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The low activity of stainless steel slag (SSS), primarily attributed to its high γ-C2S and low C3S content, impedes its effective utilisation. A thermochemical high-temperature reconstruction method using lime and bauxite as tempering agents to regulate the mineral phase was investigated in this work. Through an array of tests and analytical techniques, including compressive strength tests, activity index evaluation, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and hydration heat analysis, the impacts of the calcium/silicon mass (CSM) ratio and the sintering temperature on the mechanical properties and activity of reconstituted SSS mortar were examined. It was found that, at a CSM ratio of 4.2 and a sintering temperature of 1290°C, the reconstructed slag demonstrated optimal mechanical properties and activity, yielding compressive strengths of 43.69 MPa and 62.58 MPa at 7 days and 28 days, respectively, with remarkable 28-day activity index of 143.49%. The proposed thermochemical high-temperature reconstruction method ingeniously employs high temperature to increase the content of C3S while rapid cooling prevents alteration of the C2S crystalline structure. This innovation significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and activity of the SSS, offering promising avenues to increase its utilisation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Path planning for robots based on reinforcement learning encounters challenges in integrating semantic information about environments into the training process. In unseen or complex environmental information, agents often perform sub-optimally and require more training time. In response to these challenges, this manuscript pioneers a framework integrating zero-shot learning combined with hierarchical reinforcement learning to enhance agent decision-making in complex environments. Zero-shot learning enables agents to infer correct actions for previously unseen objects or situations based on learned semantic associations. Subsequently, the path planning component utilizes hierarchical reinforcement learning with adaptive replay buffer, directed by the insights gained from zero-shot learning, to make decisions effectively. Two parts are trained separately, so zero-shot learning is available in different and unseen environments. Through simulation experiments, we compare the traditional hierarchical reinforcement learning method with the proposed method. The results prove that this structure can make full use of environmental information to generalize across unseen environments and plan collision-free paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a two-tier feedback control law for the path tracking of a mobile robot equipped with N on-axle trailers. Initially, through a recursive design process, the curvature-tracking challenge is converted into stabilizing the joint angles at predefined reference values. This design approach is straightforward and can be easily extended to configurations with multiple trailers. Using input-to-state stability analysis, we demonstrate the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system, which is structured in cascade form. Furthermore, we reformulate the path-tracking problem as a curvature-planning challenge and propose an algorithm to determine the desired curvature for the tail trailer. The simulation results validate the effectiveness of this novel algorithm in truck-trailer systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid space of robots is divided into task space and joint space, with task space focused on trajectory-tracking accuracy, while joint space considers dynamic responsiveness and synchronization. Therefore, the robot-motion control systems need to effectively integrate both aspects, ensuring precision in task trajectory while promptly responding to unforeseen environmental events. Hence, this paper proposes an online trajectory-generation method for robots in both joint and task spaces. In task space, a planning approach is presented for high-precision NURBS curves. The global NURBS curve is segmented into several rational Bezier curves, establishing local coordinate systems for control points. This ensures that all local control points meet the chord error constraint, guaranteeing trajectory accuracy. To address the feed rate dynamic planning issue for segmented curves, an improved online S-shape feed-rate scheduling framework is introduced. This framework dynamically adjusts the current execution speed to meet task requirements. In joint space, an offline velocity planning based on a time synchronization scheme and a multi-dimensional synchronization technique based on the principle of spatial-coordinate system projection are proposed. Building upon the offline scheme, it allows for the modification of the target state for any sub-dimension during the motion process, with the remaining dimensions adapting accordingly. Simulation and experimentation demonstrate that the two proposed online trajectory generations for robot motion spaces, while ensuring task trajectory accuracy, effectively handle external unexpected events. They ensure joint synchronization and smoothness, carrying significant practical implications and application value for the stability of robot systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the lncRNAs expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and evaluate the diagnostic value of lncRNAs expression in CRC patients with T2DM. The present study was conducted on two cohorts with CRC patients. The tissues levels of lncRNAs were measured by real-time PCR analysis. The results showed that H19 and MALAT1 expression were higher in CRC tissues than in normal colorectal mucosa (p = 1.59 × 10−6 and p = 6.95 × 10−9, respectively), whereas lincRNA-p21 showed lower expression in CRC tissues (p = 1.10 × 10−4). Logistic regression analysis results indicated that the expression of H19 was significantly lower in CRC patients with T2DM compared with CRC patients without T2DM (p =.032). H19 expression in CRC group without T2DM was significantly associated with hypertension (p =.040). Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of H19 was 0.672 of the group CRC with T2DM, which suggests that H19 could be a useful biomarker and predictive targets for diagnosis of T2DM in CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited irrigation is a measure to avoid sugar beet yield reduction and improve water use efficiency in arid areas. However, it is unclear whether the optimization of traditional nitrogen fertilizer management under the limited irrigation conditions can further improve sugar beet yield and economic benefits. In this three-year field experiment in the arid region of northwest China, N fertilizer (150 (N1, recommended N application rate) and 225 kg ha−1 (N2, traditional N application rate) was applied in three methods, i.e., N fertilizer was applied at the ratios of 20: 80 (T1), 30: 70 (T2), and 40: 60 (T3, traditional N fertilization method) before sowing and at the rapid canopy growth stage. Then, the effects of the above N fertilizer managements on the growth parameters, canopy productivity, nutrient uptake, yield, and economic benefits of drip-irrigated sugar beets under limited irrigation was explored. To avoid the subjectivity of human evaluation, four comprehensive evaluation models were used for the evaluation of the N fertilization managements. The results showed that under the two N application rates, T1 treatment promoted plant nutrient uptake by increasing the available N content in the soil compared with the T3 treatment. This then increased the shoot and taproot growth rates by an average of 18.8 % (p < 0.05) and 26.5 % (p < 0.05), respectively by increasing the leaf area duration (LAD) during 45–120 DAE (days after emergence). In addition, T1 treatment increased the leaf senescence rate (LSR) of sugar beet during 120–150 DAE, which promoted yield formation and increased the taproot yield (TY) by 17.3 % (p < 0.05) compared with T3 treatment. Although N2T1 treatment resulted in higher net return (NR) than N2T3 (traditional N management method) and N1T1 treatment, N2T1 treatment did not increase marginal benefit (MB) and N use efficiency compared with N1T1 treatment. The results of the four comprehensive evaluation models showed that the N1T1 treatment had the highest evaluation value and the highest ranking compared with the other treatments. When limited irrigation is carried out in sugar beet cropping in arid areas, it is suggested that the traditional N fertilizer application rate can be reduced to 150 kg ha−1, and the proportion of topdressed N during limited irrigation can be increased. This study is of great significance for the sustainable development of local sugar beet production and the increase of farmers' income. • N management needs to be optimized to promote limited-irrigated sugar beet growth. • Increasing topdressed N increases plant nutrient uptake and reduces N leaching risk. • Accelerating leaf senescence promotes the taproot growth of sugar beet. • Optimized N fertilization increases taproot yields by accelerating taproot growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraquat (PQ) is a highly effective herbicide widely used in agricultural production, known for its strong herbicidal power, rapid action, and minimal environmental pollution. However, it is also highly toxic to humans and animals, with acute lung injury (ALI) being the primary cause of death. While the toxic mechanisms of PQ have been studied from various perspectives, its effects on lymphocytes and their subsets remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between lymphocyte dysfunction and mortality in acute PQ poisoning. A total of 92 patients with PQ poisoning who visited the emergency department of The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2021, were included. Basic demographic and laboratory data within 24 h of admission were collected. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry. To identify independent risk factors for mortality, patients were followed up for 90 days. COX proportional hazards models and LASSO regression were applied to screen for predictive variables and develop a predictive model. All participants provided informed consent, and the study was approved by the relevant ethics committee. Among the 92 patients, 36 died. Compared with the survival group, the death group showed significantly higher white blood cell and neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios, while the percentage of natural killer (NK) cells was significantly lower (P < 0.001). COX regression analysis identified these factors as independent risk factors for mortality: lymphocyte count: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-2.47; P = 0.04 neutrophil count: HR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.18; P = 0.04 CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio: HR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.03-3.92; P = 0.04 NK cell percentage: HR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.95; P = 0.002. These findings suggest that lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio, and NK cell percentage are all associated with mortality in PQ poisoning cases.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered high-risk group for osteoporosis. However, the current understanding of their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward osteoporosis remains unclear. CKD patients were recruited from Li Huili Hospital, Ningbo Medical Center between March 2023 and June 2023. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect the participant's demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice toward osteoporosis. A total of 500 valid questionnaires were included in the analysis, with participants aged 51.08 ± 14.76 years. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.67 ± 3.04 (range: 0-11), 33.99 ± 3.37 (range: 10-50), and 35.29 ± 5.54 (range: 9-45), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.440, P < .001), knowledge and practice scores (r = 0.376, P < .001), as well as attitude and practice scores (r = 0.403, P < .001). Structural equation modeling revealed direct associations between knowledge and attitude (path coefficient = 0.488, P < .001), and between attitude and practice (path coefficient = 0.485, P < .001). The knowledge also exhibited a directly positive effect on practice (path coefficient = 0.449, P < .001). Undergoing glucocorticoid therapy (odd ratio [OR] = 2.353, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.022-5.418, P = .044) and osteoporosis osteoporosis (OR = 1.565, 95% CI: 1.011-2.421, P = .044) were positively associated with knowledge. Moreover, disease duration >1 year was positively associated with practice (OR = 3.643, 95% CI: 1.754-7.565, P < .001). CKD patients demonstrated moderate knowledge, neutral attitude, and moderate practice toward osteoporosis. To address the practice gaps of CKD patients toward osteoporosis, targeted educational interventions and attitude support programs can be developed., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)