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This study investigates the geometrical and mechanical properties of two cassava varieties: 'Newly Elected No. 48' and 'Jin Yue HRMUS'. We analyzed various properties, including width, length, geometric diameter, thickness, compression firmness, shape ratio, surface area, shear strength, rupture force, and shear rupture force (SRF), at different moisture content (MC) levels ranging from 35.0 to 80.0% wet basis. Our findings indicate that all mechanical properties of cassava (MPC) were significantly influenced by moisture content within this range. Specifically, as moisture content decreases, the compression rupture force (CRF) increases linearly in the vertical direction, while a quadratic relationship is observed in the horizontal direction, characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease. Additionally, a quadratic relationship was established between moisture content and firmness. In contrast, shear fracture force and strength exhibited a quadratic relationship that decreased initially and then increased with rising moisture content. Furthermore, both compression and shear fracture forces were significantly higher in the vertical loading direction compared to the horizontal direction. Notably, the 'Jin Yue HRMUS' variety demonstrated greater mechanical strength than the 'Newly Elected No. 48'. These findings provide valuable insights for developing, optimizing, and evaluating cassava harvesting and processing machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is a staple crop in developing countries because its starchy roots provide essential dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and scientific evaluation of the nutritional value of cassava tubers. Eight nutritional characteristics were examined in native and imported cassava variants: starch, reduced sugar, anthocyanins, protein, dietary fiber, quinic acid, vitamin C, and dry matter content. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to minimize the dimensionality of the nutritional markers. A scientific assessment technique was developed to calculate a composite score for the various cassava samples. Analysis of the data revealed noticeable variance among the samples' nutritional indicators, suggesting varying degrees of association. Starch had a substantial positive link with lower sugar, protein, and dry matter content (p < 0.01). Anthocyanins and quinic acid interacted favorably (p < 0.05), and a positive link between protein and dry matter content was observed (p < 0.05); however, protein and dietary fiber interacted negatively (p < 0.05). The contribution rate of the top three PCA factors was over 76%, demonstrating that these factors incorporated the primary information acquired from the eight original nutritional indices, while maintaining excellent representativeness and impartiality. The experimental results showed a preliminary nutritional grade for 22 cassava tuber samples. The top five types were Guangxi Muci, Gui Cassava 4, Glutinous Rice Cassava, Huifeng 60, and Dongguan Hongwei. In the cluster analysis, the levels of similarity between the data showed that the 22 types of cassava tubers could be grouped into five categories, each with their own set of nutrients. This study promotes the directed breeding of cassava species and offers a theoretical foundation for creating and using various cassava varieties. Furthermore, this work lays the groundwork for a systematic and dependable technique for the quality assessment, comprehensive evaluation, and reasonable classification of cassava species and similar crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the increasing number of flood studies, the interrelationships between urban form indices (UFIs) and flood resilience (FR) have received little attention and hold miscellaneous perspectives. Consequentially, this study identifies how UFIs at various spatial scales affect FR by synthesizing article findings and proposing insights for future research. Scientometric analysis has been used to analyze the gathered peer-reviewed articles from nine research engines without time restrictions. One hundred and eighteen relevant articles were included and thoroughly investigated using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Our findings indicate that divergent and dialectical perspectives about the efficacy of UFIs are due to multiple disciplines, methodologies, and different case study contexts. The included studies were classified according to urban scale as macro (citywide), meso (districts), micro (block), and multi-scalar analysis by 80.5%, 6.8%, 10.2%, and 2.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the included studies were categorized based on analysis type into realistic case studies, literature reviews, modeling, and hybrid analysis, with 74.6%, 7.6%, 14.4%, and 3.4%, respectively. At the macroscale, city density and spatial distribution degree have the most significant effect on FR. At the same time, mixed uses, connectivity, coverage ratio, block arrangements, and street characteristics are on the meso and micro scales. Further studies on the trade-offs and commonality between UFIs, FR, and overall urban resilience are required to shape climate-adaptive, sustainable communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ntroduction: Neonatal Sepsis (NS) is a serious clinical condition caused by a dysregulated immune response to an infection. Neonatal period is the most vulnerable time in the child’s life. Globally, approximately 7000 newborns die everyday. Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is an important receptor for the inflammatory response regulated by neutrophils.Aim: To explore the role of TREM-1 as a potential early diagnostic marker of NS compared to the conventional blood culture technique. The prognostic utility and relation of TREM-1 expression level to the clinical disease severity in septic neonates were also evaluated.Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 75 neonates with NS admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The studied neonates were categorised into three groups; group I: 25 neonates with an Early Onset Sepsis (EOS), group II: 25 neonates with a Late Onset Sepsis (LOS), group III: 25 neonates with septic shock. In addition, 25 age and sex-matched healthy neonates with no evidence of sepsis or any other medical illness were studied as a control group. Blood samples for conventional blood cultures and estimation of TREM-1 gene expression level in Polymorph Nuclear Neutrophils (PMNs) using quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) assay were synchronously collected. Data regarding clinical and laboratory findings, and risk factors of NS were also analysed. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20 was used to analyse the data obtained from the study.Results: The total culture-proven cases represented 24% (18/75) of all the studied neonates with NS. Klebsiella spp. was the most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria (4/18; 22.2%) followed by Pseudomonas spp. (3/18; 16.7%) and Acinetobacter spp. (1/18; 5.5%). Coagulase- Negative Staphylococci (CoNs), S. aureus and Candida spp. accounted for 22.2% (4/18), 16.7% (3/18) and 16.7% (3/18) of the isolated organisms respectively. No statistically significant difference was detected between the three studied groups as regards blood culture results. Significant statistical differences were detected between groups I, II and III in relation to the control group (p=0.048, p=0.049 and p0.369.Conclusion: TREM-1 gene expression has a potential value in prognostic assessment of NS and could be considered as an early diagnostic marker.

Background and aim: Colistin and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates can cause severe infections. We aimed to determine the prevalence of colistin and carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter nosocomial isolates and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: The antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates was tested through disk diffusion method, while colistin resistance was tested by agar dilution method. Extended spectrum-ß-lactamases (ESßLs) production was tested using the combined disk method, and carbapenemase production was tested phenotypically (using modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) and Imipenem/EDTA combined disc diffusion test). Genotypic analysis detected carbapenemase genes. Colistin-resistant isolates were investigated for efflux pump mechanisms using the carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Results: Fifty Pseudomonas and thirty Acinetobacter isolates were isolated from the collected samples. Approximately, 44% of Pseudomonas and 43.3% of Acinetobacter isolates produced ESßLs. Carbapenemase production was found in 38% of Pseudomonas and 40% of Acinetobacter isolates while 28% and 23.3% produced metallo-ß-Lactamases (MßLs). Colistin resistance was detected in 14% of Pseudomonas and 10% of Acinetobacter isolates. CCCP reduced colistin MIC by =8 folds in 85.7% and 100% of colistin-resistant Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates, respectively. The carbapenemase genes bla NDM, bla VIM-2 and bla IMP-1 were found in 33.3%, 16.7% and 6.7% of Pseudomonas isolates, and in 25%, 15% and 5% of Acinetobacter isolates, respectively. Conclusion: Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. Carbapenemase production shows challenges for effective treatment. Efflux pump inhibitors exhibited potential in reversing colistin resistance emphasizing the need to avoid unnecessary clinical use of colistin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within planetary gear transmissions (PGTs), mode shapes and eigenfrequencies hold a crucial significance in operational reliability and efficacy. Mode shapes explain the unique motion patterns inherent in PGT systems. Conversely, eigenfrequencies describe the inherent frequencies at which PGT systems undergo vibration or oscillation upon exposure to external forces or disruptions. This research paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the dynamic behavior of a three-stage PGT utilized in medium and heavy trucks. This study introduces the Rayleigh energy method to assess system dynamics, revealing a bounded Rayleigh quotient related to the highest related eigenvalue. Then, this study delves into eigenfrequencies and the mode shape behavior of the adopted PGT model. The eigenfrequencies are identified as encompassing diverse vibrational modes of central components and planet gears. Moreover, a multi-scale analysis of the adopted PGT model is presented by deriving matrices for mass, bearing stiffness, and mesh stiffness. Comparisons with the Rayleigh energy method demonstrate the new approach's efficiency, exhibiting a low margin of error in the determination of eigenfrequencies. This investigation also highlights the alignment of identified mode shapes with the established literature, detailing the multi-scale approach's minor deviation in mode shape determination compared to the Rayleigh energy method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under rapid urbanization-induced global warming and resource depletion, growing interest in zero-energy building (ZEB) and zero-emission building (ZEB) technologies have emerged globally to improve energy performance in homes and shape sustainable cities. Although several countries have released ZEB-enhanced strategies and set national standards and policies to promote ZEBs, construction projects are still limited to demonstration projects. This paper reviews global ZEB activities and state-of-the-art technologies for energy-efficient residential building technologies [based on an evaluation of 40 residential buildings]. Over 40 residential buildings on different continents were reviewed, and their technical details and performance were evaluated. Our results show that 62.5% of the buildings achieved the +ZEB standard, 25% of the buildings were net-zero energy buildings, and only 12.5% of the buildings were near-zero energy buildings. Solar PV is the most widely used renewable energy source in the studied cases, while in warmer climates, advanced cooling technologies and heat pumps are the preferred technologies. A building envelope and thermal ventilation with heat recovery are essential in cold climates. Our systematic analysis reveals that the thermal performance of the building envelope and solar energy are the most effective mechanisms for achieving energy efficiency and shaping sustainable cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragalus gombo Coss. & Dur L. Ex-Bunge is an endemic species of Algerian arid and semi-arid regions, however, is commonly used in traditional medicines. The aerial part was extracted by 80/20 methanol/water and water. The first crude extract was fractionated by ethyl acetate, n-butanol and methanol. LC-ESI-MS analysis revealed 25 compounds among all fractions. The major identified phenolic acids in ethyl acetate (EAAg) fraction were the p-coumaric flowed by tans-ferulic acid (1315 and 370 µg/g extract, respectively). Moreover EAAg exhibited high amounts of flavonoides (cirsiliol and quercetin-3-O-galactoside by 1155 and 491 µg/g extract, respectively). EAAg fraction was the most effective antioxidant in all assays tested, followed by NBAg fraction. The EAAg exhibited higher antioxidant activity than positive control BHA. Excellent and significant linear correlations were displayed between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities. Hence, both of fractions enhanced the phagocytic activity by stimulating the reticuloendothelial system at different doses 50, 70 and 100 mg/kg compared. Results of anticoagulant activity assay revealed that AEAg, EAAg and NBAg prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin. Cytotoxicity assay of EAAg fraction against HeLa and Mcf-7 cells revealed an IC50 values 108.8±1.8 and 168.4±1.6µg/mL, respectively, after 48h of incubation. Hence, The EAAg fraction displayed significant selectivity index (SI) towards normal mouse liver cells Aml12. The results presented clearly that A. gombo have a potential to be used as a natural antioxidant, especially the EAAg fraction, as an original source of bioactive molecules with anti proliferative activities and immunopromising effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]