We presented unusual case of double left ventricular false aneurysm complicating late presentation AMI successfully treated with the combination of urgent surgical drainage of tamponade, staged PCI of non-culprit lesion, preventive implantation of ICD-DR, guideline directed heart failure medical therapy and delayed but effective reconstructive operation.

Aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) toxicity are the top two constraints to crop production in acid soil. Crops have evolved common and specific mechanisms to tolerate the two stresses. In the present study, the responses (toxicity and tolerance) of wheat near-isogenic lines (ET8 and ES8) and their parents (Carazinho and Egret) to Al and Mn were compared by determining physiolog-ical parameters and transcriptome profiling of roots. The results showed that: (1) Carazinho and ET8 exhibited dual tolerance to Al and Mn as compared with Egret and ES8, indicated by higher relative root elongation and SPAD; (2) After entering into roots, Al was mainly distributed in the root and fixed in the cell wall, while Mn was mainly distributed in the cell sap and then trans-ported to leaves. Both Al and Mn stresses decreased the contents of Ca, Mg, and Zn; Mn stress al-so inhibited the accumulation of Fe, while Al showed an opposite effect; (3) Transcriptomic analy-sis identified 5581 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under Al stress and 4165 DEGs under Mn stress. Among these, 2774 DEGs were regulated by both Al and Mn stresses, while 2280 and 1957 DEGs were exclusively regulated by Al and Mn stress, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses indi-cated that cell wall metabolism responds exclusively to Al, while nicotianamine synthesis exclu-sively responds to Mn. Pathways such as signaling, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and metal ion transport showed commonality and specificity to Al and Mn. TFs, such as MYB, WRKY, and AP2 families, were also regulated by Al and Mn, and WGCNA identified PODP7, VATB2, and ABCC3 as the hub genes for Al tolerance and NAS for Mn tolerance. The identified genes and pathways can be used as targets for pyramiding genes and breeding multi-tolerant varieties.

Haemodynamic simulations are increasingly used to study vascular diseases like Intracranial Aneurysms (IA) and to further develope treatment options. However, due to limited data, some aspects must rely on heuristics, especially at the simulation’s distal ends. In literature, Murray’s Law is often used to model the outflow split based on vessel cross-section area, but this poses challenges for the communicating arteries in the Circle of Willis (CoW). In this study, we contribute by assessing the impact of Murray’s Law in patient-specific geometries featuring IA at the posterior communication. We simulate different domain extensions, representing common modelling choices. We establish Full CoW simulations as a baseline to evaluate the effect of these modelling assumptions on haemodynamic indicators, focusing on IA growth and rupture-related factors like Wall Shear Stress (WSS) and Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI). Our findings reveal qualitative alterations in haemodynamics when not modeling posterior communication. Comparisons between computing the anterior circulation and computing the whole Circle of Willis reveal quantitative changes in WSS may reach up to 80%, highlighting the significance of modelling choices in assessing IA risks and treatment strategies.

Abdominal entry is the critical initial step of laparoscopic surgery as it is associated with unexpected complications. Acceptable working space is a prerequisite for safe minimal access surgery. Direct trocar insertion (DTI) technique has been often reported to be time-consuming and capable of causing injuries. We aim to facilitate conventional DTI employing an easy-to-use self-designed abdominal wall-lifting device, OneShot-M. We tested its safety in a porcine model. 18 pigs were randomized into three groups (n=6): open laparoscopy (Group A), DTI (Group B), DTI using OneShot-M (Group C), suitable for a 5-mm trocar. Outcomes were access time, entry-related minor and major complications. Median access time was shorter in C (43 seconds; range: 35-49 seconds), followed by B (82.5; 72-90) and A (190.5; 182-240). Statistically significant differences in procedural time between techniques were detected (p-value = 0.0005). Pairwise comparisons exhibited a statistically significant difference between A and C in terms of access time. Only one difficulty in entry was seen in C; pigs experienced several occurrences in A and B. This pilot study suggests that OneShot-M appears to be a technically feasible, fast and safe method for pneumoperitoneum induction in a porcine model, as it provides sufficient exposure of the operative field without access-related complications. Further clinical studies are needed.

The construction of large-scale water diversion projects alleviated effectively the current situa-tion of uneven distribution of water resources in China. However, due to the siltation of very fine sediment and organic matter on the side wall of the open channel, and the slow velocity of the side wall flow field, it is easy to produce epipelic algae, which affects water quality. For the prototype observation cannot be used to predict the series of flow in real time, and the mathe-matical model calculation is affected by parameter limitations, these two methods often cannot truly reflect the hydrodynamic characteristics of open channel with epipelic algae. Therefore, by referring to the design parameters of the water diversion project channel, this paper takes the epipelic algae growing on the side wall of the open channel as the research object, and uses the scale of 1:30 to carry out the generalized flume experiment. Through the analysis of the physical characteristics of the prototype sample, and the simulation of the cohesive force between the oblique side wall and the epipelic algae, the multi-group and multi-series hydrodynamic tests are carried out. The flow velocity distribution law and the development and change of the tur-bulent vortex on the side wall are analyzed. It has important scientific guiding significance and practical value for water quantity regulation water regulation and water quality safety protec-tion of long-distance projects.

Some biologically active compounds isolated from sea cucumbers stimulate the body’s immune response through activating immune cells. Immune function is closed related to the integrity intestinal barrier and balanced gut microbiota. However, it is unknown whether daily administration of holothurian wall hydrolysates (HWH) ameliorated intestinal dysbiosis and barrier injury induced by immunodeficiency. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect and the underlying mechanism of HWH in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunocompromised mice. BALB/c mice received CTX (80 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) once a day for 3 days to induce immunodeficiency, and then oral administration of HWH (80 or 240 mg/kg), levamisole hydrochloride (LH, 40 mg/kg, positive control) respectively once a day for 7 days. We utilized 16S rRNA sequencing for microbial composition alterations, histopathological analysis for splenic and colonic morphology, Western blotting for expressions of tight junction proteins (TJs), and quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) for measurements of pro-inflammatory cytokines. HWH attenuated the immune organ damage induced by CTX, increased the secretions of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and promoted the recovery of goblet cells and the productions of TJs (claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1) in the colon of the immunocompromised mice. Moreover, HWH promoted the growth of beneficial microorganisms such as Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, and Bifidobacterium, while suppressed the populations of Ruminococcus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. These results demonstrate that HWH elicits intestinal mucosal immunity, repairs the damage to intestinal mucosal integrity, and normalizes the imbalanced intestinal microbial profiles in immunocompromised mice. It may be helpful to identify the biological activities of HWH, and supports the potential as new prebiotics, immunomodulatory agents, and medical additive for intestinal repair.

On the basis of the force and safety factor analysis of traditional retaining wall, a new analytical method of force and displacement of slope is suggested, the numerical theoretical solution of the stress distribution of the sliding body can be obtained under the conditions, which the stresses distribution are satisfied with the differential equilibrium equations, the boundary conditions, the compatibility equation and the macroscopic equilibrium equations. The interface stresses between the sliding body and the retaining wall are continuous, the theoretical solution of retaining wall stress distributions can be gotten, while the stress differential equilibrium equation, the compatibility equation, macroscopic force and moment balance equations are satisfied. The strain and displacement solutions can be obtained by using Duncan Chang and Hooke constitutive equations for the slope and the retaining wall respectively. The transfer station of landfill in the Guandukou Town of Badong County is taken as an example, the results of the sliding body and retaining wall analysis show: The stress and strain solutions of a slope and a retaining wall can be obtained by the proposed method, the forces between the retaining wall and the sliding body include shear stress and normal stress, and the stress distributions change with the deformation of the sliding body, the shape and material of retaining wall can be optimized according to the calculation results，it is feasible for the proposed analysis method of slope with retaining wall design to be run many years.

To live in the information society means to be surrounded by billions of electronic devices full of sensors that constantly acquire data. This enormous amount of data must be processed and classified. A solution commonly adopted is to send these data to server farms to be remotely elaborated. The drawback is a huge battery drain due to high amount of information that must be exchanged. To compensate this problem data must be processed locally, near the sensor itself. But this solution requires huge computational capabilities. While microprocessors, even mobile ones, nowadays have enough computational power, their performance are severely limited by the Memory Wall problem. Memories are too slow, so microprocessors cannot fetch enough data from them, greatly limiting their performance. A solution is the Processing-In-Memory (PIM) approach. New memories are designed that are able to elaborate data inside them eliminating the Memory Wall problem. In this work we present an example of such system, using as a case of study the Bitmap Indexing algorithm. Such algorithm is used to classify data coming from many sources in parallel. We propose an hardware accelerator designed around the Processing-In-Memory approach, that is capable of implementing this algorithm and that can also be reconfigured to do other tasks or to work as standard memory. The architecture has been synthesized using CMOS technology. The results that we have obtained highlights that, not only it is possible to process and classify huge amount of data locally, but also that it is possible to obtain this result with a very low power consumption.

Inertial focusing conditions of fluorescent polystyrene spherical particles are studied at the pointwise level along their pathlines. This is accomplished by an algorithm that calculates a de-gree of spreading function of the particles' trajectories taking streaklines images as raw data. Different confinement ratios of the particles and flow rates are studied and the results are pre-sented in state diagrams showing the focusing degree of the particles in terms of their position within a curve of an asymmetric serpentine and the applied flow rate. In addition, together with numerical simulation results, we present empirical evidence that the preferred trajectories of inertially focused spheres are contained within Dean vortices' centerlines. We speculate about the existence of a new force, never postulated before, to explain this fact.

In China's mountainous coastal terrain, the storm badly damaged low-rise buildings. At present, it is not clear how the relative position of buildings and mountains affects the surface of a low-rise building’s fluctuating coefficient. The study compared these results with the wind pressure distribution without the surrounding environment. The primary objective of this study is to examine the fluctuating coefficient variation rule based on the spacing between hillsides and buildings under 0° wind angle. Additionally, the study analyzes the fluctuating wind pressure coefficient across wind angles between 0°~90°. The distribution of wind pressure in different common hillside landforms was examined through a wind tunnel experiment, which also compared with the distribution in an open environment. The study examined the fluctuating coefficient as the distance between the building and the hillside changed, specifically for wind blowing at a 0° angle. Next, an analysis is conducted on the changing pattern of the fluctuating coefficient for low-rise buildings ranging from a wind angle of 0° to 90°. Simultaneously, the investigation examined the power spectrum and wind pressure’s probability distribution, while considering the proximity of the building to an adjacent hill. The findings indicated that the changing wind pressure factor on the surface of the structure differed based on the relative location of the hillside and the building. The roof's wind pressure coefficient fluctuated and gradually increased until it reached its peak, unaffected by the surroundings. The low-frequency energy decreased in windward eaves, while the high-frequency energy progressively rose as the distance between the hillside and the building increased. The wind pressure on the leeward side exhibited Gaussian characteristics in its probability distribution.

In this article, the biocatalytic oxidation of ethanol into acetaldehyde was studied using a catalase entrapped within monolithic polyampholyte cryogel, p(APTAC-co-AMPS), derived from an anionic monomer, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS), and a cationic monomer, (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC) as catalyst. Macroporous polyampholyte cryogels containing various amounts of catalase were synthesized in situ under cryo-polymerization conditions at a molar ratio of monomers [APTAC]:[AMPS] = 75:25 mol.% in the presence of 10 mol.% cross-linking agent, N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA). The conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde in good-to-high yields was observed in flow-through and batch type reactors under optimal conditions: at T = 10-20 C, pH = 7.1, [C2H5OH]:[H2O2] = 50:50 vol.%. According to SEM image the pore sizes of p(AMPS-co-APTAC) cryogel vary from 15 to 55 μm. The catalytic activity of catalase entrapped within monolithic polyampholyte cryogel in the conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde was evaluated through the determination of such kinetic parameters as Michaelis constant (Km), the maximum enzymatic rate (Vmax), activation energy (Ea), turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF). The catalase encapsulated within monolithic polyampholyte cryogel exhibits a high conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde. The advantages and disadvantages of flow-through and batch type reactors were highlighted.

In this paper, we propose a method to find all efficient solutions of an interval multiple objective linear programming (IMOLP) problem with interval coefficients in the objective functions, the constraint matrix and the right-hand side vector. The set of all efficient solutions of an IMOLP problem can completely supply information to the decision makers in finding their most preferred solutions but, up to now, not all solutions of an IMOLP problem can be found by known methods. A numerical example is given to illustrate the working of the proposed method.

This article is a study on the (k,s)-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral, a generalization of the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral. Firstly, we introduce several properties of the extended integral of continuous functions. Furthermore, we make the estimation of the Box dimension of the graph of continuous functions after the extended integral. It presents that the upper Box dimension of the (k,s)-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral for any continuous functions is no more than the upper Box dimension of the functions on the unit interval I=[0,1], which indicates that the upper Box dimension of the integrand f(x) will not be increased by the σ-order (k,s)-Riemann-Liouville fractional integral ksD−σf(x) where σ>0 on I. Additionally, we prove that the fractal dimension of ksD−σf(x) of one-dimensional continuous functions f(x) is still one.

In this study, we discuss the properties of absolute void space or the universe at zero seconds, and how these properties play a vital role in creating a mechanism in which the very first particle gets created and we find the limit in which when the absolute void volume reaches will lead to the collapse that leads to the creation of the first particle. Later we discuss the standard model explanation through the elementary dimensions theory, as according to the elementary dimensions theory study that was peer-reviewed at the end of 2020, everything in the universe is made from four elementary dimensions, these dimensions are the three spatial dimensions (X, Y, and Z) and the force equivalent.

This theoretical article provides a brief description of the model of living systems' functioning by defining them as resource flows patterns. It reviews the living systems growth limitation between their development cycles by the Fibonacci sequence. Besides, there are presented systems resource base criteria, necessary for accumulating the resources and their investment. The article also considers the conditions for the formation of various systems strategies. Then we reviewed the principles of elemental analysis of information by a person as a living system according to the considered model. The study also shows the possibility of forming priorities in analyzing information for 16 combinations as maximum. At that, it remains crucial to divide a human's information analysis between the two hemispheres of the brain. The described combinations of priorities in a person's information analysis are compared with the existing differential personality models, such as the big five personality traits, the Myers-Briggs type indicator, temperaments model and Honey and Mumford Learning styles.

It is agreed that before the creation of particles, space was absolutely devoid of matter and radiation. In this study, we assume that the absolute void comprises four dimensions; three spatial dimensions and a force equivalent representing the factor of change among the elementary dimensions. Our hypothesis is based on the expansion of the spatial dimensions, and the subsequent space instability. We demonstrated that when the outward force equivalent strength exceeds a critical limit, it collapses inward to restore equilibrium in the system. Then, the void inside the collapsed force equivalent acts as a void in a confined system, the energy of the system remains conserved at all stages. With the decrease of the spatial dimensions due to the collapse the energy density increases, at the final stage the energy in the confined system is concentrated forming a solid state of energy. In which, this solid state of energy is a particle become the source of the elementary particles. The created high-energy sources are controlled by the internal and external forces of the source and all entities in its external force field until equilibrium is reached. The article gives the summary of Big bang theory and its problems which are further discussed in inflation. This article will help in understanding that how elementary dimensions play a role in the formation of elementary particles. The quark gluon plasma, inflation, gravitational collapse, and gravitational lensing provide evidence supporting the elementary dimensions theory presented in this paper.

The Environmental interactions contributed to the processes of settlement and development of the first settlers at southern Peru 15,000 BC. The determination of this process is based on paleoclimatic studies at southern Peru and ethnoarchaeological evidence. The determination of this process is based on paleoclimatic studies of southern Peru and ethnoarchaeological evidence; establishing as a result of this analysis the hypothesis of environmental interaction and territorial occupation of the first hunter-gatherer populations until their consolidation, dominating the geographical space from Tacna. The Disruptive disaster events and their effects on climate during the Peruvian Paleolithic resulted in the origin of local societies that shaped the Tiawanaku societies of the early horizon at Southern Peru and Northern Chile.

In order to study the way how to improve the spatial action of precast monolithic composite floor slabs, and would replace the cast-in-place surface layer for reduce the weight of structure, using pseudo-dynamic tests on 1/4 scale models of two-span and three-story frame structure. The lateral load tests compared the stresses and displacements with cast-in-place floor frame-shear wall structure (SJ1) and precast monolithic floor frame-shear wall structure with X horizontal braces at the bottom of the floor (SJ2). The results show the X horizontal braces can improve the spatial action. Structural integrity (SJ2) as well as the effective transmission of the horizontal force can be ensured by additional X bracing at the bottom of the rigidity of the floor without cast-in-place concrete topping. The results show that X horizontal braces more effectively transfer horizontal, which provides a beneficial reference for similar research.

Data obtained by Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of pressure-driven turbulent channel flow are studied in the range 180 ≤ Reτ≤ 10,000. Reynolds number effects on the Mean Velocity Profile (MVP) and second order statistics are analyzed with a view of finding logarithmic behavior in the overlap region or even further from the wall, well in the boundary layer’s outer region. Values of Kármán constant for the MVPs and the Townsend-Perry constants for the streamwise and spanwise fluctuation variances are determined for the Reynolds numbers considered. A data-driven model of the MVP, proposed and validated for zero pressure gradient flow over a flat plate, is employed for pressure-driven channel flow by appropriately adjusting Coles’ strength of the wake function parameter, Π. There is excellent agreement between the analytic model predictions of MVP and the DNS-computed MVP as well as of the Reynolds shear stress profile. The skin friction coefficient Cf is calculated analytically. The agreement between the analytical model predictions and the DNS-based computed discrete values of Cf is excellent.

We present the full case pictorial assay including preoperative imaging as well as the surgical correction of the uterine anomaly and associated complication of a very rare case of occult unicornuate right uterus with rudimentary non-communicating functioning left horn and its natural evolution following an initially incomplete surgical treatment.

Post-operative pain is the unpleasant sensory and emotional experience after surgery, its origin being both the inflammatory reaction induced by the surgical trauma on the abdominal wall, and the splanchnic pain, induced by the activation of nociceptors of the viscera, which are highly sensi-tive to distension, ischemia and inflammation. Nowadays, it is well recognized that there is a close relationship between the gut microbiome and pain perception, and that microbiome is highly af-fected by both anaesthesia and surgical manipulation. Thus, efforts to restore the disturbed micro-biome by supplementation with beneficial bacteria, namely probiotics, seems to be effective. In this article the knowledge gained mainly from experimental research on this topic is analyzed, the con-cluding message being that each probiotic strain works in its own way towards pain relief.

The ground surface deformation induced by shield tunnels passing through enclosure structure of existing tunnels is a particular underground construction scenario, which is encountered in Wuhan metro line 12 engineering cases in China. The classic ground deformation theory is difficult to accurately predict this ground deformation. This paper develops a semi-analytical method to predict ground heave considering space effect in this engineering condition. Based on improved ground deformation theory, a novel deformation prediction method of ground and enclosure structure is derived combined with Kirchhoff plate theory. Comparing with field deformation measurements, the maximum difference between measured and calculated deformation is 14.6%, which demonstrating that the proposed method can be used to predict the ground heave induced by shield tunnels passing through the enclosure structure of existing tunnels. The parameters of underground diaphragm wall used in Wuhan metro line 12 are further studied in detail. The results show that the ground heaves have positive correlation with embedded ratio of diaphragm wall, but negative correlation with its elastic modulus and thickness. But the thickness and embedded ratio has a limited effect on ground heaves. This study provides a technical reference for optimization setting of enclosure structure in protecting existing building.

Background: The role of NFATC genes expression in BAV progression is not fully understood. Aim of study is to determine the significance of NFATC1 and NFATC4 gene expression for myocardial changes in children with BAV. Methods: In 47 children with BAV the standard Doppler echocar-digraphic characteristics were detected and the expression of the NFATC1 and NFATC4 genes was studied. Results: PWTd, AoPPG, in BAV patients were significantly higher compared to healthy controls (PWTd median(min-max) 9 (7-10) mm vs 7 (6-8) mm), AoPPG median (min-max) 7,79 (2,98-15,09) mm Hg vs 2,94 (2,42-3,72) mm Hg. Expression of NFATC1 gene in BAV children was significantly higher compared to NFATC4 (NFATC1 median (min-max) 70,88 (8,79-106,51) e.u. vs 7,72 (1,74-22,67) e.u., respectively p<0,05). Significant correlation of NFATC1 expression with Ao found (R=+0,53, p<0,05). In BAV patients with PWTd > 8 mm and Ao> 21 mm the NFATC1 expression was significantly higher compare to those with PWTd< =8 mm and Ao<=21 mm NFATC1 median (min-max) 45,49 (5,01-101,52) e.u. vs 15,53 (2,36-44,40) e.u., p<0.05 and 81.11 (20.27-101.10) e.u. mm vs 12.16 (2,40-45.49) e.u., p<0.05, respectively) Conclusion: in children with BAV the high expression of the NFATC1 calcineurin signalling pathway gene is associated with elevated PWTd and Ao.

Production of biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass is relatively low due to the limited knowledge about natural cell wall loosening and cellulolytic processes in plants. Industrial separation of cellulose fiber mass from lignin, its saccharification and alcoholic fermentation is still cost-ineffective and environmental unfriendly. Assuming that the green transformation is inevitable and that the new sources of raw materials for biofuels are needed, we decided to study cell death - a natural process occurring in plants in a context of reducing the recalcitrance of lignocellulose for production of second generation bioethanol. “members of the enzyme families responsible for lysigenous aerenchyma formation were identified during the root hypoxia stress in Arabidopsis thaliana cell death mutants. The cell death regulatory genes, LESION SIMULATING DISEASE 1 (LSD1), PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4) and ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) conditionally regulate the cell wall when suppressed in transgenic aspen. During four years of growth in the field the following effects were observed: lignin content was reduced, the cellulose fiber polymerization degree increased and the growth itself was unaffected. The wood of transgenic trees was more efficient as a substrate for saccharification, alcoholic fermentation and bioethanol production. The presented results may trigger the development of novel biotechnologies in the biofuel industry.

The blackening of cut carrots decreases their shelf life and causes severe economic losses but the molecular and metabolic mechanisms that underpin this phenomenon remain poorly characterized. Studies were therefore undertaken to determine the molecular and metabolic causes of the blackening. The susceptibility of blackening was dependent on the period of time that the crop was stored underground prior to harvest. The structure of the cell walls in the black regions was substantially changed compared to the orange regions. The black regions of carrot batons had decreased immunodetection of xyloglucan, HG-pectin, RG-I pectin, galactan and arabinan but had higher levels of lignin and phenolic compounds compared to the orange regions. Transcript profiling analysis revealed that phytohormone signalling processes were activated in the black regions. Transcripts associated with auxin signalling and ethylene-responsive transcription factors were increased in the black regions. In contrast, the levels of transcripts encoding proteins associated with secondary metabolism were decreased in the black regions. These findings implicate ethylene and auxin-related processes in the control of the primary to secondary metabolism shift that results in lignification and cell wall disruption that underpin the blackening process.

To investigate the impact of a magnetic field on plaque development in a stenotic bifurcated artery, a finite element method is utilized. The blood flow is modelled as a stable, incompressible, Newtonian, biomagnetic, and laminar fluid. Furthermore, the arterial wall is assumed to be linear elastic. The Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method is employed to describe the hemodynamic flow in a bifurcated artery under the influence of an asymmetric magnetic field, taking into account two-way fluid-structure interaction coupling. A stable $P_2P_1$ finite element pair discretizes a nonlinear system of partial differential equations that requires a solution. The Newton-Raphson method is utilized to find a solution to the resulting nonlinear algebraic equation system. Numerical modelling is used to simulate the presence of magnetic fields, and the resulting displacement, velocity magnitude, pressure, and wall shear stresses are shown for a range of Reynolds numbers ($Re = 500$, $1000$, $1500$, and $2000$). The results of the numerical analysis demonstrate that the presence of a magnetic field has a significant effect not only on the magnitude of displacement but also on the velocity of the flow. The application of a magnetic field reduces flow separation, extends the recirculation area near the stenosis, and increases wall shear stress.

Influence of Joule heating on magnetic properties, giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect and domain wall (DW) dynamics of Fe75B9Si12C4 glass-coated microwires was studied. A remarkable increase in GMI ratio is observed in Joule heated samples. The hysteresis loops of Joule heated samples maintain a rectangular shape, while a slight decrease in coercivity after Joule heating is observed. On the other hand, a modification of MOKE hysteresis loops is observed upon Joule heating. Additionally, DW dynamics improvement after Joule heating is observed. The observed GMI ratio improvement along with the change in MOKE loops and DW dynamics improvement has been discussed considering magnetic anisotropy induced by Oersted magnetic field in the surface layer during Joule heating and the internal stress relaxation. A remarkable GMI ratio im-provement observed in Fe-rich Joule-heated microwires with a rectangular hysteresis loop and fast DW propagation, together with the fact that Fe is a more common and less expensive metal than Co, makes them suitable for use in magnetic sensors.

The building sector is the largest consumer of energy and there are still major scientific challenges in this field. The façade, being the interface between the exterior and interior space, plays a key role in the energy efficiency of a building. In this context, this paper focuses on a ventilated bioclimatic wall for NZEB zero energy buildings. The objective of this study is to investigate an experimental set-up based on a Hot Box allowing characterizing the thermal performances of the ventilated wall. A specific ventilated prototype and an original thermal metrology has been developed. This paper presents the ventilated prototype, the experimental set-up and experimental results on the thermal performances of the ventilated wall. The influence of the air space thickness and the air flow rate on the thermal performances of the ventilated wall is studied.

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has been recognized worldwide as a valuable source of health-promoting compounds, becoming a crop with some of the fastest rising consumer demand trends. Fruit firmness is a key target for blueberry breeding as it directly affects fruit quality, consumer preference, transportability, shelf life, and the ability of cultivars to be machine harvested. Fruit softening naturally occurs during berry development, maturation, and postharvest ripening. However, some genotypes are better at retaining firmness than others, and some are crispy, which is a putatively extra-firmness phenotype that provides a distinct eating experience. In this review, we summarized important studies addressing the firmness trait in blueberry, focusing on physiological and molecular changes affecting this trait at the onset of ripening and also the genetic basis of firmness variation across individuals. New insights into these topics were also achieved by using previously available data and historical records from the blueberry breeding program at the University of Florida. The complex quantitative nature of firmness in an autopolyploid species such as blueberry imposes additional challenges for the implementation of molecular techniques in breeding. However, we highlighted some recent genomics-based studies and the potential of a QTL mapping analysis and genome editing protocols such as CRISPR to further assist and accelerate the breeding process for this important trait.

The motivation for investigating the issues presented in this article stemmed from a need to understand better the relationship in long-established physics formulas and extract the information they provided using conventional methods. Based on the definition of magnetic flux quantization, which is based on a combination of fundamental physical constants, the Planck constant, and the particle’s elementary charge, this work explores the results that arise when this equation is combined with the equation of the Bohr-level electrostatic force acting on the electron, which leads to a new mathematical relationship between the combined expressions. The new relationship yields novel theoretical findings related to the known universal constants. Following this insight, the formalism developed in this paper indicates that the mass of the electron and other subatomic particles is associated with the magnitude of the square of the magnetic flux quantum, which makes up the particle. This conclusion is not as strange as it may seem, as the square of the magnetic flux quantum appears in the context of magnetic energy in a current loop and, according to Einstein’s special theory of relativity, energy is equivalent to mass. Another aspect described at the end of this paper demonstrates the connection between the square of the magnetic flux quantum through the Bohr radius and the significance of the wave function in the atom. The theoretical results are in full accordance with experimental results published by NIST CODATA 2018 that I’ve used, which validates the existence of the relationship.

In the food sector, packaging is one of the important steps that ensures the safe, unspoiled, min-imum cost of storing, transporting and delivering the food that goes into production to the con-sumer. Food spoilage caused by foodborne pathogens and microorganisms is a serious problem in the food chain, reducing the shelf life of foods. Therefore, consumers' demands for more natural, disposable, biodegradable and recyclable antibacterial food packaging materials have considera-bly increased. This review covers a comprehensive current literature review of antibacterial food packaging, which includes with titles antibacterial agents, organic acids and other compounds, enzymes, bacteriocins, natural extracts, essential oils, application of encapsulation and antimi-crobial packaging. Research findings on antimicrobial food packaging used to extend the shelf life of foods were collected from online databases such as PubMed/MedLine, Wiley Online Li-brary, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. In this review, the activities of different bio-materials and compounds used to extend the shelf life of foods were compared

The paper presents the methods of assessing the technical condition of varistor surge arresters used in laboratory tests and in operation - performed without disconnecting the arresters from the network. The analysis of diagnostic methods was supplemented with the results of measurements of the leakage current of arresters coming directly from production and used in the power industry. Among the available methods of evaluating the technical condition of arresters, mainly indicator solutions (temperature, operation counter) and using the measurement of selected parameters of the leakage current are used. In the latter, the method of determining the resistive component of the leakage current, determined on the basis of the analysis of voltage and current waveforms, or only the arrester current, has become widespread. In this type of measurements, current clamps are used in operation, and additionally in voltage measurements from voltage transformers, where you have to take into account the fundamental, additional sources of errors discussed in the article. These errors and dispersion resulting from the production technology may fundamentally hinder the proper assessment of the technical condition, hence it is so important to properly recognize the listed basic sources of measurement uncertainty. In addition, the analysis should take into account three factors related to external conditions - temperature, voltage applied to the arrester and the content of higher harmonics in the supply voltage for which appropriate methods have been provided to determine the active component of the leakage current for reference conditions.

The nonlocal boundary value problem, dtρu(t)+Au(t)=f(t) (0&lt;ρ&lt;1, 0&lt;t≤T), u(ξ)=αu(0)+φ (α is a constant and 0&lt;ξ≤T), in an arbitrary separable Hilbert space H with the strongly positive selfadjoint operator A, is considered. The operator dt on the left hand side of the equation expresses either the Caputo derivative or the Riemann-Liouville derivative; naturally, in the case of the Riemann - Liouville derivatives, the nonlocal boundary condition should be slightly changed. Existence and uniqueness theorems for solutions of the problems under consideration are proved. The influence of the constant α on the existence of a solution to problems is investigated. Inequalities of coercivity type are obtained and it is shown that these inequalities differ depending on the considered type of fractional derivatives. The inverse problems of determining the right-hand side of the equation and the function φ in the boundary conditions are investigated.

Applying a procedure similar to that of E.S. Bring, by using a 4^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation, it was possible to transform the Bring-Jerrard normal quintic (BJQ) equation into a De Moivre form (DMQ), so that it could be solved by radicals. The general solution by radicals of the De Moivre equations of any degree is presented. By the same procedure the BJSx (normal sextic) equation was taken to another one without the 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th terms which was transformed into a cubic (solvable) equation. By applying a 6^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation to the BJSp (normal septic) equation its binormal (without the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th terms) form was obtained.

Applying a procedure similar to that of E.S. Bring, by using a 4^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation, it was possible to transform the Bring-Jerrard normal quintic (BJQ) equation into a De Moivre form (DMQ), so that it could be solved by radicals. The general solution by radicals of the De Moivre equations of any degree is presented. By the same procedure the BJSx (normal sextic) equation was taken to another one without the 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th terms which was transformed into a cubic (solvable) equation. By applying a 6^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation to the BJSp (normal septic) equation its binormal (without the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th terms) form was obtained.

Applying a procedure similar to that of E.S. Bring, by using a 4^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation, it was possible to transform the Bring-Jerrard normal quintic (BJQ) equation into a De Moivre form (DMQ), so that it could be solved by radicals. The general solution by radicals of the De Moivre equations of any degree is presented. By the same procedure the BJSx (normal sextic) equation was taken to another one without the 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th terms which was transformed into a cubic (solvable) equation. By applying a 6^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation to the BJSp (normal septic) equation its binormal (without the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th terms) form was obtained.

Applying a procedure similar to that of E.S. Bring, by using a 4^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation, it was possible to transform the Bring-Jerrard normal quintic (BJQ) equation into a De Moivre form (DMQ), so that it could be solved by radicals. The general solution by radicals of the De Moivre equations of any degree is presented. By the same procedure the BJSx (normal sextic) equation was taken to another one without the 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th terms which was transformed into a cubic (solvable) equation. By applying a 6^th degree Tschirnhaus transformation to the BJSp (normal septic) equation its Bring-Jerrard binormal (without the 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th terms) form was obtained.

From October 28 to November 05, 2013, we conducted a termite sampling in 3 protected sites in The Gambia (West Africa). Termites sampling is carried out in 100 m x 2 m transects repeated 3 times in each site. A total of 33 species of termites have been recorded. Of the 33 species, 22 are new to The Gambia. Additionnal measurements are given for several collected termite species. Euchilotermes arcuata Silvestri is elevated to the rank of species.

In this study, I will present some documentary evidence that Carlos Drummond de Andrade’s poem “A Máquina do Mundo” [The Machine of the World] (1949) was based on prior reflections contained in a forgotten newspaper article entitled “Poesia e Pesadelo” [Poetry and Nightmare] (1949). In that article, Drummond critically analyzed some of the theses of Stephen Spender's essay “What Is Modern in Modern Poetry” (1948), which had just been published in The Tiger's Eye magazine. As soon as he read Spender's text, Drummond wrote “Poetry and Nightmare” and began to elaborate a narrative poem whose protagonist would be a machine. All the documentary evidence indicates that Drummond took Spender's lessons as touchstones for the elaboration of the narrative and allegorical structure of “The Machine of the World.” According to the interpretation I am proposing here, Drummond, in writing the machine poem, put into practice at least six lessons drawn from Spender’s essay, namely: 1) the modern poet must represent the tension between the external machinelike landscape and the landscape of the inner world of the creative imagination; 2) he must also represent the machinelike, ugly, and urban world around him in a beautiful and poetic way; 3) he must avoid the misconceptions of excessive utopian visionarism, as well as creeping realism; 4) he must reject the imperative of political engagement, whose principle of action states that poetry has a transformative mission in society; 5) he must free himself from the obsession with free verse as the only form of modern poetry and start using the traditional fixed forms; 6) he must understand machines as poetic symbols of human passions, and not just as exotic objects foreign to human reality. My conclusion is that, after reading Spender’s essay, Drummond changed his aesthetic and philosophical understanding of what defines the essence of modern poetry, both in terms of form and content.

The multiple regression method is still an important tool for establishing precipitation forecast models with a lead time of one season. This study developed a flexible statistical forecast model for July precipitation over the middle-lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLYR) based on the prophase winter sea surface temperature (SST). According to the characteristics of observed samples and related theoretical knowledge, some special treatments (i.e., more flexible and better–targeted methods) were introduced in the forecast model. These special treatments include a flexible MLYR domain definition, the extraction of indicative signals from the SST field, artificial samples, and the amplification of abnormal precipitation. Rolling forecast experiments show that the linear correlation between prediction and observation is around 0.5, more than half of the abnormal precipitation years can be successfully predicted, and there is no contradictory prediction of the abnormal years. These results indicate that the flexible statistical forecast model is valuable in real-life applications. Furthermore, sensitivity experiments show that forecast skills without these special treatments are obviously decreased. This suggests that forecast models can benefit from using statistical methods in a more flexible and better-targeted way.

Physics lacks a confirmed description of dark matter, has yet to develop an adequate understanding of dark energy, and includes unverified conjectures regarding new elementary particles. This essay features modeling that addresses those problems and explains otherwise unexplained data. Our modeling starts from five bases – multipole expansions for the electromagnetic and gravitational fields associated with an object, the list of known elementary particles, some aspects of mathematics for isotropic harmonic oscillators, concordance cosmology, and a conjecture that the universe includes six isomers of most elementary particles. The multipole expansions – which have use in conjunction with Newtonian kinematics modeling, special relativity, and general relativity – lead to a catalog of kinematics properties such as charge, magnetic moment, mass, and repulsive gravitational pressure. The multipole expansions also point to all known elementary particles, some properties of those particles, and properties of some would-be elementary bosons and elementary fermions. The harmonic-oscillator mathematics points to Gauge symmetries regarding some elementary bosons. The would-be elementary fermions lack charge and would measure as dark matter. The conjecture regarding six isomers of most elementary particles rounds out and dominates our specification for dark matter. Five of the isomers form the basis for most dark matter. Our modeling explains ranges of observed ratios of dark matter effects to ordinary matter effects – for the universe, galaxy clusters, two sets of galaxies observed at high redshifts, three sets of galaxies observed at modest redshifts, and one type of depletion of cosmic microwave background radiation. Our description of repulsive gravitational pressure points toward resolution for tensions – between data and modeling – regarding the recent rate of expansion of the universe, resolution for possible tensions regarding large-scale clumping, and resolution for possible tensions regarding interactions between neighboring galaxies. Our work regarding gravity, dark matter, and elementary particles suggests characterizations for eras that might precede the inflationary epoch, a mechanism that might have produced baryon asymmetry, mechanisms that govern the rate of expansion of the universe, and insight about galaxy formation and evolution.

The article concerns a relatively small but important fragment of John Paul II's pastoral activity, namely his pilgrimages to Poland: the nature of these pilgrimages, their historical background and teaching - especially to the extent that went beyond the immediate and Polish context. The text is the result not only of reading papal statements, but also of personal observation of the political and social atmosphere. The first two parts contain a concise description of the Pope's eight pilgrimages to Poland (before and after the political transformation). The third highlights out the main universal themes raised by the Pope: the dignity of the person, truth and freedom. During consecutive pilgrimages to Poland, he deepened and expanded the themes of his teaching. This collection of his sermons and speeches to Poles constitutes a comprehensive (devoid of redundant repetitions and omissions) treatment of important social, philosophical and theological issues. John Paul II, when speaking to Poles and about Poles, did not lose his universal perspective; he appealed both to Christians and to all people of good will. Papal pilgrimages to Poland are a significant part of modern Polish history, and their message is a valuable intellectual and spiritual gift.

Mycobacterium avium ssp paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of Johne’s disease (JD) in animals and a suspected cause of Crohn’s disease (CD) in humans. Crohn’s Disease is a progressive, detrimental granulomatous enteritis of which common therapies are targeted to suppressing certain components of the immune system. The efficacy of these treatments can be variable and temporary with no clear process of selection for the individual patient. However, diagnosis of MAP has been elusive in patients with Crohn’s Disease. In animals it can be detected by several different techniques, including bacterial cell culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunological targets. To move to an understanding of the possible pathogenicity of MAP and the sup-posed cause of CD in humans, it is necessary to demonstrate the presence of cell wall deficient mycobacterial (CWDM) forms of MAP in blood and tissue cultures from patients with CD. From this, more tailored and accurate therapies can be implemented and be developed to eradicate this infectious organism from humans. Current anti-mycobacterial antibiotics have limited efficacy as MAP is subtly different from tuberculosis. Newer methods, such as vaccination and gut microbiome remediation will be essential as part of combination therapies.

1). BACKGROUND: Cell wall deficient mycobacteria (CWDM) have seldom been isolated in bacterial culture from human subjects. particularly in clinical disease, such as Crohn’s disease. Techniques have focused on the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of CWDM in association with inflammatory bowel disease. (IBD). This paper is a report of the development of methods to demonstrate the presence of CWDM using the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain. This is in addition to the detection of the growth of CWDM in fluid media. 2). METHODS: The use of the ZN stain is suitable for the demonstration of CWDM in clinical samples and cultures, when the staining methods that were common prior to the 1970’s, are adopted. Specific culture media are developed and tested in parallel. Alterations in the concentration of basic fuchsin, and changes in the decolourising solutions are necessary. Decolourising solutions such as 20% concentrated sulphuric acid in water are preferable for detection of CWDM in cultures. 3). RESULTS: CWDM can be readily demonstrated using the simple methods outlined in this report. The ability to visualise the presence of CWDM opens the door to the development of specific fluid media for the isolation of CWDM in culture. 4). CONCLUSION: The ZN stain methods optimised for the demonstration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are not suitable for research into infectious causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as for the detection of CWDM in latent tuberculosis. Revisiting the techniques for the detection of CWDM may also refocus attention on inflammatory diseases considered to be idiopathic, but having hallmarks of an infectious process.

This research elucidates the dynamic expression of expansin genes during the wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) development process using comprehensive meta-analysis and experimental validation. We leveraged RNA-seq data from multiple public databases, applying stringent criteria for selection, and identified 60,852 differentially expressed genes across developmental stages. From this pool, 28,558 DEGs were found to exhibit significant temporal regulation in at least two different datasets, and were enriched for processes integral to grain development such as carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall organization. Notably, 30% of the 241 known expansin genes showed differential expression during grain growth. Hierarchical clustering and expression level analysis revealed temporal regulation and distinct contributions of expansin subfamilies during the early stages of grain development. Further analysis using co-expression networks underscored the significance of expansin genes, revealing their substantial co-expression with genes involved in cell wall modification. Finally, qPCR validation and grain morphological analysis under field conditions indicated a significant negative correlation between expression of select expansin genes and grain size and weight. This study illuminates the potential role of expansin genes in wheat grain development and provides new avenues for targeted genetic improvements in wheat.

This study discusses the experimental assessment of the in-plane mechanical behavior of a multi-leaf stone masonry wall built from cut stone and reinforced with metal connectors (cramps and dowels). The wall, inspired by conventional multi-leaf stone walls, is meant for use in modern stone masonry buildings. The wall is constructed from two parallel load-bearing walls with a cavity between them, which aims to conceal the installation and insulation needed in modern buildings. The load-bearing walls are connected with cramps and dowels at certain intervals so that the wall works as a single section against horizontal and vertical loads. To characterize the in-plane behavior of the proposed wall, compressive, triplet, and diagonal compression tests were conducted to investigate the compressive strength, shear strength, modulus of elasticity, stiffness, ductility, and energy absorption of the wall. Compared with dry and mortar joint walls, the use of dowels increased the initial shear capacity of the wall by 11 and 19 times, respectively. The application of cramps without curving channels inside the individual stone elements decreased the compressive strength by 18%. The energy absorption of the designed walls with metal connectors was substantially increased to that of the specimens representing conventional stone walls. The results obtained show the applicability of the wall due to its higher shear strength and minimal drop in compressive strength, which is within acceptable limits.

Cytokinesis is accomplished in higher plants by the phragmoplast, creating and conducting the cell plate, to separate daughter nuclei by a new cell wall. The microtubule-severing enzyme p60-katanin plays an important role in the centrifugal expansion and timely disappearance of phragmoplast microtubules. Consequently, aberrant structure and delayed expansion rate of the phragmoplast occur in p60-katanin mutants. Here, the consequences of p60-katanin malfunction in cell plate/daughter wall formation were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while deviations in the chemical composition of cell plate/new cell wall were identified by immunolabeling and confocal microscopy, in root cells of the fra2 Arabidopsis thaliana mutant. It was found that, apart from defective phragmoplast microtubule organization, cell plates/new cell walls appeared also faulty in structure, being unevenly thick and perforated by large gaps. In addition, demethylesterified homogalacturonans were prematurely present in fra2 cell plates, while callose content was significantly lower than in the wild-type. Furthermore, KNOLLE syntaxin disappeared from newly formed cell walls in fra2 earlier than in the wild-type. Taken together, these observations indicate that delayed cytokinesis, due to faulty phragmoplast organization and expansion, results in a loss of synchronization between cell plate growth and its chemical maturation.

Tissue clearing methods combined with confocal microscopy have been widely used for studying developmental biology. In plants, ClearSee is a reliable clearing method that is applicable to a wide range of tissues and is suitable for gene expression analysis using fluorescent reporters, but its application to the Arabidopsis thaliana embryo, a model system to study morphogenesis and pattern formation, has not been described in the original literature. Here we describe a ClearSee-based clearing protocol, which is suitable for obtaining 3D images of Arabidopsis thaliana embryos. The method consists of embryo dissection, fixation, washing, clearing, and cell wall staining, and enables high quality 3D imaging of embryo morphology and expression of a fluorescent reporter with the cellular resolution.

Two pilot scale desalination system employing carbon modified nano-sized, zero valent metals (n-ZVM) were maufactured and tested to determine (1) the degree to which high salt water (20 to 130 mS) could be desalinated and (2) if this degree of desalination could be maintained throughout an extended treatment period. Two pilot systems were tested (referred to as Generation 1 and Generation 2) consisting of parallel lines of 4 individual reactors in series, a settling tank and an activated carbon cell at the end of each reactor line. The system capacity was 300 gal in Generation 1 and 600 gal in Generation 2 total with a total hydraulic residence time of 6 hours per reactor line (one hour per cell/tank). A slurry of n-ZVM was introduced in the first reactor on each line to yield approximately 5 to 45 grams of nano-metal per 100 L of influent salt water. The n-ZVM slurry was made from mixing tea extract with metal salts (eg ferrous sulfate, ferric chloride) to produce the carbon modified metal slurry. Initial runs focused on dosing required to achieve maximum salt removal at each of three influent salt contents, 28 mS, 44 mS and 123 mS. Once dosing was set, continuous runs (14 days, 23 days and 9 days) were carried out to (1) examine the ability of the pilot to maintain the removal efficiency over an extended period, (2) to determine the weaknesses inherent in the pilot systems, and (3) to begin to develop CAPEX and OPEX estimates for the pilot and pre-design full scale mobile desalination unit (MDU) system. Results demonstrated that maximum removal occurred with 10 g/100L of salt for the 30 mS salt solution,16 g/100 L of salt for the 40 mS influent water and 40 g/100 L for the 130 mS influent. Salt removal (expressed as Na and Cl removed) approached 78% for the 30 mS influent and 41 mS influent respectively while removal for the highest salt influent (130 mS) approached 81 %. Addition of greater amounts of carbon modified slurry than those described resulted in a pH less than 6 which inhibits continued salt removal and would require addition of calcium or magnesium oxides/hydroxides or bicarbonate solutions at the influent side to achieve greater salt removal and of course greater cost per gallon. Continuous operation over the extended time-period showed no significant decrease in salt removal with typical day to day variation of no more than 10% suggesting that this approach to desalination could rapidly provide usable water from saline aquifers, seawater or even produced water. Treatment of saline waters at 30 mS or less yields effluent water in the range necessary for irrigation use of many crops while treatment of seawater or produced water levels of salt (40 mS or higher) yields effluent in the range of 8 to 10 mS a range ideal for RO influent that would prevent the production of large volumes of brine. Pilot testing continues with seawater extracted from Puget Sound, Seattle WA and higher levels of salt to better represent produced water.

Nowadays there is a need to increase the density of interconnections on printed circuit boards (PCBs). Does this mean that the only way out for quality PCB manufacturing is to proportional increase in precision of equipment, or is there another way? One of the main constraints to increasing the density of PCB interconnections is the transition holes. As the number of conductive layers increases, the number of vias increases and they cover a significant space on the PCB. On the other hand, reducing the size of the vias is limited by the capability of spatial alignment of the PCB stack during manufacturing. There are standards that set limits for the design of contact pads on a PCB (IPC-A-600G, IPC-6012B). However, depending on the precision of production, the contact pads may be of poor quality. This raises the issue of determining the reliability of a contact pad with defined parameters at the design stage, taking into account manufacturing capabilities. This research proposes an analytical method for evaluation of reliability of a via or plated through-hole based on calculation of its probability of production in accordance with the current standards. On the basis of the method a model was developed both for the case of a contact pad without any conductors connected to it (nonfunctional contact pad) and for the real case with a connected conductor. The model estimates the probability of making an acceptable via for a given reliability class depending on parameters such as the conductor width (minimum permissible and usable), drilled hole diameter and pad diameter, as well as the accuracy of the drilling operation. The analysis of the modeling results showed that for the real case, a reduction in the reliability class would insignificantly affect the probability of making an acceptable via due to the tight limitation on the connection place of the conductor and the contact pad. In conclusion, we propose an algorithm for determining the optimal parameters of teardrops to minimize the negative impact of the conductor on the reliability of the vias.

Background: The rise of cloud computing has led to the increasing number of organizations that rely on it for various tasks and services, such as education, healthcare, and e-commerce. Unfortunately, many security threats can be caused by the sudden use of cloud platforms. Objective: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these threats and how they can be mitigated. Many companies are moving toward cloud computing to sustain their business growth and provide their employees with the best possible work environment. Results: Due to the rise of cyber security threats and the unprecedented number of breaches of data, small and medium-sized enterprises are also starting to take a huge leap. The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected the lives of people all around the world. Conclusion: Due to the seriousness of the situation, the WHO has declared the COVID-19 pandemic a public health emergency. To minimize the spread of the virus, the entire world has started adopting social distancing

This study investigates the spatio-temporal variability of the onset, offset, and Length of the rainy season in Senegal over the 1981-2018 period. The onset, offset dates, and length of the rainy season are crucial parameters for agricultural planning in West Africa, which exhibits high interannual and spatial variability in rainfall. The objective is to detect and spatially classify these phenological parameters across Senegal using different approaches. Daily precipitation data from the Climate Hazards group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) dataset over the study period and ERA5 reanalysis were used. The method of was applied to detect the onset, offset dates, and length of the rainy season. The Kohonen algorithm was then used to spatially classify these parameters on topological maps. A hierarchical ascendant classification was also performed to reduce the number of classes obtained. Finally, a composite analysis of moisture transport before the onset and end of the 1984 and 2007 seasons was conducted with ERA5 data. The results show a meridional gradient of the start of the season, progressively later from southeast to northwest, while the end follows a north-south gradient. The duration of the rainy season ranges from 45 days in northern Senegal to 150 days in the south. The maximum number of dry days also decreases from north to south. The Kohonen self-organizing maps allow spatial prediction of the onset, end date, and duration of the rainy season across Senegal. The dynamics analysis reveals that early onset years are associated with stronger and earlier northward moisture transport over West Africa, underscoring the role of this parameter in triggering the rainy season. These promising results can provide an early warning to policymakers and farmers on the start and end dates of the season in each area of Senegal.

Given the significant role of the Ningxia Urban Agglomeration along the Yellow River in reshaping the urban network and promoting coordinated development in the upper Yellow River region of China, this paper takes enterprise flow as the explicit manifestation of the regional urban network. Based on the data of registered enterprises from 2005 to 2021, combined with the interlocking network model, social network analysis method, and spatial panel econometric model, this paper interprets the evolution of the regional urban network structure and its influencing mechanisms through the different types of enterprise flow. The results indicate the following: (1) The external network is primarily focused on outflow investments towards North China, East China, and Northwest China. The overall inflow sources form a multi-origin structure dominated by North China and East China. The Jinfeng and Xingqing serve as core hubs for enterprise exports in the external network and destinations for incoming enterprises. However, in the Productive manufacturing connections, a spatial organizational pattern driven by multiple cities has formed. (2) In the internal network, a concentric connection structure centered around the Jinfeng and Xingqing has formed. The Productive service connections are relatively active, while the Productive manufacturing connections are relatively concentrated between the Jinfeng, Xingqing, Ningdong, and Lingwu. However, there is an imbalance in the spatial connections within the urban agglomeration network and an incomplete hierarchical system of network nodes. (3) In the external network, the main feature is the absorption of external elements to foster development momentum. In the internal network, the Jinfeng and Xingqing serve as contact and radiation sources, influencing various nodes. However, their driving capacity is weak. (4) The market demand and coordinated development both demonstrate significant promoting effects on the connections within the external and internal networks. The sluggish adjustment and transformation of regional industrial structure have resulted in a temporary negative inhibitory effect on the development of transformation. The negative impact of urban investment activities and the positive impact of government management are reflected within the internal network. (5) The improvement of urban management and service functions, as well as external borrowing, can promote the connection in different network. However, the borrowing economic activity can have a negative impact in different networks. (6) Industrial agglomeration can promote enterprises connections in different networks and generate significant spatial spillover effects.

Introduction The Pericapsular Nerve Group (PENG) block is a novel technique that allows for analgesia of the anterior hip capsule via the articular branches of the accessory obturator nerve and femoral nerve, which have a significant role in the innervation of the hip capsule. PENG blockade is effective in both adult and pediatric patients. However, there are no studies in the available literature on patients under five years of age. Herein, we describe our experience with two pediatric patients with hip dysplasia. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of the pericapsular nerves group (PENG) in small children undergoing hip surgery. Patients and methods This study included two patients, aged 2 and 4 years old, who qualified for hip surgery. General or spinal anesthesia with the addition of a PENG block was performed. During the procedure, the basic hemodynamic parameters were monitored. After the surgery, the patients received 15mg/kg-1 iv paracetamol every 6 hours to prevent rebound pain. The pain was assessed using the FALCC score. The 15mg/kg-1 metamizole was administered if the FLACC score was 3. In the FLACC score 4, the application of 0,2mg/kg-1 Nalpain was ordered. Results The patient's hemodynamic parameters were stable and within normal range. FLACC scores from all patients ranged from 0 and 3 in the first 24 h period. One patient required metamizole 12 hours after surgery. No evidence of block complications was observed. Conclusions This case series showed that PENG block provided adequate postoperative analgesia and assured opioid-free pain management. However, we are convinced that future randomized, controlled trials are needed in this field.

For the problem of poor accuracy of the existing multi-rate simulation methods, this paper proposes a multi rate real-time simulation method based on the Norton equivalent, compared with multi-rate simulation method based on the ideal source equivalent. After the Norton equivalence of the fast subsystem and the slow subsystem, they are obtained simultaneously at the junction nodes. In order to reduce the amount of simulation calculation, the Norton equivalent circuit is obtained by incremental calculation. The data interface between the fast subsystem and the slow subsystem is realized by extrapolation method. For ensuring the real-time performance of the simulation, the method that the slow subsystem calculates ahead of the fast subsystem is given for the slow subsystem with a large amount of calculation. Finally, the AC/DC hybrid power system was simulated on the real-time simulation platform (FRTDS), and the simulation results were compared with the single-rate simulation, which verified the correctness and accuracy of the method.

As the control brain of the petrochemical plant, blast resistant performance requirements of the petrochemical control room should be guaranteed when the vapor cloud explosion occurs in the petrochemical production process. 3D-Kagome truss core sandwich structure is a kind of blast resistant material with high energy absorption. Considering the influence factors of the radius of the truss core rod and thickness of the upper and lower panels, in this paper, blast resistant performance of a real steel petrochemical control room with 3D-Kagome truss core sandwich wall is analyzed. With the optimization goal of plastic deformation energy and panel displacement, the optimal wall thickness and radius of the truss core rode are obtained. The optimized blast resistant wall is assembled, and the dynamic response of the steel petrochemical control room with the 3D-Kagome truss core sandwich blast resistant wall is analyzed. The simulation results show that the truss core layer does not dissipate the blast energy effectively when the radius ratio of the truss core rod is larger than 2.7% of the total thickness of the wall; with the increase of the thickness of the upper and lower panels, the proportion of plastic deformation energy of the truss core layer increases gradually and then tends to be a stable proportion value, that is about 90%; When the thickness ratio of the panel is 6.7% of the total one of the wall and the radius ratio of the truss core rod is 2.7% of the total thickness of the wall, the optimal blast resistant 3D-Kagome sandwich wall is determined.

This paper focused on the finite element analysis of structural system in extreme loading condition. Two different stud shape and thicknesses were analyzed under blast. The stud thickness such as 1.19 mm and 1.5 mm were modelled and analyzed using ABAQUS 6.14. FEM is a tool which predicts the engineering physics of the real structure. To validate the finite element modelling performed by authors, a reference work published by earlier researchers on cold-formed steel stud wall is considered and examined in the present study. The novelty of this study was web corrugation and influence of flange width on stud. The models mimic like an air bag in a car to delay the pressure timing inside the stud wall. The mass of explosive used as 1.56 kg at a standard scaled distance. Time versus displacement was captured out at four locations in the stud wall. One of the objectives is to develop mathematical model to validate the deformation of stud under blast loading. Two mathematical models were validated using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results captured in ANN model was error histogram, regression plot, best performance fit and training data. The models were capable of resisting the moderate blast load. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate model performance Regression equations are useful for predicting future trends and outcomes, which is crucial for planning and decision-making. The primary goal of this work is to evaluate cold-formed steel stud walls with varying stud sizes under blast loading using finite element analysis and validated by ANN and RSM.

The uneven immunogenicity of the attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine has created the diffi-culty to achieve a balanced protection against all four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV). To overcome this problem, non-replicative-based vaccines have come into focus as their immuno-genicity is adjustable. This approach is excellent for multivalent vaccines but commonly faces the issue of low immunogenicity. In this present study, we developed a non-replicating dengue vaccine composing of UV-inactivated dengue-2 virus (UV-DENV2) and DENV-2 NS1-279 protein encapsidated within nanoparticles. This vaccine candidate was administered in the presence of BCG cell wall cytoskeleton (BCG-CWS) as an adjuvant. We revealed, here, that encapsidated immunogens with BCG-CWS exerted potent activities on both B and T cells and elicited Th-1/Th-2 responses in mice. This was evidenced by strong neutralizing antibody activity with an unde-tectable antibody enhancing activity in a group of mice receiving encapsidated immunogens with BCG-CWS. Importantly, BCG-CWS significantly augmented antibody-mediated comple-ment-fixing activity, strongly stimulated the antigen-specific polyfunctional T cell responses as well as activated mixed Th-1/Th-2 responses specific to DENV2- and NS1-279 antigens. In conclu-sion, BCG-CWS potently adjuvanted the inactivated DENV-2 and subunit DENV immunogens. The mechanism of adjuvanticity remains unclear. This study revealed the potential use of BCG-CWS in vaccine development.

This study was first time designed to investigate the effect of oxidation on protein digestion and transport properties in boiled sea cucumber body wall (BSCBW) via simulated digestion combine with everted-rat-gut-sac models. Boiling heat treatments led to protein oxidation in SCBW, manifested by increases in free radical intensity, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, carbonyl groups, disulfide bonds, dityrosine bonds, advanced glycation end products, protein hydrophobicity and aggregation, declines in free sulfhydryl group, and secondary structure transition from α-helix to β-sheet. Boiling for 2 h caused the anti-digestion collagen unfolding, provided the action site for protease, and improved the protein digestion and transport levels. On the contrary, excessive oxidative modification of 4 h-BSCBW resulted in decreased protein digestion and transport levels. From the perspective of texture, digestion and transport properties, boiling for 2 h can obtain sea cucumber products with better edible and digestible properties, which is considered to be a better processing condition.

The Sun is a frame at relative rest in which sunlight travels at the emitted speed c. Earth travels at the revolving speed v in this frame. The reflection of light as a mechanical phenomenon applies to the modified Michelson interferometer employed by Miller in his experiments with light from the Sun. Unlike the Tomaschek experiments, which use light from stars that may travel in the Universe at velocities different from that of the Sun, the fringe shifts in the Miller experiments are predictable. Based on Michelson's derivation, Miller expected in his experiments at Mount Wilson a 1.12 fringe shift and observed a fringe shift of 0.08 in 1921 and 0.088 in 1925. The reflection of light as a mechanical phenomenon predicts zero fringe shift for Miller's experiment agreeing only with his observations at the Cleveland laboratory in 1924.

This article presents raw data of biaxial tensile measurements of rat heart passive myocardium conducted in lab scale environment. The passive myocardium of the rat was divided into three regions, namely: left ventricle, mid-wall and right ventricle. The biaxial dataset of passive rat myocardia is presented as stress vs strain of the passive rat myocardium in various regions. The determination of valid material properties of the heart plays an important role in the development computational models. These computational models are useful in studying various scenarios and mechanisms of heart diseases. In addition, valid and accurate materials are critical in the development of new therapies. The dataset presented here is useful in the area of soft tissue mechanics including studying the mechanisms of heart diseases such as myocardial infarction. Accordingly, the evaluation of stress and strain in left ventricle, mid-wall and right ventricle was performed.

In thermal friction drilling (TFD) operations, the geometrical dimensions of bushing shape, height and wall thickness are the most vital consequences, due to increasing the connecting length and strength. In this paper, AA7075-T651 aluminum alloys with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm in thicknesses were drilled with TFD process in order to investigate the density, the volume ratio, and height and wall thickness of the bushings. The experiments were conducted at constant spindle speed and feed rate conditions by using HSS conical tools of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm in diameters. It was experimentally found that the bushing height and the wall thickness were tendency of increase linearly with increasing both material thickness and tool diameter. The effect of tool diameter was found to have much of influence on the measured values than the thickness of the drilled material. The density of the bushing was changed inconsiderably. Approximately 70-75 % percentages of the evacuated material composed the bushing shape, in TFD operations.

Trend patterns of melanoma skin in Serbia from 1999 to 2020 *Rancic K. Natasa 1,2, Tiodorovic B. Danica 1,4, Ilic V. Mirko 2, Biljana N. Kocic 1,2, Maksimovic S. Natasa 3, Ilija D. Kocic 4, Dusan P. Miljkovic 4, Otasevic A. Suzana 1,2 Introduction. Melanoma of the skin represents about 1% of all skin cancers and it causes nearly 80% of skin cancer deaths. Due to its increasing incidence, particularly in the most developed countries it represents a great challenge for primary prevention. Objective. To explore patterns and analyze incidence trends of melanoma in Central Serbia from 1999 to 2020. Materials and Methods. Descriptive study was done and data were obtained from the Population-based Cancer Registry of Serbia. The joinpoint regression analysis was done to assess the incidence trend of the melanoma skin: the annual percent change (APC) along with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. Results. A total number of 9952 new melanoma cases were registered melanoma (5204 in males and 4748 in females) during the observed period. Males represented 52.3% of all patients, with male to female ratio of incidence 2.09:1. A non significant increasing trend of incidence in males from 1999 to 2013 with APC of 2.53% (95%CI: from -18.2 to 21.9, p=1) and significantly increasing trend from 2013 to 2020 with the APC of 11.29 % (95%CI: from 1.4 to 5.8, p<0.001) was established. An incidence trend in females has stabilized in the whole studied period, with APC of 0.42% (95%CI: from -3.3 to 6.8, p=0.1). Melanoma of the skin was not common before the age of 30. Out of all cases and about of 76% new cases were diagnosed in persons ≥ 50 years of age. Conclusion. The incidence trend of new melanoma cases significantly increase in the whole population from 1999 to 2020. The significant increasing of incidence trend in males and stabilization of incidence trend in females was established. Males had significantlly higher incidence rates than femalesand over of 76% new melanoma cases were diagnosed in persons above 50 years of age.

Background: In the current era of globalization, the Indonesian government's problem today is the weakening of nationalism and patriotism among the millennial generation. The large number of foreign cultures that have entered Indonesia has caused a sense of nationalism and patriotism. In addition, Indonesia is also facing the problem of spreading the Covid-19 virus. During the pandemic, various policies set by the government received protests from some circles because they felt their freedom was restricted. Therefore, the awareness of millennial generation nationalism is needed, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic like today. This research aims to make millennials aware of nationalism sense, which mainly to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This research is used to answer the questions of what the problems that arise due to the waning of the spirit of nationalism during the pandemic are? and what efforts should be made to maintain the spirit of nationalism? Methods: This research is a qualitative study using the literature review method. The articles used are research published in 2019 to 2021 in Google Scholar, with keywords that match the topic of millennial generation nationalism in the Covid-19 pandemic. Results and Discussion: The results of the study found that the spirit of Indonesian nationalism during the Covid-19 pandemic was decreasing. The decline in the sense of nationalism is due to several government policies that impact the psychology of society and the Indonesian economy. As a result, society, particularly the millennial generation, must play a role in breaking the chain of the Covid-19 virus's propagation by following the government's health standards. Conclusion: The government and society need to work together to understand nationalism in the millennial generation, especially in dealing with problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on this, various efforts need to be made to foster the spirit of nationalism and overcome the Covid-19 pandemic. So that later, it can produce a generation that upholds the value of nationalism in everyday life.

In this note, the toy-model of Fourth Generation quarks coupling to Standard Model particles through unknown Lagrangian has been figured. Eventually producing a 103 TeV vector gauge boson, which is a special gauge boson that appears in unification models and here as a mediator for WeakSM4 interaction. Another anomaly of different gauge boson has been reported.

This note will be a brief account of an unknown vectorial mathematical current in SM4 Field based on disintegrating the Lagrangian of quarks in SM4 into four parts. It is shown that the current breaks while interacting with the quarks and makes the quarks to not interact with fourth-generation quarks. This note also shows that gauge bosons are produced while these currents symmetry break and provides the service as mediators.

Measurements of complex magnetic permeability, μ(f,H)=μ′(f,H)-iμ″(f,H) and dielectric permittivity ε(f,H)=ε′(f,H)-iε″(f,H), in the frequency range, f of (0.4-7) GHz, and polarizing field, H of (0–135) kA/m, were performed, for a kerosene-based ferrofluid with magnetite nanoparticles. Based on these measurements, the phenomenon of ferromagnetic resonance was highlighted and some microwave propagation parameters of the ferrofluid were determined: the attenuation constant, α(f,H), and the reflection coefficient, R(f,H), at the air-material interface. Knowing these parameters we proposed a theoretical model establishing for the first time a new equation that allows the calculation of the overall reflection coefficient, Rw(f,H), of a ferrofluid with thickness d, deposited on a totally reflective support, following multiple internal reflections of the electromagnetic wave in the material. The results show that by increasing both, H, and d, the parameter, Rw(f,H) presents a minimum that decreases from 0.90 (for d=2mm) to 0.64 (for d=10 mm), at frequency f=5 GHz, which indicates an increase in the absorption of the electromagnetic wave by the ferrofluid. The obtained results are useful in the study of some materials that could be used as electromagnetic absorbers in the microwave range, by the determination of the overall reflection coefficient, Rw(f,H), controlled both by the thickness, d , of the absorber and by the external applied field, H.

The recent global calamity of sea level rise and flooding is a major disaster. Some settlements on Java Island, Indonesia, have been reported to be sinking. Bedono Village is one village on the Central Java Coast that is vulnerable to sea level rise. Aside from the possibility of sea level rise, the calamity in this village is linked to prior mangrove degradation and fish pond expansion. This tragedy has displaced 78.63% of the population over a decade, and the remaining population is still surviving in the remaining lands. This study aims to investigate the effects of sea-level rise-related permanent inundation on the lives of the remaining residents in Bedono Village, with a focus on their adaptation and resilience methods. The results disclosed that remaining populations have taken active initiation by adopting multiple strategies that include structural prevention measures and nature based solution through mangrove reforestations. As a result based on mangrove assessment using Geographic Information Systems, mangrove cover increased from 1 ha in 2010 to 9.5 ha in 2012. This achievement has provided an alternative income through mangrove ecotourism. Women and multi stakeholder participation have also contributed to the implementation of adaptation strategy. Despite those significant achievements, the adaptation and resilience was challenged by lack of education and awareness towards sea level rise issues and their confounding disasters. The nature-based solution and local wisdom in Bedono Village is an example that is in line with GPDRR UNDRR 2022, the Sendai Framework, and The Bali Agenda for Resilience that ensures a whole-of-society approach to sea-level rise by ensuring that no one is left behind, creating an inclusive environment, and promoting gender.

In light of climate changes, technological development and the use of renewable energy sources are considered very important nowadays, both in newly-designed structures and reconstructed historic building, resulting in the reduction of the commercial energy consumption and CO2 environmental emissions. This paper explores the possibilities of improving the energy efficiency of heritage sacred buildings by utilizing photovoltaic systems. As an exceptionally significant cultural good, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Belgrade shall serve as a case study, with the aim of examining the methods of mounting photovoltaic (PV) panels, by taking into account the fact that the authenticity and the aesthetic value of this cultural monument must remain intact. A comparative analysis of the two options for installing PV panels on the southwestern roof of the church was performed using simulations in PVgis and PVsist V6.84 software, with the aim of establishing the most efficient option in terms of power generation. The simulation results show that photovoltaic panels can produce 151650 kWh (Option 1) and 150894 kWh (Option 2) per year, while the required amount of energy is 42726.77 kWh. The electricity produced exceeds the electricity requirements for the decorative lighting of the Cathedral Church, so it can be used for other purposes in the sacral complex.

In light of climate changes, technological development and the use of renewable energy sources are considered very important nowadays, both in newly-designed structures and reconstructed historic building, resulting in the reduction of the commercial energy consumption and CO₂ environmental emissions. This paper explores the possibilities of improving the energy efficiency of heritage sacred buildings by utilizing photovoltaic systems. As an exceptionally significant cultural good, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Belgrade shall serve as a case study, with the aim of examining the methods of mounting photovoltaic (PV) panels, by taking into account the fact that the authenticity and the aesthetic value of this cultural monument must remain intact. A comparative analysis of the two options for installing PV panels on the southwestern roof of the church was performed using simulations in PVgis and PVsist V6.84 software, with the aim of establishing the most efficient option in terms of power generation. The simulation results show that photovoltaic panels can produce 151650 kWh (Option 1) and 150894 kWh (Option 2) per year, while the required amount of energy is 42726.77 kWh. The electricity produced exceeds the electricity requirements for the decorative lighting of the Cathedral Church, so it can be used for other purposes in the sacral complex.

In the context of the increasing migration into Germany that has taken place in recent years and German efforts to establish an inclusive school system, which enables learners from different religious, ethnic, language and social backgrounds with and without disabilities to participate, religious education has become a key topic for interdisciplinary discourse between theology, philosophy, and pedagogy in German schools. The following questions are of special interest: How can we manage diversity in inclusive classroom settings in general, and specifically: how can we do so with regard to worldview diversity? Does worldview diversity in schools exist, and if so, how can we recognize it in its plurality and complexity? How can we acknowledge different worldviews in the context of a changing inclusive school system? In this article, we would like to present the theoretical foundation, the research setting and the first findings of our ongoing pilot studies of worldview education at an inclusive German school. The experiments are part of a larger project context that is also described. The case study presented in this article, in which innovative language and machine learning technology was used for data analysis, illustrates the potential of inclusive methods and didactic concepts such as Universal Design for Learning [1], Learning in the Presence of the Other [2,3] and Reflexive Inclusion [4] for inclusive worldview education in the context of a religiously pluralized and secularized society.

According to the current understanding, the recently observed accelerated expansion of the universe is caused by the dark or the vacuum energy. Attempts to calculate the magnitude of this energy using the standard model of particle physics led to values which are 59 – 120 orders of magnitude larger than the experimentally estimated one. Even though the expanding space has positive internal energy, in a flat universe it is completely balanced by the negative energy of gravitational field making the net energy equal to zero. However, the current physical theories may breakdown for times less than or on the order of Planck time and one cannot assume that the above assertion concerning the balance of two energies is valid also in this time scale. In this note it is assumed that this balance of the two energies during the creation of new space as the universe expands takes place only for times larger than the Planck time. If this assumption is correct, the net energy of the newly created space remains positive for times on the order of Planck time and the positive vacuum energy has to be burrowed from empty space before it is being balanced by gravity. This can happen only within the restrictions of the time-energy uncertainty principle. In this note it is shown that such considerations lead to a vacuum energy density of about 0.3 Nanojoules per cubic meter which has to be compared with the measured value of 0.6 Nanojoules per cubic meter.

Carotid atherosclerotic lesions are a major cause of cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Identification and quantification of carotid plaques are important for categorizing the vulnerability of plaques for rupture and assessing the impact of treatments. The irregularity of plaque surface is associated with previous plaque rupture and plays an important role in the risk of stroke. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop and validate novel vulnerability biomarkers from three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) images by analyzing the surface morphological characterization of carotid plaque using fractal geometry features. 3D box-counting and 3D blanket are the two types of 3D fractal dimension that were employed to describe the smoothness of plaques. This fractal dimension analysis tool was used to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin using 3DUS carotid images, which were acquired from 6 patients treated with atorvastatin with 80 mg daily and 5 patients with placebo. The Student's T Test results showed that those two fractal features were effective for detecting the statin-related changes in carotid atherosclerosis with p<0.0068 and p<0.015 respectively, suggesting that 3D fractal dimension measurements can be used effectively to analyze the surface characteristics of carotid plaques, especially for evaluating the impact of the treatment.

In the paper, by virtue of the Faà di Bruno formula, some properties of the Bell polynomials of the second kind, and an inversion formula for the Stirling numbers of the first and second kinds, the authors establish meaningfully and significantly two identities which simplify coefficients in a family of ordinary differential equations associated with higher order Bernoulli numbers of the second kind.

Banana wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) is a devastating fungal disease. Biocontrol strategies owned immense potential in inhibiting the spread of Foc TR4. Here, thirty actinobacteria were isolated from soils and screened for their antagonistic activity against Foc TR4. Strain SCA4-21T exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against nine phytopathogenic fungi including Foc TR4. The strain was identified as the genus Streptomyces according to phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis. Multi-locus sequence analysis based on five house-keeping gene alleles (atpD, gyrB, recA, rpoB, and trpB) revealed that strain SCA4-21T clustered into S. hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus NBRC 13472T with 100% of bootstrap value. Average nucleotide identity and dDDH were 98.49% and 44.30% above the threshold of novel species. Hence, strain SCA 4-21T represented a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, named as Streptomyces luomodiensis sp. nov.. The type strain is SCA4-21T (=GDMCC4.340T= JCM36555T). By the CAZymes analysis, 348 carbohydrate-active enzymes were detected, including 15 chitinases and 8 β-1,3-glucanases. The fermentation broth of strain SCA4-21T showed high activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, contributing to the antifungal activity. Our results showed an innovative potential biocontrol agent for managing plant fungal diseases, specifically banana fusarium wilt.

Windows account for a significant proportion of the total energy lost in buildings. The interaction of window type, Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) scheduled and window placement height would influence the natural lighting and heat transfer through windows. This is a pressing issue for non-tropical regions considering their high emissions and distinct climatic characteristics. A limitation exists in the adoption of common simulation-based optimisation approaches in the literature, which are hardly accessible to practitioners. This article develops a numerical-based window design optimisation model using a common Building Information Modelling (BIM) platform adopted throughout the industry, focusing on non-tropical regions of Australia. Three objective functions are proposed; the first objective is to maximize the available daylight, and the other two emphasize on the undesirable heat transfer through windows in summer and winter respectively. The developed model is tested on a case study located in Sydney, Australia, and a set of Pareto-optimum solutions is obtained. Through the use of the proposed model, energy savings of up to 16.43% are achieved. Key findings on the case example indicate that leveraging winter heat gain to reduce annual energy consumption should not be the top priority when designing windows for Sydney.

Background: The purpose was to develop a novel hypothetical method to increase the size of coronary arteries. Methods: In the long-term observation the coronary sizes were dilated in three unexpected scenarios. The coronary artery sizes were observed in patients with mitral stenosis (n=59) by angiogram prior to percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty or valve replacement surgery for severe mitral stenosis. The coronaries of patients with patent ductus arteriosus who underwent surgical closure in the past (n=12) were examined by echocardiogram. Patients with renal failure on long-term dialysis through peripheral arterio-venous fistula without left ventricular hypertrophy (n=17) were studied by echocardiography. Normal age, weight and sex matched coronary sizes served as controls in the study. All these observations were made over a period of 11.5 years. Results: The sizes of coronaries in patients with mitral stenosis, patients who underwent closure for patent ductus arteriosus, and in patients on hemodialysis through arteriovenous fistulas were higher than normal controls (p<0.05, for all). A hypothetical model to increase the coronary sizes could be developed based on the analysis of the differential equations of Poiseuille’s. The proposed method is creating a peripheral arterio-venous fistula, which could be closed later electively by a percutaneous method/surgery. The closure time needs to be determined by experimental studies. The other methods could be a continuous exercise program or usage of beta-blockers. Conclusion: A novel hypothetical method of peripheral arteriovenous fistula formation could potentially increase the size of the coronaries, and this could be closed later.

Serious damage caused by floor heave in the coal given chamber of a vertical coal bunker is one of the challenges faced in underground coal mines. Engineering practice shows that it is more difficult to maintain the coal given chamber (CGC) than a roadway. More importantly, repairing the CGC during mining practice will pose major safety risks and reduce production. Based on the case of the serious collapse that occurred in the bearing structure of the CGC at the lower part of the 214# coal bunker in Xiashijie mine, China, this work analysed (i) the main factors influencing floor heave and (ii) the failure mechanism of the load-bearing structure in the CGC using FLAC^2D numerical models and expansion experiment. The analysis results indicate that: the floor heave, caused mainly by mine water, is the basic reason leading to the instability and repeated failure of the CGC in the 214# coal bunker. Then a new coal bunker, without building the CGC, is proposed and put into practice to replace the 214# coal bunker. The FLAC^3D software program is adopted to establish the numerical model of the wall-mounted coal bunker (WMCB), and the stability of the rock surrounding the WMCB is simulated and analysed. The results show that: (1) the rock surrounding the sandstone segment is basically stable. (2) The surrounding rock in the coal seam segment, which moves into the inside of the bunker, is the main zone of deformation for the entire rock mass surrounding the bunker. Then the surrounding rock is controlled effectively by means of high-strength bolt–cable combined supporting technology. According to the geological conditions of the WMCB, the self-bearing system, which includes (i) H-steel beams, (ii) H-steel brackets, and (iii) self-locking anchor cables, is established and serves as a substitute for the CGC to transfer the whole weight of the bunker to stable surrounding rock. The stability of the new coal bunker has been verified by field testing, and the coal mine has gained economic benefit to a value of 158.026174 million RMB over three years. The new WMCB thus made production more effective and can provide helpful references for construction of vertical bunkers under similar geological conditions.

The present paper reports an alternative solution of the measurement problem in quantum theory. The measurement problem can be characterized as that the U-procedure verses the R-procedure. The R-procedure is tested by the Yes/No measurement originally proposed by von Neuman and discussed in details by Penrose. We propose a novel stochastic sampling method to tackle the measurement paradox. Each testing sample produces a pair of Yes-number c and No-number d, which in turn generates a sample phase with respect to the exponential form of (c+id). All the sample phases forms a group G_R. Taking G_R as the sampling potential, combined with the dynamic phase group G_U，we establish a unified model of U-procedure and R-procedure for the evolution of wavefunction. Based on the Born rule, the probability of a sample is given by the squared magnitude of （c+id）. Some metaproperties of the new U-R model, such as natural transformation, consistency, and completeness, are presented. The present work provides a new picture of quantum mechanics and alike. The measurement problem widely exists in dynamic analysis, higher cognition, and large data modeling. Thus, the work reported here has a wide range of applications. Keywords: The measurement problem; U-R procedures; the Yes/No type measurement; stochastic sampling; sample phase; Born probability.

The process of water treatment by nanoparticles is one of the most considerable subjects in the cross-field of hydrodynamics, chemistry and mathematics. This paper is dedicated to the case of the flows that appear when squeezing and stretching a spongy with a mix of water with nanoparticles and contaminants. It is assumed that fluid is homogeneous at the starting moment, the parameters of the nanoparticles and contaminants are known, and there is a constant non-homogeneous magnetic field applied to the system. The flow starts moving when the walls of the channel shift to each other. Exact and numerical solutions of the system of ordinary differential equations are used to receive the results. The article gives an answer to the question about stability of the flow and proposes the technique to evaluate the essential characteristics of the system to achieve the treatment process efficiency. The main result is that the considered system shows excellent treatment properties during some part of squeezing stage. This effect does not appear without magnetic field.

We introduce a new class of Vertex Operator Algebras Y+ and their duals, which generalize the standard W-algebras WN of type sl(N). These algebras can be defined in terms of junctions of boundary conditions and interfaces in the GL-twisted N = 4 Super Yang Mills gauge theory. The aim of these technical calculations is to find the relation of these ortho-symplectic Y-algebras to truncations of even W\infinity.

The present study aimed to analyze novel mechanisms underlying Nrf2-mediated anti-apoptosis in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in the periodontitis oxidative microenvironment. We created an oxidative stress model with H2O2-treated PDLSCs. Herein, we used real-time PCR, western blotting, TUNEL staining, fluorogenic assay and transfer genetics to confirm the degree of oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as the Nrf2 function. Surprisingly, we demonstrated that with up-regulated ROS and MDA levels, the effect of oxidative stress was obvious under H2O2 treatment. Anti-oxidative molecules were changed after the H2O2 exposure, whereby the anti-oxidative signaling of Nrf2 was activated with the increase of its downstream effectors, HO-1, NQO1 and γ-GCS. Additionally, the apoptosis levels gradually increased with oxidative stress and changes in the caspase-9, caspase-3, Bax and c-Fos levels, but not with caspase-8 and down-regulated Bcl-2. The enhanced antioxidant effect could not resist the occurrence of apoptosis. Furthermore, Nrf2 overexpression effectively improved the anti-oxidative levels and increased cell proliferation. At the same time, overexpression effectively restrained TUNEL staining and decreased the molecular levels of caspase-9, caspase-3, et al, but not that of caspase-8. By contrast, silencing the expression Nrf2 levels had the opposite effect. Collectively, Nrf2 alleviates PDLSCs via its effects on anti-oxidative and anti-intrinsic apoptosis by the activation of anti-oxidative enzymes.

The development of sustainability, the improvement of the quality of life, and the protection of future generations have become of prime importance in light of climate changes and carbon emissions. Universities are at the top of institutions that should participate in creating an environmentally friendly infrastructure. This study thus aimed to explore the extent to which Saudi universities achieve sustainability in the light of the Saudi Green Initiative from the faculty members’ perspective. Surely, this investigation would produce a proposal to promote sustainability in Saudi universities. A questionnaire consisting of five dimensions, namely academic sustainability, community partnership, resource management, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership was developed and administered to 120 faculty members from five Saudi universities. The participants’ ratings of Saudi universities’ achievement of sustainability dimensions ranged from high to moderate. Based on the results, a proposal was offered to take sustainability in Saudi universities to a higher level.

This chapter aims to construct a relatively complete, universal, and highly reliable road surface state monitoring and perception system through the research of the A1 contact road reconstruction project of an international airport (hereinafter referred to as the “airport”). The system design is based on on-the-spot investigation, theoretical analysis, and engineering practice, using vibrating string type and resistive strain sensors as sensing means, real-time high-frequency signal acquisition technology as the guide, 4G router for wireless communication technology as the media, and storage technology for monitoring system based on server storage terminals. In combination with engineering background, aircraft motion state, main landing gear configuration, sensor selection and evaluation, and other major factors, the actual monitoring information needs of the plane are fully taken into account, as well as the difference in sensor information types, and the system design is carried out by stratification and classification.

Patients with cancer experience insomnia or sleep disturbances. This study aimed to explore whether the discrepancy between a patient's desired time in bed and total sleep time (DBST) index is a measurement tool for insomnia severity or sleep onset latency [SOL] in patients with cancer. This retrospective medical records review study gathered clinical information and rating scale scores including Insomnia Severity Scale (ISI), Cancer-related Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep scale (C-DBS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), State subcategory of State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Short form of Fear of Progression Questionnaire. Sleep indices of time variables (bedtime, sleep onset time, and wake-up time), duration variables [SOL, time in bed (TIB), time in bed for 24 hours (TIB/d), and duration from wake-up time to bedtime (WTB)], and the DBST index were calculated. The ISI score was predicted by PHQ-9 (β=0.34, P&lt;0.001), C-DBS (β=0.17, P=0.034), and DBST index (β=0.22, P=0.004) with a significant correlation with the DBST index (r=0.19, p=0.020). The DBST index was significantly correlated with long SOL (r=0.23, P=0.005). Long SOL was predicted by early bedtime (β=0.18, P=0.045), short WTB (β=-0.26, P=0.004), and high DBST index (β=0.19, P=0.013). The DBST index was significantly correlated with a predicting variable each for insomnia severity and SOL in patients with cancer.

Character education is essential for the current millennial generation and must be applied in everyday life in the surrounding community. The character of the millennial generation is different from the previous generation, which requires us to pay more attention to character education which is starting to erode along with the times. The Millennial generation is a generation that in everyday life can never be separated from science and technology. In this digital era, the millennial generation has a social function of strength in technology. In this study, there are research questions that will be discussed in this article, namely the first regarding what problems occur in the millennial generation who occupy the digital era?. Second, what is the important role and influence of the digital era on character education for the millennial generation in Indonesia?. Writing this article uses a qualitative research method, namely a literature review study, where researchers use or look for references from journals or books. Samples of respondents were taken randomly from each region, and there were ten respondents. From this research, it is found that the millennial generation in the digital era chooses to use social media to access the latest news and information rather than reading print media that contains education. This article aims to find out the importance of character education for the millennial generation, which is starting to erode with the times in the digital era. Many people underestimate character education, especially for the current millennial generation. Therefore, we must implement educational programs at any level, especially in Indonesia, because the character shows the national identity. This article will discuss the vital role and influence of character education for millennials who live in the digital era to be aware of the importance of character education in citizenship.

This article discusses how, in today’s world of disruptive and dramatic social change (DSC), non-sports related coaching, which includes a wide range of services such as life coaching, career coaching, executive coaching, and team coaching, can inadvertently fuel undesirable social dynamics. There is little or no awareness of this risk among coaches and coachees. The global, fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar industry aimed at supporting people and organisations to perform better and increase wellbeing while managing and adapting to change has been developed with limited sociological input. The article is based on 15 years of social constructionist-informed reflective practice by a sociologist-turned-coach, and uses a multi-layered autoethnographic account to argue for a sociologically informed paradigm shift in coaching, as well as relevant sociological knowledge and social and human sciences research methodology in coaches’ education. It presents the rationale and key features of a new coaching approach that places DSC-relevant sociological concepts at the heart of the coaching process, helps people develop psycho-sociological awareness, and uses a learning-to-develop through research design. A new definition of coaching to address DSC is derived. Coaching practitioners will find DSC-relevant sociological concepts, critical reflections, coaching questions, and procedures to expand coaching effectiveness. Interdisciplinary research topics combining coaching sociology and coaching psychology are suggested.

The internet of things and growing demand for smaller and advanced devices has created the problem of high heat production in the electronic equipment which greatly reduces the work performance and life of the electronic instruments. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are placed in between heat generating micro-chip and the heat dissipater to conduct all the produced heat to the heat sink. Development of suitable TIMs with excellent thermal conductivity (TC) in both in-plane and through-plane directions is a very important need at present. For efficient thermal management, polymer composites are potential candidates. But in general their thermal conductivity is low compared to that of metals. The filler integration into the polymer matrix is one of the two approaches used to increase the thermal conductivity of polymer composites and is also easy to scale up for industrial production. Another way to achieve this is to change the structure of polymer chains, which fall out of the scope of this work. In this review, considering the first approach, the authors have summarized recent development in many types of fillers with different scenarios by providing multiple cases with successful strategies to improve through-plane thermal conductivity (TPTC) (K⊥). For better understanding of TC the comprehensive background is also presented. In the end, it is given a detailed conclusion which provides drawbacks of some filler, multiple significant routes recommended by other researchers to build Thermally Conductive Polymer Composites, future aspects along with direction so that the researchers can get a guideline to design an effective polymer based Thermal interface materials. A number of methods to improve the effective (out-plane) thermal conductivity of polymer composites are also discussed.

This paper explores the application of fisheries management theories to broader environmental issues, including climate change and biodiversity conservation. It underscores the inherent trade-off in fisheries between yield and resource conservation, identifying harvesting as a significant environmental burden. Early recognition of the sustainability concept aimed to address challenges like economic discounts and the tragedy of the commons, contributing to the issue of overfishing. These insights extend beyond fisries to other environmental concerns, particularly climate change. The development of adaptive management, initially tailored to address uncertainties and non-stationarity in fisheries, has found application in diverse environmental issues. Recognizing humans as integral parts of ecosystems highlights the impossibility of achieving zero environmental impact when utilizing natural resources. The paper advocates for passive restoration to prevent overfishing, leveraging nature's resilience. While goals like complete biodiversity restoration are inherent in fisheries, their relevance may not be immediately apparent to other environmentalists. Despite ongoing discussions on the sustainability of ecosystem services, legislation often tends to favor the long-term maximization of fisheries yield. The paper calls for mutual understanding of theories and experiences across various environmental fields, including fisheries, to enhance collaborative efforts in each field.

Запропонована методика спрямована на визначення та прогнозування технічного стану елементів мосту, що може слугувати прогресивним інженерним інструментом для оцінки надійності та довговічності. Розроблено на основі фундаментальних досліджень, які узагальнюють досвід вивчення фізико-механічних і фізико-хімічних властивостей матеріалів мостових конструкцій, що експлуатуються в реальних умовах. Теоретичною основою методики є модель надійності та прогнозування залишкового ресурсу елементів мосту на основі теорії Маркова. Розроблена методика призначена для оцінки технічного стану окремих елементів мосту з подальшою комплексною оцінкою всієї конструкції. За показник технічного стану прийнята надійність при експлуатації. Цей кількісний показник надійності в моделі є критерієм для: оцінки рівня безпеки елементів мосту; ранжування елементів мосту за необхідністю для конкретних видів ремонту, реконструкції або заміни; стратегічне планування витрат на ремонт або реконструкцію в умовах обмеженого фінансування; прогнозування залишкового ресурсу елементів. Для застосування розробленої методики запропоновано алгоритм оцінки та прогнозування технічного стану мостів. Було проведено математичний експеримент розробленої методики, який підтвердив адекватність висунутої гіпотези, тобто використання моделі надійності та прогнозування залишкового ресурсу елементів мосту. По-перше, запропоновано триступеневий механізм уточнення технічного стану мосту, суттєво підвищення точності розрахунків. Тому розроблена методика має практичне значення і може слугувати основою для інформаційно-аналітичних систем управління станом мостів.

The survey findings reveal that rivers worldwide carry an annual sediment load of 15 billion tons into the sea, and the Yellow River basin alone contributes 1.6 billion tons of sand. Therefore, understanding the science of wind and sand in the Yellow River is crucial to ensuring the safe development of similar basins across China and the world. This study examines the midstream wind and sand area of the Xiliugou tributary, a part of the upper Yellow River. The researchers used a stepped sand collector combined with an anemometer to measure the sand transport flux at 0-50 cm height on various underlying surfaces of the basin. Then, they estimated the amount of wind and sand entering the Yellow River using a function model based on the measured factors. Furthermore, the team analyzed the particle size composition of wind-eroded sand to better understand the principles of wind and sand erosion and accumulation in the basin. The results of the study show that the sand transport flux per unit area varies significantly across different underlying surfaces. Moreover, the contribution of moving sandy land, semi-fixed sand, and fixed sand to wind and sand deposition in the Yellow River basin was 77.08%, 15.30%, and 7.62%, respectively. The vertical change of sand transport rate on the basin's surface demonstrates that the total sand transport rate is an exponential function of wind speed. Based on this relationship, the researchers estimated that the total annual average wind and sand entering the Yellow River basin via the Xiliugou tributary is approximately 8.09×105t. Due to the basin's unique geography and sand source, the particle size composition of wind-eroded sand differs between the east and west sides of the river channel. On the west side, desert sand, mainly fine sand, and very fine sand constitutes the sand source. Conversely, on the east side, sand collected in the riverbed by secondary wind erosion is the primary sand source. Furthermore, human activities have disturbed the grain composition, mainly comprising powder and clay particles. This phenomenon, known as "wind-blown mud and water-washed sand," is evident in this geographical unit. In conclusion, the Yellow River basin still faces significant ecological security hazards. Understanding the coupling relationship between desert-basin-sand and wind is the foundation for effectively controlling wind and sand flow into the Yellow River basin.

We suggest progress regarding the following six physics opportunities. List all elementary particles. Describe dark matter. Explain ratios of dark matter to ordinary matter. Explain eras in the history of the universe. Link properties of objects. Interrelate physics models. We use models based on Diophantine equations.

Local Productive Systems (hereinafter LPS) based on agro-food industries constitute alternative models of development in peripheral rural areas that are subject to internal and external dynamics and processes. The main objective of the research is to investigate the processes and their consequences on four SPLs based on the Iberian Pig Transformation Industry (hereinafter LPS-IPTI) in SW Spain: Fregenal de la Sierra, Higuera la Real, Cumbres Mayores and Jabugo. Using secondary data, a comparison is made between 2002 and 2020 to establish the changes, causes and consequences on the LPS-IPTI studied. The results obtained indicate (1) business and territorial concentration of LPS-IPTI; (2) productive and territorial specialisation in standardised products and quality products; (3) simplification of industrial processes; (4) loss of employment, especially female; (5) external control of companies in the sector which, accordingly, results in the loss of prominence of local actors in favour of foreign companies, reduced social capital and the progressive loss of ownership of the LPS.

Objectives: The study aimed to uncover the percentages of battered women in Jordan, its causes, forms, and relationship to several social factors. Methodology: The study was conducted on a random, targeted sample of (1308) women based on social sample survey method and electronic questionnaire tool for data collection, the Descriptive statistical method and chi-square test were used to examine statistically significant differences. Results: The study found that the percentage of battered women reached 17.1% during Corona pandemic in 2020, and the increase in men's violence against women during this period of was in large and medium degrees according to the sample. Husbands were the most practicing violence against their wives at 37.5%, followed by fathers against daughters at 28.6%, and brothers against sisters at 26.8%. The causes of male violence are due to social factors represented by male domination culture, interference by family and relatives, and economic factors represented by the high cost of living, low household income and poverty. The most common forms of violence are verbal, physical, and psychological. The study found that women in southern Jordan, who are poorer and less educated, and who live in a large family, are the most abused. The study recommended activating family and community service and reform offices, solving problems of deteriorating economic situation and individual poverty, and enlightening community awareness of the dangers of domestic violence.

The importance and near ubiquity of the Golden Ratio in disciplines like chemistry and biology is well known, but only recently has it come to light in areas pertaining to the Quantum domain. By using a modified tool-kit of hyper-complex numbers (known as Dimensional Gate Operators) and numerical analysis, we uncover a connection between hyper-dimensional objects, the Fibonacci sequence and that of quasiparticles and excitations. The results show that dimensionality increases in step with the Fibonacci sequence.

In the upper charged layers of the atmosphere, the plasma is very rarefied. The collisions between its molecules are almost non-existent, and the driving forces behind them are the Lorentz forces resulting from the electric and magnetic fields. For this reason, we are interested in studying the behavior of non-collision plasmas because of its essential applications, such as the movement of satellites in the charged atmosphere. In this paper, the flow problem of collisionless gaseous plasma is examined. For that propose, we solve the unsteady Vlasov-Maxwell system of non-linear partial differential equations analytically. Methods of moments and traveling wave parameters are used to acquire an exact solution. Specific macroscopic properties of collisionless gaseous plasma are calculated along with electrical and magnetic fields. Further, thermodynamic estimation, such as entropy and entropy production, is presented. Those calculations allow us to measure the consistency with the laws of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Relations between internal energy modification participations are predicted using Gibbs' equation for collisionless plasma. The modification effect of internal energies due to electro-magnetic fields is found to be small compared with the internal energy change due to the effect of entropy. That is because these fields are self-induced by plasma particles due to the sudden movement of the rigid plane plate. The results are accomplished according to the typical argon gaseous plasma model. Three-dimensional diagrams showing the measured variables are drawn to investigate and discuss their behavior. The problem has many commercial applications for the movement of objects in the charged atmosphere.

Driven by environmental sustainability concerns, the integration of biobased components in curtain wall systems is gaining traction in both research and the construction market. This paper explores the development and validation of a bio-based façade system within the Basajaun H2020 project. The project aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing environmentally friendly bio-based components into the mature curtain wall façade industry. The paper focuses on identifying technological solutions for replacing key components such as profiles, insulation, and the tightness system with bio-based and less environmental impact alternatives presenting the results achieved in the façade system design of the Basajaun project funded by European Union. These solutions aimed at creating a bio-composite-based curtain wall façade that adheres to current building envelope standards and normative; to implement diverse façade typologies for vision panels, opaque sections, and integrated windows; to engineer the prefabrication process for industrialization, enabling wider market replication and simplified transport and installation. The results demonstrate that the Basajaun façade successfully integrates selected components and meets the performance requirements set by regulations. However, questions remain regarding the workability of bio-based profiles as a commercially viable, ready-to-market solution that can replace traditional aluminum profiles in the curtain wall façade industry.

Keywords: Wall-like RC columns; Strengthening; FRP; NSM rebars; Steel plates; Testing; FE modeling; Preloading.

Applications in security and electronic surveillance require combination of excellent magnetic softness with good mechanical and anti-corrosive properties and low dimensionality. We overviewed the properties of soft magnetic glass-coated microwires and different post-processing making them quite attractive for electronic article surveillance and security applications. We studied the magnetostatic interaction between the microwires and routes to tune the non-linear hysteresis loops by using the arrays of different types of amorphous microwires. The presence of neighbouring microwire (either Fe or Co-based) significantly affects the hysteresis loop of the whole microwires array. In a microwires array containing magnetically bistable microwires we observed splitting of the initially rectangular hysteresis loop with a number of Barkhausen jumps correlated with the number of magnetically bistable microwires. Essentially, non-linear and irregular hysteresis loops have been observed in mixed arrays containing Fe and Co-rich microwires. The observed non-linearity in hysteresis loops allowed to increase the harmonics and tune their magnetic field dependencies. Non-linear hysteresis loops have been also observed upon devitrification of amorphous microwires. On the other hand, several routes allowing to tune the switching field by either post-processing or modifying the magnetoelastic anisotropy have been reviewed. Observed unique combination of magnetic properties together with thin dimensions and excellent mechanical and anti-corrosive properties provide excellent perspectives for the use of glass-coated microwires for security and electronic surveillance applications.

In line with Pomeau’s conjecture about the relevance of directed percolation (DP) to turbulence onset/decay in wall-bounded flows, we propose a minimal stochastic model dedicated to the interpretation of the spatially intermittent regimes observed in channel flow before its return to laminar flow. Numerical simulations show that a regime with bands obliquely drifting in two stream-wise symmetrical directions bifurcates into an asymmetrical regime, before ultimately decaying to laminar flow. The model is expressed in terms of a probabilistic cellular automaton evolving von Neumann neighbourhoods with probabilities educed from a close examination of simulation results. It implements band propagation and the two main local processes: longitudinal splitting involving bands with the same orientation, and transversal splitting giving birth to a daughter band with orientation opposite to that of its mother. The ultimate decay stage observed to display one-dimensional DP properties in a two-dimensional geometry is interpreted as resulting from the irrelevance of lateral spreading in the single-orientation regime. The model also reproduces the bifurcation restoring the symmetry upon variation of the probability attached to transversal splitting, which opens the way to a study of the critical properties of that bifurcation, in analogy with thermodynamic phase transitions.