Here we show how a recently-introduced method from algebraic topology, namely proximal planar vortex 1-cycles, might be helpful in detecting hidden features of the shapes and holes in images, therefore contributing to the solution of both cold and fresh forensic cases. In particular, we test the efficacy of this technique by assessing one of the most puzzling cases of recent history, i.e., Aldo Moro’s death. Terrorists of the Red Brigades claimed that they killed Moro when he was placed inside the trunk of a car,shooting him with a barrage of bullets. We demonstrate, based on the analysis of the photographs taken during the autoptic procedure, that the terrorist’s account does not hold true. Our results, showing different series of shots, point towards a three-step execution, with the first phasestaking place outside the car. In conclusion, the novel forensic analysis method introduced in this paper permits the evaluation of a collection of vortex cycles/nerves equipped with a connectedness proximity, which makes it possible to assess unexpected spatial clusters in photographs.

Contact tracing has become a vital tool for public health officials to effectively combat the spread of new diseases, such asthe novel coronavirus disease COVID-19. Contact tracing is not new to epidemiologist rather, it used manual or semi-manualapproaches that are incredibly time-consuming, costly and inefficient. It mostly relies on human memory while scalabilityis a significant challenge in tackling pandemics. The unprecedented health and socio-economic impacts led researchersand practitioners around the world to search for technology-based approaches for providing scalable and timely answers.Smartphones and associated digital technologies have the potential to provide a better approach due to their high level ofpenetration, coupled with mobility. While data-driven solutions are extremely powerful, the fear among citizens is thatinformation like location or proximity associated with other personal data and can be weaponised by the states to enforcesurveillance. Low adoption rate of such apps due to the lack of trust questioned the efficacy and demanded researchers tofind innovative solution for building digital-trust, and appropriately balancing privacy and accuracy of data. In this paper,we have critically reviewed such protocols and apps to identify the strength and weakness of each approach. Finally, wehave penned down our recommendations to make the future contact tracing mechanisms more universally inter-operable andprivacy-preserving.

tructural and superconducting properties of high quality Niobium nanofilms with different thicknesses are investigated on silicon oxide and sapphire substrates. The role played by the different substrates and the superconducting properties of the Nb films are discussed based on the defectivity of the films and on the presence of an interfacial oxide layer between the Nb film and the substrate. The X-ray absorption spectroscopy is employed to uncover the structure of the interfacial layer. We show that this interfacial layer leads to a strong proximity effect, specially in films deposited on a SiO2 substrate, altering the superconducting properties of the Nb films. Our results establish that the critical temperature is determined by an interplay between quantum-size effects, due to the reduction of the Nb film thicknesses, and proximity effects.

Today’s urban spaces face precipitous challenges and complications, which include the COVID-19 pandemic, urbanization, population growth, and climate change. Proximity plays an essential role in influencing the integrity of public spaces and urban environments, while proxemics studies people’s experience, and the benefits, of urban space, and is based on a behavioral system of activities that includes ‘territoriality’. There is a need to study the behavioural patterns of people in given situations with proxemic dimensions in order to sustain both human beings and the quality of urban space. However, people behave spontaneously within environmental settings and reflect each other’s responses, meaning it is important to distinguish between different cultures, which tend to respond in particular ways to the meaning of proximity. This suggests there is no universal indicator for phenomena such as crowding. The aim of this paper is to highlight the interrelationship between urban form and urban life. This study focuses on two patterns of activity - street life and social life - by adopting a descriptive-analytical approach to documentary and desk research. The findings reveal a vital distinction between social and public patterns of proximity, while other proximities, although critical, are not observed within interactions between people.

Ultrathin Bi₂Se₃-NbN bilayers comprise a simple proximity system of a topological insulator and an s-wave superconductor for studying gating effects on topological superconductors. Here we report on 3 nm thick NbN layers of weakly connected superconducting islands, overlayed with 10 nm thick Bi₂Se₃ film which facilitates enhanced proximity coupling between them. Resistance versus temperature of the most resistive bilayers shows insulating behavior but with signs of superconductivity. We measured the magnetoresistance (MR) of these bilayers versus temperature with and without a magnetic field H normal to the wafer (MR=[R(H)-R(0)]/\{[R(H)+R(0)]/2\}), and under three electric gate-fields of 0 and ±2 MV/cm. The MR results showed a complex set of gate sensitive peaks which extended up to about 30 K. The results are discussed in terms of vortex physics, and the origin of the different MR peaks is identified and attributed to flux-flow MR in the isolated NbN islands and the different proximity regions in the Bi₂Se₃ cap-layer. The dominant MR peak was found to be consistent with enhanced proximity induced superconductivity in the topological edge currents regions. The high temperature MR data suggest a possible pseudogap phase or a highly extended fluctuation regime.

Biological samples are a complex and heterogeneous matrix where different macromolecules with different physicochemical parameters cohabit in reduced spaces. The introduction of fluorophores into these samples, such as in the interior of cells, can produce changes in the fluorescence emission properties of these dyes caused by the specific physicochemical properties of cells. This effect can be especially intense with solvatofluorochromic dyes, where changes in the polarity environment surrounding the dye can drastically change the fluorescence emission. In this article, we studied the photophysical behavior of a new dye and confirmed the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon with different approaches, such as by using different solvent proportions, increasing the viscosity, forming micelles and adding bovine serum albumin (BSA), through analysis of the absorption and steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence. Our results show the preferences of the dye for nonpolar media, exhibiting AIE under specific conditions through immobilization. Additionally, this approach offers the possibility of easily determining the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Finally, we studied the rate of spontaneous incorporation of the dye into cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging and observed the intracellular pattern produced by AIE. Interestingly, different intracellular compartments present strong differences in fluorescence intensity and fluorescence lifetime. We used this difference to isolate different intracellular regions to selectively study these regions. Interestingly, the fluorescence lifetime shows a strong difference in different intracellular compartments, facilitating selective isolation for a detailed study of specific organelles.

Crosslinking of proteins for their irreversible immobilization on surfaces is a proven and popular method. However, many protocols lead to random orientation and the formation of undefined or even inactive by-products. Most concepts to obtain a more targeted conjugation or immobilization requires the recombinant modification of at least one binding partner, which is often impractical or prohibitively expensive. Here a novel method is presented, which is based on the chemical preactivation of Protein A or G with selected conventional crosslinkers. In a second step, the antibody is added, which is subsequently crosslinked in the Fc part. This leads to an oriented and covalent immobilization of the immunoglobulin with a very high yield. Protocols for Protein A and Protein G with murine and human IgG are presented. This method may be useful for the preparation of columns for affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, antibodies conjugated to magnetic particles, permanent and oriented immobilization of antibodies in biosensor systems, microarrays, microtitration plates or any other system, where the loss of antibodies needs to be avoided, and maximum binding capacity is desired. This method is directly applicable even to antibodies in crude cell culture supernatants, raw sera or protein-stabilized antibody preparations without any purification nor enrichment of the IgG. This new method delivered much higher signals as a traditional method and, hence, seems to be preferable in many applications.

Cytokines secreted by individual immune cells regulate tissue regeneration and allow communication between various cell types. Cytokines bind to cognate receptors and trigger the healing process. Determining the orchestration of cytokine interactions with their receptors on their cellular targets is essential to fully understand the process of inflammation and tissue regeneration. To this end, we have investigated the interactions of Interleukin-4 cytokine (IL-4)/Interleukin-4 cytokine receptor (IL-4R) and Interleukin-10 cytokine (IL-10)/Interleukin-10 cytokine receptor (IL-10R) using in situ Proximity Ligation Assays in a regenerative model of skin, muscle and lung tissues in the mini-pig. The pattern of protein-protein interactions was distinct for the two cytokines. IL-4 bound predominantly to receptors on macrophages and endothelial cells around the blood vessels while the target cells of IL-10 were mainly receptors on muscle cells. Our results show that in situ studies of cytokine-receptor interactions can provide unravel the fine details of the mechanism of action of cytokines.

If one considers chemical-biology toolsets that have had the greatest impact on numerous fields of life sciences over the most recent years, proximity-labeling tools, such as APEX, and Bio-ID arguably lead the way. This article reflects upon the current state-of-the-art and discusses key limitations underlying these emerging approaches, in particular, the limited functional knowledge they provide in understanding local proteomes / interactomes. This limitation is directly linked to the use of non-biologically- or non-pharmaceutically-relevant reactive intermediates in the course of covalently labeling the local proteomes. As such, these methods cannot report on specific functions of localized protein players, nor can they scrutinize whether the specific functions of such proteins/interactomes can be directly manipulated by pharmacologically-relevant small-molecule ligands. The latest data hint that precision localized electrophile delivery concept ushers a means to address this limitation with high spatiotemporal resolution, and ultimately, in relevant live animals.

Skin and proximity effects have a considerable impact on current distribution in multi-strand cable lines. Under unfavorable heat exchange conditions some strands may be subject to excessive overheating, what may lead to serious malfunctions or even fires of the installation. The paper proposes a new criterion for a quick choice of spatial configurations, for which the effect might be minimized. A comprehensive analysis of literature cases is provided, including the recommendations of the U.S. National Code and the Canadian standard.

In this paper, we introduced many new notions and new contraction named as S-weakly contraction after that we obtained the p-common best proximity point theorems for different types of contractions in the setting of complete metric spaces by using weak P_p-property and proved the uniqueness of these points. Also we presented some examples to prove the validity of our results.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) is useful for evaluation of the hemodynamics of hepatic tumors and surrounding he-patic parenchyma in real time. CEUS with intravenous contrast administration is well established for evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). On the other hand, intra-arterial (transcatheter) CEUS (IAUS) is an emerging technique that allows more selective evaluation of the arterial supply to the tumor. IAUS was performed by administration of Sonazoid® through the microcatheter and imaging of the area of the target lesion with a dedicated, contrast-specific technique. Sonazoid® (0.5 ml diluted with 49.5 ml of distilled water) was used as the contrast medium in IAUS. The diluted Sonazoid® was introduced into the feeding artery by in-termittent injection of 0.3-1.0 ml through a microcatheter placed in the artery and flushing with saline at the same flow rate. We report the three cases in which IAUS was useful in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC. Two cases were performed TACE for hepatic metastasis. In any cases, plain computed tomography (CT) after TACE showed accumulation of Lipiodol® only in the metastases. One case was suspected having HCC rupture and urgent abdominal angiography was performed. IAUS was performed frequently to reduce the amount of iodinated contrast agent as much as possible because of renal failure. Concomitant use of IAUS enabled reduction of the amount of contrast agent.

Recent advancements in neural language models, particularly attention-based architectures like the Transformer, have substantially surpassed traditional methods in various natural language processing tasks. These models adeptly generate nuanced token representations by considering contextual relations within a sequence. However, augmenting these models with explicit syntactic knowledge, such as part of speech tags, has been found to remarkably bolster their effectiveness, especially under constrained data scenarios. This study introduces the Linguistic Enhanced Transformer (LET), which integrates multiple syntactic features, showing a notable increase in translation accuracy, evidenced by an improvement of up to 1.99 BLEU points on subsets of the WMT '14 English-German dataset. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates that enriching BERT models with syntax-aware embeddings enhances their performance on several GLUE benchmark tasks.

EOR is a process that helps maximize recoverable oil reserves, extend field life and increase recovery rates, and is an important tool for companies to maintain production and increase return on investment. In this article, the performance of nanoclay on aqueous phase viscosity, wettability, and recycled oil in core fluidization in polyacrylamide nanofluid has been investigated in different experiments and EOR. We have used polymers due to the properties of polymers in increasing rheology and effective mobility and controlling stability and variability to resume growth oil in nanofluids. Adding 5% by weight of salt to polymer-clay nanofluid has also been investigated in samples comparable to pure nano clay without salt. The viscosity of this suspension increases by about 50% by adding a certain amount of salt. If the same amount of salt is added to the polymer diluent, the viscosity decreases drastically. The results of the wettability test also show that clay has a better potential to change the wettability in the tendency to salt. In core fluidization tests, the highest efficiency of 30% was obtained in the third recycling in the combination of clay nanoparticles and sulfone copolymer. The highest efficiency was obtained in the third scenario in core fluidization tests, that is; A combination of resin nanoparticles and sulfone copolymer. Their detailed behavior in the characteristics of wettability, rheology, and core fluidization is analyzed in this article.

Hafnium is a metal with rare properties, such as a low superconducting transition temperature slightly above 100 mK, which makes it attractive for a lot of applications, especially for design and fabrication of microcalorimeters with high energy resolution. In this paper we describe the results of fabrication and experimental investigation of superconducting properties of hafnium thin films in a dilution refrigerator. The considered Hf films, whose thickness is in the range from 60 to 115 nm, are deposited on substrates by electron beam evaporation. The combinations with thin layers of normal metals to decrease the critical temperature of superconducting hafnium films by proximity effect, are also considered. The critical temperature of the studied films varies from 56 to 302 mK. Also, significant increase of the critical temperature of some films over time was observed and investigated.

In South Korea, the residential real estate market is influenced not just by traditional supply and demand dynamics, but also by external factors such as housing policies and macroeconomic conditions. Given the significant role of housing assets in individual wealth, market fluctuations can have profound implications. While prior research has utilized variables like GDP growth rate, patent issuance, and birth rates, and employed models like LSTM and ARIMA for housing price predictions, many overlook key localized factors. Notably, the impact of subway stations and living SOC facilities on housing prices, especially in metropolitan areas, remains underexplored. This study addresses these gaps by analyzing usage trends across subway stations, assessing the influence of living SOC facilities on housing values, and identifying the optimal machine learning model for price predictions near transport hubs. Through a comparative analysis of machine learning techniques, we aim to provide insights for more informed housing price determinations, promoting a more stable real estate market.

Urban planning and transportation policies are vital to creating sustainable and liveable cities. Transit-orientated development (TOD) has emerged as a prominent approach, emphasising the establishment of neighbourhoods with convenient access to public transportation and promoting car-free lifestyles. TOD initiatives aim to improve public transit efficiency, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and encourage walkability and connectivity within communities. By prioritising TOD, cities can effectively address transportation challenges, alleviate congestion, mitigate carbon emissions, and improve residents' overall quality of life. This research paper investigates the connection between proximity to transit stations and local living habits. Specifically, it examines the human mobility of residents living within a 15-minute walk distance of transit stations in Auckland, New Zealand, a car-dependent city striving to transition into a sustainable TOD model. The objective is to determine whether people living near transit stations are more inclined to participate in local activities and exhibit a higher proportion of trips within a radius of 15 minutes. The results illustrate that approximately 54% of the residents show dominant local mobility patterns. However, only about 16 stations out of 34 show their local residents have prominent collective 'local' travel patterns. By understanding the connection between proximity to transit stations and local mobility patterns, urban planners and designers can make informed decisions to improve the built environment and optimise the land use mix. This research offers insights to support the creation of vibrant and people-centric urban environments, facilitating the development of sustainable and liveable cities.

Individual users' payment behaviors have changed. The diffusion of mobile devices makes people suitable for proximity mobile payment (PMP) services without the need for traditional payment. Existing mobile payment literature mainly focuses on users' adoption and continuous usage behavior, nevertheless, switching behavior on payment received little attention, especially focusing on why users switch from traditional payment to PMP. Thus, the objective of the current research is to investigate factors influencing users’ traditional payment - PMP switching to comprehend how these factors shape users’ switching intentions. We developed a traditional payment - PMP transition model based on the push-pull-mooring framework derived from migration theory. This research adopted a structural equation modeling analysis on 311 valid data. The findings indicate that a push factor drives users away from traditional payment in terms of dissatisfaction. The pull factors, including perceived substitutability and perceived usefulness, attract users to PMP. Furthermore, in terms of perceived technical compatibility, a positive mooring factor facilitates users' switching to PMP. The negative mooring factor, in terms of perceived risk, hinder users' switching intention. However, another pull factor - perceived ease of use, failed to influence switching intention significantly. This study found some distinctions between mobile payment switching and mobile payment adoption. These findings provide pivotal insights for mobile payment service providers.

Findings from studies of prenatal exposure to pesticides and adverse birth outcomes have been equivocal so far. We examined prenatal exposure to agricultural pesticides in relation to preterm birth and term low birthweight, respectively, in children born between 1998 and 2010 randomly selected from California birth records. We estimated residential exposures to agriculturally applied pesticides within 2 km of residential addresses at birth by pregnancy trimester for 17 individual pesticides and 3 chemical classes (organophosphates, pyrethroids, and carbamates). Among maternal addresses located within 2 km of any agricultural pesticide application, we identified 24,693 preterm and 220,297 term births, and 4,412 term low birthweight and 194,732 term normal birthweight infants. First or second trimester exposures to individual pesticides (e.g., glyphosates, paraquat, imidacloprid) or exposures to 2+ pesticides in the three chemical classes were associated with small increases (3-7%) in risk for preterm birth; associations were stronger for female offspring. We did not find associations between term low birthweight and exposures to pesticides other than for myclobutanil (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.20) and possibly pyrethroids as a class. Our improved exposure assessment revealed that first and second trimester exposures to pesticides were associated with preterm delivery but few affected term low birthweight.

The aim of this literature review was to present the novel imaging modalities elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. We provided an overview of the concepts and applications of each technique for the investigation of neoplastic and metastatic tumors in dogs and cats. Studies with elastography are based on the elasticity and deformation of the evaluated tissue. The information obtained from the different types of elastography can aid in the detection and differentiation of malignant and benign structures. Descriptions of elastographic studies in several organs and tissue in veterinary medicine reported that, in general, malignant tumors tend to be more rigid, and, therefore, less deformable than benign lesions or in comparison to the healthy parenchyma. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is based on the intravenous injection of contrast media constituted by microbubbles. This imaging modality can be performed in non-sedated animals and provides information on the tissue perfusion, allowing the investigation of macro- and micro-circulation. Studies with different organs and tissues were performed in dogs and cats and revealed a tendency of malignant tumors to present faster transit of the contrast media (time to wash-in, peak and wash-out). These advanced techniques can be associated with other imaging modalities, aiding important information to the well-established exams of B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. They can be used as screening tests, potentially representing an alternative to the invasive sampling methods required for cytological and histopathological analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and compare breast lesions on CEM and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using 5 features. We propose to create a flowchart for BI-RADS classification of breast lesions on CEM based on the Kaiser score (KS) flowchart for breast MRI. Included were 68 subjects (women and men; median age 61.4 ± 11.6 years) who were suspected of having a malignant process in the breast based on digital mammography (MG) findings. The patients underwent breast ultrasound (US), CEM, MRI, and biopsy of the suspicious lesion. There were 47 patients with malignant lesions confirmed by biopsy and 21 patients with benign lesions, for each of which a KS was calculated. In the patients with malignant lesions, the MRI-derived KS was 9 (IQR 8-9), its CEM equivalent was 9 (IQR 8-9), and BI-RADS was 5 (IQR 4-5). In patients with benign lesions, MRI-derived KS was 3 (IQR 2-3), its CEM equivalent was 3 (IQR 1.7-5), and BI-RADS was 3 (IQR 0-4). There was no significant difference between the ROC-AUC of CEM and MRI (P=0.749). In conclusion, there were no significant differences in KS results between CEM and breast MRI. The KS flowchart is useful for evaluating breast lesions on CEM.

CO₂ enhanced oil recovery (EOR) has been proven its capability to explore the unconventional tight oil reservoirs and potential for geological carbon storage. Meanwhile, the extremely low permeability pores exaggerate the difficulty CO₂ EOR and geological storage processing in the actual field. This paper initiates the ultrasonic-assisted approach to facilitate the oil-gas miscibility development and finally contribute to unlock more tight oils. First, the physical properties of crude oil with and without ultrasonic treatments were experimentally analysed through gas chromatography (GC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and viscometer. Second, the oil-gas minimum miscibility pressures (MMPs) were measured from the slim-tube test and the miscibility developments with and without ultrasonic treatments were interpreted from the mixing-cell method. Third, the nuclear-magnetic resonance (NMR) assisted coreflood tests were conducted to physically model the recovery process in porous media and directly obtain the recovery factor. Basically, the ultrasonic treatment (40KHz and 200W for 8 hours) was found to substantially change the oil properties, with viscosity (at 60°C) reduced from 4.1 to 2.8mPa·s, contents of resin and asphaltene decreased from 27.94% and 6.03% to 14.2% and 3.79%, respectively. The FTIR spectrum shows the unsaturated C-H bond, C-O bond and C≡C bond in macromolecules were broken from ultrasonic, which caused the macromolecules (e.g., resin and asphaltenes) to be decomposed into smaller carbon-number molecules. Accordingly, the MMP was determined to be reduced from 15.8 to 14.9MPa from the slim-tube test and the oil recovery factor increased by over 10%. This study reveals the mechanisms of ultrasonic-assisted CO₂ miscible EOR in producing tight oils.

We discuss some of the fundamental practical limitations of the Fluctuation-Enhanced Sensing of odors and gases. We address resolution, measurement speed, reproducibility, memory and other problems such as humidity. Various techniques and ideas are presented to overcome these problems. Circuit solutions are also discussed.

An improved method for Fluctuation Enhanced Sensing (FES) is introduced. We enhanced the old binary fingerprinting method, where the fingerprint bit values were ± 1, by introducing ternary fingerprints utilizing a reference odor. In the ternary method, the fingerprint bit values are -1, 0, and +1 where the 0 value stands for the situation where the slope of the spectrum is identical to that of the reference odor. The application of the reference odor spectrum makes the fingerprint relative to the reference. This feature increases the information entropy of the fingerprints. The method is briefly illustrated by sensing bacterial odor in cow manure isolates.

With the popularization of natural gas and the requirements for environmental protection, the development and utilization of natural gas is particularly important. The status of natural gas in China's oil and gas exploration and development is constantly improving, and the country is paying more and more attention to the exploitation and utilization of natural gas. The Upper Paleozoic tight sandstone in the Ordos Basin is characterized by low porosity, low permeability and large area of concealed gas reservoirs. By injecting CO2 into the formation, the recovery of natural gas can be improved, and at the same time, the stable storage of CO2 can be achieved to achieve a win-win situation of CO2 emission reduction and utilization. Injecting greenhouse gas CO2 into gas reservoirs for storage and improving recovery has also become a hot research issue. In order to improve the recovery efficiency of tight sandstone gas reservoir, this paper takes the complex tight sandstone of Upper Paleozoic in Ordos Basin as the research object, through indoor physical simulation experiments, carried out the influence of displacement rate, fracture dip angle, core permeability, core dryness and wetness on CO2 gas displacement efficiency and storage efficiency, and analyzed the influence of different factors on CO2 gas displacement efficiency and storage efficiency to improve the recovery and storage efficiency. The research results show that under different conditions, when the CO2 injection pore volume is less than 1PV, the relationship between the CH4 recovery rate and the CO2 injection pore volume is linear, and the tilt angle is 45 °. When the CO2 injection pore volume exceeds 1PV, the CH4 recovery rate increases slightly with the increase of displacement speed, the recovery rate of CO2 displacement CH4 is between 87% - 97%, and the CO2 breakthrough time is 0.7PV-0.9PV. In low-permeability and low-speed displacement cores, the diffusion of CO2 molecules is more significant. The lower the displacement speed is, the earlier the breakthrough time of CO2 is, and the final recovery of CH4 slightly decreases. Gravity has a great impact on CO2 storage and enhanced recovery. The breakthrough of high injection and low recovery of CO2 is earlier, and the recovery of CH4 is about 3.3% lower than that of low injection and high recovery. The bound water makes the displacement phase CO2 partially dissolved in the formation water, and the CO2 breakthrough lags about 0.1PV. Ultimately, CH4 recovery factor and CO2 storage rate are higher than those of dry core displacement. The research results provide theoretical data support for CO2 injection to improve recovery and storage efficiency in complex tight sandstone gas reservoirs.

To investigate the photosynthetic change characteristics of mango leaves under enhanced UV-B radiation, adult ‘Tainong No. 1’ mango (Mangifera indica) trees were treated (N=nine individuals) with simulated enhanced UV-B radiation [24 and 96 kJ/(m2·d)] in the field, and the photochemical reactions, activities of key enzymes in carbon assimilation, and the expression of genes were observed. The results showed that compared with the control, there was a decrease in tree yield and nutritional flavor quality of the fruits under the 96 kJ/(m2·d) treatment, while no significant changes were observed under 24 kJ/(m2·d). After 20 or 40 days, leaves’ net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Sc), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and chlorophyll a/b under exposure to 96 kJ/(m2·d) of UV-B were significantly lower than in the control, whereas chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, Hill reaction activity, photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), and Rubisco activities were significantly higher. By contrast, the Hill activity and Rubisco activity under 24 kJ/(m2·d) were significantly higher than the control, while Pn, Sc, Tr, Ci, and the content of photosynthetic pigments were similar to the control. The expression of gene coding the Rubisco big subunit (rbcL) was inhibited by the 96 kJ/(m2·d) treatment. We conclude that stomatal limitation was directly induced by 96 kJ/(m2·d), resulting in the inhibition of photosynthesis and the reduction in yield and deterioration of the quality of mango.

One of society’s greatest challenges is sequestering vast amounts of carbon to avoid dangerous climate change without driving competition for land and resources. Here we assess the potential of an integrated approach based on enhancement of natural biogeochemical cycles in agro-ecosystems that stimulate carbon capture and storage while increasing resilience and long-term productivity. The method integrates plant photosynthesis in the form of (cover) crops and agroforestry which drives carbon capture. Belowground plant-carbon is efficiently stored as stable soil organic carbon (SOC). Aboveground crop and tree residues are pyrolyzed into biochar, which is applied to the soil reducing carbon release through decomposition. Enhanced weathering of basalt powder worked into the soil further captures and stores carbon, while releasing nutrients and alkalinity. The integrated system is regenerative, through enhanced virtuous cycles that lead to improved plant capture, biomass storage and crop yield, the prerequisites for large-scale carbon sequestration along with food security.

We report magnetic silver nanoshells (M AgNSs) that have both magnetic and SERS properties for SERS-based detection. The M AgNSs are composed of hundreds of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for rapid accumulation and bumpy silver shell for sensitive SERS detection by near-infrared laser excitation. The intensity of the SERS signal from the M AgNSs was strong enough to provide single particle-level detection. We obtained much stronger SERS signal intensity from the aggregated M AgNSs than from the non-aggregated AgNSs. 4-Fluorothiophenol was detected at concentrations as low as 1 nM, which corresponds to 0.16 ppb. The limit of detection for tetramethylthiuram disulfide was 10 μM, which corresponds to 3 ppm. The M AgNSs can be used to detect trace amounts of organic molecules using a portable Raman system.

In several emergency situations, during natural or human-caused disasters, frontline responders need to be able to communicate and collaborate to properly carry out the relief mission. Some countries are building their national Public Safety Mobile Broadband based on cellular LTE technology to provide fast, safe, and secure emergency services. Otherwise, in several emergency situations, the cellular antennas can be overloaded or partially damaged in manner to affect the group communication services. Since few last years, direct device-to-device (D2D) communications have been proposed by 3GPP as an underlay to Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks based on proximity, reuse, and hop gains. This paper focuses on the loosely coupled model based on D2D direct communication for Public Safety context. Many scenarios related to user membership and network management are detailed. Both “less cost” and “optimized tree” approaches are proposed, implemented, and their performance evaluated in terms of network updates number and resulting average Channel Quality Indicator (CQI). Other optimization approaches with different CQI threshold and optimization interval values have been implemented, simulated and their performance are compared with the “optimized tree”.

The concepts of accessibility and urban walkability are the cornerstones of urban policies for the contemporary city, called upon to adopt sustainable development models in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the ambitious objectives of the 'European Green Deal'. These concepts are closely linked to the paradigm of a sustainable city (livable, healthy and inclusive), founded on a system of quality public spaces and on a network of services and infrastructures, both tangible and intangible, capable of strengthening or building new relationships: social, economic and environmental. It is therefore necessary to recognize potential opportunities for connection and permeability in consolidated urban environments, very often fragmented and characterized by enclaves. Within this framework, the city of Cagliari represents an interesting case study as it is characterized by the presence of a series of military complexes, real 'enclaves' which condition the proximity connections and, more generally, the walkability. In this sense, building on previous research and analysis of policies and projects aimed at reintroducing, even partially, this military asset into civilian life (Green Barracks Project - GBP - 2019), this study proposes and applies a methodology to improve urban accessibility in a flexible network logic, where 'walkability' can become not only a moment of possible "choice" but the basis for planning oriented to the '15 min city' model or, more generally, to the renewed, inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable “City of proximity”.

We summarize the results on electron transport in hybrid superconducting S/B/S' mesa-structure consisted of the oxide epitaxial S/B heterostructures, where S is the cuprate YBa2Cu3O 7-x superconductor, B – an interlayer with the spin dependent characteristics, and S’ is the Nb top superconductor. Josephson effect was observed manifested in appearance of oscillating Shapiro steps amplitudes with microwave signal power due to synchronization of junction self-generation of electromagnetic radiation and the external microwave probe signal. Triplet component of superconducting correlations emerged when the interlayer comprised two magnetic materials SrRuO3 and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 with non-collinear magnetizations as well in the case of antiferromagnetic insulator Sr2IrO4 characterized by strong spin-orbit interaction. Thickness of the interlayer in the both cases considerably exceeded the coherence length of the magnetic spin active interlayer hinting on appearance of long-range proximity effect and spin-triplet superconducting current. Magnetic field dependences measured at dc, and the existence of the second harmonic in superconducting current–phase relation revealed by measurements at microwave frequencies will be discussed.

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) refers to the various techniques used to increase the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field. These techniques are used after the primary and secondary recovery methods have been depleted. There are three main types of EOR: thermal, gas injection, and chemical. EOR techniques can be expensive and complex, but they can help to recover additional oil that would otherwise be left in the reservoir. EOR can also extend the life of an oil field and increase the overall production from a given field. The parameters affecting oil recovery are a major concern in EOR systems, and these parameters need more consideration with the factors affecting them. In this study, the influence of permeability variations on fluid flow in a sandstone reservoir was explored, as well as an up-to-date description of three states of EOR with thorough explanations of the methods utilized and the mechanisms driving their oil recovery application. The difficulties encountered in the use of the different standard EOR Mechanisms were noted, and solutions to these difficulties were proposed. Furthermore, the contemporary trend of adding nanotechnology and its synergistic effects on the stability and efficiency of traditional chemicals for EOR were examined and analysed. Finally, laboratory findings and field initiatives were discussed. The review went into detail about the transport of nanoparticles across reservoirs, as well as the evaluation of EOR, mobility ratio, and fluid displacement efficiency. This review provides thorough information on the uses of improved oil recovery mechanisms for sustainable energy production.

The transition towards a CO2 neutral industry is currently spurring many new developments regarding processes for the conversion of CO2, or CO2-rich streams, into platform molecules such as methanol and dimethyl ether (DME). New processes give rise to new separation challenges, as well as novel opportunities for joint optimization of reaction and separation. In this context, the separation of CO2 and DME can be performed very efficiently using the newly developed concept of Stripping Enhanced Distillation (SED). SED is a distillation process that utilizes an additional stripping component (clearing gas) to promote the separation in the column. SED benefits from the utilization of the feedstock components as a clearing gas that can afterwards be recycled back to the conversion unit with the vapor distillate. Strongly improving the separation performance in the column, this approach also removes the need for external stripping mediums and in addition this recycle approach may significantly reduce the demand on the conversion unit upstream of SED. The benefits of using SED are demonstrated for two different processes for DME synthesis: (i) CO2 – DME separation after the Sorption Enhanced DME Synthesis (SEDMES) process, using hydrogen as clearing gas, and (ii) CO2 – DME separation after direct DME synthesis via dry reforming (DIDR), using methane as clearing gas. For the different cases, it is shown that, with minimal adaptations, the energy consumption for distillation is reduced by 20-30%, while product losses are minimized at the same time.

Graphene/silicon (Si) heterojunction photodetectors are widely studied in detecting of optical signals from near-infrared to visible light. However, performance of the graphene/Si photodetectors is limited by defects created in the growth process and surface recombination at the interface. Herein, a remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition is introduced to directly grow graphene nanowalls (GNWs) at a low power, which can effectively improve the growth rate and reduce defects. Moreover, hafnium oxide (HfO2) grown by atomic layer deposition has been employed as an interfacial layer for the GNWs/Si heterojunction photodetector. It is shown that the high-k dielectric layer of HfO₂ acts as an electron blocking and hole transport layer, which minimizes the recombination and reduces dark current. By optimizing the thickness of HfO₂, an extremely low dark current of 3.85×10^(-10) A with a responsivity of 0.19 AW^(-1), as well as a specific detectivity of 1.38×10^12 Jones at zero bias can be obtained for the fabricated GNWs/HfO₂/Si photodetector. This work demonstrates a universal strategy to fabricate high-performance graphene/Si photodetectors.

The purpose of this review is to present the current role of ultrasound-based techniques in the diagnostic pathway of prostate cancer (PCa). With overdiagnosis and overtreatment of a clinically insignificant PCa over the past years, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) became recommended for every patient suspected of PCa before performing a biopsy. It enabled targeted sampling of the suspicious prostate regions, improving the accuracy of the traditional systematic biopsy. However, mpMRI is associated with high costs, relatively low availability, long and separate procedure or exposure to the contrast agent. The novel ultrasound modalities such as shear wave elastography (SWE), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) or high frequency micro-ultrasound (MicroUS) may be capable of maintaining the performance of mpMRI without its limitations. Moreover, the real-time lesion visualization during biopsy would significantly simplify the diagnostic process. Another value of these new techniques is the ability to enhance the performance of mpMRI by creating the image fusion of multiple modalities. Such models might be further analyzed by artificial intelligence to mark the regions of interest for investigators and help to decide about the biopsy indications. The dynamic development and promising results of new ultrasound-based techniques should encourage researchers to thoroughly study their utilization in prostate imaging.

Optofluidics, a research discipline combining optics with microfluidics, currently aspires to revolutionize the analysis of biological and chemical samples e.g. for medicine, pharmacology, or molecular biology. In order to detect low concentrations of analytes in water, we developed an optofluidic device containing a nanostructured substrate for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The geometry of the gold surface allows localized plasmon oscillations to give rise to the SERS effect, in which the Raman spectral lines are intensified by the interaction of the plasmonic field with the electrons in the molecular bonds. The SERS substrate was enclosed in a microfluidic system, which allowed transport and precise mixing of the analyzed fluids, while preventing contamination or abrasion of the highly sensitive substrate. To illustrate its practical use, we employed the device for quantitative detection of persistent environmental pollutant 1,2,3-trichloropropane in water in submillimolar concentrations. The developed sensor allows fast and simple quantification of halogenated compounds and it will contribute towards the environmental monitoring and enzymology experiments with engineered haloalkane dehalogenase enzymes.

Understanding the chalk-fluid interactions and the associated mineralogical and mechanical alteration at sub-micron scale are major goals in Enhanced Oil Recovery. Mechanical strength, porosity, and permeability of chalk are linked to mineral dissolution that occurs during brine injections, and affect the reservoir potential. This paper presents a novel "single grain" methodology to recognize the varieties of carbonates in rocks and loose sediments: Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive, quick, and user-friendly technique representing a powerful tool to identify minerals down to 1 µm. An innovative working technique for oil exploration is proposed, as the mineralogy of micron-sized crystals grown in two flooded chalk samples (Liége, Belgium) was successfully investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The drilled chalk cores were flooded with MgCl₂ for c. 1.5 (Long Term Test) and 3 years (Ultra Long Term Test) under North Sea reservoir conditions (Long Term Test: 130°C, 1 PV/day, 9.3 MPa effective stress; Ultra Long Term Test: 130°C, varying between 1-3 PV/day, 10.4 MPa effective stress). Raman spectroscopy was able to identify the presence of recrystallized magnesite along the core of the Long Term Test up to 4 cm from the injection surface, down to the crystal size of 1-2 µm. In the Ultra Long Term Test core the growth of MgCO₃ affected nearly the entire core (7 cm). In both samples, no dolomite or high-magnesium calcite secondary growth could be detected when analysing 557 and 90 Raman spectra on the Long and Ultra Long Term Test, respectively. This study can offer Raman spectroscopy as a breakthrough tool in petroleum exploration of unconventional reservoirs, due to its quickness, spatial resolution, and non-destructive acquisition of data. These characteristics would encourage its use coupled with electron microscopes and energy dispersive systems or even electron microprobe studies.

This study aimed to compare the efficacies and safety of enhanced and standard monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) in eyes with early glaucoma. Patients with concurrent cataracts and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) were enrolled. They underwent cataract surgery with IOL implantation. Manifest refraction; monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA); visual field (VF); contrast sensitivity (CS); defocus curves and questionnaires were assessed three months postoperatively. Thirty-four and 38 patients had enhanced and standard monofocal IOLs, respectively. The enhanced monofocal IOL provided better UIVA than the standard monofocal IOL (p = 0.003) but similar UDVA, CDVA and UNVA. The enhanced monofocal IOL had more consistent defocus curves than the standard monofocal IOL, especially at -1 (p = 0.042) and -1.5 (p = 0.026) diopters. The enhanced monofocal IOL provided better satisfaction (p = 0.019) and lower spectacle dependence (p = 0.004) than the standard monofocal IOL for intermediate vision, with similar VF and CS. In conclusion, the enhanced monofocal IOL is recommended for patients with OAG because they provide better intermediate vision, higher satisfaction, and lower dependence on spectacles than standard monofocal IOL, without worsening other visual outcomes.

The wettability of the oil-brine-rock systems is very challenging mainly for the carbonate reservoirs and it plays a significant role to enhance the oil recovery (EOR). Carbonate rocks are mad-up of complex lithology, hence these requires careful treatments in controlling their wetting behavior for enhanced oil recovery. Therefore, it is extremely important to modify their wettability from an oil-wet rock behavior to a water-wet so that the residual oil can be produced efficiently. Thus, the present study has examined the effectiveness of alumina nanofluid as well as a new chemical methyl blue to alter the wettability. The methyl blue is released on massive scale from various industries i.e. pharma, textile and food industry which is a key environmental concern which contaminates the water table. Hence the study, explores the effects of MB and alumina nanofluid on the wettability. The effect of nanofluids formulated via dispersing the alumina nanoparticles in aqueous solutions at various concentration (0. 0.05, 0.3, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. %) were tested for wettability modification under different physio-thermal conditions. Subsequently, the wettability change was examined for the samples treated with different concentrations of MB (10, 15, 30, 50 and 100 mg/L) for 7-days at two different temperatures of (25 and 50 0C). The results showed that hydrophobicity of the SML carbonate rock has significantly reversed while treating with alumina nanofluids and MB. Thus, the wettability modification/reversal via treatment of MB and alumina nanofluid can be an effective mechanism to hydrogen injection and for EOR processes.

Digital skills are essential in today’s digital age, which means that students must gain technology-enhanced skills from higher education for their future careers. Studies in Art & Design (A&D) programs in this university surveyed three faculties’ perspectives and nineteen students’ experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this university changed its teaching and learning strategies by offering courses online during autumn 2020 and spring 2021 during mandatory quarantine. However, the A&D program was not entirely based online. As a result, it is important to take a closer look at the A&D programs offered in order to assess the faculties’ perspectives and students’ experiences during the two online semesters. The study included online surveys from instructors’ perspectives and with regard to students’ experiences about the quality of studio learning, traditional studio learning opportunities, and online studio learning opportunities via either live (on-campus) or online studios. Using relationship-based research design, posttest data surveys were collected to ascertain the differences in the mean scores, standard deviations, and percentages of some forms of agreement between the faculties’ perspectives and students’ experiences of the quality of studio learning, traditional studio learning opportunities, and online studio learning opportunities in these Art & Design (A&D) programs. This quantitative research aimed to develop formative assessments and suggestions while establishing whether it would be possible to hold all A&D courses online in a higher education setting.

In this paper, we delve into the realm of aspect-level sentiment analysis, a sophisticated analytical task focused on pinpointing and interpreting the sentiment directed towards specific elements within a sentence. Traditional methods in this domain, primarily based on neural networks, have often overlooked the critical role of syntactic structures in sentences. To bridge this gap, we have developed the Syntax-Enhanced Sentiment Graph Network (SentiSyn). This pioneering model represents a significant step forward in aspect-level sentiment analysis, bringing to the forefront the utilization of word dependency relationships to enrich sentiment analysis. SentiSyn stands out by its innovative use of a dependency graph, a tool that meticulously maps out the intricate web of syntactic relationships surrounding a target aspect in a sentence. This approach allows SentiSyn to effectively capture and channel sentiment-related characteristics that are deeply rooted in the syntactic context of the aspect target. By doing so, SentiSyn unlocks a deeper understanding of sentiment dynamics in textual content, enabling a more nuanced and accurate sentiment analysis. Our comprehensive experimental evaluation of SentiSyn showcases its remarkable capabilities. When combined with advanced embedding techniques like GloVe and BERT, SentiSyn demonstrates a superior performance edge over several existing sentiment analysis methods. This performance leap is not just incremental; it represents a significant enhancement in the field of sentiment analysis, underscoring the importance of syntactic context in understanding sentiments. Furthermore, our analysis delves into how SentiSyn effectively leverages these embeddings to gain a more profound and contextually rich insight into sentiment dynamics. The results from our tests indicate that SentiSyn, with its unique approach to integrating syntactic structures and advanced embeddings, sets a new benchmark in aspect-level sentiment analysis, offering both enhanced accuracy and deeper sentiment understanding.

Microemulsions with excellent properties have shown significant potential for enhancing oil recovery from tight formations through spontaneous imbibition. This work present a high-temperature-tolerant lower-phase microemulsion (HTLP-ME) using a microemulsion dilution method. The properties and morphological characteristics of HTLP-ME were evaluated and proposed a enhanced spontaneous imbibition oil recovery mechanism using imbibition tests and CT scanning technology. The results show that the optimum concentration of HTLP-ME is 0.2wt% has a superior thermal stability, small particle size, lower IFT, good wettability alteration ability, and minimum adsorption loss. Imbibition and CT experiments showed that the longer the imbibition distance, the better is the effect on spontaneous imbibition oil recovery. Furthermore, the solubilization coefficient and self-driving force were defined and calculated to quantitatively analyze the imbibition mechanisms. The imbibition mechanisms demonstrate that the reduction of oil/solid adhesion is due to the synergistic effect of IFT reduction and wettability alteration, and the ability to increase the imbibition distance through a larger self-driving force.

Blood testing is a crucial medical application. In this study, we applied Raman spectroscopy to test blood samples and obtained complete biological information, including the main components and compositions in these samples. Short-wavelength (532-nm green light) Raman scattering spectroscopy was conducted on samples of normal blood, abnormal blood in 3 types of preparation including whole blood, plasma, and serum, and the underlying information reflected by the biological characteristics detected in each sample type were analyzed. Raman spectroscopy results indicated that normal blood had high hemoglobin content, which suggests that hemoglobin is a major component of blood. Hemoglobin affects blood oxygen level. The characteristic peaks of hemoglobin were observed at 690, 989, 1015, 1182, 1233, 1315, and 1562–1649 cm−1. Analysis of plasma and serum samples indicated the presence of β-carotene, which exhibited characteristic peaks at 1013, 1172, and 1526 cm−1. In addition, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy was used to collect biological signals that are difficult to obtain in conventional Raman spectroscopy, including those of small molecules such as hormones, antibodies, and enzymes. Changes in biological information collected in this manner can be used as a basis for potentially diagnosing clinical diseases.

Significant amount of oil remains in the reservoir after primary and secondary operations and to recover the remaining oil, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) can be applied as one of the feasible options remaining nowadays. In this study new nano polymeric materials have been prepared from purple yam and cassava starches. The yield of purple yam nanoparticles (PYNPs) was 85% and that of cassava nanoparticles (CSNPs) is 90.53%. Synthesized materials were characterized through particle size distribution (PSA), zeta potential distribution, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The performance of PYNPs in recovering oil was better than CSNPs as found from recovery experiments. Zeta potential distribution results confirmed the stability of PYNPs over CSNPs (-36.3 mV for PYNPs and -10.7 mV for CSNPs). The optimum concentration for these nanoparticles has been found from interfacial tension measurements and rheological properties and it was 0.60 wt.% for PYNPs and 0.80 wt.% for CSNPs. More incremental recovery (33.46%) has achieved for the polymer that contained PYNPs in comparison to the other nano-polymer (31.3%). This opens the inception for a new technology for polymer flooding that may replace the conventional method that depends on partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM).

Speech/music classification that facilitates optimized signal processing from classification results has been extensively adapted as an essential part of various electronics applications, such as multi-rate audio codecs, automatic speech recognition, and multimedia document indexing. In this paper, a new technique to improve the robustness of speech/music classifier for 3GPP enhanced voice service (EVS) using long short-term memory (LSTM) is proposed. For effective speech/music classification, feature vectors implemented with the LSTM are chosen from the features of the EVS. Experiments show that LSTM-based speech/music classification produces better results than conventional EVS under a variety of conditions and types of speech/music data.

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) have gained significant attention due to their ability to modify the surface morphology of materials at the micro-nanoscale and show great promise for surface functionalization application. In this study, we specifically investigate the formation of LIPSS in silicon substrates and explore their impact on Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) applications. This study reveals a stepwise progression of LIPSS formation in silicon, involving three distinct stages of LIPSS: 1) integrated Low-Spatial-Frequency LIPSS (LSFL) and High-Spatial-Frequency LIPSS (HSFL), 2) principally LSFL and 3) LSFL at the edge of the irradiated spot, elucidating the complex interplay between laser fluence, pulse number, and resulting surface morphology. Furthermore, from an application standpoint, these high-quality multi-scale periodic patterns lead to the next step of texturing the entire silicon surface with homogeneous LIPSS for SERS application. The potential of LIPSS-fabricated silicon substrates for enhancing SERS performance is investigated using thiophenol as a test molecule. The results indicate that the Au-coated combination of LSFL and HSFL substrate showcased the highest enhancement factor (EF) of 1.38 × 10^6. This pronounced enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) and Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs), intricately linked to HSFL and LSFL characteristics. These findings contribute to understanding LIPSS formation in silicon and their applications in surface functionalization and SERS, paving the way for sensing platforms.

Titanium oxynitride thin films are deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering. A pure titanium target is sputtered in a reactive atmosphere composed of argon, oxygen and nitrogen gases. The oxygen mass flow rate as well as that of the nitrogen gas are both pulsed during the deposition time using an independent and rectangular signal for each reactive gas. A constant pulsing period T = 45 s is applied for both reactive gases and a delay time  of 34 s between N2 and O2 injection times is set for all depositions. Oxygen and nitrogen duty cycles are systematically and independently changed from 0 to 100% of their pulsing period. From real time measurements of the Ti target potential and total sputtering pressure, it is shown that the reactive process alternates between oxidized, nitrided and elemental sputtering modes as a function of the oxygen and nitrogen injection times. The full poisoning of the Ti target surface by oxygen and/or nitrogen can be avoided for some given ranges of O2 and N2 duty cycles. Deposition rates of titanium oxynitride films are substantially enhanced and can be adjusted between that of pure Ti and TiN films with a gradual transition of their optical transmittance in the visible range. These results support that titanium oxynitride compounds exhibiting absorbent to transparent behaviors can be precisely sputter-deposited by means of a two reactive gases pulsing process.

Enhanced oil recovery using nanoparticles is a promising method. However, when injected into a reservoir, nanoparticles can block pores and cause permeability damage. Therefore, enhancing their performance to lower the permeability damage effect is crucial. This study investigated the effect of pH alteration through carbon dioxide (CO2) injection on the permeability damage of limestone caused by the aluminum oxide (α-Al2O3) nanofluid. The methodology involved nanofluid alternating CO2 core flooding experiments by using nanofluids with pH of 4.5 and 2.8. After core flooding, permeability damage was calculated as a percentage of the reduction of the original permeability. The results revealed that the permeability damage in the case of nanofluid alternating CO2 injection was 23.23%. In only nanofluid with a pH of 4.5 injection case, permeability damage was 47.53%. In the 2.8 pH nanofluid injection case, permeability damage was 31.01%. The retention of nanoparticles was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Permeability damage could be attributed to a large nanoparticles’ agglomeration size, roughness of pore surfaces, and nanoparticle sedimentation. The results of the study revealed that altering pH through the α-Al2O3 nanofluid alternating CO2 injection can effectively reduce the permeability damage of limestone.

Deregulation of cell growth and development lead to cancer, a severe condition that claims millions of lives worldwide. Targeted or selective approaches used during cancer treatment determine the efficacy and outcome of the therapy. In order to enhance specificity and targeting and better treatment options for cancer, novel and alternative modalities are currently under development. Photodynamic therapy has the potential to eradicate cancer and combination therapy would yield even greater outcomes. Nanomedicine-aided cancer therapy shows enhanced specificity for cancer cells and minimal side-effects coupled with effective cancer destruction both in vitro and in vivo. Nanocarriers used in drug-delivery systems are well able to penetrate cancer stem cell niche, simultaneously killing cancer cells and eradicate drug-resistant cancer stem cells, yielding therapeutic efficiency up to 100 fold against drug-resistant cancer in comparison with free drugs. Safety precautions should be considered when using Nano-mediated therapy as the effects of extended exposure to biological environments are still to be determined.

In this paper, I present a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements in both solution and thin film setups, focusing on electromagnetic enhancement principles. Two prevalent types of SERS substrates found in the literature are investigated: plasmonic colloidal particles, including spherical and spheroid nanoparticles, nanoparticle diameters, and thin-film-based SERS substrates like ultra-thin substrates, bundled nanorods, plasmonic, and porous thin films. The investigation explores the impact of analyte adsorption, orientation, and the polarization of the excitation laser on effective SERS enhancement factors. Notably, it considers the impact of analyte size on the SERS spectrum, by examining scenarios where the analyte is significantly smaller or larger than the hot-spot dimensions. The analysis also incorporates optical attenuations arising from the optical properties of the analyte and the SERS substrates. The findings provide possible explanations for many observations made in SERS measurements, such as variations in relative peak intensities during SERS assessments, reductions in SERS intensity at high analyte concentrations, and the occurrence of significant baseline fluctuations. The study offers valuable guidance for optimizing SERS substrate design, enhancing SERS measurements, and improving the quantification of SERS detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can boost the pristine Raman signal by ~ 108 times that could be exploited for producing innovative sensing devices with advanced properties. However, the inherent complexity of SERS systems restricts their further applications in rapid detection, especially in situ detection in narrow aera. Here, we construct an efficient and flexible SERS-based LOP sensor by integrating Ag/Au nanocap arrays obtained by Ag/Au coating polystyrene nanospheres on the optical fiber face. We obtain rich “hotspots” at the nanogaps between neighboring nanocaps and further achieve the excellent SERS performance with the assistance of laser induced thermophoresis on the metal film that can achieve high efficiency aggregation of detected molecules. We achieve a high Raman enhancement with a low detection limitation of 10-7 mol/L for the most efficient samples based on the above sensor. This sensor also exhibits good repeatability and stability under multiple detections, revealing the potential application in situ detection based on the reflexivity of optical fiber.

Polymers are one of the most widely used chemicals in the oil and gas industry. They are used for mobility control in enhanced oil recovery, in conformance control as a crosslinked plugging agent, as a fracking fluid for fracture propagation and proppant transportation, and in drilling fluids as an additive for drilling mud enhancement. In the majority of its applications in the petroleum industry, the polymer needs to be injected under high pressures and temperatures. This can impact the polymer structure significantly and compromises the possibility of reusing the injected polymer for cost reduction and material sustainability. This research characterizes the polymer injectivity in different pore sizes under different conditions and evaluates the polymer conditions after injection. Based on this, the ability to reinject the polymer in the porous media is discussed. The factors studied include the pore size, the polymer concentration, the polymer injection flowrate, and polymer injectivity. Results showed that the polymer usually undergoes four main degradations during injection including dehydration, syneresis, shearing, and excessive hydrolysis. The experimental results showed that one or more of the polymer degradations resulted in the inability to reinject the polymer in most cases.

Designing motion representations for the problem of 3D human action recognition from skeleton sequences is an important yet challenging task. An effective representation should be robust to noise, invariant to viewpoint changes and result in a good performance with low-computational demand. Two main challenges in this task include how to efficiently represent spatio-temporal patterns of skeletal movements and how to learn their discriminative features for classification task. This paper presents a novel skeleton-based representation and a deep learning framework for 3D action recognition using RGB-D sensors. We propose to build an action map called SPMF (Skeleton Posture-Motion Feature), which is a compact image representation built from skeleton poses and their motions. An Adaptive Histogram Equalization (AHE) algorithm is then applied on the SPMF to enhance their local patterns and form an enhanced action map, namely Enhanced-SPMF. For learning and classification tasks, we exploit Deep Convolutional Neural Networks based on the DenseNet architecture to learn directly an end-to-end mapping between input skeleton sequences and their action labels via the Enhanced-SPMFs. The proposed method is evaluated on four challenging benchmark datasets, including both individual actions, interactions, multiview and large-scale datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms previous state-of-the-art approaches on all benchmark tasks, whilst requiring low computational time for training and inference.

Focusing geophysics to improve recovery factor of hydrocarbon reservoirs adds value and contributes toward ZERO carbon footprint by increasing the recovery factor by of 30-40 % and thus reducing the cost/carbon emission per produced barrel. Thus, the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) market is expected to grow more than 3.5% annually. This will be even more fueled by the Green-House-Gas (GHG) reduction and subsequent CO2 injection into the reservoirs as they are being produced. Presently, geophysics only ac-counts for a small percentage of this market, thus its growth is inevitable since more deterministic observation lead higher operating efficiency. Imaging the fluids (hydro-carbon, water, and CO2) is a key component to optimized production and injection. We designed a novel electromagnetic (EM) acquisition system that combines mul-ti-physics fluid imaging and acquires surface and borehole data with high fidelity. Borehole calibration is needed to upscale reservoir data and parameters to measurement scale. Multiple electromagnetic methods are used as well as microseismics in one layout for Exploration and Production (E & P) problems. Multi-components in electromagnetics allows resolving oil and water-bearing zones equally well while achieving the best ac-curacy suitable for repeat measurements. Because sedimentary basins are intrinsically anisotropic, considering 3-dimensional anisotropy is essential from measurement and 3D modeling viewpoint. Thus, the results have the better subsurface images. Here, we combine hardware design, methodology, 3D modeling, processing, and interpretations into an integrated technology and demonstrate the success with verifiable case histories.

Water soluble polymers have gained an increasing interest in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, especially as polymer flooding. Despite the fact that the flow of polymer in porous medium has been a research subject for many decades with numerous publications, there are still some research areas that need progress. The prediction of polymer injectivity remains elusive. Polymers with similar shear viscosity might have different in-situ rheological behaviors and may be exposed to different extent of mechanical degradation. Hence, determining polymer in-situ rheological behavior is of great significance for defining its utility. In this study, an investigation of rheological properties and mechanical degradation of different HPAM (partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide) polymers was performed using Bentheimer sandstone outcrop cores. Results show that, HPAM in-situ rheology is different from bulk rheology measured in rheometer. Specifically, shear thickening behavior occurs at high rates, and near-Newtonian behavior is measured at low rates in porous media. This deviates strongly from measurements in the rheometer. Polymer molecular weight and concentration influence its viscoelasticity and subsequently its flow characteristics in porous media. Exposure to mechanical degradation by flow at high rate through porous media leads to significant reduction in shear thickening and thereby improved injectivity. More importantly, the degraded polymer maintained in-situ viscosity at low flow rates indicating that improved injectivity can be achieved without compromising viscosity at reservoir flow rates. This is explained by reduction in viscoelasticity. Mechanical degradation also leads to reduced residual resistance factor (RRF), especially for high polymer concentrations. For some of the polymer injections, successive degradation (increased degradation with transport length in porous media) was observed. The results presented here may be used to optimize polymer injectivity.

The discovered light modulation capabilities of diatom silicious valves make them an excellent toolkit for photonic devices and applications. In this work, a reproducible surface-enhanced Raman-scattering (SERS) enhancement was achieved with hybrid substrates employing diatom silica valves coated with an ultrathin uniform gold film. Three structurally different hybrid substrates, based on the valves of three dissimilar diatom species, have been compared to elucidate the structural contribution to SERS enhancement. The comparative analysis of obtained results showed that substrates containing cylindrical Aulacoseira sp. valves achieved the highest enhancement up to 14-fold. Numerical analysis based on the frequency domain finite element method was carried out to supplement the experimental results. Our results demonstrate that diatom valves of different shapes can enhance the SERS signal, offering a toolbox for SERS-based sensors, where the magnitude of the enhancement depends on valve geometry and ultrastructure.

Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (MyBPC) is a thick-filament associated regulatory protein in the sarcomere. It regulates the sensitive contractile system of the myocardium by acting as a mechanical tether, sensitizing the thin filament or modulating myosin motor activity. Mutations in the MYBPC3 gene are a frequent cause for the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most frequent cardiac disorder. Recently, the monoallelic double mutation MYBPC3Δ25bp/D389V has been discovered as a subset of the common MYBPC3Δ25bp variant in South Asia. MYBPC3Δ25bp/D389V carriers exhibit hyperdynamic features, which are considered an early finding for the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Using correlation-guided molecular dynamics simulations sampling, we show that the D389V mutation shifts the conformational distribution of the C2 domain of MyBPC. We further applied biochemical approaches to probe the effects of the D389V mutation on structure, thermostability and protein-protein interactions of MyBPC C2. The melting temperature (Tm) of MyBPC C2 D389V is decreased by 4 to 7 °C compared to wild type while the interaction of the C0-C2 domains with myosin and actin remains unchanged. Additionally, we utilized steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations to investigate the altered unfolding pathway of MyBPC C2 D389V. Based on our data, we propose a pathomechanism for the development of HCM in MYBPC3Δ25bp and MYBPC3Δ25bp/D389V carriers.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) detection relies on endoscopy-biopsy diagnosis, with routine endoscopic surveillance recommended for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) patients. Here, we examine the utility of blood biomarkers in patient risk stratification by translating the EAC blood biomarker Jacalin lectin binding complement C9 (JAC-C9) into a novel microfluidic immunoassay, the EndoScreen Chip. Cohort evaluation (n=46) showed elevated serum total C9 and JAC-C9 in EAC. Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that addition of C9 and JAC-C9 to patient risk factors (age, body mass index and heartburn/reflux history) improved EAC prediction from AUROC of 0.838 to 0.931. Serum JAC-C9 strongly predicted EAC (vs BE OR= 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-15.6, p = 0.014; vs Healthy OR=4.1, 95% CI:1.2-13.7, p = 0.024) while total C9 was moderately predictive for BE (vs EAC OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-1.8, p = 0.032; vs Healthy OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.6-1.0, p = 0.039). This translational study demonstrates the potential utility of blood biomarkers in improving triaging for diagnostic endoscopy.

Introduction: OS2966 is a fist-in-class, humanized and de-immunized monoclonal antibody which targets the adhesion receptor subunit, CD29/β1 integrin. CD29 expression is highly upregulated in glioblastoma and has been shown to drive tumor progression, invasion, and resistance to multiple modalities of therapy. Here, we present a novel Phase I clinical trial design addressing several factors plaguing effective treatment of high-grade gliomas (HGG). Study Design: This 2-part, ascending-dose, Phase I clinical trial will enroll patients with recurrent/progressive HGG requiring a clinically-indicated resection. In Study Part 1, patients will undergo stereotactic tumor biopsy followed by placement of a purpose-built catheter which will be used for intratumoral, convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of OS2966. Subsequently, patients will undergo their clinically-indicated tumor resection followed by CED of OS2966 to the surrounding tumor-infiltrated brain. Matched pre- and post-infusion tumor specimens will be utilized for biomarker development and validation of target engagement by receptor occupancy. Dose escalation will be achieved using a unique concentration-based accelerated titration design. Discussion: The present study design leverages multiple innovations including: 1) the latest CED technology, 2) 2-part design including neoadjuvant intratumoral administration, 3) a first-in-class investigational therapeutic, and 4) concentration-based dosing. Trial registration: A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug application (IND) for the above protocol is now active. A Phase I trial is registered at clinicialtrials.gov (NCT04608812).

On 9 March 2020, two cases of COVID-19 were reported in Burkina Faso. As of 10 April 2020, a total number of 484 cases (404 cases in the Kadiogo province) were reported nationwide. Real-time forecasts of COVID-19 are important to inform decision-making in the country. Here, we propose an approach that tests the performance of four models (Exponential Growth model, the Generalized Growth model (GGM), the Generalized Logistic Growth, and Richards Growth model) to select the model that best fit data and to generate short-term forecasting (5-, 10-, and 15-day forecasts from 11 to 25 April 2020) in Kadiogo, the epicenter of the outbreak. Using daily number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the results suggests that GGM performed the best out of the 4 models. Overall, our GGM predictions suggested an average total number of cumulative cases of 514 (95% CI, 464–559), 629 (95% CI, 559–691), and 750 (95% CI, 661–840) between 11 to 15 April, 16 to 20 April, and 20 to 25 April 2020, respectively. COVID-19 in this province was best approximated by sub exponential growth rather than exponential or logistic growth. Current data suggest that COVID-19 cases would continue to increase over the next 15-days.

The surface enhanced fluorescence（SEF）detection bases by plasmonic nanopillars array with nanoparticles has opened up a new gate in the application of biological imaging and sensing. The fluorescence enhancement of the probe molecule depends on its position in equilibrium, which is close to the hot spot leading to the electromagnetic field enhancement, but not too close to the metal surface resulting in quenching. Here, a large scale SiO₂-Ag-cicada wing SEF substrate was fabricated by magnetron sputtering with correction enhancement factor of 797.6. Thereinto the cicada wing provides the skeleton of the nanopillars array structure, the deposited Ag constructs two kinds of hot spots, and SiO₂ forms a separation layer to prevent quenching. Moreover, the substrate exhibited good reproducibility, high sensitivity with low limits of detection (LOD) and high stability for oxidation resistance. We propose that SEF substrate with modification of SiO₂ can not only improve the enhancement performance, but also expanding its application in the biological investigations.

Giant plasmonic surface enhancement has been observed in gold coated micron sized inverse pyramids entrapping a gold nanoparticle. The amplification of both surface enhanced Raman and photoluminescence signals was found to be dependent on the diameter of trapped gold nanoparticle and around 50-fold enhancement was detected for 250nm diameter sample relatively to the 50nm one. Finite differential time domain simulations, performed to determine the near-field distribution in the structure, showed that when the nanoparticle protrudes into the hotspot zone of the void, coupling of electromagnetic field occurs and the plasmon-related near-field enhancement is concentrated into the close vicinity of the nanoparticle, mainly into the close gaps around the tangential points of the curved sphere and the flat pyramid surface. This results in a more than 15 times increase of the near-field intensity, compared to the empty void.

Special preparation of SBA-15 materials has been carried out for creating adsorbents exhibiting an enhanced and selective adsorption toward CO2. This creation starts from an adequate conditioning of the silica surface, via a thermo-alkaline treatment to increase the population of silanol species on it. CO2 adsorption is only reasonably achieved when the SiO2 surface becomes aminated after put in contact with a solution of an amino alkoxide compound in the right solvent. Unfunctionalized and amine-functionalized substrates were characterized through X-ray diffraction, N2 sorption, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, 29Si solid-state NMR, and NH3 thermal programmed desorption. These analyses proved that the thermo-alkaline procedure desilicates the substrate and eliminates the micropores (without affecting the SBA-15 capillaries), present in the original solid. NMR analysis confirms that the hydroxylated solid anchors more amino functionalizing molecules than the unhydroxylated material. The SBA-15 sample subjected to hydroxylation and amino- functionalization displays a high enthalpy of interaction, a reason why this solid is suitable for a strong deposition of CO2 but with the possibility of observing a low-pressure hysteresis phenomenon. Contrastingly, CH4 adsorption on amino-functionalized, hydroxylated SBA-15 substrates becomes almost 5 times lesser than the CO2 one, thus giving proof of their selectivity toward CO2.

Development of effective treatments for high-grade glioma (HGG) is hampered by 1) the blood-brain barrier (BBB), 2) an infiltrative growth pattern, 3) rapid development of therapeutic resistance, and, in many cases, 4) dose-limiting toxicity due to systemic exposure. Convec-tion-enhanced delivery (CED) has the potential to significantly limit systemic toxicity and in-crease therapeutic index by directly delivering homogenous drug concentrations to the site of disease. In this review, we present clinical experiences and preclinical developments of CED in the setting of high-grade gliomas.

To understand functions of biomolecules such as proteins, not only structures but their conformational change and kinetics are important to be characterized but its atomistic details are hard to obtain both experimentally and computationally. We review our recent computational studies using novel enhanced sampling techniques for conformational sampling of biomolecules and calculations of their kinetics. For efficiently characterizing the free energy landscape of a biomolecule, we introduce the multiscale enhanced sampling method, which uses a combined system of atomistic and coarse-grained models. Based on the idea of Hamiltonian replica exchange, we can recover the statistical properties of the atomistic model without any biases. We next introduce the string method as a path search method to calculate the minimum free energy pathways along a multidimensional curve in high dimensional space. Finally we introduce novel methods to calculate kinetics of biomolecules based on the ideas of path sampling: One is the Onsager-Machlup action method, and the other is the weighted ensemble method. Some applications of above methods to biomolecular systems are also discussed and illustrated.

The sustainability of cities often changes as rapid urban developments and population growth affect the carrying capacity. Understanding the dynamics of carrying capacity then becomes crucial for tourist-oriented cities. This study focused on Baguio City, the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," attracting large crowds on holidays and actively promoting various events on non-holidays, thereby having temporal context variations classified as regular days, days with events, and holidays. Using the enhanced urban carrying capacity load number (EUCCLN) model, load number (LN) changes for different temporal contexts are calculated based on spatial indicators grouped into air, traffic, economy, and waste. The city experiences the worst pressures on air quality during holidays with $99.23\%$ districts under very high to critical levels followed by regular and days with events. However, the total LN is balanced by favorable economic conditions with only $9.23\%$ at critical. EUCCLN effectively pinpoints areas experiencing critical states at any time, advocating targeted government monitoring. We demonstrate that Night Time Light, for places with no economic data available, can be used as a proxy to highlight areas requiring improved urban vibrancy. This work suggests that EUCCLN monitoring urban pressures can easily be expanded to nowcasting with real-time data.

This study evaluates the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Eastern Quebec using an enhanced two-step floating catchment area (E2SFCA) methodology. The E2SFCA methodology considers both the population supply of PCPs and the travel time between PCPs and dissemination areas, and was found to be effective in identifying possibly underserved areas. The availability of primary care services is contingent upon the presence of adequate road infrastructure, and populations residing in areas with limited access to main road networks may experience compromised access to primary care. The study concludes that the E2SFCA methodology can facilitate the identification of areas experiencing a shortage of PCPs, and this information can be used to inform the development of regional medical workforce programs and support the establishment of rural residency initiatives.

Vertical graphene nanowalls (VGNWs) have emerged as a highly promising material in recent years due to their exceptional properties, such as a high specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, scalability, and compatibility with transition metal compounds. These attributes make VGNWs a compelling candidate for various applications, including energy storage, catalysis, and sensing, fostering great interest in their use in next future commercial graphene-based sensors like optoelectronic and plasmonic devices, energy storage electrodes, and catalytic systems. Among the diverse graphene synthesis methods, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) has proven to be a robust technique for producing large-scale graphene films and creating VGNWs on diverse substrates. However, despite substantial progress in optimizing growth conditions to achieve micrometer-sized graphene nanowalls, the outcomes are often obtained through empirical approaches, and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physicochemical mechanisms governing nanostructure formation remains elusive. In particular, a deeper exploration of atomic-level phenomena, such as nucleation, carbon precursor adsorption, and surface diffusion of adatoms, is imperative to exert precise control over the growth process. Concerning the synthesis of VGNWs, hydrogen plays a dual role in the graphene growth process, acting as both a co-catalyst and an etchant for the nanowalls. Nevertheless, a thorough comprehension of the intricate growth process is still required. To address these knowledge gaps, this review paper aims to investigate the nucleation and growth of VGNWs using PECVD, with a specific focus on exploring the temperature effect on the graphene growth ratio and nucleation density across a wide range of temperatures. By providing valuable insights into the PECVD process, our objective is to enable the optimization of growth conditions for tailoring VGNWs' properties, thereby facilitating their application in energy storage, catalysis, and sensing fields.

Molecular modeling is widely utilized in subjects including but not limited to physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and engineering. Impressive progress has been made in development of theories, algorithms and software packages. To divide and conquer, and to cache intermediate results have been long standing principles in development of algorithms. Not surprisingly, Most of important methodological advancements in more than half century of molecule modeling are various implementations of these two fundamental principles. In the mainstream classical computational molecular science based on force fields parameterization by coarse graining, tremendous efforts have been invested on two lines of algorithm development. The first is coarse graining, which is to represent multiple basic particles in higher resolution modeling as a single larger and softer particle in lower resolution counterpart, with resulting force fields of partial transferability at the expense of some information loss. The second is enhanced sampling, which realizes "dividing and conquering" and/or "caching" in configurational space with focus either on reaction coordinates and collective variables as in metadynamics and related algorithms, or on the transition matrix and state discretization as in Markov state models. For this line of algorithms, spatial resolution is maintained but no transferability is available. Deep learning has been utilized to realize more efficient and accurate ways of "dividing and conquering" and "caching" along these two lines of algorithmic research. We proposed and demonstrated the local free energy landscape approach, a new framework for classical computational molecular science and a third class of algorithm that facilitates molecular modeling through partially transferable in resolution "caching" of distributions for local clusters of molecular degrees of freedom. Differences, connections and potential interactions among these three algorithmic directions are discussed, with the hope to stimulate development of more elegant, efficient and reliable formulations and algorithms for "dividing and conquering" and "caching" in complex molecular systems.

Background: The liver is involved in disseminated tuberculosis in more than 80% of the cases while primary liver involvement is rare, representing < 1% of all cases. Hepatic tuberculosis (TB) can be treated by conventional anti-TB therapy, however, diagnosing this disease still remains a challenge. The diagnosis might be particularly difficult in patients with a single liver lesion that could be misdiagnosed as a tumor or other focal liver lesions. While computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings have been described, there is a paucity of literature on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features of hepatic TB. Case Summary: herein, we describe a case of a patient with tuberculous lymphadenopathy and chronic HCV-related liver disease who developed a single macronodular hepatic TB lesion. Due to the finding of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) highly suggestive CEUS pattern, specifically a LR5 category according to the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS), and a good response to antitubercular therapy, a non-invasive diagnosis of HCC was made, and the patient underwent liver resection. We also review the published literature on imaging features of hepatic TB and discuss the diagnostic challenge represented by hepatic TB when occurs as a single focal liver lesion. Conclusions: this report shows for the first time that CEUS pattern of hepatic TB might be misinterpreted as HCC and specific imaging features are lacking. Personal history and epidemiological data are mandatory in interpreting CEUS findings of a focal liver lesion even when the imaging pattern is highly suggestive of HCC.

Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignan and flavonoid polyphenolic compounds extractable from the milk thistle seed, Silybum marianum, has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-viral activities potentially useful in the treatment of several liver disorders, such as chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Equally promising are the effects of silymarin in protecting the brain from the inflammatory and oxidative stress effects by which metabolic syndrome contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. However, despite clinical trials have proved that silymarin is safe at high doses (>1500 mg/day) in humans, it suffers limiting factors such as low solubility in water (<50 μg/mL), low bioavailability and poor intestinal absorption. To improve its bioavailability and provide a prolonged silymarin release at the site of absorption, the use of nanotechnological strategies appears to be a promising method to potentiate the therapeutic action and promote sustained release of the active herbal extract. The purpose of this study is to review the different nanostructured systems available in literature as delivery strategies to improve the absorption and bioavailability of silymarin.

: Foodshed approaches allow the assessment of the theoretical food self-sufficiency capacity of a specific region based on biophysical conditions. Recent analyses show that the focus needs to be shifted from foodshed size portrayed as an isotropic circle to a commodity-group-specific spatial configuration of the foodshed that takes into account the socio-economic and biophysical conditions essential to the development of local food supply chains. We focus on a specific animal product (beef) and use an innovative modeling approach based on spatial analysis to detect the areas of the foodshed dedicated to beef feeding (forage, pasture, and grassland), considering the foodshed as a complex of complementary areas called an archipelago. We use available statistical data including a census to address the city-region of Avignon (France) covering a 100 km radius. Our results show that the factors driving the use of short supply chains for beef feeding areas are the foodshed archipelago’s number of patches, the connectivity between them, and the rugosity of the boundaries. In addition, our beef self-sufficiency assessment results differ depending on geographical context. For instance, being located within the perimeters of a nature park seems to help orient beef production towards short supply chains. We discuss possible leverage for public action to reconnect beef production areas to consumption areas (the city) via short supply chains (e.g. green, home-grown school food programs) so as to increase local food security through increased local food self-sufficiency.

Geothermal energy is a weather-independent, permanently available renewable energy source. In addition to producing heat and electricity, geothermal energy can be used to extract critical raw materials dissolved in the heat-carrying fluid. Researchers working on the frontiers of geothermal energy utilisation may be able to transform ultra-deep metallic mineral formations into “orebody-Enhanced Geothermal Systems”. In the planned technology, the metal-containing geological formation would be manipulated in such a way that cogeneration of energy and metals is possible and can be optimised in the future according to market needs. The potential of geothermal energy for sustainable mineral extraction and energy production aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This new technology could substantially decrease Europe’s dependency on importing critical metallic minerals (such as lithium and tungsten) and energy; over and above, it has a small environmental footprint, including very low carbon emissions

Aim To perform a comprehensive analysis of discordances between contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of the extra-cerebral treatment monitoring in patients with stage IV melanoma. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective monocentric observational study over a 3 years period in patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT and ceCT in the framework of therapy monitoring of immune checkpoint or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ICIs or TKIs) as of January-2017. Imaging reports were analysed by two physicians in consensus. Anatomical site responsible for discordances, as well as induced changes in treatment were noted. Results Eighty patients were included and 195 couples of scans analysed. Overall, discordances occurred in 65 cases (33%). Eighty percent of the discordances (52/65) were due to 18F-FDG PET/CT scans upstaging the patient. Amongst these discordances, 17/52 (33%) led to change in patient’s management, the most frequent being radiotherapy of a progressing site. ceCT represented 13/65 (20%) of discordances and induced changes in patients’ management in 2/13 cases (15%). The more frequent anatomical site involved was subcutaneous for 18F-FDG PET/CT findings and lung or liver for ceCT. Conclusions Treatment monitoring with 18F-FDG

Aim To perform a comprehensive analysis of discordances between contrast-enhanced CT (ceCT) and 18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of the extra-cerebral treatment monitoring in patients with stage IV melanoma. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective monocentric observational study over a 3 years period in patients referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT and ceCT in the framework of therapy monitoring of immune checkpoint or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ICIs or TKIs) as of January-2017. Imaging reports were analysed by two physicians in consensus. Anatomical site responsible for discordances, as well as induced changes in treatment were noted. Results Eighty patients were included and 195 couples of scans analysed. Overall, discordances occurred in 65 cases (33%). Eighty percent of the discordances (52/65) were due to 18F-FDG PET/CT scans upstaging the patient. Amongst these discordances, 17/52 (33%) led to change in patient’s management, the most frequent being radiotherapy of a progressing site. ceCT represented 13/65 (20%) of discordances and induced changes in patients’ management in 2/13 cases (15%). The more frequent anatomical site involved was subcutaneous for 18F-FDG PET/CT findings and lung or liver for ceCT. Conclusions Treatment monitoring with 18F-FDG

Background: Application of enhanced recovery after surgery principles decrease postoperative complications (POCs), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Pharmacoprophylaxis decreases morbidity, but the effect of specific regimens on clinical outcomes is unclear. Methods and Materials: Records of 476 randomly selected adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgeries (ECRS) at 10 US hospitals were abstracted. Primary outcomes were surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain, and ileus rates. Secondary outcomes included LOS and 7- and 30-day readmission rates. Results: POC rates were SSI (3.4%), VTE (1.5%), PONV (47.9%), pain (58.1%), and ileus (16.1%). Cefazolin 2g/metronidazole 500mg and ertapenem 1g were associated with the shortest LOS; cefotetan 2g and cefoxitin 2g with the longest LOS. No SSI occurred with ertapenem and cefotetan. More Caucasians than Blacks received oral antibiotics before intravenous antibiotics without impact. Enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily was the most common inpatient and discharge VTE prophylaxis. All in-hospital VTEs occurred with unfractionated heparin. Most received rescue rather than around the clock antiemetics. Scopolamine patch, spinal opioids, and IV lidocaine continuous infusion were associated with lower PONV. Transversus abdominis plane block with long-acting local anesthetics, celecoxib, non-anesthetic ketamine bolus, ketorolac IV, lidocaine IV, and pregabalin were associated with lower in-hospital pain severity rate. Gabapentinoids and alvimopan were associated with lower ileus rate. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patch were associated with shorter LOS. Conclusions: Significant differences in pharmacotherapy regimens that may improve primary and secondary outcomes in ECRS were identified. Future research should identify latent pharmacotherapy variables that impact patient outcomes.

There is a potential for synergy effects in utilizing CO2 for both enhanced gas recovery (EGR) and geothermal energy extraction (CO2-plume geothermal, CPG) from natural gas reservoirs. This “combined CO2-EGR–CPG system” has been introduced as a feasible approach that constitutes a CO2 Capture double-Utilization and Storage (CCUUS) system. In this study, we carry out reservoir simulations, using TOUGH2, to evaluate the sensitivity of the natural gas recovery, pressure buildup, and geothermal power generation performance of the combined system to various key reservoir and operational parameters. The reservoir parameters include horizontal permeability, permeability anisotropy, reservoir temperature, and pore-size-distribution index; while the operational parameters include wellbore diameter and ambient surface temperature. Using an example of a natural gas reservoir model, we also investigate the effects of different strategies of transitioning from the CO2-EGR stage to the CPG stage on the energy-recovery performance metrics and on the two-phase fluid-flow regime in the production well. The simulation results show that overlapping the CO2-EGR and CPG stages and having a relatively brief period of CO2 injection but no production (which we call the CO2-plume establishment stage) achieves the best overall energy (natural gas and geothermal) recovery performance. Permeability anisotropy and reservoir temperature are the parameters the natural gas recovery performance of the combined system is most sensitive to. The geothermal power generation performance is most sensitive to the reservoir temperature and the production wellbore diameter. The results of this study pave the way for future CPG-based geothermal power-generation optimization studies. For a CO2-EGR–CPG project, the results can be a guide regarding the required accuracy of the reservoir parameters during exploration and data acquisition.

This paper presents a demonstration of the feasibility of fabricating micro-cantilever harvesters with extended stress distribution and enhanced bandwidth by exploiting an M-shaped two-degrees-of-freedom design. The measured mechanical response of the fabricated device displays the predicted dual resonance peak behavior with the fundamental peak at the intended frequency. This design has the features of high energy conversion efficiency in a miniaturized environment where the available vibrational energy varies in frequency. It makes such a design suitable for future large volume production of integrated self powered sensors nodes for the Internet-of-Things.

This study aimed on evaluating the potential diagnostic value of a novel, sonographic, B-Flow Imaging (BFI)-based sign (“flashlight sign”, FLS) for the detection of wall-adherent, floating arterial structures (WAFAS). The FLS, characterized by a fast moving, very bright, intraluminal signal was detected in 28 patients with WAFAS. We divided this cohort into three subgroups, depending on the affected vascular segments: (1) peripheral arteries (n = 10), (2) native abdominal aorta (n = 8), and (3) abdominal aorta after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR; n = 10). Clinical characteristics were analyzed and BFI-findings were compared with contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). Seven patients (25%) suffered from arterial embolism downstream to the FLS (EVAR, n = 4; native abdominal aorta, n = 1; peripheral arteries, n = 2). WAFAS of the abdominal aorta (native or after EVAR), as indicated by the FLS, were visible by CEUS and CTA in 60% and 93.3%, respectively. Based on the so far largest cohort of patients with WAFAS, we propose a clinically useful, BFI-based sonographic sign for detection of these so far underrated arterial pathologies in the abdominal aorta and the peripheral arteries.

Background: The ageing process starts in the center of the face, in the periocular region and around the mouth, with a combination of volume loss and tissue descent, wrinkles deepen, and loss of skin structure and quality. Recently, several studies proved the efficacy of therapies based on the autologous adipose tissue grafting that leverages the properties of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) to accelerate the regenerative processes of the skin. This study aimed to verify the ability of the guided Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection (SEFFI) in the facial area to correct volume loss and skin aging and proved the very low rate of complications of this standardized procedure . Methods: we retrospectively collected data from 2,365 procedures performed in Italian centers between 2019 and 2021. Guided SEFFI was performed alone or combined with cosmetic treatments, including the use of hyaluronic acid filler, suspension threads, synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, botulin toxin, and microneedling. Results: SEFFI was used alone in more than 60% of the patients, and in all face areas. In about one tenth of patients SEFFI was combined with botulin toxin treatment or hyaluronic acid filling. Other procedures were used more rarely. Ecchymosis in the donor or injection sites was the most frequent event, and yet observed in only 14.2% and 38.6% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: The SEFFI technique is standardized and minimally invasive, leading to very few complications. It can be a promising antiaging medical treatment that combines effectiveness, safety, and simplicity.

The current methods for lightning risk warnings that are based on atmospheric electric field (AEF) data have a tendency to rely on single features, which results in low robustness and efficiency. Additionally, there is a lack of research on cancelling warning signals, contributing to the high false alarm rate (FAR) of these methods. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a lightning risk warning method that incorporates enhanced empirical Wavelet transform-Adaptive Savitzky Gorey filter (EEWT-ASG) and one-dimensional morphology, using time-frequency domain features obtained through the Wavelet transform (WT). The proposed method achieved a probability of detection (POD) of 77.11%, miss alarm rate (MAR) of 22.89%, FAR of 40.19%, and critical success index (CSI) of 0.51, as evaluated on 83 lightning processes. This method can issue a warning signal up to 22 minutes in advance for lightning processes.

The aim of study was to investigate epidemiology aspects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during COVID-19 pandemic. The study comprised depersonalized residents of Tomsk and Tomsk Region (n = 1714). Invitations to take online survey were sent to 50,000 residents by target SMS with response rate of 1.2% (n = 727, Cohort 1). Cohort 2 comprised retrospective patients (n = 987) who underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI (CMR) in 2019-2022. Referrals, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, gender, age, past COVID-19, MRI study protocols, and MRI data were analyzed. 29% of respondents in cohort 1 received MRI examination within past two years; 26% of respondents considered MRI the most informative imaging modality for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia; 12% of respondents reported MRI unavailable. Proportion of CMR among MRI studies increased during COVID-19 pandemic, and maximum incidence of cardiac diseases detected by MRI was in 2021. Incidence of myocardial fibrosis increased from ~67% in 2019 to ~84% in 2022. The rate of outpatient MRI studies significantly increased in 2020, but returned to pre-pandemic level in 2021. COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for MRI and CMR. Patients with history of COVID-19 had persistent and newly occurring symptoms of myocardial damage suggesting chronic cardiac involvement requiring continuous follow-up.

The optimization of guide vane closing schemes (OGVCS) of pumped storage hydro unit (PSHU) is the research field of cooperative control and optimal operation of pumped storage, wind power and solar power generation. This paper presents a OGVCS model of PSHU considering the rise rate of the unit rotational speed and the specific node pressure of each hydraulic unit, as well as various complicated hydraulic and mechanical constraints. OGVCS model is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem to optimize conflictive objectives, i.e., unit rotational speed and water hammer pressure criteria. In order to realize the efficient solution of the OGVCS model, an enhanced multi-objective bacterial-foraging chemotaxis gravitational search algorithm (EMOBCGSA) is proposed to solve this problem, which adopts population reconstruction, adaptive selection chemotaxis operator of local searching strategy and Elite archive set to efficiently solve the multi-objective problem. Especially, novel constraints-handling strategy with eliminating and local search based on violation ranking is used to balance various hydraulic and mechanical constraints. Finally, simulation cases of complex extreme operating conditions (i.e., load rejection and pump outage) of ‘single tube-double units’ type PSHU system are conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed EMOBCGSA in solving OGVCS problem. The simulation results indicate that the proposed EMOBCGSA can provide lower rise rate of the unit rotational speed and smaller water hammer pressure than other method established recently while considering various complex constraints in OGVCS problem.

Polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers synthesized in cytoplasmic granules in bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator (Ralstonia eutropha), Alcaligenes latus, Pseudomonas spp., Comamonas spp. and other species. PHAs accumulation occurs in response to stress conditions, i.e. under high carbon and low nitrogen (24:1 ratio). PHA can be synthesized using recombinant microorganisms (provided with the operon phbA/phbB/phbC), escaping the constrains of nutrient request, except addition of high amount of sugar (glucose, lactose, fructose). In this study; E. coli was genetically modified for PHB production in biofermentors. The production of PHA at industrial scale requires a continuous supplementation of fermentable sugars to support the availability of nutrients and to assess the level of the exponential growth phase; since sugars are required either for bacterial growth either for PHA synthesis and energy storage. The biofermentors need to be run in automated system. Sensors are used at many points in fermentators; in the evaluation of parameters: consumption of sugars; cell density; quantification of PHB synthesis. The need of operational control during the fermentation has prompted us to application of three measurements; one unit linked to a Nanodrop to evaluate OD; one linked to a reaction chamber to measure sugars consumed by enzyme based fluorescence detection; and one for bacteria Nile Blue staining and fluorescence intensity reads. The growth of bacteria on three different plant by-products was monitored and PHB production in four days using a banana by-product feed was optimised. These detectors will make possible to exploit the full potential of bioreactors optimizing the time of use and maximizing the number of bacteria synthesizing PHA.

In the implementation of thermal enhanced oil recovery (TEOR) techniques, the temperature impact on relative permeability in oil - water systems is of special concern. Hence, developing a fast and reliable tool to model the temperature effect on two-phase oil - water relative permeability is still a major challenge for precise studying and evaluation of TEOR processes. To reach the goal of this work, two promising soft-computing algorithms, namely Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) and Gene Expression Programming (GEP) were employed to develop reliable, accurate, simple and quick to use paradigms to predict the temperature dependency of relative permeability in oil - water systems (K_rw and K_ro). To do so, a large database encompassing wide-ranging temperatures and fluids/rock parameters, including oil and water viscosities, absolute permeability and water saturation, was considered to establish these correlations. Statistical results and graphical analyses disclosed the high degree of accuracy for the proposed correlations in emulating the experimental results. In addition, GEP based correlations were found to be the most consistent with root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.0284 and 0.0636 for K_rw and K_ro, respectively. Lastly, the comparison of the performances of our correlations against those of the preexisting ones indicated the large superiority of the introduced correlations compared to previously published methods. The findings of this study can help for better understanding and studying the temperature dependency of oil - water relative permeability in thermal enhanced oil recovery processes.

Using coherent optical detection and digital signal processing, laser phase noise and equalization enhanced phase noise can be effectively mitigated using the feed-forward and feed-back carrier phase recovery approaches. In this paper, theoretical analyses of feed-back and feed-forward carrier phase recovery methods have been carried out in the long-haul high-speed n-level phase shift keying (n-PSK) optical fiber communication systems, involving a one-tap normalized least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm, a block-wise average algorithm, and a Viterbi-Viterbi algorithm. The analytical expressions for evaluating the estimated carrier phase and for predicting the bit-error-rate (BER) performance (such as the BER floors) have been presented and discussed in the n-PSK coherent optical transmission systems by considering both the laser phase noise and the equalization enhanced phase noise. The results indicate that the Viterbi-Viterbi carrier phase recovery algorithm outperforms the one-tap normalized LMS and the block-wise average algorithms for small phase noise variance (or effective phase noise variance), while the one-tap normalized LMS algorithm shows a better performance than the other two algorithms for large phase noise variance (or effective phase noise variance). In addition, the one-tap normalized LMS algorithm is more sensitive to the level of modulation formats.

Background: Ultrasonography (US) represents the gold standard imaging method for the assessment of testicular lesions (TL). The gray-scale (GSUS) and color-Doppler (CDUS) ultrasound examination allow sonographers to investigate size, margins, echotexture and vascular features of TL, with the effort to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. Recently, the use of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and sonoelastography (SE) led to further improvements in the differential diagnosis of TL. Although GSUS and CDUS are often sufficient to suggest the benign or malignant nature of TL, CEUS can be decisive in the differential diagnosis of unclear findings, while SE can help to strengthen the diagnosis. The contemporary combination of GSUS, CDUS, CEUS and SE led to a new diagnostic paradigm named multiparametric US (mp-US), able to provide a more detailed characterization of TL than the single techniques alone. This narrative and pictorial review is aimed to describe the mp-US appearance of several TL. Methods: An extensive Medline search was performed identifying studies in the English language focusing on mp-US evaluation of TL. Results: a practical mp-US “identity card” and iconographic characterization of several benign and malignant TL is provided herein. Conclusions: the mp-US characterization of TL reported herein can be useful in daily clinical practice.

In plants, water flows are the major driving force behind the growth and play a crucial role in the life cycle. To study hydrodynamics, methods based on tracking small particles inside water flows occupy a special place. Due to these tools, it is possible to get information about the dynamics of the spatial distribution of the fluxes characteristics. In this paper, using contrast-enhanced MRI, we have shown that gadolinium chelate, used as an MRI contrast agent, marks the structural characteristics of xylem bundles of maize stem nodes and internodes. Supplementing MRI data, a high-precision visualization of xylem vessels by laser scanning microscopy was used to reveal structural and dimensional characteristics of the stem vascular system. In addition, we proposed the concept of using the prototype "Y-type xylem vascular bundles" as a model of the elementary connection of vessels within the vascular system. A Reynolds number can match the microchannel model with the real xylem vessels.

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a platinum-based drug effective against various cancers, including lung, bladder, prostate, ovarian, esophageal, stomach, and cervical cancer and malignant lymphoma. It plays a central role as the first choice in current anticancer therapy. However, CDDP causes serious side effects, such as neurological disorders, myelosuppression, and renal damage, because it is a small molecule indiscriminately distributed in normal tissues. Therefore, it is very important to prevent or attenuate CDDP toxicity. We hypothesized that liposomalization of CDDP could alleviate serious side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CDDP liposomes. A patient with multiple recurrent liver metastases from metastatic nasal carcinoma was administered CDDP liposomes with consent. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the patient remained stable-diseased; however, no apparent side effects were observed, and blood draw data showed no worsening of renal function. Patients undergoing partial pancreatectomy and jejunoileal biliary anastomosis for biliary tract cancer who consented to receive CDDP liposomes demonstrated a partial response on angiographic computed tomography; however, they showed slight fatigue. To our knowledge, the present study is the first in Japan to suggest that liposomalization of CDDP may have anticancer effects while alleviating renal damage and bone marrow suppression.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is commonly used for super-selective analysis through nanostructured silver layers in the environment, food quality, biomedicine, and materials science. To fabricate a high-sensitivity but more accessible device of SERS, dc magnetron sputtering technology was used to realize high sensitivity, low cost, stable deposition rate, and rapid mass production. This study investigated various thicknesses of a silver film ranging from 3.0 to 12.1 nm by field-emission-scanning-electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the rhodamine 6G (R6G) testing irradiated by a He-Ne laser beam, the analytical enhancement factor (AEF) of 9.35x108, the limit of detection (LOD) of 10-8 M, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.61% were better than other SERS substrates fabricated by the same dc sputtering process because the results show that the 6 nm thickness silver layer has the highest sensitivity, stability, and lifetime. The paraquat and acetylcholine analytes were further investigated and high sensitivity was also achievable. The proposed SERS samples were evaluated and stored in a low humidity environment for up to forty weeks, and no spectrum attenuation could be detected. Soon, the proposed technology to fabricate high sensitivity, repeatability, and robust SERS substrate will be an optimized process technology in multiple applications.