Browse Articles

Introducing a recycling method for iron oxide from cold forming mild scale and its application in alkyd resin-based primer paint

Abstract Millions of tons of iron oxide-rich sludge waste are generated yearly by the steelmaking industry, posing significant environmental disposal challenges. This study aimed to develop a sustainable and economical technology by recycling this secondary material, specifically cold-forming oxide sludge, into a high-performance iron oxide pigment for use in corrosion-resistant coatings. The methodology involved a multi-stage purification process applied to the raw sludge: initial drying, separation of organic contaminants using a methanol solvent, magnetic separation to remove residual iron, and subsequent fine mechanical milling using a jet mill. The resulting powder was subjected to a crucial heat treatment at 400 ℃ to homogenize the microstructure. Finally, the refined iron oxide powder was mixed with an alkyd resin base and additives to successfully formulate a dark brown, liquid anti-rust and corrosion primer paint. The structural and chemical purity of the recovered pigment were characterized using XRD and XRF, while particle size and morphology were determined via DLS and SEM analysis, which indicated a particle size of approximately 50 to 100 nm. The performance of the final paint was rigorously validated against the ISIRI 4817 standard, employing tests such as salt spray (ASTM B117), pull-off adhesion (ASTM D4541), scratch resistance, humidity exposure, and resistance to petroleum solvents. The material characterization confirmed the successful recovery of the desired iron oxide phases (Fe 3 O 4 , Fe 2 O 3 , and Fe). The final primer paint demonstrated excellent barrier and mechanical properties, achieving a high adhesion rating (5B per ISO 2409), a satisfactory viscosity of 103.5 KU, and passing the 240-hour salt spray test with minimal defect rating. These results conclusively validate the feasibility of using waste steel sludge to produce a high-performance, anti-corrosion primer paint.

hLMR1, a hepatocyte-specific long noncoding RNA that represses amino acid catabolism through pre-mRNA interaction in human liver

Amino acid (AA) catabolism and ureagenesis in the liver are essential for maintaining systemic nitrogen homeostasis. Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) exhibit impaired hepatic AA catabolism and urea production, accompanied by repression of genes governing these pathways. The molecular basis of this repression remains unknown. Here, we identify the hepatocyte-specific long noncoding RNA hLMR1 as a key suppressor of hepatic AA catabolism. Using a humanized liver mouse model, we show that hLMR1 knockdown broadly upregulates genes involved in AA degradation and ureagenesis. Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) coupled with RNA-seq reveals extensive interactions between hLMR1 and the pre-mRNAs of AA catabolism genes, mediated by a complementary motif within hLMR1 (nucleotides 587–598). In primary human hepatocytes, hLMR1 overexpression inhibits glucagon-induced activation of AA catabolic genes, whereas deletion of the 587–598 region abrogates this effect. Analysis of human liver RNA-seq datasets demonstrates a negative correlation between hLMR1 expression and AA catabolic gene programs in MASLD. Together, these findings uncover hLMR1 as a previously unrecognized regulator of hepatic nitrogen metabolism, linking lncRNA dysregulation to metabolic dysfunction in MASLD.

Machine learning-based analysis of risk factors and construction of a predictive model for hyperuricemia in Chinese health examination population

Comparing token-based and trajectory-based vowel space metrics for assessing speech in Parkinson’s disease

This study assessed the ability of three acoustic measures of vowel space, two token-based and one trajectory-based, to quantify speech differences in people with Parkinson’s disease compared to controls and correlations with speech intelligibility. Fifty-six speakers (28 people with Parkinson’s and 28 controls) read a custom reading passage containing corner vowels. For token-based measures, the triangular vowel space area (tVSA) in kHz 2 and the unitless ratio of vowel articulation index (VAI) were calculated. For the trajectory-based measure, the articulatory-acoustic vowel space (AAVS) in kHz 2 was calculated. Speakers also read five unique sentences varying in word length, which were used to collect speech intelligibility ratings. Analyses of Variance revealed that all vowel space measures yielded group differences. Binary logistic regression revealed that only the token-based measures were able to statistically discriminate PwPD from controls, however all models performed poorly (R 2  < 0.113). Linear regressions showed that token-based metrics were statistically related to intelligibility and that the VAI yielded the best model for the current sample. The results support that token-based measures are well-suited for quantifying changes in acoustic vowel space and perceived speech intelligibility in people with Parkinson’s. Future work should examine the generalizability of these findings to other motor speech disorders as well as across different speech stimuli.

d-dopachrome tautomerase promotes astrocytic cholesterol 25-hydroxylase expression through the ERK/NF-κB pathway following rat spinal cord injury

Comparative genome-wide analysis of CAD (Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase) gene family in Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus and their expression profiles in response to various abiotic abiotic stresses

The CAD (Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase) gene family is a key determinant for lignin biosynthesis in plants. In legumes, CAD enzymes are involved in the development of vascular tissues such as xylem and Casparian strip and they contribute to the production of antimicrobial and antifungal compounds. Thereby, it offers defense against pathogens and pests. Despite their biological significance, a comparative genome-wide analysis of the CAD gene family in Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus has not been explored. Therefore, we conducted a comparative genome-wide study to investigate the characteristics and potential role of CAD genes in these two model legume species. A total of 51 CAD genes were identified in M. truncatula ( MtCAD ) and 35 in L. japonicus ( LjCAD ). The CAD proteins are prominently characterized by ADH_N and ADH_zinc_N domains that were distributed in 8 and 6 chromosomes of MtCAD and LjCAD , respectively. Structural organization and conserved motif analysis indicated notable similarities between MtCAD and LjCAD proteins. However, considering the ancestry and functionality and based on the evolutionary analysis, LjCAD showed more similarities with Arabidopsis than MjCAD . Gene duplication analysis identified twelve duplicated gene pairs in MtCAD and eight in LjCAD, including both tandem and segmental duplication events . Most MtCAD and LjCAD were found in the cytoplasm with some of the cis -acting regulatory elements associated with stress responses. Gene Ontology annotation suggested that most MtCAD genes were associated with biological processes whereas LjCAD genes are mainly enriched in molecular functions. Both MtCAD and LjCAD showed potential roles in secondary metabolite production. Three substantial transcription factor families such as bZIP, C2H2, and ERF and several unique microRNAs were predicted to target MtCAD and LjCAD in regulating their gene expression against certain abiotic stressors for instance cold, freezing, drought, and heat. The MtCAD and LjCAD expressed highly in stress-responsive tissues such as nodule, root, immature flower, seed, and leaf. Meanwhile, RNA-sequencing data further highlighted several potential stress-responsive genes. In M. truncatula , The MtCAD1 , MtCAD3 , MtCAD9 , MtCAD15 , MtCAD23 , MtCAD27 , and MtCAD47 exhibited higher expression under cold, drought, and freezing stress compared with control conditions. Whereas in L. japonicus , LjCAD6 , LjCAD8 , and LjCAD11 showed higher expression under cold, drought, and heat stress. Thus, these genes may serve as promising candidates for improving abiotic stress tolerance and provide molecular insights into their functional roles for future crop improvement programs and experimental validation.

Anthropometric, reach jump, medicine-ball throw and lateral movement differences among elite female volleyball players: a field-based assessment

Abstract Position-specific physical and physiological characteristics differ considerably among elite female volleyball players. This study aimed to compare anthropometric, explosive power, and movement ability differences across playing positions using field-based tests. Eighty professional female players from the Chinese Volleyball League were divided into four positional groups: outside hitter/opposite (OH/OPP), middle blocker (MB), setter (S), and libero (L). Assessments included height, arm span, medicine ball throw (OH/OPP and MB only), running vertical jump reach, and lateral movement test. Data were analyzed using one‑way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test with post hoc comparisons; significance was set at P  < 0.05. Significant inter‑positional differences were observed in anthropometry, jump reach, and lateral movement (all P  < 0.05). MBs were tallest with the longest arm span and fastest lateral movement. OH/OPPs showed greater upper‑body explosive power than MBs in the medicine ball throw. Discriminant analysis further supported the position‑specific nature of the physical profiles with an overall classification accuracy of 80.0%. These findings describe group‑level differences in selected field‑based measures, which may assist in position‑specific training design for Chinese elite female volleyball players.

Immediate effects of sitting position on cervical and trunk posture, perceived discomfort, and RULA-based ergonomic risk during smartphone gaming: A randomized within-subject study

Objective This study investigated the immediate effects of three sitting positions, including chair sitting with and without a backrest and cross-legged sitting on the floor, on cervical and trunk postures, musculoskeletal discomfort, and ergonomic risk during smartphone gaming among young adults. Methods A randomized within-subject study was conducted in 41 healthy participants (mean age 20.4 ± 1.1 years). Each participant played Realm of Valor (ROV) on their personal smartphone for 20 minutes in three randomly assigned sitting positions. Cervical and trunk angles were measured using two-dimensional photogrammetry at baseline and at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. Ergonomic risk was assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), with the maximum score used for analysis. After each session, participants reported perceived musculoskeletal discomfort using a visual analog scale. Results A significant interaction between time and sitting position was found for both neck flexion (F(3.87, 232.27) = 5.31, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.081) and trunk angles (F(8,480) = 2.73, p = 0.006, partial η² = 0.044). Perceived neck discomfort was the most common symptom, with the cross-legged position showing the highest prevalence (51.2%, Cochran’s Q = 8.67, p = 0.013, Kendall’s W = 0.106). However, symptom intensity did not differ significantly among positions. RULA scores also differed across sitting positions (χ²(2) = 27.0, p < 0.001, Kendall’s W = 0.329), with the cross-legged position showing the highest score. Conclusion Sitting posture significantly affected cervical and trunk alignment, perceived discomfort, and ergonomic risk during smartphone gaming. Cross-legged sitting induced the greatest neck and trunk flexion, which may contribute to increased musculoskeletal strain over time. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting ergonomic awareness and healthy digital habits to maintain spinal alignment and reduce posture-related musculoskeletal strain; however, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm long-term effects.

Demonstration of a compatibility-based childcare support service using quantum annealing

Sustainable hydrogel from biowaste: Synthesis and characterization of pectin and starch-based hydrogels derived from fruit peel

Arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates face persistent challenges in agricultural productivity due to water scarcity, poor soil quality, and the overuse of chemical fertilizers. As a sustainable alternative, biodegradable hydrogels offer promising solutions owing to their high swelling capacity, water retention ability, and controlled release of water and nutrients. This study explored the synthesis and characterization of eco-friendly hydrogels derived from pectin and starch extracted from orange and banana peels, respectively. These biopolymers are cross-linked using calcium and polyvinyl alcohol, forming hydrogels suitable for agricultural applications. The quality of the extracted biopolymers was assessed by analyzing moisture content, ash content, equivalent weight, solubility, and pectin methylation degree. The results confirmed high purity, with low ash contents of 2.16% (pectin) and 2.31% (starch), and moisture contents of 17.66% and 10%, respectively, indicating good stability and storage potential. The low methoxy pectin content resulted in a degree of methylation of 6.08%, which was favorable for gel formation. Structural and morphological characterization via FTIR, SEM, and SEM-EDX revealed well-defined functional groups, a highly interconnected porous morphology, and structural integrity of the hydrogels even after 20 days of biodegradation. Swelling and pot experiments demonstrated that both hydrogels effectively retained soil moisture for up to 12 days, with swelling ratios ranging from 300% to 350% of their original weight. Biodegradation studies indicated that starch-based hydrogels degraded faster (78.76% weight loss) than pectin-based hydrogels did (67%), likely due to differences in pore size and structural compactness. Overall, the results validate the feasibility of producing sustainable, biodegradable hydrogels from fruit peel waste, with significant potential for water conservation and soil enhancement in arid agricultural systems.

Effectiveness of cleaning methods for clear aligners stained with pediatric iron and multivitamin syrups

Lateral similarity and symmetry of biometric data from the LenStar in a population with cataract

Purpose To investigate the similarity and symmetry of biometric measures between eyes in a large dataset of measurements of both eyes taken with the LenStar optical biometer. Methods Cross-sectional non-randomised study evaluating a dataset containing 13,420 bilateral LenStar 900 biometric measurements on patients without history of eye surgery or ocular pathology taken before cataract surgery, consisting of scalar parameters axial length AL, corneal thickness CCT, anterior chamber depth ACD, lens thickness LT and corneal diameter WTW. The keratometric power vector components equivalent power KEQ were assessed for similarity, and the projections of corneal astigmatism vector KC0 and KC45 were analysed for direct and mirror symmetry with respect to the vertical (sagittal) plane. Results Mean / standard deviation (squared correlation coefficient) difference between right and left eye measures was 0.02 ± 0.31(0.95) / 0.00 ± 0.01(0.93) / 0.00 ± 0.14(0.88) / −0.01 ± 0.22(0.78) / −0.02 ± 0.17(0.87) mm for AL / CCT / ACD / LT / WTW and −0.06 ± 0.48(0.92) dioptres for KEQ. Keratometric astigmatism showed a high degree of mirror symmetry (KC45 of left eyes inverted in sign) which outperforms direct symmetry. The median deviation of the keratometric axes of both eyes considering mirror symmetry was 15 degrees compared to 29 degrees for direct symmetry. Conclusions In most cases, biometric measures match between eyes of a subject, but there are rare situations with large deviations between eyes. Keratometric astigmatism exhibits mirror symmetry. In most cases the biometric measures from the contralateral eye could be used where biometry is unavailable or to double-check before cataract surgery.

Robust prediction and optimization of surface roughness and kerf taper in AWJM of titanium mesh basalt carbon hybrid composites

Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus 1758) age-based life history using a multi-model inference approach for growth in the southern Gulf of Mexico

Lane snapper Lutjanus synagris is an important species that supports both commercial and recreational fisheries. In the southern Gulf of Mexico, lane snapper is one of the snapper species with the highest annual catch volumes. Nevertheless, information on several life-history traits such as longevity, natural mortality and age at maturity is lacking, which are important for providing appropriate management options. From the total captured lane snapper (n = 1150), 367 were used to estimate the age-life history. Specimens were captured through the small-scale fleet of Yucatan from 2008 to 2009 in southern Gulf of Mexico with total lengths from 14.50–45.90 cm and whole weights from 0.05–1.10 kg. Thin otolith sections were used to determine the age of lane snapper. Left sagittae were embedded in clear epoxy resin, thin sectioned (300 µm thickness), and analyzed using a stereomicroscope, counting opaque zones (white) deposited annually during late spring to early summer. Estimated ages ranged from 0 + to 16 years for females (n = 189) and from 0 + to 15 years for males (n = 164). In the growth modeling process, three candidate models were fitted to improve the plausibility of growth estimates under conditions where both small/young and large/old individuals are poorly represented, and the observed length-at-age data show high variability. A Bayesian approach based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo was used, with informative priors on the growth parameters. During model fitting, three‑parameter versions were used: k, L ∞ , and a third parameter based on length-at-birth, L 0 ; among these, the last two parameters have the same interpretation across all models. The best growth model by sex was selected based on the Leave-one-out cross-validation technique. The von Bertalanffy growth model was the best-fitting model for growth in both females and males. Growth parameters for females were for maximum mean length or asymptotic length ( L ∞ ) = 32.21 cm total length; growth coefficient ( k 1 ) = 0.27 year -1 ; size-at-age-zero ( L 0 ) = 2.06 cm and for males L ∞ =  28.32 cm total length; k 1  =  0.41 year -1 ; L 0   = 2.03 cm. Natural mortality was estimated at 0.39 year -1 for females and 0.41 year -1 for males. Age at maturity in which 50% of the females and males have reached maturity was A 50  = 3.11 years for females and 1.68 years for males. The reference points of the optimal size (L opt ) and optimal age (A opt ) to harvest the specimens to achieve maximum yield were 26.17 cm total length, 6.20 years for females and 21.24 cm total length, 3.38 years for males. These results on the age-based life history and growth of lane snapper are novel for the southern Gulf of Mexico population. This information forms the basis for developing appropriate management measures, as catch volumes and exploitation levels are steadily increasing.

Development and validation of miner career sustainability scale (MCSS) in intelligent coal mines: a network analysis approach

Expression of Concern: A comparative analysis of microplastic contamination in hermit crab Clibanarius rhabdodactylus Forest, 1953, inhabiting intertidal and subtidal Coastal habitat of Gujarat state

Heat tolerance and thermal safety margins differentially influence the performance of co-occurring mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) under climate warming

Achieving long-term success in irrigation commons

Which characteristics predict the long-term performance and persistence of irrigation systems? This question has been challenging to answer due to the lack of longitudinal data. Numerous cross-sectional studies have identified a wide range of relevant factors. However, it is unclear which of these factors remain associated with long-term persistence, or what their relative predictive power is. To examine performance and survival after a period of 16–37 years with respect to concerning initial system attributes, we have created a unique longitudinal dataset of 218 community-based irrigation systems in Nepal, separated by three decades. We applied the best available models using several state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to ensure method independence. Our findings show that farmer-managed systems that receive external support and whose leaders are users perform best. Long-term survival is associated with fair rules, regular member meetings, and occasional external assistance. Good institutional design is consistently among the strongest predictors of long-term performance and persistence in irrigation commons.

YOLO11-based deep learning system for automated tubal patency classification in hysterosalpingography: a comparative study for clinical decision support

Maternal alcohol exposure and atopic dermatitis in offspring: A scoping review protocol

Maternal alcohol use is a modifiable, yet significant public health concern, causing fetal alcohol syndrome and neurodevelopmental disorders. Research has predominantly focused on the neurodevelopmental consequences of maternal alcohol consumption, but growing evidence suggests that these effects may extend to the developing immune system, potentially increasing the risk of allergic and inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis in offspring, which remains underexplored. This scoping review aims to map the available literature on the association between maternal alcohol exposure (preconception and pregnancy) and atopic dermatitis in offspring, including exposure patterns, outcome measures, and hypothesized biological mechanisms. The protocol follows Joanna Briggs Institute methodology with PEO framework (Population: offspring, Exposure: maternal alcohol use, Outcome: atopic dermatitis), and has been registered prospectively on the Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/EWGPB ). A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science) and grey literature sources will be conducted from inception through the final search date. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full texts, with disagreements resolved by consensus or third-reviewer arbitration. Peer-reviewed original research articles in English reporting maternal alcohol use and diagnosed atopic dermatitis in offspring will be included. Data extraction will comprise study characteristics, exposure timing and measurement, outcome diagnostic criteria and age of assessment, key findings, and reported biological mechanisms. The preliminary findings will be validated through consultation with clinical stakeholders, including experts in allergy medicine, paediatricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists and obstetricians, to maximise the review’s relevance and to identify practical implications for antenatal care and paediatric dermatology. Results will be presented through narrative synthesis, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, to identify evidence gaps and inform future research and policy.