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Trump’s $100K visa fee for foreign talent: how will it affect researchers?
Cell-Membrane-Anchored Synthetic Dynamic DNA Circuits for Signaling Transient Cell Migration
Machine learning comparison for biomarker level estimation in wastewater dynamics monitoring
A common chromosome fusion in humans explained
Correction: Assessing programming education needs of primary and secondary teachers in Guangxi border areas
Modular Access to <i>N</i>-SF<sub>5</sub> Azetidines
Surgical outcomes and complications of completion thyroidectomy: a retrospective study
A Hybrid Ultrastrong Coordinating Solvent and an Ion-Conductive Diluent for High-Voltage Ether-Based Li-Metal Batteries
Evaluating non potable groundwater quality in estuarine Islands of Karnataka using GIS and WQI
Abstract Fresh groundwater is scarce on estuarine islands due to seasonal fluctuations in the groundwater table and tidal influence. Larger inhabited islands face increasing concerns over access to safe water for household activities. This study evaluates the groundwater quality on Mudukudru Island, one of the largest in the estuary of the Swarna-Sita River system in Udupi district, Karnataka. A total of 43 wells used for non-potable domestic purposes were analyzed during the pre-monsoon season (2021–2022) using a Hanna HI9829 multiparameter testing kit. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index Method was applied to assess water quality based on four physical parameters (Total Dissolved Solids, Electrical Conductivity, Salinity, Temperature), three chemical parameters (pH, Oxygen Reduction Potential, Dissolved Oxygen), and one biological parameter (Most Probable Number of coliform bacteria). GIS-based spatial maps were developed to visualize distribution patterns. The overall WQI results indicate that approximately 30% of the island’s groundwater falls under the “unsuitable” category. Traces of coliform bacteria were recorded in all samples, indicating that the groundwater is not suitable for drinking without treatment. The findings underscore the need for water purification, regular monitoring, and sustainable management of groundwater used for non-potable household use.
Molecular Tailoring of Iron Chelates for Long-Cycling and High-Efficiency All-Iron Redox Flow Batteries
Evaluation study of radial and spiral based volumetric thermometry for monitoring of hepatic microwave ablation
Abstract Microwave ablation (MWA) of hepatic tumors benefits from MR thermometry, enabling real-time temperature monitoring to guide treatment and protect healthy tissue. However, MR thermometry in the abdomen is challenging due to respiratory and intestinal motion. This study evaluates two advanced 3D imaging sequences, Stack-of-Stars (Stars) and Stack-of-Spirals (Spirals), for precise MWA thermometry in phantom and volunteer experiments. Spirals demonstrated superior temperature precision, with a standard deviation of 1.61 ± 0.11 °C in unheated regions, compared to 4.87 ± 0.74 °C for Stars (single respiratory cycle). In heated regions, Spirals achieved a lower RMSE (0.6 ± 0.1 °C vs. 1.3 ± 0.3 °C for Stars) and a higher Dice score for ablation zone delineation (0.88 ± 0.02 vs. 0.77 ± 0.09). Spirals also produced sharper images with fewer artifacts under simulated respiratory motion, while Stars showed streaking artifacts due to higher undersampling. These findings highlight Spirals’ potential for accurate real-time thermometry in liver ablation. Future work should focus on improving reconstruction speed and mitigating susceptibility artifacts to enable clinical applications.
Using short synthetic nucleic acids to probe genes in viruses that infect bacteria
Radical Isomerization upon Dissociative Electron Ionization of Anthracene and Phenanthrene
Estimation of the characteristics of wave propagation in the water pipe using continuous wavelet transform
Eexperimental study of interface behaviour of geopolymer concrete
Abstract Flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) elements by incorporating additional layers of concrete is a widely employed technique for enhancing structural capacity. Typically, during design, the strengthened element is treated as monolithic to simplify calculations. However, this assumption often overlooks the significance of interface slip, a critical factor influencing the level of damage sustained by the strengthened element. The extent of interface slip depends on the bond strength and the surface preparation techniques used. Addressing this gap, this study undertook an experimental investigation to assess the bond strength of geopolymer concrete using manual roughening with a chisel and hammer, as well as sandblasting, in combination with epoxy-based and cement-based bonding agents. The bond strength was evaluated through slant shear and pull-off tests. Results showed that geopolymer concrete with 100% slag achieved the highest shear bond strength of 27.5 MPa in slant shear and 1.8 MPa in pull-off tests, representing an improvement of up to 25–35% compared to Portland cement concrete under similar interface conditions. Manual roughening combined with an acrylic bonding agent resulted in a 40–50% higher bond strength compared to sandblasting and epoxy bonding combinations. The findings of these tests underscore the potential of geopolymer concrete as a viable repair material for structures, owing to its commendable bond strength performance. These results contribute valuable insights into optimizing strengthening techniques for enhanced structural integrity and longevity.
Photocatalytic Conversion of <i>p</i>-Xylene into <i>p</i>-Tolualdehyde with Near 100% Selectivity via a Novel Hydroxyl Radical-Mediated Oxygenation Route
Magnetic and magnetotelluric data integration to determine the origin of Siwa Oasis Lakes, Western Desert, Egypt
Abstract Geological structures are the most critical parameter for understanding the distribution of groundwater, oil, and minerals. In Siwa Oasis and other oases with comparable geological settings in the northern Western Desert, Egypt, brackish groundwater seeps to the surface through fractures and permeable zones, sustaining phreatophytic vegetation and enabling human habitation in otherwise arid environments. The formation of these oases is closely tied to the subsurface structural and hydrogeological conditions. To determine the origin of these lakes, a geophysical investigation was conducted using magnetic and magnetotelluric (MT) data to identify whether the water leakage stems from deeper artesian aquifers or shallower marine-origin reserves. Magnetic data were used for the geological structural analysis and the depth estimation of basement rocks. The Magnetic Data Analysis includes constructing the Total Horizontal Gradient (THG), Tilt Derivative (TDR), and 2D Magnetic Modelling Constrained by borehole data to estimate basement depths. Magnetotelluric (MT) data analysis includes obtaining 3d resistivity models via inversion, and Cross-sections were extracted to trace fault zones and lithological contrasts. The Key Findings from this study are Surface Lineaments that are dominant in the Northeast (NE), North (N), and East–Northeast (ENE), with a minor East–West (E–W) trend. Shallow Trend Analysis (Tilt Derivative—TDR): Revealed structures in NE-SW, NW–SE, and E–W directions. Total Horizontal Gradient (THG) Map: Confirmed major structural trends in NE–SW, NW–SE, and E–W directions, with additional W–NW trends. The E–W trend correlates with most lakes in the study area. Depth estimation (2D magnetic modelling): Basement rock depths range between 3400 and 4600 m in the magnetic data coverage. The magnetotelluric (MT) model reveals a near-surface E-W direction with resistivity variations linked to lithology changes and groundwater presence.