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The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of contamination and intake rates, as well as the risk of Lithium (Li), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb) contained in wild species of King Tuber Mushroom (P. tuber-regium) collected pre-, post- and during the COVID-19 lockdown which is widely consumed in northwestern Nigeria; and to also assess their potential to accumulate some heavy metals, which comprises the linked consumer health hazards by assessing the risks to children, adolescents, and adults from cancer-causing and non-cancer-causing substances based on estimated weekly intake (EWI). After mineralization with acid, the concentrations were determined using Optical Emission Spectrometry with Inductively Coupled Plasma (OES-ICP), and Mercury (Hg) using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (CV-AFS). Moreover, the health risk assessment due to the ingestion of these elements through the consumption of P. tuberregium was estimated. The findings showed that concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Li and Hg varied greatly within between 2018 and 2022, with levels higher in pre- and post- COVID-19, and lower during the COVID-19 lockdown. In descending order, the average content of these substrates and metals, was As > Pb > Cd > Li > Hg. Children, adolescents, and adults all had EWI values below the mushroom’s provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWIs). The consumption of P. tuber-regium harvested from the areas investigated, therefore, poses no toxicological or health risks to the inhabitants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tannery industrial effluent is rich in heavy metals and basic dyes as bromocresol purple (BCP), poses an economic problem and a serious danger to the environment. This research had evaluated the importance of the adsorption properties of a modified clinoptilolite (CL) (a type of zeolite) for the removal of BCP dye and some heavy metals as total chromium (tCr) in the ammoniac phase. The modified adsorbent was prepared by mixing solid waste (SW) and CL in a ratio 10:1. The CL, SW, and CL-SW materials were characterized and the adsorption behavior of the later to BCP and tCr was completely studied. The batch removal showed the optimal conditions for BCP adsorption: pH (6.5), time ( t ) (60 min), temperature ( T ) (303.15 K), sorbent dosage ( m ) (60.4 mg), and initial concentration ( C o ) (11.7 mg/L). Moreover, the optimum conditions for tCr removal were: pH (8.8), t (55 min), T (303.15 K), m (400 mg), and C o (16.0 mg/L). Cr desorption mechanism was an ion exchange reaction. The experimental data of tCr were best fitted by the Freundlich isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacities of BCP and tCr onto the CL-SW were 175.5 mg/g and 37 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorptions were spontaneous and endothermic with an increase of entropy. The CL modified adsorbent seems to be a good and efficient for the removal of dyes as BCP and such heavy metals including Cr. Surprisingly, this treatment has largely improved the physicochemical properties of the industrial wastewater and proved a new concept “Polluter Cleans Polluters (PoClPos)”. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The structure of the clinoptilolite was mesoporous (2∼50 nm) at 303.15 K. • Recycling can exert adverse effects on crystalline phase. • [Cr(NH 3 ) 6 ]3+ ions are bonded to the negative vacant sites on the modified surface. • The concentration of Cr has a major influence on the response variable. • Freundlich model was suitable for Cr adsorption with maximum q e (37.0 mg/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple electrolyte disorders, including sodium, potassium and calcium disorders, have been associated with hypertension in pregnancy. Most of these studies failed to evaluate the combined effect of low and high sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride ion concentrations on hypertension in pregnancy. This study evaluates the combined effect of these ion categories (low, normal, high) on hypertension in pregnancy. Biochemical ion assays and blood pressure measurements were carried out on 1074 apparently healthy pregnant women in late third trimester. Serum potassium, sodium, chloride, and ionised calcium were measured by ion-selective electrode potentiometry, while total plasma calcium was measured by absorption spectrophotometry. Hypertension in pregnancy was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. The prevalence of hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia, ionised hypocalcaemia and total hypocalcaemia in late pregnancy was 1.30 [0.78–2.18]%, 3.55 [2.60–4.84]%, 1.96 [1.28–2.97]%, 1.49 [0.92–2.21]% and 43.58 [40.64–46.56]%, respectively. Hypernatraemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperchloraemia, ionised hypercalcaemia and total hypercalcaemia were found in 1.49 [0.92–2.41]%, 2.34 [1.59–3.43]%, 4.38 [3.31–5.77]%, 39.94 [37.06–42.90]%, 2.79 [1.96–3.96]% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy was 7.17 [5.77–8.87]%. When ion categories were considered in multiple logistic regression, only ionised and total calcium had significant associations with hypertension in pregnancy. Women with ionised hypercalcaemia had lower odds of hypertension in pregnancy (AOR = 0.50 [0.29–0.87], p-value = 0.015), and women with total hypocalcaemia had higher odds of hypertension in pregnancy (AOR = 1.99 [1.21–3.29], p-value = 0.007), compared to women with ionised and total normocalcaemia, respectively. Increasing kalaemia was associated significantly with higher odds of hypertension in pregnancy; however, kalaemia below and above the normal concentrations had no significant association with hypertension. Nonetheless, participants with kalaemia ≤ 3.98 mmol/L, had lower odds of hypertension in pregnancy compared with those with higher kalaemia (OR = 0.40 [0.24–0.66], p-value = 0.0003). Calcium disorders remain the most frequent electrolyte disorders in pregnancy. When normal cut-offs are considered for calcium and other ions, only ionised and total calcium influence the occurrence of hypertension in pregnancy. Kalaemia seems to affect hypertension in pregnancy but primarily within its normal concentrations. Serum electrolyte follow-up is indispensable for a proper pregnancy follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological fluids monitoring is one of the important tools in prevention of diseases. Mineral elements in these media are essential factors to collaborate biological monitoring, disease conditions of humans, and maintenance of good health. These minerals are usually measured in laboratories using complicated and expensive techniques as ion chromatography (IC), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductive coupled plasma (ICP). The current work tries to validate alternative simpler and cheaper methods for the measurement of calcium (Ca 2 + ) and magnesium (Mg 2 + ) in the biological medium. Therefore, we had optimized EDTA titration, flame-atomic emission spectroscopy (FAES), and ion-selective electrode (ISE) to measure biological calcium. In addition, EDTA titration and ISE used to measure magnesium in biological samples. In fact, we are the first who totally validated cheapest analytical methods for the analyses of these cations in biological fluids. The influence of standard calibration curve on method imprecision and inaccuracy was examined using external and internal quality control materials. In general, the recoveries of the optimized methods were sufficiently good [92–103%]. Good stable reproducibility was registered especially with the lowest values of the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the ISE. Besides, good readabilities expressed as the limits of quantitation (LOQs) for Ca 2 + measurements using FAES, ISE, and EDTA were (2.1–3.0 mg/L), (3.1–6.1 mg/L), and (3.9–7.7 mg/L), respectively. In addition, the LOQs for Mg 2 + measurements using ISE and EDTA were (1.2–4.5 mg/L) and (2.0–5.7 mg/L), respectively. Difference (%) of the reproducibility of the measurements in 5 days and the uncertainty was in the following range: FAES (just for Ca 2 + ) ISE EDTA. The validated methods showed acceptable correlations (0.9734–0.9990). They provided rapid, less tedious, practical and more accurate alternatives for the quantification of those bivalent cations in human fluids. Consequently, this research supports the implementation of cheap techniques and provides accurate analytical methods for the measurements of biological calcium and magnesium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral diseases associated with systematic diseases as metabolic and vasculitic have been included in this paper. This will enhance our understanding of the salivary function in promoting healthy oral condition. The study investigates the effects of type I and type II diabetes mellitus in well-controlled diabetic patients, in addition to Behçet disease (BD) on saliva flow rate (SFR), pH, the decay, missing, and filled tooth (DMFT) index, glucose, and major earth-alkaline ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+) compared to healthy males and age-matched controls. Saliva samples were collected from 1403 male human subjects, distributed on 7 levels including 3 control groups, and analyzed. The symptoms and clinical observations were enrolled. A preprandial salivary glucose has illustrated statistically strong significant and positive correlations with HbA1c and blood glucose levels. TIDM saliva showed lower pH, SFR, and Ca2+ but higher Mg2+, caries risk, and poor metabolic control. These led to dysfunction of secretory capacity of salivary glands. TIIDM proved higher SFR, DMFT, and glucose than TIDM patients. DM oral calcium has decreased by age while magnesium sharply slopes at seniority. BD oral fluid is associated with lower glucose and minerals but noticeably with both higher pH and DMFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel SDFR-ref model was established for DXN emission prediction. • Mutual information and significance test were used to select strong variables. • Simplified decision trees are considered to replace complex forest algorithms. • Residual error fitting with a learning factor is adopted between the cascade layers. • SDFR-ref model is better in terms of measurement accuracy and time consumption. Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) with grate technology is a widely applied waste-to-energy process in various cities in China. Meanwhile, dioxins (DXN) are emitted at the stack and are the critical environmental indicator for operation optimization control in the MSWI process. However, constructing a high-precision and fast emission model for DXN emission operation optimization control becomes an immediate difficulty. To address the above problem, this research utilizes a novel DXN emission measurement method using simplified deep forest regression (DFR) with residual error fitting (SDFR-ref). First, the high-dimensional process variables are optimally reduced following the mutual information and significance test. Then, a simplified DFR algorithm is established to infer or predict the nonlinearity between the selected process variables and the DXN emission concentration. Moreover, a gradient enhancement strategy in terms of residual error fitting with a step factor is designed to improve the measurement performance in the layer-by-layer learning process. Finally, an actual DXN dataset from 2009 to 2020 of the MSWI plant in Beijing is utilized to verify the SDFR-ref method. Comparison experiments demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over other methods in terms of measurement accuracy and time consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties in the calorific value and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW), the variability in operations, equipment performance decline, maintenance needs, and other dynamic factors make it challenging for operational experts to accurately gauge the overall combustion impact under fluctuating conditions. There is a need for a visual numerical simulation of the full MSW incineration (MSWI) process, with a focus on the effectiveness of the grate speed and air volume ratio. Unfortunately, software like Aspen Plus struggles to visually depict the effect of typically manipulated variables such as grate speed, and it is not well-suited for simulating solid-phase combustion and flue gas treatment. In response to these challenges, our study introduces a numerical simulation method for the MSWI process using a multi-software coupling approach. This simulation method incorporates (a) the use of custom software for simulating solid-phase combustion on the grate, (b) the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software for gas-phase combustion in the furnace, and (c) the utilization of chemical process simulation software for non-grate solid-phase combustion. The benchmark condition was determined using real-time running data from the Beijing MSWI Power Plant. The results show that for the incinerator's third flue, flue gas G1, and flue gas G3, the relative errors between the simulated and actual values for flue gas temperature and oxygen concentration were 0.3% and 1.1%, 3.5% and 20%, and 0.2% and 20% respectively. In addition, we used eight non-benchmark conditions to study the effects of grate speed and air volume ratio. When the grate speed was gradually increased from 6 m/h to 8 m/h, O 2 , CO 2 , sulfur dioxide (SO 2), sulfur trioxide(SO 3), nitrogen monoxide (NO), and nitrogen oxide (NO 2) at G1 had error fluctuation ranges of 5.9%− 48.5%, 2.5%− 11.5%, 10.42–28.57%, 7–23%, 29.10–45.52%, and 24.39–48.78%, respectively. When the primary air ratio was gradually increased from 0.84 to 0.96, the O 2 concentration at G1 exhibited a steady upward trend. The simulation results provide insights into the adjustment range of the manipulated variables and offer additional support for the visualized and optimized control operation of the MSWI plant. [Display omitted] • Numerical simulation method for whole MSWI process. • Multi-software are coupled to visualize the simulation. • Grate speed and air volume ratio are analysed in terms of the whole process. • The results can support the optimized control of MSWI process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension of the conventional tourism practices along with fast development in tourism industry (TI) brings considerable benefits to regional economics. there are also negative interferences of some diverge vectors opposing the application of any renovated theories to reach the conventional tourism to Ecotourism i.e. the accessibility of drinking water and the availability of agricultural soil, water consumption, solid waste (SW) disposal and their transfer facility, and tourists transportation. In this regard, this study is the first study put theories with reliable tools for benchmarking the environmental performance (EP) via the assessment of the aforementioned impacts and their Touristic Ecological Footprint (TEF) and the Tourism Ecological Balance (TEB) in a civilized community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the evidence that calcium supplementation in pregnancy improves maternofoetal outcomes, many women still do not take calcium supplements during pregnancy in Cameroon. This study identifies factors that influence calcium supplementation during pregnancy in a low resource setting. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study (from November 2020 to September 2021) targeting 1074 healthy women in late pregnancy at the maternities of four major health facilities in the Nkongsamba Health District, Cameroon. Data were collected using an interview-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.4.0, and the statistical threshold for significance set at p-value = 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.20±6.08 years, with a range of 15–47 years. The proportion of women who reported taking any calcium supplements in pregnancy was 72.62 [69.85–75.22]%. Only 12% of calcium-supplemented women took calcium supplements throughout pregnancy, while a majority (50%) took calcium supplements just for 4–5 months. Women believe that taking calcium supplements is more for foetal growth and development (37.12%) and prevention of cramps (38.86%), than for the prevention of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy (2.84%). About all pregnant women (97.65%) took iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy, and 99.24% took these supplements at least once every two days. Upon control for multiple confounders, the onset of antenatal care before 4 months of pregnancy (AOR = 2.64 [1.84–3.78], p-value = 0.000), having had more than 3 antenatal care visits (AOR = 6.01 [3.84–9.34], p-value = 0.000) and support/reminder from a partner on the necessity to take supplements in pregnancy (AOR = 2.00 [1.34–2.99], p-value = 0.001) were significantly associated with higher odds of taking any calcium supplements in pregnancy. Conclusion: Calcium supplementation practices in pregnancy remain poor in this population and far from WHO recommendations. Early initiation of antenatal care, a high number of antenatal visits and reminders or support from the partner on supplement intake significantly increase the odds of taking any calcium supplements in pregnancy. In line with WHO recommendations, women of childbearing age should be sensitised to initiate antenatal care earlier and attain as many visits as possible. Male involvement in prenatal care might also boost the likelihood of these women taking calcium supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Disorders of total calcium (tCa) in pregnancy have been associated with adverse maternofoetal outcomes. However, studies evaluating this from the viewpoint of ionised calcaemia are practically inexistent. This study estimates the prevalence of some adverse maternal and foetal outcomes and the potential effect of ionised calcium (iCa), tCa, albumin and calcium supplementation on some maternofoetal outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1074 pregnant women in late pregnancy from four health facilities in the Nkongsamba Health District. Data were collected by interview, analysis of maternal blood samples and measurement of maternal and foetal parameters. Total calcaemia and albuminaemia were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while iCa and pH were measured using ion-selective potentiometry. Associations were measured using the odds ratio in simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of low birth weight, macrosomia, and hypertension in pregnancy was 6.27 [4.97–7.89]%, 4.78 [3.65–7.89]%, 10.24 [8.57–12.20]%, respectively. Following multiple logistic regression, women with iCa levels ≤ 1.31mmol/L had significantly increased odds of hypertension in pregnancy (AOR = 2.47 [1.63–3.74], p-value = 0.000), having babies with low birth weight (AOR = 2.02[1.33–3.61], p-value = 0.002), low birth length (AOR = 2.00 [1.34–2.99], p-value = 0.001), low brachial circumference (AOR = 1.41[1.10–1.81], p-value = 0.007), first minute Apgar score < 7 (AOR = 3.08[1.70–5.59], p-value = 0.000) and fifth minute Apgar score < 7 (AOR = 2.86[1.32–6.16], p-value = 0.007). Ionised calcaemia had no significant association with maternal body mass index immediately after birth and the head circumference of the baby. Total calcaemia was found to have no significant association with any of the selected outcomes, while women with total albuminaemia ≤ 30mg/L had significantly higher odds of having babies with low birth weight (AOR = 3.40[1.96–5.91], p-value = 0.000), and Apgar scores < 7 at the first (AOR = 2.07[1.16–3.70], p-value = 0.013). Calcium supplementation showed no significant association with any of the selected outcomes except for the first (OR = 0.42[0.24–0.72], p-value = 0.002) and fifth minute Apgar score (OR = 0.25[0.12–0.50], p-value = 0.000). Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight, macrosomia, and hypertension in pregnancy was 6.27 [4.97–7.89]%, 4.78 [3.65–7.89]%, 10.24 [8.57–12.20]%, respectively. Maternal iCa levels ≤ 1.31mmol/L significantly increase the odds of having babies with low birth weight, low birth length, low brachial circumference at birth, low Apgar scores at the first and fifth minutes and maternal hypertension in pregnancy. Low maternal albuminaemia is significantly associated with low birth weight, and Apgar score < 7 at the first minute. None f the selected maternofoetal outcomes directly depend on total calcaemia, given that none of the associations was statistically significant. Even though iCa levels remain relatively normal in normal pregnancies, it remains the strongest predictor of foetal outcomes. Calcium supplementation significantly improves the Apgar scores at the first and fifth minute. Routine pregnancy follow-up should include evaluating maternal calcaemic states, particularly the ionised fraction, to detect the low-normal concentrations likely to impact maternal and foetal outcomes. Normal iCa levels for pregnant women need revisiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mechanism analysis of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) has been narrated. • Numerical simulation method of the MSWI process is compared and discussed. • Coupling several software can produce customized simulation models based on actual process data. • Digital twin model construction for environmental protection requires artificial intelligence. Determining the status of the municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) process due to the composition variations of MSW, operational differences of the MSWI plants, and maintenance uncertainties of the incineration devices is difficult. Moreover, the optimal control algorithms developed off-line lack the support of the incineration mechanism. These conditions complicate the cost-effective operation of the MSWI plants. The development of customized numerical simulation models can simulate the incineration effects and obtain the extreme value of key process parameters to support its operational optimal control. This article aims to review the mechanical characteristics and numerical simulation methods of the MSWI process based on mechanical grates, thus providing support for the construction of a customized numerical simulation model and the realization of a digital twin system for the actual MSWI process. First, the mechanical characteristic of the MSWI process is comprehensively analyzed. Then, the numerical simulation method based on commercial and self-developed software is summarized and compared. Furthermore, the difficulties in creating customized numerical simulations and constructing digital twin models are discussed. Finally, the conclusion and research directions are established on the basis of the concluding ideas and specific commentaries. Results show that coupling several types of software can facilitate the creation of customized simulations based on actual process data. The development of an intelligent digital twin encounters several difficulties that must be highlighted because the combination of the numerical simulation model of the entire process can analyze the mechanism and the realization of matching the model with actual process data. The current study revealed that the digital twin model based on mechanical characteristics and numerical simulations by using actual process data and artificial intelligence technology could play a significant role in the safety and operation optimization of the MSWI process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioxin (DXN) emission concentration is an important environmental indicator in the municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) process. The prediction model of DXN emission can be used for pollution control to realize actual requirements of operation optimization. Therefore, a DXN emission concentration prediction model based on improved deep forest regression (ImDFR) is proposed in this study. A feature reduction layer based on out-of-bagging error is first introduced into the ImDFR to eliminate redundant variables and feed all confidence information on DXN emission into the feature enhancement layer of the MSWI process. A deep ensemble stacking model is subsequently built to depict deep features and increase diversity and accuracy using random forests, completely random forests, GBDT, and XGBoost as subforests. Finally, the predicted value of the DXN prediction model is determined in the decision layer. The DXN emission prediction model is verified using actual historical data of two incinerators operated with a daily processing capacity of 800 tons. The experimental results showed that the proposed prediction model presents higher accuracy and better generalization ability than state-of-the-art models. [Display omitted] • An improved deep forest regression (ImDFR) is proposed for DXN emission prediction. • Feature reduction layer based on out-of-bagging error is used to eliminate redundancy. • Four sub-forests such as RF, CRF, GBDT, and XGBoost are used to increase the diversity. • Compared with the normal methods, the ImDFR has better performance and the lowest time cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypocalcaemia remains a prevalent laboratory finding in pregnancy, capable of inducing adverse maternofoetal outcomes. This study compares the prevalence of hypocalcaemia in apparently healthy pregnant women from the ionised, and total calcaemia viewpoints and further identifies factors associated with total crude and ionised hypocalcaemia in pregnancy. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2020 and September 2021, targeting apparently healthy pregnant women received in late pregnancy in four maternities in the Nkongsamba Health District, Cameroon. Blood samples were collected and analysed for serum ionised calcium concentrations and pH (by ion-selective electrode potentiometry), and for total calcium and albumin concentration (by atomic absorption spectrophotometry). Sociodemographic, obstetric and nutritional data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: The average age of the 1074 participants included in the study was 28.20±6.08 years. The prevalence of total crude and total albumin-corrected hypocalcaemia in this study was 61.64 [58.69–64.50]% and 56.70 [53.72–59.64]%, respectively (p-value = 0.000). The prevalence of ionised hypocalcaemia was very low (2.89 [2.04–4.07]%) compared with the prevalence of total hypocalcaemia (p-value = 0.000). Monthly income below 100.000FCFA (179 USD) (AOR = 0.73, p-value = 0.024), taking more than 2 meals daily (AOR = 0.68, p-value = 0.006) and taking desserts (AOR = 0.73, p-value = 0.046) reduced the odds of total crude hypocalcaemia, while having banana/plantain and tubers as the content of their most consumed meal significantly increased the odds of total crude hypocalcaemia (AOR = 1.37, p-value = 0.012). Single women (AOR = 2.54, p-value = 0.021), with a higher education (AOR = 3.27, p-value = 0.017), who initiated antenatal care before 4 months (AOR = 2.47, p-value = 0.029), had their odds of ionised hypocalcaemia significantly increased. On the other hand, women below 30 years (AOR = 0.44, p-value = 0.039), with occupations other than housewife (AOR = 0.34, p-value = 0.027), and women who took desserts between meals (AOR = 0.45, p-value = 0.034) had their odds of ionised hypocalcaemia significantly reduced. Taking calcium supplements simultaneously with other supplements also significantly reduced the odds of total hypocalcaemia in pregnancy (OR = 0.69, p-value = 0.027). Conclusion: Ionised hypocalcaemia in pregnancy is a rare finding. Only 2.89% of all apparently healthy pregnant women have ionised hypocalcaemia in late pregnancy, while 56.70% have total hypocalcaemia. Factors like the daily number of meals, taking of desserts, the content of the most consumed meal and monthly revenue significantly affect the prevalence of total hypocalcaemia in pregnancy. On the other hand, factors like age above 30 years, having a higher education, being single, having initiated antenatal care before 4 months of pregnancy, being a housewife and not taking desserts between meals have a significantly positive association with ionised hypocalcaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tantalum nitride thin films are grown on silicon wafers using a mixture of Ar/N2 using DC magnetron sputtering. The influence of nitrogen concentration on various features of tantalum nitride thin films is systematically studied. X-ray diffraction results show characteristic peaks of FCC tantalum nitride with crystallite size gradually increasing upon an augmentation in the nitrogen concentration. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images indicate that the tantalum nitride thin films are made of crystal domains with almost regular boundaries. As nitrogen concentration increases from 10 to 25%, the average domain size increases. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results show larger surface roughness for the tantalum nitride thin films with higher nitrogen concentration owing to grain boundary diffusivity. Furthermore, quantitative characterization of 3-D surface morphology from AFM micrographs is obtained by multifractal and stereometric analyses. The results of mechanical properties show a decrease in the hardness upon increasing the nitrogen concentration due to variation in the grain size. The obtained results from the four-point probe illustrate that the specimen with higher nitrogen content displays the minimum sheet resistance due to a decrease in inter-grain boundaries emanated from the larger grain size. The current study renders a new insight in controlling the conductivity and the hardness of TaN thin film based on the deposition conditions and provide a correlation between the structural and other properties of TaN films, which is useful for a variety of semiconductor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Furnace temperature (FT) is a key variable in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) processes, influenced by many manipulated variables and directly impacting pollutant concentrations in exhaust gas. Domain experts cannot achieve the optimal FT setpoint value under manual control, leading to abnormal pollutant emission concentrations. To address this, we propose an intelligent optimal control framework for FT aiming to minimize pollutant emission concentration. First, the FT controlled object model is established using the Tikhonov regularization-least regression decision tree (TR-LRDT) algorithm. Then, based on the experience of domain experts, a multi-loop controller is developed using an improved single neuron adaptive PID (ISNA-PID) algorithm to stabilize FT. Next, after establishing NO x and CO 2 indicator models, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is employed to determine the FT setpoint value in terms of minimum pollutant emission concentration. Finally, the FT intelligent optimal control framework is verified. Experimental results indicate that the optimal FT setpoint value can reduce NO x and CO 2 emission concentrations by 19.93 % and 6.99 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypocalcaemia in pregnancy remains a major health issue, particularly in the developing world where daily calcium intakes are suboptimal. This electrolyte imbalance can lead to severe maternofoetal and childhood consequences. Calcium supplementation, amongst others, contributes significantly to meeting calcium demands in pregnancy. With ionised calcaemia as the gold standard for diagnosis, total calcaemia and albumin-corrected calcaemia in other pathological states have been found to overestimate the burden of hypocalcaemia. The main objectives of this study are to describe the blood calcium level (total, albumin corrected, and ionised calcaemia) and associated maternofoetal outcomes while identifying determinants of calcium supplementation and ionised hypocalcaemia. This study will also evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of albumin corrected calcaemia as a diagnostic tool for hypocalcaemia (ionised calcaemia as the gold standard) among pregnant women in the Nkongsamba Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Methods: Our study will target a total of 1067 term pregnant women who shall be included consecutively into the study as they arrive the maternity of the Nkongsamba Regional Hospital for their last antenatal care visit. Data shall be collected using a semi-structured interview-administered questionnaire and blood samples collected for total plasma calcium, albumin and serum ionized calcium assays. Additional data will be collected at birth (maternal and foetal variables; foetal outcomes evaluated as secondary outcomes). Total calcaemia and albuminemia shall be measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while ionised calcaemia will be measured by ion-selective electrode potentiometry(using MSLEA15-H electrolyte analyzer) per standard BIOLABO and MSLEA15 protocols, respectively. Data will be analysed using the statistical softwares epi-Info version 7.2.2.16 and STATA version 16. Expected research outcome: This study will present a more precise estimate of the burden of hypocalcaemia in late pregnancy as well as identify and analyse the different factors associated with calcium supplementation and ionised hypocalcaemia among term pregnant women in a developing world setting. Maternofoetal outcomes associated with hypocalcaemia will be determined as well as the sensitivity and specificity of total and albumin-corrected calcaemia in diagnosing hypocalcaemia. Our findings will contribute significantly to designing or strengthening interventions to control this electrolyte imbalance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]