Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Iterative rolling difference-Z-score and machine learning imputation for wind turbine foundation monitoring
In engineering structure performance monitoring, capturing real-time on-site data and conducting precise analysis are critical for assessing structural condition and safety. However, equipment instability and complex on-site environments often lead to data anomalies and gaps, hindering accurate performance evaluation. This study, conducted within a wind farm reinforcement project in Shandong Province, addresses these challenges by focusing on anomaly detection and data imputation for weld nail strain, anchor cable axial force, and concrete strain. We propose an innovative iterative rolling difference-Z-score method for anomaly detection and a machine learning-based imputation framework combining linear interpolation with LightGBM. Experimental results show that the iterative rolling difference-Z-score method detects single-point and clustered anomalies with a Z-score threshold of 4, achieving robust performance even with 80% data loss. The imputation framework maintains low mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0214–0.0227 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.14–0.15 for continuous missing data scenarios (60–200 points), with reliable reconstruction up to 50% data loss. This research provides a robust solution for ensuring the precision and integrity of wind farm monitoring data, enhancing long-term structural reliability in renewable energy applications.
Evolutionary dynamics in plastomes and mitogenomes of diatoms
Diatoms are pivotal in global oxygen, carbon dioxide, and silica cycling, contributing significantly to photosynthesis and serving as fundamental components in aquatic ecosystems. Recent advancements in genomic sequencing have shed light on their evolutionary dynamics, revealing evolutionary complex genomes influenced by symbiotic relationships and horizontal gene transfer events. By analyzing publicly available sequences for 120 plastomes and 70 mitogenomes, this paper aims to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics of diatoms across diverse lineages. Gene losses and pseudogenes were more frequently observed in plastomes compared with mitogenomes. Overall, gene losses were particularly abundant in the plastomes of Astrosyne radiata, Toxarium undulatum, and Proboscia sp. Frequently lost and pseudogenized genes were acpP, ilv, serC, tsf, tyrC, ycf42 and bas1. In mitogenomes, mttB, secY and tatA genes were lost repeatedly across several diatom taxa. Analysis of nucleotide substitution rates indicated that, in general, mitogenomes were evolving at a more rapid rate compared to plastomes. This is contrary to what was observed in synteny analyses, where plastomes exhibited more structural rearrangements than mitogenomes, with the exception of the genus Coscinodiscus and one group of species within Thalassiosira.
Construction of indicator system of tourism professional skills evaluation system in the application-oriented Universities - A case study in Fujian, China
This study aims to establish a “Tourism Professional Skills Evaluation System in Application-Oriented Universities” to bridge the gap between industry requirements and traditional curricula. In response to the tourism sector’s rapid growth and shifting market demands, this study employ the Modified Delphi Method (MDM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and weight five core competency domains: basic professional knowledge and skills, professional related knowledge and skills, interpersonal and self-development skills, physical fitness, as well as cultural and ethical rule of ethics qualities. Through expert panels and group discussions, this study develops a comprehensive set of indicators covering all essential competencies. The system has been piloted at a case university and received strong endorsement from both industry and academic stakeholders. By quantitatively defining indicator hierarchies and weights, this framework delivers a scientifically grounded, objective tool for educators, administrators, and policymakers to design and refine tourism talent development programs.
Network spatial patterns and determinants of China’s hometown chambers of commerce
Based on the establishment data of provincial-provincial, city-city, provincial-city, city-provincial Hometown Chambers of Commerce (HCCs) in China by the end of 2022, this paper combines social network analysis and exponential random graph model to explore network spatial patterns and determinants of China’s HCCs. Findings indicate that: 1) Point degree centrality in eastern China is high, but spatial patterns vary across network types: provincial-provincial and provincial-city types exhibit a “rhombus-net” pattern, the city-city type follows a “small-ring-line” structure, and the city-provincial type forms a “large-ring-net” type. Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Shandong constitute core areas of China’s HCC network, and provincial-provincial and city-city types mainly flow within the core area and from core to periphery, while provincial-city and city-provincial types flow mutually between core and periphery areas. 2) Stronger government intervention and earlier HCC connections significantly inhibit both provincial-provincial and city-city HCC establishment. However, this inhibitory effect is not statistically significant for provincial-city and city-provincial types. Only city-city HCCs exhibit economic sensitivity, with less-developed origin cities favoring stronger operation cities, while other HCC types remain economically neutral. Road, dialect, and urban cluster distances significantly affect HCC establishment at the city-level place of operation but show no significant impact on the provincial-level place of operation. This research not only expands the theoretical perspective on the spatial study of social organizations but also provides scientific evidence for breaking down regional market fragmentation and optimizing cross-regional governance systems.
AI-driven bone mineral density prediction from chest x-rays and its association with obstructive sleep apnea
With an increasing aging population, the prevalence of chronic comorbidities is on the rise. The potential relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and osteoporosis has garnered significant attention. Most studies examining the association between these two conditions have relied on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD). Although DXA is considered the gold standard for BMD assessment, it does not reflect overall skeletal health. The limitations of conventional measurements are particularly pronounced in patients with multisystemic diseases, such as OSA. To address these limitations, we applied VeriOsteo™OP software to predict lumbar spine BMD and T-scores from chest X-ray (CXR) images. In addition, we examined the relationship between these bone health metrics and OSA. A total of 70,395 patients who underwent CXR examinations at Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital from 2017 to 2022 were included. Eligible samples were selected based on the presence of an OSA ICD-10-CM diagnosis code along with DXA results. By incorporating variables, such as gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and T-score, we used multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, random forest, and XGBoost, to analyze the risk for OSA. The results indicated that when the BMI range was controlled, the predictive contribution of the T-score became significant. For some models, the area under the curve (AUC) reached over 85% in both the training and validation datasets. This suggests a notable association between T-score and OSA, which is maintained when confounding variables such as BMI are controlled. This study highlights the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) technology using CXR imaging for osteoporosis screening. Combining CXR with machine learning models enables the assessment of OSA risk and offers a cost-effective, radiation-free screening tool with promising clinical applications.
Economic burden and cost-effectiveness of treatments for open tibia fractures in Malawi: Economic analysis of a multicentre prospective cohort study
Background Open tibia fractures result in substantial lifelong disability for patients, and are expensive to treat. As the injury typically affects young working men, the societal costs from open tibia fractures are likely to also be high in low income countries, but remain largely unknown. We therefore investigated the overall societal costs and cost-effectiveness of different orthopaedic treatments at one year following an open tibia fracture in Malawi. Methods This study was a cost-utility analysis nested in a prospective cohort study from the healthcare- and societal-payer perspectives with a one-year time horizon. We obtained quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from the EuroQoL 5 Dimension 3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) and patient lost productivity estimates at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury. QALYs were calculated from utility scores were modelled within a hierarchical Bayesian multivariate modelling framework that jointly estimated individual-level trajectories in EQ-5D-3L scores and costs over follow-up. Direct treatment costs were obtained from a micro-costing study, and staff interviews at tertiary and district hospitals. Cost-effectiveness was reported in terms of societal cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). All costs were reported in 2021 United States dollars (USD). Results Between February 2021 and March 2022, 287 participants with open tibia fractures were included. There were substantial costs to participants one year following injury with 42% (n = 112) working with a median monthly household income of US$40 (IQR: US$7−90) compared to 89% (n = 255) working pre-injury, with a median monthly household income of US$60 (IQR: US$36−144). The posterior median of societal costs at one year varied between US$751 (80% credible intervals [CrIs]: US$-751−2,389) for treatment with plaster of Paris (POP) in a district hospital for a Gustilo III injury, to US$2,428 (80% CrIs: US$995−5027) for intramedullary nail in central hospital for a Gustilo III injury. The largest cost-effectiveness from a societal perspective was between an intramedullary nail and amputation for a Gustilo III injury with a posterior mean of US$2,290 (95%HDI: 36−4,547) per QALY. Conclusion The main finding was that open tibia fractures result in significant costs to patients, the healthcare system and society in Malawi. Although the funding of orthopaedic treatment can be difficult in countries with very limited healthcare budgets, the costs to society of ignoring this issue are very high. A re-balancing of health budgets (including from government and donors) is needed to prioritise trauma care to reduce the growing societal economic burden from injury.
Safety and resource utilisation efficiency of semi-skeletonised versus skeletonised left internal mammary artery harvesting techniques: The BANGABANDHU study
Background The ideal harvesting techniques of the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) are elusive. We assessed the safety and resource utilisation efficiency of semi-skeletonised LIMA harvesting techniques, focusing on length, harvesting time, and the number of Ligaclips used compared to skeletonised techniques within a single surgeon’s practice. Methods The BANGABANDHU (Bangladeshi Atherosclerosis Biobank AND Hub) study was an ambispective observational cohort that evaluated age- and sex-matched 2209 adult Bangladeshi isolated CABG population from 1st January 2015 to 31 January 2025. Univariate analysis observed the difference pattern in the dataset, while multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis identified the independent variables associated with the advantage of semi-skelitonised LIMA. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve demonstrated the goodness-of-fit of the prediction model. Results We evaluated 2209 age- and sex-matched adult isolated CABG patients (skeletonised LIMA; n = 1050 and semi-skeletonised LIMA; n = 1159) with identical comorbidities (EuroSCORE II, hypertension, diabetes, renal impairment, COPD, left main and multivessel coronary artery disease) between study groups (p > 0.05). LIMA harvest time (35.9 ± 5.5 vs 16.6 ± 3.9; p < 0.001) and number of used Ligaclip (23.6 ± 4.8 vs 11.7 ± 3.6; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the skeletonised compared to the semi-skeletonised LIMA sample. Furthermore, an age and sex-adjusted multivariate logistic regression model found LIMA harvest time (odds ratio [OR] 0.067, 95% CI 0.01–0.39; p = 0.003) and number of used Ligaclip (OR 0.561, 95% CI 0.41–0.76; p < 0.001) significantly lower among semi-skeletonised LIMA techniques. Conclusion The semi-skeletonised LIMA technique is advantageous as it significantly reduces harvesting time and requires fewer Ligaclips compared to the skeletonised technique.
International Network of Antibiotic Allergy Nations (iNAAN): Protocol for a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation multicentre prospective cohort and target trial emulation study evaluating penicillin allergy delabeling via direct oral challenge
Background Penicillin allergies are reported in 1 in 10 hospitalised patients globally and are associated with inferior patient and health service outcomes. However, more than 95% of low-risk penicillin allergies can be removed by direct oral challenge (DOC). Objective The International Network of Antibiotic Allergy Nations (iNAAN) aims to evaluate the utility of an audit and feedback (A&F) and education implementation strategy to increase the adoption of penicillin DOC in patients with a low-risk penicillin allergy, while concurrently assessing the impact of penicillin DOC on antibiotic prescribing and health service outcomes. Methods This is an international, multicentre type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial evaluating the widespread safety, clinical effectiveness and implementation of penicillin allergy delabeling via DOC, following penicillin allergy assessment using a purpose-built digital penicillin allergy toolkit within a smartphone application. The implementation strategy encompasses evaluation of co-designed digitally delivered bimonthly A&F reports to health services and clinicians, beginning a minimum of three months post site-activation, and optional education sessions that are delivered by the study team. The primary effectiveness outcome is the proportion of patients with a low-risk penicillin allergy that are delabeled following DOC. The primary implementation outcome is clinician adoption of the digital penicillin allergy toolkit within 6-months of site activation. Participants include adult patients who report a penicillin allergy and have undertaken a formalised penicillin allergy assessment, with or without DOC, at a participating health service. A target trial emulation approach will be used to analyse secondary effectiveness outcomes, including the impact of penicillin DOC on international antibiotic prescribing, infection-related and health service outcomes. Discussion This study protocol presents a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial design that will provide high level evidence to aid widespread implementation of penicillin DOC. Trial registration ACTRN12623000484640 (https://www.anzctr.org.au/) (https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385815&isReview=true).
Cultivation of Prevotella copri in a medium supplemented with tomato juice suppresses the bacteria-induced intestinal permeability in Caenorhabditis elegans
Epidemiological studies in humans have suggested that tomato consumption and the compositional ratios of Prevotella, Megamonas, and Streptococcus in the intestinal microbiota are related to intestinal permeability. In this study, we investigated the causal relationship using Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans. We cultured Escherichia coli OP50 (the standard C. elegans food), Prevotella (P.) copri JCM 13464T, Megamonas funiformis JCM 14723T, and Streptococcus salivarius JCM 5707T in either normal medium or medium containing 1% (v/v) tomato juice (TJ medium), fed these bacteria to C. elegans for three days, and evaluated intestinal permeability using the Smurf assay. The proportion of Smurf individuals was significantly lower in C. elegans fed P. copri cultured in TJ medium than in those fed the same bacteria cultured in normal medium, while other strains showed no such medium-dependent differences. Interestingly, heat-killed P. copri grown in normal medium also reduced the proportion of Smurf individuals. Furthermore, P. copri grown in TJ medium exhibited a lower survival rate after seeding on nematode growth medium, an effect not observed in other strains. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that P. copri cultured in TJ medium accumulated L-(-)-3-phenyllactic acid (L-(-)-3-PLA), a compound known for its antibacterial properties through oxidative stress and its protective effects on the intestinal barrier. In contrast, the levels of known antioxidants such as 2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid and Cyclo(phenylalanyl-prolyl) were decreased. Culturing P. copri in normal medium supplemented with L-(-)-3-PLA alone did not reduce survival, suggesting that both L-(-)-3-PLA accumulation and the depletion of antioxidants contribute to reduced viability. Additionally, L-(-)-3-PLA directly suppressed intestinal permeability in C. elegans. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that TJ may inhibit increased intestinal permeability through both rendering P. copri vulnerable and the direct effects of L-(-)-3-PLA. Further studies are needed to determine the relevance of these findings to humans.
Evolutionary game model of intellectual property pledge financing between technology-based SMEs and banks based on the EVCC
This study aims to improve the market efficiency of intellectual property pledge financing, based on the perspective of willingness to perform of technology-based SMEs, this paper defined the end-of-period value conversion coefficient of pledged property (EVCC) to measure the comparative relationship between the end-of-period value of the pledged intellectual property and the sum of principal and interest of the loan and introduced it into the game payment matrix; using evolutionary game theory, based on the assumption of bounded rationality, an evolutionary game model of intellectual property pledge financing between technology-based SMEs and banks based on the EVCC was constructed, and a numerical simulation was then conducted. The results of asymptotic stability analysis showed that when a certain condition is met, the strategy combination (performance, loan) is the evolutionary stability strategy (ESS). The numerical simulation showed that the EVCC has a positive impact on the speed of technology-based SMEs choosing the performance strategy, and there is a positive threshold effect (The threshold is 0.90). The initial value of pledged intellectual property has a negative impact on the speed of technology-based SMEs choosing the performance strategy, and there is a reverse threshold effect (The threshold is 1250), as well as the pledge rate of intellectual property (The threshold is 0.375). However, the loan interest rate has no significant impact on the strategic choice of technology-based SMEs. In addition, the EVCC has no significant impact on the banks’ strategy choice. The initial value of pledged intellectual property has a negative impact on the speed of banks choosing loan strategies, and there is a reverse threshold effect (The threshold is 1250). The pledge rate of intellectual property has an inverted U-shaped impact on the speed of banks choosing loan strategies (ω* may be close to 0.30), and there is a reverse threshold effect (The threshold is 0.375). The loan interest rate has a positive impact on the speed of banks choosing loan strategies, and there is a positive threshold effect (The threshold is 0.03). In addition, the trustworthy joint incentive not only has a positive impact on the speed of technology-based SMEs choosing the performance strategy, but also has a positive impact on the speed of banks choosing the loan strategy, and both have a positive threshold effect (The threshold for both is 15), as well as the dishonesty joint punishment (The threshold for both is 85). This model enriches the multi-agent game theory framework of intellectual property pledge financing. The numerical simulation results can provide a decision-making reference for technology-based SMEs and banks to formulate intellectual property pledge financing strategies.
RETRACTED: HGLER: A hierarchical heterogeneous graph networks for enhanced multimodal emotion recognition in conversations
This research has proposed a new Emotion Recognition in Conversation (ERC) model known as Hierarchical Graph Learning for Emotion Recognition (HGLER), built to go beyond the existing approaches that find it difficult to request long-distance context and interaction across different data types. Rather than simply mixing different kinds of information, as is the case with traditional methods, HGLER uses a 2-part graph technique whereby conversations are represented in a 2-fold manner: one aimed at illustrating how various parts of the conversation relate and another for enhancing learning from various types of data. This dual-graph system can represent multimodal data value for value by exploiting the benefits of each type of data yet tracking their interactions. The HGLER model was applied to two widely used datasets, IEMOCAP and MELD, with many varieties of information, texts, pictures, or sounds, hence, to see to what extent the model can understand emotions in conversations. Preprocessing methods common in practice were done to make things consistent, and the datasets were set aside for training, validation, and testing informed by previous works. The model was tested using two standard datasets, including IEMOCAP and MELD. On IEMOCAP, HGLER posted an F1-score of 96.36% and accuracy of 96.28%; on MELD, it posted an F1-score of 96.82% and accuracy of 93.68%, surpassing some state-of-the-art methods. The model also showed some superb performance in terms of its convergence, generalization, and convergence stability during training. These findings demonstrate that hierarchical graph-based learning can be applied in enhancing emotional comprehension in systems dealing with several forms of information in handling conversations. However, slight changes in validation loss observed suggest there are areas of model stability and generalization to be improved on. These results validate that using hierarchical graph-based learning in multimodal ERC does well and promises to enhance emotional understanding in conversational AI systems.
Comparative techno-economic optimization of microgrid configurations using hybrid battery–hydrogen storage: NEOM case study, Saudi Arabia
Renewable energy systems are at the core of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to combat climate change. Focusing on the role of energy storage in enhancing dependability and efficiency, this paper investigates the design and optimization of a completely sustainable hybrid energy system. Furthermore, hybrid storage systems have been used to evaluate their viability and cost-benefits. Examined under a 100% renewable energy microgrid framework, three setup configurations are as follows: (1) photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage System (BSS), (2) Hybrid PV/Wind Turbine (WT)/BSS, and (3) Integrated PV/WT/BSS/Electrolyzer/Hydrogen Tank/Fuel Cell (FC). Using its geographical solar irradiance and wind speed data, this paper inspires on an industrial community in Neom, Saudi Arabia. HOMER software evaluates technical and economic aspects, net present cost (NPC), levelized cost of energy (COE), and operating costs. The results indicate that the PV/BSS configuration offers the most sustainable solution, with a net present cost (NPC) of $2.42M and a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $0.112/kWh, achieving zero emissions. However, it has lower reliability, as validated by the provided LPSP. In contrast, the PV/WT/BSS/Elec/FC system, with a higher NPC of $2.30M and LCOE of $0.106/kWh, provides improved energy dependability. The PV/WT/BSS system, with an NPC of $2.11M and LCOE of $0.0968/kWh, offers a slightly lower cost but does not provide the same level of reliability. The surplus energy has been implemented for hydrogen production. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of uncertainties in renewable resource availability and economic parameters. The results demonstrate significant variability in system performance across different scenarios.
The spatial dynamics of urban vegetation and housing prices: Insights from pre- and post-pandemic Chicago using OLS and MGWR models
This study examines the spatial dynamics of urban vegetation and its impact on housing prices in Chicago, analyzing data from both pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Employing Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) models, we assess how the effects of green spaces on property values vary across different neighborhoods. The OLS model generally indicates a positive correlation between increased vegetation and housing prices. In contrast, the MGWR model reveals that the benefits of urban green spaces to property values are not uniformly distributed and exhibit significant variability. Notably, in some South Side areas of Chicago, increases in green space correlate with declines in property values, a sensitivity that intensified post-pandemic, leading to notable price declines. Conversely, the North Side, characterized as a higher-income area, shows greater resilience to the impacts of both increased green spaces and the COVID-19 pandemic, with less susceptibility to economic downturns. This research underscores the intricate interplay between urban green spaces and economic factors, highlighting how local socio-economic conditions and urban planning strategies can influence the economic benefits of vegetation. The findings provide essential insights for urban policymakers and planners striving to promote sustainable development and equitable economic growth in urban environments.
Extended oral antibiotics fail to reduce surgical site infection in orthopedic surgeries: A comparative study
Background Surgical site infection (SSI) is associated with a significant burden in orthopedic surgeries, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. Despite the widespread use of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection, the optimal duration for antibiotic administration remains controversial. Newer studies reported controversial results compared to existing guidelines; therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy and post-operative complications of short-term (<24 hours) and extended oral antibiotics in reducing infection rates following orthopedic surgeries. Methods In this retrospective study, patients who underwent orthopedic surgeries, including total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and hip internal fixation, were recruited from the hospital data registry. Patients were divided into two groups of short-term (<24 hours) and extended oral antibiotics groups based on the duration of prophylactic antibiotic use. The infection rate during three months after the surgery and the incidence of antibiotic-related adverse events were compared between the groups. Results Of the 398 patients in the study, 246 received short-term, and 152 received extended oral antibiotics. There was no significant difference between the short-term (2.8%) and extended (4.6%) groups with respect to the rate of SSI (P = 0.35). The patients in the extended antibiotic group demonstrated more post-operative complications compared to the short-term group (36.2% Vs. 22.8%, P = 0.004). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that extended oral antibiotics did not reduce the rate of SSI following orthopedic surgeries compared to short-term prophylaxis. Furthermore, patients who received prolonged antibiotic demonstrated a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Our study supports the recommendation not to use extended prophylactic oral antibiotics over 24 hours in orthopedic surgeries.
A domain key-based secure SOME/IP protocol
With the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), modern vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors, significantly increasing data communication within the in-vehicle network. However, the limited bandwidth of the Controller Area Network (CAN) poses challenges for high-speed sensor data transmission. To address this, automotive ethernet is emerging as a replacement for CAN, enabling the efficient transmission of large volumes of data, such as from cameras and LiDAR. Supporting this transition, SOME/IP (Scalable Service-Oriented Middleware over IP) has been introduced as middleware to enable service-oriented communication through Request/Response and Publish/Subscribe mechanisms. Despite its advantages, SOME/IP lacks essential security measures, such as authentication and encryption, making it vulnerable to attacks, including man-in-the-middle attack scenarios where attackers inject fake SOME/IP messages. However, existing security approaches, such as group key-based protocols and pairwise key-based methods utilizing authentication servers, present limitations. Group key-based methods are not secure against node compromise attacks, while pairwise key-based approaches face single point of failure issues due to their reliance on authentication servers. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a domain key-based secure SOME/IP protocol. By leveraging domain keys, the proposed approach limits the impact of node compromise attacks to the specific domain of the compromised node, while eliminating the single point of failure problem. Experimental results demonstrate that the session establishment time increases by only 5–10 ms, and the message transmission time increases by up to 115 ms compared to the existing group key-based SOME/IP protocol.
Mechanisms of clay mineral-induced targeted deposition and synergistic CO2 sequestration potential in the CCUS-EOR process
Background Strongly water-sensitive reservoirs with high clay content face challenges in conventional development due to clay swelling and impeded seepage. CO2 injection shows potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and carbon sequestration; however, the role of clay minerals in regulating CO2-induced asphaltene deposition and sequestration remains unclear. Methodology We conducted experiments on clay-oil interactions, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), measurements of crude oil properties, and long core water flooding tests to evaluate deposition, reservoir damage, and CO2 sequestration. Conclusions/Significance Results demonstrate that clay minerals significantly promote CO2-induced asphaltene deposition, with the deposition amount in clay-containing crude oil increasing by 37% compared to clay-free systems. The interfacial tension (IFT) between crude oil and CO2 decreases from 15.68 to 12.53 mN/m at 10 MPa with increasing clay content, while crude oil viscosity reduces by up to 43.58% when CO2 injection exceeds 30 mol%. Microscale NMR analysis confirms that clay-asphaltene aggregates preferentially block large pores, reducing reservoir heterogeneity and enhancing CO2 sequestration in medium/small pores. Macroscale long-core experiments highlight the significance of high clay mineral content for geological sequestration, showing that the CO2 sequestration rate increases from 43.15% to 48.21% as clay content rises from 8.35% to 29.92%. Although deposition slightly impairs permeability, it drives CO2 into medium/small pores, thereby achieving a balance between oil recovery efficiency and long-term storage stability.
Evaluation of the reduction in perceived and performance fatigability by functional compression tights during squat exercises via electromyography and electroencephalography analysis
Objectives Functional compression tights are widely used to support muscle activity, enhance blood flow and reduce fatigue, which comprises performance (motor or cognitive) and perceived fatigability. Although previous studies have reported their effects on motor performance fatigability, little is known about their effects on cognitive performance fatigability or brain activity. This study aimed to evaluate quantitatively and comprehensively the effects of functional compression tights on perceived fatigability, muscle activity, and electroencephalographic (EEG) responses. Methods Twenty healthy young adults performed squat tasks under two conditions (with and without functional compression tights) using a crossover design. Muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography (EMG) of the five thigh muscles to calculate the root mean square (RMS) and mean frequency (MF). EEG activity was recorded in the Fp1, Fp2, and Fz regions, and power change rates in the alpha, beta, and theta bands were calculated. Perceived fatigability was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for between-condition comparisons, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the comprehensive relationships among perceived fatigability, muscle activity, and EEG activity. Results Wearing tights significantly reduced perceived fatigability (p = 0.003) and RMS of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) (p = 0.041). Although not statistically significant (p = 0.054), the moderate effect size suggests a stabilizing effect of functional compression tights on frontal EEG activity. Under the condition with functional compression tights, the RMS of the RF positively correlated with perceived fatigability (ρ = 0.53), while MF showed a negative correlation (ρ = –0.70). Positive correlations were also observed between perceived fatigability and the alpha/theta powers at Fp2 and alpha power at Fz. Discussion Wearing functional compression tights may alleviate motor and cognitive performance fatigability by stabilizing muscle and frontal brain activity. These findings support its utility in managing motor and cognitive fatigability during physical activity.
Efficacy of vocal fold injection of dedifferentiated fat cells in treating glottis closure insufficiency: Insights from a rat model of recurrent laryngeal nerve resection
Glottic insufficiency results from impaired vocal fold contact, leading to a gap between the folds and manifesting as hoarseness and respiratory difficulties. Vocal folds injection is a commonly utilized therapeutic approach to rectify this gap by augmenting vocal folds volume; however, the optimal injectable material remains undetermined. Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs), derived from mature adipocytes, exhibit robust proliferative capacity and multipotency, establishing them as potential candidates for treating glottic insufficiency. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of DFATs in a rat model of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Twenty-five rats were used for the therapeutic evaluation: the recurrent laryngeal nerve of each rat was resected unilaterally, and 5 weeks later, the atrophied vocal fold muscles were injected with either 10 μl of saline (control), 1.0 × 106 DFATs in 10 μl (DFAT group), or 1.0 × 106 DFATs combined with 500 ng of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in 10 μl (DFAT + bFGF group). At 4 weeks post-injection, laryngeal endoscopy evaluated the glottic gap, followed by histological analyses of muscle atrophy, collagen deposition. To investigate mechanisms, an independent cohort of 25 rats received identical treatments and was evaluated 2 weeks post-injection for cell proliferation (Ki-67) and apoptosis (TUNEL). To confirm DFAT engraftment, GFP-labeled DFATs were evaluated at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post-injection. Results indicated that both the DFAT and DFAT + bFGF groups exhibited significantly reduced glottic gaps, increased collagen deposition, and decreased TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells compared to controls. Notably, the DFAT + bFGF group displayed superior outcomes, including a greater vocal muscle area and enhanced Ki-67-positive cell proliferation, indicating reduced atrophy. GFP-positive DFATs remained detectable for up to 6 weeks, confirming engraftment. These findings underscore the potential of DFATs, particularly with bFGF, as an innovative and effective therapy for glottic insufficiency secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis.
Characteristics and dynamic evolution of inter-industry volatility spillovers in China’s stock market
This study examines the volatility connectedness across 28 sectors in the Chinese stock market, aiming to discern the risk spillovers and their implications for financial security and economic stability. Employing a network connectedness approach, we analyze the volatility connectedness’s characteristics and dynamic evolution among various sectors. The findings indicate that manufacturing industries exhibit a high degree of correlation among themselves and predominantly function as exporters of risk spillovers. Conversely, the financial industry emerges as a primary recipient, characterized by a relatively low correlation to other sectors. During the COVID-19 epidemic, risk correlation within China’s stock market sectors experienced an increase, which, however, did not persist as the epidemic progressed. Furthermore, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine exerted a limited contagion effect on China’s stock market risks. These insights offer valuable guidance for China in managing economic and financial risks more effectively.
The molecular components of the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway are extrasplenic
The anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway describes the interaction between cholinergic vagal nerves and splenic immune cells, yet the exact mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway remain disputed. Here, we mapped the expression of key molecular components of the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway in the adult mouse using RNAScope in situ hybridization (ISH) and quantitative PCR (qPCR). In C57BL/6J wild-type male mice, we observed the expression of choline acetyltransferase (Chat) and alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (Chrna7) in various autonomic neurons throughout the body, but not in the spleen, even after bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. In contrast, the beta-2 adrenergic receptor (Adrb2), another autonomic receptor with well-documented anti-inflammatory actions, was highly expressed in the spleen, with a significant decrease following LPS administration. Interestingly, Adrb2 was also expressed at lower levels in the spleen of a newly generated global knockout mouse for Chrna7. Lastly, we did not observe YFP-positive cells or axons in the spleen of the ChAT-Cre-ChR2-YFP mouse. Based on our findings, we propose a new model of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway that highlights the roles of extrasplenic cholinergic signaling.