both ABAD and BACE1 exhibit high binding affinity with Hypericin. This theoretical exploration provides an initial understanding of the intricate molecular pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease and proposes Hypericin as a potential therapeutic compound for mitigating its progression.

The official recommendations to manage COVID-19 in the outpatient setting focus on high-cost drugs (remdesivir, nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, molnupiravir), suffering from many problems. Therefore, one may consider also other treatments meeting these criteria: • promising effectiveness, based on favorable randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of sufficient validity. Even without definitive evidence, physicians and informed patients can consider them if they are also: • safe, to the state of knowledge • with a very favorable opportunity cost • biologically plausible/not implausible • accessible • without major commercial sponsors in the trials promoting them, and with researchers without major conflicts of interests. The main focus is on a limited group of functional foods and some their active ingredients, with further mention of other substances of different origin, yet fully meeting all the aforementioned criteria. The functional foods and substances described and discussed certainly do not cover all the known effective therapies for COVID-19 (in one case also for Long-COVID), but the only therapies proposed in this paper currently satisfy all the above criteria. The supporting scientific evidence will favor meta-analyses of RCTs that include the most definitive outcome: all-cause mortality, i.e. the outcome that most fully informed people tend to prioritize. Furthermore, the reported evidence favors clinical studies of the most valid design, i.e. RCTs.

Water area segmentation in remote sensing is of great importance for flood monitoring. To overcome some challenges in this task, we construct the Water Index and Polarization Information (WIPI) multi-modality dataset and propose a multi-Modality Fusion and Gated multi-Filter U-Net (MFGF-UNet) convolutional neural network. The WIPI dataset enhances the water information and reduces the data dimension. In particular, the Cloud-Free label provided in the database effectively mitigates the issue of scarcity of labeled samples Since a single form or uniform kernel size cannot handle the variety in size and shape of water bodies, we proposed the gated multi-filter inception (GMF-Inception) module in our MFGF-UNet. Moreover, we utilize the attention mechanism by introducing the Gated Channel Transform (GCT) skip connection and integrating GCT into GMF- Inception to further improve model performance. Extensive experiments on three benchmarks, including WIPI, Chengdu and GF2020 datasets demonstrate that our method achieves favorable performance with lower complexity and better robustness against six competing approaches. For example, on WIPI, Chengdu and GF2020 datasets, the proposed MFGF-UNet model achieves F1 of 0.9191, 0.7410, and 0.8421, respectively, which average F1 on three datasets is 0.0045 higher than the U-Net model and reduces 62% average GFLOPs. New WIPI dataset, code and trained models have been released on GitHub

Keywords: Academic Trends; Energy Consumption; Higher Education Institutions; Systematic Literature Review; Scholarly output; University buildings

To study the mechanism of light color on a sea urchin (Tripneustes gratilla), blue light (B, λ450nm), yellow light (Y, λ585-590nm), red light (R, λ640nm), green light (G, λ510nm), white light (W, λ400-780nm) and darkness groups (H) were set up in a seawater recirculating aquaculture system. Six different LED light color treatment groups with a photoperiod of 12 L:12 D were tested for 30 d to investigate the effects of different light colors on the feeding, growth and enzyme activities of T. gratilla (142.45±4.36 g). We found that varying LED light colors significantly impacts the feeding, growth, and enzyme activity of T. gratilla. Notably, the sea urchins in group B exhibited better growth with a weight gain rate of 39.26%, while those in group R demonstrated poorer growth with a weight gain rate of only 26%. The feeding differed significantly (P&lt;0.01) between groups B and R, with group B consuming the highest daily intake (6.03±1.69 g) and group R consuming the lowest (4.54±1.26 g). Throughout the three phases, there was no significant change in the viability of the AMS (P&gt;0.05). Conversely, pepsin viability significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) in group B. LPS viability remained consistently at the lowest level, with no notable differences in group W from those observed in group B. In group R, both AMS and pepsin viability remained lower, whereas lipase viability was noticeably higher in each phase compared to group B (P&lt;0.01). Regarding antioxidant enzymes, group R exhibited a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing CAT, SOD, and GSH-PX activities, particularly during the third stage (15-30 d), with a significant decrease observed in antioxidant enzyme activities (P&lt;0.01). The outcomes suggest that blue light positively affects the growth, feeding, digestion, and antioxidant capacity of T. gratilla in comparison to other light environments, whereas the red light has an inhibitory impact.

This review examines the challenges faced by the pig industry, with a specific emphasis on improving the health and growth of weaned pigs. It emphasises the immediate necessity of investigating alternative approaches to managing pig nutrition and health due to restrictions on the use of antibiotics and the prohibition of zinc oxide in weaned pig diets. The weaning phase is identified as a critical stage in piglet development, characterized by stressors that affect their gastrointestinal health, immune responses, and overall physiology. The primary challenge during weaning arises from transitioning piglets from a digestible milk-based diet to a less digestible cereal-based feed, causing nutritional stress. This manifests as reduced feed intake, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances, intestinal inflammation, and adverse effects on intestinal structure and microbiota. To address these challenges and optimise piglet development, various nutritional strategies have been explored. Notably, glucans, particularly β-glucans from fungi, cereals, algae, and yeast, show promise in alleviating weaning-related issues. Furthermore, it's important to highlight the critical roles played by vitamin D and selenium in piglet nutrition. These essential nutrients can be sourced naturally from enriched mushrooms that are specifically enriched with vitamin D and selenium, providing a valuable dietary option. In conclusion, effective nutritional strategies, including glucans, vitamin D, selenium, and enriched mushrooms, are beneficial for addressing weaning-related challenges.

Time evolution of the symmetry of symbols constituting alphabets rooted in the Phoenician script was investigated. A diversity of quantitative measures of symmetry of graphemes appearing in Phoenician, Western Greek, Etruscan from Marsiliana, Archaic Etruscan, Neo-Etruscan, Euclidian Greek, Archaic and Classical Latin, and Proto-Hebrew scripts, constituting the Phoenician script family, were calculated. The same measures were calculated for the Hebrew/Ashurit and English scripts. The Shannon-like measures of symmetry were calculated. The Shannon diversity index was calculated. The Shannon diversity index increased with time in a monotonic way for the scripts emerging from the Phoenician one. The diversity of symmetry groups inherent for alphabets emerging from the Phoenician one grows with time. We also introduced the symmetry factor of the alphabet. The symmetry factor quantifies the averaged level of symmetrization of the alphabet and the possible parsimony of graphical information necessary for the drawing of the entire set of graphemes, constituting the alphabet. The symmetry factor is decreased with time for the alphabets rooted in the Phoenician one. This means that the average level of symmetrization of the studied alphabet is increased with time. The parsimony of graphical information necessary for writing graphemes is increased with time. The values of the symmetry factor calculated for the addressed scripts are close one to another, with the pronounced exception of the Hebrew/Ashurit script. Our study supplies the arguments for the point of view, according to which the modern Hebrew/Ashurit script does not emerge from the Phoenician one.

Digital twins are gaining in popularity for simulating complex natural and urban environments. In this context, accurate segmentation of objects within 3D urban environments is of crucial importance. The aim of this project is to develop a methodology for extracting buildings from textured 3D meshes. To this end, PicassoNet-II, a semantic segmentation architecture is employed. The methodology also incorporates Markov field-based contextual analysis to assess post-segmentation features. In addition, building instantiation is performed using cluster analysis algorithms. Training this model to fit various datasets requires a large amount of annotated data, both from Quebec City, Canada, and from simulated data. Experimental results show that the use of simulated data improves segmentation accuracy, and the DBScan algorithm proves effective in extracting isolated buildings. This project paves the way for improved applications in 3D urban modeling, offering opportunities in fields ranging from urban planning to resource management. The positive results with simulated data reinforce the impact of this research on improving digital models of our ever-changing urban environments.

Several strategies promote phyllosphere colonization by soil-born Trichoderma plant-beneficial strains. One of these is foliar spraying with suspensions containing large amounts of chlamydospores – spores with a thick cell wall structure that makes them highly resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Trichoderma biomass was produced by cultivation on cornmeal medium and compared by microscopic and thermogravimetric analysis with the biomass produced in potato dextrose broth. Both analyses revealed higher chlamydospores content and thicker mycelium in the fungal biomass produced on cornmeal medium. The Trichoderma suspension rich in chlamydospores was sprayed on bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) leaves at two concentration levels, 106 and 108 ufc/ml. The effect of these treatments on plant physiological parameters, leaf photosynthetic pigments, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity of leaves and fruits and yield was compared to the control (plants sprayed with water) and to the experimental treatment sprayed with 108 ufc propagules produced in potato dextrose broth. The effect of chlamydospore-rich suspensions on plant physiological parameters was more pronounced and long-lasting compared with the other treatments. The treatment with chlamydospore-rich suspension enhanced the accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids in the leaves and fruits and increased the antioxidant activity. The application of the foliar treatment with Trichoderma suspensions did not modify the cytocompatibility of the extracts from fruits determined on L929 cells.

A Staudinger reaction on solid phase between an electronodeficit organic azide such as sulfonyl azide, and the phosphite triester formed upon phosphoramidite coupling is a convenient method for chemical modification of oligonucleotides at the internucleotidic phosphate position. In this work, 4-carboxybenzenesulfonyl azide either with a free carboxy group or in the form of an activated ester such as pentafluorophenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, or pentafluorobenzyl ester were used to introduce a carboxylic acid function to the terminal or internal internucleotidic phosphate of an oligonucleotide via Staudinger reaction. A subsequent treatment with excess primary alkyl amine followed by usual work-up, after prior activation with a suitable peptide coupling agent such as HBTU/HOBt in the case of a free carboxyl, afforded amide-linked oligonucleotide conjugates in good yields including multiple conjugations of up to the exhaustive modification at each phosphate position for a weakly activated pentafluorobenzyl ester, whereas more strongly activated and, thus, more reactive aryl esters provided only single conjugations at the 5′-end. The conjugates synthesized include those with di- and polyamines that introduce a positively charged side-chain to potentially assist intracellular delivery of the oligonucleotide.

Rigid pavements at military airfields experience surface deterioration within 6-18 months of construction. The cause of this degradation is mainly due to combined exposure to repeated heat shocks from jet engine exhaust and spilled aviation oils (hydrocarbons). Surface degradation occurs in the form of disintegration of aggregates and cement paste into small pieces that pose severe risks of physical injury to maintenance crews or damage to an aircraft engine. Since coarse aggregates typically occupy 60-80% of the concrete volume, aggregates' thermal properties and microstructure should play a crucial role in the degrading mechanism. At high temperatures, concrete with lightweight aggregates is reported to have better performance compared to concrete with normal-weight aggregate. Thus, the present study carried out a detailed investigation of the mechanical and thermal performance of lightweight aggregate concrete exposed to the combined effects of high temperature and hydrocarbon oils simultaneously. To identify the resistance of different concrete with various lightweight coarse aggregates, pumice, perlite, lytag (sintered fly ash), and crushed brick were used as lightweight coarse aggregates in concrete. Also, basalt aggregate concrete was used as a reference. After cyclic exposures, all specimens were tested for residual mechanical, thermal, chemical, and microstructural properties. Overall, concrete with crushed brick aggregate and LYTAG used in this study showed superior resistance to the simulated airfield conditions.

Background: Health management is gaining importance as a business resource to enhance employee well-being. The rise of remote work during COVID-19 impacted lifestyle habits. This study explores the impact of tele-exercise intervention on remote workers' lifestyle habits, aiming to improve health and productivity. Methods: This study divided into remote (G1) and face-to-face (G2) groups. Over three months, G1 followed a 30-minute weekly exercise program. Measurements and questionnaires were collected at three time points covering areas like presenteeism, weight, sleep, stress, job satisfaction, and happiness. Data underwent Two-way repeated measures ANOVA, Autocorrelation, Correlation Analysis, and Correspondence Analysis to assess differences and relationships between G1 and G2. Results: ANOVA showed that a significant difference was observed in Daily Stress (DS) between G1 and G2, with G1 exhibiting higher DS. Autocorrelation Analyses showed for G1 that strong relationships each of BMI, Presenteeism (PST), Daily Stress (DS), Stress Relief (SR), Sleep Quality (SQ), Purpose of Work (PW), and Satisfaction of Life (SL) in the time frame. Correlation Analysis showed for G1 that the pairs of PRS and SQ, and DS and SL had strong positive relationships, and the pairs of BMI and PRS, and BMI and SQ had strong negative relationships. Autocorrelation Analyses showed for G2 that strong relationships each of SR, Stress due to Remote Work (SRW), ST, SQ, and PW in the time frame. Correspondence Analysis showed that that G1 was encompassed in a job and life satisfaction area, and G2 was encompassed in a sleep and stress for weight control area.

Traditional aquaculture systems appear to be confronted with the high total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) produced during production, which can be harmful to aquatic life. As the demand for global fish production continues to increase, farmers should adopt Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to improve production. The biofilter plays a vital role in ammonia removal. However, the drawback of the biofilter operation is needed an automatic and controlled system with a water quality monitoring system to guarantee optimal performance. RAS utilize a monitoring and control system to maintain the water quality and control the biofilm growth in the biofilter to reduce the ammonia. Therefore, this study focuses on developing a water quality monitoring and control system to achieve optimum biofilm performance. From 35 days of the experiment, the water quality was controlled at a level save for the aquatic environment, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and TDS. Thus, the highest TAN removal efficiency is 50% when biofilm thickness reaches 119.88 µm.

Background: Over the past years, there has been a rise in the incidence of type 1 diabetes, partic-ularly among younger individuals. This concerning trend has prompted investigations into po-tential contributing factors, with intestinal dysbiosis emerging as a likely culprit for the escalating annual rates of the disease; (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective ecologic correlational study involving 37 children from the southern region of Romania between 2019-2021. All participants were within the first six months following the onset of the disease; (3) Results: In the microbiota of the patients we observed a dysbiosis marked by an overabundance of bacteria (Clostridium coccoides, Faecalibacterium, Bacterioides, Enterobacteriaceae) and fungi, compared to the healthy control group. The Spearman correlation revealed a positive association between the presence of Bacteroides (p=0.0442), Butyricicoccus (p=0.0164), and Clostridium leptum (p=0.0023) with recent diabetes onset. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between younger age at onset and the pres-ence of Butyricicoccus (p=0.019). The use of antibiotics in the month preceding admission was linked to the presence of fungi in the microbiota (Candida, p=0.0442); (4) Conclusions: The dysbiosis of Romanian type 1 diabetes children correlates with inflammation, more severe onset of the disease and other au-toimmune diseases.

Hyperplastic dental follicles (HDFs) represent odontogenic hamartomatous lesions originating from pericoronal tissues and are often associated with impacted or embedded teeth. These lesions may occasionally feature unique calcifying bodies, known as calcifying whorled nodules (CWN), characterized by stromal cells arranged in a whorled or spiral fashion. CWNs are typically observed in multiple calcifying hyperplastic dental follicles or regional odontodysplasia. In our study, we examined 40 cases of HDFs, including nine instances with characteristics of CWNs, which were infrequently accompanied by odontodysplasia. Histological examination was conducted on all 40 cases, with immunohistochemical analysis performed on 21 of them. Among the cases with CWN, nine affected a single embedded tooth, with one exception. CWNs exhibited diverse calcifications featuring sparse or entirely deposited psammoma bodies, and some displayed dentinoid formation. Immunohistochemically, stromal cells of HDFs were frequently positive for CD56 and nestin. In contrast, CWNs were negative for CD56 but positive for nestin and HES1, with a few DSP-positive calcified bodies. Our results revealed that hamartomatous calcifying HFDs can impact multiple and single-embedded teeth. CWNs composed of nestin and HES1-positive ectomesenchymal cells demonstrated the potential to differentiate into odontoblasts and contribute to dentin matrix formation under the influence of HES1. This study is the first report documenting odontoblastic differentiation in HDFs.

The following are three successful case studies that affected humanity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key to their success was their swift adaptability to the new confinement regulations and the unyielding determination of those carrying out their plans. Various extraordinary and prompt efforts were required to make the essential logistical preparations and practice for distance learning a reality. The research activities were also reorganized so the thesis students might carry out a few simple experiments at home under the strict supervision of their advisers and supervisors. The findings revealed that the students who participated in these projects applied all the abilities they had gained before the epidemic. In addition, they included crucial knowledge about the project, problem-based, and research-based learning. Furthermore, because they were the primary implementers of the trials, they learned by planning and performing experiments. The culmination of these efforts was displayed in three scientific publications that were published in index journals with a high level of impact. This latter factor is essential for the prestige and visibility of the university, in addition to the acquisition of financing and grants for scientific research.

Over the last ten years, the integrated pond aquaculture (IPA) has been developing rapidly as a new aquaculture mode, and mechanical power oxygenator is a common oxygenation device in this aquaculture mode. However, with the gradual expansion of the application range of this aquaculture mode, the problems of low efficiency, poor oxygenation uniformity, and low applicability of mechanical power oxygenators, which can produce water reflux and suction pollution accumulation, have gradually emerged. Therefore, we designed a new type of push-water aerator device (NPWAD) applicable to the integrated recirculating water aquaculture mode of ponds. Mainly, the specific parameters of the key components were clarified through the selection calculation and structural design, and the experiments were carried out in the self-constructed pond integrated aquaculture system at the experimental base. The experiments were carried out on the water in the tank for grass carp culture, and the oxygenation and water pushing effects of the type of push-water aerator device under 15 groups of different operating parameters were carried out by using multiple types of high-precision water quality monitoring sensors, with the rotational speed of the device, the operating time (0-30 min) and the height of the water (0.5-1.5 m) as the independent variables, and the oxygenation amount R, the oxygenation power efficiency E_s and the surface layer of the water as the evaluation indexes, average flow velocity V_f were used as its evaluation indexes of oxygenation and water pushing. The results show that the optimal parameters of the NPWAD are impeller water lifting component speed n_1=1000r/min, small-hole aeration component speed n_2=2280r/min. At this time, the average oxygen increase of this device is R=1.96mg/L, the average oxygenation power efficiency is E_s=3.8 kg·(h·kW)-1, the DO uniformity of the water M_1=95.3%, and the average flow velocity V_f=190.8mm/s, which can effectively promote the water directional flow and achieve the water circulation and layer exchange, and it is in line with the preferred swimming speed of grass carp at various growth stages. The new type of push-water aerator device is able to enhance the DO concentration of the water faster, but also to achieve the purpose of promoting the directional flow of the water and renewing the water in the tank, as well as in a short period of time to improve the uniformity of the DO of the water faster, for the improvement of the pond aquaculture production efficiency has practical significance.

Colleges and universities play a crucial role in fostering innovation, making it essential to explore effective strategies for promoting innovation at the institutional policy level. This paper focuses on the establishment of intellectual property (IP) model cities as a starting point and conducts an empirical analysis using innovation data from 234 cities and 942 colleges and universities between 2007 and 2017. By constructing a multi-temporal double-difference model, this study reveals that the establishment of IP model cities effectively fosters innovation in colleges and universities. Further analysis demonstrates that this promotion effect is particularly significant in the western region, key cities, key colleges and universities, as well as in the fields of invention and utility model patents. These conclusions withstand a series of robustness tests, confirming their validity. In terms of the underlying mechanisms, it is found that the national IP pilot city policy has a substantial impact on university innovation by promoting research and development (R&D) investment and strengthening innovation cooperation. The insights provided by this study offer valuable policy recommendations for leveraging the innovation potential of the IP model city policy, thereby driving economic transformation, upgrading, and fostering innovation development in China.

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon stock (SOC stock) and the associated uncertainties in two soil layers (0–10 cm and 0–30 cm; SOC stock 10 and SOC stock 30 respectively), in Valchiavenna, an alpine valley located in northern Italy . We employed the digital soil mapping (DSM) approach within different machine learning models, including multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and elastic net (ENET). Our dataset comprised soil data from 110 profiles, with SOC stock calculations for all sampling points based on bulk density (BD), whether measured or estimated, considering the presence of rock fragments. As environmental covariates for our research we utilized environmental variables, in particular geomorphometric parameters derived from a digital elevation model (with a 20 m pixel resolution), land cover data, and climat-ic maps. To evaluate the effectiveness of our models, we evaluated their capacity to predict SOC stock 10 and SOC stock 30 using the coefficient of determination (R2). The results for the SOC stock 10 were as follows: MARS 0.39, ENET 0.41, RF 0.69, and SVR 0.50. For the SOC stock 30, the corresponding R2 values were: MARS 0.45, ENET 0.48, RF 0.65, and SVR 0.62. Additionally, we calculated the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) for further assessment. To map the spatial distribution of SOC stock and address uncertainties in both soil layers, we chose the RF model, due to its better performance, as indicated by the highest R2 and the lowest RMSE and MAE. The resulting SOC stock maps using the RF model demonstrated an accuracy of RMSE = 1.35 kg.m-2 for the SOC stock 10 and RMSE= 3.36 kg.m-2 for the SOC stock 30. To further evaluate and illustrate the precision of our soil maps, we conducted an uncertainty assessment and mapping by analyzing the standard deviation (SD) from 50 iterations of the best-performing RF model. This analysis effectively highlighted the high accuracy achieved in our soil maps. The maps of uncertainty demonstrated that the RF model better predicts the SOC stock 10 compared to the SOC stock 30.

.Background: Neither radiological phenotypic characteristics nor reconstruction CT scan to study the cranial contour in children with the so called the idiopathic type of West syndrome has been implemented to reach the etiology understanding. Material and Methods: The basic diagnostic measures and the traditional antiepileptic treatments have been applied to these children in accordance with the conventional protocol of investigations and treatment for children with West syndrome. Boys from three unrelated families were given the diagnosis of idiopathic type of West syndrome. Three boys aged 6,7,9 and three parents (age range of 28-41 year) were included in this study. These children and their parents were referred to our orthopedic departments because of variable skeletal deformities. All showed the history of intellectual disabilities, cryptogenic epileptic spasms and fragmented hypsarrhythmia. Recently, variable forms skeletal deformities of flat foot, torticollis and early onset osteoarthritis. We performed detailed clinical and radiological phenotypic characterization of every affected child, siblings and parents. All affected children underwent whole exome sequence analysis Results: The craniofacial phenotype of all children revealed apparent disruption of development of the cranial bones. Palpation of the skull bones showed unusual palpable boney ridges along different sutural locations. A-7-year-old child showed abnormal bulging over the sagittal suture associated with bilateral boney ridges over the sequamosal sutures. Examining his parents, we noticed a similar skull radiographic abnormality in his mother radiographs. A-10-year-old boy showed an extremely narrow frontal area, facial asymmetry and a well palpable ridge over the lambdoid sutures. 3D reconstruction CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of early closure . His mother showed typical radiographic skull phenotype with a history of postadulthood scoliosis. A- 12-year-old boy showed brachycephaly. Investigating his parents revealed a brachycephalic mother with border line intellegence. We affirm that the pattern of inheritance in the three boys was compatible with X-linked recessive pattern of inheritance . Whole exome sequencing showed non definite phenotype/genotype correlation. Conclusion: The aim of this study was fivefold. First, to refute the common usage of the term idiopathic and we affirm that our findings are Novel. Second, it could be possible that West syndrome is a symptom complex rather than a separate diagnostic entity. Third, to further detect the genetic carrier , we explored the connection between the cranial bones in the children with West syndrome with what is seen in parents.. Fourth, the differences in cranial bones abnormalities among every child and another seems to be heterogeneous. Fifth, it seems that the progressive deceleration in the development of this group of children is highly connected to the progressive closure of the cranial sutures.

The material undergoes high temperature and high strain rate deformation process during cutting process, may induce the dynamic recrystallization behavior and result the evolution of dynamic mechanical properties of the material to be machined. In this paper, the modified Johnson-Cook(J-C) model for Nickel based powder metallurgy superalloy considering dynamic recrystallization behavior in high strain rate and temperature is proposed. The dynamic mechanical properties of the material under different strain rates and temperature conditions are obtained by quasi-static compression test and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. The coefficients of the modified J-C model are obtained by linear regression method. The modified model is verified by comparison with experimental and model prediction results. The results show that the modified J-C model proposed in this paper can accurately describe the mechanical properties of nickel-based powder metallurgy superalloys at high temperature and high strain rate. Which provides help for studying the cutting mechanism and finite element simulation of nickel-based powder metallurgy superalloy.

Abstract: Background: The main aim of the study was to assess the intensity and frequency of cervical spine pain in young people with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: The pilot study was conducted from June to July 2023. Inclusion criteria were: age (18-30 years), cervical spine pain (for at least 1 month) and consent to participate in the study. The study was conducted based on a physiotherapeutic examination and an original questionnaire. The pain level was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Among 95 people with cervical spine pain, 51 people (53.7%) constituted the control group (without a history of temporomandibular disorders), while 44 (46.3%) people constituted the study group. Results: The mean age of people participating in the study was 22.2±2.2 years in the study group and 22.5±3.1 years in the control group. The largest group were people aged 21-25 (n=51 people, 53.7%). Patients from the study group more often experienced pain in the stomatognathic system during palpation (both in the muscle, joint and musculoskeletal groups) and had reduced mobility of the temporomandibular joints in every movement (p<0.001). People from the study group were characterized by also less mobility of the cervical spine (p<0.05), apart from extension movement (p>0.05). There was a significant relationship between temporomandibular disorders and cervical spine pain (p<0.05, chi2=10.118, df=1, rc=0.31). The level of back pain was significantly higher in people from the study group (p<0.001, chi2=45.765, df=4, rc=0.57). Conclusions: Our research has shown that the causes of cervical spine pain at a young age may be temporomandibular disorders, which are generally not recognized and properly treated.

Hypoeutectic Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys are promising candidates for use in automobile parts. Therefore, various attempts have been made to develop alternative casting technologies to improve the mechanical properties of cast alloys. In this study, the effects of modification with different levels of strontium (Sr) on primary and eutectic silicon (Si) in hypoeutectic Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys were investigated. Using a gravity cast process, the Sr-modified samples were prepared from melts with four levels (100, 200, 300, and 400 ppm) of Sr. In addition, the wear properties of the cast samples were studied using a block-on-ring wear-testing machine. The sizes of the primary Si phases increased with increasing Sr content in the alloys. Moreover, more finely dispersed eutectic Si was observed with higher Sr content. In frictional wear tests, the specific wear rates of the test specimens decreased as the Sr content increased from 200 to 400 ppm. Coarse Si phases are considered to act as solid lubricants in the contact region during sliding.

This study evaluated the influence of methotrexate (MTX) and non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on the composition of the oral-gut microbiota in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 6 months after MTX treatment (T1), and 45 days after NSPT (T2). The composition of the oral and gut microbiota was assessed by amplifying the V4 region of the 16S gene from subgingival plaques and stools. The results of the analysis of continuous variables were presented descriptively and non-parametric tests were adopted. Thirty-seven patients (27 with periodontitis) were evaluated at T0; 32 patients (24 with periodontitis) at T1; and 28 patients (17 with periodontitis) at T2. Nine individuals were lost to follow-up. MTX tended to reduce the alpha diversity of the oral-gut microbiota, while NSPT appeared to increase the number of different species of oral microbiota. MTX and NSPT influenced beta diversity in the oral microbiota. The relative abundance of oral microbiota was directly influenced by periodontal status. MTX did not affect the periodontal condition but modified the interactions between clinical parameters and the oral-gut microbiota. MTX and NSPT directly affected the composition and richness of the oral-gut microbiota. However, MTX did not influence periodontal clinical parameters.