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Research on damage size effect of cemented paste backfill under high sand-cement ratio conditions
Hydrodistillation time-dependent variations in the volatile oil characteristics of fresh and dried Salvia species
Abstract Salvia species are valued for their medicinal and aromatic properties, which largely arise from their volatile oils (VOs). The content and chemical composition of VOs depend on factors such as harvest time, post-harvest processing, and extraction conditions. This study investigated the effects of hydrodistillation (HD) duration and leaf state (fresh vs. dried) on the content and chemical composition of VOs from Salvia officinalis and Salvia fruticosa . Leaves were distilled for 1–5 h, and VOs were analyzed using GC/FID-MS. In S. officinalis , VO content increased with HD time (0.37–0.64% in fresh leaves; 1.48–2.00% in dried leaves). In dried leaves, most of the recoverable VO was obtained within 3 h, with only limited additional increases thereafter, indicating diminishing returns beyond ~ 3 h under the applied conditions. In S. fruticosa , VO content increased in fresh leaves from 0.42% to 0.50% and in dried leaves during the first three hours (1.2–1.52%), although fresh leaves provided a higher VO content relative to the original fresh weight. GC/FID-MS identified 41 and 32 compounds in fresh and dried S. officinalis , and 49 and 48 in S. fruticosa . α-Thujone was the predominant component in both species, showing its highest relative abundance at 1 h and decreasing with prolonged HD; a similar pattern was observed for 1,8-cineole, consistent with time-dependent shifts in the volatile profile. α-Pinene was higher in dried S. fruticosa (6.62–9.28%) than fresh (4.62–7.45%). Oxygenated monoterpenes were the most abundant chemical group, while sesquiterpenes and diterpenoids increased with extended HD. These findings highlight species-specific extraction dynamics and underscore the importance of selecting HD duration according to the intended balance between VO content and compositional profile.
Hydrogeophysical characterization and recharge potential of three Wadi basins along the Red Sea Margin, Northeastern Desert, Egypt
Abstract In the arid Red Sea margin setting, episodic Wadi runoff is a primary mechanism for groundwater recharge; its effectiveness depends on surface morphology, structural fabric, and subsurface architecture. This study assessed groundwater potential and recharge dynamics in Wadi Ramliya, Wadi Umm Alda, and Wadi Hamad in Northeastern Egypt by integrating morphometric, geophysical, hydrochemical, and meteorological datasets to prioritize sites for managed aquifer recharge and reconnaissance drilling. High-resolution Digital Elevation models (DEMs) and multi-azimuth hillshades were used to map topographic zoning and structural trends, while morphometric analysis quantified drainage metrics. Flood-event hazard mapping was developed by integrating the Suez rain gauge station as a reference, satellite-based rainfall from the CHIRPS dataset, and data on DEM, slope, drainage density, land-use/land-cover, and road distance. Twenty-eight Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were used to constrain a six-layer geoelectric model, and Archie-based transforms (ρw = 2.85 Ω.m) were applied to the estimated formation factors and porosities. Water quality was classified using hydrochemical data from the JICA-5 borehole, while land magnetic surveys, utilizing Total magnetic intensity (TMI), Reduced to the Pole (RTP), and analytic signal filters, delineated basement structural highs and depocenters to guide structural targeting. DEM/hillshade analysis delineated four topographic zones (17.5–1,292 m) and showed dominant NW–SE and NE–SW trends that control drainage orientation. Morphometric indices highlight contrasting basin behavior; Wadi Hamad (A = 46.8 km²) exhibits the highest drainage density (D d = 1.79 km km⁻²), relief ratio (R r =31.3), and bifurcation ratio (R b =3.0), consistent with steep, structurally guided, flash-prone headwaters. By contrast, Wadi Ramliya (A = 452.6 km²) and Wadi Umm Alda (A = 377.4 km²) act primarily as transit and depositional basins. The VES interpretation yielded three principal curve types (QH, HK, and QQ), with QH dominating the dataset. It resolves a hydraulically significant Middle Miocene calcareous-sandstone aquifer at 77–122 m (with resistivity of 12–23 Ω.m). Archie-derived formation factors (F = 4.2–8.2) imply porosities of 35–49% (mean ≈ 40.6%); resistivity-based saturation remained low (illustrative S w = 5.6%). JICA-5 chemistry classified the deeper layer (layer-6) as slightly brackish (TDS = 2,447 mg L⁻¹). Magnetic depth estimates and analytic-signal mapping identified shallow structural highs and deeper depocenters that correlated with depositional fans and VES targets. Flood-hazard mapping identified low-slope fan toes and coastal plain cells as high-priority recharge locations, which coincide with favorable geophysical signatures. Integrated data indicate that managed recharge pilots at alluvial fan toes and targeted reconnaissance drilling at lineament intersections are the highest-priority field actions; these should be accompanied by downhole logging, pumping tests, water-quality monitoring, and sediment control measures.
Orangutans and chimpanzees show evidence of inferring when a hidden breadstick is intact or broken
Abstract Evidence suggesting non-human primates infer the hidden functional properties of tools is equivocal, possibly because subjects had to reason about two factors: the tools’ functional properties and the out-of-reach reward. We designed a novel inference task with a simplified set-up in which subjects only had to reason about one factor. Subjects could choose between a breadstick that was intact or broken. If subjects chose the intact breadstick they could eat all of it, whereas choosing the broken breadstick would mean they could only eat less than half or, in some cases, none at all. Covers were placed over the breadsticks’ middle sections that hid their broken or intact properties but allowed their ends to protrude. The breadsticks now looked identical but it was inferable which one was intact by watching the experimenter move one end of each breadstick, which moved both ends of the intact breadstick but not the broken breadstick’s unattached end. We found that only one of the 12 subjects chose the intact breadstick significantly above chance. In a series of follow-up experiments, we investigated if procedural modifications would improve the subjects’ performance. Although some experiments resulted in more subjects being successful, learning during the test procedures could not be excluded. Therefore, we tested subjects with novel types of breadstick configurations and most subjects passed these transfer tests suggesting that orangutans and chimpanzees show some evidence of inferring the intact and broken properties of breadsticks in this task.
Work-related musculoskeletal risk factors in medical laboratory students: A cross-sectional insights from a RULA-based assessment with lifestyle correlates
Abstract Work-related musculoskeletal risks in student laboratory settings are under-characterized. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 31 healthy male medical laboratory students to quantify upper-limb ergonomic risk using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and examine associations with physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and anthropometry. Standardized 5-min task videos were independently scored by three trained assessors. RULA scores clustered at mid action levels, indicating investigation and possible modification for most and prompt action for a notable minority. Across physical-activity strata, between-group differences for upper-arm posture (χ 2 (2) = 6.07, p = 0.04), the upper-limb composite Score A (χ 2 (2) = 7.69, p = 0.02), and the adjusted upper-limb composite Score C (χ 2 (2) = 6.35, p = 0.04), with the high-activity group generally exhibiting more favorable scores. In multivariable ordinal models, higher BMI predicted worse wrist-posture categories (OR = 1.33, 95% CI [1.02–1.73], p = 0.03), whereas PSQI, overall QoL, and IPAQ contrasts were not independent predictors of Score A or upper-arm posture. These findings identify upper-limb postural load as the predominant ergonomic concern and suggest anthropometric fit and movement behaviors as actionable targets. Given the small, single-site, male-only sample, results are preliminary; curriculum-embedded ergonomic adjustments (bench/eyepiece height, forearm support, micro-breaks) warrant evaluation in larger, mixed-gender, multi-site studies.
Constraint optimization and key factor analysis based vehicle emergency braking strategy generator
Explorative industrial internet promotes open green innovation in manufacturing enterprises
A new group of active impedance source inverters with lower components and voltage stress across active switches
Abstract This paper proposes a new group of active impedance source inverters along with an appropriate pulse-width modulation (PWM) control method. These inverters have reduced voltage stress across capacitors, diodes, and active switches in comparison to conventional topologies. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the control method used to generate gate pulses for the switches, as well as the analysis of all operating modes. The calculation of the boost factor and the design of capacitors and inductors are presented. A comparative analysis is conducted from various perspectives, such as the boost factor, the total stress voltages on active switches, diodes, capacitors, the volume of passive components, and the efficiency of proposed and conventional topologies. The results show better performance for the proposed topologies compared to conventional topologies. Finally, the experimental results from one prototype validate the analytical findings.
Combining tissue-derived microRNAs with clinical risk models for prediction of HCC recurrence after liver transplantation: A proof-of-concept study
Abstract To evaluate the utility of microRNAs (miRNAs) integrated with current clinical risk models as predictive models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). This retrospective proof-of-concept study included 20 patients with HCC who underwent LT between 2007 and 2021 ( n = 10 recurrent, n = 10 5-year recurrence-free). MiRNA profiling was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) HCC explant tissue at the time of transplantation and clinical data were collected. The predictive value of miRNA expression for HCC recurrence was evaluated in a hybrid data- and hypothesis-driven approach and combined with clinical risk models (Milan, UCSF, Metroticket 2.0 and AFP). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze recurrence-free survival (RFS). We identified a 3-miRNA signature - miR-3692-5p, miR-424, and miR-718 - that revealed discriminatory capacity between recurrence and non-recurrence. Adding this signature to clinical models increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for modeling HCC recurrence from 0.5 to 0.7 to 0.94–0.96. The combined models were used to categorize patients as high- or low-risk, with patients in the high-risk group having a shorter estimated median RFS (17.0 months vs. 38.5 months, p < 0.05). Integrating tissue-derived molecular miRNA signatures with existing clinical risk models may enhance the prediction of HCC recurrence following LT. Incorporating molecular approaches into current protocols could refine post-transplant risk stratification and surveillance guidance.
Insomnia contributes to paranoid thoughts through mechanisms involving anxiety and non-constructive rumination
Abstract Insomnia is a significant public health concern associated with cognitive difficulties and mental health problems. Growing evidence suggests that anxiety and rumination may explain how insomnia contributes to paranoid thoughts. Yet, the specific roles of non-constructive rumination and the distinction between daytime and nighttime insomnia symptoms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationships among insomnia symptoms, anxiety, rumination styles, and paranoid thoughts in adults with and without insomnia. A total of 486 French-speaking participants completed self-report measures assessing insomnia, anxiety, rumination, and paranoid ideation. Network analyses identified the most central symptoms and their associations, and mediation analyses examined whether anxiety and non-constructive rumination explained the link between insomnia and paranoia. Among participants with insomnia, anxiety, non-constructive rumination, and daytime symptoms were strongly connected to paranoid thoughts, and both anxiety and non-constructive rumination partially mediated their relationship, with anxiety showing the strongest influence. However, no causal relationships can be concluded. In contrast, these associations were absent in individuals without insomnia. These findings suggest that daytime symptoms of insomnia may foster paranoid thinking through heightened anxiety and repetitive negative thinking. Understanding these mechanisms highlights the importance of addressing emotional regulation and maladaptive rumination in the treatment of insomnia and related paranoid ideation.
Dosimetric comparison of DIBH and FB for left-sided breast cancer radiation therapy
Generative adversarial networks and hyperparameter-optimized XGBoost for enhanced heart disease prediction
Multi criteria optimization of FDM process parameters for NylonAF80 filaments using CRITIC CoCoSo and machine learning approaches
Cullin 3 substrate-adaptor protein 1 (MtCSP1) modulates nodulation through interaction with the GTPase ARFA1
Evaluating the impact of boiling and roasting on the properties of cashew nutshells (Anacardium occidentale L.) for biomass valorization
Abstract Cashew nutshells (CNS), a lignocellulosic byproduct from the industrial crop Anacardium occidentale L., are a renewable material that constitutes 75 wt.% of the nut yet remains underused due to limited understanding of its processing. Before shelling—and the generation of this biowaste—thermal pretreatments such as boiling and roasting are commonly applied, but their effects on CNS remain underexplored. This study assesses their impact on the physical, chemical, thermal, and spectral properties of CNS. Boiling increased cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) retention, influencing physical properties such as color, moisture content, density, and porosity. Chemical analysis revealed a high extractive fraction (46 wt.%), along with high lignin content and moderate cellulose and hemicellulose levels. Thermal degradation profiles differed notably: boiled CNS showed peaks linked to CNSL decarboxylation, while roasted and defatted samples exhibited typical lignocellulosic behavior. Boiled CNS exhibited reduced crystallinity in X-ray diffraction analysis; however, after defatting, the crystallinity of both pretreated samples became comparable. These results demonstrate that industrial thermal pretreatments significantly affect CNS composition, particularly through changes in residual CNSL. The combined compositional and thermal characterization provides valuable insight to guide future applications of CNS in biomass valorization pathways, supporting its integration into circular bioeconomy strategies.