Browse Articles

Temperature induced structural distortion and their effect on the physical properties of La0.6Sr0.4Mn0.8Co0.2O3 nanoparticles

Abstract The current study presents an unprecedented detailed investigation of the structural, magnetic, electrical, molecular, morphological and compositional analysis of the La0.6Sr0.4Mn0.8Co0.2O3 (LSMCO) nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel method and calcinated at 650, 1000, and 1100 °C. Rietveld refinements and FTIR analysis, confirmed the formation of perovskite structure, where Rietveld output was used to trace the effect of calcination temperature on the overall structural properties. The Jahn-Teller distortion in LSMCO was inferred from the rhombohedral distortion, cooperative octahedral tilting/canting, electron distribution density, and shifts in Mn–O bond absorbance. The Halder-Wagner model and Scherrer equation were used for accurate crystallite size calculations. Thanks to structural analysis, the magnetic behavior and conduction mechanism in the LSMCO nanostructure were well explained. Magnetic analysis demonstrated superparamagnetic-like behavior at 1100 °C. Electrical measurements in the temperature range showed semiconducting behavior (298–473 K), where dual activation energies were identified. The activation energy at low temperatures (0.02–0.11 eV) was ascribed to bond length and bandwidth changes, whereas the activation energy at high temperatures (0.138–0.24 eV) was ascribed to polaron-mediated conduction and to Jahn-Teller distortion. These findings demonstrate the potential of using LSMCO nanoparticles in applications such as medical fields and in advanced magnetic storage systems.

Revealing bioremediation potential of novel indigenous bacteria from oil-contaminated sites in the UAE: A combined bioinformatics and experimental validation

Microbial biodegradation of recalcitrant aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants represents an environmentally sustainable strategy for remediating contaminated sites. However, elucidating the metabolic capabilities and genetic determinants of biodegrading strains is crucial for optimizing bioremediation strategies. In this study, we comprehensively characterize the aromatic catabolic potential of two indigenous bacterial isolates, A. xylosoxidans C2 (A. x. C2) and A. xylosoxidans KW38 (A. x. KW38), obtained from hydrocarbon-impacted environments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Experimental validation through aromatic hydrocarbons supplemented growth studies confirmed the capability of the isolated bacteria to mineralize bisphenol A, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 1-naphthalenemethanol, and the high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), pyrene, in the presence of glucose. Their degradation efficiencies were comparable to or greater than those of Pseudomonas paraeruginosa, a well-characterized model organism for aromatic compound degradation. Integrated bioinformatic analyses uncovered fundamental aromatic catabolic pathways conserved across Achromobacter species, along with strain-specific genes that potentially confer specialized degradative capacities, highlighting the genomic basis of the observed metabolic versatility. Further, protein modeling based on the curated sequences revealed unique features of individual catabolic enzymes and their interaction networks. Notably, a dehydrogenase enzyme involved in aromatic ring cleavage was identified exclusively in these UAE isolates. These findings establish A. x. C2 and A. x. KW38 as promising bioremediators of diverse aromatic pollutants. Overall, the study exemplifies a powerful and comprehensive methodological framework that bridges bioinformatic analysis and experimental research to further optimize the effectiveness of experimental design. We achieved a substantial reduction in the number of unknown genetic and metabolic determinants of aromatic hydrocarbon degradation in the strains, reducing uncertainty by 99.3%, thereby enhancing the overall process and outcomes for systematic biodiscovery of pollutant-degrading environmental microbes to address ecological challenges.

A retrospective analysis of combination therapy with GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors versus SGLT2 inhibitor monotherapy in patients with MASLD

A CrossMod-Transformer deep learning framework for multi-modal pain detection through EDA and ECG fusion

Evaluation of sodium levels and changes in foods from the top 20 Canadian restaurant chains (2016–2020) against UK National Salt Reduction Maximum targets

High sodium intake contributes to hypertension, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Over 50% of Canadians regularly consume prepackaged and restaurant foods, which account for more than 70% of dietary sodium. Canada currently lacks public health strategies to address sodium levels in restaurant menu items, while the UK’s voluntary sodium reduction program (with targets set through the National Salt Reduction Initiative [NSRI]) led to significant reductions in sodium. The objectives were to compare sodium levels in Canadian restaurant menu items in 2020 to the UK NSRI 2024 targets and analyze changes between 2016 and 2020. Data were obtained from the University of Toronto Menu-FLIP (Food Label Information and Price) database, which includes over 20,000 items from 141 Canadian chain restaurants. A total of 3,616 menu items from the top 20 Canadian chains were assessed, of which 1,914 items in categories with UK NSRI 2024 targets were identified and compared to those targets, and 607 items were matched between 2016 and 2020 and analyzed for sodium changes. More than half (56.6%, n = 1,083/1,914) of items exceeded UK NSRI targets. Sodium (mg/100 g) showed a large decrease in 39.5% (n = 100/607) of items, a medium decrease in 15.8% (n = 63/607), little change in 28.9% (n = 182/607), a medium increase in 5.3% (n = 68/607), and a large increase in 10.5% (n = 194/607) from 2016 to 2020. The prevalence and magnitude of sodium changes varied by food category. Overall, there was a statistically significant but nutritionally insignificant reduction in sodium per serving from 2016 to 2020 (−24 ± 819 mg, p < 0.01). Canadian restaurant menu items were high in sodium, with more than half surpassing the UK NSRI targets. The observed increases and decreases in sodium highlight the need for Health Canada to set and for industry to adopt sodium reduction targets for restaurant menu items, similar to those in the UK.

Overcoming activity/stability tradeoffs in CO oxidation catalysis by Pt/CeO2

Variations among glioblastoma cell lines in boron-mediated enhancement of cell killing by proton beams

Scoping review of the literature on outcomes of the conservation reserve program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), one of the largest private lands conservation programs in the U.S., has played a critical role in soil erosion reduction, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat enhancement, and carbon sequestration since its inception in 1985. This paper contributes to the extensive research illustrating the benefits of the program by providing a scoping review of the peer-reviewed CRP literature. We conduct a broad-scale examination of the literature on CRP, identifying the gaps and trends in this literature to inform future research on this program. Through systematic analysis of 577 studies, we examined spatial and temporal trends in the literature, categorized CRP research into five major categories—including studies of wildlife, vegetation, air/soil/water, productivity, and social aspects—and conducted a detailed evaluation of the CRP outcomes in the wildlife and vegetation categories. For studies of wildlife-related outcomes of CRP we found studies of birds to dominate the literature, while research on other taxa such as fish, reptiles, and amphibians remains sparse. Geographically, most studies are concentrated in the Great Plains, leaving regions such as the Pacific Northwest underrepresented relative to CRP land share. This review highlights the need for long-term studies and additional research, including less-studied taxa and underrepresented regions, to better understand CRP’s potential for enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Discovery of multi-target anti-gout agents from Eurycoma longifolia Jack through phenotypic screening and structural optimization

Designing an innovative Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) framework for optimized teaching and delivery of physical education curriculum

Development of an embedded system-based automatic timing reminder device for improving autoclave cooling period management

Purpose The study was conducted with the aim of developing an automatic timing reminder device based on embedded systems to manage the cooling period of sterilized items autoclave in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD). The primary objective was to reduce the wet packs incidence rate and potential contamination risks by ensuring that sterilized items are allowed to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before handling. Materials & methods The device, which utilizes the ATMEGA328 as the central control chip, incorporates a diffuse reflection type photoelectric sensor switch and encompasses modules for storage, power supply, speaker, display screen, real-time clock, and working indicator lights. It was programmed with Arduino 1.8.19 software to initiate timing upon sensor obstruction and emit reminders at predetermined intervals. Installed on a sterilizer cart using plastic cable ties, the device was tested over a 4-week period against a control group that relied on traditional methods for determining cooling time. The study monitored cooling time compliance rate, wet packs incidence rate, the frequency with which SPD technicians touched sterilized items, and technician satisfaction through a self-designed survey. Results The experimental group, using the timing reminder device, achieved a significantly higher cooling time compliance rate of 92.93% compared to the control group’s 72.92%. The wet packs incidence rate in the experimental group was markedly lower at 0.18%, contrasted with the control group’s 0.49%. Furthermore, the number of times SPD technicians touched sterilized items in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared to the control group. Additionally, the satisfaction score in the experimental group was notably higher than that of the control group. Conclusion The automatic timing reminder device, developed based on embedded systems technology, demonstrates good cost-effectiveness and high satisfaction among SPD technicians. It effectively standardizes the management process of autoclave. Therefore, the device holds significant potential for widespread application in other SPDs. Future research will further explore the potential applications of embedded systems in the healthcare field to expand its value in various medical procedures.

Synthesis and properties of mirror-like large-grain graphite films

Study on the influence of blasting on the structural stability of newly-built and adjacent tunnels

Effect of forest cover change on the prevalence of acute respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, and fever among children under five: Using an ecosystem approach to child health

Introduction An ecosystem approach to child health emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and biological factors in shaping children’s health and well-being. However, it is not known whether changes in forest cover have an effect on common childhood illnesses. This study investigated the associations between forest cover and acute respiratory infections (ARI), diarrhoea, and fever among children under five in Nepal. Method This was a cross-sectional study based on the analysis of the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) datasets of 2011 (N = 5054) and 2016 (N = 4861). Forest cover data for the years 2011 and 2016 were extracted from high-resolution raster images from NASA Earthdata (30m resolution). We employed a logit model on the geo-linked NDHS datasets to compute the marginal effect of forest cover on ARI, diarrhoea, and fever. Results From 2011 to 2016, the prevalence of fever increased from 18% to 20%, while the prevalence of diarrhoea decreased from 14% to 7%, and ARI prevalence decreased from 5% to 3%. The mean tree cover percentage also decreased from 21% in 2011 to 19% in 2016. Forest cover was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of diarrhoea symptoms among children in both 2011 and 2016. Change in forest cover between 2011 and 2016 was significantly associated with a reduced probability of diarrhoea by 3.39% (Δy/Δx: −0.0339, 95% CI: −0.0141, −0.0535; p-value: 0.001), after adjusting for all other variables. No significant associations were found between forest cover change and changes in ARI and fever prevalence among children under five. Conclusion The present results should be interpreted cautiously, as they may not accurately reflect individual-level dynamics regarding the effect of forest cover on child health outcomes. The effect of forest cover in reducing childhood diarrhoea underscores the need for comprehensive child health programs that also incorporate environmental components.

Genetic architecture of bone marrow fat fraction implies its involvement in osteoporosis risk

Cohort profile of the Heidelberg study on diabetes and complications HEIST-DiC

Abstract The Heidelberg Study on Diabetes and Complications (HEIST-DiC) is a prospective longitudinal study focused on the development and progression of diabetes-associated complications. Participants with/without diabetes mellitus undergo annual phenotyping of diabetes-associated complications over 11 years. Assessments include: albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate for chronic kidney disease; clinical neuropathy scores, Purdue Pegboard test, electrophysiological examination, transcutaneous electrical nerve fiber stimulation, quantitative sensory testing and high-resolution magnetic resonance neurography for distal sensorimotor polyneuropathy; heart rate variability for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy; funduscopic examination of undilated pupils for retinopathy; the 6-minute walk test, spirometry, body plethysmography, and carbon monoxide-based diffusing capacity measurements for respiratory lung disease; non-invasive scores, transient elastography and hepatic ultrasound for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; ankle-brachial index and carotid intima-media thickness for peripheral atherosclerosis; hand grip strength for muscle function; bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition; skin autofluorescence for measurement of advanced glycation end products. Beta-cell function and tissue-specific insulin sensitivity are evaluated using oral glucose tolerance test or euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. The biobank stores specimens of blood, urine, skeletal muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and skin. Health-related quality of life, physical health, and somatic and depression symptoms are measured via standardized questionnaires. HEIST-DiC explores diabetes onset in high-risk individuals, disease progression and the development of complications, aiming to design personalized strategies to prevent, mitigate, or reverse diabetes-related complications. Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03022721, date of registration 20170112).

Complex relationship between crop yields and crop growing period: The shortened growing period before flowering contributes to yield increase in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Predictions from process-based crop models have suggested that shorter growing seasons due to increases in temperature will lead to reductions in crop yields. However, a study to assess this relationship using statistical data would not be sufficient. In this study, a statistical analysis was carried out using historical crop calendar data and yield data for common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) to investigate how increased temperature affects crop yields through changes in the growing season. First, the parameters of the model representing the relationship between weather and growth rate were estimated using crop calendar data in Japan. Second, the relationship between climate factors and yield was estimated using the generalized additive model. We then examined how rising temperatures under future weather conditions would affect yield through changes in buckwheat growth rate. The results suggested that integrated solar radiation before flowering had a negative effect on buckwheat yield, while integrated solar radiation after flowering had a positive effect on yield. It was suggested that the growth rate of buckwheat was faster at higher temperatures and slower at longer day lengths. Under future climate conditions, higher temperatures and shorter pre-flowering periods were predicted to result in longer post-flowering day lengths and more integrated post-flowering solar radiation due to a longer post-flowering growing season. As a result, the increase in growth rate due to increased temperatures had a positive effect on yield outweighed the slight negative effect of the temperature increase after flowering. Based on historical statistical data, this study analyzed the complex effects of phenology changes due to increased temperature on crop yields, and similar analyses are expected to be conducted for other crops in the future.

Conversion of methane to C2 liquid oxygenates by Ru atom arrays

Study on the resilience of command and control networks to cascading failures based on asymmetric group dependencies

Investigating the impact of dehydration and hydration on In-Vivo hip soft tissue biomechanics

Hip soft tissue biomechanics has a significant effect on hip loading and fracture risk during falls. Despite the high dehydration rate in older adults, athletes, and outdoor workers and its association with a higher risk of falls, the effect of dehydration on hip soft tissue biomechanics is unknown. Twenty participants (13 females and 7 males, aged 18–35) underwent indentation tests and ultrasound imaging over the greater trochanter in both hydrated and dehydrated states. We assessed the hydration levels using a urine color chart and measured the tissue thicknesses via ultrasound. Results showed a significant increase in peak force (from 12.67 ± 9.09 N to 15.46 ± 9.23 N, p < 0.05) under dehydration. We observed notable sex differences, with males exhibiting higher stiffness and energy absorption than females, despite variations in peak force. Fat thickness emerged as a critical predictor of biomechanical response, particularly in the dehydrated state. These findings underscore the importance of hydration in maintaining soft tissue integrity and reducing injury risks. Future work should explore chronic dehydration effects and include broader demographic variations to enhance fall prevention strategies and clinical practice. This research also highlights the need for targeted hydration management in at-risk populations.