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In the context of sustainable development, while the benefits of incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into supplier management have been widely discussed in recent years, a significant gap in the literature remains. Specifically, there is a lack of a standardized decision analytics framework for ESG-oriented supplier relationship management (SRM) processes in the manufacturing sector. To address this gap, this study introduces a multi-criteria supplier analytics framework (MCSAF) towards sustainable SRM. Through referring traditional supplier evaluation criteria as well as emerging ESG criteria, a novel decision hierarchy for supplier segmentation is developed. The proposed system utilizes the Bayesian best-worst method and the Canopy-k-means clustering algorithm to formulate different supplier segments for strategic development. The proposed MCSAF has been successfully implemented in a German solar water pump manufacturer. The results show that the five highest-ranked criteria are 'Quality', 'Impact and importance on product quality and business growth', 'Environmental policy/management', 'Customer and product responsibility', and 'Risk and crisis management'. 52 suppliers are categorized into five segments, leading to the formulation of ESG-enabled supplier development strategies are subsequently formulated. The successful implementation of the MCSAF showcases its effectiveness in advancing ESG practices in sustainable supplier management. • ESG-driven supplier evaluation criteria system is developed. • MCDM method and clustering algorithms for supplier segmentation are integrated. • Multi-criteria group decision process for supplier evaluation is presented. • Sustainable supplier development strategies are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the nonnull soliton surfaces associated with Betchov–Da Rios equation in Minkowski space-time. The differential geometric properties of these kind of nonnull soliton surfaces are examined with respect to the Lorentzian casual characterizations. Moreover, the linear maps of Weingarten type are obtained which are defined on tangent spaces of these soliton surfaces. Some new results are obtained by means of two geometric invariants k and h which are generated by linear maps of Weingarten type. Then, the mean curvature vector field and Gaussian curvature of the nonnull soliton surface are obtained. Finally, it is shown that this kind of soliton surface consists of flat points as a numerical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-seed-induced regulation significantly impacts perovskite film grain growth; however, it inadequately addresses stress and defect issues at the perovskite interface. To counter this, we introduce an innovative self-disintegrating seed approach, employing 2D (4-FBZA) 2 PbI 4 perovskite to enhance the crystallization process. During perovskite crystal growth, (4-FBZA) 2 PbI 4 could disintegrate and release 4-FBZA+ ions. These ions effectively anchor the perovskite interface and interact with FA+ and [PbI 6 ]4- within the lattice, passivating defects and releasing detrimental stress. This strategy results in reduced nonradiative recombination and residual stress, culminating in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) achieving a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.73 % and a remarkable fill factor of 83.64 %. Crucially, unencapsulated PSCs retain over 90 % of their initial PCE following 2000 h of exposure in ambient conditions at 25±5 °C and 60 % relative humidity. [Display omitted] • A self-disintegrating seed strategy is proposed to improve the quality of perovskite films. • The interface modification and stress releasement brought by self-disintegrating seed are systematically demonstrated. • Perovskite solar cells with enhanced performance and stability are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer, the second leading cause of death worldwide following cardiovascular diseases, presents a formidable challenge in clinical settings due to the extensive toxic side effects associated with primary chemotherapy drugs employed for cancer treatment. Furthermore, the emergence of drug resistance against specific chemotherapeutic agents has further complicated the situation. Consequently, there exists an urgent imperative to investigate novel anticancer drugs. Steroidal saponins, a class of natural compounds, have demonstrated notable antitumor efficacy. Nonetheless, their translation into clinical applications has remained unrealized thus far. In light of this, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review elucidating the antitumor activity, underlying mechanisms, and inherent limitations of steroidal saponins. Additionally, we propose a series of strategic approaches and recommendations to augment the antitumor potential of steroidal saponin compounds, thereby offering prospective insights for their eventual clinical implementation. This review summarizes steroidal saponins' antitumor activity, mechanisms, and limitations. The data included in this review are sourced from authoritative databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and others. A comprehensive summary of over 40 steroidal saponin compounds with proven antitumor activity, including their applicable tumor types and structural characteristics, has been compiled. These steroidal saponins can be primarily classified into five categories: spirostanol, isospirostanol, furostanol, steroidal alkaloids, and cholestanol. The isospirostanol and cholestanol saponins are found to have more potent antitumor activity. The primary antitumor mechanisms of these saponins include tumor cell apoptosis, autophagy induction, inhibition of tumor migration, overcoming drug resistance, and cell cycle arrest. However, steroidal saponins have limitations, such as higher cytotoxicity and lower bioavailability. Furthermore, strategies to address these drawbacks have been proposed. In summary, isospirostanol and cholestanol steroidal saponins demonstrate notable antitumor activity and different structural categories of steroidal saponins exhibit variations in their antitumor signaling pathways. However, the clinical application of steroidal saponins in cancer treatment still faces limitations, and further research and development are necessary to advance their potential in tumor therapy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among various carbon materials, diamond stands out due to excellent physical and chemical properties. In this work, we designed Dia@SiO 2 @Ag composites combining diamond micropowder and Ag nanoparticles by a simple chemical method and obtained stable substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) owing to its high surface-to-volume ratio, low density, as well as close bond between diamond and Ag. As-prepared Dia@SiO 2 @Ag presented high activity to detect crystal violet and rhodamine 6G molecules, which was demonstrated by significantly enhanced SERS spectra and high enhancement factor values (108-109). Moreover, Dia@SiO 2 @Ag also showed desired sensitivity, which was investigated by detection limit. Therefore, our study provided more theoretical support and broadened the functional applications of diamond, particularly in Raman detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendon cysts of the iliopsoas muscle cause pain and snapping of the hip. These cysts are close to the femoral nerve and blood vessels, and the risk of open surgery is high, with cyst recurrence occurring frequently. We describe a method of hip arthroscopy for the orderly excision of iliopsoas cysts. During the operation, the iliopsoas tendon is identified and released, the cyst is excised, and peritendinous osteophytes are formed successively. This technique is a minimally invasive, safe, and highly effective hip arthroscopy technique that addresses both intra- and extra-articular lesions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A dynamic model of biomimetic jellyfish based on waterbomb was established. • The influence of dynamic parameters on the motion performance was analyzed. • Two motion schemes were designed adapt to different application environment. • Experiments were conducted to obtain the morphological changes and performance. In order to design a motion scheme that can achieve higher motion performance according to different application environment, a dynamic model of biomimetic jellyfish based on waterbomb was established. The influence of dynamic parameters on the motion performance was analyzed for two types of motion modes including Prolate type jellyfish and Oblate type jellyfish. Two motion schemes were designed based on the requirements of different application environment including motion speed and transportation costs. The experimental platform for biomimetic jellyfish was built and underwater propulsion experiments were conducted to obtain the morphological changes and underwater motion performance of the prototype. The experiment has verified the correctness of the dynamic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus infection from 2011 to 2016 in Chongqing, China, in order to provide evidence for strategies on epidemic prevention and control. We collected data on norovirus infectious diarrhea epidemics in 38 districts and counties, and analyzed the information using descriptive epidemiological methods. In 2011, the first case of norovirus infectious diarrhea in Chongqing was reported. From 2011 to 2015, 38 districts and counties in Chongqing reported a total of 4 epidemics. In 2016, however, the city reported 117 outbreaks. From 2011 to 2016, there were 1637 cases of norovirus infection but no deaths. In 2016, most outbreaks occurred over a 5-month period with a clear peak in December and higher incidence in major urban areas than smaller communities (83.61% vs. 16.39%). Of these 1637 cases, 99.18% occurred in urban schools and nurseries, and 80% were transmitted person-to-person. Infection by genogroup II genotype 2 (GII.2) viruses accounted for 98.71% of cases. Leukocytes were increased in 67.81% of patients, neutrophils in 65%, and lymphocytes in 50%. Medical treatment was sought by 70% of patients or guardians but only 3.66% of cases were hospitalized. The most frequent misdiagnosis was "suspected food poisoning". The frequency of norovirus infectious diarrhea epidemics increased over 20-fold from 2011 to 2016 in Chongqing, China. These epidemics occurred predominantly in urban schools and nurseries. However, epidemics showed little spread to outlying districts and counties, so prevention and control pressures were relatively high. Healthcare professionals and institutions should strengthen health education for groups at high-risk of norovirus infection, such as school children, and increase norovirus testing capacity to further improve emergency investigation. Prevention and control knowledge should be disseminated to the general public to reduce transmission risk and total disease burden. Finally, governments and health administrative departments should invest special funds to prevent and control norovirus epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Heat transfer, pressure loss and turbulent flow structure of miniature structured ribs are presented. • Experiments and numerical simulations have been done. • W-shaped miniature ribs have the best thermal performance by vortex flow. • Miniature structured ribs can achieve high heat transfer performance while having relatively low pressure losses. Abstract This paper presents an experimental and numerical study of turbulent flow heat transfer and pressure loss in channels with structured miniature ribs on one wall with the aim to improve the internal cooling performance of gas turbine blades and combustor liners. Miniature transverse, angled, V-shaped and W-shaped ribs are investigated respectively in the study, and the aspect ratio of the channels is kept to be 6:1, and the rib pitch to height ratio is 10 and the rib height to mean hydraulic diameter ratio is 0.029. The experiments were carried out at the Reynolds numbers ranging from 10,000 to 60,000, and a low-Reynolds number k -ε turbulence model was also adopted to simulate the turbulent flow and heat transfer in the channels. Both experimental and numerical results have shown that the shapes of miniature ribs have appreciable influences on the heat transfer and pressure loss performance in the channels. The experiments showed that the W ribs have the highest heat transfer and pressure loss performance in the channel, and the angled ribs have the lowest heat transfer and pressure loss performance in the channel. The W-ribbed channel shows respectively the globally averaged Nusselt numbers and overall Nusselt numbers of 2.2–2.6 and 2.9–3.3 times those of a smooth channel, and the friction factors of 2.5–3.7 times those of the smooth channel, which are higher than those of the V-ribbed channel and the transverse-ribbed channel. The miniature structured ribs show appreciable higher thermal performance than the conventional sized ribs. Furthermore, the numerical simulations show different vortex flow structures near the wall induced by the structured miniature ribs on the wall, which are responsible for the high-performance heat transfer enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]