Search

In the engine of heavy trucks, the built-in fuel filter assumes the role of "lungs". The core of the filter, namely the fuel filter paper, acts as a filter for small impurities and separates oil and water. In order to be able to separate minute impurities from the fuel, in this study, we prepared a novel fuel oil filter paper with high efficiency and high dust holding capacity based on wet-laid forming by laminating PBT/PP two-component melt-blown nonwoven material and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-doped cellulose wood fiber pulp with the fiber mesh combination forming technology. The effects of the CNC mixing ratio, surface density of melt-blown nonwoven material layer, surface density of cellulose wood pulp paper layer and calendaring pressure on the pore size and filtration performance of the composite samples were investigated, and the filtration efficiency of the composite samples on the tiny impurities in the fuel were also studied. The results showed that the novel composite fuel filter paper material prepared by the combined forming technology of fibrous web had high filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity, and the filtration efficiency of the composite samples could respectively reach 99.90% and 99.52% for particles larger than 14 μm and 4 μm in diameter in the fuel. At the same time, the dust holding capacity of the composite sample can reach up to 27.63 mgcm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry is critical to global industrial and economic development. Recently, India's pulp and paper industries have been facing severe competitive challenges. The challenges have impaired the environmental performance and resulted in the closure of several operations. Assessment and prediction of the performance of the Indian pulp and paper industry using various parameters is a critical task for researchers. This study proposes a framework for performance assessment and prediction based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Artificial Neural Networks, and Deep Learning (DL) to assist industry administration and decision-making. We presented a case study based on eight industries to demonstrate the methodology's applicability. This study analyses and predicts industry performance based on sample data observations over 30 years. The result suggests the DEA-DL-based efficiency prediction has an overall MSE of 0.08 compared with the actual efficiency. Furthermore, the efficiency rankings are compared between the three techniques. The results suggest that the integrated DEA-DL method is primarily accurate in most scenarios with the actual values. The findings of this study provide a comprehensive analysis of environmental performance for policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by a simple hydrothermal method vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on the carbon fiber paper (CFP) and then through a facile chemical bath deposition method CuO nanosheets were loaded on ZnO nanorod arrays, following by thermal spraying method, carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CCNTs) were successfully integrated with CuO/ZnO@CFP to form a binder-free CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP sensor. The sensor shows enhanced sensing activity for baicalein and luteolin determination due to the improved structural integration and synergism of different electrode material components. Remarkably, the CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP sensor showed good linear relationships over wide concentration ranges of 0.03–0.70 µM and 0.70–20 µM for baicalein and 0.03–0.45 µM and 0.45–8.5 µM for luteolin detection, with the detection limits of 1.7 nM for baicalein and 0.5 nM for luteolin, respectively. More importantly, the CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP sensor was utilized in the simultaneous determination of baicalein and luteolin, delivering linear ranges of 0.4–14 µM (baicalein) and 0.2–6 µM (luteolin) with the limit of detection of 0.05 µM and 0.03 µM, respectively. In addition, the developed CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP electrode was further investigated to detect baicalein and luteolin in traditional herbal medicine samples, showing satisfied results in comparison with analytic results from high performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of conservation mounting, starch paste made from wheat flour is the glue of choice to paste reinforcing strips and backing papers, often Xuan paper, for mending and decorating aged and damaged paper-based Chinese artworks. To keep objects intact and select appropriate conservation materials, this research explored the applicability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis for the characterization of contemporary unsized Xuan paper with and without starch. In particular, partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to predict the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper, i.e., one of the most important properties of paper materials, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to detect starch and to distinguish between papers with different amounts of starch. Using 12 contemporary unsized Xuan papers, the NIR-PLS method for DP prediction was validated, and the best-performed model was generated using the logarithmic transformation of DP−1 as a response variable, with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of DP 128. The NIR-PCA method was also found to be applicable to separate starch-free papers and papers treated with starch, and the results indicate that the higher the content of starch, the better PCA classification performs. This research provides supporting data for the non-destructive characterization of Xuan paper-based objects and differentiates between Xuan paper before and after treatment with starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Paper-based artifacts hold significant cultural and social values. However, paper is intrinsically fragile to microorganisms, such as mold, due to its cellulose composition, which can serve as a microorganisms' nutrient source. Mold not only can damage papers' structural integrity and pose significant challenges to conservation works but also may subject individuals attending the contaminated artifacts to health risks. Current approaches for strain identification usually require extensive training, prolonged time for analysis, expensive operation costs, and higher risks of secondary damage due to sampling. Thus, in current conservation practices with mold-contaminated artifacts, little pre-screening or strain identification was performed before mold removal, and the cleaning techniques are usually broad-spectrum rather than strain-specific. With deep learning showing promising applications across various domains, this study investigated the feasibility of using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fast in-situ recognition and classification of mold on paper. Methods: Molds were first non-invasively sampled from ancient Xuan Paper-based Chinese books from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Strains were identified using molecular biology methods and the four most prevalent strains were inoculated on Xuan paper to create mockups for image collection. Microscopic images of the molds as well as their stains situated on paper were collected using a compound microscope and commercial microscope lens for cell phone cameras, which were then used for training CNN models with a transfer learning scheme to perform the classification of mold. To enable involvement and contribution from the research community, a web interface that actuates the process while providing interactive features for users to learn about the information of the classified strain was constructed. Moreover, a feedback functionality in the web interface was embedded for catching potential classification errors, adding additional training images, or introducing new strains, all to refine the generalizability and robustness of the model. Results & Conclusion: In the study, we have constructed a suite of high-confidence classification CNN models for the diagnostic process for mold contamination in conservation. At the same time, a web interface was constructed that allows recurrently refining the model with human feedback through engaging the research community. Overall, the proposed framework opens new avenues for effective and timely identification of mold, thus enabling proactive and targeted mold remediation strategies in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemical sensor for paraquat determination was facilely developed using nanocomposites of cellulose incorporated with manganese oxide (MnO2@cellulose) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). In this study, SPCE was fabricated on a low-cost poster paper, and nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse was employed to enhance the electrode's surface area and improve the dispersion of MnO2. The MnO2@cellulose modified poster-SPCE exhibited a high electrochemical response toward paraquat. Various influencing factors, including differential pulse voltammetric parameters and accumulation time, were systematically explored. Under the optimal conditions, the cathodic peak current was linearly proportional to paraquat concentration in a range of 2 to 200 µM, featuring a low detection limit of 1 µM. The proposed sensor offers cost-effectiveness and can be readily prepared via a simple procedure. Moreover, this method exhibits excellent reproducibility, high selectivity, and a short analysis time. The portable electrochemical sensor was able to determine paraquat in water samples with acceptable recoveries from 95.45 to 109.20%, indicating that the sensor based on MnO2@cellulose/SPCE is reliable for paraquat quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices often are combined with scanners as detectors. In this work, different scanning options offered by scanners: resolution, scanning mode, exposure to radiation, colour restoration, and saving format were tested. Moreover, different attempts to mathematical data treatment based on intensities of three channels—Red, Green and Blue, were studied. All measurements presented in this article were conducted for a model dye—bromothymol blue and a model analyte—zinc(II) ion (complexed with xylenol orange in a paper matrix). The article summarizes the scanning options and possibilities of mathematical calculations. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the best option is to use the prior prepared calculation file to paste obtained intensities and compare all presented in this article (and the most frequently used) equations to process intensities and decide which one should be used in the particular analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid discrimination of bacteria is currently an emerging trend in the fields of food safety, medical detection, and environmental observation. Traditional methods often require lengthy culturing processes, specialized analytical equipment, and bacterial recognition receptors. In response to this need, we have developed a paper-based fluorescence sensor array platform for identifying different bacteria. The sensor array is based on three unique carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as sensing units, each modified with a different antibiotic (polymyxin B, ampicillin, and gentamicin). These antibiotic-modified CQDs can aggregate on the bacterial surface, triggering aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching. The sensor array exhibits varying fluorescent responses to different bacterial species. To achieve low-cost and portable detection, CQDs were formulated into fluorescent ink and used with an inkjet printer to manufacture paper-based sensor arrays. A smartphone was used to collect the responses generated by the bacteria and platform. Diverse machine learning algorithms were utilized to discriminate bacterial types. Our findings showcase the platform's remarkable capability to differentiate among five bacterial strains, within a detection range spanning from 1.0 × 103 CFU/mL to 1.0 × 107 CFU/mL. Its practicality is further validated through the accurate identification of blind bacterial samples. With its cost-effectiveness, ease of fabrication, and high degree of integration, this platform holds significant promise for on-site detection of diverse bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential of advanced technologies in the field of cultural heritage. It highlights how these technologies, such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, can be used to understand, preserve, and enhance cultural heritage. The article also presents scientific papers from the Florence Heri-Tech International Conference, showcasing the various applications of these technologies. The papers cover topics such as the use of hyperspectral imaging for hieroglyph recognition, the enhancement of user experience in cultural spaces through advanced systems, and the use of non-invasive techniques for conservation. Overall, the article emphasizes the significant impact of technology on the research, preservation, and promotion of cultural heritage. [Extracted from the article]

Using glass as a structural element that could obtain the role of the primary load-bearing elements of iconoclast structures has had a superficial history. Because of its aesthetic and admissible mechanical properties, glass has been considered one of the structural elements in the construction industry. Because of its extrasafety, laminated glass on top of the most widely used elements has been appraised with more depth. The study aimed to evaluate the failure modes in laminated glass and the possibility of detecting the pre-failure status of the surveyed elements, referring to the proffered approaches and image processing (IP) procedures in the literature. The outcomes have compared the peculiarity and strength points of various routes and have reached the inference for proper approaches in every procedure. According to the results, image processing (IP) is the most appropriate method of pre-failure detection in load-bearing laminated glass elements. Among the image processing (IP) techniques, digital image correlation has the widest application. The results of this study, in combination with other pieces of research, may propound a database for evaluating the failure status of glass structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) have been proposed to facilitate mechanistic understanding of interactions of chemicals/materials with biological systems. Each AOP starts with a molecular initiating event (MIE) and possibly ends with adverse outcome(s) (AOs) via a series of key events (KEs). So far, the interaction of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with biomolecules, biomembranes, cells, and biological structures, in general, is not yet fully elucidated. There is also a huge lack of information on which AOPs are ENMs-relevant or -specific, despite numerous published data on toxicological endpoints they trigger, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. We propose to integrate related data and knowledge recently collected. Our approach combines the annotation of nanomaterials and their MIEs with ontology annotation to demonstrate how we can then query AOPs and biological pathway information for these materials. We conclude that a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) representation of the ENM-MIE knowledge simplifies integration with other knowledge. Scientific contribution: This study introduces a new database linking nanomaterial stressors to the first known MIE or KE. Second, it presents a reproducible workflow to analyze and summarize this knowledge. Third, this work extends the use of semantic web technologies to the field of nanoinformatics and nanosafety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creatinine is one of the most important biomarkers to detect renal failures. The electrochemical detection of creatinine has been performed using complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrode arrays hindering their commercialization. In this work, a new and practical non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor was fabricated depositing copper on carbon paper electrodes by physical vapor deposition (namely Cu/CP). Surface and cross-sectional SEM images demonstrated the deposition of copper over the 3D structure of carbon paper. A thin film was found on the surface, while Cu nanowires with diameters of 180 ± 30 nm were found inside the 3D structure of CP. The thickness of the Cu film on the tubular structures of CP was of 390 ± 40 nm. High-resolution TEM images indicated that the Cu film was integrated by hierarchical structures containing terminal Cu hemispheres of 17.6 ± 2.2 nm. Additionally, interplanar distances from the selected-area electron diffraction pattern demonstrated the presence of Cu0, while Cu2O was also found. Creatinine concentrations in saliva between 16 and 400 µM indicate kidney failure. The Cu/CP electrochemical sensor detected creatinine with linear concentration ranges from 0 to 1000 µM with a r2 = 0.9936. Outstandingly, this sensor presented good reproducibility (RSD = 7.3%), and selectivity to detect creatinine in artificial saliva using interferents like urea, glucose, glycine, ascorbic and uric acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soot stain from diverse sources is the most common stain that stains historical paper documents found in libraries, museums, and storage facilities. It is believed to be one of the types of deterioration that arises from the contact between stains and paper sheets. Therefore, in the present work, the effectiveness of the synthesized hybrid nanogel consisting of carbopol and nanoparticles (NPs) of ZnO, TiO2, or Fe3O4, in low and high-viscosity forms, for eliminating soot stains from historical paper manuscripts was conducted. The prepared hybrid nanogels were characterized utilizing the TEM, AFM, XRD, DLS, and Zeta Potential techniques. Following preparation, the soot-stained paper samples were heated to 105 °C for 6 days, a process known as accelerated thermal aging. Surface morphology, mechanical properties and the color change of the paper samples were investigated. The prepared hybrid nanogel had a spherical shape with well-defined edges and uniform size, with an average particle diameter ranging from 30 to 35 nm. There was no significant NPs agglomeration seen, suggesting uniform dispersion in the carbopol matrix. Additionally, the prepared gels' crystal structure and phase purity were revealed by the XRD analysis results. Paper fibers were visible in some parts of the treated sample with TiO2/carbopol hybrid nanogel at high-viscosity before aging. Cleaning soot-stained paper samples using high-viscosity Fe3O4/carbopol hybrid nanogel is more successful than using low-viscosity nanogel. the sample treated with high-viscosity ZnONPs/carbopol hybrid nanogel produced the highest total color differences (ΔE) (26.17). The paper sample treated with high-viscosity ZnO/carbopol hybrid nanogel exhibited the maximum tensile strength (61.8 N/mm2) and elongation at break (1.174%). The evaluation of the paper samples both before and after the cleaning process revealed that, the treatment with high-viscosity ZnO/carbopol hybrid nanogel gave the best results in removing soot stains from stained paper samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anger suppression is important in our daily life, as its failure can sometimes lead to the breaking down of relationships in families. Thus, effective strategies to suppress or neutralise anger have been examined. This study shows that physical disposal of a piece of paper containing one's written thoughts on the cause of a provocative event neutralises anger, while holding the paper did not. In this study, participants wrote brief opinions about social problems and received a handwritten, insulting comment consisting of low evaluations about their composition from a confederate. Then, the participants wrote the cause and their thoughts about the provocative event. Half of the participants (disposal group) disposed of the paper in the trash can (Experiment 1) or in the shredder (Experiment 2), while the other half (retention group) kept it in a file on the desk. All the participants showed an increased subjective rating of anger after receiving the insulting feedback. However, the subjective anger for the disposal group decreased as low as the baseline period, while that of the retention group was still higher than that in the baseline period in both experiments. We propose this method as a powerful and simple way to eliminate anger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid (UA) is an important biomarker, as a high concentration in blood can lead to gout and further renal syndrome. Although several point-of-care testing (POCT) devices have been reported to detect UA, there are some limitations such as the requirement for uricase and the complicated pretreatment of serum/plasma samples, which restricts their use at home or in undeveloped areas. In this work, we developed an approach by applying Zn2+ to precipitate proteins and cells in whole blood to avoid interference with the chromogenic reaction. We used carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to immobilize tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) on a nitrocellulose membrane for colorimetric detection. Using the oxidization properties of H2O2, which turns TMB into oxidized tetramethylbenzidine (TMBox) in the presence of catalyst gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), we successfully constructed an enzyme-free paper-based POCT device using the reduction reaction of UA and TMBox for simple, speedy, and cheap colorimetric detection of UA, achieving a detection time of 8 min, a linear range of 0–150 μg/mL, and an LOD of 25.79 μg/mL. The UA concentration in whole blood samples was further measured and correlated well with the clinical value (R2 = 0.8212). Thus, the proposed assay has the potential for POCT diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of diseases related to UA. By applying Zn2+ reagent to precipitate proteins and cells in whole blood and the reduction reaction of UA, an enzyme-free paper-based POCT assay was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite progress in the prevention and diagnosis of cancer, current technologies for tumor detection present several limitations including invasiveness, toxicity, inaccuracy, lengthy testing duration and high cost. Therefore, innovative diagnostic techniques that integrate knowledge from biology, oncology, medicinal and analytical chemistry are now quickly emerging in the attempt to address these issues. Following this approach, here we developed a paper-based electrochemical device for detecting cancer-derived Small Extracellular Vesicles (S-EVs) in fluids. S-EVs were obtained from cancer cell lines known to express, at a different level, the αvβ6 integrin receptor, a well-established hallmark of numerous epithelial cancer types. The resulting biosensor turned out to recognize αvβ6-containing S-EVs down to a limit of 0.7*103 S-EVs/mL with a linear range up to 105 S-EVs /mL, and a relative standard deviation of 11%, thus it may represent a novel opportunity for αvβ6 expressing cancers detection. The detection of cancer in its early stages can greatly prevent disease development, however, current technologies for tumor detection present several limitations. Here, the authors develop a paper-based electrochemical device for detecting cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles (S-EVs) in fluids, recognizing αvβ6-containing S-EVs down to a limit of 0.7*103 S-EVs/mL with a linear range up to 105 S-EVs/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the social organism, Polistes wasps build a communal nest using woody fibers with saliva for sustaining brood and adult population throughout the season. Limited information exists regarding the identification specific plant materials employed in wasp nest building. Thus, we firstly tested if the DNA metabarcoding approach utilizing rbcL and trnL molecular markers could identify the plant species quantitatively and qualitatively inform the mixed-origin woody samples. A threshold of 0.01 proportion of reads was applied for rbcL and trnL molecular markers, while this threshold for median proportion was 0.0025. In assessing taxa richness, the median proportion demonstrated superior performance, exhibiting higher taxa detection power, however, rbcL marker outperformed in quantitative analysis. Subsequently, we applied DNA metabarcoding to identify the plant materials from the nests of two Polistes species, P. mandarinus and P. rothneyi. The results showed that higher preference of Quercus and Robinia as the major nest building materials regardless of the surrounding plant communities, by two wasp species. Material diversity was higher for P. rothneyi than P. mandarinus, which may explain the abundance of this species possibly with heightened adaptive capacities in their nesting behavior. This study demonstrated that DNA metabarcoding could identify the complex nest-building plant materials of paper wasps and provide insights into their ecological interactions in the natural ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous natural dyes were used to dye mediaeval Islamic paper from the tenth to the nineteenth century, using a variety of techniques. The objective of this research is to develop an analytical method using high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) to identify natural dyes in forty historical Islamic paper manuscripts from two collections. In addition, novel information was obtained from original treatises containing recipes for dyeing paper and the chronological use of dyes in dyeing mediaeval Islamic paper between the tenth and seventeenth centuries. The results show that thirty-four of the forty manuscripts examined contained dyes. Six natural dyes were detected, including henna, madder, lac, safflower, turmeric, and weld. This is the first study aimed at developing a method for determining various natural dyes in Islamic paper from a wide historical and geographical range in the mediaeval time and to fill significant gaps in the technical and historical knowledge of papermaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autistic individuals often experience a wide range of barriers and challenges with employment across their lifetime. Despite their strengths and abilities to contribute to the workforce, many individuals experience unemployment, underemployment and malemployment. However, current supports and services are often inadequate to meet their needs. To allow autistic people to achieve vocational success, we explore four contributors to employment and expand upon the issues and potential solutions to each. These positions include the importance of family support and its consideration in the application of vocational support interventions, addressing transitional needs for autistic youth, building employer capacity, and conducting research that advises the development of meaningful programs and policies. By advocating for these positions, we aim to foster greater inclusivity and support for individuals with ASD in the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a low-cost and eco-friendly paper-based analytical device (PAD) method is described for the determination of phyto-cannabinoids in cannabis and oral fluids based on a simple colorimetric reaction. The PAD was able to distinguish tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)- and cannabidiol (CBD)-rich plant samples by using 4-aminophenol (4-AP) and later on to quantify total phyto-cannabinoid content (THC + CBD + CBN) in plant and oral fluids by using the Fast Corinth V reagent. The chemical and physical properties regarding paper type and reagent concentration in the PAD were optimized to achieve the best analytical performance. After that, analytical features were obtained, including a linear range of 0.01–0.1 mg mL−1, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.003 mg mL−1, and a suitable precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) lower than 10%. Furthermore, no significant interferences were observed in colorimetric reactions when tea, herbs, and drug samples were analyzed. Additionally, the PAD proved color stability up to 1 month after the sampling at 25 °C. The developed PAD was suitable for determining total phyto-cannabinoid content in plants and oral fluids, obtaining good results compared to GC–MS. Overall, this method showed good reliability resulting in an operational on-site device for drug monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage devices (ESD) which are intended to power electronic devices, used in close contact of human skin, are desirable to be safe and non-toxic. In light of this requirement, Zn based energy storage devices seem to provide a viable pathway as they mostly employ aqueous based electrolytes which are safe and non-toxic in their functioning. Additionally, having a flexible ESD will play a crucial role as it will enable the ESD to conform to the varying shapes and sizes of wearable electronics which they energize. In this work, we have developed an inkjet-printed Zinc ion battery (IPZIB) with planar electrode configuration over bond paper substrate. Zn has been used as the negative electrode, MnO2 is used as the positive electrode with Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as the active binder. Conducting tracks of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are used to construct the current collector on the paper substrate. The fabricated IPZIB delivered a high discharge capacity of 300.14 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1. The energy density of the IPZIB is observed as 330.15 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 220 W kg−1 and retains an energy density of 94.36 Wh kg−1 at a high power density of 1650 W kg−1. Finally, we have demonstrated the capability of the IPZIB to power a LED at various bending and folding conditions which indicates its potential to be used in the next generation flexible and wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nuclear medicine has made enormous progress in the past decades. However, there are still significant inequalities in patient access among different countries, which could be mitigated by improving access to and availability of radiopharmaceuticals. Main body: This paper summarises major considerations for a suitable pharmaceutical regulatory framework to facilitate patient access to radiopharmaceuticals. These include the distinct characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals which require dedicated regulations, considering the impact of the variable complexity of radiopharmaceutical preparation, personnel requirements, manufacturing practices and quality assurance, regulatory authority interfaces, communication and training, as well as marketing authorisation procedures to ensure availability of radiopharmaceuticals. Finally, domestic and regional supply to ensure patient access via alternative regulatory pathways, including in-house production of radiopharmaceuticals, is described, and an outlook on regulatory challenges faced by new developments, such as the use of alpha emitters, is provided. Conclusions: All these considerations are an outcome of a dedicated Technical Meeting organised by the IAEA in 2023 and represent the views and opinions of experts in the field, not those of any regulatory authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial R &D efforts are currently directed towards the development of combined heat and power (CHP) systems that automatically and seamlessly connect to the power grid. In this paper we develop a real options model to assess the impact that the operational flexibility characterizing such systems will have on the optimal timing and capacity associated with investments in CHP plants. We take the viewpoint of a manufacturer operating in an energy-intensive industry who contemplates investing in CHP. We discuss and compare investments in two types of CHP systems: a standard one that is operationally rigid and a technologically advanced one that is operationally flexible. The interaction between temporal and operational flexibility under uncertainty and irreversibility is central to our analysis. We show that operational flexibility guarantees earlier investment but has an ambiguous effect in terms of capacity. In particular, when operational flexibility is very valuable the potential investor is opting for investing in a plant with larger productive capacity. The potential investor chooses a smaller CHP unit if otherwise. A numerical exercise calibrated using data from the Italian pulp and paper and electricity industries complements our theoretical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes as new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis have attracted attention because they are highly released by tumor cells in various biological fluids. In this study, an electrochemical paper-based immunosensor device (Exo-sensing paper) is introduced for the detection of exosome in the serum. The Exo-sensing paper is a three-electrode system that is prepared using pattern paper and carbon and silver inks. The sensor part of this immunosensor contains a three-dimensional porous nanocomposite of nickel nanofoam coupled with graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. The high specific surface area of this nanocomposite increases the antibody loading on the sensor surface significantly and consequently leads to obtaining a wide linear range of 500–1 × 107 Exospore µL−1 with a detection limit of 110 Exosome µL−1. Due to some advantages of this constructed Exo-sensing paper such as easy storage, simple application, low cost and good selectivity in the real samples, this system has a good potential to be used as a point of care testing for in situ detection of the exosomes and is a promising strategy for minimally invasive liquid biopsy.Graphical abstract: Exosomes as new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis have attracted attention because they are highly released by tumor cells in various biological fluids. In this study, an electrochemical paper-based immunosensor device (Exo-sensing paper) is introduced for the detection of exosome in the serum. The Exo-sensing paper is a three-electrode system that is prepared using pattern paper and carbon and silver inks. The sensor part of this immunosensor contains a three-dimensional porous nanocomposite of nickel nanofoam coupled with graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. The high specific surface area of this nanocomposite increases the antibody loading on the sensor surface significantly and consequently leads to obtaining a wide linear range of 500–1 × 107 Exospore µL−1 with a detection limit of 110 Exosome µL−1. Due to some advantages of this constructed Exo-sensing paper such as easy storage, simple application, low cost and good selectivity in the real samples, this system has a good potential to be used as a point of care testing for in situ detection of the exosomes and is a promising strategy for minimally invasive liquid biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metagenomics has revolutionized access to genomic information of microorganisms inhabiting the gut of herbivorous animals, circumventing the need for their isolation and cultivation. Exploring these microorganisms for novel hydrolytic enzymes becomes unattainable without utilizing metagenome sequencing. In this study, we harnessed a suite of bioinformatic analyses to discover a novel cellulase-degrading enzyme from the camel rumen metagenome. Among the protein-coding sequences containing cellulase-encoding domains, we identified and subsequently cloned and purified a promising candidate cellulase enzyme, Celcm05-2, to a state of homogeneity. The enzyme belonged to GH5 subfamily 4 and exhibited robust enzymatic activity under acidic pH conditions. It maintained hydrolytic activity under various environmental conditions, including the presence of metal ions, non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100, organic solvents, and varying temperatures. With an optimal temperature of 40 °C, Celcm05-2 showcased remarkable efficiency when deployed on crystalline cellulose (> 3.6 IU/mL), specifically Avicel, thereby positioning it as an attractive candidate for a myriad of biotechnological applications spanning biofuel production, paper and pulp processing, and textile manufacturing. Efficient biodegradation of waste paper pulp residues and the evidence of biopolishing suggested that Celcm05-2 can be used in the bioprocessing of cellulosic craft fabrics in the textile industry. Our findings suggest that the camel rumen microbiome can be mined for novel cellulase enzymes that can find potential applications across diverse biotechnological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The March 2024 issue of the Journal of Materials Science features a cover paper titled "Data-driven search for promising intercalating ions and layered materials for metal-ion batteries" by Shayani Parida and her colleagues at the University of Connecticut and EaglePicher. The paper, which falls under the "Computation & theory" Topical Collection, explores the use of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and machine-learning methods to identify alternative 2D materials and intercalating ions for high-power efficiency metal-ion batteries. The journal's Editor-in-Chief, Professor Jean-François Gohy, handled the paper, highlighting the journal's commitment to multidisciplinary research. The paper is freely accessible online, and additional details can be found in the Supplementary Information. [Extracted from the article]

The Journal of Materials Science awards the annual Robert W. Cahn Prize to recognize the best paper published in the journal each year. The winner of the 2023 Cahn Prize is a research paper titled "Molecular modelling of graphene nanoribbons on the effect of porosity and oxidation on the mechanical and thermal properties." The paper presents molecular simulation models of graphene nanoribbons and examines the impact of porosity and oxidation on their mechanical and thermal conductivity properties. The paper is well-written and provides valuable insights for researchers in this field. Two other papers were selected as runners-up for the prize. All the monthly finalists for the Cahn Prize can be downloaded for free on the journal's website. [Extracted from the article]

Some errors exist in the above paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Journal of Materials Science has awarded the 2023 William Bonfield Prize for the best review paper to "Cement hydration mechanisms through time—a review" by Elisabeth John and Barbara Lothenbach. The review examines the work of Henri Louis Le Chatelier and William Michaëlis in the late nineteenth century and proposes pathways for future research in cement hydration mechanisms. The authors provide a comprehensive review with over 150 references, making it valuable for researchers in the field. The review was chosen by Professor Bonfield, who praised its analysis and contribution to the understanding of cement and concrete technology. Honorable mentions were also given to reviews on carbon dots, biopolymer-based treatments for cultural heritage materials, and superwetting membranes for oil/water separation. The William Bonfield Prize was created to honor Professor Bonfield's contributions to the Journal of Materials Science and materials research. [Extracted from the article]

Using nanostructured materials issued from renewable resources could be the key to the development of good-quality low-cost products that help reduce pollution. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were obtained by alkaline and bleaching treatments of Amazonian Paricá hardwood sawdust, a waste material from the Brazilian forestry industry. This study evaluated a process consisting in alternating layers of Paricá CNFs and cassava starch to coat standard writing and printing (W&P) papers with a skim-coating method, in which one face of each paper sample is passed over the surface of a suspension containing either CNFs or cassava starch, alternatively. The coated samples were then compared to the uncoated paper in terms of mechanical and surface properties. The mechanical properties of the papers coated with alkaline CNFs showed a declining trend as the number of coating layers increased (from 47 to 31 MPa). The papers coated with starch layers showed improved mechanical performance compared to the samples only coated with alkaline and alkaline bleached CNFs. All the coated samples showed excellent resistance to water degradation. The worst degradation (4%) was observed for the samples coated with a single layer of alkaline CNFs. A significant improvement in surface wettability was observed when gelatinized cassava starch was applied to the paper samples, irrespective of the type of CNFs eventually present on the surface. All in all, these results suggest that using gelatinized cassava starch as an alternating layer between successive CNFs layers on the surface of W&P paper samples may be promising for improving their overall properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequency-domain dielectric spectroscopy (FDS) technology is commonly utilized for assessing the condition of power equipment with oil–paper insulation. Nonetheless, its application in practical field conditions is limited because of the constantly changing temperature in the measurement environment and the equipment under inspection. To address this issue, this paper presents a method for separating the conductance and polarization components in dielectric response, and conducts experiments to measure the dielectric curves of oil–paper samples at five different temperatures. Subsequently, the dielectric curves in the entire frequency range are decomposed into three distinct microscopic dielectric processes: low-frequency conductivity, low-frequency polarization, and high-frequency polarization. The impact of temperature variation on these microscopic dielectric processes is investigated to establish a connection between them and the physical meaning of the complex dielectric constant. This leads to proposing a new method for temperature translation normalization of dielectric curves. Experimental results reveal that each microscopic dielectric curve undergoes translation due to temperature changes, with varying amplitudes of translation. Based on the temperature translation characteristics of these microscopic processes, the suggested temperature translation normalization method for dielectric responses demonstrates excellent efficacy, aiding in the precise assessment of power equipment insulation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To stimulate the development and application of formal methods in industry, we need to promote research and development for the improvement of formal methods and tools for industrial applications, and we need to exchange experiences of the industrial usage of these methods and tools. This special issue of Software Tools for Technology Transfer presents various tools and experience reports that are targeting the use of formal methods in industry. The papers in this special issue are extended versions of selected conference papers from the proceedings of the 27th International Conference on Formal Methods for Industrial Critical Systems (FMICS 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work demonstrates the application of urea-powered paper-based fuel cells (PFCs) with Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidant to drive a flexible electronic circuit (ring oscillator (RO)), for the first time. Herein, the electrochemical performance of four different PFCs has been studied by employing non-precious electrodes as the anode and cathode. These are the membraneless PFC with (i) Toray carbon paper (CP) (ii) Nickel (Ni)-mesh (iii) Nickel Cobalt nanoparticles supported on reduced Graphene Oxide loaded on the CP (Ni Co@rGo@CP) and (iv) membrane-based PFC with Ni Co@rGo@CP as the electrodes. In each PFC the same electrode is employed on both the sides. A single membraneless-PFC with Ni-Co@rGo@CP as electrodes delivered a peak power density (Pmax) of 55 µW cm−2, maximum current density (Jmax) of 371 µA cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.7 V at 3 M urea. While, a single membrane-based PFC assembled on an anion exchange membrane with Ni-Co@rGo@CP electrodes, delivered a Pmax of ≈70 µW cm−2 and Jmax of ≈500 µA cm−2 at an OCV of 0.7 V with 3 M urea. Subsequently, a stack of two membrane-based PFCs delivered an OCV of ≈1.4 V for 400 s. Finally, this stack is employed as a power source to drive a RO. The measured frequency and peak-to-peak voltage are 37.52 kHz and 1.04 V, respectively. This demonstration opens a window to implement self-contained flexible electronic system using PFCs as the power source with minimal e-waste.Graphical abstract: This work demonstrates the application of urea-powered paper-based fuel cells (PFCs) with Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidant to drive a flexible electronic circuit (ring oscillator (RO)), for the first time. Herein, the electrochemical performance of four different PFCs has been studied by employing non-precious electrodes as the anode and cathode. These are the membraneless PFC with (i) Toray carbon paper (CP) (ii) Nickel (Ni)-mesh (iii) Nickel Cobalt nanoparticles supported on reduced Graphene Oxide loaded on the CP (Ni Co@rGo@CP) and (iv) membrane-based PFC with Ni Co@rGo@CP as the electrodes. In each PFC the same electrode is employed on both the sides. A single membraneless-PFC with Ni-Co@rGo@CP as electrodes delivered a peak power density (Pmax) of 55 µW cm−2, maximum current density (Jmax) of 371 µA cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.7 V at 3 M urea. While, a single membrane-based PFC assembled on an anion exchange membrane with Ni-Co@rGo@CP electrodes, delivered a Pmax of ≈70 µW cm−2 and Jmax of ≈500 µA cm−2 at an OCV of 0.7 V with 3 M urea. Subsequently, a stack of two membrane-based PFCs delivered an OCV of ≈1.4 V for 400 s. Finally, this stack is employed as a power source to drive a RO. The measured frequency and peak-to-peak voltage are 37.52 kHz and 1.04 V, respectively. This demonstration opens a window to implement self-contained flexible electronic system using PFCs as the power source with minimal e-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve integrated resource utilization of graphite tailings to improve their water-holding capacity, river silt and cow dung powder were added to graphite tailings as organic matter improvers. Improver ratios were designed using 4 g cow dung powder and 20, 30, and 50 g river silt. Soil–water characterization tests were performed using a combined tensiometer and filter paper method based on optimum density measurements. Analysis of the influence of river silt dosing on the soil–water characteristic curves of improved graphite tailing specimens was performed with data fitting using the Van Genuchten model. Here, we investigated the effect of river silt dosing on the internal pore structure and water-holding capacity of modified graphite tailing samples and verified the applicability of the model to graphite tailings. Our results demonstrate that the organic matter improver incorporated into graphite tailings can improve the internal structural compactness of graphite tailings, improving the water holding capacity. With an increase in river silt dosage, the saturated water content is larger, and the residual water content increases and then decreases. When river silt dosage is 30 g, the residual water content is the highest at a value of 3.32%. The van Genuchten model was highly accurate for assessing the graphite tailings. With an increase in river silt doping, the internal pore space first decreased and then increased, and the internal structure gradually became compact and loosened. The internal structure was in the optimal state in the experimental study when the dosage of cow dung powder was 4 g and the dosage of river silt was 30 g. The water holding capacity was optimal at this time. The results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for graphite-tailing-based mine reclamation and play a guiding role in exploring the value of the hydraulic characteristic index parameters when applying graphite tailings engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The June 2024 cover image of the Journal of Materials Science features a paper by Liss et al. titled "Recrystallization of bulk nanostructured magnesium alloy AZ31 after severe plastic deformation: an in situ diffraction study." The image is an artistic representation of nanostructured magnesium alloy AZ31 undergoing heating, showcasing the process of recrystallization in reciprocal space. The paper is part of a Special Issue on "Processing Bulk Nanostructured Materials," which includes a total of 28 articles covering various aspects of severe plastic deformation (SPD) in the processing of bulk nanostructured materials. The Special Issue aims to highlight the enduring significance and resilience of research in this field. Both the paper and the preface of the Special Issue have SharedIt links for easy sharing with readers. [Extracted from the article]

The May 2024 issue of the Journal of Materials Science features a cover paper titled "Role of stacking fault energy in confined layer slip in nanolaminated Cu" by Ji et al. The paper explores the deformation of metallic nanolaminates and acknowledges the contribution of Professor Hussein Zbib. The issue is dedicated to honoring Professor Zbib's memory and was conceived by Guest Editors Tariq Khraishi, Georges Ayoub, Sinisa Mesarovic, and Mutasem Shehadeh. The paper includes references to previous work but does not mention any measurements of the intrinsic stacking fault energy. The corresponding author is Professor Shuozhi Xu from the University of Oklahoma, and the last author is Professor I.J. Beyerlein, who has a background in research and was born in Los Alamos. The paper is freely accessible through the SharedIt link provided. [Extracted from the article]

Knowledge of salt and moisture distribution is a key factor for understanding rock decay at cultural heritage sites. The cave town of Uplistsikhe in Georgia, carved from sandstone in late bronze age to medieval times, suffers from progressive scaling and flaking processes. Multi-method investigations of rock moisture and salt distribution were carried out in order to better understand the patterns of decay. Salt distribution was investigated using drill dust samples and paper pulp poultices; moisture was determined by 2D-resistivity and handheld microwave sensors, supplemented by infrared thermography. The combined results from the different methods revealed a complex pattern of salt and moisture distribution. At most sites, K2SO4 (arcanite) and its hydrates dominate, sometimes in combination with CaSO4 (gypsum). At one site (Grandhall), halite (NaCl) and niter (KNO3) prevail. Sulphates are assumed to be a legacy of air pollution; origin of halite and niter remains unsolved but might be due to concrete reinforcements. Two main sources of moisture were evidenced depending on season and spatial situation: (1) Condensation of air humidity at cool cave backwalls in spring (combined with and aided by salt hygroscopicity), evidenced by 2D-resistivity and infrared thermography; (2) seepage along joints particularly at the cave backwalls and roofs, evidenced by handheld microwave sensors. Further investigations should focus on identifying seepage pathways and on clarifying the origin of destructive halite and nitrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a digital morphological filtering method based on a novel structuring element (SE) formulated using fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) and cross-convolution of window functions. The highlighting feature of this newly formulated filter is its flexibility in adding an adaptive nature to classical morphological filtering. Until now, every method listed in the literature makes a convenient assumption that noises corrupting ECG signal are Gaussian and model the filter around this assumption. Addressing this shortcoming, the first-of-its-kind filter adopts the α -stable distribution model (of which Gaussian distribution is a special case) of noise to better replicate the real-time noises interfering with ECG signals. The designed filter can suppress the noise and adapt to the changes in ECG signal morphology for better reconstruction. The proposed filter is tested on MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database. The simulation results show improved performance in several quantitative metrics, demonstrating the superiority of our suggested method over the currently used state-of-the-art techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the recipients of the Best Paper Awards for 2022 in the journal Circuits, Systems & Signal Processing. The awards were established in 2013 and nominations were invited from Associate Editors and readers of the journal. A Selection Committee was formed to choose the best papers in different categories. The recipients of the Armen H. Zemanian Best Paper Award for Circuits and Systems are Sudip Ghosh, Yuvam Bateja, Joshua Roy Palathinkal, and Hafizur Rahaman. The recipients of the Sydney R. Parker Best Paper Award for Signal Processing are N. Ramesh Babu, K. Sanjay, and P. Balasubraminam. The paper by Babu et al. was also chosen for the M.N.S. Swamy Best Paper Award. Each awardee will receive a certificate and cash prize. The Editor-in-Chief congratulates the winners and thanks the nominators and Selection Committee for their contributions. [Extracted from the article]

The April 2024 issue of the Journal of Materials Science features a cover paper titled "Self-assembled NIPAM-PEG-NIPAM polymeric nanomicelles for the delivery of zinc protoporphyrin: a potential stimuli-triggered cancer treatment approach" by Bagheri-Meyabad et al. The paper, which is part of the "Materials for Life Sciences" Topical Collection, explores the use of nanomicelles for drug delivery. The corresponding author, Professor Rassoul Dinarvand, is based in Iran and has a strong research background in materials for life sciences. The paper is freely available online and includes supplementary information. [Extracted from the article]

The February 2024 issue of the Journal of Materials Science features a cover paper titled "Enhancing the impact property of high-entropy alloys with graphene layers: a molecular dynamics study" by Qing-Xiang Pei et al. The paper explores the use of molecular dynamics simulations to study the impact of a projectile on a high-entropy alloy (HEA) containing layers of graphene. The authors highlight the broad interest in their research, as it appeals not only to the modeling community but also to other communities interested in the materials being modeled. The paper provides valuable insights into the behavior of composite materials and includes figures illustrating the preparation of the model material and the interaction between a projectile and the HEA. The article is freely accessible through the SharedIt link provided, and the corresponding authors can be contacted for access to the data. The publisher, Springer Nature, maintains a neutral stance on jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

For shaped charge blasting projects in mining, civil engineering, and similar fields, it is proposed to modify the charge structure by combining slotted tubes and shaped charge liners to obtain a new type of charge structure. This aims to achieve directional rock breaking through the focused action of the shaped charge. The influence of different slotted pipe materials on the directional rock-breaking effect of concentrated energy using a new charge structure is explored through theoretical analysis combined with model test study, high-speed camera, stress–strain gauge, and other equipment. A comparison is made between slotted pipes made of aluminum, kraft paper, and PVC, with the cutting width of 2 mm. Based on the characteristics of the cracks formed after blasting, the new charge structure made of aluminum slotted pipe produces a penetrating crack that is almost consistent with the pre-cracking direction. Based on the corresponding characteristics of successively released blasting energy, the guiding and convergence effect of the new charge structure made of aluminum slotted pipe on the explosion energy is greater than that of the new charge structure made of the other two types of slotted pipe material. According to the strain data measured after blasting, the peak arrival time of the strain peak in the direction of the slotted pipe on one side of the shaped hood is shorter than that in the other two directions, and the peak strain is greater than that in the other two directions while having a better energy gathering effect. Based on the findings, the new charge structure with directional energy concentration has a damage reduction effect. Furthermore, the material of aluminum slotted pipe is found to be better than PVC slotted pipe, whereas the material of PVC slotted pipe is better than kraft paper slotted pipe in achieving directional rock breaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text is an editorial from the Journal of Materials Science discussing a cover paper titled "High-performance, water-resistant and ion-conducting gel used as underwater ECG electrodes" by Shi et al. The paper addresses the challenges of sensing underwater and describes the synthesis and characterization of a single-layer hydrogel electrode that is resistant to swelling in water. The paper is accessible to non-experts and includes photographs, curves, and electrocardiograms to support the findings. Although the article is not open access, it can be accessed through a SharedIt link provided by the publisher. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents the use of X-ray computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence in the analysis and expert research of the seventeenth century printed book "Eukhologīon albo Molitoslov, ili Trebnik" from Kiev. The main purpose of the survey was to confirm whether the book binding is original or whether it is a rebinding, and whether there are any fragments of the hidden older texts. Commonly used radiography is usually not able to provide sufficient information for these purposes. On the other hand, computed tomography allows a detailed and three-dimensional documentation of the bookbinding technology and the structure of the materials used, including the wooden boards. It will be presented that all elements of the weave are clearly visible, making it possible to show that there are no internal defects in the stitching and materials. It has also been convincingly shown that there are no fragments or layers of older texts in the binding, so no further invasive intervention will be necessary regarding this aspect. The paper also demonstrates the possibility of reading the text in a closed book utilising X-ray computed tomography data; this option may be advantageous for massively damaged manuscripts. It will also be shown, that thanks to detailed tomographic imaging of the wood structure of the boards, a dendrochronological survey can be successfully carried out without invasive intervention into their outer layers. From the CT data it was also found that the pigments of the letters have significantly different densities. Therefore, as part of the survey, elemental analysis of the writing was also carried out using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to confirm and clarify this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indicator papers with immobilized para-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde are proposed for the visual–colorimetric and colorimetric determination of antibacterial compounds of the cephalosporin group (cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefazolin) using a smartphone camera. The effect of conditions and the type of the photorecording device is assessed. The accuracy of the developed rapid procedures is estimated using the added–found method; the procedures are characterized by the satisfactory reproducibility of results (RSD does not exceed 19%). An analysis of drugs—"Aksosef" tablets and "Cephalexin" capsules—is carried out; the found contents of cephalosporins are consistent with the declared ranges of their contents in the drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of society and the improvement of living standards, the significance of students' physical health has become increasingly prominent. However, currently, the assessment and analysis of students' physical health heavily depend on conventional statistical methods. Even with the application of data mining-related methodologies for analysis and evaluation, the exploitation and utilization of physical health big data remain relatively restricted. In this paper, an improved Canopy-K-means algorithm based on principal component analysis (PCA) is used to construct and analyze a portrait of students' physical fitness and health. The method combines data dimensionality reduction techniques and cluster analysis techniques, and its combined performance is the best compared to other algorithms in the ablation experiments for both male and female student data groups. In this paper, the algorithm was used to process the grouping of physical fitness test data of male and female students, realize the construction and analysis of students' physical fitness and health portrait, and give the exercise prescription for different categories of students. In this paper, the physical health test data of students of Yunnan Agricultural University in 2020–2022 were collected to carry out experiments, and the results found that there are differences in physical health status among students of different genders, grades, and majors in this university, and the physical health status of the students of Classes 2018 and 2019 is generally deficient; on different majors, the students of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences are slightly superior to the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the students of the Faculty of Science and Technology are slightly superior to the students of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Our study offers novel methods and ideas for the assessment and analysis of students' physical health, holding significant implications for schools and related departments in formulating scientific and effective physical education policies and health promotion strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrusion detection system is responsible for revealing different intrusion activities, including the denial of service, man-in-middle, Mirai, Scan, and other types of intrusion activities. It is used in many applications, including the smart home Internet of Things networks, where security risks threaten the privacy of individuals. In this context, many works were proposed for detecting and classifying the different types of attacks. However, many challenges are identified for this type of problem, such as the large amount of data available, the imbalanced nature of the data, and the quality of detection and classification outcomes. This paper aims to address these challenges by proposing an approach that considers a metaheuristic-based random weight neural network to detect intrusion activities and classify the different types and subtypes of activities. The following points summarize the contribution of this paper. First, the automatic tuning of the neural network parameters where the weights, biases, regularization value, the number of neurons, and the type of activation function are optimized by different metaheuristic algorithms to produce high-quality results. Second, the proposed approach adopts a clustering with reduction technique to tackle the challenge of processing large volumes of data. Third, oversampling the dataset is also embedded in the proposed approach to avoid a biased classification of the majority class. The experiments are conducted based on a large dataset with more than half a million instances. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms the other classification approaches in geometric mean (G-Mean) and has promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation to different ecological niches is considered one of the main drivers of species diversification, also in cryptic species complexes, notwithstanding their morphological stasis. We here review all the published information on ecological differentiation within cryptic species complexes within the phylum Rotifera. We found 177 instances of cryptic species identified genetically, published in 101 papers. Only a subset of the papers contained available information on ecological differences and only for two of the 54 known complexes, namely Brachionus calyciflorus s.l. and Brachionus plicatilis s.l., sufficient data were available for analyses of ecological differences. For the B. calyciflorus complex, B. fernandoi consistently occurred at a significantly lower temperature than the other species in the complex; no differences were found for other environmental variables. For the B. plicatilis complex, B. paranguensis occurred in waters with higher pH than the other species; no differences were found for other environmental variables. These results, even if preliminary and based on scattered information, reveal that adaptation to different ecological niches exists also between closely related species. Our aim is to showcase this interesting field of research spurring further detailed studies to focus on the mechanisms of ecological speciation using rotifer cryptic species as a model system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]