Browse Articles

An experimental study examined how seawater depth affects the perormance of solar stills with and without silicon carbide

Best practices and practical strategies for co-designing virtual reality with Indigenous peoples: A scoping review protocol

Virtual reality (VR) is gaining traction in healthcare, education, and cultural sectors, from simulations in medical education to immersive museum experiences. Recently, VR has emerged as a powerful tool for Indigenous cultural preservation, language revitalization, and storytelling, offering immersive ways to safeguard knowledge and strengthen community connections. However, despite VR’s potential to support Indigenous self-determination, little is known about the extent of Indigenous leadership, engagements, and settler-Indigenous collaborations in VR development. There is a critical need to examine how VR can be ethically and meaningfully co-designed with Indigenous communities to ensure cultural integrity, respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, and equitable participation in technological innovation. Thus, this scoping review aims to identify practical strategies and best practices for co-designing VR with Indigenous communities. In accordance with the JBI methodology, we will conduct a comprehensive search across seven electronic databases, including MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), Scopus, Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, Compendex (Engineering Village), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (ProQuest). Google Scholar will also be searched for grey literature sources. Eligible studies will focus on Indigenous populations (Population) and fully immersive VR co-design (Concept) across various contexts. Studies that do not discuss the design process will be excluded. Two independent reviewers will conduct literature screening, data extraction, and analysis, with findings synthesized narratively and presented in a structured charting table. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal publication and shared with relevant community partners to support knowledge translation and application.

A simulation study on the temperature-dependent release of endocrine-disrupting chemicals from polypropylene and polystyrene containers

C─S Bonds Modulated Nanointerface Tension to Create Stable Magnetic Hollow Nanocarbons for Efficient Microplastics Capture

AbstractMicroplastic pollution poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Hollow nanomaterials are promising adsorbents for microplastics remediation due to their tailorable architectures, functions, and large contact area. Nevertheless, the structural stability of well‐defined nanostructures has always been a critical factor, and understanding the stability principle is desired. Herein, we fabricated magnetic hollow nanocarbons as “nano‐analytical tool”, revealing that the stability is related to additional pressure caused by nanointerface tension at curved carbon shell surface. To mitigate this, we introduced C─S bonds by sulfurizing carbon matrix, suppressing the condensation of oxygen‐containing groups and thereby reducing interface tension. As a showcase, the stable hollow Fe3O4@C/S enabled rapid and efficient microplastics capture (100% within 10 s, 53 600 mg g−1 capacity) under an alternating magnetic field, owing to the magnetically accelerated mass transfer and increased contact area. Additionally, sulfur modification broadens applicability range where carbon surface is oppositely charged to microplastics, expanding the universality in capturing multiple types of microplastics, even under challenging conditions including different pH and salinities. This work offers guidance into the precise synthesis of hollow nanomaterials from nanointerface perspective. The design principles involving sulfur modification and high‐contact area may open prospects for high‐capacity microplastics capture in complex aquatic environments.

The critical role of timely medical emergency team activation in oncological and non-oncological patients

Purpose This study aimed to analyse the impact of time from first physiological derangement (positive Vital Sign Score, VSS) to Medical Emergency Team (MET) activation on mortality in oncological versus non-oncological patients. Methods All in-hospital patients requiring a MET assessment were included. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Subanalyses were performed for the population that was admitted to the ICU as well as the subgroups of oncological with solid vs. haematological cancer. In addition, we assessed the number and time points of VSS measurements in oncological and non-oncological patients. Results 286 out of 4068 (8.9%) documented MET calls were attributed to oncological patients. Each hour delay from first abnormal VSS to MET activation was associated with an 3% increase in adjusted 30-day all-cause mortality odds (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.05, p < 0.001), independent of oncological status (interaction p = 0.141). Oncological patients had a significantly higher number of vital sign measurements on the ward (median 24 [16–37] vs 18 [10–27], p < 0.001) before MET activation, and higher 30-day all-cause mortality (38.1% vs 21.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Although the overall outcome did not differ between, oncological patients comprised 10% of MET calls, had higher mortality and had significantly more frequent vital sign monitoring, reflecting greater clinical concern. Tailored monitoring including early MET review has potential to improve outcomes particularly in high-risk oncological patients.

Author Correction: Effects of switching from intravitreal injection of aflibercept to faricimab on ocular blood flow in patients with diabetic macular edema

Interval type-2 intelligent fuzzy vehicle speed controller design using headlamp reflection detection and an adaptive neuro–fuzzy inference system

In this study, we present an algorithm to estimate the distance between a vehicle and a target object using light from headlights captured by a camera. In situations with limited distance data, we also design a fuzzy controller using the adaptive neuro–fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). To enhance robustness against disturbances, the interval type-2 approach is used. For the distance estimation algorithm, the vehicle is positioned at predefined intervals from the target object, capturing images of the headlights at each point. The region of interest containing the light is extracted from each image and segmented by light intensity. Weighted values are then assigned to each segment based on intensity, producing an image value that correlates with the distance. This image-derived value is then used as distance data for the design of the fuzzy controller. The controller is implemented using the interval type-2 fuzzy logic toolbox in MATLAB/SIMULINK, with vehicle speed and image intensity values as inputs and control torque as the output to adjust vehicle speed. The noise from the vehicle speed sensor is treated as a disturbance, and the performance of the interval type-2 fuzzy controller is evaluated under these disturbance conditions. Additionally, fuzzy controllers are designed for vehicle positions between 41–43 m and 47–49 m, and these controllers are trained using ANFIS to function effectively across the entire 41–49 m range. Simulation results demonstrate that, with the controller integrated into the vehicle system, the vehicle is successfully controlled to reach the target position.

New approaches to disinfection of thermolabile medical devices using an indirect method with cold atmospheric plasma-aerosol

Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma-aerosol (CAP-A) offers a promising alternative to conventional sterilisation and disinfection methods, which are often unsuitable for thermolabile medical devices due to high temperatures, toxic chemicals or radiation. CAP-A efficiently inactivates microorganisms and viruses without compromising the material integrity. Given the ongoing risk of infection associated with ultrasound probes and other delicate diagnostic instruments, this study investigates whether an indirect CAP-A method can meet all requirements for effective and safe disinfection of thermolabile medical devices. The disinfection of thermolabile medical devices was carried out in a container saturated with indirect CAP-A. A transvaginal ultrasound probe was used as a reference product. The study involved six test organisms, with five measurements taken at six different measurement points. The study showed that Enterococcus hirae (mean logarithmic reduction factor (LRF) > 6.23), Staphylococcus aureus (mean LRF > 6.51), and Enterococcus faecium (mean LRF > 6.16) demonstrated a germ reduction of > 99.9999%. For Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mean LRF > 5.40) and Escherichia coli (mean LRF > 5.29), a germ reduction of > 99.999% was achieved, and for Candida albicans (mean LRF > 4.95) and Clostridioides difficile (mean LRF > 4.62), a germ reduction of > 99.99% was demonstrated. The log reduction demonstrates a complete inactivation of the six tested microorganisms. The initially defined requirements for an effective disinfection process for thermolabile medical devices were met in the CAP-A method. Regarding highly tenacious microorganisms, such as Clostridioides difficile, the method of CAP-A proved effective, superior to alcohol-based methods, and with no resistance development observed. Its efficacy is otherwise only known in corrosive chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide. However, these chemicals have corrosive-oxidative effects on the surfaces to be disinfected and are critical in terms of market launch and hazardous material classification. Therefore, the method of CAP-A, provides an effective, material-friendly alternative.

Effectiveness of aerobic physical exercise on depression symptoms in adults: A protocol for developing a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background Depression is a chronic condition that affects millions of people and requires effective interventions. Studies suggest that aerobic exercise can improve mental health and reduce depression symptoms, despite variations in exercise type and intensity. Objective This article presents a protocol for conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis, aimed at investigating the effects of aerobic exercise on reducing depression symptoms in adults. Methods This is a systematic review protocol, which will follow the PRISMA-P 2020 guidelines and has been registered in PROSPERO (no. CRD42024592700). The study search will be conducted in six databases: BVS, Cochrane library, Embase, Epistemonikos, PubMed and SPORTDiscus, using MeSH-based descriptors. Studies will be selected independently by two researchers using the Rayyan ‘QCRI’ software. Data extraction will be performed using specific forms, while the methodological quality of studies on physical exercise will be assessed with the TESTEX tool, and the risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 method. The certainty of evidence will be evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Conclusions It is expected that the systematic review following this protocol will identify the effective dose-response to reduce depression levels and provide an understanding of the mechanisms through which aerobic exercise influences depression.

Hybrid fuzzy logic approach for enhanced MPPT control in PV systems

Abstract This paper provides an in-depth analysis of photovoltaic (PV) system control within the MATLAB/Simulink environment, focusing on optimizing Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms for enhanced efficiency under dynamic conditions. While conventional algorithms are widely used, their performance is limited under fluctuating conditions. To address this, we propose a novel hybrid approach combining Incremental Conductance with Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), utilizing two innovative input variables: the sum of Conductance and Incremental Conductance (SInC) and its rate of change (CSI). The performance of the proposed algorithm, in comparison to other hybrid FLC methods, is evaluated through simulations using a boost converter under dynamic conditions, including abrupt irradiance changes and load variations. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid algorithm achieves superior performance, with an average MPPT efficiency of 97.7%, a convergence time of 53.5 ms, and an RMS of 97.8%, outperforming both conventional and other hybrid techniques. This work advances PV system control by providing a robust and adaptive solution for maximizing power extraction under diverse operating conditions.

Evaluation of sports training methods and technical characteristics based on multi-dimensional driving fuzzy intelligent computing

To improve the competitive state of badminton athletes and summarize the technical characteristics of badminton players, this paper introduces multi-dimensional fuzzy removal intelligent computing. Taking 120 badminton students from a sports school as data samples, the sports images of athletes are collected, the images are enhanced using histogram equalization, and then the fuzzy clustering algorithm is used to analyze the characteristics of the pictures. The following results were obtained from the analysis of the understanding degree of motion decomposition, the analysis of the lasting effect, the study of the number of repetitions, and the analysis of the simulation results: The degree of understanding was 17.75% higher than that of traditional training methods; the effect was better than that of conventional training methods; the traditional training method had a small number of action repetitions; the performance of boys and girls in the temporary mock exam would be related to different training methods. Therefore, this paper had practical significance for this research, to help promote such academic and give reference. At the same time, most optimization problems needed to comprehensively consider many factors, so multi-objective optimization algorithms became a hot spot in academic research.

Exploring the binding interaction of 1,4-naphthoquinone derivative–human serum albumin complex by biophysics and molecular simulation

Root pull-out resistance and surface microstructural characteristics of adapted plants in the water-level fluctuation zone of the three parallel rivers area

Root pull-out resistance is an important index to measure the soil-fixing ability of roots. The study aims to investigate the root pull-out resistance and root surface microstructural characteristics of plants adapted to the Water-Level Fluctuation Zone (WLFZ) and provide a reference for the study of vegetation soil reinforcement capacity in the WLFZ of the Three Parallel Rivers area. The study subjects are the four-year-old Arundo donax ‘Versicolor’, Cyperus involucratus, and Acorus calamus. The study employs the single root pull-out resistance experiments to determine their resistance. Additionally, SEM and paraffin sectioning methods were utilized to measure the microstructure of the root surface and to explore the differences in microstructure and their impact on the friction between the root and soil. The findings revealed (1) The failure modes of the single root pull-out experiments included both pull-out and breakage, with 70.83%, 81.48%, and 57.69% of the roots being broken for A. donax ‘Versicolor’, C. involucratus, and A. calamus, respectively. (2)There were significant differences in the average maximum pull-out resistance and average frictional strength among the three plants (P < 0.05), with the average maximum pull-out resistance being A. donax ‘Versicolor’ (27.88 N) > C. involucratus (20.53 N) > A. calamus (13.75 N), and the average frictional strength was A. donax ‘Versicolor’ (43.48 Pa) > C. involucratus (31.77 Pa) > A. calamus (19.05 Pa). The root surface roughness also showed significant differences among the three plants (P < 0.05), with the surface roughness of A. donax ‘Versicolor’ (20.13%) > C. involucratus (16.12%) > A. calamus (9.23%). (3) The root system of A. donax ‘Versicolor’ was relatively rough, with dense depressions and protrusions. In contrast, the root system of A. calamus was relatively smooth with no significant depressions or protrusions, and C. involucratus was intermediate between the two. The results suggested that the maximum pull-out force of single roots for the three plants followed the order of A. donax ‘Versicolor’ > C. involucratus> A. calamus. Moreover, the microstructure of the root surface had a significant impact on the maximum pull-out force of the roots, The rougher the root surface. The greater the single root drawing force.

Nanoparticles for improving biogas production and effluent biofertilizer

Abstract The impact of nanoparticles (NP) mixtures (Fe + Ni + Co, Fe + Ni, Fe + Co, and Ni + Co) on the anaerobic digestion (AD) of cow manure was examined through kinetic modelling (Modified Gompertz, Logistic, and First-order kinetic) and experimental observations. The NPs mixture significantly enhanced biogas production rate and yield potential. The variation between predicted and actual biogas yields was smaller with the Modified Gompertz model (1.37% to 5.30%) and First-order kinetic model (0.04% to 3.83%) compared to the Logistic model (1.99% to 7.04%). Additionally, digestates containing NPs showed strong fertility properties (5.16% to 5.36%). The combined use of kinetic models and experiments offers an effective way to quantify the influence of NPs mixture on AD performance, aiding in industrial application.

Exploring structural heterogeneity and organizational patterns of tourist flow networks among motivational subgroups

Tourists’ motivation is a key factor influencing their spatiotemporal behavior patterns. However, studies analyzing the spatial movement patterns of tourists with different motives are scant. In this study, the travel diaries of 4,306 tourists were employed as the primary data source, and the Louvain algorithm was applied to identify tourist flow networks with different motives; moreover, the complex network method was utilized to analyze the hierarchical structure and heterogeneity of the organizational patterns of tourist flow networks with different motives. The analysis revealed the following main conclusions. (1) There are three types of tourism flow networks with different motivations: exploring nature, exploring culture and nature-culture motivations. (2) All types of motivated tourist flow networks exhibit significant node hierarchies. The core nodes in natural network are the most controllable, whereas those in natural-cultural network are less controllable and more evenly connected. (3) Node connectivity strength decays significantly with distance. Geographic constraints exert the greatest impact on natural network. (4) Different-motivated tourist flow networks present a Multi-scale Hierarchical Nested Pattern. Tourists gather in multi-core cultural networks and multi-core natural-cultural networks, using them as a base to spread to neighboring regions. They shift between core nodes and use new cores as a base for tours. This study enriches the theoretical system of tourist behavior research and provides effective practical recommendations for the Shanxi tourism industry to improve tourists’ travel experience.

Real-time multiple people gait recognition in the edge

Unusual MurC Ligase and Peptidoglycan Discovered in Lachnospiraceae Using a Fluorescent L‐Amino Acid Based Selective Labeling Probe

AbstractDeveloping selective labeling probes for specific bacterial taxa can not only facilitate the study of target bacteria but also deepen our understanding of the microbial diversity at structural and molecular levels. The availability of such probes, however, remains very limited. In this study, by exploiting the variation of amino acids in peptidoglycan stem peptide, we designed a fluorescent L‐amino acid probe and found that it can selectively target the family Lachnospiraceae (a major Gram‐positive family in murine gut microbiome) in vivo. The following in vitro test using two Roseburia species belonging to this family validated labeling by the probe. We then discovered that the labeling site is the first amino acid (L‐alanine in most bacteria), which links the stem peptide with N‐acetylmuramic acid, a process catalyzed by a highly conserved enzyme MurC. An enzyme assay of Roseburia MurC demonstrated its ability to conjugate a fluorescent L‐amino acid and other non‐L‐Ala amino acids to UDP‐N‐acetylmuramic acid. Subsequent X‐ray crystallography analysis uncovered a substantially enlarged inner space in this enzyme, which can partially explain its tolerance to these atypical substrates. The resulting unusual peptidoglycan structures lead to significantly reduced activation of the NOD immune receptors, suggesting a new mechanism for the host to accommodate these highly abundant commensals.

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.