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Abstract: The dative alternation has been extensively studied in the world’s languages, and the meanings of the verbs participating in the alternation have been shown to play a key role in determining its argument realization options. The present paper presents a multiple distinctive collexeme analysis approach to the dative alternation in Mandarin Chinese, which involves a choice of one of five functionally similar alternants, and it does so by also discussing several ways to improve how this has been done statistically in most previous analyses. Linguistically, we identify the core semantic differences of the five constructions based on which verbs statistically prefer to occur in which pattern, focusing on semantic potential and direction of transfer. Methodologically, this study contributes to the slowly growing body of studies that use collexeme strengths that are not only less related to frequency than the traditional methods (i.e., association is measured in a less diluted way) and that are directional (i.e., we can focus on one direction of association from the verb to the construction).

We have previously shown that bilingual Spanish and English-learning infants can segment English iambs, two-syllable words with final stress (e.g., guiTAR), earlier than their monolingual peers. This is consistent with accelerated development in bilinguals and was attributed to bilingual infants' increased exposure to iambs through Spanish; about 10% of English content words start with an unstressed syllable, compared to 40% in Spanish. Here, we evaluated whether increased exposure to a stress pattern alone is sufficient to account for acceleration in bilingual infants. In English, 90% of content words start with a stressed syllable (e.g., KINGdom), compared to 60% in Spanish. However, we found no evidence for accelerated segmentation of Spanish trochees by Spanish-English bilingual infants compared to their monolingual Spanish-learning peers. Based on this finding, we argue that merely increased exposure to a linguistic feature in one language does not result in accelerated development in the other. Instead, only the acquisition of infrequent patterns in one language may be accelerated due to the additive effects of the other language.

To study the efficacy and possible mechanisms of radial extracorporeal shock wave (rESW) with different frequencies for the treatment of acute skeletal muscle injury in rabbits, 48 rabbits of acute injured biceps femoris were randomly divided into 4 groups. Except for the control group, the other groups were treated by rESW with 5 Hz, 10 Hz and 15 Hz, respectively. The injury symptom index scores (ISISs) in the rESW group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with the lowest in the 10 Hz rESW group. Histomorphological features demonstrated a decrease in mononuclear cells and an increase in new myocytes across all groups, with the rESW group showing the most significant changes. The concentrations of PGE2 and IL-1β were significantly lower in all rESW groups by ELISA compared to the control group. Additionally, the 10 Hz group had lower concentrations than the 5 Hz and 15 Hz group. Compared with the control group, MyoD of the rESW groups was significantly increased, and the expression level of the 10 Hz group was higher than that of the other groups. In conclusion, rESW with 5 Hz, 10 Hz and 15 Hz take certain curative effects on acute biceps femoris injury in rabbits, and the 10 Hz rESW takes advantage over 5 Hz and 15 Hz rESW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object-based attention operates both in perception and visual working memory. While the efficient perception of auditory stimuli also requires the formation of auditory objects, little is known about their role in auditory working memory (AWM). To investigate whether attention to one object feature in AWM leads to the involuntary maintenance of another, task-irrelevant feature, we conducted four experiments. Stimuli were abstract sounds that differed on the dimensions frequency and location, only one of which was task-relevant in each experiment. The first two experiments required a match–nonmatch decision about a probe sound whose irrelevant feature value could either be identical to or differ from the memorized stimulus. Matches on the relevant dimension were detected more accurately when the irrelevant feature matched as well, whereas for nonmatches on the relevant dimension, performance was better for irrelevant feature nonmatches. Signal-detection analysis showed that changes of irrelevant frequency reduced the sensitivity for sound location. Two further experiments used continuous report tasks. When location was the target feature, changes of irrelevant sound frequency had an impact on both recall error and adjustment time. Irrelevant location changes affected adjustment time only. In summary, object-based attention led to a concurrent maintenance of task-irrelevant sound features in AWM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate future pasteurization experiments utilizing microwave energy, the dielectric properties of five dried fruits — almond (Prunus dulcis), cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale), pistachio (Pistacia vera), peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) and walnut (Juglans regia) were investigated at room temperature (28∘C). Samples were taken in powder form to investigate the effect of increased surface-to-volume ratio on their dielectric properties, as applicable in the case of nanomaterials. The measurements were conducted at four different frequencies (3.30, 7.50, 9.30and 14.70GHz) in the microwave spectrum by using the two-point method and a MATLAB program was used for solving the transcendental equation to obtain values of dielectric constant and loss factor. The findings revealed a decreasing trend in the values of dielectric constant of the five dried fruits as the frequency increased. However, no consistent trend was observed for the dielectric loss factor of the fruits with increasing frequency. Further, the penetration depth of electromagnetic waves in all the five dry fruit samples was observed to decrease as the frequency increased. On comparing results for dielectric parameters of dry fruits in powder form with those of whole fruit kernels, no definite trends are observed for ε′ and ε″, but the penetration depth is found to decrease when the sample is taken in powder form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric properties of a material determine its response of the material to the Electromagnetic field (EM field). It comprises dielectric constant (ε′), which is the ability to store energy of EM fields, and dielectric loss (ε′′) which is the amount of dissipated Electromagnetic energy in the form of heat. Dielectric properties are affected by various factors such as frequency, temperature, bulk density, moisture content, etc. Dielectric constant and dielectric loss were determined in this study for milk powders viz. Whole Milk Powder, Skim Milk Powder, and Infant Milk Powder at various microwave frequencies (5.68, 7.45, 10.25GHz). The method used to determine dielectric properties is the Two-point Method which is implemented on a microwave bench. It became apparent that when frequency increases dielectric constant decreases and dielectric loss first decreases and then increases. It was also observed that the fat content can have an impact on the milk powders’ dielectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a unique technique for optimising composite laminates used as structural components, which is critical for situations where failure might result in disastrous effects. Unlike traditional surrogate‐based optimisation approaches, this methodology combines the accurate modelling capabilities of finite element (FE) analysis with the iterative refining capacity of metaheuristic algorithms. By combining these two methodologies, our method intends to improve the design process of laminated shell structures, assuring robustness and dependability is crucial. Compared to existing benchmark solutions, the current FE shows a <1% error for cylindrical and spherical shells. The prime objective of this study is to identify the optimum ply angles for attaining a high fundamental frequency. The problem is NP‐hard because the possible ply angles span a wide range (±90°), making it difficult for optimisation algorithms to find a solution. Seven popular metaheuristic algorithms, namely the genetic algorithm (GA), the ant lion optimisation (ALO), the arithmetic optimisation algorithm (AOA), the dragonfly algorithm (DA), the grey wolf optimisation (GWO), the salp swarm optimisation (SSO), and the whale optimisation algorithm (WOA), are applied to and compared on a wide range of shell design problems. It assesses parameter sensitivity, discovering significant design elements that influence dynamic behaviour. Convergence studies demonstrate the superior performance of AOA, GWO, and WOA optimisers. Rigorous statistical comparisons assist practitioners in picking the best optimisation technique. FE‐GWO, FE‐DA, and FE‐SSA methods surpass the other techniques as well as the layerwise optimisation strategy. The findings obtained, employing the GWO, DA, and SSA optimisers, demonstrate ~3% improvement over the existing literature. With respect to conventional layup designs (cross‐ply and angle‐ply), the current optimised designs are better by at least 0.43% and as much as 48.91%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the free vibration of functionally graded porous (FGP) circular plate with various boundary conditions are investigated by means of the differential quadrature method (DQM) based on Reddy's theory. Performance of the materials varies continuously in the whole thickness and two cosine forms of nonuniform porosity distribution along its thickness are considered. Hamilton's principle is adopted to derive the governing equation of the system, which effectively considers the effects of thermal stress. It is worth noting that due to the introduction of physics neutral surface, reducing stretching-bending coupling effect, so the complex governing equations have been appropriately simplified. Then, using the DQ method, the natural frequencies of free vibration of FGP circular plates subjected to thermal environments with various boundary conditions were obtained. Convergence and comparative research are performed to prove the convergence, reliability, and accuracy of the DQ method. The effects of various factors such as porosity coefficient, porosity distribution pattern, temperature rise, thickness-diameter ratio, and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies are discussed in detail. HIGHLIGHTS: For the first time, the free vibration control equation of the graded porous circular plate in a thermal environment under the Reddy third-order shear theory is established. Introducing the concept of physics neutral surface, we simplify the very complex governing equations. The DQM is used to solve the controlling differential equation with the higher order vibration term caused by the higher order theory, and the vibration frequency of each order under three boundary conditions is given. The influence of porosity distribution on natural frequencies is highlighted. The effects of uniform and nonuniform heating on the dimensionless frequency are analyzed, and the effects of porosity coefficient, thickness-to-diameter ratio, and boundary conditions on frequency are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Sexuality is a central aspect of being human that encompasses many facets. Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, has been associated with various effects on sexuality. The relationship between cannabis and sexuality is complex and multifaceted, involving physiological, psychological, and social factors. Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on the effects of cannabis on several sexual functions, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. It also discusses the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the impact of dose and frequency of use. Results: This review has revealed a complex relationship between cannabis dosage and its influence on sexuality. It appears that the frequency of cannabis use in humans has been associated with the frequency of sexual activities. Individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity. Moreover, there is a notable gender difference in how cannabis affects sexuality. In addition, we found lower doses of cannabis to be linked to heightened sexual desire and enjoyment, whereas higher doses may lead to a decrease in sexual desire and performance. Conclusions: Overall, the association between cannabis and sexuality is complex and warrants further research to better understand the psychological and neurological mechanisms that underlie the effect of cannabis on these sexuality functions and its implications for sexual health. To advance in this endeavor, a crucial step is establishing a precise measurement of dosage in human studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LASTU is a tool for searching for Finnish language stimulus words for psycholinguistic studies. The tool allows the user to query a number of properties, including forms, lemmas, frequencies, and morphological features. It also includes two new measures for quantifying lemma and form ambiguity. The tool is written in Python and is available for Windows and macOS platforms. It is available at https://osf.io/j8v6b/. Included with the tool is a database based on a massive corpus of dependency-parsed Finnish language data crawled from the Internet (over 5 billion tokens). While LASTU has been developed for researchers working on the Finnish language, the openly available implementation can also be applied to other languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• As expected, a higher volume of physical activity was associated with reduced odds of both hypertension and obesity. • When considering the volume of physical activity, the frequency or intensity of physical activity did not significantly impact the odds of hypertension. • An increased proportion of vigorous physical activity relative to the total volume was associated with a small additional reduction in the odds of obesity. • Overall, physical activity volume seems to be more important than specific patterns of accumulation for preventing hypertension and obesity in women. Optimal patterns of accrual of recommended levels of physical activity (PA) for prevention of hypertension and obesity are not known. The overall aim of this study was to investigate whether different patterns of accumulation of PA are differentially associated with hypertension and obesity in Australian women over 21 years. Specifically, we investigated whether, for the same weekly volume of PA, the number of sessions (frequency) and vigorousness of PA (intensity) were associated with a reduction in the occurrence of hypertension and obesity in women. Data from the 1973–1978 and 1946–1951 cohorts of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were analyzed (n = 20,588; 12%–16% with a Bachelor's or higher degree). Self-reported PA, hypertension, height, and weight were collected using mail surveys every 3 years from 1998/2000 to 2019/2021. Generalized Estimating Equation models with a 3-year lag model were used to investigate the association of PA volume (metabolic equivalent min/week) (none; 33–499; 500–999; ≥1000, weekly frequency (none; 1–2 times; 3–4 times; 5–7 times; ≥8 times), and the proportion of vigorous PA to total volume of PA (none; 0%; 1%–33%; 34%–66%; 67%–100%) with odds of hypertension and obesity from 2000 to 2021. The cumulative incidence of hypertension was 6% in the 1973–1978 and 23% in the 1946–1951 cohort; 27% of women in the 1973–1978; and 15% in the 1946–1951 cohort developed obesity over the period. Overall, a higher volume of PA was associated with reduced odds of hypertension and obesity. When the volume of PA was considered, the odds of hypertension did not vary according to the frequency or intensity of PA. However, increased proportion of vigorous PA to the total volume of PA was associated with a small additional reduction in the risk of obesity. PA volume appears to be more important than the pattern of accumulation for the prevention of hypertension and obesity. Incorporating more sessions, particularly of vigorous-intensity PA, may provide extra benefits for the prevention of obesity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision engineering applications need for compliant micro positioning stages with a wide travel range, high accuracy, and a small footprint. These advantages are provided by monolithic compliant insertion stages, which have been the focus of the majority of earlier research, but they also have the significant drawback that damaged components cannot easily be replaced, necessitating a time-consuming machining process such wire electric discharge machining. A stage with a parallelogram flexure module and a modular design idea is suggested to solve these restrictions. The modular architecture makes it simple to repair damaged components. Large range voice coil actuators (VCA) power the stage. Stiffness matrix-based static and dynamic analytical models are used to assess the stage's performance, and the results of finite element analysis (FEA) are used to check the accuracy of these models. Experimental setup is built to verify the stage performance. The stage offers restricted cross-axis coupling of 15 μm in other directions to accommodate for nonlinear behaviour, and a translational motion of ± 7 mm along the working direction. The suggested stage displays a 18 Hz resonance frequency. The results reveal that the modular micro-positioning stage exhibits comparable static and dynamic performances, as well as capability for trajectory tracking, as the monolithic stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Idiopathic osteosclerosis is an asymptomatic local growth of cortical bone and is discovered incidentally on panoramic radiographs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis and its radiographic features in panoramic images of patients referred to the Department of Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Arak University of Medical Sciences (Iran) in 2022-2023. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 460 panoramic images from the radiology department of Arak Faculty of Dentistry were randomly selected and analyzed. The demographic information of patients, frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis, location, and also its relationship with adjacent teeth in terms of proximity to lamina dura and periodontal ligament and radiographic features in terms of size and morphology were evaluated. The data were analyzed using the SPSS24 software. Results: Panoramic images of 460 patients (266 men and 194 women) with an average age of 38.12 (11.75) years were evaluated. The frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis was 6.1% (28 images). 92.9% of the lesions were in the lower jaw and 46.4% of them were near the premolar teeth. In 39.3% of the cases, the lesion was adjacent to the periodontal ligament and laminadora of the tooth. In 3.6% of the cases, it was associated with a small displacement of the adjacent tooth, and 17.9% was associated with tooth root resorption. According to the results, there was no correlation between the incidence of this lesion with age and gender (P>0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the frequency of idiopathic osteosclerosis in the patients referred to Arak dental school was reported as 6.1%. Most of these lesions were observed in the back of the lower jaw and thus, it is important to be able to distinguish this lesion from the radiopaque lesions of the jaw which need treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the structure of under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) relays in the interconnected power system (IPS) of Ukraine. The equivalent power system model to study the UFLS operation is developed, and UFLS configuration scenarios considering the requirements of ENTSO-E, are configured. The frequency stability for different scenarios of UFLS settings considering planned and emergency active power imbalances are studied. The plots illustrating the frequency change in the power system under these conditions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mind wandering (MW) among athletes during training and competition can lead to poor performance. However, MW has also been found to have positive effects. This study aims to clarify the causes of the bidirectional (negative and positive) effects of MW in the sports context, specifically focusing on whether these effects are related to the content of MW. Methods: A total of 846 Chinese athletes completed the Chinese version of the MW scales. The survey data were tested for common method biases. Subsequently, Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were performed using SPSS 25.0 and Mplus 7.0. Results: The frequency of MWcan positively predict its bidirectional effects. MW content plays an important role in the relationships between MW frequency and its negative and positive effects, but the direction of influence varies depending on the content. Conclusion: MW in sports is not always harmful, and its content plays an important role. These findings suggest that managing MW content may be a promising MW intervention method for improving performance in sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Methods Results Conclusions Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is complex requiring multiple specialized disciplines. In practice, this creates considerable organizational and communicational challenges for healthcare professionals and patients. Thus, an interdisciplinary integrated outpatient clinic for IIH (comprising neurology, neuroophthalmology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery and endocrinology) was established with central coordination and a one‐stop concept. Here, the aim was to evaluate the effects of this one‐stop concept on objective clinical outcome.In a retrospective cohort study, the one‐stop era with integrated care (IC) (1 July 2021 to 31 December 2022) was compared to a reference group receiving standard care (SC) (1 July 2018 to 31 December 2019) regarding visual impairment/worsening and headache improvement/freedom 6 months after diagnosis. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounders.Baseline characteristics of the IC group (n = 85) and SC group (n = 81) were comparable (female 90.6% vs. 90.1%; mean age 33.6 vs. 32.8 years; median body mass index 31.8 vs. 33.0; median cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure 32 vs. 34 cmH2O; at diagnosis, visual impairment was present in 71.8% vs. 69.1% and chronic headache in 55.3% vs. 56.8% in IC vs. SC). IC was associated with a higher likelihood of achieving both headache improvement (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52–4.33, p < 0.001) and headache freedom (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.11–3.09, p = 0.031). Regarding the risk of visual impairment and visual worsening IC was superior numerically but not statistically significantly (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69–1.16, p = 0.231, and OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.41–1.25, p = 0.354).Interdisciplinary integrated care of IIH is favourably associated with headache outcomes and potentially also visual outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a numerical dynamic analysis of ceiling raster panels was performed. The analysis was conducted on panels designed with inspiration from bionics. The purpose of the analysis was to enable optimisation of the location of the holes in the designed slabs in order to achieve the preferred dynamic properties, including the natural frequencies of the slabs and an appropriate airflow to avoid the occurrence of resonance. Three different types of panels were used and a total of fifteen panels were designed in terms of their geometry, with circular, elliptical, and hexagonal perforations, made of different materials: polypropylene PP, wood, and aluminium. Then, using the finite element method and ANSYS 2023 R1 software, the airflow over the ceiling panels and their natural frequencies and vibration modes were analysed. The analysis took into account not only the shape of the openings, but also their percentage area relative to the total panel area and different airflow velocities. In addition, the results were compared in an analytical way with those obtained for a solid slab. The results obtained include findings on the mode shapes and values of the vibration frequencies of the plates, air pressure maps, histograms, and plots of the pressure dependence on the surface area of the plate openings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is not clear whether the amount and frequency of psychotherapy is associated with treatment effects for adult depression. We investigated whether a number of indicators of the amount and frequency of psychotherapy were related to the treatment effects in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing individual, face-to-face psychotherapy to a control group (e.g., care-as-usual [CAU] or waitlist condition [WL]). Four databases were systematically searched, and meta-regression analyses conducted to assess the relationship between the effect size (Hedges' g) of the treatment and number of sessions, duration of psychotherapy, total contact time with the therapist, and number of sessions per week. We included 176 studies (210 comparisons) with 15,158 participants. We did not find a relationship between the effect size, and number of sessions, or total contact time. There was a small negative association between duration of treatment and the effect size, an additional week of treatment was related to a 0.014 decrease in the effect size. In addition, there was a strong association between number of sessions per week and the effect size, an increase from one to two sessions per week was related to an effect size higher by 0.596. Both associations were no longer significant when controlling for characteristics of studies. The current findings are correlational, future research should thus address this question in an RCT. We should deliver brief therapies, and thus shorten waiting lists. More sessions, if necessary, should be delivered with higher frequency and over a shorter period of time. • Number of sessions is not associated with treatment effects in adult depression. • Contact time between therapists and clients is not related to treatment effects. • An extra week of treatment is related to a small decrease in treatment effects. • Delivering 2 instead of 1 treatment session per week increases treatment effects. • Associations are not significant when characteristics of studies are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores differ due to the frequency of walking or physical activity (PA) throughout a week in diabetic patients in Korea. This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the 2018–2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The dependent variable was HRQoL scores as measured with EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). The independent variables were defined as three types of PA: (1) walking; (2) moderate; and (3) vigorous. An estimated population size of 2,376,066 was included in this study. The mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) age of patients was 60.12 years (59.23, 60.81), and 53.0% were female. The mean (95% CI) of EQ-5D was 0.867 (0.857, 0.877). The majority of diabetic patients reported walking daily (39.05%, 95% CI; 36.28–41.81%), while a significant proportion did not engage in moderate (65.45%, 95% CI; 62.79–68.11%) or vigorous (78.38%, 95% CI; 73.02–77.73%) PA at all. After controlling for covariates, EQ-5D scores significantly increased when patients had walked once per week for at least 10 min in the Tobit regression model. The frequency of walking was the most significant predicting factor for better HRQoL in patients with type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs a corpus-based approach to examine and compare the use of two discourse markers (DMs), "you know" and "I mean", within the context of two mediatised English political interviews. The analysis encompasses frequencies, functions, co-occurrences, and positional distributions of these DMs. The study utilizes specialized corpora from two political interview programs: CGTN's The Point with Liu Xin and BBC's HARDtalk. The frequency analysis reveals that "you know" is statistically more prevalent than "I mean" in both programs, reflecting the spontaneity, interactivity, and need for clarification characteristic of political interviews. Notably, the Chinese interviewer (IR) uses "you know" more extensively, possibly due to a cultural preference for ensuring mutual understanding and engaging the audience, while the British IR employs "I mean" slightly more frequently, likely reflecting a tendency to clarify or reframe statements for precision. Functionally, these DMs serve diverse purposes such as hedging, agreeing, and monitoring across various domains including interpersonal, sequential, and rhetorical. Positional analysis shows "you know" typically appearing medially and "I mean" often in initial positions. These results underscore the distinctive interviewing styles of the two IRs and the pivotal role of these DMs in fulfilling a spectrum of communicative functions. This research offers valuable insights into the interviewer's perspective in political interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the duration and frequency patterns of baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) variability loss in non-Category Ⅲ fetal heart rate monitoring.Methods A random selection of 2 000 pregnant women with regular antenatal care and hospital deliveries from January 2020 to May 2023, each carrying a singleton fetus, were included in the study. Participants were categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the presence of high-risk factors. Starting from 28 weeks of gestation, daily fetal heart rate monitoring was conducted until delivery. The duration and frequency of baseline FHR variability loss were observed and recorded. Results In 28-40+6 weeks of pregnancy, the median duration of baseline FHR variability loss was 5.45-12.40 seconds per episode in the low-risk group and 5.95-12.00 seconds per episode in the high-risk group. The median frequency was 2.00-3.00 episodes per 20 minutes in the low-risk group and 2.00-3.00 episodes per 20 minutes in the high-risk group. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant differences between groups in terms of time effect, group effect, and interaction effect for the duration and frequency of baseline FHR variability loss (P＜0.05). Within 12 hours before the baseline FHR variability loss event, the median (interquartile range) duration of baseline FHR variability loss was 12.40 (11.80, 13.50) seconds per episode in the low-risk group and 12.70 (11.80, 13.50) seconds per episode in the high-risk group. The median (interquartile range) frequency of baseline FHR variability loss in both groups was 4.00 (3.00, 5.00) episodes per 20 minutes. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant time effect for the duration of baseline FHR variability loss between the two groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion The loss of baseline FHR variability in non-category Ⅲ fetal heart rate monitoring reflects physiological immaturity of fetal heart rate and is influenced by clinical monitoring conditions. Longer durations of variability loss and higher frequencies are associated with increased fetal risk. A duration of ≥10 seconds per episode and frequency of ≥3 episodes per 20 minutes indicate significant baseline FHR variability loss and require timely intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at PC6 could reduce hypotension after spinal anesthesia (SA) in parturients and to compare the effect of TEAS at different frequencies. Methods: From February 20, 2023, to August 29, 2023, 90 parturients scheduled for c-section under SA were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control), TEAS at high frequency (TEAS-HF), or TEAS at low frequency (TEAS-LF). Treatments started immediately after SA and lasted for 30 min. The primary endpoint was incidence of hypotension by 30 min after SA. Secondary endpoints included lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP) during 30 min after SA, dose of ephedrine, dose of atropine, Apgar score at 1 min, and adverse events, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dyspnea, and chest congestion. Results: In the TEAS-HF group, the incidence of hypotension by 30 min after SA was lower (13.3%) than in the Control (53.3%, p = 0.001; OR 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–2.8) and TEAS-LF group (40.0%, p = 0.02, OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–2.0). The lowest SBP during 30 min after SA was higher in the TEAS-HF group (100.0 ± 9.4 mm Hg) than in the Control group (91.5 ± 16.5 mm Hg) and TEAS-LF group (93.9 ± 16.6 mm Hg). Patients who received TEAS showed a lower score of nausea and vomiting (both p = 0.02). Patients in the group TEAS-HF showed a lower incidence of dizziness, dyspnea, and of chest congestion than those in the other two groups. There was no difference with respect to atropine consumption and neonatal Apgar score. Conclusions: TEAS-HF at PC6 reduced hypotension after SA in parturients, while TEAS-LF did not. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05724095) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To detect any possible illnesses, such as syphilis, and stop them from spreading through transfusion, screening blood donors is crucial. Study Design: Cross-sectional Retrospective Research study. Setting: Four RBCs and the sixteen associated hospital-based blood banks (HBBBs) that are spread over Sindh's various areas. Period: January 2022 to December 2022. Methods: Employing non-probability convenience sampling was carried out. We collected data from Sindh province's Regional Blood Centers (RBCs) and Hospital Based Blood Banks (HBBBs), dispersed throughout the province. Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority (SBTA)'s ethical committee approved the study. To screen selected blood donors for Syphilis, the Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Analyzer (CLIA) was used. Data from the study were summarized using simple percentages after they were statistically examined. Results: With 171,725 male donors and 1,460 female donors, men comprised the bulk of the 173,185 blood donors. Syphilis turned up in 2.5% of the male donors, resulting in an additional 4,311 cases. On the other hand, just 18 (1.2%) of the female donors had a positive syphilis test. The gender distribution of cases with positive Syphilis indicates a notable difference in its frequency between people of both sexes. The age group of 25 to 40 years old accounted for the largest proportion of syphilis cases among blood donors. Conclusion: One of Sindh's biggest public health concerns is the high incidence of syphilis among blood donors. Additionally, the results show that the incidence of syphilis varies by gender. Furthermore, there are considerable age range differences in the distribution of syphilis cases. These results highlight the need for increased screening and preventive programmes, especially in areas with higher incidence rates. Given the high frequency of syphilis among Sindhi red blood cell donors, this could point to a greater number of cases in the overall community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought to determine the cochlear frequency regions represented by Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) obtained using the high-pass noise/derived response (HP/DR) technique. Broadband noise sufficient to mask the ABR to 50 dB nHL clicks was HP filtered (96 dB/oct) at 8000, 4000, 2000, 1000 and 500 Hz. Mixed with the clicks and HP noise masker was narrowband noise. Three derived response bands, denoted by the upper and lower high-pass noise frequencies, were obtained: DR4000-2000, DR2000-1000, and DR1000-500. Ten adults with normal hearing, aged 19–27 years (mean age: 22.4 years), were recruited from the community. Frequencies contributing to each DR were determined from the wave V percent amplitude (or latency shift) vs narrowband masker frequency profiles (relative to a no-narrowband-noise condition). Overall, results indicate derived band centre frequencies were closer to the lower HP cut-off frequencies for DR4000-2000 and DR2000-1000, and approximately halfway between the lower HP cut-off and the geometric mean of the two HP frequencies for DR1000-500, with bandwidths of 0.5-1 octave in width. These results confirm the validity of the HP/DR technique for assessing narrow cochlear regions (≤1.0 octave wide), with centre frequencies within ½-octave of the lower HP frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estimation of rockfall frequency for the quantitative assessment of rockfall hazard is challenging when there are not records of previous events. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the rockfall frequency and the geometry of the overhanging rock blocks, at rocky slopes. The investigation takes place for seven rocky slopes along a coastal road in Northern Spain, and it is based on 15 years of rockfall data. A field survey of these slopes took place between May and June 2022, using a terrestrial laser scanner as well as ground and aerial photogrammetry from UAVs, in order to build three-dimensional digital models. Then, the geometrical attributes of the existing overhanging rocks were measured on the models. The surface area and the width of the latter were calculated. The correlation between the rockfall frequency and the sum of the overhanging areas at each slope was assessed. A good linear correlation was indicated between the normalized per slope area number of rockfalls and total overhang area (R2 = 0.9013) and between the respective normalized per unit of road length parameters (R2 = 0.9594). The magnitude-frequency relationship for the rockfall events that occurred at the seven slopes follows a power law distribution with exponent −0.65. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning vocabulary is a central and time-consuming endeavour for a language learner and it has thus been suggested that the foreign language classroom has to supply explicit support for students' vocabulary development. A major source of explicit word focus is vocabulary exercises in teaching materials and students' learning can be facilitated if they are designed in a way that is conducive to learning. Few studies have so far sought to establish what learning opportunities tasks in materials provide. The present study reports an analysis of the vocabulary exercises in three series of Swedish intermediate EFL materials, focusing on target vocabulary and learning conditions. The target vocabulary was analysed in terms of frequency distribution in general English and the learning conditions provided were studied using a modified version of the Involvement Load Hypothesis. The results indicate that learning is facilitated through extensive retrieval opportunities in the material. However, it was also found that the exercises seldom require students to use the target vocabulary and that it comprises primarily high-frequency words, that is, words that the learners are likely to already know. It is therefore concluded that a more systematic approach to vocabulary has to be adopted by materials developers to ensure that word-focused tasks contribute significantly to students' learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits are an important worldwide meat‐ and fibre‐producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation. Animals: Two hundred pet rabbits presented for veterinary care between 2021 and 2022. Materials and Methods: Physical examination, otoscopy and microscopy were used for ear mite identification. Association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), breed, feeding and housing management was analysed. Results: Of the 200 rabbits, 59 (29.5%) were positive for P. cuniculi. Only female sex had a positive association with P. cuniculi. Conclusions and Clinical Significance: Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat‐producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association. Background – Rabbits are an important worldwide meat‐ and fibre‐producing animal, and they are popular pets. The rabbit ear mite, Psoroptes cuniculi, causes severe dermatological disease. Epidemiological data on P. cuniculi infestations are important for public health. Objective – To determine the frequency of P. cuniculi infestation in pet rabbits and evaluate epidemiological factors associated with infestation. Conclusions and Clinical Significance – Psoroptes cuniculi in pet rabbits has a similar frequency to that reported in meat‐producing rabbits, and female sex had a positive association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Windblown sand movements, i.e., wind denudation and sand burial, pose a strong selective pressure on dune vegetation. Dune plants commonly receive repeated wind denudation or sand burial. Therefore, simultaneously examining the role of sand movement intensity and frequency in shaping dune vegetation is critical for dune biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration. However, studies of this nature are rare. Methods: We studied the integrated effects of sand movement intensity and frequency on the seedling performance of a dominant semi-shrub, Artemisia ordosica, in the Mu Us sandland. We subjected A. ordosica seedlings to a total intensity of 10 cm wind denudation or sand burial treatments conducted once, twice or four times. Key results: We found, given that the total intensity of sand movement remains the same, increasing frequency and decreasing intensity per time largely improved seedling survival. Furthermore, increasing frequency and decreasing intensity per time significantly alleviated the negative effects of wind denudation, although such alleviation effect was not detected for sand burial. Seedlings of A. ordosica increased specific leaf area, root length, and biomass allocation to root to adapt to wind denudation, while they developed adventitious roots to adapt to sand burial. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that a single heavy sand movement is more detrimental than multiple light ones to the performance of A. ordosica seedlings. Our findings suggest that windproof measures to prevent severe sand movements is necessary to allow the establishment of A. ordosica during the dune restoration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a moving mass-beam system, the critical velocity of the moving mass is a key parameter that relates to the vibration stability of the system. In fact, the critical velocity obtained by the commonly used assumed mode method (AMM) differs from the actual situation. In this study, an analytical procedure is introduced to determine the critical velocity and frequency of the moving mass-beam system. The influence of moving mass is considered in the modal functions of the beam, and the frequency equations of the system were obtained through the modal analysis method and Laplace transform. And beams with four types of boundary condition were analyzed, which are hinged-hinged (HH) beam, clamped-hinged (CH) beam, clamped-clamped (CC) beam, and cantilever (CF) beam. By solving the frequency equations, the vibration frequencies of the system can be obtained, and the critical velocity can be determined. The results of the proposed method were validated by the finite element method (FEM). Through some examples, it was found that the natural frequency and critical velocity obtained by AMM is relatively high. And the critical velocities of the same moving mass-beam system under different supporting conditions ranked in ascending order are as follows: vHHcr < vCHcr < vCFcr < vCCcr. It is also found that when the moving mass undergoes variable motion on a beam, the vibration frequency obtained with acceleration considered is higher than that obtained with acceleration neglected. The results of this article will be helpful for structural design and its dynamic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Iridoviruses, a group of double-stranded DNA viruses, pose a significant threat to various aquatic animals, causing substantial economic losses in aquaculture and impacting ecosystem health. Early and accurate detection of these viruses is crucial for effective disease management and control. Conventional diagnostic methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation, often require specialized laboratories, skilled personnel, and considerable time. This highlights the need for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic tools for iridovirus detection. Single-layer graphene, a two-dimensional material with unique properties like high surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and chemical stability, has emerged as a versatile platform for biosensing applications. This paper explores the potential of employing single-layer graphene in the development of a bionanosensor for the sensitive and rapid detection of iridoviruses. The aim of the present investigation is to develop a sensor by analyzing the vibrational responses of single-layer graphene sheets (SLGS) with attached microorganisms. Graphene-based virus sensors typically rely on the interaction between the virus and the graphene surface, which lead to changes in the frequency response of graphene. This change is measured and used to detect the presence of the virus. Its high surface-to-volume ratio and sensitivity to changes in its frequency make it a highly sensitive platform for virus detection. Methods: We employ finite element method (FEM) analysis to model the sensor's performance and optimize its design parameters. The simulation results highlight the sensor's potential for achieving high sensitivity and rapid detection of iridovirus. Bridged and simply supported with roller support boundary conditions applied at the ends of SLG structure. Simulations have been performed to see how SLG behaves when used as sensors. A single-layer graphene armchair SLG (5,5) with 50-nm length exhibits its highest frequency vibration at 8.66 × 106 Hz, with a mass of 1.2786 Zg. In contrast, a zigzag-SLG with a (18,0) configuration has its lowest frequency vibration at 2.82 × 105 Hz. This aids in comprehending the thresholds of detection and the influence of factors such as size, and boundary conditions on sensor effectiveness. These biosensors can be especially helpful in biological sciences and the medical field since they can considerably improve the treatment of patients, cancer early diagnosis, and pathogen identification when used in clinical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents experimental results on the effect of loading frequency during low‐cycle fatigue on the fracture mechanism and properties of pseudoelastic NiTi wire. The uniaxial tensile tests were performed in stress‐controlled mode over the 0.1–10 Hz frequency range. It was shown that the number of cycles before specimen failure decreased with increasing frequency from 0.1 Hz to 1 Hz but increased at frequencies above 1 Hz. It was fractographically shown that fatigue striations were observed on the fracture surfaces of specimens tested at all loading frequencies. A new type of fatigue striations was described on fracture specimens tested at frequencies up to 1 Hz. They are characterized by different spacing between successive striations with a change in the slope of the fracture at the transitions between them. This feature may be associated with forward and reverse phase transformations during half‐periods of loading and unloading of nitinol. Highlights: Dissipated energy and residual strain of nitinol decrease with increasing frequency.The residual strain and fatigue life of nitinol is frequency dependent.A new type of fatigue striations of various spacing was found at frequencies below 1 Hz.The spacing of striations changes due to alternate crack growth in martensite or austenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mangrove forests are among the world's most productive ecosystems situated at the interface between land and sea/backwaters in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Mangrove vegetation in three geographical regions of Kannur on the southwest coast of India was assessed for its community structure and diversity indices. Thirteen true mangrove species belonging to 9 genera and 7 families formed the mangrove vegetation of the region. Highest density was recorded for Acanthus ilicifolius (7953 stems/ha), followed by Rhizophora mucronata (3750 stems/ha). A. ilicifolius is the most common species with maximum important value index (IVI) of 49.19. Shannon-Weiner Index of diversity ranged from 2.249 to 2.527. Kunhimangalam region have more species richness with a Simpson dominance index of 0.920 and Shannon - Weiner index of 2.527. The sites selected were distinct from each other as the species diversity varied due to the climatic, biotic, anthropogenic stresses at each location. The need to gain further knowledge about the mangrove flora of the region to help the conservation of mangrove ecosystems is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an overview of teaching English vocabulary in the context of 21st century advancements and challenges, within the field of English language teaching and outside. It takes review of 21st century learning components comprised of learning competencies, learning modalities, ICT, and infrastructure in relevance to English language teaching in general and English vocabulary teaching in particular. It discusses different approaches and techniques of vocabulary teaching. It argues that vocabulary is foundational blocks of language. Mastering vocabulary is indispensable in (second) language learning. Besides methods of vocabulary teaching, learners’ personal trait such as motivation and self-efficacy are also crucial in mastering English vocabulary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels is an endemic species to Morocco that has multiple uses. It plays multiple important roles in terms of its botanical, ecological, and economic properties. However, the domestication of this species will open up considerable economic opportunities for Morocco. Here, for the first time, we assessed the effect of different doses of compost and NPK fertilizers on the vegetative growth parameters, biochemical and antioxidant potential of the Argania spinosa plant, and soil properties. Over a two-year period (2022–2023), eight different treatments were applied across two experimental sites. These treatments included the following: T0 (Control), T1 (F1-80.50.70 g NPK/plant), T2 (F1-125.75.100 g NPK/plant), T3 (F2-160.100.140 g NPK/plant), T4 (F2-250.150.200 g NPK/plant), T5 (F1-2.5 kg/plant compost), T6 (F1-5 kg/plant compost), T7 (F2-5 kg/plant compost), and T8 (F2-10 kg/plant compost), with F1 and F2 being the frequencies of application. We compared several doses of fertilizers with no fertilization as a control. The results showed a significant influence of the compost and NPK fertilizer on the vegetative growth parameters. For the Tamjlojt site, the first year is important because treatments T3 and T4 significantly increased height by 71.94 ± 21.15% and 74.31 ± 12.31%, respectively. For the circumference, the results showed a significant improvement by the treatments T4 and T3, and T1 demonstrated the highest gain. For the collar diameter, all treatments showed a significant difference. The most notable difference was observed with treatments T3 and T7 with 115.63 ± 33.88% and 101.09 ± 20.84%, respectively. For the Rasmouka site, the second year was the most important. The treatments with the most important height increase were T7 and T8, with a value of 43.14 ± 10.06% and 36.44 ± 9.95%; the same was observed for collar diameter as a significant increase was found in T8 and T7 with a value of 55.05 ± 15.7% and 54.08 ± 9.64%. For the circumference parameter, the treatments that increased significantly this parameter were T8 and T7 with a value of 53.36 ± 15.11% and 50.34 ± 11.29% in 2023. In addition, the highest content of carbohydrates was recorded for the treatment T3 with a value of 148.89 ± 8.11 (mg EG/g). For phenolic determination, the highest value was 2532 ± 457.13 (µg GAE/mL), shown for treatment T1. For flavonoids, the treatments that showed a significant effect were T1 and T6 with a value of 2261.98 ± 184.61 and 1237.70 ± 95.65 (µg QE/mL), respectively. For the impact on soil properties, the electrical conductivity, at the Tamjlojt site, treatment T1 showed a significant increase to 1139.00 ± 241.30 (ms/cm), while at the Rasmouka site, treatment T8 showed a significant increase to 303.33 ± 9.33 (ms/cm). Concerning organic carbon, all treatments resulted in increased percentages of this parameter in the soil. For the Tamjlojt site, the T7 treatment had a significant positive effect on this parameter with a value of 0.87 ± 0.12%. For the Rasmouka site, the T3 treatment increased the percentage of organic carbon with a value of 1.17 ± 0.07%. In addition, the organic matter content showed an improvement with a value of 2.02 ± 0.12%. As there are no previous studies in Argania spinosa fertilization, this study greatly contributes to our understanding of the benefits of using different fertilizers at different doses, in particular T8 and T7 as organic fertilizers and T3, T4 as chemical ones, on argan growth, the biochemical and antioxidant properties of leaves, and its soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionTobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable mortality and morbidity. Although Cyprus is considered a developed country, the tobacco prevalence and related issues have not been explored sufficiently in the general population of North Cyprus.The objective of this study is to determine the rate of tobacco product consumption and related factors among the visitors of a community health center and a university hospital in Northern Cyprus.The study was designed as a cross-sectional study The data were collected using a questionnaire developed in compliance with WHO guidelines. The data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS18.0 with p < 0.05 evaluated as significant.Out of a total of 635 individuals approached, 615 provided responses. The participation rate was 96%. The frequency of male smokers was 47.2%, while the frequency of female smokers was 34.0%, with a total smoking rate of 40.7%, much higher than world averages. The survey identified friendship influence as the primary reason for starting tobacco use, accounting for 42%, followed by being stressed at 34.6%. Male gender, being single, having no children, Turkish nationality were predictors of smoking, while financial status was not. The participants indicated a high frequency regarding exposure to passive smoke (51.1%). More than half of the respondents thought tobacco control in Northern Cyprus is not satisfactory.More research needs to be done to determine the exact overall prevalence of tobacco consumption in the population, which was found high in this study. Moreover, implementation of comprehensive tobacco control strategies is essential to control the prevalent tobacco dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lung is a highly mechanical organ as it is exposed to approximately 109 strain cycles, (where strain is the length change of tissue structure per unit initial length), with an approximately 4% amplitude change during quiet tidal breathing or 107 strain cycles at a 25% amplitude during heavy exercises, sighs, and deep inspirations. These mechanical indices have been reported to become aberrant in lung diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and asthma. Through recent innovations, various in vitro systems/bioreactors used to mimic the lung's mechanical strain have been developed. Among these, the Flexcell tension system which is composed of bioreactors that utilize a variety of programs in vitro to apply static and cyclic strain on different cell-types established as 2D monolayer cultures or cell-embedded 3D hydrogel models, has enabled the assessment of the response of different cells such as fibroblasts to the lung's mechanical strain in health and disease. Fibroblasts are the main effector cells responsible for the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to repair and maintain tissue homeostasis and are implicated in the excessive deposition of matrix proteins that leads to lung fibrosis. In this review, we summarise, studies that have used the Flexcell tension bioreactor to assess effects of the mechanical lung on the structure, function, and phenotype of lung fibroblasts in homeostatic conditions and abnormal environments associated with lung injury and disease. We show that these studies have revealed that different strain conditions regulate fibroblast proliferation, ECM protein production, and inflammation in normal repair and the diseased lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to differences in social communication and cognitive functioning, autistic adults may have greater difficulty engaging in and detecting deception compared to neurotypical adults. Consequently, autistic adults may experience strained social relationships or face increased risk of victimization. It is therefore crucial that research investigates the psychological mechanisms that are responsible for autistic adults’ difficulties in the deception process in order to inform interventions required to reduce risk. However, weaknesses of extant research exploring deception in autism include a heavy focus on children and limited theoretical exploration of underlying psychological mechanisms. To address these weaknesses, this review aims to introduce a system-level theoretical framework to the study of deception in autistic adulthood: The Brunswik Lens Model of Deception. Here, we provide a comprehensive account of how autism may influence all processes involved in deception, including: Choosing to Lie (1), Producing Deception Cues (2), Perceiving Deception Cues (3), and Making the Veracity Decision (4). This review also offers evidence-based, theoretical predictions and testable hypotheses concerning how autistic and neurotypical adults’ behavior may differ at each stage in the deception process. The call to organize future research in relation to a joint theoretical perspective will encourage the field to make substantive, theoretically motivated progress toward the development of a comprehensive model of deception in autistic adulthood. Moreover, the utilization of the Brunswik Lens Model of Deception in future autism research may assist in the development of interventions to help protect autistic adults against manipulation and victimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Occupation plays an important role in the spread of infectious diseases in humans. Toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis are world-wide diseases with different routes of transmission. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis and risk factors associated with these diseases among the butchers of Tabriz City, the northwest of Iran. Methods: In this case-control study conducted in Tabriz city in 2023, 250 serum samples were collected from butchers (n = 125) and outpatients referred to Imam Reza Hospital (n = 125) and. The ELISA test was used to identify IgG and IgM antibodies against toxoplasmosis and IgG antibodies against hydatidosis. The results were analyzed by statistics tests using SPSS v. 16 software. Risk factors' association was tested using Chi square or logistic regression analysis. Results: The results indicated that 66/125 (52.8%) cases and 40/125 controls (32%) were positive for toxoplasmosis IgG antibody. Also, 5/125 (4%) and 1/125 (0.8%) were positive for toxoplasmosis IgM antibody in the case and control groups, respectively. In addition, 10/125 people (8%) were positive for anti-hydatidosis IgG antibody in the case group, while no positive cases were found in the control group. The main risk factors for toxoplasmosis were age (OR: 1.014), education level (OR: 0.638), and work experience(OR: 1.695), these factors for hydatidosis included age and education level (OR: 1.765 and 0.271) respectivily. Conclusions: Our results suggest the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and in butchers of Tabriz, which required special attention and basic measures. Moreover, the prevalence of hydatidosis IgG antibodies also requires more attention to be focused on breaking the transmission and reducing the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe present work carries out free vibration analysis of laminated composite shells and panels using wavelet finite element method (WFEM). Two different wavelets, namely, Haar and B-spline wavelet on the interval (BSWI) are employed. The analysis is carried out using higher-order zigzag theory (HOZT), and the WFEM is set up according to Hamilton’s principle. The two-dimensional scaling functions are employed to substitute the interpolation functions as used in the FEM. Owing to the capability of the WFEM to work efficiently with lesser degrees of freedom compared to the traditional FEM, the proposed methodology is validated with the results available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of predicting the dynamic response and damage of an existing concrete tunnel during underground blasting has increased owing to the close proximity between the newly built and existing tunnels. Peak particle velocity (PPV) is a commonly used criterion in the assessment of blast-induced structural damage. However, such structural damage is also associated with the frequency content of the blast wave. Nevertheless, the recommended threshold PPVs, which are based on empirical criteria, predict conservative estimations. Using stringent and regulated blasting methods often results in project delays and escalates the total project expenditure. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model of an underground tunnel has been developed in LS-DYNA to analyze damage to the concrete tunnels under blast loading. A suite of analyses was performed to examine the potential damage induced in the underground tunnel. A lower frequency load was found to have a greater potential for producing damage compared with a high frequency blast load. The results showed that the location of the cracking within the tunnel, such as the arch foot or tunnel wall, was also influenced by the frequency of the blast wave. The maximum allowable PPV for the concrete tunnel was determined for a range of frequencies based on predicted free field PPV and additional factors of safety of 1.2 and 1.5 were established, depending on the safety needs and importance of the tunnel construction. Thus, our findings provide useful information for improving the evaluation of tunnel damage and guaranteeing the safety of underground tunnels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the influence of three different shape memory alloy (SMA) wires (i.e., Ni-Ti, Cu-Al-Ni, and Cu-Zn wires) for mitigating model cable vibration. Shape memory alloy (SMA) wires because of their superelasticity or shape memory properties can promise to be one of the effective damping materials in suppressing stay cable oscillations. The investigation explores through experimental works, the capabilities of three Ni-Ti, Cu-Al-Ni, and Cu-Zn SMA wires by estimating the vibration amplitude suppression of the model stay cable. The effective location of the SMA wires on the model cable for vibration suppression was estimated in free as well as forced vibration cases. To impart free and forced vibration, respectively, in the cable, a transducer-based hammer and exciter were used. An accelerometer and data acquisition system was used to record and acquire vibration data. It is also very appropriate to ascertain which wire among one of the three SMA wires performs well. It is found that the Ni-Ti SMA wire has a better performance in vibration suppression as compared to Cu-Al-Ni and Cu-Zn wires. It is also established that the attachment of the SMA wire at the mid-length of the cable gives better vibration suppression for the first mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe temperature measurement during grinding process is difficult due to work–wheel interactions and nearby coolant layers. Surface integrity also gets affected by the grinding burns caused due to high heat generation. Therefore, the theoretical temperature estimation could provide prior detection of grinding burns. This article presents an analytical model to predict the heat flux in pressurized lubricated ultrasonic-assisted surface grinding of Nimonic 80 A using Cubic Boron Nitride (cBN) grinding wheel (vitrified grinding bond, grit 80/100, concentration 100%). In this process, the high frequency of ultrasonic vibration and low amplitude is employed to vibrate the workpiece. In the current modeling approach, the motion analysis of grains has been estimated initially, which provided the effective grinding force. This effective grinding force was then utilized to obtain the analytical model of heat flux. Finally, the model was formulated by considering the effect of heat conducted into the material and heat released due to the lubrication system. The established model comprised the effects of lubricating and machining parameters such as dynamic viscosity of cutting fluid, pressure, diameter and length of cutting fluid pipes, width of cut, frequency, speed of table, amplitude, depth of cut and speed of the wheel. This numerical model revealed affirmative results substantiated by experimentally procured data. This developed model can add to the direction of sustainable grinding approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-adaptive energy storage coordination control strategy based on virtual synchronous machine technology was studied and designed to address the oscillation problem caused by new energy units. By simulating the characteristics of synchronous generators, the inertia level of the new energy power system was enhanced, and frequency stability optimization was achieved. This strategy is integrated with the frequency response model of the new energy power system to improve the system's frequency regulation capability and achieve more stable and efficient operation. From the results, the damping of the system increased, the oscillation frequency decreased after a duration of about 15 s, and the system stability improved by 76.09%. The proposed strategy based on virtual synchronous generator adaptive energy storage coordination control strategy was improved by 83.25%. In addition, the proposed strategy has improved stability indicators and system completion efficiency by 40.57% and 22.21% respectively, both of which are better than the comparative strategies. As a result, this strategy significantly enhances the frequency regulation capability of the system, which has a positive effect on achieving efficient operation of the new energy power system and maintaining the stability of the power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study replicates the research conducted in Dewaele and Li ([2014a]. "Intra- and Inter-Individual Variation in Self-Reported Code-Switching Patterns of Adult Multilinguals." International Journal of Multilingualism 11 (2): 225–246; [2014b]. "Attitudes Towards Code-Switching among Adult Mono- and Multilingual Language Users." Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development 35 (3): 235–251) and explores variation in attitudes towards codeswitching and the frequency of its usage among 391 multilinguals from different sociocultural contexts. The findings indicate that multilingual respondents who have lived abroad or grew up in an ethnically and linguistically diverse environment tend to code-switch more frequently. On the other side, the number of spoken languages and gender as well as personality traits, such as tolerance of ambiguity, cognitive empathy, social skills and emotional reactivity are significantly linked with more positive attitudes towards codeswitching. Further in-depth analysis has shown that the respondents generally code-switch more frequently with friends and colleagues than with family members. However, some inter-speaker variation exists in this respect too and females and high-school respondents tend to code-switch more frequently with friends than males and more highly-educated respondents, while males and respondents with a higher educational level code-switch more frequently with work colleagues and family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Graduate admissions in psychology continue to be a popular and competitive venture, with the demand for new graduate student opportunities exceeding the annual supply. Objective: Our present work was a partial replication and extension of Appleby and Appleby (2006). We added closed- and open-ended questions regarding social media to gauge how graduate admissions committees utilize social media to evaluate applicants. Method: We asked U.S. graduate admissions directors to answer six open-ended questions and then rate the frequency and fatality/harmfulness of 17 potential applicant errors. From the population of 467 graduate admissions directors, 56 provided complete responses (12.0% response rate). Results: We examine the closed-ended quantitative results presenting descriptive data and combining the frequency and fatality scales into a scatterplot; outcomes from the open-ended qualitative results provide rich and nuanced advice about graduate admissions errors. Conclusion: Poorly written application materials are to be avoided (obviously), but the evidence-informed advice offered here is much more nuanced and complex. Teaching Implications: Mentors and faculty advisors can use information from this study to provide data-informed advice to students interested in improving their chances for admission to graduate programs in psychology, offering specific tips on the most harmful/fatal mistakes to avoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new vibrating plate viscometer has been developed which is used and makes it possible to instantly and continuously measure the viscosity of a high-temperature material. This viscometer is designed for industrial use and enables one to measure the viscosity automatically to a high accuracy. This method of measuring the viscosity is currently used in various fields, such as the study of newly produced oil products, the selection of the optimal flow characteristics for various transfer conditions, and the development and improvement of preparing fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound imaging is widely used for accurate diagnosis due to its noninvasive nature and the absence of radiation exposure, which is achieved by controlling the scan frequency. In addition, Gaussian and speckle noises degrade image quality. To address this issue, filtering techniques are typically used in the spatial domain. Recently, deep learning models have been increasingly applied in the field of medical imaging. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a convolutional neural network-based residual network (ResNet) deep learning model for noise reduction when Gaussian and speckle noises were present. We compared the results with those obtained from conventional filtering techniques. A dataset of 500 images was prepared, and Gaussian and speckle noises were added to create noisy input images. The dataset was divided into training, validation, and test sets in an 8:1:1 ratio. The ResNet deep learning model, comprising 16 residual blocks, was trained using optimized hyperparameters, including the learning rate, optimization function, and loss function. For quantitative analysis, we calculated the normalized noise power spectrum, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and root mean square error. Our findings showed that the ResNet deep learning model exhibited superior noise reduction performance to median, Wiener, and median-modified Wiener filter algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramos-Campo, DJ, Benito-Peinado, PJ, Caravaca, LA, Rojo-Tirado, MA, and Rubio-Arias, JÁ. Efficacy of split versus full-body resistance training on strength and muscle growth: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1330-1340, 2024-No previous study has systematically compared the effect of 2 resistance training routines commonly used to increase muscle mass and strength (i.e., split [Sp] and full-body [FB] routines). Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines to compare the effects on strength gains and muscle growth in healthy adults. 14 studies (392 subjects) that compared Sp and FB routines in terms of strength adaptations and muscle growth were included. Regarding the effects of the Sp or FB routine on both bench press and lower limbs strength, the magnitude of the change produced by both routines was similar (bench press: mean difference [MD] = 1.19; [-1.28, 3.65]; p = 0.34 k = 14 lower limb: MD = 2.47 [-2.11, 7.05]; p = 0.29 k = 14 . Concerning the effect of the Sp vs. FB routine on muscle growth, similar effects were observed after both routines in the cross-sectional area of the elbow extensors ( MD = 0.3 ; [-2.65, 3.24]; p = 0.84 k = 4 ), elbow flexors ( MD = 0.17 [-2.54, 2.88]; p = 0.91 k = 5 ), vastus lateralis ( MD = - 0.08 ; [-1.82, 1.66]; p = 0.93 k = 5), or lean body mass ( MD = - 0.07 ; [-1.59, 1.44]; p = 0.92 k = 6 ) . In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis provides solid evidence that the use of Sp or FB routines within a resistance training program does not significantly impact either strength gains or muscle hypertrophy when volume is equated. Consequently, individuals are free to confidently select a re- sistance training routine based on their personal preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Maize is an important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Plant-parasitic nematodes significantly impact maize production. However, research on maize nematodes in SSA is limited. The current study aimed to assess the occurrences and densities of nematodes associated with maize and to assess the correlation of some soil physicochemical properties with nematodes in southern and southwestern Ethiopia. One hundred and eighty-six soil and root samples were collected from 62 maize fields (31 from Hawassa Zuria and 31 from Mana districts). Eleven plant-parasitic nematode genera were identified. The most important genera of plant-parasitic nematodes identified were Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus , followed by Helicotylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus. The nematodes Pratylenchus and Criconemoides were significantly and positively associated with pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic matter (SOM). Additionally, Tylenchorhynchus , Pratylenchus and Rotylenchulus were significantly positively correlated with soil available phosphorus (SAP). However, Criconemoides and Meloidogyne had a strong negative correlation with soil bulk density (SBD). This study provides useful baseline information on maize-associated nematodes, and will be useful for agricultural policy makers, private farmers, non-governmental organisations and agricultural extension workers enabling them to establish sustainable maize nematode management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic-resistant microbes have been closely associated with drug misuse and careless drug disposal, indicating a mutualistic relationship between certain environmental conditions and antibiotic resistance. This study investigates the effects of the sound on the growth and antibiotic susceptibility of ESBL-producing E. coli (ESBL-E. coli). We examined how various frequencies, intensities, and powers of sound exposure influenced E. coli development and antibiotic resistance. Our findings revealed that E. coli exposed to sound waves exhibited a more rapid specific growth rate and higher biomass compared to the control group. Specifically, the average length of E. coli cells increased by over 27.26%. The stimulation group experienced maximum biomass and specific growth rates approximately 1.7 and 2.5 times higher than the control group when exposed to an 8000 Hz, 80 dB sound wave. Before receiving sound treatment, ESBL-E. coli showed resistance to four antibiotics: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/sulfonamides, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. However, post-treatment susceptibility tests indicated that these antibiotics became effective. The study demonstrates that the moderate sound wave significantly impacts multidrug-resistant ESBL-E. coli. Attempts to enhance the sound effect using probiotic bacteria from kefir and kombucha showed no improvement. Notably, certain Moderate sound verses had a profound impact on E. coli, suggesting a unique approach to combating antibiotic resistance. Considering projections that effective antibiotics might be scarce between 2030 and 2050, this study offers a promising alternative. This groundbreaking research holds significant potential for application in Saudi Arabia and globally. We have secured a patent for this innovation from the United States of America, underscoring its importance and potential impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]