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Newton's third law, action = reaction, is a foundational statement of classical mechanics. However, in natural and living systems, this law appears to be routinely violated for constituents interacting in a nonequilibrium environment. Here, we use computer simulations to explore the macroscopic phase behavior implications of breaking microscopic interaction reciprocity for a simple model system. We consider a binary mixture of attractive particles and introduce a parameter that is a continuous measure of the degree to which interaction reciprocity is broken. In the reciprocal limit, the species are indistinguishable, and the system phase separates into domains with distinct densities and identical compositions. Increasing nonreciprocity is found to drive the system to explore a rich assortment of phases, including phases with strong composition asymmetries and three-phase coexistence. Many of the states induced by these forces, including traveling crystals and liquids, have no equilibrium analogs. By mapping the complete phase diagram for this model system and characterizing these unique phases, our findings offer a concrete path forward toward understanding how nonreciprocity shapes the structures found in living systems and how this might be leveraged in the design of synthetic materials.

Unbalance faults are among the common causes of interruptions and unexpected failures in rotary systems. Therefore, monitoring unbalance faults is essential for predictive maintenance. While conventional time-invariant mathematical models can assess the impact of these faults, they often rely on proper assumptions of system factors like bearing stiffness and damping characteristics. In reality, continuous high-speed operation and environmental factors like load variations cause these parameters to change. This work presents a novel architecture for unbalance fault monitoring and prognosis, in which the bearing parameters are treated as variables that change with operating conditions. This enables the development of a more reliable mathematical model for continuous monitoring and prognosis of unbalance faults in rotor systems. This Bayesian inference framework uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to identify dynamic bearing parameters. Specifically, the Metropolis algorithm is employed to systematically evaluate the range of acceptable parameter values within the framework. A novel dual-MCMC loops explore and assess the parameter space, resulting in more accurate and reliable bearing parameter estimations. These updated parameters improve the demonstrated turbine rotor–bearing system's unbalance assessment up to 74.48% of the residual error compared to models with fixed parameters. This validates the Bayesian framework for predictive monitoring and maintenance-oriented solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for various diseases, including certain cancers; however, its association with melanoma remains a subject of debate. Despite the increasing incidence of cutaneous melanoma in Taiwan, there has been limited research on its correlation with obesity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between obesity and the prognosis of cutaneous melanoma in Taiwan. Methods: Between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2022, 201 patients were diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma at our hospital, with 61.69% of them diagnosed with acral melanoma. Data on body weight, height, tumor stages and prognosis were collected and analyzed. Results: The result revealed that older age (≥ 65 years old), male, advanced Breslow thickness stage (T3 and T4) and tumor ulceration were identified as risk factors for worse overall survival in both cutaneous melanoma and acral melanoma. In the adjusted multivariable analysis, being overweight was considered a protective factor in both cutaneous and acral melanoma. Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, it was observed that melanoma patients with obesity exhibited better survival rates compared to those with normal or underweight status. Additionally, no significant differences were found between acral melanoma and non-acral melanoma subtypes regarding the impact of body weight on overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of dermal substitutes with subsequent skin graft application constitutes an alternative treatment option in situations that limit the use of other conventional approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a quasi-experimental study on the contribution of the Responsive Classroom ("RC") Approach to elementary school children's reading and math performance over one-, two-, and three-year periods. All children enrolled in six schools (3 intervention and 3 control schools in a single district) were the participants in the study. Children's test scores in math and reading were used as outcomes, and data on treatment fidelity were used to describe differences in use of "RC" practices between intervention and control schools. Findings showed that, after controlling for poverty and test scores from previous years, the "RC" Approach contributed to the gains in both reading and math, with math showing greater difference between the intervention and control schools. The contribution of the "RC" Approach appeared to be greater over a three-year period than over a one or two-year period. These findings provide early evidence for the positive contribution of the "RC" Approach to gains in academic achievement.

This exploratory study examined the contribution of the "RC" Approach over a two-year period. The "RC" Approach integrates social and academic learning in order to produce classroom environments that are conducive to learning by integrating social and academic learning. Two questions are addressed. First, how does teachers' use of "RC" practices contribute to children's academic and social growth? Second, how is the relation between teachers' use of "RC" practices and children's academic and social growth moderated by the presence of environmental adversity in the home? Participants included 62 teachers and 157 children at six schools. Findings showed that teachers' use of "RC" practices was associated with students' improved reading achievement, greater closeness between teachers and children, better pro-social skills, more assertiveness, and less fearfulness, even after controlling for family risk and children's previous years' performance. Family risk did not moderate the relation between "RC" practices and children's performance. These findings suggest the positive contribution of the "RC" Approach in relation to children's gains over a one-year period. (Contains 4 tables.)