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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

Heteroatom‐Doping Engineering of Fused Olympic Cations: Metal‐Free Modular Syntheses and NIR‐II Radicals with Mixed Aromatic/Antiaromatic Characters

AbstractHeteroatom‐doping polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have attracted immense attention owing to their fascinating optoelectrical properties. However, precise heteroatom‐doping engineering and fabricating charged polycyclic aromatic scaffolds remain challenging and far from satisfactory. Herein, a new family of nitrogen and sulfur/oxygen dual‐doping fused Olympic heterocyclic cations (FPT/FPOs) are modularly synthesized employing an efficient and convenient metal‐free protocol. Tunable optical and redox properties can be achieved by rational structural editing. Compared with their half‐fused counterparts, FPTs and FPOs hold higher redox stability and can undergo single‐electron reduction to form delocalized neutral radicals, exhibiting NIR‐II absorptions around 1300–1400 nm and unexpected mixed aromatic/antiaromatic characters. It is anticipated that this line of research provides a new approach for heteroatom‐doping engineering and constructing novel charged π‐molecules, with deeper insights into their redox‐amphoteric features and aromaticity manipulation.

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

Stabilizing Surface Lattice O<i>ⁿ</i>⁻ (0 &lt; <i>n</i> &lt; 2) for Long‐Term Durability of LiCoO₂

AbstractThe instability of surface lattice On− (0 &lt; n &lt; 2) in charged LiCoO₂ (LCO) limits its long‐term cycling stability beyond 4.55 V versus Li/Li⁺. Herein, the spinel and rock‐salt (RS) phases are constructed on LCO surface to stabilize lattice On−, namely S‐LCO and R‐LCO, respectively. Upon long‐term cycling at 4.6 V, the loss of lattice On− leads to a progressive deterioration of surface spinel phase, which ultimately transforms into a strong Li+‐blocking phase. In contrast, for R‐LCO, the surface lattice On− in the RS phase remains stable in long‐term cycles. Theoretical calculations reveal that the migration barriers of lattice On− are significantly higher in the RS phase than in the spinel phase. Due to the stabilized surface lattice On−, the R‐LCO||Li cell shows an impressive capacity retention of 78.6% after 1000 cycles at 4.6 V (at 1C rate) and superior floating charge durability at 45 °C. This study highlights the importance of surface structure tailoring in developing advanced LCO cathodes.

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

Interweaved Nanofiber Anode Coating Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks for High‐Performance Lithium‐Metal Batteries

AbstractHigh‐rate lithium‐metal batteries call for unique interfacial structures of anode with interfacial compatibility, facilitated lithium insertion/extraction and dendrite suppression properties to meet the growing high‐rate demand. Here, we develop an interweaved porous coating based on a kind of covalent organic framework (ODH─Cu3─COF) based helical nanofibers through the assembly of non‐linear oxalyldihydrazide unit and rigid Cu3 unit. The interweaved helical nanofibers network with well‐arranged polar groups (i.e., C═N, ─CO─NH─, and pyrazole groups) could serve as nuclei sites to achieve fast Li+ insertion/extraction and dendrite suppression in high‐rate conditions. Benefiting from the advantages of interface design, the resultant ODH─Cu3─COF modified anode improves the Coulombic efficiency (97.5%, 120 cycles at 5 mA cm−2) and showcases a stable lifespan (1000 h at 2 mA cm−2 and 2 mAh cm−2) in symmetric cell. Moreover, the high‐rate property of ODH─Cu3─COF@Li||LFP full cell presents an excellent cycling stability (900 cycles at 5 C) in commercial carbonate electrolyte. Theoretical calculations reveal that lithiophilic ODH─Cu3─COF has high Li affinity to reduce the nucleation barrier and achieve fast desolvation process in an interface to promote the lifespan of high‐rate lithium‐metal batteries.

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 &gt; 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.

Microporous Hard Carbon Support Provokes Exceptional Performance of Single Atom Electrocatalysts for Advanced Air Cathodes

AbstractSingle atom catalysts embracing metal‐nitrogen (MNx) moieties show promising performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The modification on spatially confined microenvironments, which won copious attention with respect to achieving efficient catalysts, are auspicious but yet to be inspected for MNx moieties from modulating the energetics and kinetics of ORR. Here, Fe single atoms (SAs) are immobilized in microporous hard carbon (Fe‐SAs/MPC), in which the microporous structure with crumpled graphene sheets serves confined microenvironment for catalysis. Fe‐SAs/MPC holds a remarkable half‐wave potential of 0.927 V and excellent stability for ORR. Theoretical studies unveil that hydrogen bonding between the intermediate of O* and micropore interior surfaces substantially promote its protonation and accelerate the overall ORR kinetics. Both the aqueous and quasi‐solid‐state zinc‐air batteries driven by Fe‐SAs/MPC air cathode show excellent stability with small charging/discharging voltage gaps. Importantly, when used as the air cathode for industrial chlor‐alkali process, the applied voltage of Fe‐SAs/MPC‐based flow cell to reach 300 mA cm−2 is 1.57 V, which is 210 mV smaller than Pt/C‐based one. These findings provide in‐depth insights into the confined microenvironment of MNx moieties for boosted electrochemical performance, and pave the pathways for future catalyst development satisfying the requirement of industrial applications.

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.