Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Contrast subgraphs catch patterns of altered functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder
A Golden Jackal based optimal operation and optimization of a virtual power plant involving renewable resources
Abstract This paper reports the optimum operation of a virtual power plant (VPP) to reduce the reliance on coal and gas-based energy generation. This practice not only promotes the incorporation of renewable-based energy sources but also reduces the reliance on fossil-based resources which are limited in the reserves. The selected VPP system comprises small hydropower, wind turbine, solar photovoltaics and fuel cells accompanied by a co-generation unit. The proposed VPP is also equipped with a storage facility applicable as a flexible storage option i.e., an electric vehicle followed by an energy storage system. In addition, the primary objective of this work is to lessen the overall cost associated with the system along with a reduction in the generated emissions. Moreover, a Golden Jackal-based Optimization inspired by nature is utilized in a single and multi-objective framework to attain the desired target objectives. Furthermore, the scheduling of the VPP system is carried out on a day-ahead basis and the outcome in terms of cost and emission is compared with the available work in the literature and the result reveals the effectiveness of the system in terms of quality solutions sets for the objectives, minimum computational time and better convergence behavior. In particular, there is a reduction in cost by 2.1% and 0.62% when compared with the salp swarm algorithm and beluga whale algorithm followed by 2.12% and 1.18% in emission. Furthermore, the cost/emission of the VPP system is also abridged by employing a Pareto-based approach which shows the suitability and effectiveness of the developed system.
Association between menopause, postmenopausal hormone therapy and peptic ulcer disease in Taiwanese population
The association between the American heart association’s new “Life’s Essential 8” and different types of arthritis: insights from a large population study
The Māori values that make good sense in science
The mediating and moderating effects of mindfulness and emotional intelligence on the emotional labor strategies and career resilience of tourism employees
Daily briefing: A worst-case weather scenario drove deadly flooding in Texas
Biochemical and psychological markers of fatigue and recovery in mixed martial arts athletes during strength and conditioning training
Abstract Mixed martial arts (MMA) training imposes significant physiological and psychological demands, increasing the risk of overtraining. This study aimed to assess temporal changes in biochemical and psychological fatigue and recovery markers during a structured 3-week strength and conditioning training program in professional MMA athletes. Ten male MMA athletes (26.2 ± 0.9 years; 7.0 ± 2.0 years of training experience) participated. Blood samples and psychological assessments (Profile of Mood States – POMS) were collected at four time points: pre-training (T-0), and after each training week (T-1, T-2, T-3). Analyzed biomarkers included cortisol, testosterone, catecholamines, hs-CRP, creatine kinase, and metabolic markers. Data were analyzed using repeated measures statistical tests to assess time-dependent changes. Cortisol and hs-CRP increased significantly after the first week (p < 0.01), while testosterone and catecholamines remained stable. Creatine kinase showed a persistent rise (p < 0.01), indicating muscle damage. Psychological assessments revealed increased fatigue, tension, and confusion, with reduced vigor (p < 0.05). Despite biochemical markers partially recovering, subjective fatigue persisted, highlighting a disconnect between physiological and psychological recovery. These findings highlight the importance of integrated monitoring strategies that include both biochemical and psychological assessments. The divergence between physiological and psychological recovery underscores the complexity of athlete fatigue and the need for integrated recovery interventions. Future research should explore long-term adaptations, sex-based differences, and targeted recovery strategies to optimize training, performance, and well-being in MMA athletes.
Development of postbiotic supplemented polylactic acid films for improving quality and shelf life of rainbow trout
Brown adipose tissue, anthropometric traits, and metabolic profiles in women with normal weight obesity
Study on the construction of a Chinese cardiovascular physician competency model
Investigation of soliton solutions to the (2 + 1)-dimensional stochastic chiral nonlinear Schrödinger equation with bifurcation, sensitivity and chaotic analysis
Influence of nano silicon dioxide from sand and rice straw ash on broiler productivity, antioxidant status and bone quality
Abstract This study evaluated the effects of sand- and rice straw ash-derived nanosilicon dioxide (NSis and NSia) on broiler chickens’ performance, blood biochemistry, antioxidant status, and tibia bone characteristics. Five hundred forty 10-day-old Arbor Acres male chicks were divided into nine groups, each with six replicates of ten chicks. Diets included a control group without additives, while others were supplemented with sand, rice straw ash, or their nanosilicon derivatives (NSis and NSia) at 300 ppm and 600 ppm. Results indicated significant improvements (P ≤ 0.05) in weight gain and feed conversion ratio in all treatments, with the best outcomes observed in chicks fed diets enriched with NSis or NSia. Blood parameters showed enhanced globulin levels and albumin/globulin ratios. Antioxidant status, assessed by total antioxidant capacity, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels, improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with NSis or NSia. Tibia bone characteristics, including width, breaking strength, and bone mineral density and concentration, were also significantly enhanced. No adverse effects on kidney or liver functions or thyroid hormones were observed across all treatments. These findings suggest that enriching broiler diets with sand or rice straw ash-derived nanosilicon dioxide can improve productivity, bone quality, and antioxidant status without any harmful effects.
Symmetry-breaking effects on spin–orbit torque switching in ferromagnetic semiconductors with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Effects of exercise on mobility, balance and gait in patients with the chronic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Cognitive flexibility is associated with the age of onset and duration among patients with type 1 diabetes
Abstract Cognitive impairment is a recognized risk in patients with type 1 diabetes, yet its contributing factors and overall impact remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to explore the relationships between specific cognitive functions—namely memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility—and clinical characteristics, including age of onset and diabetes duration, as well as glycemic factors, such as glycemic control and extreme glycemic events, in a cohort of 331 patients with type 1 diabetes. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Wechsler Memory Scale, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Sustained Attention to Response Task. Network analysis revealed that age of onset and diabetes duration were central nodes in the network, strongly influencing cognitive flexibility. Additionally, age of onset was associated with a history of severe hypoglycemia, while diabetes duration was linked to visual memory decline. Significant differences were observed between the network structures of the adult-onset and childhood-onset groups, with the childhood-onset group showing greater interconnectedness. These findings emphasize the critical impact of age of onset and disease duration on cognitive outcomes in type 1 diabetes. Longitudinal studies are needed to further understand these relationships and guide targeted interventions to preserve cognitive function.
Phase change composite based on protic ionic liquids 2-hydroxyethylammonium lactate and stearic acid for thermal energy storage systems at intermediate temperatures
Abstract The incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) within thermal energy storage (TES) systems represents a pivotal advancement in materials science, enabling the efficient harnessing and deployment of solar energy and waste heat. PCMs based on ionic liquids hold significant importance in various fields and applications due to their unique properties and advantages. The new family of phase change composites based on ionic liquids, (ILs) tris(2-hydroxyethylammonium) lactate ([THEA]La), bis(2-hydroxyethylammonium) lactate ([BHEA]La), and 2-hydroxyethylammonium lactate ([HEA]La) with stearic acid (SA), are presented in this work. These PCMs offer a secure and cost-effective capacity and function between 323 and 423 K. The flexibility to control chemical and phase characteristics, combined with good chemical and thermal stability, give ILs an inherent “green” quality that makes them ideal for PCMs. Using PCM1 ([HEA]La/Sa) the effective latent heat 245 J g−1. The PCM1 ([HEA]La/SA) was obtained according to the results of differential scanning calorimetry method which has a greater heat capacity rather than the other two PCMs. Thermal stability analysis indicates that PCM1 ([HEA]La/SA) has the highest level of stability (97.21%). This study delves deeper into the molecular underpinnings responsible for the impressive thermal energy storage capabilities exhibited by these ionic materials, elucidating their structural intricacies and highlighting the pivotal role of hydrogen bonds in enhancing PCM performance. By adopting this approach, we sidestep the intricacies and expenses associated with composite PCMs, relying instead on readily available and cost-effective materials.
Comparison of different tracheal intubation methods for unstable upper cervical spine injuries in a human cadaver model
Abstract In severe trauma, it is estimated that approximately 2% of patients will sustain a spinal cord injury. The optimal method for advanced airway management that will minimize any associated cervical spine movement remains a topic of debate. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the effects of different tracheal intubation techniques in unstable injuries of the cervical spine. Tracheal intubation using conventional laryngoscopy (CL), video laryngoscopy (VL) or flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FO) was performed in six fresh human cadavers. Compression of the dural sac as well as angulation, distraction and intubation time were assessed by myelography in the presence of isolated atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD) and of combined atlanto-occipital dislocation with atlanto-axial instability (AAI). In case of an isolated AOD, FO intubation resulted in significantly less compression of the dural sac at both levels compared to CL (− 0.46 mm vs. − 1.31 mm; p < 0.001, r = .66) for C0/C1 and (− 0.09 mm vs. − 0.19 mm; p = < 0.05, r = .36) for C1/C2 and VL (− 0.46 mm vs. − 0.64 mm; p = < 0.05, r = .42 for C0/C1 and (− 0.09 mm vs. − 0.22 mm; p = < 0.01, r = .52) for C1/C2. Atlanto-axial Angulation in simultaneous AOD and AAI, the differences between CL and VL were significantly in favor of VL (4.1° vs. 3.2°; p = < 0.05, r = .39), and using FO resulted in less angulation than CL (2.5° vs. 4.1°; p = < 0.001, r = .60) and VL (2.5° vs. 3.2°; p = < 0.05). FO required longer in the case of combined AOD and AAI (FO 16.6 s vs. CL 9.8 s; p = < 0.001, r = .56), (FO 16.6 s vs. VL 9.7 s; p = < 0.001, r = .56). The study demonstrated that tracheal intubation using VL caused significant less compression of the dural sac than the CL. FO showed the lowest compression at all measuring points, but took almost twice as long. For elective or stable patients, where time to airway management is not a relevant factor, FO appears to be the safest method. However, FO is not available everywhere, and in urgent emergency situations, the longer duration may not be acceptable. In such cases, video laryngoscopy can represent a compromise between duration and patient safety, and most physicians have more clinical experience with VL than with FO.