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Association between glycemic variability and mortality in critically ill patients with heart failure
Thermodynamic analysis of magnetocaloric properties of ferromagnet undergoing structural phase transition near Curie temperature
Abstract A thermodynamic analysis of the magnetic, caloric and magnetocaloric properties of the ferromagnets undergoing the structural phase transitions (SPTs) near the Curie temperature has been carried out taking into account the effect of SPT on the energy of magnetic subsystem of ferromagnet. A special emphasis has been placed on the account of minimum conditions for Gibbs free energy and the modification of magnetic Maxwell relations with consideration of the effect of SPT on the magnetic energy. The computations, based on the commonly used equations for the energy and entropy of the magnetic subsystem of ferromagnet, discovered and estimated quantitatively a drastic dependence of magnetic heat capacity and magnetic-field-induced temperature change on the difference between the SPT temperature and Curie point. The performed theoretical analysis is aimed to motivate the systematic experimental research of magnetic and magnetocaloric materials undergoing the SPT at temperatures intentionally tuned close to the Curie point.
Interlaboratory validation of an optimized protocol for measuring α-amylase activity by the INFOGEST international research network
Abstract The activity of α-amylases is frequently determined using a single-point assay at 20 °C. Previous work within INFOGEST “Working Group 5 - Starch digestion and amylases” identified significant interlaboratory variation with this protocol. The current study aimed to evaluate the repeatability (intralaboratory precision) and reproducibility (interlaboratory precision), measured as coefficients of variation (CVs), of a newly optimized protocol version based on four time-point measurements at 37 °C. Human saliva (a pool from ten healthy adults) and three porcine enzyme preparations (two pancreatic α-amylases and pancreatin) were tested in 13 laboratories across 12 countries and 3 continents. Assay repeatability for each lab remained below 20% for all test products and the overall repeatability was below 15%, ranging between 8 and 13% for all products. Reproducibility was greatly improved with interlaboratory CVs ranging from 16 to 21%, i.e. up to four times lower than with the original method. Five laboratories repeated the same assay at 20 °C, and the amylolytic activity of each product increased by 3.3-fold (± 0.3) from 20 to 37 °C. The newly optimized protocol is henceforth recommended to ensure precise determinations of α-amylase activity levels and to facilitate comparisons across different studies.
Utilizing PBF-LB/M AlSI10Mg alloy post-processed via KOBO-extrusion and subsequent cold drawing to obtain high-strength wire
Abstract This study investigates the efficacy of a multi-stage thermo-mechanical processing route, comprising KOBO extrusion followed by cold drawing, for enhancing the mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloy produced via by powder bed fusion laser beam melting (PBF-LB/M). The objective was to develop high-strength wires from this additively manufactured alloy. The microstructural evolution throughout the processing sequence was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). KOBO extrusion transformed the initial as-built microstructure into a fine-grained, composite-like structure, characterized by a refined α-Al matrix with homogeneously distributed, fragmented Si particles. This resulted in a compelling combination of mechanical properties, including an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 324 MPa and a total elongation of approximately 10%. Subsequent cold drawing induced significant strain hardening and further grain refinement, achieving an average grain size of − 700 nm. This raised the UTS to 401 MPa, though it was accompanied by a substantial reduction in ductility to − 0.6%. These findings demonstrate that the synergistic combination of KOBO extrusion and cold drawing is a promising pathway for fabricating high-strength AlSi10Mg wires from PBF-LB/M -processed feedstock.
Practical strategies for film-side sowing technology to enhance root lodging resistance and grain yield in spring maize on the loess plateau
DCDC PUF an enhanced implementation of ring oscillator based PUF
Magnetic nanohybrids of folic acid as green biocatalysts for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
Monosodium glutamate enhances freeze-dried mouse sperm quality during room-temperature storage
miR-361-5p contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
Fission–fusion dynamics and spring movements in first-year carrion crows Corvus corone challenge the efficiency of culling strategies
Porphyrinic MOF-derived novel nanocomposite for gastric anticancer and Helicobacter pylori photoantibacterial effect assay
Microbiome variation between male and female Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from camels in the UAE
Enhancement of optical limiting activity of para-aminobenzoic acid using silver nanoparticles
ANN assisted design of broadband near perfect metasurface absorbers exploiting InAs nanorods for visible light harvesting
The role of cooperative membership in promoting agricultural green production technologies among rice farmers in rural China
The analysis of landscape design and plant selection under deep learning
0.91 V reference, 3.3 ppm/°C Sub-BGR with second-order compensation and improved PSRR
Prevalence and determinants of hypertension in rwanda: a secondary data analysis using the WHO STEPS survey 2022
Abstract Hypertension is a major public health concern and a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in Rwanda. While previous national surveys have documented its burden, updated analysis of current prevalence patterns and determinants is needed to inform contemporary prevention strategies. This study aimed to assess hypertension prevalence and key determinants using data from the 2022 Rwanda WHO STEPS Survey to inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies. This secondary data analysis utilized nationally representative data from the 2022 Rwanda WHO STEPS Survey. Bivariate analysis was conducted using weighted chi-square tests to examine associations between hypertension and sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables. Variables with p < 0.05 in bivariate analysis were included in a weighted multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent factors associated with hypertension. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 17, accounting for the complex survey design. Bivariate analysis was conducted using the chi-square test to assess associations between hypertension and independent variables. Significant variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent factors associated with hypertension. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 16.8%, with higher rates observed among older individuals and those with obesity. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, compared with younger adults, respondents aged 60–69 years were 5.7 times more likely to have hypertension (AOR = 5.7, 95% CI [3.76–8.65], p < 0.001). Overweight and obese individuals were 1.6 times more likely to have hypertension (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI [1.20–2.00], p = 0.001). Alcohol consumption in the past 12 months was associated with increased hypertension risk (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI [1.11–1.87], p = 0.006). Geographic disparities were noted, with individuals in the Northern (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI [1.05–2.09], p = 0.025), Western (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI [1.21–2.24], p = 0.002) and Southern (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.26–2.27], p < 0.001) provinces at greater risk compared to the Eastern province. Hypertension is prevalent in Rwanda, with age, obesity, alcohol consumption, and regional disparities emerging as key risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including hypertension screening, weight management programs, and lifestyle modifications. Strengthening community-based prevention initiatives and policy-driven strategies can improve cardiovascular health outcomes in Rwanda.