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Simulation and experimental validation of spent nuclear fuel cask shields
The rise of computer chips — and the race to control them
Self-reconfiguring modular robotic boats
A multi-product, multi-period vaccine supply chain network planning with injection centers and storage conditions
This study develops a mixed-integer linear programming model for a multi-product, multi-period vaccine supply chain network that incorporates injection centers and heterogeneous storage conditions, including cold and ultra-cold refrigeration. The model captures key operational decisions such as distribution center location, vaccine allocation, and storage configuration under capacity and demand constraints, while ensuring no shortage at injection centers. To efficiently solve large-scale instances, a tailored genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed. The main achievements of this research are as follows. First, the proposed model provides an integrated framework that simultaneously considers multi-vaccine characteristics and storage requirements within a three-tier supply chain. Second, computational experiments demonstrate that the GA achieves high-quality solutions with very small optimality gaps compared to exact solutions obtained by GAMS for small and medium-sized problems. Third, the results show that while exact methods become computationally inefficient or infeasible for large-scale instances, the GA remains robust and capable of producing near-optimal solutions within reasonable computational time. Finally, sensitivity analysis confirms the consistency and validity of the model, showing that total cost increases logically with demand and cost parameters. These findings highlight the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed approach and demonstrate its applicability as a decision-support tool for policymakers and healthcare planners in managing complex vaccine distribution systems, particularly during large-scale public health emergencies.
Construction and empirical study of a safety risk assessment index system for sports venues based on regional disaster system theory
Universities are relying on AI-detection software to catch cheating. How well do the programs work?
Deep Learning Predicts Dissimilar DNA-DNA Binding and Engineers Hyperconnected Networks
Perceptions of plastic pollution among inland fishery stakeholders in a subtropical reservoir
Plastic pollution is becoming a serious problem in freshwater ecosystems, impacting the livelihoods of people who rely on inland fisheries. Although plastic waste is widely discussed around the world, limited research has explored how local fishery stakeholders perceive pollution, particularly in Southern Africa. As such, using semi-structured interviews, the current study assessed the awareness, concerns, and solution perspectives of three different stakeholder groups, i.e., commercial fishers (CF), recreational fishers (RF), and fishmongers (FM) around Nandoni Dam, a subtropical reservoir in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Thirty participants, i.e., 10 per stakeholder, were interviewed, and our results showed that 96.7% of all stakeholders were aware of plastic pollution, yet 86.7% had limited understanding of microplastics. Perceptions of the impacts of plastic pollution varied across groups, with visitors (CF = 60%; RF = 60%; FM = 66.7%) and local residents (CF = 20%; RF = 20%; FM = 11.1%) being linked as a source of plastic pollution around Nandoni Dam. Willingness to participate in reducing plastic pollution was high across stakeholders (CF = 90%; RF = 90%; FM = 70%), with the majority emphasising the need for local municipal involvement and community engagement during clean-up activities and awareness initiatives. These findings highlight the need for targeted environmental education, and enhanced community-municipal collaboration to improve awareness and support collective action against plastic pollution in inland fisheries. Strengthening these actions could promote sustainable fisheries management, protect inland waters, and improve the well-being of the people who rely on these waters for food, income, and daily activities.
Vibration control of a variable-size beam supported manipulator system based on nonlinear energy sink
Abstract This study addresses vibration control of a gradually varying-size beam supported manipulator system (VBSMS) under on-orbit assembly conditions, achieved by incorporating a nonlinear energy sink (NES) consisting of a cubic nonlinear spring in parallel with a linear spring. A dynamic model of the coupled system is developed, and the frequency and amplitude responses are obtained using the harmonic balance-alternating frequency/time (HB-AFT) method in conjunction with the arc-length continuation technique. A composite optimization objective is formulated, which considers both the suppression ratio of the maximum steady-state response and a supplementary indicator that evaluates the overall performance of the absorber by capturing the severity of the vibration amplification and the extent of the affected region. A parametric analysis was subsequently conducted, leading to the proposal of optimal design guidelines for the NES parameters. Focusing on the response amplitude over a selected frequency range, the analysis yields optimal design criteria that minimize the steady-state amplitude of the beam throughout the assembly process, thereby offering practical guidance for absorber design in VBSMS.
From cloning to gene-editing: the enduring legacy of Dolly the sheep
Preferential nitrogen retention characterizes current eutrophication in United States lakes
Abstract The relative retention of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in lakes and their roles in nutrient cycling remain debated. Although the United States has implemented long-term P control measures in lakes, inexplicable eutrophication exacerbation still reoccurred over the past two decades. Here we geographically track and analyze the nutrient retention changes of 121 lakes in the USA during 2012-2022 using a combination of machine learning and Bayesian hierarchical methods. We find that the preferential retention of P in 70.3% lakes in 2012 shifted to that of N in 85.1% lakes in 2017, and 92.6% lakes in 2022. Four key lake indicators exhibit flickering-like dynamics, which may help identify the nutrient metabolic disorder-like state in the aquatic ecosystem. Overall, our results show that eutrophication in U.S. lakes during 2012-2022 is advancing on the basis of preferential and net nutrient retention shift from P to N, flickering-like dynamics, and associated occurrence of the nutrient metabolic disorder-like state that are all predominantly driven by internal cycling instead of external loading. These patterns are consistent with the possibility of a regime shift rather than simple eutrophication recurrence, and provide insights relevant to lake management and water quality improvement strategies.
Psychometric evaluation of the Urdu version of Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits: A multi-phase validation
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are central to the specifier with Limited Prosocial Emotions in the DSM-5 and ICD-11, reflecting severe emotional and behavioral disturbances. Despite the global use of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), no validated version existed in Urdu. The aim of the present study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Urdu version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU-U) among Pakistani youth. The study consisted of three phases: translation and cultural adaptation of the instrument, assessment of test-retest reliability, and evaluation of structural validity through confirmatory factor analysis, alongside testing of convergent and discriminant validity. Test-retest reliability with bilingual youth (N = 60) was excellent, with the Urdu–Urdu condition demonstrating the highest stability. CFA conducted on a sample of 300 young adults (aged 18–25) supported a refined 12-item two-factor model (Callousness and Uncaring) over the original three-factor and bifactor models, aligning with previous international findings. Internal consistency for both subscales was satisfactory, and the ICU-U demonstrated strong convergent and discriminant validity through expected associations with criminal sentiments and self-control measures. The findings establish the ICU-U as a culturally relevant and psychometrically sound instrument for identifying CU traits in Urdu-speaking populations. Its use holds promise in clinical, educational, and forensic settings for early detection and intervention planning.
Ultrasound assisted persulfate for enhanced degradation of Alizarin Red S with experimental design and AI driven optimization
Tissue-resident neutrophils serve homeostatic and immunological functions in embryos
Industrialization of sandwich composite panels for portable outdoor tabletops
Sandwich composite panels offer a promising pathway for developing lightweight yet mechanically robust portable outdoor tabletops, but their industrialization outside traditional aerospace and transportation sectors remains challenging. This study investigates how sandwich composites can be adapted for mass‑market outdoor tabletops by linking market‑driven requirements to engineering design decisions. Five representative panel configurations were developed, varying in core materials, face‑sheet systems, surface finishing, edge‑sealing strategies, and fastening solutions. A structured evaluation matrix was established to assess both material‑level and product‑level performance, aligned with customer‑relevant requirements, applicable standards, and company‑defined acceptance criteria. Results show that industrial feasibility is governed not by any single metric but by the coupled interactions among material selection, surface durability, moisture‑resistant edge sealing, fastening reliability, and manufacturability-cost trade‑offs. Blind rivets emerged as a practical fastening solution, while surface durability and thermal stability were strongly influenced by the combined behavior of finishing chemistry and substrate. The findings establish practical architecture-performance relationships and outline viable industrialization pathways for mass‑market portable outdoor tabletops based on sandwich composite panels.
Effects of walking interventions on sleep outcomes in middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Author Correction: Epitranscriptomic RNA editing resolves Mus81 DNA repair tradeoffs in heat tolerance and meiosis
Association of prolonged ECMO bridging and perioperative factors with dysphagia and survival after lung transplantation
Objectives To evaluate the association between perioperative variables, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge-to-transplantation (ECMO BTT), and the development of dysphagia after lung transplantation (LT), and to examine the association between postoperative dysphagia and long-term survival. Methods This retrospective, single-center study included adult patients who underwent LT between November 2008 and December 2022. Swallowing function was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) on postoperative day (POD) 28, POD 60, and at hospital discharge. Patients were classified into dysphagia (FOIS ≤3) and non-dysphagia (FOIS >3) groups based on FOIS at POD 28. Perioperative variables associated with dysphagia were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results Among the 124 included patients, 35.9% had dysphagia at POD 28, whereas 87.1% achieved functional oral intake by hospital discharge. Prolonged ECMO BTT (≥14 days), tracheostomy before POD 28, female sex, and postoperative pneumonia were independently associated with dysphagia at POD 28. Patients with dysphagia at POD 28 showed significantly poorer unadjusted 1-year and 2-year survival than those without dysphagia. Conclusions Dysphagia at POD 28 after LT was associated with prolonged ECMO BTT, tracheostomy before POD 28, postoperative pneumonia, and poorer unadjusted survival. FOIS at POD 28 may serve as a clinically meaningful marker of delayed recovery and increased clinical vulnerability.
Comparative assessment of LFA and RHA metrics in explaining ecosystem functions and multifunctionality across bioclimatic rangelands
Abstract Rangelands provide essential ecological functions such as biomass production, carbon and water regulation, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity conservation, yet their integrity is increasingly threatened by climate change and grazing pressures. Reliable assessment of ecosystem functions (aboveground biomass, soil conservation factor, soil organic carbon, soil respiration, and microbial biomass carbon) and multifunctionality is therefore critical for sustainable management. This study comparatively evaluated two widely used assessment approaches, the Rangeland Health Assessment (RHA) and Landscape Function Analysis (LFA), across five bioclimatic rangelands in Iran. Ecosystem multifunctionality was quantified using standardized measures of key functions, and linear models were applied to examine the explanatory power of RHA and LFA metrics. Results showed that the explanatory power of models (R²) generally increased with the number of functions included, although the magnitude of this increase varied across regions and metrics. Structural indicators such as rangeland health, soil/site stability, and hydrologic function showed the highest ability to explain multifunctionality in Mediterranean and Semi-steppe regions. In contrast, Desert and Cold regions exhibited weaker and more variable relationships. Overall, the findings demonstrate that targeted combinations of key functions, together with sensitive structural indicators, can substantially improve monitoring efficiency and provide a robust scientific basis for rangeland management under diverse climatic conditions.