Search

Introduction: Identifying strategies to further reduce AIDS‐related mortality requires accurate estimates of the extent to which mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is due to AIDS‐related or non‐AIDS‐related causes. Existing approaches to estimating AIDS‐related mortality have quantified AIDS‐related mortality as total mortality among PLHIV in excess of age‐ and sex‐matched mortality in populations without HIV. However, recent evidence suggests that, with high antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, a growing proportion of excess mortality among PLHIV is non‐AIDS‐related. Methods: We searched Embase on 22/09/2023 for English language studies that contained data on AIDS‐related mortality rates among adult PLHIV and age‐matched comparator all‐cause mortality rates among people without HIV. We extracted data on the number and rates of all‐cause and AIDS‐related deaths, demographics, ART use and AIDS‐related mortality definitions. We calculated the proportion of excess mortality among PLHIV that is AIDS‐related. The proportion of excess mortality due to AIDS was pooled using random‐effects meta‐analysis. Results: Of 4485 studies identified by the initial search, eight were eligible, all from high‐income settings: five from Europe, one from Canada, one from Japan and one from South Korea. No studies reported on mortality among only untreated PLHIV. One study included only PLHIV on ART. In all studies, most PLHIV were on ART by the end of follow‐up. Overall, 1,331,742 person‐years and 17,471 deaths were included from PLHIV, a mortality rate of 13.1 per 1000 person‐years. Of these deaths, 7721 (44%) were AIDS‐related, an overall AIDS‐related mortality rate of 5.8 per 1000 person‐years. The mean overall mortality rate among the general population was 2.8 (95% CI: 1.8–4.0) per 1000 person‐years. The meta‐analysed percentage of excess mortality that was AIDS‐related was 53% (95% CI: 45–61%); 52% (43–60%) in Western and Central Europe and North America, and 71% (69–74%) in the Asia‐Pacific region. Discussion: Although we searched all regions, we only found eligible studies from high‐income countries, mostly European, so, the generalizability of these results to other regions and epidemic settings is unknown. Conclusions: Around half of the excess mortality among PLHIV in high‐income regions was non‐AIDS‐related. An emphasis on preventing and treating comorbidities linked to non‐AIDS mortality among PLHIV is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Graft failure, one of the most common outcomes in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction randomized controlled trials, lacks a consensus definition. The purpose of this study was to systematically summarize current practice and parameters in defining anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft 'failure'. Recent Findings: Forty studies (4466 participants) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Of these, 90% either defined failure formally or referenced the etiology of failure, the remaining 10% used the term failure without referencing the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft. Among the included studies, there was a high level of inconsistency between the definitions of graft failure. The extracted data was categorized into broader groups, revealing abnormal knee laxity (80%) and graft re-rupture (37.5%) as the most common parameters incorporated in the definitions of graft failure in high-level randomized controlled trials. Summary: This review shows that anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction randomized controlled trials lack a consistent definition for graft failure. A universal definition is vital for clarity in medical practice and research, ideally incorporating both objective (e.g. graft re-rupture) and subjective (e.g. validated questionnaires) parameters. A composite outcome should be established which includes some of the common parameters highlighted in this review. In the future, this review can be used to assist orthopaedic surgeons to establish a formal definition of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction graft 'failure'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the use of natural history collections is essential to understand their past and present impact on science, to underpin decisions about their management and to assist with deploying them optimally to address societal challenges. Using the vast natural history collections of Naturalis Biodiversity Center as an example, this paper assesses the significance and relevance of quantifying collection use. Four aspects are discussed: 1. standardisation, 2. relevance of having standardised metrics on collection use, 3. the level of detail and completeness of the information and 4. the interactions between digitisation of collections and physical collection use. Based on a set of transparent and objective parameters to describe collection use, it is proposed to further develop these into international standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical study of the optical properties of new NiO-Ni nanoshells (NSs) with different radii and shell thicknesses dispersed in silica was carried out in a wide range of ultraviolet, visible and infrared optical spectra from 200 nm to 5000 nm. The established remarkable tunability of absorption (extinction) spectrum and the high absorption properties of NiO-Ni NSs in the presented spectral ranges are very interesting for use in various photothermal and laser high-temperature technologies, including applications in light-to-heat conversion, solar thermal energy, laser nanomedicine and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infiltration parameters and roughness are essential parameters in the design and management of furrow irrigation. Accurate determination of these parameters is essential for achieving reliable irrigation techniques and improving furrow irrigation performance. Therefore, this study proposed a method combining least squares support vector machines (LSSVM) and genetic algorithm (GA) to invert infiltration parameters and roughness. During the parameters inversion, it is necessary to know the simulated values of advance and recession time to construct the objective function, but the relationship between the furrow irrigation advance, recession time and soil infiltration parameters and roughness is implicit in the zero-inertia model, lacking a direct solution. Manually inputting parameters into WinSRFR for validation would severely hinder the efficiency of parameter estimation. Therefore, this study utilized LSSVM to map the complex nonlinear relationship the furrow irrigation advance, recession times and soil infiltration parameters and roughness. The advance time LSSVM regression model (regularization constant 60, RBF kernel width 35) and recession time LSSVM regression model (regularization constant 70, RBF kernel width 20) were constructed. Results showed that the root mean square error (RMSE) for advance and recession time in training samples ranged from 0.84 to 1.75 min and 2.18 to 3.16 min, respectively. For testing samples, the RMSE values ranged from 0.85 to 1.77 min and 2.41 to 3.62 min, demonstrating high prediction accuracy. This approach reduces the computational burden of manual input in WinSRFR by using LSSVM regression models to simulate advance/recession time, thus facilitating parameter estimation with GA. The key to implementing the LSSVM-GA method lies in the data transfer and iteration between LSSVM and GA when calculating the fitness function. To further verify the reliability of the proposed method, furrow irrigation experiments were conducted on closed-end furrows in cornfields in Shuangzhao Village, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China. Two typical furrow lengths were selected, each with two test plots to observe the actual advance and recession times. Each scheme was repeated three times, and the final experimental data were averaged. Multiple nonlinear regression (MNR) and Merriam-Keller post-irrigation volume balance analysis (MK-PIVB) from WinSRFR were also used for comparison. Results indicated that for the advance process simulation, the parameters estimated by MK-PIVB and LSSVM-GA provided similar curves, with RMSE ranging from 1.30 to 2.94 min and coefficient of determination (R²) from 0.97 to 0.99. In contrast, MNR performed slightly worse, particularly for F1, with an RMSE of 5.52 min. Further analysis of the recession process showed that MNR's parameter estimates were not ideal, with RMSE ranging from 4.77 to 6.00 min and R² below 0.60. MK-PIVB's estimates were satisfactory only for F2, but were inaccurate for the other three furrows with RMSE of 4.75, 4.13, and 4.18 minutes and R² of 0.49, 0.70, and 0.54, respectively. The LSSVM-GA method provided improved parameter estimates for both processes, with RMSEs ranging from 1.06 to 2.12 minutes for advance and 2.28 to 3.11 minutes for recession. The LSSVM-GA method effectively combined nonlinear mapping and heuristic algorithms, overcoming the limitations of the other two methods, such as the need for predefined regression functions, reliance on manual experience and judgment, and high computational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinematic principle in lapping process is an essential theoretical foundation to achieve high lapping accuracy. The motion path of abrasive grains determines the machined area on workpiece, thereby affecting the surface accuracy. To improve lapping uniformity, this paper established a kinematic model of swing fixed-abrasive lapping (SFAL) and investigated the effect of kinematic parameters (rotational speed ratio, swing ratio, swing angle) on lapping uniformity. Non-uniformity coefficient (NUC) was adopted to evaluate the lapping uniformity, and the impact mechanism of kinematic parameters on the trajectory of abrasive grains were revealed by Taguchi experiments and numerical simulation. Furthermore, response surface experiments were employed to optimize the parameter combination, and a prediction model for NUC was developed. This work provides theoretical guidance for the selection of kinematic parameters in SFAL process, and has reference significance for improving the lapping accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the importance of managing fishpond effluent to minimize its impact on aquatic environments. Fish effluents are a major concern worldwide in aquatic environments. It also provides information on the impacts of effluents on the water quality index of streams when released into aquatic environments. Streams and fishponds were sampled bimonthly for two annual cycles, covering different sampling stations both upstream and downstream of the fishpond effluents at 50-m intervals. Water quality parameters associated with in situ conditions were determined in the field. In the laboratory, other physicochemical parameters were determined via proper standard protocols. The results of the study revealed that water quality parameters such as turbidity, total suspended solids, total solids, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and organic matter recorded in water samples collected from 50 m upstream at the point of effluent discharge were significantly (p < 0.05) different from those recorded at other sampling stations. The WQI value of the discharge point was higher than the WQI recorded in both the upstream and downstream sections of the stream. The findings of this study showed that the point of discharge of fishpond effluents is particularly concerning for the receiving stream compared with other sampling points. This localized area has experienced marked deterioration in water quality, posing significant threats to the health and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. The effluent's impact, though slight when dispersed in the receiving waterbody, underscores the necessity for adequate management practices to mitigate its adverse effects. Effective strategies, including regular monitoring, effluent treatment, and sustainable pond management, are imperative to ensure the long-term health and resilience of the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of photocatalysis applications rapidly expands, offering energy-efficient solutions across various industries. Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2 NTs/TNTs) are emerging as effective catalysts for water filtration techniques. Electrochemical anodization is the preferred method for producing suitable TNTs on a titanium plate. The key challenge lies in fabricating these desired TNTs efficiently in terms of time, cost, and energy. These effective nanotubes can achieve optimal photocatalytic dye degradation by modifying their optical and morphological properties. This paper explores the fabrication of NTs by manipulating different parameters and the successful application of Titania in dye degradation through appropriate doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important for EU countries to achieve energy independence. But this is actually impossible without a high level of use or consumption of renewable energy (RE) sources. Important parameters affecting the consumption of RE sources are as follows: foreign direct investments (FDI), adjusted net savings (ANS), and environmental tax revenues. In the presented work, the likely impact of the above indicators on the level of use of RE sources was estimated using a second-order regression equation. As a result, it was established that the growth of the adjusted net savings indicator and an increase in environmental tax revenues (ETR) have a positive effect on the level of use of RE sources. With significant FDI, the level of ANS does not have a very obvious effect on the growth of the level of use of RE sources. An increase in the level of ANS allows for an increase in ETR, which in turn contributes to an increase in the level of consumption of RE sources. It was also established that an increase in the level of ANS contributes to a more complete realization of the potential of FDI for the development of RE. It has been empirically established that a consistently high consumption of renewable energy sources is actually possible in the countries with a high level of adjusted net savings, high environmental tax revenues, and active attraction of foreign direct investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of four crude oil degrading bacteria strains (Pseudomonas putidastrainAY001, Alcaligenes aquatilis B61, Winkia neuii B12 and Enterococcus casseliflavus AAOO-1) on the physicochemical parameters of water from River Erhoike, in Kokori, Delta State, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Results obtained show that The pH ranged between 6.3 and 7.3, the dissolved oxygen ranged between 5.80±0.10 and 10.00±0.20, the highest total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation rate was 70% and results showed that Pseudomonas putida strainAY001 which had 70% crude oil degradation rate ranked the best among others, making it good indigenous bacteria with a great potential to perform bioremediation of hydrocarbon polluted environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a case study in which a dynamic simulation modeling (DSM) calculation was carried out to assess the energy performance of a building in Giroc, a locality adjacent to the city of Timișoara, using the VABI Elements software. The characteristics were determined based on which the HVAC equipment was selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the performances of the SPH method to solve Shallow Water Equations SWEs with three investigation parameters were studied, such as the type of kernel functions, namely: cubic spline, Gaussian and quintic spline kernels, the number of particles used and the stabilization terms injected, specifically: Lax Friedrichs flux, artificial viscosity and two shocks Riemann solver. Three benchmarking tests make the subject of unsteady free surface flow in this study. It is 1D typical dam-break on wet and dry bottom; 2D partial dam-break on a dry floodplain and 2D partial dam-break on channel with 90° bend. The analysis of the different errors between the numerical and analytical solutions and/or the experimental data shows that the SPH method gives reliable values with the selected optimal parameters which are the cubic kernel function and the artificial viscosity term. The increase in the number of particles increases the precision but also the calculation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment evaluated growth traits and estimated genetic parameters of offspring (F2)crossbreed of exotic and local birds in University of Nigeria Nsukka farm. A total of 240 F2 hatched chicks from the genotype groups of F1 (offspring of first filial generation)were used for this experiment. The chicks were brooded in groups according to their genotypes for six weeks. Parameters measured include; body weight, body length, thigh length, and shank length from which heritability were estimated. The result shows that Amo cock x Isa brown hen genotype (AC x IBH f2) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in body weight than other genotypes in all the weeks considered with a mean weight of 46.67±0.33 at 1st week and 1365.00±56.75at 12thweeks of age, followed by Amo cock x heavy ecotype hen genotype (AC x HEH f2) with a mean weight of 41.00±1.00 and 1253.00±69.51 at 1stand 12thweeks respectively. Heritability in week one were found to be low in all the traits observed except in body weight and body length of AC x IBH f2 with h²s of 0.941 and 0.360 for body weight and body length respectively. It could be concluded therefore that crossbreeding of Nigeria local birds with a proven exotic birds increases production performance. Also additive gene effect was stronger than the nonadditive gene effect, epitasis or even environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several years, friction stir welding (FSW) of polymers and their composites has received a lot of interest. In this respect, an effort has been made to explore the articles on current trends to gain a more in-depth understanding of friction stir welding of various polymers. There is an emphasis on fine-tuning the FSW processing settings to maximise the efficiency of the resulting joints. Besides this, the study highlights that the research community has applied the ANOVA to analyse the parametric effect of welding factors on each performance characteristic during the FSW of polymers. Friction stir welding leaves holes as a defect in the end stage, and this area needs more research and development. This review study also includes a summary of the researchers' recommended tool setup, microstructure analysis, and other best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive technologies are continually evolving and are crucial in numerous industries, including medical, aerospace, and automotive, but they can also play an important role in the prototyping phase. Due to additive manufacturing, amateurs and enthusiasts can construct simple projects as well as large projects with specialized usage in specific applications. When it comes to complex pieces, traditional manufacturing technologies such as milling, chipping, drilling, and so on have specific constraints, often need even additional production processes to complete the item. All of these constraints can be solved with additive technologies. This work investigates Fused Deposit Modeling (FDM) printing of many specimens with varying properties in order to analyze PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) material behavior following tensile testing. The collected findings will be analyzed in order to determine the specimens with the most significant behavior according on the modified parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To determine the characteristic features and model bit vibration during its interaction with rock in the process of drilling technical (blast) wells in open pit mines. Methodology. The following methods were used in the work: analysis of scientific and practical solutions; statistical methods for processing the results of experimental studies; methods of analytical synthesis; computer modeling methods for synthesis and analysis of mathematical models. Findings. The process of interaction between a drill bit and a rock was analyzed. The conditions and causes of vibration of drilling equipment are determined. The spectral analysis of the vibration signal, the formation and analysis of the map of the order of rotation of the rotating parts of the drilling rig during the drilling of technical (blast) wells were performed to identify the bit in the frequency domain of the measured concomitant integrated vibration signal as a source of high-amplitude vibration. The modulated signal measured in the time domain at the specified frequency carries information about the physical and mechanical characteristics of the drilled rock and the state of the bit. The analysis of the experimental studies and modeling of the process of interaction of the bit with the rock allows us to conclude that the obtained statistical indicators of the accompanying vibration signal really adequately characterize the process of well drilling. Originality. A method for determining the characteristics of the interaction of a drill bit with rock in the process of drilling technical (blast) wells based on measuring the parameters of the accompanying vibration signal is proposed. The method differs from the known ones in the fact that in the process of changing the operating mode of the drive of the rotating parts of the drilling rig, an order map is formed over the entire range of its revolutions, the frequency of high-amplitude vibration of the bit is determined, which corresponds to a certain peak order of revolutions, and at this frequency the statistical parameters of changes are measured. Practical value. This approach to the process of drilling wells in open pit mines makes it possible to quickly determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of the drilled rock and adjust the process parameters accordingly to increase its productivity and energy saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transcranial ultrasonic stimulation (TUS) is rapidly gaining traction for non-invasive human neuromodulation, with a pressing need to establish protocols that maximise neuromodulatory efficacy. In this review, we aggregate and examine empirical evidence for the relationship between tunable TUS parameters and in vitro and in vivo outcomes. Based on this multiscale approach, TUS researchers can make better informed decisions about optimal parameter settings. Importantly, we also discuss the challenges involved in extrapolating results from prior empirical work to future interventions, including the translation of protocols between models and the complex interaction between TUS protocols and the brain. A synthesis of the empirical evidence suggests that larger effects will be observed at lower frequencies within the sub-MHz range, higher intensities and pressures than commonly administered thus far, and longer pulses and pulse train durations. Nevertheless, we emphasise the need for cautious interpretation of empirical data from different experimental paradigms when basing protocols on prior work as we advance towards refined TUS parameters for human neuromodulation.

Abstract This study highlights the importance of managing fishpond effluent to minimize its impact on aquatic environments. Fish effluents are a major concern worldwide in aquatic environments. It also provides information on the impacts of effluents on the water quality index of streams when released into aquatic environments. Streams and fishponds were sampled bimonthly for two annual cycles, covering different sampling stations both upstream and downstream of the fishpond effluents at 50-m intervals. Water quality parameters associated with in situ conditions were determined in the field. In the laboratory, other physicochemical parameters were determined via proper standard protocols. The results of the study revealed that water quality parameters such as turbidity, total suspended solids, total solids, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand and organic matter recorded in water samples collected from 50 m upstream at the point of effluent discharge were significantly (p

At a particular location on the ground, geotechnical measurements of soil properties are utilized to offer information for infrastructure design. Design uncertainty and dependability may increase when little point data is used. Geophysical techniques offer constant geographic information about the soil and are less time-consuming and intrusive. Geophysical data, however, is not expressed in terms of technical specifications. To enable the use of geophysical data in geotechnical designs, correlations between geotechnical and geophysical characteristics are required. The S- and P- seismic wave velocities are the main focus of the present geophysical technique research. Artificial neural network (ANN) models are developed using published data to predict seismic wave velocity and soil classification for seismic site effect evaluation. The results of ANN models using publicly available data demonstrate that seismic wave velocity has a moderate to high degree of accuracy in predicting soil classification. Regression is not as effective as artificial neural networks (ANN) in terms of overall performance. To confirm this, enclosed areas were evaluated to accurately predict soil classification and assess the performance of both ANN and regression models. The artificial neural network predicted the enclosed areas with much higher accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational algebraic curves have been intensively studied in the last decades, both from the theoretical and applied point of view. In applications (e.g. level curves, linear homotopy deformation, geometric constructions in computer aided design, image detection, algebraic differential equations, etc.), there often appear unknown parameters. It is possible to adjoin these parameters to the coefficient field as transcendental elements. In some particular cases, however, the curve has a different behavior than in the generic situation treated in this way. In this paper, we show when the singularities and thus the (geometric) genus of the curves might change. More precisely, we give a partition of the affine space, where the parameters take values, so that in each subset of the partition the specialized curve is either reducible or its genus is invariant. In particular, we give a Zariski-closed set in the space of parameter values where the genus of the curve under specialization might decrease or the specialized curve gets reducible. For the genus zero case, and for a given rational parametrization, a finer partition is possible such that the specialization of the parametrization parametrizes the specialized curve. Moreover, in this case, the set of parameters where Hilbert's irreducibility theorem does not hold can be identified. We conclude the paper by illustrating these results by some concrete applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research with title on study on ichthyofaunal diversity and physiochemical assessment of the Baran dam, district Bannu. It was carried out between February to March and May to October 2022. A total of 27 species from 18 genera, 8 families, and 5 orders were gathered. With a percentile range of 81.85%, the cyprinidae family was the most prevalent and abundant, whereas the mastacembelidae family had a lower abundance of 0.92%. After examining their total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, oxygen, hardness, alkalinity, and temperature, the majority of physico-chemical parameters showed substantial regional variation (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Temperature and pH readings, however, did not show any differences between the sampling locations (p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colic, a primary cause of illness and death in horses, necessitates the development of improved prognostic tools. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of physiological and biochemical parameters in horses suffering from colic. Methods: A comprehensive clinical evaluation of 117 horses included assessment of heart rate, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, gut motility, reflux, and limb pulse strength. Results: Stomach reflux, absence of gut noises, and increased heart rate (mean increase of 12 bpm) strongly correlate with a poor prognosis. Prolonged capillary refill time (mean increase of 3 seconds), rectal temperature (over 38.5°C), elevated packed cell volume (mean increase of 4%), and blood lactate levels (mean increase of 5 mmol/L) underscore the significance of these markers. Notably, blood lactate (p < 0.001), gut noises (p < 0.05), and heart rate (p < 0.001) demonstrate the highest predictive significance based on statistical analysis. Conclusion: Future research should investigate the prognostic potential of additional parameters and assess the impact of recommended treatments on colic prognosis. This data-driven study emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and thorough assessment in colic cases, offering vital insights into improving equine healthcare and mitigating mortality rates. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(8.000): 1801-1807]

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt • This study presents insights into the cost-effective production of amylase enzymes using sugar cane bagasse as a substrate, showcasing a significant advancement over traditional synthetic starch substrates. • By optimizing production parameters such as incubation time, substrate and inoculum concentrations, pH, and temperature, the research demonstrates the superior amylase yield of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium spp. under specific conditions. • This work not only highlights the potential of using waste materials for industrial enzyme production but also emphasizes the need for further exploration of the isolates' identities and the industrial applications of the extracted enzymes. Full Abstract Amylases are hydrolytic enzymes produced by some microorganisms and utilized in the hydrolysis of starch. This study aimed to determine the ability of certain fungal isolates isolated from wastes to synthesize the amylase enzyme utilizing synthetic soluble starch and sugar cane bagasse as substrates. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium spp., previously identified to have amylolytic activity, were used for the research. The submerged fermentation process was used to produce amylase, with basal medium and sugar cane bagasse as substrates. The incubation time, substrate and inoculum concentrations, pH, and temperature were all optimized. The dinitrosalicylic acid reagent (DNS) technique was used to determine the activity of the amylase generated. Initial production of amylase using soluble starch (20 g (w/v)) as substrate at room temperature and pH 7.0 shows that all the isolates produce amylase better when their concentration (3%) is high but have different incubation periods of 96 hr for Aspergillus niger (8.65±0.21 U/mL/minutes) and Fusarium spp (7.15±0.07 U/mL/minutes), while Aspergillus flavus (7.30±0.14 U/mL/minutes) requires an extended incubation period of 144 hr to produce the product. Further production using sugar cane bagasse and optimization of production parameters of the isolates reveals that Aspergillus niger (4.35±0.07 U/mL/minutes) has an optimum incubation period of 120 hours, an inoculum concentration and substrate concentration of 2% each, and a pH of 6, Aspergillus flavus (6.40±0.28 U/mL/minutes) has an optimum incubation period of 144 hours, with inoculum and substrate concentration of 3% each at neutral pH, Fusarium spp (6.80±0.28 U/mL/minutes) has an optimum incubation period of 168hr., inoculum concentration of 3%, substrate concentration of 2% and a neutral pH-7 and all the isolates have their best yield at temperature of 30oC. In conclusion, using cheap and readily available sugar cane bagasse can be a more cost-effective option for expensive synthetic starch substrates used in amylase synthesis. The study suggests further investigation into the isolates' identities and the extracted enzyme's industrial application.

Modelling the hydrological balance in semi-arid zones is essential for effective water resource management, encompassing both surface water and groundwater. This study aims to model the monthly hydrological water cycle in the Wadi Mina upstream watershed (northwest Algeria) by applying the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model. SWAT modelling integrates spatial data such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), land use, soil types and various meteorological parameters including precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind speed. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated using data from January 2012 to December 2014, with a calibration period from January 2012 to August 2013 and a validation period from September 2013 to December 2014. Sensitivity and parameter calibration were conducted using the SWAT-SA program, and model performance evaluation relied on comparing the observed discharge at the outlet of the basin with model-simulated discharge, assessed through statistical coefficients including Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and Percent Bias (PBAIS). Calibration results indicated favourable objective function values (NSE=0.79, R2=0.93, PBAIS= −8.53%), although a slight decrease was observed during validation (NSE=0.69, R2=0.86, and PBAIS= −11.41%). The application of the SWAT model to the Wadi Mina upstream watershed highlighted its utility in simulating the spatial distribution of different components of the hydrological balance in this basin. The SWAT model revealed that approximately 71% of the precipitation in the basin evaporates, while only 29% contributes to surface runoff or infiltration into the soil.

Synchronous motors are essential in various industrial and commercial applications because of their efficiency and constant speed operation. Accurate modelling of these motors is crucial for optimizing performance, control, and maintenance. Traditional modelling methods, such as the d-q reference frame method, often fall short in terms of complexity and accuracy, especially under dynamic conditions. This study aims to enhance synchronous motor modelling using machine learning algorithms, specifically focussing on predicting the excitation current, a critical parameter for motor performance. In this research, a dataset comprising synchronous motor operational parameters was analysed using various machine learning techniques. The primary methods evaluated include regression and M5 algorithms. The evaluation criteria were the time required to build and test the models and the accuracy of their predictions. Our findings indicate that both the regression and M5 algorithms significantly outperform traditional methods, providing more precise and efficient models for synchronous motor behaviour under diverse operating conditions.

Objectives The article aims to explore theolinguistics, a discipline at the intersection of theology and linguistics, with a focus on developing it as a distinct academic field. It examines the conditions that foster conceptual meanings within religious language and delves into analyzing religious discourse (RD) and its variants like religious popular discourse (RPD) in the context of theolinguistics. Material and methods The study utilizes a comparative etymological approach to understand the conceptual-semantic shifts influenced by religious beliefs. The methodology encompasses examining RD through various perspectives, including the analysis of religious texts in communicative scenarios and the interplay of genre, language, and religion. Additionally, the study focuses on the criteria for distinguishing different institutional types of discourse, particularly RD and RPD. Results The article identifies theolinguistics as a field deeply rooted in fideism, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming the original meanings of linguistic units in religious contexts. It exposes the significant transformations in religious terms due to secularization trends and discusses the concept of RD within academic discussions. The study categorizes RD into various forms such as missionary, fideistic, and sermon-like discourses. It also delineates the core and variant parameters in the organization of RPD, highlighting its sociolinguistic nature and its role in status-oriented institutional communication. Conclusions The article concludes that religious discourse constitutes a distinct category of institutional discourse, crucial for disseminating ethical values and religious beliefs. It sets forth criteria for identifying RD as an independent form, emphasizing its unique communicative structure, thematic focus, and methodological aspects.

Introduction The understanding of the biomechanics of movements in the spinopelvic segment plays an important role in the successful treatment of patients with hip-spine syndrome. Analysis of the biomechanical processes occurring in the biokinematic chain of the spine–pelvis–hip during the transition from standing position to sitting position allows us to conclude that the acetabular axis of rotation of the pelvis in space is not the only one. Classical methods for measuring PI, PT, overhang S1 are applicable for patients in a standing position and use the hip joint as a starting point, since it is the point of rotation of the pelvis in space in a standing position. Previously, using mathematical modeling, we described spatial changes in the pelvis during a given change in the body position and showed the presence of a second point of pelvis rotation in space, which appears in a sitting position. We assumed that in a sitting position, it is necessary to use other methods for calculating indicators of spinopelvic relationships for their determination. Purpose of the study was to evaluate the parameters of patients’ sagittal balance using the proposed alternative method in standing and sitting positions. Materials and methods Medical documentation and the results of X-ray examination of 20 patients with unilateral idiopathic coxarthrosis who underwent total hip replacement surgery were analyzed. The radiographic parameters were calculated: PI, PT, overhang S1 in standing and sitting positions, anterior inclination of the acetabular component; parameters PI ischial, PT ischial, deviation of the ischial tuberosities in standing and sitting positions were proposed and calculated. Results The study shows that there is no statistical difference in the values of the angles PI standard for a standing position and PI ischial for a sitting position. It corresponds to objective data and is generally accepted. Examples of changes in radiographic parameters of the sacral slope and the deviation of the ischial tuberosities were shown reflecting the rotation of the pelvis in space through the second, ischial axis, that confirm the biaxial concept of pelvic rotation. Discussion The calculations demonstrated the possibility of using alternative indicators of spinopelvic relationships (PT, distance of overhang of the sacrum (overhang S1), deviation of the ischial tuberosities). They enabled assessment of the spatial transformation of the pelvis and the ability to predict the spatial position of the acetabulum, which is an important factor for successful treatment of patients with combined pathology of the hip joint and spine. Conclusion Our findings complement the biaxial concept of pelvic rotation. An alternative method for measuring sagittal balance parameters in a sitting position has been proposed. Further research is required to assess the practical significance of this method.

Woody perovskite-type catalysts are the sorts of porous catalysts with biomass morphology, in order to achieve the simultaneous purification of PM, NOx, CO, and HC. Among them, the ratio of adsorbed oxygen (Oads)/lattice oxygen (Olatt) of perovskite-type catalysts can be improved to avoid the collapse and aggregation of perovskite-type catalysts. The reason was attributed to the presence of a large number of high-energy electrons, active particles, and active heavy particles in non-thermal plasma (NTP). In addition, the NTP can outstandingly improve the specific surface area and porosity of catalysts. The NTP can enhance the four-way purification performance of PM, NOx, CO, and HC emitted by automobile exhausts over woody perovskite-type catalysts. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) can generate the NTP under atmospheric pressure conditions, indicating the broad application prospects in environmental protection and material processing. This study aims to enhance the performance of NTP synergistic woody perovskite-type catalysts, in order to purify the diesel engine exhaust. Firstly, a DBD reactor was designed, of which the corundum tubes and woody perovskite-type catalysts were used as the discharge medium. A two-dimensional simulation model was established for the DBD reactor. The plasma module of COMSOL software was employed to calculate the number density of active species under different parameter conditions of the reactor. After that, the optimal internal parameters of the reactor were obtained. Secondly, the overall mechanical structure of the non-thermal plasmawoody perovskite purifier was designed for the diesel engine exhaust. A numerical model was established to analyze the impact of different DBD arrangements on exhaust back pressure using pressure loss. Lastly, a test bench of the diesel engine was set to verify the purification performance of the purifier. According to the relevant regulations of automotive testing, the D2 (5 loads operating at rated speed) test cycle was selected from the ISO 8187 international standard, in order to test and verify the purifier. The model calculation indicated that when the input voltage of the exhaust purifier was 15 kV, the filling rate was 30%, the number density of active particles in the reactor reached the maximum, with an electron density of 1016/m3, the electron energy distribution in the reactor ranged from 101.1 to 101.5 eV, and the number densities of N2+, -CO, and -N2 reached 1018/m3, the number densities of -O reached 1013/m3, respectively. Once the number of DBD parallel connections was 20, and the DBD reactor length was 0.16 m, the exhaust back pressure of the purifier was 996.3 Pa. The experimental results showed that the exhaust back pressure of the purifier fully met the national standard requirements, in order to achieve the simultaneous purification of PM, NOx, CO, and HC. Furthermore, the purification efficiencies of the purifier reached 92%, 64%, 72%, and 61%, respectively, when the engine speed was 2 600r/min and the load was 50%. Once the purifier was used for no more than 75 h, the exhaust back pressure of the purifier was less than 3 kPa. Correlation analysis of experimental data revealed that the PM, CO and HC were promoted to reduce NOx, thus leading to the oxidation of PM, CO, and HC. The finding can provide the theoretical reference for synergistic catalysis in the field of automotive exhaust purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted with the aim of protecting groundwater, which plays a crucial role in ensuring food quality in the market, preserving public health, and safeguarding the ecosystem, as many regions rely on clean natural groundwater for their population's survival. The objective of this study was to use the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) for groundwater at 12 stations in the Okhla Industrial Area, Nangloi, and Karol Bagh in the Delhi Region. CCME WQI is an effective tool for assessing groundwater quality and communicating water conditions to various users. The research methodology involved fieldwork from June to October 2020 for three different periods in the year: pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon, to observe variations in water quality and differences in various physicochemical properties of water. The CCME WQI was applied using sixteen water quality parameters, fourteen of which were physicochemical parameters and two of which were microbiological parameters. Among the physicochemical parameters were color, odor, pH, turbidity, nitrate, total hardness, iron, chloride, fluoride, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and alkalinity, while the microbiological parameters included the total coliform and Escherichia coli counts. Based on the results obtained from the water quality index, station A9 scored between 0 and 44, indicating the lowest water quality index due to wastewater discharges and industrial contamination. The water quality at other stations also requires attention to achieve excellent ratings. The study concludes that serious measures should be taken for proper management of the area to protect the population from hazardous diseases. The research results show that stations 1, 2, and 10 were rated as excellent, station 12 as good, stations 4, 5, and 8 as moderate, stations 3, 6, and 11 as marginal, and station 9 as the poorest in terms of water quality in the year 2020 during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon periods. To improve the parameters and groundwater quality, it would be necessary to reduce the impact of industry, anthropogenic–geogenic activities, and domestic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weld surfacing is the process of applying a layer of metal to the surface of metal objects by simultaneously melting the substrate. As a result of this process, the metal content of the padding weld can be as high as several tens of percents. It is a method used to regenerate machine parts and improve the properties of the surface layer, increasing its resistance to abrasion, corrosion, erosion, and cavitation. It also supports the repair and creation of permanent protective coatings in the engineering, automotive, energy, and aerospace industries. This makes it possible to repair damaged parts instead of completely replacing them, saving time and production costs. Plasma surfacing technology is used for components that require high hardness and corrosion resistance under various environmental conditions. Plasma wire surfacing is not sufficiently presented and described in the current literature, which creates problems in determining the appropriate process parameters. The influence of variable plasma surfacing parameters on steel C45 significantly affects surfacing weld geometry, the dilution factor, and microhardness. Higher currents can increase the dilution factor, integrating more base metal into the weld pool, which may alter the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the weld. Variations in surfacing speed and heat input also affect the microhardness of the surfaced joint, with higher heat inputs potentially leading to softer welds due to slower cooling rates. Optimizing these parameters is essential to achieving desired surfacing weld characteristics and ensuring the structural integrity of C45 steel joints. This paper presents the influence of varying plasma surfacing parameters on the surfacing geometry, the dilution factor, and microhardness. The tests were carried out on a Panasonic TM-1400 GIII automated surfacing machine with CastoMag 45554S solid wire as the filler material. Flat bars of C45 steel were prepared, and then the variable parameters of the surfacing process were developed. Tests were carried out to determine the dilution factor, followed by microhardness measurements. The results showed a significant dependence of the effect of the parameters on the surfacing geometry and the dilution factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colic, a primary cause of illness and death in horses, necessitates the development of improved prognostic tools. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of physiological and biochemical parameters in horses suffering from colic. Methods: A comprehensive clinical evaluation of 117 horses included assessment of heart rate, mucous membranes, capillary refill time, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, gut motility, reflux, and limb pulse strength. Results: Stomach reflux, absence of gut noises, and increased heart rate (mean increase of 12 bpm) strongly correlate with a poor prognosis. Prolonged capillary refill time (mean increase of 3 seconds), rectal temperature (over 38.5°C), elevated packed cell volume (mean increase of 4%), and blood lactate levels (mean increase of 5 mmol/l) underscore the significance of these markers. Notably, blood lactate (p < 0.001), gut noises (p < 0.05), and heart rate (p < 0.001) demonstrate the highest predictive significance based on statistical analysis. Conclusion: Future research should investigate the prognostic potential of additional parameters and assess the impact of recommended treatments on colic prognosis. This data-driven study emphasizes the critical role of early recognition and thorough assessment in colic cases, offering vital insights into improving equine healthcare and mitigating mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting 1% of people aged over 60. Currently, there is only symptomatic relief for PD patients, with levodopa being the gold standard of PD treatment. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option to treat PD patients. DBS improves motor functions and may also allow a significant reduction in dopaminergic medication. Important parameters for DBS outcomes are the disease duration, the age of disease onset, responsiveness to levodopa and cognitive or psychiatric comorbidities. Emerging data also highlight the need to carefully consider the genetic background in the preoperative assessment of PD patients who are candidates for DBS, as genetic factors may affect the effectiveness of DBS in these patients. This review article discusses the role of genetics in DBS for PD patients, in an attempt to better understand inter-individual variability in DBS response, control of motor PD symptoms and appearance of non-motor symptoms, especially cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to globalize and implement the fourth industrial revolution has led to increased interest in research on renewable energy harvesting equipment. Wind and solar have been the fastest growing sources of energy and have been used to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels for energy. The Savonius wind turbine is an attractive option for regions with high turbulence intensity and low wind speeds due to its advantages over other small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines. These advantages include its simple design, satisfactory performance at lower speeds, and ability to turn independent of the wind flow direction. However, Savonius wind turbines face several challenges. The most significant one being the negative torque generated during operation. This negative torque is caused by the interaction between the exhaust air and the returning blade, thus reducing efficiency, as the turbine has to overcome this additional force. To improve on the efficiency, various assessments and optimization techniques have been employed. These focus on the geometric parameters of the Savonius wind turbine as well as installation augmentation techniques. This article reviews and reports on several combinations of parametric performance-influencing adjustments and power augmentation techniques applied to Savonius wind turbines. The article concludes by proposing future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explores the coupling of person-split nominative objects with anomalous subjects (Jahnsson's Rule (JR), Person-Case Constraint (PCC)). In Breton, split-nominative objects spread from an Icelandic-like combination with oblique subjects of unaccusatives, to Finnish-like combinations with subjects of transitives in constructions like the imperative, and then retreated piecewise. These changes admit of externalist sources, such as frequency entrenchment and analogy over clitic forms, but are bounded by persistent coupling of split-nominative objects with anomalous subjects, and disfavour external sources for it like ambiguity avoidance. An approach is set out through constraints on φ-dependencies, their relationship to case and licensing, and their interaction with grammaticalisable partial φ-specification, building on other work on JR/PCC. The anomalies of the restricting subject are analysed as person-only specification, and extended from quirky obliques to pronouns minimal in absence of number + n/N: imperative pro and human impersonals. The ineffability or accusative of the restricted persons is analysed through the integration of dependent case into Φ/Case theory but apparent syntactic variation is modelled through externalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed study on the main parameters and performance evaluation of microjet engines, at take-off regime and at various engine working regimes, based on thermodynamic analysis of a particular engine data library, from different engine manufacturers such as JetCat and AMT Netherlands. The studied engines have the same spool design but different thrust classes ranging from 97 to 1569 N. The particular data library includes engine specifications from catalogs or data sheets as well as our own experimental data from the JetCat P80 microjet engine, obtained using the ET 796 Jet Turbine Module, a complete testing facility for gas turbine education purposes. Various ratios and differences between certain engine main parameters and performances are studied in order to calculate values through which the analyses can be performed. Even if the engines have different thrust classes, the study examines if there are close values of the ratios and differences of parameters, that can be defined as reference parameters through which the engine performance can be compared and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tuikual River is a major source of potable water for the people of Aizawl city in the state of Mizoram. Domestic and municipal waste from Aizawl's western suburbs and biomedical effluents from the Civil and Ebenezer Hospitals are getting discharged into it. Agricultural run-off adds to the river's pollution. Here we examine the water quality of the Tuikual River over two years (October 2019 to September 2021) at four sampling stations selected along the river course both upstream and downstream of the city. The water quality index was computed as 287, 310, 162 and 135 at sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The findings depict that the river water at all the sites is unfit for drinking because the weighted arithmetic water quality index exceeds 100 at all the stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precisely assessing plasma parameters holds paramount importance in investigating the arc extinguishing mechanism of semi-sealed splitter plate DC circuit breakers, refining the configuration of splitter plates, and optimizing the overall structural design of circuit breakers. Based on the principle of the Langmuir probe, a double probe diagnostic method is proposed to investigate the air arc plasma in the opening process of a DC circuit breaker. The diagnostic circuit of the probes is designed, and three sets of double probes are arranged to trace the evolution of the plasma density during the opening process. The research reveals that the plasma center density, measured by the diagnostic system during the opening process of the DC circuit breaker, is about 1022 m−3–1023 m−3. This density is compared with the diagnostic results obtained by other methods, confirming the accuracy of the Langmuir double probe for plasma measurements in the DC circuit breaker. The study also revealed an exponential decay behavior of electron density along the radial direction of the arc. A mathematical model was employed to describe this phenomenon, establishing a relationship between the distribution of electron density and arc current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study on the algal diversity at Khotokha Ramsar Wetland in the Wangdue Phodrang district sought to count the species of algae, ascertain the impact of aquatic environment's physicochemical factors, and compare the diversity of algae among various habitats. Algal samples were collected from rivers and streams using a systematic sampling method, and ponds were sampled purposefully. Fifteen of the thirty-nine algae were identified to the species level, ten of which are new to Bhutan. Additionally, the study found that the greatest diversity of algae is found in ponds (32 species), followed by streams (25 species) and rivers (21 species). With 16 distinct species (37%) under the Ochrophyta genus, the Khotokha Ramsar wetland has the highest species richness of these, followed by Cyanobacteria (10 species, 23%), Charophyta (8 species, 19%), and Chlorophyta (6 species, 14%). Heterokonta had the lowest species richness. According to the study, ponds with extensive algal diversity had higher water quality than rivers and streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals are pollutants that are generated by different activities, one of which is the dumping of wastewater by industries into bodies of water, which represents a great threat to aquatic and terrestrial biota, as well as health. These contaminants are persistent, bioaccumulative and non-biodegradable, generating a negative effect on the food chain in the area of influence. Nickel is a heavy metal that is used in different types of industries such as battery production. This generates different harmful effects on the human body, such as the cardiovascular or digestive system when exposed in large quantities. The objective of the present study is to use Computer Aided Process Engineering (CAPE) to model an operational column on an industrial scale aimed at the adsorption of Nickel (II) in aqueous solution taking advantage of the biomass of Theobroma cacao L. Consequently, Aspen Adsorption software was used to carry out multiple simulations of an adsorption column using various industrial configurations, with the aim of performing a parametric sensitivity analysis. In the results obtained, it is evident that the Langmuir model - global linear resistance kinetic model (LDF) used to simulate the adsorption column in the elimination of Nickel (II) achieves efficiencies of up to 95.8%. The best conditions for the simulation in the adsorption column were an inlet flow rate of 300 m3/day, a bed height of 5 m and an initial concentration of 2000 mg/L. Furthermore, it was observed that increasing the inlet flow led to a decrease in the rupture and saturation time of the process, while increasing the bed height presented an increase in the rupture and saturation time. On the other hand, concentration did not significantly affect the efficiency of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research is to examine the Schiff bases produced from pyridineanchored molecules, with a specific focus on their potential utilization in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The electrical, spectroscopic, and photovoltaic properties of dyes incorporating a pyridine anchor were calculated utilizing DFT and TD-DFT methodologies. The geometries, electronic characteristics, and photovoltaic properties of the dyes under investigation were evaluated using DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) quantum chemical simulations. The excitation energies and UV-Vis spectra of the dyes have been computed utilizing the TD-DFT-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) methodology and the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (C-PCM). The electron injection and dye regeneration processes are contingent upon the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of these dyes. The investigation focused mainly on four fundamental components exhibiting robust interconnections and equivalent significance: light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), electron injection free energy (ΔGinject), and reorganization energy. The determined HOMO energy levels are observed to be lower than the redox potential, indicating that the suggested dyes possess the capability to acquire electrons from redox and successfully undergo dye regeneration. Furthermore, the LUMO of the dyes exhibits a more significant negative energy level in comparison to the conduction band of TiO2. Thus, it demonstrates that the transfer of electric charge from the LUMO level to TiO2 is thermodynamically favorable. The more considerable negative ΔGinject value obtained by calculation suggests that Dye-1 may have a higher ability to inject charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to reveal the relative impact of water quality changes induced by the climate’s influence and some waste discharge on the existence and prevalence of some gill parasite species in the Nile tilapia inhabiting Rosetta Branch, the River Nile. Both fish (1600 Nile tilapia fish) and water samples were randomly collected seasonally from four sites (El-Kanater El-Khayria, El-Qatta, Tamalay, and Kafr ElZayat) along the Rosetta Branch of the Nile, which receives some types of wastewater. Parasitological examination of fish revealed the presence of Trichodina sp., Ambiphyra sp., Cichlidogyrus tilapiae, the encysted metacercaria of Clinostomum phalacrocoracis, and the larval stage of the freshwater mussels, Glochidia. The highest parasite prevalence was recorded at Kafr El-Zayat station, followed by El-Qatta and Tamalay. On the other hand, the autumn season recorded the highest parasitic prevalence, followed by winter, summer, and spring. The histological examination of the gills of the infected fish revealed severe histological alterations and the presence of different histozoic parasites. The most significant water parameters influencing the parasitic prevalence were temperature, pH, DO, BOD, and ammonia. The outcomes reveal that water parameter, temperature, pH, DO, BOD, and TAN are important factors affecting the different parasite prevalence values of the infected tilapia fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the abrasive belt grinding performance, this paper proposes to conduct nickel-based superalloy robot abrasive belt grinding experiment based on different types of abrasive belts with multiple grit sizes. First, the single grinding performance evaluation is performed through five performance parameters: material removal rate, surface roughness, tangential force, specific grinding energy, and specific wear height. Then, based on the evaluation results of single grinding performance, a weighted evaluation function is established to comprehensively evaluate the grinding performance. It is found that the structured abrasive belt has relatively better grinding performance. The main factors affecting the abrasive belt grinding performance are identified through the evaluation results, with the effect of grit size being more significant. In addition, this paper analyzes the characteristics of material deformation based on the grinding subsurface microstructure, and discusses the effects of abrasive belts on material deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parameter selection in ultrasonic pretreatment is closely related to the quality of dried fruits and vegetables, so it is essential to investigate the impact of various parameters of ultrasonic pretreatment on the product quality. In this paper, data from 67 relevant literatures were collected to evaluate the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on dried fruits and vegetables through meta‐analysis. Overall, the findings indicated that ultrasonic pretreatment could shorten drying time, reduce hardness and improve color appearance of dried products. Subgroup analysis showed that high power ultrasound (P ≥ 300 W) could increase total phenol content and antioxidant activity of dried fruits and vegetables. Additionally, applying short‐duration ultrasound (t < 15 min) increased antioxidant activity, while medium‐duration ultrasound (15 min < t < 30 min) simultaneously enhanced flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. In summary, the application of ultrasonic pretreatment has a positive impact on processing high quality dried fruits and vegetables and obtains better‐quality products in a shorter time compared to direct drying technology. Practical applications: Obtaining higher quality dried fruit and vegetable products in a shorter time has always been a research hotspot in the food industry. This study emphasized the positive effects of ultrasonic pretreatment on fruit and vegetable drying, and provided a theoretical basis for the selection of ultrasonic pretreatment parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technology which has become a promising therapy for treating many brain diseases. Although it has been confirmed in studies targeting neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that tPBM can improve cognitive function, the effectiveness of interventions targeting TBI patients remains to be determined. This systematic review examines the cognitive outcomes of clinical trials concerning tPBM in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched before October 31, 2023. Results: The initial search retrieved 131 articles, and a total of 6 studies were finally included for full text-analysis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conclusion: Results showed improvements in cognition for patients with chronic TBI after tPBM intervention. The mechanism may be that tPBM increases the volume of total cortical gray matter (GM), subcortical GM, and thalamic, improves cerebral blood flow (CBF), functional connectivity (FC), and cerebral oxygenation, improving brain function. However, due to the significant heterogeneity in application, we cannot summarize the optimal parameters for tPBM treatment of TBI. In addition, there is currently a lack of RCT studies in this field. Therefore, given this encouraging but uncertain finding, it is necessary to conduct randomized controlled clinical trials to further determine the role of tPBM in cognitive rehabilitation of TBI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is embracing digital technologies, particularly generative or algorithm-aided design principles. However, integrating these digital tools into design processes while ensuring compliance with rules and regulations remains a significant challenge. This study aims to address this challenge by identifying the essential design parameters and constraints required for semi-automated building model design in the early design stages, with a specific focus on a use case of modular multi-story housing in Vienna. To achieve this, we investigate which parameters are fundamental, how constraints must be formulated, and how these aspects can be covered effectively in the design process. Our research provides a parameter catalog in natural language format to be used for scripting algorithms to generate parametric models. We delineate crucial housing-specific design parameters and identify constraints derived from legal, technical, evaluative, and expert knowledge sources. These constraints ensure that the designs comply with regulations and standards. The findings are organized into eight thematic clusters, each detailing specific conditions, and their interdependencies, thus offering a guideline for scripting algorithm-aided design processes. In conclusion, we propose a conceptual model for translating natural language design parameters into visual programming language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Poder Aéreo is the property of Escuela de Postgrados de la Fuerza Aerea Colombiana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To assess the value of dual-layer detector spectral CT (DLCT) multi-parameter imaging in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal heterotopic pancreas (HP) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Methods The clinical and DLCT imaging data of 47 patients (21 men and 26 women) with pathologically confirmed gastrointestinal HP and GIST were analyzed retrospectively. The iodine concentration (IC) and effective atomic number (Zeff) of gastrointestinal HP and GIST were measured in the arterial and venous phases. The predictive factors were screened out by univariate and binary logistic regression analysis of all spectral CT parameters, and the diagnostic efficiency was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results There were 22 gastrointestinal HP patients with median age of 43 years (range: 38.7-50.5 years) and 25 GIST patients with median age of 57 years. Univariate analysis showed that the values of IC and Zeff in arteriovenous phase were statistically different (P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that venous phase IC value (P=0.008) and arterial phase Zeff value (P= 0.013) were independent predictors of HP. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 2.065 mg/mL venous phase IC threshold value was 0.792 with 72.7% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity compared to AUC of 0.786 of 8.295 arterial phase Zeff threshold value with 68.2% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity for distinguishing HP from GIST. Conclusion The venous phase IC value and Zeff value of DLCT can effectively distinguish HP from GIST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical spine is a vital component of the human spine and it is different from other components. It is the most mobile part of spine and it not only holds the head load but also maintains head balance while in motion. It also helps to balance the thoracic spine which is just contrary to it. Thoracic spine is a rigid structure and its natural curve is kyphotic unlike cervical spine. The equilibrium maintained by the cervical spine for head holding and balancing thoracic kyphosis is called cervical sagittal balance. Similarly, cervical spine also maintains the balance with lumbar spine and its lordosis. In fact, various components of the human spine are not individual parts from a function standpoint, they act simultaneously in a coordinated way to maintain the global balance so that human body remains in an equilibrium at any posture and position, this is what is called a sagittal balance. Cervical spine plays a vital role in maintaining the global balance of spine. Many parameters have been identified to understand cervical sagittal balance. Surgical planning based on maintenance of sagittal balance with the help of these parameters gives the best outcome. We hereby have tried to collect the maximum information about cervical sagittal balance which otherwise is not mentioned collectively elsewhere, and this will provide guidelines and surgical hints to a spinal surgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]