Browse Articles

Nature-based solutions extend the lifespan of a regional levee system under climate change

Abstract Nature-based solutions are receiving increasing attention as a cost-effective climate adaptation strategy. Horizontal levees are nature-based adaptation solutions that include a sloping wetland habitat buffer fronting a levee. They can offer a hybrid solution to reinforce traditional levees in estuarine areas—plants on the horizontal levee can provide wave attenuation benefits as well as habitat benefits, but how the design of horizontal levees influences risk of levee failure remains unquantified. We use a hydrodynamic model, XBeach non-hydrostatic (XB-NH), to assess the stability and sustainability of existing levees and determine how hybrid nature-based climate adaptation measures can reduce the risk of overtopping on levees in San Francisco Bay. We compare overtopping rates in the existing levee system and in a variety of nature-based adaptation scenarios using a range of widths and slopes of horizontal levees to assess how horizontal levees perform in reducing risk of flooding, both with present day conditions and sea level rise. We show that climate change will challenge existing levee flood defenses in San Francisco Bay and increase the risk of overtopping, and that the nature-based solution of horizontal levees can meaningfully reduce risk of overtopping while simultaneously supporting marsh habitat. Flood risk reduction and habitat provision are both maximized with more gradually sloping and wider horizontal levee designs. Results show that the risk of overtopping can be reduced by up to 30% with horizontal levees. This analysis provides insight into horizontal levee design considerations and a methodological approach to adapt levees to prepare for climate change in urban wave-exposed estuaries. We show that horizontal levees can support preparation for the projected impacts of sea level rise (SLR) while simultaneously providing new intertidal wetland habitat.

Evaluating the support and associated strain distribution in unilateral obturator with different designs: An experimental and finite element study

This study aimed to evaluate support (the resistance to tissue-ward movement) and strain distribution in unilateral obturators with four designs using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Twelve epoxy-resin models were prepared to receive removable obturators that have four designs, including acrylic resin-based obturators (ARO), linear (LDO), tripodal (TDO), and a newly modified one termed fully tripodal design obturator (FTDO) were used for DIC. The models were installed in a DIC set to receive a vertical load of 150N. The strain on the dentate and defect sides was evaluated using DIC software. Mathematically, four finite element models were prepared to receive vertical and lateral loads of 100N on two points. The support and strain were assessed using the ANSYS workbench. Using DIC, the ARO demonstrated the highest strain values on the defect area and as an entire prosthesis, followed by the LDO on the defect side. Using FEA, the TDO produced the highest strain value with anterior (oblique) and posterior loads. LDO produced the lowest support and highest strain on the anterior teeth compared to TDO and FTDO. ARO resulted in the highest total strain, while the TDO produced the lowest. Both TDO and FTDO were comparable in terms of strains and support.

Anti-HBs persistence and anamnestic response among medical interns vaccinated in infancy

Abstract Medical interns are at high risk of acquiring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection during their training. HBV vaccination is the most effective measure to reduce the global incidence of HBV. The duration of protection after HBV vaccination is still controversial. We aimed to determine the prevalence of protective anti-HBs levels among medical interns who had received compulsory hepatitis B vaccination in infancy, and to assess the anamnestic response of those subjects with non-protective antibodies titers, to a booster dose of the vaccine. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 519 medical interns in 2022. We examined their immunization status and records. Blood samples were collected and qualitative testing of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and quantitative testing of Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were performed. For medical interns whose titers were ˂ 10 mIU/mL, a booster dose of the vaccine was given, followed by repeat testing of anti-HBs 2 months later. About 304 (58.6%) of the medical interns revealed titers higher than or equal 10 mIU/mL. About (44.93%) of male medical interns showed an immunity level below 10 mIU/mL. However, (43.91%) of female medical interns had an antibody titer of 100 mIU/mL or higher. All subjects who got a booster dose presented a titer level of 10 mIU/mL 2 months later. About (41.4%) of our medical interns enrolled in the study had anti-HBs titer ˂ 10 mIU/mL. This raises the importance of establishing a screening protocol and offering booster dose for those at risk to protect them against the high risk of infection.

Seismic performance analysis of braced steel structures based on vibration experiments and finite element simulation

The study analyzes the seismic performance of spatial steel frame structures by creating a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model and designing vibration table model experiments. This is done to ensure the seismic performance of the steel framing-bracing system in spatial steel frame structures and to raise the level of seismic and disaster prevention technology of steel structures. The outcomes revealed that under the experimental load consisting of simulated seismic waves generated by the shaker, the initial natural frequencies of the bidirectional bracing arrangement in white noise in the X and Y-directions were larger, 53.18 Hz and 72.49 Hz, respectively. The decrease of the vibration frequency of the bidirectional bracing arrangement structure was smaller under the increase of the excitation acceleration. In El Centro seismic waves, Taft seismic waves and Wenchuan seismic waves, the changes of damping ratio, acceleration amplification factor and relative displacement of bidirectional bracing arrangement were smaller than those of unidirectional bracing arrangement. The bidirectional bracing was beneficial to the overall stiffness and seismic performance of the structure, and helps the steel frame structure to resist lateral displacement. At the same time, the bidirectional support was more favorable to the seismic performance if the support structure was arranged according to the wave, which could effectively reduce the strain. Under the simulated seismic action of the 3D non-linear finite element model, the finite element model results were tested by inputting the parameters of Wenchuan seismic wave, the fit between the finite element model results and the vibration table experiment results was high, and the acceleration time-course curve and displacement time-course curve were basically the same. The simulation errors of the maximum values of acceleration and displacement were 7.0% and 4.0%, and some of the larger errors were within the acceptable error range. This study provides reference and theoretical guidance for the research on the seismic performance of steel framing - bracing system under seismic action, which is conducive to the expansion of the application field of steel seismic structures.

Executive function in preschool children who stutter: a behavioral assessment study

How patients experience nurse-doctor collaborative care at specialist clinics: A qualitative study

Introduction Patient experience of interprofessional collaboration in primary care has been well-studied but not in specialist clinics. Our qualitative study aimed to understand patients’ experience of a nurse-doctor collaboration at three specialist clinics (Epilepsy Clinic, Neuroimmunology Clinic, and Persistent Concussion Clinic) in a tertiary neurology care centre in Singapore. Methodology Between December 2023 and April 2024, participants of different demographic and disease profiles from the three specialist clinics were recruited using maximum variation selection. We generated observation and interview data to understand patient experience in a multifaceted and in-depth manner. We analyzed the data using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Results We observed 27 patients, of whom 12 agreed to be interviewed. We constructed two themes. The first discussed the patients’ varied receptivity to interprofessional collaboration depending on their perceived healthcare needs. Most patients valued collaborative care as it saved time and enhanced their access to psychosocial and financial support. However, patients whose disease status was still active preferred to consult the doctors for symptomatic management through drug treatment. They were observed to be reticent about sharing their preference with the care team. The second theme examined the absence of formal introduction of the concept of interprofessional collaboration to the patients. Some patients appeared to be unaware that specialist nurses were qualified to collaborate with doctors, and this lowered their perceptions of the nurses’ competence and seemingly weakened their receptivity to IPC. Conclusion Patients’ experience of IPC at specialist clinics varied depending on patients’ perceived healthcare needs. To optimize patients’ receptivity to IPC, the provision of collaborative care should be calibrated to fulfill different patients’ perceived and actual healthcare needs. Doing so may optimize the value of collaborative care to patients. Further enhancements to patients’ receptivity would involve the intentional effort to prepare patients for collaborative practice.

Applying causality to environmental security in Iraq

Self-care practice and associated factors among hypertensive patients who have follow-ups in public hospitals of Bahir-Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, a mixed study

Background Hypertension is defined as the sustained elevation of blood pressure to levels greater than 140/90 mmHg. It is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for 13% of total deaths and 7% of the global burden of disease. This condition can be significantly reduced by strictly adhering to various self-care practices for hypertension management, including compliance with prescribed antihypertensive medications, reducing salt intake, consuming a balanced diet, avoiding harmful alcohol use, engaging in regular physical exercise, and quitting tobacco smoking. Objectives The aim of this study is to determine self-care practices and associated factors, as well as to explore barriers to these practices among hypertensive patients in public hospitals in Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods and materials An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study, triangulated with qualitative research, was conducted from March 12 to April 12, 2021. A total of 415 participants were selected from three study settings. Data collected from a structured questionnaire were entered into EpiData v3.01 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Both univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed. The statistical significance of associations between variables was determined using odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-values below 0.05. Eight purposively selected individuals participated in the qualitative component of the study. Results Good self-care practices for hypertension were observed in 44.8% of participants. Significant predictors of good hypertension self-care practices included age ≥ 60, education level of secondary school or higher, employment in government positions, controlled blood pressure, good knowledge about hypertension, strong social support, and a positive perceived health status, with Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of 3.04 (1.26, 7.33), 7.82 (2.79, 21.98), 1.53 (1.53, 14.90), 3.14 (1.70, 5.80), 2.27 (1.17, 4.41), 2.71 (1.31, 5.61), and 2.56 (1.35, 4.85), respectively. Major identified barriers included lack of emotional stability and stress, financial problems, lack of commitment, lack of attention, and inadequate counseling from health professionals. Conclusions Less than half of the participants demonstrated good self-care practices for managing hypertension. Strategies, programs, and guidelines should be developed to help clients understand the importance of multi-dimensional well-being in relation to various aspects of hypertension self-care practices. Furthermore, all patients should receive comprehensive and tailored information on recommended self-care practices and be assessed for barriers to adherence to these practices.

A decentralized power injection-based approach for voltage imbalance mitigation in three-phase distribution networks

A Study on the spatial form of traditional villages in jiangnan region of china from the perspective of human thermal comfort: A case study of nanjing, jiangsu province

Traditional Chinese villages embody the ecological wisdom of ancient people to “conform to nature and transform nature”. In the long-term process of natural evolution, the natural environment and human production and living space have been combined to develop a unique spatial pattern with climate adaptability, which has the ability to cope with and regulate natural climate. Under the context of China’s rural revitalization, a study into the microclimate and thermal comfort of traditional villages holds promise for fostering the development of ecologically sustainable and aesthetically pleasing rural communities. This study focuses on three representative traditional villages in Nanjing. By employing a combination of measured data and ENVI-met numerical simulation, the microclimate effects of distinct spatial domains in these villages are analyzed. Additionally, the thermal comfort PET values are calculated using the Rayman platform, thereby objectively examining the relationship between spatial configuration and microclimate factors in Jiangnan traditional villages. The findings reveal that the PET values range from 38.4 to 57°C in summer and from 0.1 to 27°C in winter, with winter thermal comfort generally surpassing that of summer. From various villages. the internal water system of Shishanxia Village is scattered and the space is dense, with good ventilation and balanced humidity. Therefore, its thermal comfort in winter and summer is optimal. The northern mountain of Huanglongxian Village can effectively block the northwest monsoon and form a wind barrier, which can achieve the effect of keeping warm and controlling temperature in winter. Therefore, Huanglongxian has better thermal comfort in winter. Huashu Village is surrounded by water systems, with dense internal buildings and large hard areas inside the village. Plants are scarce, which can easily cause local high temperatures due to the absorption and radiation of solar radiation by hard underlying surfaces and buildings. Therefore, the comfort in winter and summer is the worst. Finally, the spatial configuration and landscape elements that influence human thermal comfort are revealed and transformation strategies tailored to each space type are summarized, aiming to provide scientifically grounded and rational recommendations for climate-adaptive design in rural areas.

Structural and environmental impacts of concrete quality a comparative life cycle assessment

Performance comparison of streptavidin magnetic beads for epcam expressing cancer cell lines for circulating tumor cell (CTC) enrichment in a flow-through immunomagnetic system

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring. However, their scarcity limits their utility as current enrichment techniques are hampered by low volume throughput and/or the inability to capture CTCs with low target antigen densities. Our group previously reported a device capable of processing samples in a flow manner using an optimized Halbach array to enhance the capture of low EpCAM-expressing cells (Flow-through Immunomagnetic CTC Enrichment system). In this study, we tested the capture efficiency of eight commercially available streptavidin magnetic beads using this device to identify the most suitable bead. Results indicate that using this system, the best-performing magnetic beads are in the ~ 100 to ~ 150 nm size range. Considering the combination of binding efficiency and final sample purity, we found that among the beads tested in combination with biotinylated anti-EpCAM, MojoSort Streptavidin Nanobeads performed the best, with high capture efficiencies for both the high EpCAM expressing LNCaP and low EpCAM expressing PC3–9 cell lines. For CTC enrichment from the blood of cancer patients, reducing the number of WBCs co-enriched with these beads will be essential, especially when processing large-volume samples acquired, for instance, through diagnostic leukapheresis to overcome the limitations caused by the scarcity of CTCs.

Synergistic effect of ammonium and potassium on carrot growth, physio-biochemical mechanisms, and water use efficiency under varying irrigation regimes

Abstract The beneficial effects of ammonium nitrate and potassium humate on carrots are well-documented. However, their impact on physiological and biochemical mechanisms under varying irrigation conditions still needs to be explored. Here, we investigated the effects of soil-applied ammonium nitrate and foliar-applied potassium humate on the physio-chemical characteristics and water use efficiency of carrot plants under three irrigation levels: 100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Carrot plants were treated with two rates of soil ammonium nitrate (200 and 250 kg N ha− 1), foliar potassium humate (200 and 400 g 100 L− 1), and four combinations of these treatments. Under 80% of ETc, the combined applications of soil ammonium nitrate and foliar potassium humate significantly influenced the leaf contents of chlorophyll a, nitrate, ammonium, catalase, carbohydrate, and soluble sugar patterns, enhancing osmotic regulation under water deficit conditions. Interestingly, when carrots were irrigated by 100% of ETc instead of 80 and 60% and sprayed with 400 g 100 L− 1 of potassium humate in combination with 250 kg N ha− 1 of ammonium nitrate, water use was decreased by 49.2 and 30.7%, respectively. We attributed that to: a), the observed increments in NH4 concentrations in the leaves under 100% ETc which caused negative physiological impacts on chlorophyll, and b) the change in C/N and N/P ratios. This highlights the importance of choosing a suitable irrigation pattern for carrot crops when the potassium humate in combination with ammonium nitrate is adapted. Overall, using foliar potassium humate at a rate of 200 g 100 L− 1 with soil ammonium nitrate applications at 250 kg N ha− 1 under 80% ETc attained the highest yield and water use efficiency.

Predictive accuracy of changes in the inferior vena cava diameter for predicting fluid responsiveness in patients with sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Existing guidelines emphasize the importance of initial fluid resuscitation therapy in sepsis management. However, in previous meta-analyses, there have been inconsistencies in differentiating between spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated septic patients. Objective To consolidate the literature on the predictive accuracy of changes in the inferior vena cava diameter (∆IVC) for fluid responsiveness in septic patients. Methods The Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical (CBM) and VIP (Weipu) databases were comprehensively searched. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata 15.0 software and Meta-DiSc 1.4. Results Twenty-one research studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. The sensitivity and specificity of ∆ IVC were 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.90) and 0.87 (95% CI 0.80, 0.91), respectively. With respect to the distensibility of the inferior vena cava (dIVC), the sensitivity was 0.79 (95% CI 0.68, 0.86), and the specificity was 0.82 (95% CI 0.73, 0.89). For collapsibility of the inferior vena cava (cIVC), the sensitivity and specificity values were 0.92 (95% CI 0.83, 0.96) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86, 0.97), respectively. Conclusion The results indicated that ∆IVC is as a dependable marker for fluid responsiveness in sepsis patients. dIVC and cIVC also exhibited high levels of accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in septic patients.

Bousigonine D from Bousigonia mekongensis inhibits bladder cancer growth and overcomes cisplatin resistance

Predicting the spread of invasive Imperata cylindrica under climate change: A global risk assessment and future distribution scenarios

Invasive plant species, such as Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass), threaten native ecosystems, natural resources, and lands worldwide. With climate change, the risk of invasions may increase as more favorable conditions enable non-native species to spread into new areas. This study employs the CLIMEX model to predict the potential distribution of I. cylindrica under current and future climate scenarios, under the SRES A2 scenario. A comprehensive dataset comprising 6,414 occurrence records was used to simulate the species’ ecological niche based on key climatic parameters, including temperature and soil moisture. Our results indicate that more than 16% of the global land surface is currently highly suitable for I. cylindrica (Ecoclimatic Index ≥ 30), with significant risk areas identified in Central America, Africa, and Australia. Future projections under the A2 scenario suggest an expansion of suitable habitats by 2050, 2080, and 2100, particularly in regions such as southern Argentina and parts of North America, while areas in Africa may experience a decrease in suitability due to rising temperatures. Sensitivity analysis revealed that temperature-related parameters (DV0, DV1, DV2, and DV3) are the most influential in determining the species’ distribution, highlighting the critical role of climate in driving the invasive potential of I. cylindrica. These findings provide valuable insights into the future risks associated with I. cylindrica invasions.

Predictive value of six anthropometric indicators for prevalence and mortality of obstructive sleep apnoea asthma and COPD using NHANES data

Abstract Obesity is linked to a greater risk of respiratory diseases. Due to limitations in body mass index (BMI), alternative anthropometric indicators have been developed to reflect body fat distribution. This study compares six anthropometric measures—BMI, waist circumference (WC), the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), the body roundness index (BRI), the body shape index (ABSI), and the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI)—and their relationships with the prevalence and mortality of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the US population. Data from four NHANES cycles were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the cross-sectional associations between the six anthropometric measures and disease prevalence. Mortality associations were analysed via Cox proportional hazards models, and time‒dependent ROC curve was utilised to evaluate the predictive performance of the significant marker for mortality. BMI, WC, WWI, BRI, ABSI, and WHtR were positively correlated with the prevalence of OSA, and COPD. For asthma, BMI, WC, BRI, and WHtR were positively associated with prevalence, while ABSI and WWI were negatively associated. Concerning mortality, higher WC and BMI were associated with better survival in the OSA and COPD groups, whereas elevated WWI and ABSI were linked to greater mortality risk in the participants with OSA symptoms. An increase of one standard deviation (SD) in the ABSI resulted in an 18% increase in mortality (95% CI 1.09–1.27) for the OSA population. The area under the curve (AUC) for ABSI was 0.752 for 3-year, 0.755 for 5-year, and 0.744 for 10-year mortality. Novel anthropometric indicators, including WWI, BRI, ABSI, and WHtR, show positive associations with the prevalence of OSA, and COPD, alongside traditional measures like BMI and WC. However, WWI and ABSI were more limited in their association with asthma prevalence. Longitudinal analyses revealed that traditional anthropometric indicators such as BMI and WC were negatively associated with mortality risks in the OSA and COPD, supporting the "obesity paradox." ABSI, however, emerged as a significant mortality predictor for OSA, providing a more nuanced view of central obesity’s impact on mortality. However, in COPD patients, routine anthropometric measurements may not fully capture the effects of obesity.

Epidemiological investigation and analysis of the genetic evolution of duck circovirus in China, 2022

Duck circovirus (DuCV) infection is an immunosuppressive disease that affects ducks and causes severe damage to their immune system. To elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of DuCV infection in China, a total of 2944 waterfowl samples were collected from 17 provinces from January to October 2022, and 612 DuCV-positive samples were identified. A descriptive statistical analysis was subsequently conducted. Furthermore, 51 near-full-length DuCV genome sequences were obtained, and molecular genetic evolution and recombinant analyses were performed. Geographically, Fujian Province had the highest rate of DuCV positivity (54.8%), followed by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (30.4%). The rate of DuCV positivity was highest in samples from 21–40-day-old ducklings, accounting for 66.5% of the total positive samples. The most common pathogen involved in mixed infections with DuCV was parvovirus or Riemerella anatipestifer. Genetic and evolutionary analyses of the full genome sequences of 51 DuCV strains revealed that DuCV-1b and DuCV-2c were the most prevalent strains in China. Genetic recombination analysis suggested that the major parental sequences involved in the recombination of DuCV strains in ducks are present in Anhui, Sichuan, Shandong, and Guangxi. In addition, DuCV recombination events have occurred between strains with different genotypes or strains isolated from different countries. In summary, the DuCV epidemic in China is complex. There are two main co-circulating genotypes, those of the DuCV-1b and DuCV-2c strains, and coinfection of DuCV with other pathogens is a very common phenomenon in clinical practice. There is an urgent demand for vaccines against DuCV, and the protective efficacy of these vaccines against different DuCV genotypes needs to be carefully evaluated.

R-AFPN: a residual asymptotic feature pyramid network for UAV aerial photography of small targets

Investigation of relationship between occupational exposure to aerosol and sleep problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There are various occupational and industrial activities that are associated with the production of suspended particles. Little is known about sleep disturbance caused by exposure to aerosol exposure. Presented systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the impact of various aerosols during occupational exposure on sleep. A systematic search in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases was performed until 20 February 2024. Three sets of keywords and their possible combinations were used in the search algorithm. To evaluate the quality and risk of bias in studies, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools and risk of bias in non-randomized studies of exposure (ROBINS-E) instruments were applied, respectively. The pooled values were also computed by meta-analysis. Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 23 articles were entered into the review. 9 out of 11 articles with high quality (81.82 percent), 8 out of 9 articles with moderate quality (88.89 percent), and 2 out of 3 articles with low quality (66.67 percent) indicated that aerosol exposure had a meaningful negative effect on sleep among workers in various occupations. Among articles, 69.6% (N = 16) were given a high risk of bias rating, 13.0% (N = 3) were rated as moderate risk of bias, and 17.4% (N = 4) were rated as low risk of bias. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the pooled value of the prevalence in the cross-sectional, cohort, and case control studies was 42.35 (95%CI [34.55, 50.16]), 10.82 (95%CI [6.76, 14.87]), and 35.70 (95%CI [13.96, 57.45]), respectively. Also, the results of the meta-analysis showed that the pooled values of the odds ratio in the cross-sectional and cohort studies were 1.82 (95% CI [1.43, 2.21]) and 1.73 (95% CI [1.49, 1.96]), respectively. Totally, most studies indicated that various sources of occupational aerosol exposure significantly affected sleep among employees.