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We consider the stabilization of a class of linear evolution systems z ′ = A z + B v under the observation y = C z by means of a finite dimensional control v. The control is based on the design of a Luenberger observer which can be infinite or finite dimensional (of dimension large enough). In the infinite dimensional case, the operator A is supposed to generate an analytical semigroup with compact resolvent and the operators B and C are unbounded operators whereas in the finite dimensional case, A is assumed to be a self-adjoint operator with compact resolvent, B and C are supposed to be bounded operators. In both cases, we show that if (A, B) and (A, C) verify the Fattorini-Hautus Criterion, then we can construct an observer-based control v of finite dimension (greater or equal than largest geometric multiplicity of the unstable eigenvalues of A) such that the evolution problem is exponentially stable. As an application, we study the stabilization of the diffusion system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquefaction, a vital issue in geotechnical engineering, is often due to cyclic stress leading to the effective stress in the soil mass reaching zero. This phenomenon depends on several aspects, including the soil type. Most previous research has focused on the liquefaction behavior of silicate sands, which significantly differ from carbonate sands in terms of static and dynamic resistance. Therefore, this study investigates the liquefaction behavior of clean Bushehr carbonate sand (CBCS), crude oil-contaminated Bushehr carbonate sand (COCBCS), and stabilized crude oil-contaminated Bushehr carbonate sand (SCOCBCS). The stabilization process uses three additives, i.e., Nano clay (NC), Portland cement (PC), and silicon dioxide (SD). The study finds that the addition of 4% NC has the highest impact on stabilizing the liquefaction of Bushehr carbonate sand, causing an 8.5-fold increase in the number of cycles required for liquefaction to occur compared to when the sand is contaminated with crude oil. Among the additives, 2% SD is the least effective, resulting in only a 2-fold increase in dynamic resistance. SEM and XRD results show that the structure and particle size of the sands do not change when mixed with different percentages of crude oil. The chemical analysis results indicate that PC (due to its chemical composition) can more effectively alter the characteristics of treated samples. However, due to higher surface area, NC stabilizes the liquefaction potential of oil-contaminated Bushehr carbonate sands more efficiently than other stabilizer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large strain analysis is a challenging task, especially in fictitious or immersed boundary domain methods, since badly broken elements/cells can lead to an ill-conditioned global tangent stiffness matrix, resulting in convergence problems of the incremental/iterative solution approach. In this work, the finite cell method is employed as a fictitious domain approach, in conjunction with an eigenvalue stabilization technique, to ensure the stability of the solution procedure. Additionally, a remeshing strategy is applied to accommodate highly deformed configurations of the geometry. Radial basis functions and inverse distance weighting interpolation schemes are utilized to map the displacement gradient and internal variables between the old and new meshes during the remeshing process. For the first time, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the remeshing approach using various numerical examples in the context of finite strain elastoplasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of controllability and control of linear discrete-periodic systems is investigated in this paper. The high-order fully-actuated models for linear discrete periodic time-varying systems are constructed, and a controllability criterion based on fully-actuated system models is proposed. On this basis, stabilization as the fundamental issue is studied and periodic state-feedback control laws are designed via fully-actuated systems approach and parametric design, which converted the original problem into the pole assignment problem for linear constant systems. Finally, a numerical example is given to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Military transport can induce whole-body vibrations, and combat almost always involves high impact between lower extremities and the ground. Therefore, robust splinting technology is necessary for lower extremity fractures in these settings. Our team compared a novel one-step spray-on foam splint (FastCast) to the current military standard structured aluminum malleable (SAM) splint. Materials and Methods Ten cadaveric specimens were subjected to complete tibia/fibula osteotomy. Specimens were fitted with custom accelerometer and gyroscope sensors superior and inferior to the fracture line. Each specimen underwent fracture and splinting from a standard of care SAM splint and an experimental FastCast spray foam splint in a randomized order. Each specimen was manually transported to an ambulance and then released from a 1 meter height to simulate impact. The custom sensors recorded accelerations and rotations throughout each event. Repeated-measures Friedman tests were used to assess differences between splint method within each event and between sensors within each splint method. Results During splinting, overall summation of change and difference of change between sensors for accelerations and rotations were greater for SAM splints than FastCast across all axes (P  ≤ 0.03). During transport, the range of acceleration along the linear superior/inferior axis was greater for SAM splint than FastCast (P  = 0.02), as was the range of rotation along the transverse plane (P  < 0.01). On impact, the summation of change observed was greater for SAM splint than FastCast with respect to acceleration and rotation on the posterior/anterior and superior/inferior axes (P  ≤ 0.03), and the cumulative difference between superior and inferior sensors was greater for SAM than FastCast with respect to anterior-axis rotation (P  < 0.05). Conclusion FastCast maintains stabilization of fractured lower extremities during transport and impacts to a significantly greater extent than SAM splints. Therefore, FastCast can potentially reduce the risk of fracture complications following physical stressors associated with combat and extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we mainly study the equivalence of exponential stability for regime‐switching jump diffusion delayed systems (RSJDDSs) and RSJDDSs with piecewise continuous arguments (RSJDDSs‐PCA). Our results show that if one of the RSJDDS and the RSJDDS‐PCA is p$$ p $$th moment exponentially stable, then another system is also p$$ p $$th moment exponentially stable when time delay and segment step size have a common upper bound, while both equations are almost surely exponentially stable, and we also provided a method to calculate this upper bound. In addition, as an application of the stability equivalence theorem, we design discrete‐time state and mode observations feedback control to stabilize unstable RSJDDSs and investigate that controllers of the drift, diffusion, and jump terms are all able to play a stabilizing effect on the controlled system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Control Theory & Applications / Kongzhi Lilun Yu Yinyong is the property of Editorial Department of Control Theory & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Steering motion bestows autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with the agility to navigate intricate paths and trajectories precisely. Ensuring effective steering position stabilization in underwater vehicles is paramount, as it enables precise navigation and enhances safety, efficiency, data accuracy, adaptability to changing conditions, and the overall success of diverse underwater missions. This article addresses the challenging task of steering position stabilization in underactuated AUVs. To achieve this, we employ an interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control method to design a control law tailored for steering position stabilization. Our approach considers the nonlinear dynamics of a six‐degrees‐of‐freedom steering motion in AUVs. The control objective involves assigning a suitable energy function and reshaping the interconnection and damping structure to render the closed‐loop system asymptotically stable at the desired equilibrium point. The robustness of our proposed control law is assessed rigorously, subjecting it to modeling uncertainties and underwater disturbances. Our findings are substantiated with simulation results that support the efficacy of the designed control law. Notably, we base our simulations on experimentally validated steering motion parameters obtained from the REMUS 100 AUV, enhancing the real‐world applicability of our research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acid tars, a waste unique to the oil processing industry, pose a significant toxicity risk. These by-products originate from refining certain petroleum fractions, such as oil and paraffin, and are commonly found in the waste streams of crude oil processing. In Romania, particularly in the post-war period, acid tars were predominantly managed through storage. Although advancements in catalytic processes have considerably reduced the generation of acid tars in the Romanian refining industry, an efficient treatment method is still required to address the existing acid tars lagoons. The present research refers to a case study carried out on a laboratory scale for the physico-chemical stabilization/encapsulation of acid tars from a lagoon belonging to a refinery in Prahova-Romania county. The experimental program aimed at formulating and applying optimal stabilization recipes for acid tar from the selected lagoon was conducted to reduce the total hydrocarbon and toxic metal content, in compliance with Order No. 95 of 12.02.2005 from Romanian legislation. The leaching data showed that the recipes that stabilize and encapsulate acid tar provide a good immobilization capacity for the five heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, total Cr, Ni) and As, while their releases are dependent on the pH- and varies with the total hydrocarbon content of the treated tar. The laboratory study carried out and presented in this work, as well as the results obtained after performing the leaching test, allow the extrapolation and application of this stabilization - encapsulation procedure on a macro-in situ scale and the remediation of the lagoon where the acid tar was stored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the three trophic levels predator–prey system with alarm-taxis u t = d 1 Δ u + u 1 - u - av v + ρ , x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , v t = d 2 Δ v + v bu v + ρ - α - cw w + σ , x ∈ Ω , t > 0 , w t = d 3 Δ w - χ ∇ · w ∇ (u v) + w mv w + σ - β , x ∈ Ω , t > 0 under homogeneous Neumann boundary condition in smooth bounded domains Ω ⊂ R n (n ≥ 1) . We prove that the system possesses a unique global bounded classical solution for all sufficiently smooth initial data. Moreover, we show the large time behavior of the solution with convergence rates and perform some numerical simulations to verify the analytic results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horses have been companions of people for thousands of years. Areas in which humans use these animals include, for example, transport, participation in sports competitions, or during rehabilitation (hippotherapy). Unfortunately, injuries such as lower limb fracture very often require euthanasia due to the significant difficulties in conducting fracture therapy/repair. Therefore, there are still many possibilities for the improvement of existing treatments. The aim of the study was to conduct a numerical analysis enabling the prediction of bone union of the third metacarpal bone of a horse. The loading conditions and type of fracture were based on a pony weighing 120 kg; however, research on a live animal was not the purpose of this study. Numerical studies were carried out for three different methods of stabilization using bone plates in the Ansys program (lateral, anterior, and lateral–anterior stabilization). An algorithm based on the Carter model was used to predict bone union, while linear-coupled models were used to describe the behaviour of materials. The authors also performed dynamic analyses in the Abaqus/Explicit program to determine the maximum speed at which the horse could move so that the fracture would not deepen. For dynamic analyses, the authors used nonlinear models—Johnson–Cook in the case of the 316L surgical steel material and cortical bone. Material failure was described using the Johnson–Cook failure model for steel and the limit strain model for cortical bone. A series of numerical simulations allowed to determine the direction of bone union building, and the most favourable case of stabilization was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid optical systems with integrated control mechanisms enable a dynamic adjustment of optical components, ensuring real-time optimization, adaptability to changing conditions, and precise functionality. This control requirement enhances their performance in applications demanding responsiveness, such as autonomous systems, adaptive optics, and advanced imaging technologies. This research introduces a novel approach, employing a dynamic-free Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy sliding mode control (TS-fuzzy SMC) technique, to regulate and stabilize a specific category of chaotic fractional-order modified hybrid optical systems. The method addresses uncertainties and inputsaturation challenges within the system. Leveraging a novel fractional calculus definition along with the non-integer type of the Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequality principle, the TSfuzzy SMC approach was applied to effectively mitigate and regulate the undesired behavior of the fractional-order chaotic-modified hybrid optical system. Notably, this scheme achieved control without experiencing undesirable chattering phenomena. The paper concludes by offering concrete examples and comparisons, demonstrating how the theoretical findings are applied in real-world scenarios. This provides practical insights into the effectiveness of the proposed approach in diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Teras Jurnal: Jurnal Teknik Sipil is the property of Teras Jurnal: Jurnal Teknik Sipil and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The "returning to yellow" phenomenon usually occurs in treated chromium residue, which is related to the re-release of Cr(VI) in undissolved Cr(VI)-bearing minerals. In this regard, the complete dissolution of unstable Cr(VI)-bearing minerals and the release of Cr(VI) are crucial to the long-term stability of chromium residue. In this study, the dissolution of ettringite was facilitated by microwave (MW), and then the efficient stabilization of chromium residue was achieved via MW combined with FeSO4 treatment. In general, the apparent activation energy of ettringite dissolution (35.8 kJ/mol) was significantly reduced by MW irradiation, and hence promoting the rapid dissolution of ettringite to release Cr(VI). Furthermore, the dissolution of hydrotalcite was promoted by H2SO4 from FeSO4 hydrolysis in MW field, leading to the complete dissolution of Cr(VI)-bearing minerals in chromium residue. Moreover, the reduction efficiency of Cr(VI) by FeSO4 was significantly improved by MW, which reached up to 100% with the treatment of MW (462 W) combined with low dose FeSO4 (w = 21.5%). More importantly, the formation of crystalline Cr(III)-bearing minerals, including FeO · Cr2O3 and Cr2O3 were promoted by MW irradiation. There was no "returning to yellow" phenomenon occurred after one year. The stabilization and safe disposal of chromium residue was obtained. Therefore, this study provided data support and theoretical basis for the application of MW-coupled FeSO4 treatment in the field of chromium residue stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following convective Brinkman-Forchheimer (CBF) equations (or damped Navier-Stokes equations) with potential$ \begin{equation*} \frac{\partial \boldsymbol{y}}{\partial t}-\mu \Delta\boldsymbol{y}+(\boldsymbol{y}\cdot\nabla)\boldsymbol{y}+\alpha\boldsymbol{y}+\beta|\boldsymbol{y}|^{r-1}\boldsymbol{y}+\nabla p+\Psi(\boldsymbol{y})\ni\boldsymbol{g},\ \nabla\cdot\boldsymbol{y} = 0, \end{equation*} $in a $ d $-dimensional torus is considered in this work, where $ d\in\{2,3\} $, $ \mu,\alpha,\beta>0 $ and $ r\in[1,\infty) $. For $ d = 2 $ with $ r\in[1,\infty) $ and $ d = 3 $ with $ r\in[3,\infty) $ ($ 2\beta\mu\geq 1 $ for $ d = r = 3 $), we establish the existence of a unique global strong solution for the above multi-valued problem with the help of the abstract theory of $ m $-accretive operators. Moreover, we demonstrate that the same results hold local in time for the case $ d = 3 $ with $ r\in[1,3) $ and $ d = r = 3 $ with $ 2\beta\mu<1 $. We explored the $ m $-accretivity of the nonlinear as well as multi-valued operators, Yosida approximations and their properties, and several higher order energy estimates in the proofs. For $ r\in[1,3] $, we quantize (modify) the Navier-Stokes nonlinearity $ (\boldsymbol{y}\cdot\nabla)\boldsymbol{y} $ to establish the existence and uniqueness results, while for $ r\in[3,\infty) $ ($ 2\beta\mu\geq1 $ for $ r = 3 $), we handle the Navier-Stokes nonlinearity by the nonlinear damping term $ \beta|\boldsymbol{y}|^{r-1}\boldsymbol{y} $. Finally, we discuss the applications of the above developed theory in feedback control problems like flow invariance, time optimal control and stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid exponential stabilization of a degenerate parabolic equation on a bounded interval with a left Dirichlet control is studied in this paper. Our approach introduces a backstepping transformation of Fredholm type, in order to force the solution of the closed-loop system to decay exponentially to zero with an arbitrary decay rate. The existence, continuity and invertibility of the transformation are obtained thanks to the study of Bessel functions of the first and the second kind, together with abstract results on Riesz bases and some specific properties satisfied by Fredholm operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers technologies for the synthesis of amino-formaldehyde resins of KF-MT-NP and AFK-10 grades obtained using the peptization procedure, which could result in the complete elimination of vacuum drying and contribute to the ecologization of the process of synthetic resins production. A modifying additive, which is an inorganic polymer (IP) capable of efficient binding of free formaldehyde in the resin and stabilizing its properties by extending its viability to 6–7 months, is used as a peptizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The widespread occurrence of phytopathogenic fungi causes significant crop losses and poses a challenge for agricultural sustainability. Traditional fungicides are often harmful to the environment and human health, necessitating the search for safer, more effective alternatives. Previous studies have shown that metal nanoparticles have potential antifungal properties, but their stability and biocompatibility remain concerns. The exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Azotobacter chroococcum XH2018 offers a biocompatible matrix that could stabilize these nanoparticles and enhance their antifungal efficacy. The EPS, consisting of 73.3% glucose, 26.6% galactose, and 0.1% mannose (molar ratio of Glu:Gal:Man 0.407:0.147:0.0005) was used as a stabilizing dielectric matrix and nanocarrier for the electrochemically synthesized Cu/Cu2O-NPs. Before impregnation, Cu/Cu2O-NPs consisted of 27.2% Cu-NPs and 72.8% Cu2O-NPs. After impregnation, this ratio changed to 73.7% Cu-NPs and 26.3% Cu2O-NPs. This evidence suggests that Cu2O-NPs are actively reduced in the presence of the EPS matrix, first of all because of the glucose monomer in the polysaccharide macromolecule. EPS of A. chroococcum XH2018 donates electrons to copper (I)-oxide, leading to the reduction of copper (I)-oxide to copper metal. As-biofabricated Cu/Cu2O-NPs strongly limited the formation of fungal conidia. Low concentrations of Cu/Cu2O-NPs reduced the conidia formation of Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum up to 85–90%, Rhizoctania solani up to 95%, and Alternaria alternata up to 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider Gaussian approximation in a variant of the classical Johnson–Mehl birth–growth model with random growth speed. Seeds appear randomly in $\mathbb{R}^d$ at random times and start growing instantaneously in all directions with a random speed. The locations, birth times, and growth speeds of the seeds are given by a Poisson process. Under suitable conditions on the random growth speed, the time distribution, and a weight function $h\;:\;\mathbb{R}^d \times [0,\infty) \to [0,\infty)$ , we prove a Gaussian convergence of the sum of the weights at the exposed points, which are those seeds in the model that are not covered at the time of their birth. Such models have previously been considered, albeit with fixed growth speed. Moreover, using recent results on stabilization regions, we provide non-asymptotic bounds on the distance between the normalized sum of weights and a standard Gaussian random variable in the Wasserstein and Kolmogorov metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Expansive soils have a high tendency for volume change in case of fluctuations in moisture content, potentially causing significant damage to light structures, particularly road pavements. This paper investigates the influence of waste paper sludge ( $$\:WPS$$ ) as an alternative sustainable stabilizer on the volume change behavior of expansive road subgrade soils of different origins. For this purpose, $$\:WPS$$ was added to the expansive soils at ratios of 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15% by dry weight of the soils. A series of Atterberg’s limit, swelling, shrinkage, compaction, and consolidation tests were performed on pure soils and soil specimens with $$\:WPS$$ to attain a comprehensive understanding of the role that $$\:WPS$$ plays in the volume change behavior of expansive soils. The experimental test results showed that the addition of $$\:WPS\:$$ led to a considerable decrease in the plasticity and swell-shrink potentials of subgrade soils. The consolidation settlement of expansive road subgrades was also reduced to some extent with $$\:WPS$$ . Moreover, the statistical analysis of the test data indicated a significant relationship among different swelling-shrinkage parameters. The experimental results presented here suggest that the $$\:WPS$$ may be a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable stabilizer to reduce the volume change sensitivity of expansive road subgrade soils.

Abstract This paper deals with a predator-prey system with density-dependent diffusion and indirect pursuit-evasion interaction under homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions. By providing appropriate conditions, the asymptotic stability of solution is investigated.

Background: The shoulder microbiome is an emerging field in orthopedic research. Large synovial joints which were typically considered to be sterile now have strong evidence demonstrating the presence of native organisms colonizing the joint. Many of the conditions that surgeons see and treat in the shoulder, including osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, and adhesive capsulitis, have unclear etiology. The shoulder microbiome is a potential source of pathology in dysbiosis states, or source of protection against pathology in normobiosis states. The purpose of this review is to characterize the published research detailing the microbiome of the native shoulder joint. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data searches on Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SCOPUS. The following search terms were used with various permutations; shoulder, skin, microbiome, infection, colonization, commensal, microbiota, flora. The terms ‘shoulder’ and ‘shoulder AND skin’ were combined with the other 6 terms for a total of 12 searches per database. Two independent reviewers conducted the review with a third reviewer available to resolve differences of interpretation. Studies were eligible if they were human studies of patients undergoing shoulder surgery (or surgical preparation therapy) with a shoulder that had not previously been operated on, where microbial samples were reported. Studies were excluded if they were systematic reviews and meta-analyses, animal studies, cadaveric studies, studies of patients under the age of 18 and studies including postoperative shoulders. Results: The search methodology yielded 47 eligible studies for analysis, with a total of 3283 patients. Native shoulder sampling yielded positive organisms in 50.8% of all samples (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41.8%-59.8%, I2 = 97.9%, P = .000). The predominate organism reported was C. acnes, with 29% of studies specific for C. acnes, and a total of 52 other organisms detected in the native shoulder. Skin preparation solutions reduced the skin colonization rate of 55.7% (95% CI = 32.7%-78.6%, I2 = 98.2%, P = .000) to 43.5% (95% CI = 29.5%-57.5%, I2 = 98.2%, P = .000). Despite the high rates of colonization detected under sterile conditions, of 42 studies and 3083 patients reporting postoperative outcomes, the infection rate was 1.8% (95% CI = 0.5%-3.2%, I2 = 0.0%, P = .612). Conclusion: There is strong evidence to support the existence of a native shoulder microbiome. Further research is required to characterize this microbiome and correlate it to disease and health states.

Food bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, functional proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, have been used as important ingredients of functional foods due to their diverse biological activities. However, the low aqueous solubility, poor stability and limited bioavailability of these compounds limit their applications in the food industry. The preparation of delivery carriers from natural food macromolecules offers a promising approach to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. As a novel delivery system, intelligent responsive delivery carriers enable precise targeted and controlled release of bioactive compounds, thus improving their bioavailability. In addition, the delivery carriers have the capacity to effectively improve the added nutritional value, enhance the sensory properties, and extend the shelf life of functional foods. This review summarizes the functional properties of food bioactive compounds, the challenges in their application and their steady-state delivery strategies, with a particular emphasis on the common intelligent responsive delivery carriers and their mechanisms of action. Finally, this article discusses the application of these delivery carriers in functional foods, and provides an outlook on future research on bioactive compound delivery systems.

In this paper, we give results on the stability of homogeneous conformable fractional order systems using assumptions on a family of compact sets and provide the stabilization of an affine control system and given an explicit homogeneous feedback control with the requirement that a control Lyapunov function exists and satisfying a homogeneous condition and we present existence and uniqueness theorems for sequential linear conformable fractional differential equations.

Objective The unclear clinical outcomes of two different zero‐profile implants with different number of screws in hybrid surgery restricts the choice of patient‐specific implants. This study aims to compare two different implants on its postoperative subsidence, motion stabilization and clinical outcomes. It also provides references to the most reasonable implant choice in fusion surgery. Methods This was a retrospective study. From February 2014 to March 2022, 173 patients who underwent hybrid surgery were included. Among them, 122 received surgery with a four screw implant, while 51 received a two screw implant. We analyzed the significance of patient‐specific factors, radiographic factors and clinical outcomes. The Wilcoxon rank sum test, t tests/analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and stepwise multivariate logistic regression were adopted for statistical analysis. Results No statistically significant difference was observed between the two screw and four screw groups in terms of immediate, middle, and long‐term stability and fusion rate (p > 0.05). However, the two screws group had higher FSU height subsidence at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and higher rates of significant subsidence at three and 6 months postoperatively (p

In order to solve the problem of rancidity of rice polishing powder and improve its physicochemical properties, the effects of twin-screw extrusion under different extrusion temperatures on the storage stability and nutritional properties of rice polishing powder were studied. Under the optimum extrusion temperature, the rice polishing powder (SR-1, SR-2, SR-3, and SR-4) with different particle sizes was prepared by low temperature impact mill (LTIM) under different air classifier speeds (300, 600, 1200, and 1800 r/min). The effects of the air classifier speed on volatile aroma compounds and physicochemical properties of rice polishing powder were studied. The results showed that the lipase activity of rice polishing powder decreased significantly from 12.94 mg/g to 2.18 mg/g after extrusion treatment. Stored at the 150th day, the fatty acid value of untreated rice polishing powder was 255.57 mg KOH/100 g, while the fatty acid value of the extruded sample was only 121.90 mg KOH/100 g. After extrusion treatment, dietary fiber, γ-aminobutyric acid, and γ-oryzanol in rice polishing powder were also well retained. LTIM promoted the release of volatile aroma compounds in rice polishing powder, and SR-3 had the highest concentration. Based on the partial least square discriminant, 9 differentially labeled components were screened according to the importance projection of variables, and it was confirmed that SR-3 had the strongest flavor. With the decrease of particle size, the specific surface area of rice polishing powder gradually increased, and the bulk density showed a decreasing trend. The whiteness index increased significantly from 66.08 to 76.61. Water absorption ability and solubility increased significantly from 1.77 g/g and 24% to 2.37 g/g and 31%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that LTIM destroyed hydrogen bonds in starch particles, resulting in more free hydroxyl group exposure. The results can provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the processing of high-quality rice polishing powder.

Introduction. The study of the systemic exposure of a new original drug is an essential part of its preclinical study. 5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide is a new selective carbonic anhydrase II inhibitor for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Methods for the quantitative determination of this compound and its N-hydroxy- and N-acetyl metabolites in the plasma of laboratory animals have not been previously developed.Aim. Development and validation of a method of quantitative determination of 5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide and its metabolites N-hydroxy-5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide (M1) and N-acetyl-5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide (M2) in rat and rabbit blood plasma by HPLC-MS/MS.Materials and methods. Protein precipitation by methanol was applied for sample preparation. 5-[2-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)-1,3-oxazole-5-yl]-thiophene-2-sulfonamide was used as an internal standard. A 5 % aqueous solution of ascorbic acid was added to the plasma samples at volume ratio 1 : 2 to prevent decomposition of N-hydroxy-5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide. The combination of sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate was selected as an anticoagulant. Chromatographic separation was performed on Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column (150 × 3.0 mm, 3.5 µm) with Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 pre-column (12.5 × 2.1 mm, 5.0 µm) using a mobile phase based on a 0.1 % aqueous solution of formic acid and methanol. Mass spectrometric detection was carried out in the MRM mode using electrospray ionization in negative polarity. The method was tested during a pharmacokinetic study of a 1 % ocular suspension of 5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide on 6 Wistar rats. Blood samples were collected before administration, as well as 30 min, 1 h, 1 h 30 min, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 144 h, 216 h after administration. The non-compartment approach was used for calculation pharmacokinetic parameters.Results and discussion. The developed method has been validated in parameters of selectivity, calibration curve, accuracy and precision, matrix effect, dilution integrity, carry over, reinjection reproducibility, stability. The analytical range of determination of 5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide in plasma was 10–4000 ng/ml, M1 – 1.0–400.0 ng/ml, M2 – 0.1–40.0 ng/ml. The selected combination of anticoagulant and stabilizer solution allows storage of plasma samples in freezing chamber for 28 days.Conclusion. The developed method has been fully validated and confirmed its suitability for quantitative determination of 5-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-oxazole-3-yl]-furan-2-sulfonamide and its metabolites in the blood plasma of laboratory animals. The method has been successfully used for pharmacokinetic study of 1 % ocular suspension of the drug.

The occipitocervical junction (OCJ) is a complex anatomical region crucial for protecting the lower brain stem, upper spinal cord, and lower cranial nerves. Instability in this area can lead to severe outcomes such as chronic pain, neurological deficits, or death. Various surgical techniques have been developed for OCJ stabilization, particularly using occipital condyle screws, which have shown promise in providing stability and preserving neck rotation. This article presents two cases of OCJ instability caused by metastatic involvement of the C2 vertebra, managed successfully with occipital condyle screw fixation. The first case involved a 22-year-old female with Ewing sarcoma metastasis, and the second case involved a 62-year-old male with multiple myeloma. Both patients exhibited significant improvements in neurological function and cervical stability postoperatively, with observable den remodeling. Our findings suggest that occipital condyle screw fixation is not only feasible but also effective in managing OCJ instability due to metastatic disease. Detailed preoperative evaluation and the use of advanced intraoperative imaging technologies, such as the O-arm and neuronavigation, are essential for maximizing safety and ensuring optimal outcomes. This study underscores the potential of occipital condyle screw fixation as a primary surgical method for stabilizing the OCJ in appropriate cases.

This paper aims to formulate a class of nonlinear hybrid stochastic time-delay neural networks (STDNNs) with Lévy noise. Specifically, the coefficients of networks grow polynomially instead of linearly, and the time delay of given neural networks is non-differentiable. In many practical situations, nonlinear hybrid STDNNs with Lévy noise are unstable. Hence, this paper uses feedback control based on discrete-time state and mode observations to stabilize the considered nonlinear hybrid STDNNs with Lévy noise. Then, we establish stabilization criteria of $ H_{\infty} $ stability, asymptotic stability, and exponential stability for the controlled nonlinear hybrid STDNNs with Lévy noise. Finally, a numerical example illustrating the usefulness of theoretical results is provided.

Objectives Heavy metals eluted from mine waste pollute surrounding soil and water systems, which can spread to crops and have a harmful effect on the human body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of recycling discarded mussel shells(MS) and manila clam shells (MC) as stabilizers for the immobilization of arsenic(As) and heavy metals(Pb, Zn) in soil. Methods MS and MC were processed with -#10 mesh natural material, -#20 mesh natural material, and -#10 mesh calcined material and treated at 0-10 wt%. After 1 week or 4 weeks of wet curing, it was eluted with 0.1 N HCl and the concentrations of As, Pb, and Zn in the soil were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy(ICP-OES) analysis. In addition, red lettuce was cultivated in the stabilized soil and the concentration of heavy metals that were transferred to crops was evaluated. The stabilization mechanism was investigated by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM-EDX) analysis. Results and Discussion The stabilization efficiency for arsenic and heavy metals was in the order of natural -#10 mesh < natural -#20 mesh < calcined -#10 mesh. The calcined stabilizer showed a high stabilization efficiency of 98% at a 2 wt% treatment level. Pb was not detected in the red lettuce grown in the stabiliz ed soil, and the standard for leafy vegetables (Pb-0.3 mg/kg or less) was satisfied according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The SEM-EDX analysis revealed that As was stabilized through Ca-As precipitation and heavy metals(Pb, Zn) were stabilized through pozzolanic reactions. Conclusion Stabilizers developed from MS and MC can be effectively applied to the stabilization of As and heavy metal-contaminated soil, and are expected to be used as economical and environmentally friendly stabilizers.

Hybrid optical systems with integrated control mechanisms enable a dynamic adjustment of optical components, ensuring real-time optimization, adaptability to changing conditions, and precise functionality. This control requirement enhances their performance in applications demanding responsiveness, such as autonomous systems, adaptive optics, and advanced imaging technologies. This research introduces a novel approach, employing a dynamic-free Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy sliding mode control (TS-fuzzy SMC) technique, to regulate and stabilize a specific category of chaotic fractional-order modified hybrid optical systems. The method addresses uncertainties and input-saturation challenges within the system. Leveraging a novel fractional calculus definition along with the non-integer type of the Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequality principle, the TS-fuzzy SMC approach was applied to effectively mitigate and regulate the undesired behavior of the fractional-order chaotic-modified hybrid optical system. Notably, this scheme achieved control without experiencing undesirable chattering phenomena. The paper concludes by offering concrete examples and comparisons, demonstrating how the theoretical findings are applied in real-world scenarios. This provides practical insights into the effectiveness of the proposed approach in diverse applications.

Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) leaves flavonoid microcapsules (M-LBLF) were prepared using gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC) as wall materials, and the stability and biological activities were investigated. The preparation process of M-LBLF was optimized through response surface methodology. The stability of the product was detected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and in vitro simulated digestion. The biological activity of the product was evaluated through free radical scavenging and enzyme activity inhibition experiments. Results showed that, the optimal process conditions for M-LBLF were a core to wall ratio of 1:3.86, a wall material concentration of 1.15%, a stirring temperature of 45 ℃, and an embedding rate of 84.21%. SEM observation showed that most of the surface of the microcapsule particles was smooth, the structure of the capsule wall remained intact, and there were no signs of rupture on the wall material. FT-IR spectra showed a shift in C=O at 1594 cm−1 in Lycium barbarum leaves flavonoids (LBLF), suggesting an electrostatic interaction between LBLF and CMC. XRD spectra showed that due to microencapsulation, the amorphous structure of the product was partially transformed into a crystalline state, resulting in slight changes in the diffraction peak intensity of M-LBLF and LBLF. Thermogravimetric analysis found that microencapsulation improved the high-temperature decomposition, playing a protective role for LBLF. In vitro simulated digestion and antioxidant activity experiments showed that microencapsulation improved the stability of LBLF and retained good antioxidant activity during digestion. In addition, the equations were fitted by multiple linear regression to obtain the semi-inhibitory mass concentration (IC50) of the microcapsules against pancreatic lipase (2.2004±0.03 mg/mL) and against α-amylase (2.188±0.02 mg/mL), suggesting that M-LBLF was able to inhibit both pancreatic lipase activity and α-amylase activity, which suggested that it had the potential to regulate the glycolipid metabolism activity. This research would provide a foundation for improving the stability of flavonoids extracted from goji leaves and developing the related nutritional and health foods.

Abstract Soil contamination with heavy metals presents a substantial environmental peril, necessitating the exploration of innovative remediation approaches. This research aimed to investigate the efficiency of nano-silica in stabilizing heavy metals in a calcareous heavy metal-contaminated soil. The soil was treated with five nano-silica levels of 0, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg and incubated for two months. The results showed that nano-silica had a specific surface area of 179.68 $${\text{m}}^{2}/\text{g}$$ m 2 / g . At 1000 mg/kg, the DTPA-extractable concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr decreased by 12%, 11%, 11.6%, 10%, and 9.5% compared to the controls, respectively. Additionally, as the nano-silica application rate increased, both soil pH and specific surface area increased. The augmentation of nano-silica adsorbent in the soil led to a decline in the exchangeable (EX) and carbonate-bound fractions of Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr, while the distribution of heavy metals in fractions bonded with Fe–Mn oxides, organic matter, and residue increased. The use of 1000 mg/kg nano-silica resulted in an 8.0% reduction in EX Pb, 4.5% in EX Cu, 7.3% in EX Zn, 7.1% in EX Ni, and 7.9% in EX Cr compared to the control treatment. Overall, our study highlights the potential of nano silica as a promising remediation strategy for addressing heavy metal pollution in contaminated soils, offering sustainable solutions for environmental restoration and ecosystem protection.

In this study, we investigated improving the performance of a layered double hydroxide (LDH) for the adsorption of As(III) and As(V) by controlling the morphology of LDH crystals. The LDH was synthesized via a simple coprecipitation method using barely soluble MgO as a precursor and succinic acid (SA) as a morphological control agent. Doping the LDH crystals with carboxylate ions (RCOO−) derived from SA caused the crystals to develop in a radial direction. This changed the pore characteristics and increased the density of active surface sites. Subsequently, SA/MgFe-LDH showed excellent affinity for As(III) and As(V) with maximum sorption densities of 2.42 and 1.60 mmol/g, respectively. By comparison, the pristine MgFe-LDH had sorption capacities of 1.56 and 1.31 mmol/g for As(III) and As(V), respectively. The LDH was effective over a wide pH range for As(III) adsorption (pH 3–8.5) and As(V) adsorption (pH 3–6.5). Using a combination of spectroscopy and sorption modeling calculations, the main sorption mechanism of As(III) and As(V) on SA/MgFe-LDH was identified as inner-sphere complexation via ligand exchange with hydroxyl group (–OH) and RCOO−. Specifically, bidentate As-Fe complexes were proposed for both As(III) and As(V) uptake, with the magnitude of formation varying with the initial As concentration. Importantly, the As-laden adsorbent had satisfactory stability in simulated real landfill leachate. These findings demonstrate that SA/MgFe-LDH exhibits considerable potential for remediation of As-contaminated water. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel approach was developed for the introduction of stabilizing compounds into polymers through a pre-impregnation process prior to processing, which is expected to improve their dispersion and, consequently, increase their efficacy. Ethylene-norbornene copolymer (EN) pellets were impregnated with quercetin or rutin in ethanol or a mixture of solvents (ethanol-dioxane (3:1)) for 24 h. Then, EN-based samples containing impregnated pellets were manufactured using a laboratory extruder. The research demonstrated that the materials containing impregnated pellets exhibited improved thermo-oxidation resistance, higher antibacterial effect (the number of dead cells increased from 8 to 59%), and satisfactory photostability. This may be a direct result of their better dispersion degree and their more gradual, controlled release from the EN during operation. If we compare the stabilizing effect of both polyphenols, quercetin was more efficient, which may be attributed to the presence of hydroxyl group at the C3 position in the C ring, which could increase the reactivity of the catechol structure of the B ring. The proposed approach effectively solves the issues that arise during the commonly used processing techniques and may facilitate the broader utilization of natural stabilizers in the polymer industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols have a variety of physiological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their applications are often limited because due to the instability of polyphenols. Encapsulation technologies can be employed to overcome these problems and increase the utilization of polyphenols. In this article, the utilization of protein-based nanoparticles for encapsulating polyphenols is reviewed due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional attributes. Initially, the various kinds of animal and plant proteins available for forming protein nanoparticles are discussed, as well as the fabrication methods that can be used to assemble these nanoparticles. The molecular interaction mechanisms between proteins and polyphenols are then summarized. Applications of protein-based nanoparticles for encapsulating polyphenols are then discussed, including as nutrient delivery systems, in food packaging materials, and in the creation of functional foods. Finally, areas where further research is need on the development, characterization, and application of protein-based polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the stabilization of quasilinear systems governed by elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) with variable exponents using the modified Tikhonov approach. Our main focus is to determine the energy decay rate of the solution. The findings have significant potential for practical applications in various fields of science and engineering, where the energy decay rate plays a vital role in system stability and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the no-flux initial-boundary value problem for the growth-expansion model with chemotaxis in nutrient-replete environments in smoothly bounded domains Ω ⊂ ℝ n . It is shown that if n = 1 or if n = 2 under some structural assumptions on parameter functions therein, for any suitably regular initial data the problem admits a unique global bounded classical solution. For any dimensions n ≥ 3 , we also prove that the problem has a unique global classical solution which is bounded under a small assumption on the initial data. Moreover, we obtain that these solutions stabilize to a uniquely determined spatially uniform equilibrium. We also provide exponential rates of convergence of solutions in a special case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansive soils present substantial challenges in civil engineering because they undergo volume fluctuations with changes in water content, mainly affected by the clay mineral montmorillonite. Nanotechnology has rapidly and widely improved, finding applications across all engineering fields. This study focused on enhancing soil engineering performance using lime alone and the impact of varying quantities of nanosilica with lime in the soil, focusing on engineering parameters like Atterberg limits, maximum dry density, optimum moisture content, and unconfined compressive strength over curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. In this study, the basic properties of soil were initially determined. Then, lime was mixed with soil in different proportions of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% according to the dry weight of the soil. Based on strength criteria, soil mixed with 4% lime gives the best results. Keeping the lime content constant at 4%, nanosilica was added to the soil. These findings suggest modifications in the amended soil's plasticity, compaction characteristics, and strength with the minor addition of nanosilica to lime-mixed black cotton soil. The enhancement in strength of expansive soils relies on the amount of lime and nanosilica and the duration of curing. After conducting tests, it was found that the optimal quantities for lime and nanosilica through strength performance tests are 4% and 3%, respectively. The research asserts that adding nanosilica to lime notably improves the mechanical properties of black cotton soil. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometer analyses support these findings, revealing variations in the character and strength of the CSH phase over curing time. These conclusions offer wide-ranging relevance for projects seeking to enhance the engineering properties of soft soils. Practical Applications: Soil with 4% lime and 3% nanosilica gives good results, and the use of lime in soil stabilization contributes to the reduction of environmental pollution. The cost of nanosilica for real projects demands huge quantities. From an economic and commercial perspective, nanosilica liquid and lime are generally considered cost-effective for most practical applications. However, nanosilica with lime is recommended in areas where durability is important. Lime with soil is used to strengthen the soil in pavements and embankments; for example, when strengthening black cotton soil used for an embankment with a top width of 2 m, height of 6 m, side slope of 1:1, and length of 1 m, the volume is calculated as 48 m³. For soil +4% lime +3% nanosilica, the dry density is 17.1 kN/m³ and the moisture content is 14.9%. Considering this, the mass of the sample is obtained as 943 kN. Consequently, the required quantities are 38 kN (3,872 kg) lime, 28 kN (2,435 L) nanosilica liquid, and 877 kN (89,443 kg) of soil in its dry state. The cost of lime and nanosilica liquid depends on the location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript discuss the issue of stabilization for positive 2D (two dimensional) fractional order continuous Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Systems represented by the Roesser model with fixed delays. Employing linear programming approach while establishing positivity constraint on the 2D fractional system in closed-loop, delay-independent stabilization conditions are introduced by using Lyapunov-Krasovskii functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glenohumeral instability is a common pathology, particularly in young, active patients. A narrative review was performed to describe the history of surgical treatments for anterior shoulder instability. Open surgical techniques were first described by Bankart in 1923. Techniques include both anatomic soft tissue repairs and nonanatomic procedures to provide constraint to motion and dislocation. Osseous techniques to address glenoid bone loss include both autograft techniques, such as the Latarjet procedure, and the use of various allografts. Technologic advances, particularly arthroscopy, have continued to drive the evolution of treatments. The concept of the glenoid track has furthered our understanding of this pathology to guide appropriate treatment to reduce recurrence. Surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability continues to evolve in an effort to restore function and prevent additional injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of a compact and scalable linear electromagnetic actuator with spatially selective actuation and magnetic stabilization is presented. The concept is based on multi-layer coplanar coil topology, which operates rare-earth-based permanent magnet riders and takes advantage of all the parts formed by a printed circuit board (PCB). The paper presents the basic topology, rigid and flexible prototype design, spatially selective operation of multiple riders on one actuator and magnetic stabilization of the rider motion. The basic experimental verification of the first prototype is described by measuring actuation forces, load capacity, positioning precision and operation temperature. Spatially selective operation and stabilization are further analyzed based on motion analysis. With its potential applications in the precise manipulation of small loads and control of mechanisms, the actuator stands out in compact and scalable dimensions, low weight and inertia, ease of deployment, open-loop control, low manufacturing demands, material resistance, and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Wall push-up plus (WPP) and wall slide (WS) are commonly prescribed in early rehabilitation to increase serratus anterior (SA) muscle activity. For individuals with scapular winging (SW), synergistic muscles such as upper trapezius (UT) and pectoralis major (PM) may compensate for weak SA during scapular movement. However, no studies have applied isometric horizontal abduction (IHA) during WS in individuals with SW nor have compared it with WPP with IHA. Objectives: This study compared the effects of IHA on shoulder muscle activity during WPP and WS exercises in individuals with SW. Design: Cross-sectional study; 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to assess the statistical significance of observed differences in SA, UT, PM, lower trapezius (LT), and infraspinatus (IS) muscle activities. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients: We recruited 30 individuals with SW comprising 20 men and 10 women. Interventions: The individuals performed WPP and WS exercises with and without IHA using Thera-Band. Main outcome measures: Surface electromyography was used to measure muscle activity of the SA, UT, PM, LT, and IS during the isometric phase of WPP and WS. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions were recorded to normalize electromyographic data. Results: There was no significant interaction between IHA application and exercise type for any of the shoulder muscles. IHA application increased SA (P = .008), UT (P = .001), LT (P = .009), and IS (P = .000) activities and decreased PM (P = .001) activity compared with those without IHA. WS exercises elicited higher PM (P = .017) and LT (P = .011) activities than WPP. Conclusion: WPP and WS with IHA may be effective in increasing the muscle activities of shoulder stabilizers and preventing overactivation of PM activity. WPP may be recommended for individuals with overactivated PM, whereas WS may be used to increase LT activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat-resistant energetic materials refer to a type of energetic materials that possess a high melting point, high stability and operational safety. By studying the structures of these energetic materials has showed that the thermal stability can be enhanced by introducing amino groups to form intra/inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, constructing conjugate systems and designing symmetrical structures. This article aims to review the physical and chemical properties of ultra-high temperature heat-resistant energetic compounds and provide valuable theoretical insights for the preparation of ultra-high temperature heat-resistant energetic materials. We also analyze the selected 20 heat-resistant energetic materials with decomposition temperatures higher than 350 °C, serving as templates for the synthesis of various high-performance heat-resistant energetic materials.

Abstract Background Total talus dislocation without ankle (malleoli) fracture is a very rare injury with prevalence of only 0.06% of all dislocations and only 2% of talar injuries, and are usually associated with common complications such as infection, avascular necrosis, and posttraumatic arthritis. The treatment usually involves debridement, reduction, stabilization of the ankle joint, and primary or secondary closure of the wound. Case presentation We present the case of a 40-year-old South Asian woman who was involved in an accident. She was rushed to our hospital, whereby subsequent examination revealed an open total talus dislocation with the talus being exposed in its entirety from a contaminated wound in the medial side. Furthermore, radiograph confirmed total talus dislocation without concomitant malleoli fracture. She was immediately taken to the operating theater whereby debridement and immediate reduction was performed under anesthesia, and the ankle was stabilized with external fixator for about 6 weeks. She is now able to bear weight on the affected ankle with minimal tolerable pain and has normal range of motion of the ankle. Conclusions Open total talus dislocation without concomitant malleoli fracture is a rare injury. Reduction of the talus in combination with complete wound debridement potentially successfully avoids infection, provides early revascularization preventing avascular necrosis, and preserves the normal ankle anatomy.

Nowadays, biopolymer stabilization as a promising eco-friendly approach in soft ground improvement has attracted wide attentions. However, the feasibility of using biopolymer as a green additive of cement-stabilized dredged sediment (CDS) with high water content is still unknown. In this study, guar gum (GG) and xanthan gum (XG) were adopted as typical biopolymers, and a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength (STS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical and microstructural properties of XG- and GG-modified CDSs considering several factors including biopolymer modification, binder–soil ratio and water–solid ratio. Furthermore, the micro-mechanisms revealing the evolutions of mechanical properties of biopolymer-modified CDS were analyzed. The results indicate that the addition of XG can effectively improve the strength of CDS, while the GG has a side effect. The XG content of 9% was recommended, which can improve the 7 d- and 28 d-UCSs by 196% and 51.8%, together with the 7 d- and 28 d-STSs by 118.3% and 42.2%, respectively. Increasing the binder–soil ratio or decreasing the water–solid ratio significantly improved the strength gaining but aggravated the brittleness characteristics of CDS. Adding XG to CDS contributed to the formation of microstructure with more compactness and higher cementation degrees of ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-XG-stabilized DS (CXDS). The micro-mechanism models revealing the interactions of multiple media including OPC cementation, biopolymer film bonding and bridging effects inside CXDS were proposed. The key findings confirm the feasibility of XG modification as a green and high-efficiency mean for improving the mechanical properties of CDS.

Background: Shoulder instability in pediatric and adolescent patients can be treated operatively via arthroscopic or open procedures, but there a paucity of evidence to support the incidence of these treatment modalities over time. It is hypothesized that the overall rate of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures will increase over time. Given advances in open stabilization techniques, we also hypothesized that the rate of open procedures may be increasing. Methods: The Pediatric Health Information System database was queried for patients 19 years or younger who underwent arthroscopic or open surgery for shoulder instability and pediatric orthopedic surgeries between 2009 and 2019. Data from 37 of the 52 pediatric hospitals with Pediatric Health Information System data was included in the analysis. Annual and overall incidence rates were estimated for arthroscopic and open procedures, along with 95% confidence intervals. The yearly incidence for secondary (homolateral revisions) or primary contralateral arthroscopic and open procedures was also examined. Results: 4747 patients underwent primary arthroscopic procedures and 384 patients had primary open procedures. There were 8.2 primary open shoulder stabilization procedures per 10,000 orthopedic surgical patients in 2009, which decreased by 19% to 6.7 per 10,000 orthopedic surgical patients in 2019. There was an increase seen in both arthroscopic and open secondary stabilization procedures. In 2009, there were 0.97 secondary arthroscopic procedures per 10,000 orthopedic surgical patients. This increased by 672% to 7.5 per 10,000 orthopedic surgical patients in 2019. No secondary open procedures were recorded in 2009; however, an increase to 2.6 secondary open procedures per 10,000 orthopedic surgical patients was seen by 2019. Conclusion: This study shows a rise in primary arthroscopic pediatric shoulder stabilization surgeries across the U.S. over the last decade. There was a slight decrease in the rate of primary open shoulder stabilization surgeries and an increase in both arthroscopic and open secondary (homolateral revisions or primary contralateral) shoulder stabilization surgeries, implying an increasing revision burden in this population.

Rice bran, a byproduct of rice processing, holds great nutritional value. However, its application in the food industry is greatly restricted due to its high susceptibility to rancidity and spoilage during storage. Currently, it is primarily used as animal feed with low added value. The presence of lipase and lipoxygenase is the major cause of rapid rancidity of rice bran, and other factors such as water activity, microorganisms and phenolic substances also affect the rancidity reaction. Stabilization treatment of rice bran is a key prerequisite to achieving high-value utilization of the product. This paper provides an overview of the rancidity mechanism of rice bran, the common methods for stabilizing rice bran and their impact on its quality and nutritional characteristics, with a view to providing guidance and reference for the research and development of rice bran as a food-grade raw material.