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Predicting the tensile properties of heat treated and non-heat treated LPBFed AlSi10Mg alloy using machine learning regression algorithms

In this study, the ability of machine learning algorithms to predict tensile properties of both heat-treated and non-heat treated LPBFed AlSi10Mg alloy is investigated. The data was analyzed using various Machine Learning Regression (MLR) models such as Linear Regression (LR), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Decision Tree (DT). The AlSi10Mg alloys, heat-treated and non heat-treated, had different tensile characteristics. The tensile characteristics were forecasted using trained and evaluated MLR models. Because the performance of various MLR models has been verified by several performance indicators, such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), R2 (coefficient of determination), Mean Square Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). Moreover, scatter plots were made for checking the accuracy of the forecast. The GPR model demonstrated better prediction performance than the other three models, i.e., higher R2 values and lower error values for the heat-treated samples. For predicting the UTS value of non-heat treated samples, the LR model performs very well with R2 of 1.000. In that case, GPR has the better predictive performance for the other tensile features in non-heat treated samples. Summing up, it is obvious that GPR is well capable of predicting tensile properties of AlSi10Mg alloy with high precision. This indicates how important GPR is to additive manufacturing to achieve great quality.

Insights into 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate recovery from wastewater by electrodialysis with heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes

Abstract Due to the negative impact of ionic liquids (ILs) on the environment and their high cost, it is very important to examine their recovery and recycling methods. Thus, in this study, research on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([Bmim]HSO4) recovery from wastewater by electrodialysis (ED) is presented. The influence of the initial [Bmim]HSO4 concentration, the voltage, and the linear flow velocity on the effective [Bmim]HSO4 recovery was examined. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, factors such as IL percentage recovery, degree of concentration, electric current efficiency, and energy consumption were determined. It was found that as the initial concentration of [Bmim]HSO4 in the feed solution increased from 0.01 to 0.2 M, the [Bmim]HSO4 recovery efficiency increased. A 2.3-fold concentration of the [Bmim]HSO4 in the concentrate solution with a recovery of 98.8%, a current efficiency of 67.3%, and energy consumption of 28 kWh/m3 was achieved for ED of a 0.2 M [Bmim]HSO4 solution using heterogeneous ion-exchange membranes. Additionally, the voltage and linear flow velocity affected the [Bmim]HSO4 recovery. The highest ED efficiency for the recovery and concentration of [Bmim]HSO4 was obtained at an applied potential of 4 V, a 2 cm/s linear flow velocity, and 0.2 M IL in the feed solution.

Maturation of bovine cumulus oocyte complexes in follicular fluid with or without estradiol, progesterone or the combination affects cumulus cell expansion and blastocyst development

Although laboratory procedures for in vitro bovine embryo production have improved immensely, developmental capacity following fertilization is still limited, especially in comparison to in vivo-produced embryos. In vivo, the maturing oocyte is enclosed in the ovarian follicle and surrounded by its cumulus cells and follicular fluid. Hormones and other components of the follicular fluid change dynamically as the follicle develops and approaches ovulation. The importance of the in vivo follicular microenvironment for oocyte developmental competence has not been well defined, however. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of follicle size and relative estradiol and progesterone concentrations on cumulus cell expansion and early embryo development following follicular fluid exposure during maturation in vitro. All experiments and replicates contained a standard formulation control maturation medium (cOMM). Follicular fluid was collected via needle aspiration from small (2–5 mm diameter) and large (10–20 mm diameter) follicles and pooled according to size. The follicular fluid was added to a hormone-free base medium (eOMM) as follows: supplemented with 75% untreated large follicular fluid (LFF75), 75% untreated small follicular fluid (SFF75), 75% charcoal-stripped large follicular fluid (csLFF75), 75% charcoal-stripped small follicular fluid (csSFF75). Progesterone and/or estradiol were added to the charcoal-stripped follicular fluid treatments based on average concentrations found in fluid from pooled large or pooled small follicles. These six treatment media were formulated using eOMM as a base with the following designations and additions: 75% charcoal-stripped large follicular fluid + 37 ng/ml estradiol (csLFF+E2), 75% charcoal-stripped small follicular fluid + 23 ng/ml estradiol (csSFF+E2), 75% charcoal-stripped large follicular fluid + 160 ng/ml progesterone (csLFF+P4), 75% charcoal-stripped small follicular fluid + 140 ng/ml progesterone (csSFF+P4), 75% charcoal-stripped large follicular fluid + 37 ng/ml estradiol + 160 ng/ml progesterone (csLFF+E2+P4), or 75% charcoal-stripped small follicular fluid + 23 ng/ml estradiol + 140 ng/ml progesterone (csSFF+E2+P4). Cumulus expansion in the csSFF75 maturation medium was less than that of its untreated counterpart (SFF75), while cumulus cell expansion was similar for LFF75 and csLFF75. The addition of estradiol to the follicular fluid treatments was beneficial and improved cumulus cell expansion to values similar to cOMM, while progesterone alone had no effect. The greatest cumulus cell expansion was observed when both estradiol and progesterone were added to the follicular fluid treatments. Cleavage rates were generally reduced by follicular fluid treatments, with the exception being csSFF+P4 which had a cleavage rate similar to oocytes matured in cOMM. Blastocyst rates for LFF75 and csLFF75 were similar to cOMM, while SFF75 and csSFF75 reduced blastocyst rates. Interestingly, the follicular fluid treatments with added progesterone either maintained or improved blastocyst rates such that csLFF+P4 and csSFF+P4 were similar to cOMM. The same could not be said for any of the treatments containing estradiol, whether alone or in combination with progesterone. Taken together, these results suggest a dichotomous relationship between estradiol and progesterone during maturation. Estradiol supports cumulus cell expansion while progesterone concentrations during oocyte maturation are more important for subsequent embryo development.

Stability and displacement analysis of interlayered soft-hard slopes under seismic loading

RETRACTED: Skin cancer segmentation and classification by implementing a hybrid FrCN-(U-NeT) technique with machine learning

Skin cancer is a severe and rapidly advancing condition that can be impacted by multiple factors, including alcohol and tobacco use, allergies, infections, physical activity, exposure to UV light, viral infections, and the effects of climate change. While the steep death tolls continue rising at an alarming rate, lack of symptoms recognition and its preventive measures further worsen the case. In this article, we employ the ISBI-2017 dataset to present an improved FrCN-based hybrid image segmentation method with U-Net to improve detection performance. This paper proposes a hybrid approach using the FrCN-(U-Net) image segmentation technique to enhance results compared to an advanced method for detecting skin cancer types, such as Benign or Melanoma. The classification phase is then handled using the R-CNN algorithm. Our model shows better performance in both training and testing accuracy than any other existing approaches. The results show that the combined method is effective in enhancing early disease diagnosis, which in turn improves treatment outcomes and prognosis. This paper presents an alternative technique for skin cancer detection, which can serve as a guide for clinical practices and public health strategies on how to lower skin-cancer-related deaths.

Diversity of clustered protocadherin-α genes in neuronal identity and its role in short-term specific associative memory formation

Balancing health and socioeconomic impacts: A uniform framework for evaluating non-pharmaceutical interventions

This paper introduces a uniform evaluation framework for assessing the effectiveness of past non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in managing infectious diseases, taking into account the cultural and social differences between countries. The framework enables quantifying and finding the optimal balance of both the health and socioeconomic impacts of NPIs. The aim is to assist policymakers in understanding which NPIs lead to the optimal balance by highlighting unnecessary costs - the costs that could be avoided while maintaining the same infection rates. To assess the extent of unnecessary socioeconomic consequences experienced by a country during a past epidemic of infectious diseases, we use the following approach. First, we develop a model that predicts the number of infections from NPIs in a country. Second, we estimate the socioeconomic costs (SEC) of the NPIs universally for countries included in the study. Third, we develop a model that prescribes the NPI plans with the optimal trade-off between the number of infections and the SEC. Fourth, we create a model that specifically adjusts each country’s SEC. Finally, we provide additional analysis to increase comprehension of the effects of NPIs. Demonstrated through an analysis of COVID-19 pandemic responses in 17 countries, the study offers a systematic presentation of the framework and a concrete examination of the integrated effects of NPIs. It provides insights into interventions’ direct and indirect consequences, offering guidance for future epidemic responses. The framework enables a systematic understanding of the effects of the NPIs applied, acknowledging the national diversity in health measure acceptance and implementation. This allows for fair analysis across countries, identifying and displaying the economic, social, and health-related costs of suboptimal NPI strategies, i.e., unnecessary costs. The framework is applicable for any infectious disease, NPIs, or country, assuming the medical interventions are similar, e.g., timing and amount of vaccination.

Exploring the influence of perceived safety in residential underground car parks on residents’ satisfaction and well-being

Nutritional approach based in self-compassion versus energy-restricted diet approach in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating in adult women: a protocol for randomized clinical trial

The proposed study protocol aims to compare the effect of a nutritional approach based on self-compassion techniques compared to the traditional method through dieting on body image dissatisfaction, caloric restriction, and dysfunctional eating in women who feel dissatisfied with their bodies. Materials and methods This protocol was developed according to the guidelines of the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials 2013 Statement (SPIRIT) and presents a randomized clinical trial with women who are dissatisfied with their bodies and live in southern Brazil. Participants will be randomized to the self-compassion or diet group and attend eight-week weekly meetings. Body image dissatisfaction will be assessed using the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), dysfunctional eating will be assessed using the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-RS21), and levels of self-compassion will be measured using the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). The participants will answer the tools at the beginning of the study, at the end of the 8-week intervention, and 3 and 6 months after the end of the meetings. Discussion This will be the first study to compare these two approaches using body dissatisfaction and eating behavior as outcomes, not just body weight. To date, only observational studies have evaluated the relationship between self-compassion, body dissatisfaction, and dysfunctional eating behavior. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06084260

Development and validation of a clinical prediction model for Iliac vein compression syndrome in outpatients with varicose veins of the lower extremities

Multicultural teams: Does national diversity associate with performance in professional soccer?

This study examines whether the national diversity of players in multicultural teams affects the performance of professional soccer clubs. I analyze data from the top-tier leagues of six European countries – England, Belgium, Germany, Cyprus, Latvia, and the Netherlands – covering the 2015/2016–2020/2021 seasons. These leagues were selected because they impose no limits on the number of foreign players in senior squads, providing a clear view of this phenomenon. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimations in a forward stepwise approach, I find that national diversity does not correlate with club performance. However, the total number of foreign players is positively associated with performance, with each additional foreign player correlating with a 0.42% increase in win percentage. Moreover, the most complete model also indicates that an additional domestic league title is associated with a 0.99% increase in win percentage per title, while participation in the UEFA Champions League is associated with a 13.6% higher win percentage. Future research should explore the causal mechanisms underlying this relationship, examining how specific attributes of foreign players, such as playing style and experience, contribute to performance. Additionally, studies could investigate how management practices, particularly the adaptation of foreign players to a new country and culture, influence their impact on club success.

Comparative computational and experimental insights into the structural, electrical, and biological properties of CeO2 fluorite ceramics

Social support mediates the relationship between depression and subjective well-being in elderly patients with chronic diseases: Evidence from a survey in Rural Western China

Background The aging population has led to a marked increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly, significantly impacting their physical and mental health, as well as their overall quality of life. In rural regions of Western China, these challenges are exacerbated by limited access to medical insurance, low living standards, and inadequate mental health services. Consequently, the physical and mental well-being of elderly individuals with chronic conditions in these areas warrants focused attention. This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between depression, social support, and subjective well-being, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of social support. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a survey of 2,156 elderly individuals aged 60 and above, all living with chronic diseases in the rural areas of Qiannan, Guizhou, China. Pearson correlation and hierarchical linear regression analyses were employed to explore the relationships between the variables. A structural equation model was then constructed using Amos 23.0, based on the identified correlations between depression, social support, and subjective well-being. The bootstrap estimation method was applied to assess the mediating effect of social support in the depression-subjective well-being relationship. Results The analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between depression and subjective well-being, while social support showed a strong positive association with subjective well-being. Mediation analysis confirmed that social support significantly mediates the relationship between depression and subjective well-being, accounting for 10.23% of the total effect. Notably, the influence of subjective support on depression and subjective well-being was found to be more pronounced than that of objective support or social support utilization. Conclusions The findings highlight the necessity of strengthening the social support system for elderly individuals with chronic diseases in rural Western China, particularly by enhancing psychological and emotional support. This approach is crucial for mitigating depressive symptoms and improving subjective well-being in this population.

Rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry can age field caught Anopheles gambiae malaria vectors

Abstract Reliable estimates of the age structure of malaria mosquitoes would aid evaluation of the efficacy of vector control and inform models of malaria transmission. We have previously shown that rapid evaporative ionisation mass spectrometry (REIMS) could determine the age and species of laboratory reared mosquitoes and culicine mosquitoes from a river estuary in the United Kingdom. Here we investigated the robustness of this methodology by introducing additional environmental, genetic and physiological diversity in experiments using laboratory reared and field collected Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. REIMS reliably separated mosquitoes into 3 or 5 age groups with > 80% accuracy using mosquitoes of mixed physiological status reared in insectaries or collected from semi-field stations in Burkina Faso. In addition, REIMS could distinguish mosquitoes that were nulliparous from those that had undergone one or two oviposition cycles with an accuracy of 87%. In a proof of principle experiment REIMS readily distinguished mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium berghei from non-infected. Furthermore, we show that age grading is possible using only mosquito abdomens, leaving biomass for further molecular biological experiments. Finally, we used the model generated from mixed field collections to estimate the age structure of mosquitoes collected from inside houses.

The numerical simulation of droplet impact on surfaces is conducted using the SPH-DEM method

The process of liquid droplet impinging upon the surface of particles entails complex dynamics and significant deformation. In this study, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method coupled with the discrete element method (DEM) is employed to investigate the motion process of liquid droplet impacting the particle surface. A surface tension model is introduced into the SPH motion equation to calculate the motion of the liquid droplet. In the SPH-DEM coupling module, the viscous force and capillary force between the liquid droplet and the particles are taken into account. The surface tension model is verified through two cases: the free deformation process of a stationary square liquid droplet and the impact of a liquid droplet on a hydrophobic wall. The accuracy of the DEM model is validated through experimental verification of dry particle collapse. And the experimental results validate the accuracy of the SPH-DEM model in simulating the liquid droplet impact on the particle surface. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. Utilizing the SPH-DEM model, the influences of the droplet impact velocity and the particle diameter on the rebound phenomenon after the water droplet impacts the particle wall of the powder bed are respectively investigated. The results indicate that the higher the droplet impact velocity and the smaller the diameter of the powder bed particles, the faster the rebound rate of the droplet after impacting the powder bed layer.

An amalgamated load shifting cum curtailing policy with smart charging of PHEV for economic operation of microgrid system

Research on the impact of the ESG rating divergence of manufacturing firms on carbon emission intensity

The task of reducing carbon emission intensity is difficult for manufacturing firms in China under the national goal of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”. Numerous studies have confirmed the inhibitory impact of ESG performance on carbon emission intensity; nevertheless, the significance of ESG rating divergence as a derivative of ESG ratings has been neglected. Therefore, this study selects Chinese A-share listed manufacturing firms from 2011–2022 as a research sample and empirically examines the impact of ESG rating divergence on the carbon emission intensity of Chinese manufacturing firms via a higher-order fixed effects model. The study revealed that (1) ESG rating divergence creates disincentives for manufacturing firms to increase carbon emission intensity; (2) ESG rating divergence leads to an increase in corporate carbon emissions by inhibiting incentives for green innovation; and (3) mitigating financial constraints and enhancing digital transformation in enterprises diminishes the impact of ESG rating divergence on the carbon emissions of manufacturing firms. Furthermore, enterprise digital transformation can exert a moderating influence on both the initial and subsequent stages of the “ESG performance→green innovation→carbon emission intensity” pathway, predominantly in the initial phase. (4) The impact of ESG rating divergence on carbon emission intensity varies depending on the ownership, industry, geography, and level of competitiveness of manufacturing enterprises. The findings not only provide empirical evidence on the feasibility of expanding the standardization of ESG ratings within China’s regulatory framework but also provide useful inspiration for Chinese firms to reduce their carbon emission intensity and achieve sustainable development.

Assessment of radiation hazards from natural radionuclide activity in quarry sites and surrounding soils in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract This study assessed the radioactivity levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), specifically 40K, 232Th, and 238U, in quarry products and surrounding soils from four major commercial quarry sites in Osun State, Nigeria, using gamma spectroscopic technique. The average activity con40centrations of K, 232Th, and 238U in the quarry products are 332.55 ± 28.8, 9.72 ± 1.0, and 11.35 ± 1.0 Bq/kg, respectively, all below global averages. Radiation risk indices, including radium equivalent levels, effective dose rates, absorbed dose rates, gamma radioactivity level index, internal and external hazard indices, and gonadal dose equivalent, were evaluated. The radium equivalent levels ranged from 48.77 to 53.25 Bq/kg, well below the global limit of 370 Bq/kg, while the absorbed dose rates were 40% lower than the global average. Total effective dose rates and hazard indices were also significantly below safety thresholds, indicating negligible radiation threats. Statistical analysis revealed strong correlations between 40K and radiological indices, showing its dominant influence on overall radiation risk. Correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis further affirmed that the evaluated radiological risks were dependent on the radionuclides measured concentrations. The results conclude that both the quarry products and surrounding soils pose no significant radiation hazards, rendering them safe for construction and human activities.

1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA enhances the growth and physiological characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings under salt stress

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a glycophyte that can be easily poisoned by salt toxicity. 1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA is a crucial precursor in the biosynthesis of abscisic acid (ABA) in fungi that may alleviate salt stress in plants; however, the role of this compound on salt tolerance in rice has not yet been reported. In the present study, 1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA was applied to rice seedling varieties “Huanghuazhan” (HHZ) and “Xiangliangyou 900” (XLY900) to investigate the resulting tolerance against saline stress. Results demonstrated that salinity stress reduced the growth parameters of seedlings of two rice cultivars, made lower photosynthesis and fluorescence parameters. The salt treatment also increased the concentration and Na + content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of two rice cultivars, and decreased the catalase (CAT) activity, ascorbyl peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD) activity, ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) of rice seedlings of two varieties. The results showed that the exogenous addition of 1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA decreased salt-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative stress and improved the morphological characteristics of both rice cultivars, compared to cultivars without the addition of 1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA. Furthermore, changes in different phytohormones in rice seedlings were triggered by 1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA treatment. Simultaneously, the Na + /K + ratios in the shoots and roots of treated plants were lower than in the non-treated plants, which may be due to the higher K + concentration observed in treated plants under saline water irrigation conditions. In conclusion, this study revealed that 1’,4’-trans-diol-ABA may perform a significant function in increasing crop salt-stress tolerance.

Isotopic imaging with epithermal neutrons at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source

Abstract An advanced non-invasive isotopic imaging technique based on Neutron Resonance Transmission Imaging (NRTI) has been implemented at the INES beamline of the ISIS Neutron Muon Source (UK), featuring high sensitivity to isotopes and enabling enhanced contrast in bulk radiography. NRTI relies on the neutron resonant absorption reactions occurring at epithermal energies. Nuclear resonance energies are isotope fingerprints, since the energy position of resonance dips in the transmitted neutron spectrum is uniquely associated with the individual isotopes present in the sample. Using a time and space-resolved detector with an event-mode acquisition system it is possible to conduct simultaneous spectroscopy and imaging investigation by recording the transmitted spectra in each pixel. Resonance selections can be performed post-processing through specific data analysis tools to enhance the absorption contrast of selected isotopes and visualise their distribution in the bulk. A pilot study with samples enriched with Ag-109 and Ag-107 is presented to demonstrate the potential of NRTI at the ISIS facility as a powerful and competitive tool for isotopic imaging. Future quantitative calibration for accurate isotopic ratio evaluation will expand its utility across various fields, such as nuclear engineering and archaeology, enabling detailed non-invasive analysis of complex materials previously challenging with conventional methods.