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Background: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is the most prevalent and fastest-growing vector-borne disease globally, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and, in some cases, fatal. Quang Nam province in Vietnam can serve as a model for dengue epidemiological study, as it is an endemic region for DHF with a tropical climate, which significantly constrains the health system. However, there are very few epidemiological and microbiological reports on Dengue virus (DENV) serotypes in this region due to the limited availability of advanced surveillance infrastructure. Aims of the study: This study aims to (1) assess the PCR positivity rates among hospitalized patients with clinical Dengue presentation; (2) identify the circulating DENV serotypes; and (3) assess the impact of secondary DENV infections on outbreak severity by detecting the presence of DENV-specific IgG antibodies in the plasma of DENV-infected patients. Materials and methods: Blood samples from patients clinically diagnosed with DHF and admitted to Quang Nam General Hospital (2020–2022) were analyzed. RNA extraction was performed using the NKDNA/RNAprep MAGBEAD kit, followed by Multiplex Reverse Transcription real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (MLP RT-rPCR) for DENV detection and serotype identification. Positive samples were further tested for DENV-specific IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The PCR positivity rate among hospitalized patients was approximately 68% throughout the study period. A significant shift in DENV serotypes was observed, with DENV-2 initially dominant and later giving way to DENV-1. IgG was detected in nearly half of the MPL RT-rPCR-positive samples, indicating secondary DENV infections. Conclusions: Our study highlights persistent dengue prevalence and dynamic shifts in DENV serotypes in Quang Nam province, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic strategies and timely sample collection. The significant serotype shifts and the presence of IgG in hospitalized patients suggest potential severe outcomes from recurrent DENV infections, possibly linked to antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) effect, underscoring the importance of advanced surveillance, vector control, vaccination campaigns, and public education to predict and prevent future DHF epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The incidence of cancer in young adults has been increasing worldwide, yet information on its risk factors in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. This analysis of more than 39,000 participants in Vietnam, an LMIC in Southeast Asia, shows that the risk of cancer-related deaths caused by excessive smoking, particularly waterpipe smoking, and drinking alcohol in young adults (or individuals less than 50 years of age) is much higher than the risk for individuals aged 50 years or older, and the risk of death for women is almost two-folds higher than that for men younger than 50, whereas the risk of cancer-related death in women aged ≥50 is significantly lower than that in men. This suggests that the young Vietnamese population is vulnerable to the risk of cancer-related deaths. Background/Objectives: Cancer incidence in young adults or those aged 15–49 years old has increased during the past decade. Knowledge about the risk factors for cancer-related deaths in young adults is limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: This analysis was based on the Hanoi Prospective Cohort Study, an ongoing study of 39,401 participants aged 15 or older in Northern Vietnam in the 2007–2019 period. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between potential factors and the risk of cancer-related deaths. Results: With a median follow-up of 11.01 years, we identified 164 deaths in young adults out of 554 total deaths. Overall, family history of cancer (HR = 7.34; 95% CI: 3.30–16.36), drinking alcohol (HR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.18–2.81), and smoking (HR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.36–3.63) were found to be risk factors, while drinking coffee was found to be a protective factor (HR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.24–1.00) for cancer-related deaths in young adults. Young male adults were found to be at a higher risk due to excessive cigarette smoking (HR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.00–3.68) and alcohol consumption (HR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.32–3.53) than those aged 50 years and older (HR = 1.36 and 95% CI: 0.96–1.93 and 1.27 and 95% CI: 0.97–1.67, respectively). The risk of death from cancer in women compared with men in the young population was twice as high as that in the older population (HR = 1.18 and 95% CI: 0.72–1.94 vs. 0.47 and 95% CI: 0.35–0.63, respectively). Conclusions: Our data suggest that the young Vietnamese population is vulnerable to the risk of cancer-related deaths and that cancer in women will increase rapidly in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Though there are clear benefits of being included at work, important questions about employees' views and experiences of workplace inclusion remain unanswered. First, scholars have tended to adopt a one‐size‐fits‐all approach that assumes that inclusion is viewed and experienced similarly by all employees, regardless of their social identities. Moreover, there have been rapid shifts in work modalities over the last few years, and it is currently unclear how modality impacts inclusion and if that impact is similar across all employees. To address these questions, we leveraged qualitative data from a demographically diverse sample to examine how employees define workplace inclusion, what practices and behaviors employees associate with feeling included, how social identities shape definitions and experiences of inclusion, and the modalities in which employees feel the most included. Results indicated that employees primarily define workplace inclusion as being accepted and treated equally regardless of their identities, being integrated into decision‐making, and expressing themselves authentically. Though employees defined inclusion similarly regardless of their social identities, the importance of specific inclusion practices differed across subgroups. Finally, employees felt more included when working in person, though minoritized employees were more likely to prefer remote work. Theoretical and practical implications regarding inclusion are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomedicine holds great potential for revolutionizing medical treatment. Ongoing research and advancements in nanotechnology are continuously expanding the possibilities, promising significant advancements in healthcare. To fully harness the potential of nanotechnology in medical applications, it is crucial to conduct safety evaluations for the nanomedicines that offer effective benefits in the preclinical stage. Our recent efficacy studies indicated that rapamycin perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoparticles showed promise in mitigating cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). As cisplatin is routinely administered to ovarian cancer patients as their first-line chemotherapy, in this study, we focused on evaluating the safety of rapamycin PFC nanoparticles in mice bearing ovarian tumor xenografts. Specifically, this study evaluated the effects of repeat-dose rapamycin PFC nanoparticle treatment on vital organs, the immune system, and tumor growth and assessed pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. Our results indicated that rapamycin PFC nanoparticle treatment did not cause any detectable adverse effects on cardiac, renal, or hepatic functions or on splenocyte populations, but it reduced the splenocyte secretion of IL-10, TNFα, and IL12p70 upon IgM stimulation. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution results revealed a significant enhancement in the delivery of rapamycin to tumors by rapamycin PFC nanoparticles, which, in turn, led to a significant reduction in ovarian tumor growth. Therefore, rapamycin PFC nanoparticles have the potential to be clinically beneficial in cisplatin-treated ovarian cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epibenthic invertebrates in three estuaries of the Mekong River, namely Co Chien, Ba Lai, and Cua Dai, were sampled for ecological analysis in November 2022. The objectives of this research were to provide the first baseline survey of epibenthic communities in the Mekong estuaries and to describe more precisely the relationships between epibenthic characteristics and environmental parameters. In total, seven major taxa, including Bivalvia, Decapoda, Gastropoda, Isopoda, Molpadida, Stomatopoda, and Xiphosura were recorded in this estuarine system. The abundances of the epibenthic invertebrates range from 48 to 176 inds/1000 m2. Decapos always occupy the highest numbers with a percentage ranging from 86‒95%. There are 24 decapod species were recorded in this study with the following as dominant families Palaemonidae, Penaeidae, and Paguridae. Our findings highlight that the diversity of epibenthic communities, particularly for decapods, is notably high; however, the epibenthic density is considerably low. Epibenthic density and diversity were significantly correlated with salinity, TDS, depth, and pH but also other factors may play a role. The assessment of epibenthic assemblage diversity and its correlation with environmental factors holds significant importance in the formulation of conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key issue in the transition to decarbonized energy sources with constant power sources is inaccurate current sharing and voltage quality. The main reason which causes these issues is the inevitable system impedance mismatches. This study addresses this issue by proposing an enhanced power‐sharing strategy that regulates adjustable resistance and compensates for voltage drops across the line impedance at the output of distributed generation converters. The control approach involves analyzing the mathematical relationship between system impedance mismatches and voltage drops in DC residential systems. Utilizing low‐computation proportional‐integral controllers, the secondary current sharing and load voltage controllers regulate converter outputs to compensate for mismatched resistance and voltage, ensuring proper current sharing and load voltage quality across various load conditions. Through the implementation of the proposed scheme incorporating adjustable resistance and voltage shifting terms, both the current‐sharing error and load voltage deviation are gradually reduced to negligible values, while maintaining stable performance in steady‐state conditions, without the need for prior knowledge of system parameters. Simulations and experimental studies are both conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of diet in breast cancer prevention is controversial and limited in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to investigate the association between different dietary factors and breast cancer risk in Vietnamese women. Methods: Three hundred seventy newly histologically confirmed breast cancer cases and 370 controls matched by 5-year age from September 2019 to March 2020 in Ho Chi Minh City were recorded dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were evaluated using conditional logistic regression and adjusted with potential confounders. Results: Compared to the lowest quartile of intake, we found that the highest intake of vegetables, fruit, soybean products, coffee, and egg significantly decreased breast cancer risk, including dark green vegetables (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27-0.78, ptrend=0.022), legumes (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.44, ptrend <0.001), starchy vegetables (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21-0.66, ptrend=0.003), other vegetables (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.77, ptrend=0.106), fruits (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26-0.74, ptrend <0.001), soybean product (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.86, ptrend=0.311), coffee (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.95, ptrend 0.004), and egg (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.23-0.71, ptrend=0.002). Conclusion: Greater consumption of vegetables, fruit, soybean products, coffee, and eggs is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. This study provides evidence of breast cancer prevention by increasing the intake of these dietary groups, especially in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy rains can lead to human, economic, and ecological disasters with large-scale consequences. There are now many precipitation forecasting systems that use radar products with different algorithms and radar image extrapolation techniques to provide very short-range forecasting (up to one to three hours), such as McGill algorithm for precipitation nowcasting by Lagrange extrapolation (MAPLE), short-term ensemble prediction system (STEPS), and short-range warning of intense rainstorms in localized systems (SWIRLS). Most of the above models use radar image extrapolation techniques with various track the radar echo area or rain area. The optical flow can do it, and it is a popular technique that can be easily and efficiently applied in practice. The study objectives are: (i) to apply different optical flow techniques using radar data from available libraries such as Rainymotion and SWIRLS to quantify rain forecast for the next 1 to 6 h, and (ii) to evaluate which optical flow method is the most suitable for Vietnam's weather conditions and the superiority of the optimal parameter set in the selected one. The study's results show the following: (i) changing the parameterizations of the ROVER_HKO method using different weather conditions in Vietnam to forecast accumulated rainfall total for the entire rainfall events gives better results than the other methods, and the ROVER_VN method gives the best results when rain is a result of combined synoptic patterns; and (ii) the performance of quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) using a performance diagram with light and moderate rainfall thresholds is also better captured in a combined local and global optic flow method than in either type of optical flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A neutrally buoyant float deployed in an atmospherically driven turbulent ocean boundary layer on the dense side of a submesoscale front was repeatedly carried across the boundary layer by the turbulence and then trapped beneath the slumping front. Lagrangian particles in a large‐eddy simulation of a similar baroclinically unstable front forced by surface cooling move along convergent surface filaments toward filament junctions. They are also caught by convective plumes that downwell them at speeds similar to those of the float. Subsequently, some are trapped in the pycnocline by frontal slumping due to ageostrophic secondary frontal circulations. In both observations and simulations, boundary layer turbulence and frontal circulations work together to trap and subduct particles from the mixed layer. The small‐scale boundary layer motions move them vertically within the boundary layer and larger, submesoscale frontal circulations move them laterally out of the boundary layer and under the slumping fronts. Plain Language Summary: The present study provides evidence for enhanced tracer transport at ocean fronts in both observation and numerical simulation. The finding suggests a pathway for pollutants (e.g., microplastics) to accumulate in the ocean interior. The transport pathway is driven by both large‐scale eddy dynamics and finescale turbulence, of which the latter plays a larger role in downwelling speed while the spatial sites of subduction are determined by the former. Key Points: Lagrangian float observations reveal downwelling across and trapping beneath the turbulent mixed layer at a submesoscale frontSimilar particle trajectories in convectively forced LES result from joint effects of boundary layer turbulence and submesoscale dynamicsDownwelling is due to finescale convective plumes while trapping and restratificationare due to the submesoscale circulation of the front [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Measles remains a major public health burden worldwide. Parents often hesitate to vaccinate children with chronic diseases. We investigated the association between the percentage of vaccination and chronic diseases and explore hospital infections' role in the 2017–2019 measles outbreak across northern Vietnam provinces. Methods: A total of 2,064 children aged 0–15 years old admitted for measles to the National Children's Hospital during the outbreak were included in the study. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, vaccination statuses and laboratory examination were extracted from electronic medical records, vaccination records, or interviews with parents when other sources were unavailable. Results: The incidence rate that provincial hospitals sent to the National Children's Hospital was proportional to the population density of their provinces of residence. Early nosocomial transmission of measles was observed before community-acquired cases emerged in many provinces. Among patients aged over 18 months, those with chronic diseases had a proportion of vaccination of 9.4%, lower than patients without chronic diseases at 32.4%. Unvaccinated patients had a higher proportion of hospital-acquired infections with aOR = 2.42 (1.65–3.65), p < 0.001 relative to vaccinated patients. The proportion of hospital-acquired infections was higher among children with chronic diseases compared to those without, with aOR = 3.81 (2.90–5.02), p < 0.001. Conclusion: Measles spread in healthcare settings prior to community cases that occurred in several provinces. We recommend enhancing hospital infection control by increasing staff training and improving early detection and isolation during non-outbreak periods. Measles patients with chronic diseases exhibited lower proportions of vaccination and faced a higher risk of hospital-acquired infections. It is crucial to establish comprehensive vaccination guidelines and enhance parental awareness regarding the significance and safety of measles vaccination to protect these vulnerable individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon footprint of a product represents the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released during its production, transportation, and consumption and is calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq). It should be integrated into different existing and future seafood awareness campaigns to create more holistic yardsticks by which consumers, retail businesses, and producers can assess the environmental impacts of seafood. This study used the life cycle assessment (LCA) method for the first time to quantify the carbon footprint of salmon fillet products processed in Vietnam for export. The carbon footprint of 1-kg salmon fillet at the factory gate ranges between 7.20 and 15.05 kg CO2-eq, depending on transportation modes of head-on-gutted (HOG) salmon from Norway to Vietnam. Transportatiton by airfreight doubled carbon footprint of salmon fillet products processed in Vietnam compared to sea freight. Feed and electricity were identified as the two most respective contributing factors during the stage of cultivation, processing fresh salmon in Norway, and the stage of salmon fillet processing in Vietnam. They accounted for about 95% and 50% of the total carbon footprint in these stages of the production chain, respectively. To reduce the carbon footprint of the salmon fillet products processed in Vietnam, the company should (i) make a careful production plan to use sea freight transportation instead of airfreight and (ii) use more electricity from renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the carbon footprint of these products can be reduced by improving the cultivation process via changing feed ingredients and enhancing the feed conversion ratio (FCR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterium Acinetobacter soli was initially discovered in the forest soil of Baekwoon Mountain in the Republic of Korea. The strain A.soli Y-3 is well-known for its ability to produce L-asparaginase, the broader functionalities of A.soli remain unexplored. This study investigated the effect of A.soli, isolated from tomato plants with green wilt symptom, on tomato plants by introducing the bacteria at seed stage, 2-leaf stage and 4-leaf stage. The germination rate, stem height, root length and leaf number were recorded. The introduction of this bacterium into seeds during the seed stage did not affect germination rate but significantly enhanced stem height from the bacterial density of 2.5 x 104 CFU/mL and root length of tomato plants at bacterial densities ranging from 2.5 x 105 CFU/mL to 2.5 x 107 CFU/mL. Conversely, infection at the 2-leaf stage from a density of 2.5 x 104 CFU/mL led to a reduction in root length. Infection at the 4-leaf stage from the same density resulted in decreased stem height and leaf count. A.soli exhibited the capacity to induce auxin activity without gibberellic acid activity. This research sheds light on the multifaceted interaction between A.soli and tomato plants, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their potential applications in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain represents a significant unmet medical need, affecting one‐fifth of the U.S. population. EC5026 is a small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) which is being developed as a novel non‐opioid, non‐NSAID analgesic. EC5026 prolongs the action of epoxy fatty acids, endogenous analgesic lipid mediators that are rapidly metabolized by sEH. We evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of EC5026 in two phase I trials, a single‐ascending dose (SAD) study and a fed‐fasted study. The SAD study evaluated EC5026 doses ranging from 0.5 to 24 mg in healthy volunteers. EC5026 was well tolerated. No treatment‐emergent adverse events were considered related to EC5026. No apparent treatment‐ or dose‐related trends in laboratory results, vital signs, physical examinations, or electrocardiograms were observed. A linear, near‐dose‐proportional increase in exposure was observed with progressive doses in the SAD study; plasma exposure was below or near the lower limit of quantification after 0.5–2 mg doses. Mean half‐lives ranged from 41.8 to 59.1 h. for doses of 8–24 mg, supporting a once‐daily dosing regimen. In the fed‐fasted study using 8 mg EC5026 tablets, higher peak concentrations (66%) and total exposures (53%) were observed under the fed condition. Plasma concentrations declined in a monoexponential manner with mean half‐lives of 59.5 h. in the fed state and 66.9 h. in the fasted state. Future clinical trials using EC5026 for the treatment of pain are justified based on the favorable outcomes from both clinical trials along with preclinical evidence of analgesic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional group-directed structures of coordination polymers (CPs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have made them key candidates for proton exchange membranes in fuel cell technologies. Sulfonate group chemistry is well established in proton conducting polymers but has seen less exploration in CPs. Here, we report solvent-directed crystal structures of Cu2+ and Ca2+ CPs constructed with naphthalenedisulfonate (NDS) and anthraquinone-1,5-disulfonate (ADS) ligands, and we correlate single crystal structures across this set with proton conductivities determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Starting from the Cu2+-based NDS and aminotriazolate MOF designated Cu-SAT and the aqueous synthesis of the known Ca2+-NDS structure incorporating water ligands, we now report a further five sulfonate CP structures. These syntheses include a direct synthesis of the primary degradation product of Cu-SAT in water, solvent-substituted Ca-NDS structures prepared using dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide solvents, and ADS variants of Cu-SAT and Ca-NDS. We demonstrate a consistent 2D layer motif in the NDS CPs, while structural modifications introduced by the ADS ligand result in a 2D hydrogen bonding network with Cu2+ and aminotriazolate ligands and a 1D CP with Ca2+ in water. Proton conductivities across the set span 10−4 to >10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C and 95% RH. These findings reveal an experimental structure–function relationship between proton conductivity and the tortuosity of the hydrogen bonding network and establish a general, cross-structure descriptor for tuning the sulfonate CP unit cell to systematically modulate proton conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actuarial risk assessment measures are often criticized because items are typically historical and do not capture potential change. Latent variable models are used to link historical risk factors to risk domains that may be the target of intervention. Using exploratory factor analysis, we explored the latent factors of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) and the extent to which factors predict general, any violent, and IPV recidivism by conducting area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). We found that the ODARA contains three factors, which could be best attributed as antisocial patterns, victim vulnerabilities, and index offense-related. Antisocial Patterns significantly predicted all outcomes, whereas Victim Vulnerabilities only predicted general reoffending, and Index Offense did not reliably predict any of the recidivism outcomes. Moreover, Antisocial Patterns predicted all recidivism outcomes as well as the ODARA total. Additionally, Antisocial Patterns was able to predict any violent and general reoffending significantly better than Victim Vulnerabilities and Index Offense. Given that only Antisocial Patterns could predict IPV recidivism, our current understanding of factors unique to IPV needs further exploration to increase understanding and conceptualization of factors most strongly associated with IPV offenses, thereby improving the assessment of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleistocalyx operculatus is ubiquitous and known by folk experiences for its antimicrobial properties, thus promising as a low-cost green pesticide. In this work, the plant ethanol extract was investigated against Cercospora nicotianae, a pathogenic fungus implicated in the leaf spot in Pennywort. Characterisation of the plant extract showed 21 identifiable constituents (1-21), with the major components: 4',5'-dimethoxy-2'-hydroxy-4-methylchalcone (21; 41.71 %), phytol (15; 8.46 %), and 5.7-dimethoxyflavanone (20; 5.20 %). The in vitro antifungal screening of the extract revealed potent inhibitory capacity up to 7 days after inoculation (concentration = 9.54 mg.mL-1). The inhibitory potential was predicted by docking simulation, i.e., 19-Q6DQW3 (DS -10.7 kcal.mol-1; DSmax -12.7 kcal.mol-1) > 21-Q6DQW3 (DS -10.3 kcal.mol-1; DSmax -11.9 kcal.mol-1) > 20-Q6DQW3 (DS -10.3 kcal.mol-1 ; DSmax -11.7 kcal.mol-1). The chemical potentiality was derived from quantum calculation, i.e., 22 (-1172.77 a.u.) > 21 ≈ 19 (approx. - 1000 a.u.) > 20 (-ca. -950 a.u.) for chemical stability, and 3 (3.40 Debye), 15 (2.47 Debye), and 5 (2.03 Debye) for physical compatibility. The suitability for biological and pesticidal applications was justified by physicochemical analyses. The results revealed a firm correlation between the extracted major constituents (20 and 21) and the total antifungal activity against C. nicotianae, thus encouraging its local usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ETRS) shows promise for enhancing hydrological models, especially in regions lacking in situ streamflow observations. However, model calibration studies showed conflicting results regarding the ability of ETRS products to improve streamflow simulation. Rather than relying on model calibration, here we produce the first randomized experiment that explores the full streamflow–ET skill distribution, and also the first probabilistic assessment of the value of different global ETRS products for streamflow simulation. Using 280,000 randomized SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model runs across seven catchments and four ETRS products, we show that the relationship between ET and streamflow skills is complex, and simultaneous improvement in both skills is only possible in a limited range. Parameter sensitivity analysis indicates that the most sensitive parameters can have opposite contributions to ET and streamflow skills, leading to skill trade-offs. Conditional probability assessment reveals that models with good ET skills are likely to produce good streamflow skills, but not vice versa. We suggest that randomized experiments such as ours should be performed before model calibration to determine whether using ETRS is worthwhile, and to help in interpreting the calibration results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study partially replaced the clay with sewer sludge (SS) and rice husk (RH-SS) to make fired bricks. The brick samples were examed in terms of shrinkage, water absorption, and compressive strength. Besides, they were analyzed via XRD and metal extraction to determine the heavy metal residuals in the products. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate fired bricks using sewer sludge or rice husk-blended sludge with up to 30% by weight. These brick samples complied with the technical standard for clay brick production, in which the compressive strength was more than 7.5 MPa, water absorption was from 11–16%, and the linear shrinkage was all less than 5%. The rice husk addition helped mitigate the heavy metal residuals in the bricks and leaching liquid, in which all the values were lower than the US-EPA maximum concentration of contaminants for toxicity characteristics. Implications: Previous studies have proved the possibility of mixing sewage sludge from different origins (sewage sludge, river sediment, canal sediment, sewer sediment, etc.) with clay and some wastes to make bricks. In which, mostof the studies used sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, very fewdealt with lake/river or sewer sediment. This study shall be the first to study the possibility of employing sewer sediments with the addition of rice husk powder to achieve two targets, including (1) the reuse of biowaste and sludge for brick fabrication and (2) the reduction of heavy metals in final calcined bricks. Different ratios of the rice-husk blended sewer sludge (RH-SS) – clay mixture shall be tested to find the optimized compositions. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate fired bricks using sewer sludge or rice husk-blended sludge with up to 30% by weight, which meant reduce 30% of clay in the brick production. The final products were proved to meet the quality standard in terms of compressive strength (more than 10 MPa), water absorption(from 11–16%), and the linear shrinkage (less than 5%). Larger scale of this study can be an evident to recommend for policy change in the waste reuse in construction field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conceptual metaphor DEATH IS REST is a metaphor that appears with great frequency in discourse expressing the concept of "death" in Vietnamese and English. Its basic structure is a partial mapping schema with the characteristic of “rest” activated in association with the abstract idea of “death”. Through analyzing the two languages used, Vietnamese and English, the results of this study aim to point out similarities and differences as well as provide some insights into the mechanism of perceiving "death" in Vietnamese and English through the mindset of “rest”. The conclusions of the study can be used as a reference source for other studies on conceptual metaphors and applied language teaching relating to cultural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the challenges faced by Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities in accessing medical interpretation services, focusing on Michigan's policy on these services. Topics discussed include the limitations of current policies in considering patient preferences for interpreters, the challenges posed by the shortage and underutilization of medical interpreters, and the need for cultural sensitivity in interpretation practices.

Summary: This pilot audit explored how bone health is assessed patients with diabetes in diverse centres across Asia. Only 343 of 1092 (31%) audited patients had a bone health assessment, 27% of whom were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Quality improvement strategies are needed to address gaps in patient care in this area. Purpose: The Asia Pacific Consortium on Osteoporosis (APCO) Framework outlines clinical standards for assessing and managing osteoporosis. A pilot audit evaluated adherence to clinical standard 4, which states that bone health should be assessed in patients with conditions associated with bone loss and/or increased fracture risk; this report summarises the audit findings in patients with diabetes. A secondary aim was to assess the practicality and real-world use of the APCO bone health audit tool kit. Methods: Eight centres across Asia participated in the pilot audit, selecting diabetes as the target group. Participants reviewed their practice records for at least 20 consecutively treated patients with the target condition. Questions covered routine investigations, bone health assessment, osteoporosis diagnosis, and patient referral pathways. Data were summarised descriptively. Results: The participants represented public hospitals, university medical centres, and private clinics from India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam that see an estimated total of 95,000 patients with diabetes per year. Overall, only 343 of 1092 audited patients (31%) had a bone health assessment. Osteoporosis was subsequently diagnosed in 92 of 343 (27%) patients. Conclusion: Bone health was not assessed in most patients with diabetes. The results provide insight into current practices across diverse Asian centres and demonstrate the practical value of the audit tool kit. Participant feedback has been used to improve the tool kit. Results of this pilot audit are being used in the respective centres to inform quality improvement projects needed to overcome the gap in patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient processing of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles is an important and pressing challenge in a circular economy. Regardless of whether the processing strategy is recycling, repurposing, or remanufacturing, the first processing step will usually involve disassembly. As battery disassembly is a dangerous task, efforts have been made to robotise it. In this paper, a robotic disassembly platform using four industrial robots is proposed to automate the non-destructive disassembly of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle battery pack into modules. This work was conducted as a case study to demonstrate the concept of the autonomous disassembly of an electric vehicle battery pack. A two-step object localisation method based on visual information is used to overcome positional uncertainties from different sources and is validated by experiments. Also, the unscrewing system is highlighted, and its functions, such as handling untightened fasteners, loosening jammed screws, and changing the nutrunner adapters with square drives, are detailed. Furthermore, the time required for each operation is compared with that taken by human operators. Finally, the limitations of the platform are reported, and future research directions are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-stage models for cohort data are popular statistical models in several fields such as disease progressions, biological development of plants and animals, and laboratory studies of life cycle development. A Bayesian approach on adopting deterministic transformations in the Metropolis–Hastings (MH) algorithm was used to estimate parameters for these stage structured models. However, the biases in later stages are limitations of this methodology, especially the accuracy of estimates for the models having more than three stages. The main aim of this paper is to reduce these biases in parameter estimation. In particular, we conjoin insignificant previous stages or negligible later stages to estimate parameters of a desired stage, while an adjusted MH algorithm based on deterministic transformations is applied for the non-hazard rate models. This means that current stage parameters are estimated separately from the information of its later stages. This proposed method is validated in simulation studies and applied for a case study of the incubation period of COVID-19. The results show that the proposed methods could reduce the biases in later stages for estimates in stage structured models, and the results of the case study can be regarded as a valuable continuation of pandemic prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual metonymy which is based on the contingent relationship between a source concept and a target concept helps people perceive the world. The article discusses the concept and principles of conceptual metonymy and analyses the conceptual metonymy of COVID-19 pandemic used in official online newspapers published in Vietnam. 100 articles were selected for analysis. The study focuses on the "PLACE FOR EVENT" metonymy with the aim of shedding light on the Vietnamese's cognitive ways of thinking. Vietnamese people tend to use the geographical location where the COVID-19 pandemic occurs as a substitute for the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation is a promising emerging method for eliminating dye from contaminated water. The core of photocatalytic degradation lies in the design and preparation of high-performance catalysts that do not produce polluting secondary products. Here, we explore magnetic NiFe2O4 materials doped with varying amounts of Cu2+ ions (CuxNi1−xFe2O4, where x = 0–0.5) via the combustion method to target rhodamine B (RhB) dye removal. To validate whether Cu2+ is incorporated, the structural characteristics of the catalysts were analyzed using physical techniques. The photocatalytic activity of CuxNi1−xFe2O4 (x = 0–0.5) was evaluated based on the degradation of RhB, achieving 97.25% degradation efficiency under optimized conditions. The radical quenching results revealed that •OH played a pivotal factor in the photodegradation process. Additionally, chemical oxygen demand (COD) testing yielded a level of 24.67 mg L−1, significantly lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards. Overall, our findings reached high photocatalytic activity of Cu0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 in removing a harmful dye (RhB) from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the impact of sleep on individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It emphasizes the importance of sleep in diabetes management and discusses the potential consequences of inadequate sleep, such as increased morbidity and mortality, reduced quality of life, and healthcare utilization. The article addresses the physiological and hormonal aspects of sleep, the role of the circadian system, and the relationship between sleep and glucose metabolism. It also provides recommendations for assessing and optimizing sleep in diabetes management, including screening for sleep disorders. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to integrate sleep health assessments and management strategies into routine diabetes care to improve outcomes. The document contains references to scientific studies related to sleep and its impact on health, specifically in relation to diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

A mandate framework is proposed for delegating monetary policy to an instrument-independent, but goal-dependent central bank that emphasizes simplicity in both the objectives entering the welfare criterion and those in the instrument rule. It consists of: (i) a simple quadratic loss function penalizing deviations from target variables; (ii) a welfare-optimized, Taylor-type log-linear nominal interest-rate rule with targets that match those in the loss function; (iii) a zero-lower-bound (ZLB) constraint on the nominal interest rate imposing a low unconditional probability of ZLB episodes; and (iv) a long-run inflation target. In an estimated New Keynesian model with these features, we find that for a quarterly probability of 5%, an optimal annual inflation target is close to 2%, weights for real variables in the loss function are small compared with inflation except for the real wage growth mandate and the optimized rules mimic a price-level rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan, a modified product of chitin has found application in various fields such as in foods, cosmetics, agricultural products, and pharmaceuticals. This study aim to evaluate the stability and the antifungal activity of chitosan films produced from shrimp shells. Chitosan films with various degrees of deacetylation (70%, 80%, and 90%) were produced from shrimp shells by solution casting and solvent evaporation method. The stability of the chitosan films was evaluated under a controlled environmental conditions over a 35 days period. The key stability parameters monitored include; tensile strenght, elongation at break, elastic modulus, and water vapour permeability. The antifungal activity of the films was investigated against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using the disc diffusion method. After 35 days, the mechanical properties (tensile strenght, elongation at break, and elastic modulus), and water vapour permeability of the chitosan films remained largely unchanged, indicating sustained stability over time. The chitosan films at the three deacetylation levels (70%, 80%, and 90%) exhibited antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, with chitosan film with 90% degree of deacetylation showing the highest antifungal activity. From the results of the study, chitosan films at three degrees of deacetylation (70%, 80%, and 90%) have good stability under the storage conditions tested. They are highly active against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, thus could be used as protective films for food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical occurrence worldwide, with high morbidity in the pediatric population and in adult patients with intentional attempts. Coins and button battery ingestions are more common among children. Bone impaction and swallowed dentures are usually seen in older adults. While most ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously with no complications, some require endoscopic and/or surgical intervention. Complications such as pharyngoesophageal ulceration, perforation, stricture, and deep neck infection can develop without timely diagnosis and management. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the imaging approach to assess for characteristics and impacted locations of ingested foreign bodies in the neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in interest regarding monolithic porous polymers known as poly(High Internal Phase Emulsion) – poly(HIPE) – which are synthesized from high internal phase emulsions. This is due to their exceptional capability to produce three‐dimensional structures with substantial porosity. Nevertheless, the exploitation of this family of materials in energy‐driven applications is still limited, mainly because of their lack of conductivity. The exploration of conducting materials with 3D polymeric frameworks remains a promising avenue for research. In this context, pyrolysed poly(HIPE) seems to be the simplest and most cost‐effective strategy to directly transform a 3D polymer into a 3D conductive carbon foam, that is, carboHIPE. Currently, CarboHIPE and its derivatives are becoming alternatives to commercially available activated carbon/graphite or expensive graphene and carbon nanotube‐based materials. Accordingly, gaining insight into the formation of these materials is crucial to accelerate their use in commercial energy devices. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of various synthesis pathways utilized to modify the characteristics of CarboHIPEs, as well as the recent developments in their application as active components in energy‐based systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids and stilbenoids, crucial secondary metabolites abundant in plants and fungi, display diverse biological and pharmaceutical activities, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, conventional production methods, such as chemical synthesis and plant extraction, face challenges in sustainability and yield. Hence, there is a notable shift towards biological production using microorganisms like Escherichia coli and yeast. Yet, the drawbacks of using E. coli and yeast as hosts for these compounds persist. For instance, yeast's complex glycosylation profile can lead to intricate protein production scenarios, including hyperglycosylation issues. Consequently, Corynebacterium glutamicum emerges as a promising alternative, given its adaptability and recent advances in metabolic engineering. Although extensively used in biotechnological applications, the potential production of flavonoid and stilbenoid in engineered C. glutamicum remains largely untapped compared to E. coli. This review explores the potential of metabolic engineering in C. glutamicum for biosynthesis, highlighting its versatility as a cell factory and assessing optimization strategies for these pathways. Additionally, various metabolic engineering methods, including genomic editing and biosensors, and cofactor regeneration are evaluated, with a focus on C. glutamicum. Through comprehensive discussion, the review offers insights into future perspectives in production, aiding researchers and industry professionals in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), the article elucidates the conceptual metaphor "WOMEN ARE PLANTS" in 20th-century Vietnamese literary works. Through the analysis of low-level metaphors, the study focuses on determining the number and frequency of metaphorical linguistic expressions, hence shedding light on cultures and thinking of the Vietnamese community in a correlation between universality and distinctive characteristics of this ethnic group. Different perspectives on women are also revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noun phrases play a crucial role and appear in almost all sentences of any languages, including English and Vietnamese. Understanding the meaning of noun phrases therefore facilitates the understanding of sentences. The structures of noun phrases are usually complicated as they consist of many constituents and layers, especially for noun phrases used in research articles published in high-ranking business and economic journals. In this article, based on the theories of Greenbaum (1989) on the structures of noun phrases, the authors aim to analyze the constituents or the structures of noun phrases used in English and Vietnamese business and economic articles, compare these constituents to identify the similarities and differences between the two languages, then propose some implications for the study and translation of noun phrases from one language to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on the propensity of firms to engage in divestitures. We find that EPU is positively related to the likelihood of divestitures in general and cashflow‐generating divestitures in particular. Consistent with the desire for cash being a driving force behind divestitures, we find that underperforming firms are more likely to engage in cashflow‐increasing divestitures. Firms that do not pay dividends and are relatively more reliant on government funding are also more likely to pursue sell‐offs and carve‐outs when economic uncertainty is elevated. We find no evidence that firms prefer staged divestitures (spin‐offs and carve‐outs) over non‐staged (sell‐offs) when EPU is high. Instead, EPU is positively related to the likelihood of non‐staged divestitures suggesting that firms do not wait until uncertainty is resolved to pursue deals with a high degree of irreversibility. Our findings point to EPU as a motivator for poor‐performing firms to shore up cash during times of EPU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]