Search

In this study grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) textures and a local statistical analysis Getis statistic (Gi), computed from IKONOS multispectral (MS) imagery acquired from the Yellow River Delta in China, along with a random forest (RF) classifier, were used to discriminate Robina pseudoacacia tree health levels. The different RF classification results of the three forest health conditions were created: (1) an overall accuracy (OA) of 79.5% produced using the four MS band reflectances only; (2) an OA of 97.1% created with the eight GLCM features calculated from IKONOS Band 4 with the optimal window size of 13 × 13 and direction 45°; (3) an OA of 94.0% created using the four Gi features calculated from the four IKONOS MS bands with the optimal distance value of 5 and Queen’s neighborhood rule; and (4) an OA of 96.9% created with the combined 16 spectral (four), spatial (four), and textural (eight) features. The experimental results demonstrate that (a) both textural and spatial information was more useful than spectral information in determining the Robina pseudoacacia forest health conditions; and (b) IKONOS NIR band was more powerful than visible bands in quantifying varying degree of forest crown dieback.

Three seasonally resolved ice core records covering the 20th century were extracted in 1994, 2004, and 2012 at a nearly identical location from the Col du Dôme (4250 m above sea level, m a.s.l.; Mont Blanc, French Alps) drill site. Here, we complete and combine chemical records of major ions and radiometric measurements of 3H and 210Pb obtained from these three cores with a 3D ice flow model of the Col du Dôme glacier to investigate in detail the origin of discontinuities observed in the depth–age relation of the ice cores drilled in 2004 and 2012. Taking advantage of the granitic bedrock at Col du Dôme, which makes the ice core 210Pb records sensitive to the presence of upstream crevasses, and the fact that the depth–age disturbances are observed at depths for which absolute time markers are available, we draw an overall picture of a dynamic crevasse formation. This can explain the non-disturbed depth–age relation of the ice core drilled in 1994 and the perturbations observed in those drilled in 2004 and 2012. Since crevasses are common at high-Alpine glacier sites, our study points to the important need for rigorous investigations of the depth–age scale and glaciological conditions upstream of drill sites before interpreting high-alpine ice core records in terms of atmospheric changes.

Significant financial and environmental challenges are associated with using platinum electrodes as counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). This work uses rice husk, an agricultural waste, to create active carbon that is appropriate for DSC CEs in response to these difficulties. A simple spray pyrolysis technique created activated carbon obtained from rice husks. The DSC employing activated rice husk carbon as the CE demonstrated a conversion efficiency of 6.06%, slightly lower than the 8.21% efficiency achieved with a platinum electrode-based cell. However, this performance gap is overshadowed by the substantial cost reduction enabled by the utilization of low-cost activated carbon compared to noble metal alternatives. This result introduces promising avenues for investigating the use of agriculturally derived carbon materials as workable and affordable options for platinum CEs in DSCs, thereby contributing to the sustainable advancement of photovoltaic systems. Even though the performance of DSC that uses activated carbon derived from rice husk in CE is slightly lower than its counterparts based on platinum, the cost reduction due to the use of low-cost activated carbon with noble metal is significant.

In neuroscience, numerous experimental procedures in animal models require surgical interventions, such as the implantation of recording electrodes or cannulas before main experiments. These surgeries can take several hours and should rely on principles that are common in the field of research and medicine. Considering the characteristics of the avian respiratory physiology, the development of a safe and replicable protocol for birds is necessary to minimize side effects of anesthetic agents, circumvent technical limitations due to the insufficient availability of patient monitoring, and to maintain stable intraoperative anesthesia. Through the consistent and responsible implementation of the three R principle of animal welfare in science (“Replace, Reduce, Refine”), we aimed to optimize experimental methods to minimize the burden on pigeons (Columba livia) during surgical procedures. Here, surgeries were conducted under balanced anesthesia and perioperative monitoring of heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and the reflex state. The protocol we developed is based on the combination of injectable and inhalative anesthetic drugs [ketamine, xylazine, and isoflurane, supported by the application of an opiate for analgesia (e.g., butorphanol, buprenorphine)]. The combination of ketamine and xylazine with a pain killer is established in veterinary medicine across a vast variety of species. Practicability was verified by survival of the animals, fast and smooth recovery quantified by clinical examination, sufficiency, and stability of anesthesia. Independent of painful stimuli like incision or drilling, or duration of surgery, vital parameters were within known physiological ranges for pigeons. Our approach provides a safe and conservative protocol for surgeries of extended duration for scientific applications as well as for veterinary medicine in pigeons which can be adapted to other bird species.

This paper reports the results of a multi-analytical investigation on metabasite rocks exploited and marketed since pre-historical times as “Pietra Verde (i.e. Greenstone) of Calabria”, southern Italy and employed as building as well as ornamental stone materials. Our contribution focuses on petrographic and mineralogical features, relating them to petrophysical-mechanical properties. Achieved results confirmed the good mechanical performance of metabasite from Calabria in terms of compression strength and deformability, making it suitable also for building structural elements and foundations. The absence of alteration minerals and of noticeable porosity and microfractures contributes to the good petrophysical and physical-mechanical features of such rocks. This study represents a contribution to the very little literature available on this rock type, even in the frame of its use as sustainable georesource as well as of promoting geotourism across historical sites.

The GlideScope® is a videolaryngoscope manufactured by Verathon Medical (Bothell, WA, USA), now widely used to manage planned or unexpected difficult orotracheal intubation situations. According to the current literature, GlideScope® has been used for surgical procedures involving the tongue base, such as biopsies and radiofrequency treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. We describe a case of dual use of GlideScope for pointed foreign body removal in an emergency department.

Abstract This paper presents a cutting-edge Sustainable Power Management System for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) using a Hybrid Energy Storage Solution (HESS) integrated with Machine Learning (ML)-enhanced control. The system's central feature is its ability to harness renewable energy sources, such as Photovoltaic (PV) panels and supercapacitors, which overcome traditional battery-dependent constraints. The proposed control algorithm orchestrates power sharing among the battery, supercapacitor, and PV sources, optimizing the utilization of available renewable energy and ensuring stringent voltage regulation of the DC bus. Notably, the ML-based control ensures precise torque and speed regulation, resulting in significantly reduced torque ripple and transient response times. In practical terms, the system maintains the DC bus voltage within a mere 2.7% deviation from the nominal value under various operating conditions, a substantial improvement over existing systems. Furthermore, the supercapacitor excels at managing rapid variations in load power, while the battery adjusts smoothly to meet the demands. Simulation results confirm the system's robust performance. The HESS effectively maintains voltage stability, even under the most challenging conditions. Additionally, its torque response is exceptionally robust, with negligible steady-state torque ripple and fast transient response times. The system also handles speed reversal commands efficiently, a vital feature for real-world applications. By showcasing these capabilities, the paper lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and efficient future for LEVs, suggesting pathways for scalable and advanced electric mobility solutions.

Energy dissipation is the most important design limitation for Internet of Things (IoT) enabled Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In order to prolong the life of WSNs, the energy of nodes must be used in an effective way. Clustering is a strategy that may effectively use the energy of the sensors, extending the life and scalability by managing the network load balance. The energy usage for network operation is reduced by using an evolutionary algorithm called Genetic Algorithm (GA). The Stochastic Cluster Head Selection Model (SCHSM) is described in the proposed protocol by taking the factors such as distance, node energy, density and capacity of nodes for developing the fitness function. The proposed protocol is designed for multiple movable sink nodes and this greatly improves the energy balancing factor in the network. For minimizing the communication gap among sensors and sinks, movable sinks can be placed carefully. Simulation results are analyzed for the system effectiveness.

Environmental concerns are getting more evident in the context of establishing commercial links. In particular, the nature users themselves, governmental institutions, and private and public organizations that exert control have the challenge of determining the extent of harm done to it and the likelihood of such damage. The primary goal of the study is to clarify how, while upholding the idea of sustainable development, the environmental audit helps to preserve and improve the environment. Because of this, one of the three worldwide strategies for determining and creating the environmental audit was applied. After reviewing the pertinent and readily available domestic and international literature, conclusions about the environmental audit's influence on environmental protection and improvement were reached. The findings of the research indicate a clear link between environmental audit requirements and environmental improvement as well as pollution. The research findings will be put into practice by developing precise suggestions to minimize pollution and increase environmental protection. The study’s significance stems from the authors’ definition of the prerequisites for the creation and formulation of an environmental audit for environmental improvement and protection purposes. Key words: environmental audit, losses of pollutants, air pollution, losses, environment.

Introduction Observed structural and functional changes in the central nervous system as a result of physical exercise are beneficial from biological, psychological and social standpoint. The studies published so far confirm that physical exercise, understood as planned, ordered and repetitive activity, can improve severity of symptoms, general functioning, and quality of life in patients with mood disorders, schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, anxiety, PTSD or addictions. This seems to be particularly important in relation to the growing number of patients facing resistance to classical pharmacological treatment as well as its side effects (e.g. metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular complications). Objectives Review of effective implementation of treatment programs based on physical exercise within mental health services. Methods Scoping review was performed by identifying relevant studies available in the PubMed and Scopus databases that were 1) peer-reviewed 2) in English language 3) focused on physical exercises 4) published within the last 10 years. Selection of the studies from the initial group of search results was performed manually. Results Majority of studies present programs covering relatively small, diverse groups of patients with mixed types of physical exercise modalities and intensity introduced, which makes generalization to basic principles very difficult. Needs assessment of patients from various diagnostic categories is vital in the process of implementation and evaluation. Barriers indicated by service users include lack of psychoeducation on perceived benefits, limitations within healthcare system (e.g., time limits, cost, access), side effects of medication, and psychosocial factors such as isolation. The assessment of factors engaging and motivating to maintain physical activity seems particularly important. Conclusions Identification of patients that may especially benefit from the inclusion of physical exercise, and recognition of therapeutic programs’ elements that ensure the maintenance of the physical activity require further research. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

RÉSUMÉLes jeux sérieux sont depuis les années 2000 considérés comme des outils de formation à part entière : ils proposent un modèle pédagogique différent des formations classiques transmissives, avec la possibilité de mettre en œuvre des situations complexes et de proposer aux apprenants de constituer leur propre processus d’apprentissage. Mis au point par le Schapi et les référents régionaux inondation (RRI) dans le cadre de l’animation nationale des missions de référent départemental inondation (RDI), Consiliari est un jeu de plateau qui reprend les codes des jeux de société traditionnels, accordant une part importante au volet ludique et à l’attractivité visuelle. Le jeu met en scène une équipe d’interprètes de l’inondation, chargée de prodiguer au gouverneur les bons conseils pour gérer une situation d’inondation et sauver la population. Depuis son lancement début 2022, plusieurs dizaines de missions RDI ont pu jouer à Consiliari. Les premiers retours montrent que le jeu remplit ses objectifs principaux, à savoir mobiliser les compétences, savoir-faire et savoir-faire nécessaires pour l’exercice de la mission RDI, sans oublier le côté ludique. Des pistes d’amélioration sont toutefois d’ores et déjà identifiées pour améliorer et prolonger l’expérience de jeu.

Abstract A two-year field study was conducted during Rabi 2018–2019 and 2019–20 to find out the influence of different residue and weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth, yield, energetics, carbon footprint, economics and soil properties in zero-tilled sown wheat at Research Farm, AICRP-Weed management, SKUAST-Jammu. The experiment with four rice residue management practices and four weed management practices was conducted in a Strip-Plot Design and replicated thrice. The results showed that residue retention treatments recorded lower weed density, biomass and higher wheat growth, yield attributes and yields of wheat as compared to no residue treatment. The magnitude of increase in wheat grain yield was 17.55, 16.98 and 7.41% when treated with 125% recommended dose of nitrogen + residue + waste decomposer (RDN + R + WD), 125% RDN + R, and 100% RDN + R, respectively, compared to no residue treatment. Further, all three herbicidal treatments decreased weed density and biomass than weedy treatments. Consequently, a reduction of 29.30, 28.00, and 25.70% in grain yield were observed in control as compared to sulfosulfuron + carfentrazone, clodinafop-propargyl + metasulfuron, and clodinafop-propargyl + metribuzin, respectively. Moreover, 125% RDN + R + WD obtained significantly higher energy output (137860 MJ ha−1) and carbon output (4522 kg CE/ha), but 100% RDN had significantly higher net energy (101802 MJ ha−1), energy use efficiency (7.66), energy productivity (0.23 kg MJ−1), energy profitability (6.66 kg MJ−1), carbon efficiency (7.66), and less carbon footprint (7.66) as compared to other treatments. Despite this, treatments with 125% RDN + R + WD and 125% RDN + R provided 17.58 and 16.96% higher gross returns, and 24.45% and 23.17% net outcomes, respectively, than that of control. However, compared to the control, sulfosulfuron + carfentrazone showed considerably higher energy output (140492 MJ ha−1), net energy (104778 MJ ha−1), energy usage efficiency (4.70), energy productivity (0.14 kg MJ−1), energy profitability (3.70 kg MJ−1), carbon output (4624 kg CE ha−1), carbon efficiency (4.71), and lower carbon footprint (0.27). Furthermore, sulfosulfuron + carfentrazone, clodinafop-propargyl + metasulfuron, and clodinafop-propargyl + metribuzin recorded 29.29% and 38.42%, 27.99%, and 36.91%, 25.69% and 34.32% higher gross returns and net returns over control treatment, respectively. All three herbicides showed higher gross returns, net returns, and benefit cost ratio over control. The soil nutrient status was not significantly affected either by residue or weed management practices. Therefore, based on present study it can be concluded that rice residue retention with 25% additional nitrogen and weed management by clodinafop-propargyl + metasulfuron herbicide found suitable for zero tillage wheat.

The article presents updated knowledge on climate change in Poland (central Europe) in the first half of the last millennium (1001–1500). This knowledge is required to delimit the existence, duration, and scale of the Medieval Warm Period (MWP, also called the Medieval Climate Anomaly, MCA, here). To this end, it employs all available quantitative climate reconstructions created for Poland in the last 2 decades and four new reconstructions using three dendrochronological series and an extensive database of historical source data on weather conditions. The growth of conifers in lowland and upland Poland depends on the temperature in the cold season, especially in February and March. All available reconstructions based on dendrochronology data represent this time of the year. Summer temperatures were reconstructed using biological proxies and documentary evidence. The latter, however, is limited to the 15th century only. Winter temperature was used as the proxy for annual temperature proxies instead of the more usual use of summer temperature. The MWP occurred in Poland probably from the late 12th century to the first halves of the 14th or 15th centuries. All the analysed quantitative reconstructions suggest that the MWP in Poland was comparable to or warmer than the mean temperature in the period 1951–2000. The coldest conditions in the entire study period were noted in the first half of the 11th century (both winter and summer) and the second half of the 15th century (only winter). The greatest climate continentality occurred in the 15th century. Good agreement was found between the reconstructions of Poland's climate and many reconstructions available for Europe.

Abstract Immune responses can have opposing effects in colorectal cancer (CRC), the balance of which may determine whether a cancer regresses, progresses, or potentially metastasizes. These effects are evident in CRC consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) where both CMS1 and CMS4 contain immune infiltrates yet have opposing prognoses. The microbiome has previously been associated with CRC and immune response in CRC but has largely been ignored in the CRC subtype discussion. We used CMS subtyping on surgical resections from patients and aimed to determine the contributions of the microbiome to the pleiotropic effects evident in immune-infiltrated subtypes. We integrated host gene-expression and meta-transcriptomic data to determine the link between immune characteristics and microbiome contributions in these subtypes and identified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding as a potential functional mechanism. We identified candidate bacteria with LPS properties that could affect immune response, and tested the effects of their LPS on cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We focused on Fusobacterium periodonticum and Bacteroides fragilis in CMS1, and Porphyromonas asaccharolytica in CMS4. Treatment of PBMCs with LPS isolated from these bacteria showed that F. periodonticum stimulates cytokine production in PBMCs while both B. fragilis and P. asaccharolytica had an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, LPS from the latter two species can inhibit the immunogenic properties of F. periodonticum LPS when co-incubated with PBMCs. We propose that different microbes in the CRC tumor microenvironment can alter the local immune activity, with important implications for prognosis and treatment response.

In this research, Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced epoxy nano composites were fabricated via magnetic stirrer and ultra sonification assisted hand layup method. The impact of different weight percentage of GNP (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0%) on different characteristics of nano composites was evaluated. The microstructure analysis of developed nano composite was determined by Field emission scanning electron microscopy. It was examined that epoxy nano composites containing 0.5 wt.% GNP have the highest tensile, flexural, and impact strength compared to neat epoxy. The reduction in tensile and flexural strength is achieved at 1% of GNP. Adding more nanofiller to a certain limit causes non-uniform dispersion and agglomeration of nanoparticles, which results in a reduction in properties. The 1% GNP reinforced nano composite has the highest value of shore hardness.

Introduction: Little is known about the clinical characteristics of women at increased risk for abnormal uterine bleeding (UB) during anticoagulation for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Methods: We used the RIETE registry to identify the baseline characteristics of women developing abnormal UB during anticoagulation. We used logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors for abnormal UB. Then, we built a prognostic score to identify at-risk women. Results: From March 2001 through October 2022, there were 54,372 women with VTE. During anticoagulation (median, 181 days), 318 (0.6%) developed abnormal UB (major bleeding = 88, clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) = 230). On multivariable analysis, women aged 70 kg, with uterine cancer, recent UB, anemia, estrogen-related VTE, or receiving rivaroxaban or apixaban were at increased risk for abnormal UB. Using the prognostic score, 42,273 women (78%) were at low-risk, 8,828 (16%) intermediate-, and 3,271 (6.1%) at high-risk for abnormal UB. Their rates of abnormal UB were: 0.28 (95%CI: 0.23–0.35), 1.32 (95%CI: 1.07–1.61) and 7.12 (95%CI: 5.98–8.41) bleeds per 100 patient-years, respectively. The c-statistic was 0.80 (95%CI: 0.77–0.83). The rates of major UB were: 0.06 (95%CI: 0.04–0.09), 0.43 (95%CI: 0.30–0.60) and 1.85 (95%CI: 1.31–2.53) per 100 patient-years, respectively (c-statistic: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.80–0.89). The rates of CRNM uterine bleeding were: 0.21 (95%CI: 0.17–0.26), 0.85 (95%CI: 0.65–1.08), and 5.02 (95%CI: 4.09–6.10) bleeds per 100 patient-years, respectively (c-statistic: 0.78; 95%CI: 0.75–0.82). Conclusions: Using 7 variables easily available at admission, we built a prognostic score that reliably identified women with VTE at increased risk for abnormal UB during anticoagulation.

The stress resistance of banks is important for the entire financial system of the country, since the banking sector is the most important segment of the economy. Banks accumulate free resources and ensure the movement of money for the needs of the economy.Stress testing is one of the methods for assessing the stability of banks to various stressful situations in the financial market.In the economic literature, this aspect has been given enough attention, but to a greater extent with respect to certain types of risks. Studies have approached the issue of assessing the stress resistance of banks in different ways. Some considered the problem through the prism of assessing the probability of bankruptcy, others used an assessment of the dependence of banks’ profitability on various factors. Most of the authors used regression, cluster, discriminant analysis and various stress testing methods.In this study, both classical methods are used – collection, synthesis, analysis, generalization, pro-cessing and visualization of data – and methods of stress testing and scenario modeling. Data collection was carried out on the basis of data from the Bloomberg information database for banks in Turkey and Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, not all commercial banks in Turkey and Kazakhstan managed to collect data for 2020-2022. At the same time, this article uses a scenario stress testing method based on the Bloom-berg method. The analysis made it possible to determine that Turkish banks are more sensitive to crises, especially for such banks as Turkiye Sinai Kalkinma Bankasi and Sekerbank Turk AS, for which the values are always significantly higher than the median. Banks of Kazakhstan are more resistant to crises and less responsive to market changes, except for Kaspi.KZ JSC, whose performance is close to that of Turkish banks

Gas flaring is a substantial global source of carbon emissions to atmosphere and is targeted as a route to mitigating the oil and gas sector carbon footprint due to the waste of resources involved. However, quantifying carbon emissions from flaring is resource-intensive, and no studies have yet assessed flaring emissions for offshore regions. In this work, we present carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and NOx (nitrogen oxide) data from 58 emission plumes identified as gas flaring, measured during aircraft campaigns over the North Sea (UK and Norway) in 2018 and 2019. Median combustion efficiency, the efficiency with which carbon in the flared gas is converted to CO2 in the emission plume, was 98.4 % when accounting for C2H6 or 98.7 % when only accounting for CH4. Higher combustion efficiencies were measured in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea compared with the UK sector. Destruction removal efficiencies (DREs), the efficiency with which an individual species is combusted, were 98.5 % for CH4 and 97.9 % for C2H6. Median NOx emission ratios were measured to be 0.003 ppm ppm−1 CO2 and 0.26 ppm ppm−1 CH4, and the median C2H6:CH4 ratio was measured to be 0.11 ppm ppm−1. The highest NOx emission ratios were observed from floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, although this could potentially be due to the presence of alternative NOx sources on board, such as diesel generators. The measurements in this work were used to estimate total emissions from the North Sea from gas flaring of 1.4 Tg yr−1 CO2, 6.3 Gg yr−1 CH4, 1.7 Gg yr−1 C2H6 and 3.9 Gg yr−1 NOx.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) completed its 5 month Survey Validation in 2021 May. Spectra of stellar and extragalactic targets from Survey Validation constitute the first major data sample from the DESI survey. This paper describes the public release of those spectra, the catalogs of derived properties, and the intermediate data products. In total, the public release includes good-quality spectral information from 466,447 objects targeted as part of the Milky Way Survey, 428,758 as part of the Bright Galaxy Survey, 227,318 as part of the Luminous Red Galaxy sample, 437,664 as part of the Emission Line Galaxy sample, and 76,079 as part of the Quasar sample. In addition, the release includes spectral information from 137,148 objects that expand the scope beyond the primary samples as part of a series of secondary programs. Here, we describe the spectral data, data quality, data products, Large-Scale Structure science catalogs, access to the data, and references that provide relevant background to using these spectra.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) was designed to conduct a survey covering 14,000 deg ^2 over 5 yr to constrain the cosmic expansion history through precise measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO). The scientific program for DESI was evaluated during a 5 month survey validation (SV) campaign before beginning full operations. This program produced deep spectra of tens of thousands of objects from each of the stellar Milky Way Survey (MWS), Bright Galaxy Survey (BGS), luminous red galaxy (LRG), emission line galaxy (ELG), and quasar target classes. These SV spectra were used to optimize redshift distributions, characterize exposure times, determine calibration procedures, and assess observational overheads for the 5 yr program. In this paper, we present the final target selection algorithms, redshift distributions, and projected cosmology constraints resulting from those studies. We also present a One-Percent Survey conducted at the conclusion of SV covering 140 deg ^2 using the final target selection algorithms with exposures of a depth typical of the main survey. The SV indicates that DESI will be able to complete the full 14,000 deg ^2 program with spectroscopically confirmed targets from the MWS, BGS, LRG, ELG, and quasar programs with total sample sizes of 7.2, 13.8, 7.46, 15.7, and 2.87 million, respectively. These samples will allow exploration of the Milky Way halo, clustering on all scales, and BAO measurements with a statistical precision of 0.28% over the redshift interval z < 1.1, 0.39% over the redshift interval 1.1 < z < 1.9, and 0.46% over the redshift interval 1.9 < z < 3.5.

Borate glass doped with Praseodymium (Pr3+) having different concentration were synthesized via melt quenching method. The density of the glass is proven to enhance with the abundance of the Pr3+ ions resulting in structural compactness of the glass. Variation of the dielectric constant, reflection loss, molar refraction and polaron radius has been analyzed with the concentration of Pr3+ ions. Absorption spectra were recorded in the range of 200 nm-1800 nm and seven peaks were observed. Band gap is evaluated using Tauc plot. Absorption spectra are used to assess the bonding parameter and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameter. The results of the Judd Ofelt theory are consistent with the bonding parameters. Variation of the Urbach energy with the band gap has been analyzed. The known result affirms the glasses potential as a green component in reddish orange luminescent devices.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex chronic disease with an unknown etiology. It is considered an inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized, in most cases, by an unpredictable onset of relapse and remission phases. The disease generally starts in subjects under 40; it has a higher incidence in women and is described as a multifactorial disorder due to the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for MS. Still, therapies can modify the disease’s natural history, reducing the relapse rate and slowing the progression of the disease or managing symptoms.The limited access to human CNS tissue slows down. It limits the progression of research on MS. This limit has been partially overcome over the years by developing various experimental models to study this disease. Animal models of autoimmune demyelination, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and viral and toxin or transgenic MS models, represent the most significant part of MS research approaches. These models have now been complemented by ex vivo studies, using organotypic brain slice cultures and in vitro, through induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPSCs). We will discuss which clinical features of the disorders might be reproduced and investigated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro in models commonly used in MS research to understand the processes behind the neuropathological events occurring in the CNS of MS patients. The primary purpose of this review is to give the reader a global view of the main paradigms used in MS research, spacing from the classical animal models to transgenic mice and 2D and 3D cultures.

In this article, to study the fluid behavior on various specific conditions to improve the heat transfer system and here, analysis on mathematical model of dynamic fluid consist of micropolar fluid has allowed micro rotational effect with laminar flow of Darcy forchheimer model which allow inertia effect has incorporated with heterogeneous and homogenous chemical reaction undergoes heat exchanger system with boundary layer problem has modeled. The mathematical model of fluid mechanic governing equations are in the form of partial differential equation (PDE) and similarity transformation into numerical methods (PC4-FDM) of predictor and corrector technique undergoes discretized mesh point and convergence with fourth order finite difference method and shooting method is also equipped to get better solution. The additions of significant heterogeneous parameter depicts that increasing behavior in fluid concentration and homogeneous parameter depicts that decreasing in fluid concentration by allowed micro rotations leads to collision and on increasing the Eckert number related to viscous dissipation has exhibited that increased fluid velocity and decreased fluid temperature. Micro rotation parameter exhibits that similar increased fluid velocity and slight decreased in temperature of the fluid. Darcy forchheimer parameter which related to inertial effect has depicts that decreased in velocity with increased temperature of the fluid in convection system. Due to Industrialization, the study of convection heat transfer system has enormous scope which has necessity to improving the heating and cooling system of industrial mass machineries like powerplant, waste heat recovery unit, pharmaceutical industries etc.

Two hundred traditional landraces and exotic genotypes from 12 countries were assessed for variability for eight-grain quality traits by UPGMA cluster analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and principal component analysis. Analysis by the UPGMA method clustered 200 genotypes into two clusters. In PCA analysis, the first five principal components explained about 74.19 % of the total variation among the eight characters. Component 1 had contributions from all the traits and it accounted for 22.46 % of the total variability. Component 2 had the contribution from Grain width and Zinc content which accounted for 15.75% of the total variability. Component 3 had a contribution from grain length and amylose with a variability of 13.11%. Component 4 contributed from ASV and amylose and component 5 for ASV and GC with a variability of 11.63 per cent each. Thus, the results indicate a high level of genetic variation in the rice germplasm.

Abstract We present a protocol that detects molecular conformational changes with two nitroxide electron-spin labels and a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. More specifically, we demonstrate that the NV can detect energy shifts induced by the coupling between electron-spin labels. The protocol relies on the judicious application of microwave and radiofrequency pulses in a range of parameters that ensures stable nitroxide resonances. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our scheme is optimized by using nitroxides with distinct nitrogen isotopes. We develop a simple theoretical model that we combine with Bayesian inference techniques to demonstrate that our method enables the detection of conformational changes in ambient conditions including strong NV dephasing rates as a consequence of the diamond surface proximity and nitroxide thermalization mechanisms. Finally, we counter-intuitively show that with our method the small residual effect of random molecular tumbling becomes a resource that can be exploited to extract inter-label distances.

Abstract Reintroduced animals—especially those raised in captivity—are faced with the unique challenge of navigating a wholly unfamiliar environment, and often make erratic or extensive movements after release. Naïveté to the reintroduction landscape can be costly, e.g., through increased energy expenditure, greater exposure to predation, and reduced opportunities to forage. Integration with an extant population may provide opportunities for social information transfer. However, in the absence of interactions with residents, it is unclear how individual and social learning may affect an animal’s ability to track resources in an unfamiliar landscape. We use integrated step selection functions (iSSFs) to address these knowledge gaps, by evaluating the extent to which environmental factors, individual experience (time since release), and social information-sharing (group size) influence movement decisions by scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) reintroduced into their native range for the first time in ca. 30 years. We found that both experience and social factors influenced the habitat selection and movement behavior of reintroduced oryx. Of four candidate iSSFs, the model that included environmental, experience, and group size variables performed best in both dry and wet periods. Statistically significant interaction terms between environmental variables and experience were generally larger than similar terms for group size, indicating that experience may affect habitat selection by reintroduced oryx more strongly than social factors. These findings may inform the management of recovering wildlife populations, update widely-held expectations about how released ungulates acclimate to novel landscapes, and demonstrate the utility of long-term monitoring of reintroduced populations.

Photovoltaic power is most important cause of energy subsequently it is simultaneously clean and limitless. PV power conversion devices must be maintained at MPP there to maximize the energy production of Solar array. To get the most energy out of the Solar array, MPPT monitoring is necessary. In recent times, a slew of strategies for controlling the voltage was presented. Power electronic devices developments for the combination of wind and solar power generation are discussed. Based on the dependability and development of each technology, conversations concerning developments and trends in sustainable source systems are provided. The consumption of electricity generated is increasing exponentially, and as a result, the incorporation of photovoltaic panels into distribution companies is increasing rapidly as well, even though it has a substantial impact on the show’s voltage stability. The purpose of this report is to look at how solar PV integration affects distribution transmission energy reliability. The analysis is carried out using RSCAD software, with one of the radial distribution networks with the lowest voltage profile accessible during the maximum of linked loads. Furthermore, the influence of current and voltage on the transmission or distribution system is compared by analyzing distribution system configuration with various solar PV system penetration rates. The simulated findings show that as the penetrating capability of the PV system increases, large harmonic distortion levels are injected, indicating that the solar photo system should only integrate corresponding to the highest capability the connection can sustain. When a PV technology is connected further than this maximum penetration of renewable energy sources, it produces considerable harmonic components, which harms the system that improves. Total voltage output frequency and current consumption distortion are determined to be 4.98 percent and 14.99 percent, correspondingly, at the maximum diffusion way that enables the permissible harmonic distortion limitation. Thus, the research presents the uses of Grid Integration to estimate the performance and the quality of the solar PV model.

Wireless body sensor networks are intelligent enough to efficiently sense the signals for vital parameters of the patient, which aids in offering a better healthcare facility to the patients. Wearable bio-sensors with networking capability have led to the possibility of implementing WBSN and thus promising health care facility can be offered to the community with this upcoming technology. These WBSN basically consist of few sensors or nodes that observe the vital parameters of the patient and communicate them to the required destination with the help of the intermediate nodes, through the best possible paths. This paper proposes a Cluster-based routing Protocol using reinforcement learning with Q-Learning approach to achieve optimal route. Simulations are carried with a set of biomedical sensors covering an area of 1000 × 1000 m2. The simulation is carried out for … seconds. The reinforcement algorithm has been found to route the packets faster when compared with other algorithms.

Nitrogen pollution is a widespread and growing problem in the coastal waters of South Asia yet the ecological impacts on the region’s coral ecosystems are currently poorly known and understood. South Asia hosts just under 7% of global coral reef coverage but has experienced significant and widespread coral loss in recent decades. The extent to which this coral ecosystem decline at the regional scale can be attributed to the multiple threats posed by nitrogen pollution has been largely overlooked in the literature. Here, we assess the evidence for nitrogen pollution impacts on corals in the central Indian Ocean waters of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We find that there is currently limited evidence with which to clearly demonstrate widespread impacts on coral reefs from nitrogen pollution, including from its interactions with other stressors such as seawater warming. However, this does not prove there are no significant impacts, but rather it reflects the paucity of appropriate observations and related understanding of the range of potential impacts of nitrogen pollution at individual, species and ecosystem levels. This situation presents significant research, management and conservation challenges given the wide acceptance that such pollution is problematic. Following from this, we recommend more systematic collection and sharing of robust observations, modelling and experimentation to provide the baseline on which to base prescient pollution control action.

Abstract Urbanization reduces microbiological abundance and diversity, which has been associated with immune mediated diseases. Urban greening may be used as a prophylactic method to restore microbiological diversity in cities and among urbanites. This study evaluated the impact of air-circulating green walls on bacterial abundance and diversity on human skin, and on immune responses determined by blood cytokine measurements. Human subjects working in offices in two Finnish cities (Lahti and Tampere) participated in a two-week intervention, where green walls were installed in the rooms of the experimental group. Control group worked without green walls. Skin and blood samples were collected before (Day0), during (Day14) and two weeks after (Day28) the intervention. The relative abundance of genus Lactobacillus and the Shannon diversity of phylum Proteobacteria and class Gammaproteobacteria increased in the experimental group. Proteobacterial diversity was connected to the lower proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A level among participants in Lahti. In addition, the change in TGF-β1 levels was opposite between the experimental and control group. As skin Lactobacillus and the diversity of Proteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria are considered advantageous for skin health, air-circulating green walls may induce beneficial changes in a human microbiome. The immunomodulatory potential of air-circulating green walls deserves further research attention.

Introduction In terms of physical and mental health benefits, psychiatric rehabilitation requires diverse therapeutic activities offered by an interdisciplinary team. In order for patients to be able to fully participate in social life, it is necessary to strengthen health-promoting activities, control the symptoms and side effects of pharmacological treatment, effectively manage resources and counteract interpersonal and environmental barriers caused by disability. Physical activity and exercise programs answer both psychosocial and biological aspects of health leading to higher self-efficacy, lower self-perceived stigma, longer lifespan and overall better quality of life Objectives The aim of this study is to present qualification process of adult patients for physical therapy program at the Mental Health Support Centre’s (Centrum Wsparcia Zdrowia Psychicznego, CWZP) daily rehabilitation unit in Tarnowskie Góry. Methods Adult patients with diverse diagnoses (schizophrenia, affective disorders, anxiety disorders or organic mental disorders) and varied degree of functioning who met the admission criteria were accepted to the ward for a period of 12 weeks. During the stay, a wide range of therapeutic activities was offered, including individual psychological support, group work, art therapy, relaxation sessions, culinary/ dietary workshops, individual training and general fitness group exercises, as well as cognitive training (also via computer-based programs). Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, some of the activities have been limited. Results Physical exercises, just as any treatment, should be offered in appropriate doses. Patients with mental disorders, especially severe mental illnesses, experience many barriers in engaging in physical activity and are under a greater risk of sedentary lifestyle. Thus, for the qualification, exercise tolerance assessment was performed in the form of 6-min Walk Test (6MWT) with Borg scale for subjective fatigue. Through aerobic capacity and endurance assessment patients’ respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and neuromuscular system functions can be evaluated. Functional fitness was assessed through 3 elements of Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (Back Scratch test, Up and go test, Chair Sit-and-Reach test) along with Romberg Test to evaluate the static and dynamic balance as well as flexibility of the upper and lower body. Conclusions Properly planned and carried out qualification for the physical therapy program allows to adjust the activities to the needs of the patient. Additionally, it can be a tool to evaluate the achieved results at the end of the rehabilitation process. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Abstract The current investigation presents the wear-worn surface analysis of a silicon carbide-reinforced brass-based composite synthesized by stir casting. Wear behavior of the brass composite pin was analyzed by disc tribometer. Wear characterization studies and confirmation of elemental composition are investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) respectively. The worn surface of the synthesized brass composite was analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The aim of the investigation is to examine the surface morphology of the worn specimen. Based on the input constraints, the wear rate ranges from 0.0135 to 0.0893 mm3/min. The applied load is the predominant factor in the wear rate (83.75%). Sliding velocity has a minor effect on wear rate (1.06%). The improved surface roughness of 15.27 nm was produced on the worn surface. The novelty of the research work is to study the various surface parameters of the worn surface, such as roughness average, root mean square roughness, maximum height of the roughness, skewness, and kurtosis. These parameters were analyzed at different wear-worn surfaces of the synthesized brass composite. The wear-worn surface was deeply investigated and incorporated with SEM and AFM analysis.

The current paper aims to find the optimum control parameters such as weight percentage of HNT, weight percentage of boron nitride, drilling speed, and feed rate in drilling of aluminum hybrid metal matrix composites. The aluminum matrix material are reinforced with different weight percentage of HNT (3%, 5%, and 7%) and BN (2%, 3%, and 4%). The hybrid matrix are fabricated through the sir casting technique. The prediction of process parameter are optimized using Taguchi assisted grey relation analysis. Also the ANN model is developed to predict the output parameter. Through Taguchi S/N ratio method the effect of each control parameters are optimized. The results show that the weight percentage of HNT and feed rate are the most influencing parameters which affect the drilling of developed aluminum composites. The GRA results show that the optimum parameters are 3% of HNT, 4% of BN, 500 rpm drilling speed, and 20 mm/min in combination, which has minimum surface roughness, lower temperature, highest cutting force, and highest material removal rate.

Biochar production and application as soil amendment is a promising carbon (C)-negative technology to increase soil C sequestration and mitigate climate change. However, there is a lack of knowledge about biochar degradation rate in soil and its effects on native soil organic carbon (SOC), mainly due to the absence of long-term experiments performed in field conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate the long-term degradation rate of biochar in an 8-year field experiment in a poplar short-rotation coppice plantation in Piedmont (Italy), and to modify the RothC model to assess and predict how biochar influences soil C dynamics. The RothC model was modified by including two biochar pools, labile (4 % of the total biochar mass) and recalcitrant (96 %), and the priming effect of biochar on SOC. The model was calibrated and validated using data from the field experiment. The results confirm that biochar degradation can be faster in field conditions in comparison to laboratory experiments; nevertheless, it can contribute to a substantial increase in the soil C stock in the long term. Moreover, this study shows that the modified RothC model was able to simulate the dynamics of biochar and SOC degradation in soils in field conditions in the long term, at least in the specific conditions examined.

Air pollution has evolved into a global issue that necessitates immediate and accurate pollution control. The usage of the Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensor as a monitoring system for air pollution levels is one possible answer to this challenge. The MQ-136 sensor is calibrated using standard SO2 (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70) ppm as the test gas in this study. To collect the sensor output signal, a variety of equipment was created, including a gas test box, a voltage divider, and follower circuit, and a gas flow control unit operated by a microcontroller. The test gas can be pumped into the test box at a constant rate of 1.0 L.min-1 by the apparatus. To evaluate a significant difference (= 0.05), an analysis of variance was performed on the response signal generated by a series of sensors due to the concentration of the test gas. To examine the correlation between the sensor response signal and the test gas concentration treatment, as well as the sensor performance, linear regression analysis was used. The ANOVA results demonstrate no significant differences amongst the sensors, indicating that they all follow the same routine. Furthermore, ANOVA analysis reveals that the sensors respond differently at each level of SO2 concentration. According to linear regression, the relationship between gas concentration and sensor-1, sensor-2, and sensor-3 output signals is reflected by coefficients of determination of 0.94, 0.91, and 0.93, respectively.

Plain English Summary Feeling validated (or feeling understood and accepted) is an important aspect of a patient’s experience with health care providers. The purpose of this research was to learn about the role of validation in eating disorders treatment from patients’ perspectives, and to learn how the experience of validation supports recovery from an eating disorder. In this research, interviews were conducted with eighteen individuals who were either currently seeking intensive treatment for an eating disorder or had recently recovered. Five care provider actions were identified as engendering feelings of validation: (i) making time and space for me, (ii) offering a compassionate perspective, (iii) understanding and recognizing my treatment needs, (iv) showing me I can do this, and (v) walking the runway. These actions were associated with four key patient experiences: feeling trust, cared for, empowered, and inspired. Recommendations for care providers to practice validation are made based on study findings.

The Internet of Things (IoT) offers users a wide variety of facilities because it interconnects billions of smart devices. However, when connected to wireless connections, unlimited access to IoT gadgets poses potential risks. As it eases cost constraints on sensor nodes, the cloud service with IoT networks has received greater attention. In addition, the high complexity of the distribution and networking of IoT makes them vulnerable to attacks. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are selected to ensure the security of reliable information and operations. IDS successfully detects anomalies in complex network situations and guarantees network security. Deep Convolution Network (DCN) IDS have a slow learning curve and poor categorization precision. Deep Learning (DL) methods are often used in a wide range of safety data processing, imaging, and signal processing like Poor transfer learning ability, reusability of modules, and integration. To overcome the constraints of Machine Learning (ML) IDS is intended to provide a comprehensive mechanism to learn the detection mechanism for multicloud IoT environments. The proposed IDS approach increases training efficiencies while increasing detection accuracy. Experimental investigations of the proposed system using the considered database confirms that the performance of the proposed system is capable and in the range of acceptance with relative to existing methods. Further, achieving detection capability, reliability, and accuracy of 97.51, 96.28, and 94.41% respectively are achieved.

Resumen: La ausencia o hipoplasia del escafoides carpiano es una entidad rara e infrecuente, y aún más si se da de forma aislada, pues suele aparecer asociada a otros síndromes congénitos. Suele ser debida a una alteración en el desarrollo fetal antes de la semana 11 del embarazo. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 53 años, con dolor crónico de muñeca, intervenida de síndrome del túnel del carpo izquierdo, con persistencia de dolor tras la intervención. Las radiografías y la TC permitieron realizar el diagnóstico definitivo, evidenciando la existencia de una hipoplasia escafoidea con inestabilidad carpiana. Tras el procedimiento quirúrgico y la realización de tratamiento rehabilitador posterior la paciente quedó asintomática. Abstract: The absence or hypoplasia of the carpal scaphoid bone is rare and unfrequent, especially if isolated, as it is usually associated with other congenital disorders. Such anomaly is usually the result of fetal development alterations before week 11 of pregnancy. We introduce the case of a 53-year-old woman with chronic wrist pain and persistent pain after surgical intervention of the carpal tunnel syndrome in the left hand. X-rays and CT confirmed the patient's hypoplasia of the scaphoid bone with carpal instability diagnosis. The patient became asymptomatic after surgical intervention and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Economic internationalization in this century is an irreversible process, and the driving forces of this process are transnational structures, business organizations, globalization of financial markets, political and regulatory conditions for business scaling. An integral element of the world economy is international accounting, harmonization and standardization of its principles, developed on its basis, considered in many aspects and at many levels. The article examines the process of harmonization of the accounting system in Poland with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The stages of development of the convergence of Polish GAAP with IFRS in a historical perspective are shown, with particular attention to the harmonization of accounting in the European Union, as the main trigger for the implementation of IFRS in Poland. Some distinguishing features of GAAP from IFRS are analyzed and conclusions are drawn. The purpose of the study is to show the stages of harmonization of Polish GAAP with IFRS and highlight some of the distinguishing characteristics between Polish GAAP and IFRS. To achieve this goal, the following tasks are set: - a review of the literature of Polish researchers on the harmonization of accounting and the development of accounting in Poland over the past 20-40 years. - to consider the harmonization of the European Union as the main trigger affecting the Polish accounting system - highlight the development of Polish GAAP after accession to the European Union and explore the stages of harmonization of Polish GAAP with IFRS. - show some distinctive characteristics of Polish GAAP and IFRS and draw conclusions. When writing this work, qualitative research methods were used, such as observation, the scientific method, case study, expert interviews and content analysis. Key words: economic internationalization, IFRS, harmonization, standardization, GAAP.