Browse Articles

Probabilistic analysis of ground settlement induced by soil and rock composite foundation excavation considering spatial variability

Effects of sonication on particle dispersions from a size, biodissolution, cytotoxicity and transferred dose perspective – a case study on nickel and nickel oxide particles

The toxicity of micro- and nanoparticles in cell culture studies is influenced by factors like particle size, agglomeration, dissolution of the particles, and methodological factors like sonication protocols. The main aim of this study was to investigate the influence of sonication on the particle size, dissolution, cytotoxicity, and dosing accuracy of nickel (Ni) metal and Ni oxide (NiO) particle dispersions. Such investigations are important to enable studies on the cellular uptake of different Ni substances in lung cells. The effect of sonication was evaluated in ultrapure water, two types of cell media, and A549 human lung cells using the tip and water bath methods. Extended sonication significantly decreased particle size and increased particle dissolution, emphasizing the need for optimized sonication conditions tailored to the specific particle type and study design. Observed findings demonstrate that the sonication step potentially can have a large impact on the results due to changes in particle characteristics, size, and dissolution, properties which are highly dependent on the particle type, solution composition, and sonication parameters. Although only small differences were observed in the limited assessment of cytotoxicity (A549 cells) in this study, further investigation is required to determine the impact of sonication on toxicity. This study also emphasizes the need to evaluate transferred dose samples due to the evident effects of agglomeration, sedimentation, and losses during sample transfer of particle dispersions. The study clearly illustrates that the choice of sonication protocol is particularly critical for toxicity studies, which are the basis of government regulatory decisions and human exposure limits.

Mitigating class imbalance in churn prediction with ensemble methods and SMOTE

Patterns of e-cigarette use and interest in cessation among current users in Ontario: An online cross-sectional study

Use of electronic cigarettes, commonly referred to as vaping, has increased substantially in recent years. Our present study aimed to explore vaping patterns and factors that may associated with intention to quit among participants in Ontario, Canada. In this original survey, a total of 757 participants over the age of 15 and currently using e-cigarettes were invited to complete an online survey via social media advertisement about vaping. We included participants who used any type of vaping device. Binary logistic regression modelling was applied to assess patterns of vaping with intention to quit. Of the 757 participants, 44.2% were under 25 years old, and 57.2% were male. Notably, 29.1% of respondents tried vaping before 18 years of age and 34.6% vaped regularly at 18 or younger. Of the sample, 81.4% reported vaping daily and 63.1% vaped more than 10 times a day. Almost half (49.6%) reported consuming more than 10 mg of nicotine per day, 23.8% were consuming more than 20mg of nicotine per day, and 6.2% were consuming more than 40mg of nicotine per day. Among respondents, 41.3% were interested in quitting. Regression analysis revealed that younger individuals, those consuming nicotine, and those with higher levels of nicotine dependence were more inclined to quit. Additionally, those who perceive vaping to be more harmful and more addictive showed a greater intention to quit. Conversely, individuals who perceive vaping to be less harmful or addictive than smoking were significantly less likely to quit. Our results also indicated that those who were vaping to quit smoking (42.7%), vaping socially (40.4%) and vaping to manage a mental health issue (37.2%) had the highest intention to quit. Those who vaped as it was healthier than smoking (32.3%), due to the flavours (33.6%), and financial reasons (34.5%) were least likely to want to quit. This study confirms that a large portion of e-cigarette users are young, daily users with high nicotine use and dependence. Given the high interest to quit vaping, there is a need for continued education, health promotion, prevention, and targeted treatment programs.

SHP1 and its downstream p38/SP1/PI3K/YAP/Notch-1 signaling in trophoblast cells suppressed the progression of Preeclampsia via inhibiting proliferation of SMCs

Research on compound twill generation algorithm based on moving matrix

To further enhance the authenticity of yarn simulation, we propose an algorithm for generating Compound Twills based on a moving matrix. Firstly, the key to designing composite twill is to determine the fly count. When the fly count of the twill is constantly changing, a composite twill can be obtained. Therefore, by utilizing the constantly changing characteristics of the fly count of the composite twill, a composite twill movement matrix model is established. Then, using this model, the appearance shape of complex fabrics can be reconstructed starting from simple composite twill. Finally, the Hilbert curve generation algorithm, the Bezier curve generation algorithm, and the proposed mobile matrix algorithm are selected for comparative experiments. After completing 8 steps of fitting for each of the three algorithms, their fitting accuracy is calculated. The average fitting accuracy of the three algorithms was 83.1%, 88.7%, and 96.8%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the efficiency of our proposed algorithm is nearly 40% higher than other mainstream algorithms, with an average error of 33% less.

Revealing the role of U2AF1 in splicing regulation and chimeric RNA dynamics

Evaluation of ERA5 wind parameter with in-situ data offshore China

There are abundant wind energy resources along the coast of China. Understanding spatial-temporal characteristics of wind speed is significant in meteorology, coastal engineering design and maritime industries. Reliable wind products such as reanalysis data, coupled with accurate wind speed measurements, are essential for elucidating the primary characteristics of the wind field. In this study, we evaluated hourly 10 m and 100 m wind speed data from the fifth-generation ECMWF atmospheric reanalysis (ERA5) by comparing it with direct wind measurements obtained from 19 wind tower located across the coastal waters of China. The results are as follows: 1) the basic statistical characteristic between ERA5 reanalysis and observed wind speeds demonstrate good consistency. However, the ERA5 tends to underestimate wind speed, particularly at high speeds during extreme conditions. 2) Compare ERA5 data with observations from each station using a frequency distribution-based score method, hourly scores of most stations are between 0.8 to 0.9. It shows the higher simulation skill in the northern region than the southern due to the influence of high-frequency typhoon in the South China Sea. 3)Distribution function parameters, mean values, variability, and wind threshold frequencies were analyzed for this ensemble of observation, providing an overall description of wind characteristics. Generally speaking, there is no clear linear relationship between scores and the other variables. On longer time scales (6–24 hours), the score and correlation between ERA5 and observations further increased, while the centered root-mean-square error (CRMSE) and standard deviation decrease. 4) Hourly wind data with a regular spatial distribution in ERA5 reanalysis provides valuable information for further detailed research on meteorology or renewable energy perspectives, but some inherent shortcomings should be considered.

Finite element analysis of welded titanium bar and poly ether ether ketone bar in maxillary full arch splinted interim prosthesis

Abstract Full arch fixed provisional restorations are prone to fracture during function for several reasons. Those types of fractures during the healing period eliminate the cross-arch stabilization and disrupt stress distribution patterns. FEA (Finite Element Analysis) study was carried out using edentulous maxillary models where implants and other components were represented in three dimensional (3D) geometric models. Two 3D FEA models with six implants were used. Model TB: the implants were splinted with welded titanium bar; Model PB: the implants were splinted with PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) bar. An interim full arch PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate) prosthesis was virtually designed for both models. Both models were subjected to vertical and oblique forces with a single force magnitude of 100 N. The amount of maximum equivalent Von-Mises stresses was calculated at the cervical part of the bone cylinder (marginal bone) and both frameworks. Under bilateral vertical loading, stresses were found to be comparable at the marginal bone between titanium and PEEK splinting. The PEEK framework had better and lower stress distribution than the titanium. While under unilateral oblique forces PEEK had better mechanical response on the marginal bone. And PEEK framework itself showed higher stresses than the titanium. The behavior of PEEK and Titanium splints are comparable under the vertical bilateral load. On the contrary to the oblique load, where the stresses are higher within the PEEK splint that correspondingly transmit less stresses to the underlying structures. So, PEEK was found successful in regards to the pattern of stress distribution to both implants and marginal bone, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and broader applicability.

Estimation of long-term river discharge and benefits evaluation of ecological water conveyance in Ertanggou basin from 2000 to 2020

Given the current ecological degradation in the inland arid river basins of our country, ecological water conveyance has increasingly become a critical measure to alleviate the pressures of water scarcity on ecosystems and to promote regional sustainable development. The Ertanggou watershed in Xinjiang was selected as the study area. This study utilized Remote Sensing Hydrological Station (RSHS) technology to calculate river discharge for typical cross-sections in the Tulufan Ertanggou basin from 2000 to 2020. The study also analyzed the impact of ecological water conveyance on different land types using land cover type data to assess the benefits of ecological water conveyance. RSHS technology offers reliable data support for estimating river discharge and evaluating ecological water conveyance. The average annual growth rates of the river basin discharge at the study sections are 0.36%, 1.2%, and 0.77% respectively from 2000–2016. All monitored river sections were glacial meltwater-dominated, and the accelerated melting of glaciers caused by climate warming was the main reason for the increasing trend. From 2016 to 2020, ecological water conveyance provided an average of 0.61 × 108 m3 of ecological water per year, with up to 10% water conveyance efficiency. Reservoir development and river training have significantly increased this efficiency. The ecological water supply was significantly correlated with changes in landscape patterns, such as cultivated land, grassland, and water bodies in the downstream area. The water area expanded by 6.14 × 105 m2, while cultivated land increased by 32.98%. It is evident that ecological water conveyance effectively promotes land use optimization and ecological balance. This study will provide new ideas for evaluating the benefits of ecological water conveyance in inland arid basins with limited data, offering theoretical support for future ecological water conveyance projects.

Improving lower-extremity artery depiction and diagnostic confidence using dual-energy technique and popliteal artery monitoring in dual-low dose CT angiography

Effects of nitrogen and precipitation on the life history of spring- and autumn-germinated plants of Hypecoum erectum L. (Papaveraceae)

Nitrogen deposition and precipitation are the topics of current global climate change, and also the major environmental factors influencing plant growth. This study utilized the ephemeral plant H. erectum, which is distributed in the Gurbantunggut Desert in northwest China, as the experimental material to analyze the influence of nitrogen deposition and water-nitrogen interaction treatment on the phenology, survival rate, plant traits, biomass accumulation, and seed dormancy of spring- and autumn-germinated plants. The research results indicate that increased nitrogen increases the survival rate of H. erectum spring- and autumn-germinated plants. There is no significant impact on phenological events. However, plant traits such as leaf number, leaf area, branch number, seed quantity, and biomass accumulation are all reduced. During the growth and development process, more biomass is allocated to reproductive organs, and result in the production of a large number of non-dormant seeds. Therefore, in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, nitrogen deposition plays a crucial role in the survival of plants and the rapid reproduction of offspring. After water-nitrogen interaction treatment, the survival rate of H. erectum spring- and autumn-germinated plants significantly increased. The main phenology (leafing date, first flowering date, last flowering date, fruiting date and withering date) were delayed, extending the life cycle of reproductive growth. Biomass accumulation in all organs increased with a same allocation trend, produce a large number of dormant seeds. Therefore, precipitation not only influences the biomass allocation of plants and regulates their nitrogen uptake, changes the growth mechanisms of plants in adverse environments.

Tunability of acoustic band gaps using Thue Morse quasiperiodic lateral resonators

Determining relative population-specific acceleration intensity thresholds in soccer using game locomotion data: Validation of a new method using data from male youth elite players

In soccer, relative population-specific acceleration intensity thresholds are required to create meaningful activity profiles. These thresholds can be derived from the maximal acceleration-initial running speed (amax-vinit) regression line, whose determination has so far required time-consuming testing. The aims of this study were to introduce a new method for determining population-specific amax-vinit regression lines in soccer using game locomotion data and to assess its validity as a function of the amount of data used. The method accounts for both the amount of data used and the distribution of high-intensity accelerations across the velocity measurement range when identifying maximal accelerations in game locomotion data. This is intended to minimize the risk of selecting submaximal accelerations or predominantly maximal accelerations with a positive random measurement error. Game locomotion data were collected from 55 male youth elite soccer players using a GPS-based tracking system. Multiple population-specific amax-vinit regression lines were determined using locomotion data from one to five games per athlete. Furthermore, each athlete completed an acceleration test to determine his test-based amax-vinit regression line. The mean biases for the regression coefficients (i.e., amax-intercept and slope) were estimated and assessed using standardization and Bayesian analysis. Regression lines based on locomotion data from two or three combined games showed trivial biases for both coefficients. However, due to the large uncertainty in the estimates, the chance of equivalence was only assessed as possibly equivalent. The proposed game-based method represents a viable and easy-to-implement alternative to the test-based method for determining population-specific amax-vinit regression lines in soccer. This simplifies the process of determining relative population-specific acceleration intensity thresholds, which are required for creating meaningful activity profiles.

The role of the DSM-5 maladaptive personality traits in adherence to sleep hygiene behaviors and sleep duration

Reliability and agreement during the Rapid Entire Body Assessment: Comparing rater expertise and artificial intelligence

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and agreement between human raters (novice, intermediate, and expert) and TuMeke Risk Suite when assessing work with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Twenty-one videos portraying veterinarians performing an equine radiograph were assessed with REBA by human raters and TuMeke Risk Suite (ergonomic artificial intelligence software). Intra-rater reliability of the final REBA score was highest for TuMeke Risk Suite (ICC = 1.0), then the expert rater (ICC = 0.89 (0.78–0.95)), and lowest for the novice rater (ICC = 0.51 (0.25–0.74)). Agreement between the expert rater and TuMeke Risk Suite was highest for scores of the trunk, leg, and upper arm, and lowest for the neck, wrist, and lower arm. The REBA tool in TuMeke Risk Suite may be of benefit to less experienced users to enhance reliability of their REBA assessments, especially when the trunk, legs, and upper arm are of primary interest.

Discrete wavelet integrated convolutional residual network for bearing fault diagnosis under noise and variable operating conditions

Nanoscale grinding: Unlocking the nutrient potential of oxidized phosphate rocks for sustainable fertilizer innovation

The current study delves into the transformative effects of intensive grinding to nanoscale upon oxidized phosphate rocks (PRs) of various grades, high (HMP), medium (MMP) and low (LMP) micro-sizes. Hence, the consequences of these transformative changes on phosphorous dissolution rate of these fractions using acetic acid, were carefully evaluated. The produced high (HNP) and medium (MNP) grades of nano-sized fractions revealed significant changes in their chemical composition, mineralogical, morphological and geometrical properties. Whereas the low grade, LNP, was moderately changed. HNP and MNP exhibited a remarkable increase in structural disorder (slight broadening of reflections) and Loss on Ignition (LOI) contents (10.62 and 13 wt.%, orderly), surpassing their counterparts (HMP: 6.04 and MMP: 10.92 wt.%). Despite the reduction in their P2O5 contents, HNP (31.23 wt.% and MNP (24.22 wt.%), astoundingly outperformed their micro-sized equivalents (HMP: 35.70 wt.%, MMP: 27.92 wt.%) in P dissolution. Therefore, HNP and MNP emerge as promising high-reactive P fertilizers for direct agricultural use and have a great potential as a source of P/Ca liquid fertilizer after nutrients balancing. So, eco-friendly grinding offers a potential approach to maximize PRs’ agronomic potential, but long-term environmental impacts should be evaluated.

Design and manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) for agriculture in arid areas

Abstract Innovative water-saving technologies aim to address the problem of water scarcity in agriculture, which faces significant challenges in solving the problem of agriculture in semi-arid and arid areas. This study specifically focuses on establishing a promising low-cost method to solve water scarcity and agriculture issues in semi-arid and arid areas. The objective of this study is to find an innovative engineering solution to design, manufacture, and produce an engineered product that has the potential to assist and change agriculture in semi-arid and arid areas. Design and manufacture of an innovative engineering product in the form of absorbent tiles (ATs), ATs can absorb and retain large volumes of water, helping to maintain moisture, and consistent moisture levels promote better root growth, and nutrient supply leading to healthier plants and increased crop yields, and reduce the need for frequent irrigation. The study objective was achieved by synthesis of two superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) materials, the synthesis of sodium polyacrylate (hydrogel#1) with five varying cross-linker content (wt.), synthesis of poly (sodium acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (hydrogel#2) with five varying cross-linker content (wt.), prepare the agriculture residual rice straw (RS) fiber length with three dimensions as a filler, prepare the natural adhesive (NA) solution as a biopolymer backbone, and design and manufacture hydraulic manual press ( test rig). These composites were mixed, compressed, and shaped to design and manufacture two tiles including AT1 (AT-NaPA) and AT2 (AT-AGMA) with different dimensions according to the effect root zone of the plant type to absorb and retain rainwater dew water and reduce irrigation frequency. Furthermore, ATs improve plant growth and nutrient supply under aridity condition and facilitate water conservation.

Sheltering from the storm: The role of a quality improvement collaborative focused on improving HIV care retention in New Orleans during and following Hurricane Ida

Background Climate-related events, including hurricanes in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA), are becoming more intense and frequent, presenting challenges to HIV-related health care system facilities, staff, and patients. Addressing these challenges through quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) may blunt their impact through redesign of systems, leading to improved retention in HIV care during severe disruptions. We present a case study of a federally-supported QIC that was in progress to improve care engagement when Hurricane Ida struck in August 2021. Methods We conducted key informant interviews with providers, health department staff, and capacity building specialists involved in the QIC. These interviews were augmented by fieldnotes from 4 learning sessions, day-long workshops that featured clinic-level and jurisdiction-level presentations and brainstorming, including efforts to improve emergency preparedness and respond to hurricanes. Results Immediate disruptions included damage and loss of physical buildings, homes, electrical power, and displacement of clients and providers/staff. These disruptions contributed to significant barriers to accessing HIV care and treatment. Efforts to overcome barriers resulted in solutions to help clients gain access to HIV treatment, especially at pharmacies in nearby states, to which they were evacuated or voluntarily relocated. Being part of the QIC and using QIC-related listservs and messaging apps allowed HIV-care teams to more effectively connect with clients, facilitate access to treatment, and feel less isolated as they navigated the hurricane’s impact. Although the QIC was not originally focused on climate change or disaster relief, following the hurricane, the necessity of addressing emergency preparedness became clear to ensure continuity of care during climate-related events. Conclusions There is an urgent need to build health care system resiliency against climate-related disasters and emergencies. QICs offer a vehicle for strengthening systems and assuring quality of care to address disasters and prepare for them, crises that are unfortunately ever more frequent as climate change advances.