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With the global whisky market reaching $65.6 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $89.48 billion by the end of 2029, the incentives for fraud in relation to (and adulteration of) this alcoholic beverage are self-evident. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have taken actions against crimes of this nature, with forensic scientists playing crucial roles (mainly through expert testimonies on sample authenticities) during legal proceedings. Important issues associated with Scotch whisky authentication include: (a) understanding the typical manufacturing process; (b) acquisition of reference samples; and (c) effective utilization of instrumentations to characterize features derived from the manufacturing process and strategic approaches for the interpretation of analytical findings. Following a brief review of the definition/classification, manufacturing, and adulteration/counterfeiting of Scotch whiskies, this review focuses on the characterization of manufacturing-derived features and interpretation of analytical findings as grouped into: (a) quantitative analysis of single compounds; (b) qualitative analysis and intensity ratio of multiple compounds; (c) chemometric analysis of selected multi-compounds; and (d) quantitative analysis of selected elements. Finally, a flowchart for conducting the authentication process, from various significantly different perspectives, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Chinese provincial data from 2008 to 2022, this study constructs a spatial panel data model to empirically analyze the impact of smog pollution on family financial burden, and public health's moderating effect on this relationship and the regional heterogeneity of this moderating effect. The results show that after controlling the economic development, human capital, environmental regulation, and other provincial variables, smog pollution significantly positively (negatively) affects family financial burden (public health). Furthermore, public health partially mediates the relationship between smog pollution and family financial burden. Thus, the impact of smog pollution on family financial burden can be partially realized through public health. Regionally, the impact of smog pollution on family financial burden in central and western China is higher than that in eastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exercise‐based swallowing training (EBST) and transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (TNMES) are common modalities used to treat late dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We aimed to investigate and compare the efficacies of EBST and TNMES as proactive treatments administered early after radiotherapy. Methods: Patients with early post‐radiotherapy NPC (n = 120) underwent either TNMES or EBST. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), quality of life (QOL), and swallowing function questionnaires were completed before the intervention as well as immediately, 6, and 12 months after the intervention. Outcome measures included the scores for the swallowing function score (SFS), penetration and aspiration scale (PAS), dynamic imaging grade of swallowing toxicity (DIGEST), functional oral intake scale (FOIS), swallowing performance status scale (SPSS), pharyngeal motor impairment (PMI), pharyngeal function impairment (PFI), and functional assessment after cancer therapy–nasopharyngeal (FACT‐NP) questionnaire. Results: Three months after radiotherapy, 31 and 34 patients underwent TNMES and EBST, respectively, and completed swallowing assessments at all four assessment timepoints. All patients showed post‐radiotherapy impairments in the SFS, PAS, DIGEST, PMI, and PFI. Compared with the EBST group, the TNMES group showed significant improvements in the PFI and PMI scores, with small‐to‐medium effect sizes. Additionally, compared with the EBST group, the TNMES group demonstrated a trend toward slightly better improvements in the PAS, DIGEST, FOIS, and SPSS scores immediately and 6 months after the intervention. The SFS scores improved from baseline in both groups; however, the TNMES group showed an earlier improvement. Finally, the TNMES group showed better QOL according to the FACT‐NP than the EBST group. Conclusion: Proactive TMNES and EBST are safe and feasible modalities for improving swallowing in patients with NPC when administered early after radiotherapy. Although TNMES showed better results than EBST, these results should be interpreted with caution given the study limitations. Level of evidence: 1B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitive deionisation (CDI) of saltwater, with the advantages of low energy consumption and being environmentally friendly, has been considered a potential solution to the scarcity of fresh water from sea, contaminated or waste waters. In the present work, Ag@C core-shell nanoparticle dispersed rGO (Ag@C/rGO) electrodes were synthesised and used for the CDI of saltwater. To better understand the formation mechanism of the Ag@C core-shell nanoparticles, temperature-programmed carbonisation of the Ag+-β-cyclodextrin complexes was studied by in situ synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering spectroscopy. At 573 K, the core Ag metal forms Ag@C core-shell nanoparticles with the highest probability nanosizes of 40-80 nm. In the 4-cycle flow-by CDI (once through) experiments using the Ag@C/GO electrodes, high electrosorption efficiencies (25.0-44.9%) were obtained. Each CDI cycle involving electrosorption at 1.2 V and regeneration at 0 V for 1 h was highly reversible. In addition, the disinfection efficiency of the Ag@C/rGO electrodes, contributed by both silver and rGO, was very high (>97%). This study shows that the easily synthesised Ag@C/rGO core-shell carbon-based electrodes are feasible for simultaneous deionisation and disinfection of saltwater as a potential source of drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matter-wave interferometry is a highly sensitive tool to measure small perturbations in a quantum system. This property allows the creation of precision sensors for dephasing mechanisms such as mechanical vibrations. They are a challenge for phase measurements under perturbing conditions that cannot be perfectly decoupled from the interferometer, e.g. for mobile interferometric devices or vibrations with a broad frequency range. Here, we demonstrate a method based on second-order correlation theory in combination with Fourier analysis, to use an electron interferometer as a sensor that precisely characterizes the mechanical vibration spectrum of the interferometer. Using the high spatial and temporal single-particle resolution of a delay line detector, the data allows to reveal the original contrast and spatial periodicity of the interference pattern from 'washed-out' matter-wave interferograms that have been vibrationally disturbed in the frequency region between 100 and 1000 Hz. Other than with electromagnetic dephasing, due to excitations of higher harmonics and additional frequencies induced from the environment, the parts in the setup oscillate with frequencies that can be different to the applied ones. The developed numerical search algorithm is capable to determine those unknown oscillations and corresponding amplitudes. The technique can identify vibrational dephasing and decrease damping and shielding requirements in electron, ion, neutron, atom and molecule interferometers that generate a spatial fringe pattern on the detector plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundTo investigate the risk of completed suicide in offspring during adolescence in relation to prior history of the same-sex parent's death by suicide and other causes.MethodA total of 500 adolescents who died by suicide at age 15–19 years between 1997 and 2007 were identified from the Taiwan Mortality Registration (TMR). For each case, 30 age- and time-matched controls were selected randomly from all adolescents registered in the Taiwan Birth Registry (TBR). A multivariate conditional logistic regression model was used to assess the risk of adolescent completed suicide in relation to their same-sex parent.ResultsAdolescent suicide risk was positively associated with both paternal [odds ratio (OR) 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.17–13.33] and maternal suicide (OR 6.59, 95% CI 1.82–23.91). The corresponding risk estimates associated with paternal and maternal deaths from non-suicidal causes were much lower, at 1.88 and 1.94 respectively. The risk of suicide in male adolescents was significantly associated with prior history of paternal death by suicide (OR 8.23, 95% CI 2.96–22.90) but not of maternal death by suicide (OR 3.50, 95% CI 0.41–30.13). On the other contrary, the risk of suicidal death in female adolescents was significantly associated with prior history of maternal suicide (OR 9.71, 95% CI 1.89–49.94) but not of paternal suicide (OR 2.42, 95% CI 0.30–19.57). However, these differences did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsAlthough limited by sample size, our study indicates that adolescent offspring suicidal death is associated with prior history of their same-sex parent's death by suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method to assign soft-sphere contact model parameters in a discrete-element simulation with which we can reproduce the experimentally measured avalanche dynamics of finite dry granular mass down a flume. We adopt the simplest linear model in which interaction force is decomposed along or tangent to the contact normal. The model parameters are chosen uniquely to satisfy theoretical models or to meet experimental evidences at either the particle or the bulk size level. The normal mode parameters are chosen specifically to ensure Hertzian contact time (but not its force-displacement history) and the resulting loss of particle kinetic energy, characterized by a measured coefficient of restitution, for each pair of colliding surfaces. We follow the literature to assign the tangential spring constant according to an elasticity model but propose a method to assign the friction coefficient using a measured bulk property that characterizes the bulk discharge volume flow rate. The linear contact model with the assigned parameters are evaluated by comparing the simulated bulk avalanche dynamics down three slopes to the experimental data, including instantaneous particle trajectories and bulk unsteady velocity profile. Satisfying quantitative agreement can be obtained except at the free surface and the early-time front propagation velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation examines a novel means of integrating high-performance AlN piezoelectric thin films with a flexible stainless steel substrate (SUS304) to fabricate a double-sided piezoelectric transducer for wind-power generators. The double-sided piezoelectric transducer is constructed by depositing AlN piezoelectric thin films on both the front and the back sides of SUS304 substrate. The titanium (Ti) and platinum (Pt) layers were deposited using a dual-gun DC sputtering system between the AlN piezoelectric thin film and the back side of the SUS304 substrate. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction of AlN piezoelectric films reveal a rigid surface structure and highly c-axis-preferred orientation. To fabricate a transducer with a resonant frequency of about 90 Hz, a cantilever length of 1 cm and a vibration area of 1 cm2are designed, based on the cantilever vibration theory. The maximum open circuit voltage of the power transducer is approximately 14.6 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have demonstrated a successful electroplating process of nickel (Ni) in a sulfamate electrolyte bath at ultra low electrolytic temperatures of 273–278 K. The potentiostatic mode is essential for the electroplating process rather than galvanostatic mode. The reason is that diffusion-limited current can be easily obtained by applying a specific potential which is higher than reduction potential. On the contrary, galvanostatic mode can not identify the diffusion-limited current and the reduction will suspend while the setting current is higher than diffusion-limited current ranged in hundreds of μA. The microstructure, morphology and hardness of the Ni electrodeposits were characterized using grazing incidence x-ray diffractometer, atomic force microscopy and nano-indentation test were performed. The hardness of Ni film was much enhanced to around 6.37 GPa at 273 K to 6.18 GPa at 278 K compared with that around 4.11 GPa at 288 K to 4.01 GPa at 293 K. The normal hardness of pure nickel is about 4 GPa. The enhanced hardness of Ni at ultra low temperature is attributed to both mechanisms of reduced grain size strengthening and residual compressive stress hardening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) or porous anodic aluminum (PAA) films were fabricated using the potentiostatic method from high-purity (99.999%) aluminum films at low temperatures of 0–10°C to avoid dissolution effects at room temperature (RT). In this article, the fabrication of AAO or PAA film from commercial purity (99%) aluminum at RT has been investigated using hybrid pulse anodization under different oxalic acid concentration and process duration. The effect of acid concentration and anodization duration on the formation of AAO size and morphology has been studied. Both pore diameter and oxide layer thickness of AAO films were examined via SEM images and found that both increased with increasing oxalic concentration and anodization duration. In addition, the pore distribution was more concentrated at high electrolytic concentration and anodization duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation of the mean contents of hair calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc in female osteoarthritis (OA) patients. This study was designed to compare the mean contents of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc in the hair of OA female patients (n = 51), and healthy female controls (n = 50) by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In this study, significantly higher mean contents of copper (p <0.001), potassium (p <0.01), sodium (p < 0.05) and ratio of [Cu/Zn] (p < 0.001) were found in OA female patients' hair. Conversely, significantly lower ratios of [Na/K] (p <0.05) and [Fe/Cu] (p <0.01) were found. Based on our finding, we suggest that the mean contents of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc may play an important role in OA. However, exactly how the mean contents of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc affect OA still remains unclear and should warrant further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin titanium dioxide (TiO2) films were deposited by pulsed KrF excimer laser ablation deposition system using a titanium oxide target. The effects of substrate temperature and oxygen partial pressure on the phase formations of various microstructures were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman scattering spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The film structures range from amorphous to mixed phase of anatase and rutile to pure anatase. Increasing the substrate temperature improves the quality of anatase phase of crystalline TiO2 films. The oxygen pressure in the range between 15 and 60 mTorr shows a single anatase phase in TiO2 films while the rutile and anatase mixed phases were observed elsewhere. The band gap of TiO2 films varied from 2.72 to 3.27 eV with increasing oxygen partial pressure while the film structures changed from rutile phase to anatase phase. The surface area of TiO2 films increased as oxygen partial pressure in film deposition. The photocatalytic performance evaluated by degradation of methylene blue in UV light was distinguishable in the TiO2 films with high anatase phase and surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Human uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 (UCP2 and UCP3) are two mitochondrial proteins that are involved in the control of metabolism of fatty acid and possibly protect against oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to analyze genetic associations of four polymorphisms of the UCP2 and UCP3 genes with insulin, leptin concentration and obesity in Taiwan aborigines. Research Methods: Four polymorphisms were compared in 324 obese (body mass index (BMI) > or =30 kg/m(2)) and overweight (30>BMI > or =25 kg/m(2)) subjects, and 114 normal weight subjects (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) in an aboriginal community of southern Taiwan. Anthropometric characteristics and fasting levels of insulin, leptin, triglycerides and cholesterol were measured. Results: Before and after adjusting for age distribution, only the Val55 allele in exon 4 of the UCP2 gene increased the risk of overweight and obesity (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.02, P=0.004) in comparison with Ala55. UCP2 V55V is also associated with higher fasting insulin levels than A55V (P=0.01) and A55A (P=0.04) in the obese/overweight group. Using the COCAPHASE program of the UNPHASED software, haplotype analysis of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (A55V-G866A-C-55T) revealed that A-G-C (73% in obese subjects and 77% in controls) was the most common haplotype and that the haplotype V-A-T (13% in obese subjects and 5% in controls) was significantly increased in obese and overweight subjects (BMI > or =25 kg/m(2)) (OR=2.62, P<0.001). Discussions: UCP2 A55V variant might predispose to obesity and Val55 allele to confer population-attributable risk for 9.5% of obese disorders and increase insulin concentrations. The V-A-T haplotype within UCP2-UCP3 gene cluster is also significantly associated with obesity in Paiwan aborigines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black disease (BFD) is a chronic peripheral vascular disorder disease affecting the articles of the lower limbs. It is endemic in certain parts of southwestern Taiwan and has been linked to arsenic contamination of artesian well water. This study was designed to compare the blood concentrations of copper, zinc and (Cu/Zn) in residents of BFD hyperendemic village including BFD patients (n = 123), non-BFD (n = 39) resident of hyperendemic villages and non-endemic village healthy control (n = 49) by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Higher blood concentration of copper and higher ratio of (Cu/Zn), but lower concentration of zinc were found in non-BFD residents of hyperendemic villages and in nonendemic villages healthy controls. On the basis of this evidence, a higher ration of (Cu/Zn), higher concentration of copper and lower concentration of zinc in blood seems to be closely related to BFD. Therefore, this finding could be used for prescreening of highest risk BFD population in BFD hyperendemic village and also act as a secondary prevention of BFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An atomic absorption spectrophotometric method was used to determine the concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in the hair of breast cancer patients (n = 50) in Taiwan. The results demonstrate that breast cancer patients have lower mean hair concentrations of calcium, magnesium and zinc than those of the healthy controls (n = 50). These aforementioned concentrations were noted with significant difference of p < 0.05. Particularly in calcium and magnesium there appears a significant difference of p < 0.001. However, breast cancer patients have higher mean hair concentrations of copper and iron than those of the healthy controls. The significant difference was obvious with p < 0.05, and p < 0.001. In addition, when further compared with the healthy controls, the breast cancer patients have higher ratios of Cu/Zn, Ca/Mg and Cu/Fe in hair. These ratios were noted with all showing a significant difference of p < 0.05. Particularly, when comparing Cu/Zn and Cu/Fe ratios, a significant difference of p < 0.001 appeared. Our results conclude that changes of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc concentrations in hair may have a certain relationship with breast cancer. The ratios of Ca/Mg, Cu/Zn and Cu/Fe could be used as biochemical markers in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analytical method for analysing the mechanical errors of disc cam mechanisms. With the aid of parametric expressions of the cam profile and by employing the concept of equivalent linkage, the error of the follower motion that is due to the variation in each design parameter can be determined analytically. The resulting error equations do not really involve the location of the curvature centre of the cam profile, and thus locating the curvature centre of the cam profile is not essential. The method is validated through analysing a cam mechanism that has an invariant equivalent linkage, and thus an exact solution is available. Compared with the exact solutions, the predicted results have at least four-figure accuracy. For the roller follower cases, the pressure angle has most effect on the resulting error. Owing to the counteraction of the shift angle, the resulting error due to the radial dimension error of the cam profile has relatively smaller variation. In the worst case, owing to the combined effects of various design parameters, the accuracy of the follower motion may degrade considerably. The acceleration error functions have a sudden change at the ends of the motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A procedure for analysing the force transmissibility of planar multiloop linkage mechanisms is introduced. The procedure considers the power flow paths in a multiloop linkage. By using a normalized force transmission index based on the 'gain per unit cost' concept, the force transmission performance of multiloop linkages can be characterized and measured quantitatively. The result shows that a multiloop mechanism may transmit effective force to the output link when it is at a singularity of motion. In such a condition, the power can reach the output link without passing through the singular-related joints in a multiloop mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]