Search

Due to lack of a design resistance for cellular beam-columns under the axial-shear-flexure interaction, the design interaction resistances were investigated through a validated finite element analysis. The beam-columns are simply supported and subjected to a mid-span point load and a compressive axial load, to provide the interaction. A modified interaction based on ANSI/AISC 360-16 and the shear design of SCI P355 were integrated to design the interaction resistance. In the parametric study of the interaction in various steel sections, the non-dimensional slenderness and opening parameters were examined. For beam-columns under high shear forces, Vierendeel mechanism and web-post buckling constitute the dominant failure modes depending on the opening parameters. Under high compression loads or flexural moment, flexural failure about the major axis is the dominant failure mode. However, the failure behaviors are generally combinations of the three modes. The design interactional resistance was examined in terms of failure shear forces computed from failure criteria of the three modes. Since design of the web-post buckling in SCI P355 does not consider effects of the interaction, their resistances are significantly higher than the FE results. The resistance is not governed by safety and requires modifications. On considering the co-existing actions in a quadratic interaction criterion, the proposed interaction resistance obviously complies with the FE results for cases of the web-post buckling failure, and agrees well with the FE results for cases of Vierendeel and flexural failure.

This study aimed to assess the impact of bael fruit pulp on the viability of probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and some physicochemical properties of bael-goat milk-based beverages during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Bael fruit pulp (BFP) was incorporated into goat milk (GM) at different levels (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 20 %), and fermented with LGG combined with conventional yoghurt culture. Products were analyzed at weekly intervals. Fermented GM without bael served as control. Redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma, and LGG viability were all significantly increased while pH, lightness (L*), and whiteness were dramatically decreased by the addition of BFP. After 14 days of storage, all fermented milk containing bael exhibited considerably (p < 0.05) greater LGG counts than the control. The product containing 20 % bael had the greatest viability counts (7.01 log CFU/mL) at the end of storage. Throughout the storage period, all of the products—including the control—maintained viable probiotic counts of greater than 6 log CFU/mL. The pH of the products decreased over time but was stabilized by bael. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that goat milk is a perfect vehicle for LGG, and adding bael may boost the fermented goat milk's probiotic viability, physicochemical qualities, and nutritional value, thus improving its overall quality.

Rice and wheat provide nearly 40% of human calorie and protein requirements. They share a common ancestor and belong to the Poaceae (grass) family. Characterizing their genetic homology is crucial for developing new cultivars with enhanced traits. Several wheat genes and gene families have been characterized based on their rice orthologs. Rice–wheat orthology can identify genetic regions that regulate similar traits in both crops. Rice–wheat comparative genomics can identify candidate wheat genes in a genomic region identified by association or QTL mapping, deduce their putative functions and biochemical pathways, and develop molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding. A knowledge of gene homology facilitates the transfer between crops of genes or genomic regions associated with desirable traits by genetic engineering, gene editing, or wide crossing.

Summary:. Achieving a functional and aesthetic reconstruction following complex trauma is a challenge. Skin substitutes, including acellular dermal matrices, and newer, synthetic options such as NovoSorb biodegradable temporizing membrane (BTM) have given the reconstructive surgeon a useful tool where autologous options have been exhausted, are inappropriate, or would present a suboptimal reconstruction. This case series describes 6 patients admitted to an urban level I major trauma center between July and December 2022. All patients underwent complex reconstructive lower limb surgery using BTM as either a primary or salvage option. In each case, this approach was chosen on a case-by-case basis where it was felt BTM would offer a reconstructive advantage, or where primary reconstructive options had been exhausted. Data were collected retrospectively from case notes. Three patients received BTM as a primary reconstructive option. BTM integrated successfully in all 3. Three patients received BTM as a salvage option. In 1, the exposed fracture site was successfully bridged, and in another, BTM was successfully reapplied over exposed fracture site where BTM had previously failed to incorporate. Although BTM is a relatively new tool in the reconstructive surgeon’s armamentarium, requiring further research into long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction, it can be a useful and versatile tool.

In considering today's energy challenges, the link between the usage of renewable and non-renewable energy sources and economic growth has gained substantial policy attention. This research examines the complex relationship between these three variables to understand how non-renewable energy consumption and renewable energy consumption interact and what that means for economic growth. This study uses the Granger causality approach to explore the relationships between non-renewable energy consumption, renewable energy consumption, and economic development. It draws on a comprehensive dataset from the Word Bank database, including 152 nations from 1990 to 2019. The analysis is further disaggregated by four subgroups of countries; least developed, developed, transitional economies and developing countries. The result of this study provides valuable empirical evidence of uni-directional causality running from renewable energy consumption to economic growth and non-renewable energy consumption to economic growth in transitional economies. Furthermore, policymakers should focus on both variables when making decisions because the results show that energy consumption and economic growth are interconnected. Implementing global energy efficiency standards, reducing fossil fuel usage, and adopting regulatory measures are all viable policies for limiting adverse effects on the environment while encouraging economic development.

Purpose: The effectiveness of the evaporative clay pot coolers was studied to preserve the postharvest quality of leafy vegetables, including kankun (Ipomoea aquatica), gotukola (Centella asiatica), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and thampala (Amaranthus spp.). Research method: The bundles of leafy vegetables weighed about 200 g and were stored for seven days under room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and clay pot cooler storage. Findings: The average temperatures were 27.7 °C, 7.1 °C, and 25.6 °C, and relative humidity values were 76.1%, 58.2%, and 93.6% in room temperature storage, refrigerated storage, and clay pot cooler, respectively. The average cooling efficiency of clay pot coolers was 66.7%. The physiological weight losses of leafy vegetables were significantly reduced during clay pot cooler storage. The chlorophyll content, soluble solids content, color changes, and visual quality of leafy vegetables were significantly maintained in clay pot cooler storage compared to room temperature storage. Research limitations: The main limitation of this study was the seepage of water into the inner pot of the clay pot cooler which enhanced the decay of leafy vegetables. This was successfully controlled by avoiding overwatering the sand that was used as the lining material of the clay pot cooler. Originality/Value: The clay pot cooler is one of the alternative low-cost storage methods to preserve the quality of leafy vegetables during storage.

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) provides alternative methodologies for the propagation of grapevine (Vitis spp.) cultivars, conservation of their germplasm resources, and crop improvement. In this review, the current state of knowledge regarding grapevine SE as applied to these technologies is presented, with a focus on the benefits, challenges, and limitations of this method. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different steps involved in the grapevine SE process, including callus induction, maintenance of embryogenic cultures, and the production of plantlets. Additionally, the review explores the development of high-health plant material through SE; the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying SE, including the regulation of gene expression, hormone signaling pathways, and metabolic pathways; as well as its use in crop improvement programs. The review concludes by highlighting the future directions for grapevine SE research, including the development of new and improved protocols, the integration of SE with other plant tissue culture techniques, and the application of SE for the production of elite grapevine cultivars, for the conservation of endangered grapevine species as well as for cultivars with unique traits that are valuable for breeding programs.

Aims This case report focuses on a 68-year-old Caucasian female, with long-standing symptoms of executive and cerebellar dysfunction, which responded well to rTMS targeting the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Methods This patient was seen in the private sector for long-standing symptoms of low mood, mental fog, unsteady gait, along with slurred speech and poor vision. History indicated the possibility of multiple mini strokes several years earlier, which may have contributed to her current presentation, and MRI Brain confirmed diffuse small vessel disease in periventricular areas and deep white matter, with no atrophy of brainstem or cerebellum. Her medications at the time included venlafaxine 75 mg OD, atorvastatin 20 mg OD, amlodipine 5 mg OD, thiamine HCL 100 mg OD and aspirin 75 mg. She then had a course of standard rTMS (F3 and F4), to which she had no real response. The team then performed a Quantitative Electroencephalography which revealed bilateral prefrontal and cerebellar disconnection, with normal connectivity in the rest of the brain and cortex, which enabled a diagnosis of Organic mood (affective) disorder, F06.3. Based on the above findings, she was then prescribed a course of rTMS as follows: 1.Bifrontal excitatory Theta burst, at 50–60%, daily for 20 treatments. 2.CB1 and CB2 Cerebellar iTBS (10min) at 50–60%, daily for 20 treatments. Mid treatment review showed improvement in depression and anxiety, mirrored by significant reductions in psychometric scores compared to baseline, although her memory, concentration and motivation remained poor, and it was agreed that she would be reviewed again after completion of 20 sessions. Results Although long known for its function in fine tuning motor function, emerging research indicates the growing importance of the cerebellum and its neural connections in neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent studies have shown that those with cerebellar damage show impairments in executive function, and emotional regulation, in addition to language deficits and problems with sensory processing. It is bidirectionally connected with areas associated with processing social salience, including the posterior parietal and prefrontal cortex. With its connections to the prefrontal cortex, limbic structures and monoamine producing brainstem areas, it is likely the cerebellum also plays a key role in fine tuning emotional output, which appears to be corroborated by functional neuroimaging. Conclusion This case further supports the emerging evidence base that the cerebellum plays a key role in emotional experience, along with the prospect of using targeted rTMS for therapeutic benefit.

Abstract Introduction In South Africa, the HIV care cascade remains suboptimal. We investigated the impact of small conditional financial incentives (CFIs) and male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision‐support application (EPIC‐HIV) on the HIV care cascade. Methods In 2018, in uMkhanyakude district, 45 communities were randomly assigned to one of four arms: (i) CFI for home‐based HIV testing and linkage to care within 6 weeks (R50 [US$3] food voucher each); (ii) EPIC‐HIV which are based on self‐determination theory; (iii) both CFI and EPIC‐HIV; and (iv) standard of care. EPIC‐HIV consisted of two components: EPIC‐HIV 1, provided to men through a tablet before home‐based HIV testing, and EPIC‐HIV 2, offered 1 month later to men who tested positive but had not yet linked to care. Linking HITS trial data to national antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme data and HIV surveillance programme data, we estimated HIV status awareness after the HITS trial implementation, ART status 3 month after the trial and viral load suppression 1 year later. Analysis included all known individuals living with HIV in the study area including those who did not participated in the HITS trial. Results Among the 33,778 residents in the study area, 2763 men and 7266 women were identified as living with HIV by the end of the intervention period and included in the analysis. After the intervention, awareness of HIV‐positive status was higher in the CFI arms compared to non‐CFI arms (men: 793/908 [87.3%] vs. 1574/1855 [84.9%], RR = 1.03 [95% CI: 0.99−1.07]; women: 2259/2421 [93.3%] vs. 4439/4845 [91.6%], RR = 1.02 [95% CI: 1.00−1.04]). Three months after the intervention, no differences were found for linkage to ART between arms. One year after the intervention, only 1829 viral test results were retrieved. Viral suppression was higher but not significant in the EPIC‐HIV intervention arms among men (65/99 [65.7%] vs. 182/308 [59.1%], RR = 1.11 [95% CI: 0.88−1.40]). Conclusions Small CFIs can contribute to achieve the first step of the HIV care cascade. However, neither CFIs nor EPIC‐HIV was sufficient to increase the number of people on ART. Additional evidence is needed to confirm the impact of EPIC‐HIV on viral suppression.

Aim: Cynometra cauliflora (namnam) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to eastern Peninsular Malaysia. It grows well with an annual rainfall of 1,500–2,000 mm. Even though a considerable amount of research has been carried out with C. caulifora, there is a dearth of information about biomolecules that may pave the way for drug discoveries and food supplements, which is a gap addressed in this study. Methods: The study presented in this paper has identified several antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory substances, and an in silico approach was used to understand the behaviors of kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside (K-3-Rh) and β-sitosterol acetate against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with the selected protein ligand complex of two natural molecules and the synthetic ligand to analyze the dynamic behaviors and binding free energy throughout the 100 ns simulation time. Further, both natural molecules that were investigated comply with Lipinski’s drug-likeness rules. Results: The docking scores of both K-3-Rh and sitosterol were found to be compatible with the synthetic AD drug molecules [donepezil analogue (H0L)] used as a reference in the study. Hence, the phytochemicals of Cynometra caulifora showed comparatively similar potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Conclusions: Overall, the potential binding affinity from molecular docking and static thermodynamics features from MD simulation suggest that K-3-Rh and β-sitosterol acetate could be considered as a potential therapeutic lead to inhibit AChE leading for AD treatment.

: Introduction: In South Africa, the HIV care cascade remains suboptimal. We investigated the impact of small conditional financial incentives (CFIs) and male‐targeted HIV‐specific decision‐support application (EPIC‐HIV) on the HIV care cascade. Methods: In 2018, in uMkhanyakude district, 45 communities were randomly assigned to one of four arms: (i) CFI for home‐based HIV testing and linkage to care within 6 weeks (R50 [US$3] food voucher each); (ii) EPIC‐HIV which are based on self‐determination theory; (iii) both CFI and EPIC‐HIV; and (iv) standard of care. EPIC‐HIV consisted of two components: EPIC‐HIV 1, provided to men through a tablet before home‐based HIV testing, and EPIC‐HIV 2, offered 1 month later to men who tested positive but had not yet linked to care. Linking HITS trial data to national antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme data and HIV surveillance programme data, we estimated HIV status awareness after the HITS trial implementation, ART status 3 month after the trial and viral load suppression 1 year later. Analysis included all known individuals living with HIV in the study area including those who did not participated in the HITS trial. Results: Among the 33,778 residents in the study area, 2763 men and 7266 women were identified as living with HIV by the end of the intervention period and included in the analysis. After the intervention, awareness of HIV‐positive status was higher in the CFI arms compared to non‐CFI arms (men: 793/908 [87.3%] vs. 1574/1855 [84.9%], RR = 1.03 [95% CI: 0.99−1.07]; women: 2259/2421 [93.3%] vs. 4439/4845 [91.6%], RR = 1.02 [95% CI: 1.00−1.04]). Three months after the intervention, no differences were found for linkage to ART between arms. One year after the intervention, only 1829 viral test results were retrieved. Viral suppression was higher but not significant in the EPIC‐HIV intervention arms among men (65/99 [65.7%] vs. 182/308 [59.1%], RR = 1.11 [95% CI: 0.88−1.40]). Conclusions: Small CFIs can contribute to achieve the first step of the HIV care cascade. However, neither CFIs nor EPIC‐HIV was sufficient to increase the number of people on ART. Additional evidence is needed to confirm the impact of EPIC‐HIV on viral suppression., INTRODUCTION Despite progress towards UNAIDS's 95‐95‐95, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) aware of their HIV status or on antiretroviral treatment (ART) remains insufficient in South Africa [1]. [...]