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Interval combined prediction of mine tunnel’s air volume considering multiple influencing factors
Continuous monitoring and accurate measurement of required air volume in mine tunnels are crucial phenomena for mine safety However, air volume fluctuates and can become unstable which can lead to biased measurement in underground environment. In this paper, to accurately measure the mine tunnel air volume, the tunnel air volume, and related ventilation parameters are consistently monitored, and the real monitoring data is converted to interval numbers for representation. These interval numbers are then preprocessed using an Interval-type Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise(In-CEEMDAN) to extract the essential features of the data. Then, the monitored data is processed using the phase space reconstruction technique to identify the most relevant influencing factors related to the air volume. The tunnel air volume and influencing factors are then input into different neural networks for air volume prediction. To further improve prediction accuracy, the predicted values of wind volume intervals from the single prediction method are transformed into triangular fuzzy numbers, and the generalized induced ordered weighted average operator is introduced for the combination of prediction results. The grey correlation method is selected as the optimization criterion, and the preference coefficients are used to transform the multi-objective optimization problem into a single-objective optimization problem. In order to reduce the prediction error, the L2 paradigm is combined with the gray correlation to construct a complete interval combination type air volume prediction model which considers multiple influencing factors. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to analyze the values of the preference coefficients in the model, and the final range of values was given. Experimental analysis using data from a coal mine in Inner Mongolia showed that the method could reduce Combined Weighted Mean Absolute Error(CWMAE) to a maximum of 5.0384, Combined Weighted Root of Mean Squares Error(CWRMSE) to 6.8889, and Combined Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error(CWMAPE) to 1.4756, which indicates that the method proposed in this study can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of the mine tunnel air volume.
Nonlinear finite element analysis of equivalent Iwan model considering threaded connections
Mechanical properties and microstructure of pre-treated luffa fiber reinforced cement mortar
In this work, leveraging the enhanced wear resistance, toughness, and renewability of luffa fiber, pretreated luffa fiber was applied into cement mortar to investigate the impact of different fiber contents and sizes on mortar performance. Meanwhile, the fiber-mortar interface fusion and hydration products were systemically analysed by performing SEM-EDS (scanning electron microscopy-energy spectrum analysis) and CT (Computed Tomography) tomography measurements. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that pretreated luffa fibers could significantly enhance the strength, shrinkage resistance, and toughness of cement mortar. When the fiber content was 1% and the length was 1 cm, the 28-day compressive and flexural strengths of the cement mortar reached 57.63 MPa and 9.68 MPa, respectively, representing an increase of 10.81% and 9.47% compared to ordinary cement mortar. When the fiber content was 1%, with fiber lengths of 1 cm and 2 cm, the 56-day drying shrinkage rates of the cement mortar were 2.78% and 6.09%, respectively. This result corresponds to a reduction in shrinkage by factors of 7.17 and 3.27, respectively, compared to standard cement mortar. Additionally, with a fiber content of 1% and lengths ranging from 1 to 3 cm, the load-deflection behaviour of luffa fiber cement mortar was noticeably superior to that of conventional mortar. The SEM-EDS images revealed that cement mortar containing 1 cm fibers had a substantial presence of tinfoil-like C-S-H (hydrated calcium silicate) and needle-like AFt (ettringite) structures. In addition, better integration with the cement mortar compared to other fiber lengths was demonstrated. CT tomography showed that luffa fibers were concentrated in large amounts at the top and bottom of the test samples, with an increase in voids and fiber agglomeration as the fiber content increased. In summary, when the luffa fiber content was 1% and the fiber length was 1 cm, the mechanical performance of cement mortar could be effectively enhanced and fiber agglomeration can be mitigated, suggesting potential applications in building materials.
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation paired with cognitive training to reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis
Efficacy and safety of antifibrotic drugs for interstitial lung diseases other than IPF: A systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Background The therapeutic role of antifibrotic therapy has been well-established in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, its efficacy and safety for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than IPF are not fully understood. Methods We updated a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials and prospective studies on antifibrotic drug (nintedanib or pirfenidone) vs other intervention (placebo, no intervention or conventional treatment) in non-IPF ILDs. The primary outcomes were absolute change in forced vital capacity (FVC), all-cause mortality and serious adverse events (SAEs). The risk of bias was rated with the RoB2 tool and certainty of evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. Results 17 studies with 1908 patients were included. For the primary outcomes, pooled analyses of four trials with low risk of bias showed that antifibrotic drugs significantly ameliorated FVC decline (mean difference 86.21; 95% CI 49.38 to 123.03; I2 = 64%; TSA-adjusted CI 40.86 to 131.56). Based on five trials with low risk of bias, no difference was observed in all-cause mortality (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.43; I2 = 0%; TSA-adjusted CI 0.12 to 6.53) and SAEs (RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.13; I2 = 0%; TSA-adjusted CI 0.74 to 1.28) between groups. However, based on two studies with 324 patients, benefit of antifibrotic drugs in FVC was not shown in the subgroup taking mycophenolate (mean difference 17.08; 95% CI -56.22 to 90.37), which also had higher risk of SAEs (RR 1.71; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.70), although both were contested by TSA. Conclusion Our study suggests that antifibrotic drugs are beneficial for patients with non-IPF ILDs in slowing disease progression, whereas may not correlate to all-cause mortality and SAEs. However, for patients taking mycophenolate, antifibrotic drugs may do more harm than good. More investigations are warranted to validate current findings.
Inkjet-printed electronics for rapid and low-cost prototyping of digital microfluidic devices using an off-the-shelf printer
Correction: A value-based model of job performance
Mitigating effects of Jiawei Chaihu Shugan decoction on necroptosis and inflammation of hippocampal neurons in epileptic mice
Abstract Jiawei Chaihu Shugan decoction (JWCHSGD) is a traditional Chinese medicine well-known for its beneficial effects in treating epilepsy (Xianzheng in ancient Chinese), but the molecular mechanism of its action remains unclear. To investigate the molecular mechanism of JWCHSGD’s prevention of epilepsy-mediated neuron from necroptosis and inflammation via the circRNA-Csnk1g3/Csnk1g3-85aa/ CK1γ3/TNF-α signal pathway. In vitro, murine neuronal HT22 cells were treated in six groups: control, model, carbamazepine, and three JWCHSGD doses (high, medium, low). Viability and apoptosis were assessed via CCK-8 and flow cytometry. In vivo, 60 C57BL/6J mice were divided into six groups: control, model, carbamazepine, JWCHSGD, JWCHSGD + Sh Circ_Csnk1g3, and JWCHSGD + Sh NC. An epilepsy model was induced, and treatments were administered for two weeks. Outcomes included EEG, hippocampal histopathology, apoptosis (TUNEL), and mRNA/protein expression of key pathway markers. In HT22 cells, the model group showed reduced viability, increased apoptosis, and elevated mRNA/protein levels of Csnk1g3-85aa, RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD and carbamazepine increased viability and decreased apoptosis, reversing these molecular changes (P < 0.05). In mice, the model group had heightened epileptic discharges, neuronal damage, and apoptosis, along with increased expression of the same markers (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD and carbamazepine mitigated these effects (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD reduces epileptic events by regulating the circRNA-Csnk1g3/Csnk1g3-85aa/CK1γ3/TNF-α signaling pathway, impacting necroptosis and inflammation in hippocampal neurons and HT22 cells.
SET ESG ratings and firm value: The new sustainability performance assessment tool in Thailand
This study investigates the influence of SET ESG ratings on firm value of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), emphasizing the multifaceted relationships between ESG performance, third-party evaluations, and market reactions following SET ESG ratings announcements. The findings reveal that firms with higher SET ESG ratings experience significant enhancements in firm value due to their superior management of environmental and social risks, which reduces regulatory and reputational threats. Furthermore, the research uncovers the nuanced role of third-party ESG evaluations, indicating that while endorsements from reputable sources can amplify the positive effects of SET ESG ratings, more or conflicting assessments can lead to diminished firm value. Specifically, a single strong endorsement markedly enhances firm value, whereas evaluations from two to three third parties may introduce confusion, leading to increased information asymmetry. This finding challenges the assumption that multiple endorsements always translate to greater value, emphasizing the need for firms to strategically select their evaluators to optimize market perceptions. Moreover, the study illustrates that announcements of SET ESG ratings result in immediate and sustained increases in firm value, highlighting ESG performance as a critical determinant of long-term viability in the eyes of investors. These results provide actionable guidance for investors and policymakers, advocating for the integration of robust ESG practices to enhance market confidence and drive long-term value creation. This research contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the intricate dynamics between SET ESG ratings, third-party evaluations, and firm value, thereby offering valuable perspectives for firms navigating a sustainability-focused landscape.
Incidence and pathological features of IgA nephropathy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Composition, determinants, and risk factors of low birth weight in Sri Lanka
Introduction Low birth weight continues to pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Despite substantial improvement in various public health indicators, many developing countries have failed to achieve a significant reduction in low birth weight rates. One major obstacle is the sparsity of data on the determinants of low birth weight. Here, we aim to determine the composition and risk factors for low birth weight in Sri Lanka, a prototype developing nation. Methodology We conducted a countrywide multicentre cross-sectional study in August and September 2023 in 13 purposively selected hospitals representing all nine provinces and different tiers of specialist hospitals in Sri Lanka. All live-born neonates were recruited prospectively, and their mothers were interviewed by trained data collectors to gather information on socio-demographic background, medical and obstetric history, and delivery details. Birth weight was measured immediately after the birth by trained healthcare personnel attending the delivery. Results A total of 9130 live-born neonates were recruited, of which 52% were males. The mean birth weight was 2827g (95%CI 2817-2838g), and 1865 (20.4%) newborns were low birth weight. The prevalence of prematurity was 10.9% (n = 998), and 1819 (20.0%) neonates were born small for gestational age. Of the low birth weight neonates, 64% were small for gestational age, and 37% were preterm; 11% were both small for gestational age and preterm. Teenage pregnancy (p = 0.022), low maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (p<0.001), inadequate weight gain during pregnancy (p<0.001), maternal anaemia at delivery (p = 0.020), chronic lung disease (p = 0.019), and pregnancy induced hypertension (p = 0.019) were significant modifiable risk factors for small for gestational age. Conclusion This study presents the results of one of the most extensive country-wide studies evaluating the composition and determinants of low birth weight. The study highlights the importance of considering small for gestational age and prematurity as separate categories of low birth weight. Small for gestational age contributes to approximately two-thirds of the low birth weight burden. Therefore, targeting modifiable risk factors for small for gestational age while mitigating the burden of prematurity is the most feasible approach to reduce the prevalence of low birth weight in developing countries, including Sri Lanka.
Laboratory and field efficacy of natural products against the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys and side effects on the biocontrol agent Trissolcus japonicus
Racial and ethnic disparities in longitudinal trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors in U.S. middle-aged and older adults
Background Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are well-documented. However, racial and ethnic differences in the longitudinal changes among multiple CVD risk factors are unknown. Methods We used prospective cohort data of U.S. adults aged ≥50 in the 2006–2016 Health and Retirement Study. Group-based multi-trajectory models characterized age-related trajectories of systolic blood pressure ([BP] mmHg), non-HDL cholesterol (mg/dL), diabetes mellitus (DM), and smoking. Racial and ethnic differences in the multi-trajectory profiles were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Karlson-Holm-Breen methods were used to assess factors contributing to these associations. Results Among 10,292 participants (median age: 61), approximately 32% had an overall favorable profile of CVD risk factors. Compared with non-Hispanic White adults, non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to exhibit elevated systolic BP with high risks of DM (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 3.36; 95% CI, 2.69–4.21; P < .001) and with low risks of DM (RRR = 3.23; 95% CI, 2.38–4.38; P < .001). Non-Hispanic Black adults were also more likely to exhibit high rates of smoking with and without other co-occurring risk factors. Hispanic adults were most likely to exhibit high risks of DM with elevated systolic BP (RRR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.28–2.38; P < .001) and without elevated systolic BP (RRR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.50–2.40; P < .001). Education, income, and country-of-origin were significantly associated with the excess CVD risks observed among racial and ethnic minority groups. Conclusions Significant racial and ethnic disparities were observed in trajectories of CVD risk factors in U.S. adults. Social determinants largely contributed to these associations in non-Hispanic Black adults and Hispanic adults.
Impact of Ag2O on physical and electrical properties of Li2O-MgO-Bi2O3-SiO2 glass system as promising solid state electrolytes
Abstract The intrinsic aim of this work is to understand the influence of composition change on the physical-electrical parameters of glasses with the composition (20-Y) Li2O-YAg2O–20MgO–10Bi2O3-50SiO2 (Y = 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mol%). The results of the physical parameters indicate a growth in the strength of the glass structure with the increase replacement of Li2O by Ag2O. However, the decrease in loss factor ε″, and AC conductivity σ ac of glasses may be attributed to the decrease in the space charge polarization (scp). AC conductivities exhibit simple power law variation. The s values essentially lie in the range of 0.67–0.92, which is typical of conductors in Jonscher regime. Dielectric properties (constant ε′, loss ε″ and ac conductivity σac, over a range of frequency 100–100 kHz and temperature RT (Room Temperature)–200 °C and frequency exponent s) of these glasses have been studied The results indicate a great potential of the prepared glasses as promising materials that can be used for solid state electrolytes.
Complex regulation of Cav2.2 N-type Ca2+ channels by Ca2+ and G-proteins
G-protein coupled receptors inhibit Cav2.2 N-type Ca2+ channels by a fast, voltage-dependent pathway mediated by Gαi/Gβγ and a slow, voltage-independent pathway mediated by Gαq-dependent reductions in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) or increases in arachidonic acid. Studies of these forms of regulation generally employ Ba2+ as the permeant ion, despite that Ca2+ -dependent pathways may impinge upon G-protein modulation. To address this possibility, we compared tonic G-protein inhibition of currents carried by Ba2+ (IBa) and Ca2+ (ICa) in HEK293T cells transfected with Cav2.2. Both IBa and ICa exhibited voltage-dependent facilitation (VDF), consistent with Gβγ unbinding from the channel. Compared to that for IBa, VDF of ICa was less sensitive to an inhibitor of Gα proteins (GDP-β-S) and an inhibitor of Gβγ (C-terminal construct of G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2). While insensitive to high intracellular Ca2+ buffering, VDF of ICa that remained in GDP-β-S was blunted by reductions in PIP2. We propose that when G-proteins are inhibited, Ca2+ influx through Cav2.2 promotes a form of VDF that involves PIP2. Our results highlight the complexity whereby Cav2.2 channels integrate G-protein signaling pathways, which may enrich the information encoding potential of chemical synapses in the nervous system.
Protection of stainless steel surfaces in desalination units against corrosion during acid cleaning under dynamic conditions by using lavender angustifolia extract as a green inhibitor
Colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and its associated factors in cancer patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Background Cancer patients are predisposed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization. However, the prevalence of these pathogens among cancer cases in Northwestern Ethiopia remains underreported. Objective To determine the prevalence of colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and associated factors among cancer patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia. Method A cross-sectional study enrolled 288 confirmed cancer participants through stratified systematic random sampling, gathering socio-demographic and clinical data via pretested structured questionnaires from May 1 to July 30, 2023. Each participant provided two specimens: a nasal swab and a fecal sample. Nasal swabs were collected using sterile swabs, inserted at least 1 cm into each nostril, and rotated against the nasal membrane for 10 to 15 seconds, which were then placed in Amies transport medium. Fecal specimens were collected in leak-proof plastic containers, swabbed, and transferred to Cary Blair transport medium. Nasal swabs and fecal specimens were cultured on Mannitol salt agar at 37°C for Staphylococcus aureus identification, which was confirmed by coagulase testing and Gram staining. Enterococci were cultured on Bile esculin agar at 43°C and identified at the genus level by cultural characteristics, with confirmation through Gram reaction and catalase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with minimum inhibitory concentrations for vancomycin determined via E-test strips. To detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a cefoxitin disk was used. Inducible clindamycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus was determined by the D test. Epi-info version 7 and SPSS version 27 were used for data entry and data analysis, respectively. The Pearson Chi-Square test was initially used to evaluate the association between factors and outcomes as the preliminary analysis, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Variables meeting this criterion underwent bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, using p-value cutoffs of < 0.2 for bivariable and < 0.05 for multivariable analyses. Result The study involved 288 participants, with 51.0% being men and a mean age of 45.6 years. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 11.1% (95% CI: 7.5–14.7%), while vancomycin-resistant Enterococci had a prevalence of 2.8% (95% CI: 0.9–4.7%). Inducible clindamycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus comprised 13.5% of the isolates. The multidrug-resistant proportion of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci were 56.2% and 55.2%, respectively. Both organisms exhibited the highest resistance to the antibiotic classes of penicillin and tetracycline. Significant associations were identified between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and low absolute neutrophil count (AOR = 13.050, 95% CI: 1.362-125.00, P = 0.026), and between vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization and having undergone an invasive procedure (AOR = 8.648, 95% CI: 1.870-39.992, P = 0.006). Conclusion The study reveals a significant prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization among cancer patients, raising public health concerns. High antibiotic resistance rates complicate treatment and may impact patient outcomes. Notably, the high inducible clindamycin resistance report, highlights the need for D-testing. Screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is recommended as an important antibiotic stewardship measure, while early detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization is crucial to reduce complications.
Exposure to perchlorate via drinking water from eight major water basins in China and its health risks across different age groups
The information gain of explicitly provided over self-generated contextual knowledge for behavioral control
In time-pressured decisions, humans exploit contextual knowledge to reduce uncertainty about the unfolding situation and to improve behavioral control. However, in complex real-world settings, it remains unclear whether the explicit provision of contextual information is beneficial or not. We thus examined the information gain of explicitly provided information as a function of expertise, information uncertainty and acquisition phase. To this end, we measured the positioning of female handball players (N = 36 experts + 36 near-experts) in a virtual-reality defensive task as a function of their teammates’ defensive-strength patterns, which was either explicitly instructed or had to be self-generated. Furthermore, the certainty of provided information was experimentally varied (67% vs. 83% consistent information). All eight groups–expertise (2) x acquisition condition (2) x information certainty (2)–improved performance in terms of the positional difference in their defense movements, meaning that they either moved more sideways to support their neighboring teammate or remained more often in their position when no support was required. However, an explicit-knowledge test showed no differences regarding pattern detection between the acquisition conditions, implying that the performance enhancement of the self-generated groups was not due to explicit-knowledge accumulation. Most notably, experts generally benefitted from explicit instructions whereas for near-experts, an information gain could only be revealed for comparably certain information. This interaction implies that future research on explicit provision vs. self-generation of contextual knowledge should pursue a more differential approach, thereby also considering gender and age as well as personality factors.