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Over the past decade, the prevalence of neurological diseases has significantly risen due to population growth and aging. Individuals suffering from spastic paralysis, brain attack, and idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD), among other neurological illnesses, commonly suffer from dysarthria. Early detection and treatment of dysarthria in these patients are essential for effectively managing the progression of their disease. This paper provides UTrans-DSR, a novel encoder-decoder architecture for analyzing Mel-spectrograms (generated from audios) and classifying speech as healthy or dysarthric. Our model employs transformer encoder features based on a hybrid design, which includes the feature enhancement block (FEB) and the vision transformer (ViT) encoders. This combination effectively extracts global and local pixel information regarding localization while optimizing the mel-spectrograms feature extraction process. We keep up with the original class-token grouping sequence in the vision transformer while generating a new equivalent expanding route. More specifically, two unique growing pathways use a deep-supervision approach to increase spatial data recovery and expedite model convergence. We add consecutive residual connections to the system to reduce feature loss while increasing spatial data retrieval. Our technique is based on identifying gaps in mel-spectrograms distinguishing between normal and dysarthric speech. We conducted several experiments on UTrans-DSR using the UA speech and TORGO datasets, and it outperformed the existing top models. The model performed significantly in pixel's localized and spatial feature extraction, effectively detecting and classifying spectral gaps. The Tran-DSR model outperforms previous research models, achieving an accuracy of 97.75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For possible uses in the THz frequency range, we investigated the one-dimensional gyroidal superconductor photonic crystals in the current work. In this regard, each unit cell is designed from gyroidal Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (BSCCO) and SrTiO3 layers. Here, BSCCO is embedded in a hosting dielectric medium of SrTiO3 to design the gyroidal layer. The transfer matrix approach and the two-fluid model are both used in the computational analysis of the suggested structure. Studying the optical properties and investigating how several factors, including filling fraction, operating temperature, and layer thicknesses, affect the PC's performance. The results showed the emergence of the cutoff frequency at 5.35 THz. In this regard, the value of the cutoff frequency can be tuned based on the filling fraction, operating temperature, and refractive index of the hosting medium, making the structure promising for optical communication applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to water shortages and the potential impact of Ethiopia’s new dam on the Nile River, Egypt is seeking new water resources. This study assesses the drinking water quality and associated risks from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the Quaternary aquifer (QA) in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Using a comprehensive approach, including PHREEQC geochemical modeling, ionic ratios, multivariate statistical analyses, and the integrated weight water quality index (WQI), the study evaluated the sources of ion contamination and the mixing of Nile water with QA. Various indices, such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), ecological Risk Index (RI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI), were used to assess ecological and health risks. Monte Carlo simulations provided probabilistic assessments of non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children. GIS tools were used to map risk indices, identifying the most deteriorated locations for sustainable management. The hydrochemical analysis revealed water facies including Na–Cl, Ca–Mg–HCO3, and mixed types, influenced by carbonate dissolution, ion exchange, and silicate weathering. Contamination sources, particularly in the north and south, were linked to agricultural activities, irrigation return flow, municipal waste, and evaporation. The WQI indicated that 10.14% of samples were extremely poor, 21.7% were poor, 26% were medium, and 42% were good to excellent. PTE contamination varied, with HPI values indicating good water quality in the central area in 53.6% of the collected samples (HPI < 30), but contamination in the north and south is high (HPI > 51). Ecological Risk Index values were below the threshold in 100% of samples (RI < 30), confirming water safety regarding PTEs. In comparison, for hazard index (HI) through oral/ingestion, adults exhibited HI values ranging from 0.012 to 2.16, while children showed higher values, ranging from 0.045 to 8.25. However, the hazard index for oral/ingestion exceeded safe limits in the north and south (HI oral > 1), posing non-carcinogenic risks. Monte Carlo simulations revealed significant risks from oral exposure to manganese (HQ oral > 1), particularly in El-Wasta and El-Fashn, necessitating further treatment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of synthetic coal-derived adsorbents were characterized as potential enhanced structurers during the removal of chlorpyrifos pesticide. The raw coal (CA) was activated into porous graphitic carbon (AC), and both CA and AC were blended with polyaniline polymers (PANI/CA and PANI/AC) forming two advanced composites. The adsorption performances of the modified structures in comparison with CA were evaluated based on both the steric and energetic parameters of the applied advanced isotherm model (the monolayer model of one energy). The uptake performances reflected higher capacities for the PANI hybridized form (235.8 mg/g (PANI/CA) and 309.75 mg/g (PANI/AC) as compared to AC (156.9 mg/g) and raw coal (135.8 mg/g). This signifies the impact of activation step and PANI blending on the surface and textural properties of coal. The steric investigation determined the saturation of the coal surface with extra active sites after the activation step (Nm(AC) = 62.05 mg/g) and the PANI integration (Nm(PANI/CA) = 113.5 mg/g and Nm(PANI/AC) = 169.7 mg/g) as compared to raw coal (Nm(CA) = 39.6 mg/g). This illustrated the reported uptake efficiencies of the modified samples, which can be attributed to the enhancement in the surface area and the incorporation of additional chemical groups. The results also reflect that each site can be loaded with 3–4 molecules of chlorpyrifos, which are arranged vertically and adsorbed by multi-molecular mechanisms. The energetic studies (< 40 kJ/mol) suggested the physical uptake of pesticide molecules by dipole bonding and hydrogen bonding processes. The thermodynamic functions donate the exothermic properties of 47reactions that occur spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to progress the field of topological photonic crystals (TPC) as a promising tool in face of construction flaws. In particular, the structure can be used as a novel temperature sensor. In this regard, the considered TPC structure comprising two different PC designs named PC1 and PC2. PC1 is designed from a stack of multilayers containing Silicon (Si) and Silicon dioxide (SiO2), while layers of SiO2 and composite layer named hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) are considered in designing PC2. The HMM layer is engineered using subwavelength layers of Si and Bismuth Germinate, or BGO ( Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 ). The mainstay of our suggested temperature sensor is mainly based on the emergence of some resonant modes inside the transmittance spectrum that provide the stability in the presence of the geometrical changes. Meanwhile, our theoretical framework has been introduced in the vicinity of transfer matrix method (TMM), effective medium theory (EMT) and the thermo-optic characteristics of the considered materials. The numerical findings have extensively introduced the role of some topological parameters such as layers' thicknesses, filling ratio through HMM layers and the periodicity of HMM on the stability or the topological features of the introduced sensor. Meanwhile, the numerical results reveal that the considered design provides some topological edge states (TESs) of a promising robustness and stability against certain disturbances or geometrical changes in the constituent materials. In addition, our sensing tool offers a relatively high sensitivity of 0.27 nm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of water quality is crucial for managing surface water effectively, ensuring its suitability for human use, and sustaining the environment. In the lower Danube River basin, various methods were employed to assess surface water quality for irrigation, drinking, human health risk purposes and the main mechanism control the surface water chemistry. These methods included water quality indicators (WQIs), complex statistical analyses, geographic information systems (GIS), Monte Carlo simulation, and geochemical modeling. Physicochemical analyses of surface water samples revealed primarily Ca–Mg–HCO3− is the dominant water types. Principal component analysis (PCA), ionic ratios and piper, chloro alkaline index, Chadha, and Gibbs diagrams identified three distinct water characteristics influenced by water-rocks interaction, evaporation, ions exchange, and human activities. The geochemical modeling showed Danube River water's strong ability to dissolve gypsum, halite, and anhydrite (SI < 0) and precipitate aragonite, dolomite, and calcite with saturation index (SI) value greater than 0 along its flow path. The irrigation water quality index (IWQI = 99.6–107.6), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR = 0.37–0.68), sodium percentage (Na% = 13.7–18.7), soluble sodium percentage (SSP = 12.5–17.5), Potential Salinity (PS = 0.73–1.6), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC = − 1.27–0.58) values were used, mainly indicating acceptable quality with some limitations. Danube River water was unsuitable for drinking based on WQI value (WQI = 81–104). Oral exposure of children to specific components showed a higher hazard index (HI > 1) compared to adults, indicating a 2.1 times higher overall non-carcinogenic risk hazard index. However, Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated negligible iron, manganese, and nitrate health hazards for both age groups. These findings are valuable for water quality management decisions, contributing to long-term resource sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of technology, the Internet of vehicles (IoV) has become increasingly important. However, as the number of vehicles on highways increases, ensuring reliable communication between them has become a significant challenge. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel approach that combines Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) with a time-optimized multitask offloading model based on Optimal Stopping Theory (OST) principles. NOMA-OST is a promising technology that can address the high volume of multiple access and the need for reliable communication in IoV. A NOMA-OST-based IoV system is proposed to meet the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication requirements. This approach optimizes joint task offloading and resource allocation for multiple users, tasks, and servers. NOMA enables efficient resource sharing by accommodating multiple devices, whereas OST ensures timely and intelligent task offloading decisions, resulting in improved reliability and efficiency in V2V communication within IoV, making it a highly innovative and technically robust solution. It suggests a low-complexity sub-optimal matching approach for sub-channel allocation to increase the effectiveness of offloading. Simulation results show that NOMA with OST significantly improves the system’s energy efficiency (EE) and reduces computation time. The approach also enhances the effectiveness of task offloading and resource allocation, leading to better overall system performance. The performance of NOMA with OST under V2V communication requirements in IoV is significantly improved compared to traditional orthogonal multiaccess methods. Overall, NOMA with OST is a promising technology that can address the high reliability of V2V communication requirements in IoV. It can improve system performance, and energy efficiency and reduce computation time, making it a valuable technology for IoV applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw ferruginous kaolinite was characterized as promising materials in the removal of safranin-O dye from water in comparison with fresh kaolinite. The studied samples were characterized utilizing different techniques including XRF, XRD, SEM, and optical polarized microscope. The sample appeared as highly crystalline kaolinite of structural iron impurities and 120-nm average crystallite size. This gives the sample large crystallite size, low basal spacing, and enhanced adsorption capacity and giving it catalytic properties in the advanced oxidation reactions (Fenton's oxidation, photocatalytic degradation, and photo-Fenton's oxidation). The kinetic modeling reflected strong agreement with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model of more physical nature and attending the equilibrium after 270 min. The equilibrium study revealed heterogeneous uptake of safranin-O dye by ferruginous kaolinite in multilayer form with experimental qmax of 59.3 mg/g. Moreover, the sample displayed promising catalytic properties and effective oxidation properties in photocatalytic, Fenton's, and photo-Fenton's oxidation processes for the removal of safranin-O dye. Ferruginous kaolinite achieved the best oxidation results by the photo-Fenton process in the presence of 6 mL of the H2O2 at pH 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel MgO/CaO nanocomposite (MgO/CaO NRs) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method using diatomite porous frustules as a substrate under the microwave irradiation. The composite appeared as well crystalline rod-like nanoparticles with 52.3 nm as average particle size and 112.8 m2/g as BET surface area. The synthetic MgO/CaO NRs were addressed as a novel adsorbent for promising removal of levofloxacin (LVX) as pharmaceutical residuals. The adsorption studies revealed effective uptake of levofloxacin by MgO/CaO NRs with theoretical qmax of 106.7 mg/g and the equilibrium time of 720 min considering the best pH value (pH 7). The equilibrium studies highly fitted with the Langmuir model of monolayer adsorption considering the values of Chi-squared (χ2) and determination coefficient. The estimated adsorption energy from Dubinin–Radushkevich (0.2 kJ/mol) signifies physisorption mechanisms that might be coulombic attractive forces considering the kinetic studies. The thermodynamic addressing for the reactions verified their spontaneous and exothermic nature within a temperature range from 303 to 333 K. Additionally, the prepared MgO/CaO NRs show significant recyclability properties to be used in realistic remediation process and its uptake capacity is higher than several studied adsorbents in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]