This research explores the transformation of learning methodologies from traditional to modern approaches, focusing on the development of a gamified educational application with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) mentor for secondary school graduates preparing for Croatian state graduation exams. Traditionally, education has been marked by a passive student role and teacher-centric transmission of knowledge. In contrast, modern learning tools, such as gamified applications, introduce interactive and engaging elements. The purpose of this study is to identify user-centric learning approaches through a comprehensive survey of graduating students, assessing their readiness for exams, learning styles, and preferences. The research explores issues such as financial burdens on parents for preparatory courses and copyright concerns with external educational materials. In summary, the learning application should prioritise sustained knowledge retention, motivation, and stress reduction, offering an alternative to external preparatory courses. Conclusions underscore the importance of fostering an engaging learning environment, incorporating teacher-like elements, and aligning with user expectations. As digital technology positively impacts the learning experience, understanding user preferences is crucial in designing educational apps that cater to learners' needs. The study provides insights for developing a gamified learning application that not only prepares students for exams but also enhances long-term knowledge acquisition and engagement.

This study aims to determine the Antecedent of employee engagement among police officers in Tanjung Perak Police Station. The approach used in this research is quantitative with survey and correlation methods. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling which obtained by respondents as many as 146 employees of Police officers in Tanjung Perak Police Station which include all the population. The data analysis technique used in this research is descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis. Inferential statistical analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach using Smart PLS application. Furthermore, the measurement of the model (outer model). The test findings suggest that internal and external job transitions improve capital mobility. Movement capital boosts internal employability. Movement capital boosts external employability. Employee engagement and participation are negatively impacted by perceived external employability.

: Protease-producing yeasts were isolated from potato wastes and screened for protease production on skim milk agar plates The best producer of protease isolate was identified as Clavispora lusitaniae. The strain showed better enzyme production using tomato pomace and bread waste mix as a solid fermentation substrate. The optimized conditions improved enzyme activity and showed a maximal production of 33450±503 IU/g compared with the initial activity of 11205,78 ±360 without medium optimization. A threefold increase in protease activity after medium optimization proved the reliability of using the PBD and CCD design. A 19.76-fold purified enzyme and a yield of 32.94% were obtained after purification. The protease showed maximum activity at pH 4 and 60 °C and was resistant to Tween 20, Tween 40, SDS, and β-mercaptoethanol, Ca2+, and Mg2+ stimulated it. The protease activity was strongly inhibited in the presence of urea, and EDTA. The results revealed Clavispora lusitaniae protease's ability to degrade wheat seeds and flour gluten by 98.7% and 97% respectively under pH 4 for 24 hours at 40 °C. According to this study, this enzyme could be a potential candidate for the food industry, particularly for treating wheat seed and flour to reduce the immunogenicity of gluten.

In the article, the authors presented the problem of the transition effect in bridge engineering, its causes, negative consequences, and suggested a solution involving the use of integral bridges with the embankment through a spatial bars structure using reinforced composite polymer material. Integral bridges are designed to collaborate with road or railway embankments in bearing loads. Additionally, their application minimizes maintenance and construction costs while enhancing durability. Current solutions in bridge engineering were described. It is predicted that the presented concept will reduce the amount of plastic waste and contribute to the long-term use of materials. The article emphasized the importance of sustainable development, recycling, and the potential application of substitute materials.

Energy transition is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. All micro, small, medium and large enterprises in operation will have to face it, and some can al-ready boast the first successes in this regard. This paper focuses on the involvement of these smallest players in energy transition. Micro and small entities are the largest part of the economy, having a great influence on its development. Looking at the wide scale of their activities, these entities are distinguished by a specific owner-manager relationship. This means that the final decision-making is influenced by business goals, but also by the manager's approach, their awareness of changes, and personal and other factors. Based on a structured and standardized survey questionnaire, the research was carried out using the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing technique between April and May 2022 among owners of micro and small enterprises operating in Poland. The survey showed that active engagement of micro and small enterprises in energy efficiency initiatives is related to their market success and financial health.

We extend Ziv and Lempel's model of finite-state encoders to the realm of lossy compression of individual sequences. In particular, the model of the encoder includes a finite-state reconstruction codebook followed by an information lossless finite-state encoder that compresses the reconstruction codeword with no additional distortion. We first derive two different lower bounds to the compression ratio that depend on the number of states of the lossless encoder. Both bounds are asymptotically achievable by conceptually simple coding schemes. We then show that when the number of states of the lossless encoder is large enough in terms of the reconstruction block-length, the performance can be improved, sometimes significantly so. In particular, the improved performance is achievable using a random-coding ensemble that is universal, not only in terms of the source sequence, but also in terms of the distortion measure.

The primary goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in solid-state batteries (SSBs), with a focus on recent advancements in solid electrolytes and anodes. The paper begins with a background on the evolution from liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries to advanced SSBs, highlighting their enhanced safety and energy density. It addresses the increasing demand for efficient, safe energy storage in applications like electric vehicles and portable electronics. A major part of the paper analyzes solid electrolytes, key to SSB technology. It classifies solid electrolytes as polymer-based, oxide-based, and sulfide-based, discussing their distinct properties and application suitability. The review also covers advancements in anode materials for SSBs, exploring materials like lithium metal, silicon, and intermetallic compounds, focusing on their capacity, durability, and compatibility with solid electrolytes. It addresses challenges in integrating these anode materials, like interface stability and lithium dendrite growth. This review includes a discussion on the latest analytical techniques, experimental studies, and computational models to understand and improve the anode-solid electrolyte interface. These are crucial for tackling interfacial resistance and ensuring SSBs' long-term stability and efficiency. Concluding, the paper suggests future research and development directions, highlighting SSBs' potential in revolutionizing energy storage technologies. This review serves as a vital resource for academics, researchers, and industry professionals in advanced battery technology development. It offers a detailed overview of materials and technologies shaping SSBs' future, providing insights into current challenges and potential solutions in this rapidly evolving field.

Femtoscopy is a unique tool to investigate the space-time geometry of the matter created in ultra-relativistic collisions. If the probability density distribution of hadron emission is parametrized, then the dependence of its parameters on particle momentum, collision energy, and collision geometry can be given. In recent years, several measurements came to light that indicated the adequacy of assuming a Lévy-stable shape for the mentioned distribution. In parallel, several new phenomenological developments appeared, aiding the interpretation of the experimental results, or providing tools for the measurements. In this paper we review and discuss some of these advances, phenomenological and experimental.

Melting, solidification and viscosity properties of a multicomponent Fe-Cu-Nb-Mo-Si-B alloys with low aluminum addition up to 0.42 at.% Al were studied using an oscillating cup viscometer. It is shown that melting and solidification are divided into two stages with a knee point at 1461 K. The temperature dependences of the liquid fraction between the liquidus and solidus temperatures during melting and solidification are calculated. It has been proven that aluminum accelerates the processes of melting and solidification and leads to an increase in liquidus and solidus temperatures. In the liquid state at temperatures above 1700 K in an alloy with a low aluminum content, the activation energy of viscous flow increases. This growth was associated with the liquid – liquid structure transition caused by the formation of large clusters based on the metastable Fe23B6 phase. Aluminum atoms attract iron and boron atoms and contribute to the formation of clusters based on the Fe2AlB2 phase and metastable phases of a higher order.

The transition region is a very thin but most peculiar layer in the solar atmosphere, located between the solar chromosphere and the corona. It is a key region for understanding the coronal heating, the solar eruptions triggering, and the origin of solar winds. Here, the gradients of all physical parameters are very high, including plasma density, ionization degree, temperature, and magnetic fields, etc. Therefore, the transition region should be highly dynamic, such as fast energy releasing and transporting, plasma heating, and even particle accelerating. They include two physical aspects: thermal and non-thermal processes. The thermal processes can be observed from the ultraviolet (UV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission by multi-wavelength images. The non-thermal processes, however, should be related to radio emissions especially at millimeter wavelengths, and the frequency range should span from several GHz to beyond 300 GHz, and the emission mechanism should be highly related to the magnetic fields and variations. The ultra-wide broadband spectral observations at millimeter wavelengths with high spectral resolutions may provide rich dynamic information about the transition region, such as non-thermal energy release and transmission, the flows of plasma and energetic particles, the magnetic fields and their variations, the generation and transportation of various waves, and the formation and evolution of the source regions of solar eruptions. Here, we discussed the spectral characteristics of millimeter-wave emission from the transition region and proposed a new conception of ultra-wide broadband millimeter-wave spectrometers to observe them.

This review provides an extensive overview of the developments in the field of polymer science, focusing on the solid-state modification (SSM) of thermoplastic materials. The background of the study places thermoplastics within the context of their increased use over the past century, highlighting their versatility in various applications and the associated environmental and health concerns due to certain additives. The methods section delves into the specifics of SSM, a technique that involves the incorporation of monomers or oligomers into the amorphous phase of polymers through multiple exchange reactions, distinguishing it from traditional melt polymer modification methods. The results section outlines the unique aspects of SSM and its increasing recognition for its potential to enhance material performance in areas such as catalysts and composites. It also discusses the application of SSM in modifying different thermoplastic polymers, highlighting various studies demonstrating the method's effectiveness in altering polymer properties. Finally, this work emphasizes SSM's importance in environmental sustainability and its potential in the recycling and upcycling of plastic materials. It acknowledges the challenges and future perspectives in the field, particularly regarding the scalability of SSM techniques for industrial applications and their role in advancing a circular economy in the polymer industry.

There is a continuous interest in cannabinoids like Δ9-tetrahydro cannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). A patent of Webster et al., described the conversion of CBD to either D8-THC or D9-THC, depending on the acid catalyst applied. The use of para-toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) led to the formation of D8-THC, while boron trifluoride etherate (BF3·Et2O) yielded mainly D9-THC. The enormous difference in product selectivity between these two catalysts was investigated with Molecular Modeling. It was found that pTSA leads to fast isomerization of Δ9-CBD to Δ8-CBD and subsequent ring closure to Δ8-THC. BF3·Et2O catalysis leads to the formation of tertiary carbenium ions in the Transition States which yield D9-THC and some iso D8-THC. Under dry conditions in refluxing toluene, it was found that pTSA is predominantly present as a dimer, and only a small fraction is available as monomeric catalyst. Applying the computationally derived activation barriers in Transition State theory yielded reaction rates predicting amounts of cannabinoids that are in close agreement with the experimental findings.

Exploring effective oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is crucial for progress in solid-state alkaline zinc-air batteries (ZAB). In this paper, silver-manganese dioxide-carbon nanotubes (SMC) ternary composites, which function as Electrocatalyst for air Electrodes, was produced via the pyrolysis of silver permanganate under microwave irradiation in one step. A scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and an energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) have consistently determined that SMC consists of silver and alpha-manganese dioxide, which anchored on the surface of CNTs. Through polarization and chronoamperometery curves, the electrocatalytic activity of SMC for ORR was examined. The results reveal that SMC has higher catalytic activity than the chemically produced electrocatalyst for ORR in alkaline condition. Finally, a solid-state zinc-air cell with an electrocatalyst was constructed and tested. Constant current discharge curve of the zinc-air cell with SMC has a long discharge voltage plateau and a 60.03 mAh capacity at 30 mA · cm−2 . The mechanism of improvement in electrocatalytic activity was also discussed. In a summary, the strategy described in this study and the electrocatalyst produced can be regarded as an effective method for making a robust oxygen reduction catalyst toward solid-state zinc-air batteries.

The earth pressure acting on soilbag reinforced retaining structures subjected to surcharge loads under non-limited states, is crucial for designing these structures. In this study, the earth pressures are investigated through model tests of the soilbag reinforced retaining wall. Findings from these tests reveal a non-linear distribution of lateral earth pressure on the wall when subjected to surcharge loads in non-limited states, with an observed escalation in pressure corresponding to increased surcharge loads. Compression tests on soilbags were conducted to analyze their lateral stress-strain behavior. Insights from these tests facilitated the development of a predictive method for estimating lateral pressure on soilbag reinforced retaining walls under similar conditions. This method, rooted in the principle of force equilibrium in differential elements, has its accuracy and reliability substantiated by the alignment of its predictions with the model test outcomes.

This research aims to understand the Cambodian green economy transition and analyze its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The research showed that Cambodia has been significantly transitioning its green economy since 2009 as evidenced by the National Green Growth Roadmap. Cambodia also established the National Council for Green Growth in 2012 and upgraded it to the National Council for Sustainable Development in 2015 in alignment with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. The members of the Council are from all the government’s ministries and relevant inter-ministerial councils/committees, which are significant for policymaking. All governors of the capital and provincial administrations are also its members, which are significant for supporting and implementing the works at the subnational levels. Under the structure of the Council’s Secretariat, Department of Green Economy is playing an important role in promoting green economic development in Cambodia by looking at national policies and strategic plans, undertaking projects, and mobilizing resources. Through coordination between this Department and UNIDO, Cambodia in 2022 became a Member of the United Nations Partnership for Action on Green Economy. The findings showed that Cambodia is transitioning its green economy at the right time, especially the new government’s Pentagonal Strategy strongly supported this green economy transition with a clear and strong political commitment. The national inter-ministerial council for sustainable development is also very significant for cross sectoral policy-making and implementing levels, inclusively for promoting green economic development.

The energy transition to wind and solar opens opportunities for green hydrogen as the wind and solar generation tends to bring electricity prices down to very low levels. This paper evaluates whether green hydrogen can integrate well with wind and solar PV to help with improved management of the South Australian electricity grid. Green hydrogen can use membrane electrolysis plants during surplus renewable energy periods. This hydrogen can then be electrified or used in industry. The green hydrogen system was analysed to understand the financial viability and technical impact of integrating green hydrogen. We also used systems engineering techniques to understand the system holistically, including the technical, social, environmental, and economic impacts. The results show opportunities for the system to provide seasonal storage, grid firming, and reliability services. Financially, it would need changes to electricity rules to be viable, but without those changes, our modelling suggested it would be financially viable within this decade

This study provides an in-depth examination of the binary system of n-Nonadecane and 1-Octadecanol, representative of plant cuticular waxes. It emphasizes the crystallization and phase transitions in this hydrocarbon mixture. Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the research uncovers detailed thermal properties and phase behaviors. The findings reveal the distinct phase transitions and enthalpy changes of each component in the binary system. This research is significant for its implications in under-standing the structural properties of plant waxes. Such insights are crucial for enhancing the effi-ciency of fertilizer and pesticide absorption in plant leaves, with broad applications in bionics and materials science. This study not only furthers the understanding of identifying specific phase transitions for each compound, facing challenges in detecting subtle changes using DSC. The re-search enhances understanding of plant cuticle waxes through FTIR analysis, revealing intricate molecular interactions and structural complexities. but also opens avenues for improved agri-cultural practices and material engineering, potentially influencing future innovations in these fields.

Endothelial function is regulated by a myriad of complex pathways. In our previous study, the expression of miR-378a-3p was shown to inhibit endothelial autophagy and impair endothelial function. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of miR-378a-3p in endothelial cells remains to be elucidated. By employing an in silico approach, Protein Disulfide Isomerase 4 (PDIA-4) was identified as a target of miR-378-3p; however, its’ role in endothelial cells is not known. We here report that endothelial cell-specific loss of PDIA-4 leads to impaired autophagic flux accompanied by loss of endothelial function and apoptosis. Endothelial cell-specific loss of PDIA-4 also induced marked changes in endothelial cells’ architecture, accompanied with the loss of endothelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers consistent with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Loss of PDIA-4 activates TGF-signaling, and inhibition of TGF-signaling inhibits EndMT in PDIA-4 silenced endothelial cells in vitro. Our findings help elucidate the role of PDIA-4 in endothelial autophagy and endothelial function and provide a potential target to modulate and/or limit autophagy and EndMT in (patho-)physiological conditions.

Solid-state transformer (SST) is a promising technology for smart grids due to its flexible power control (better reliability) and high efficacy (by decreasing losses) compared with traditional transformers. The SST is designed in tandem with three stages, i.e., the input, isolation, and output stages. As three converter stages are used to design the SST to make a more reliable device in practice, it is highly prone to instabilities. Moreover, the key objective of SST design is to implement a modern power distribution system to make it more intelligent and reliable. The stability issue can be even more complicated by the presence of distributed energy resources in the distribution system. Thus, the stability of SST must be measured prior to /during the design, and to determine, a state-space model is used, which is developed in this paper. Each stage of SST is modeled with its controller, and the system's stability is measured through the controllability and observability test. Further, the conversion from state-space to transfer function model is done, and the stability of SST is shown using frequency and time-domain diagrams. With these, the different plots, namely, the Bode plot, Nyquist plot, Nichols chart, Root locus, pole-zero plot, and Eigen plot, are used to ascertain the relative and absolute stability. Finally, the SST Simulink model is tested and validated through hardwate-in-the-loop simulation, i.e., OPALRT, to show its effectiveness and applicability.

In this work, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed to study the photocatalytic CO2 to CO reduction by a series of Pt(II) square planar complexes with general formula [Pt(5-R-dpb)Cl] (dpb = 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene anion, R = H, N,N-dimethylaniline,T thiophene, diazaborinine). The CO2 to CO conversion process is thought to proceed via two main steps, namely the photocatalytic/reduction step and the main catalytic step. The simulated absorption spectra exhibit strong bands in the 200 – 400 nm UV-Vis region. The calculated excited state reduction potentials are in the range 0.32 — -0.36 V revealing that the reductive quenching of the T1 state of the complexes could be modulated with suitable changes of the N^C^N pincer ligands. The CO2 fixation and activation by the ‘real’ three coordinated Pt(II) catalyst/intermediate is predicted to be favorable with Pt-CO2 bond dissociation energies, D0 in the range -36.9—-10.3 kcal/mol. The nature of the Pt-CO2 bond is complex with covalent, hyperconjugative and H-bonding interactions prevailing the repulsive electrostatic interactions. The main catalytic cycle is estimated to be a favorable exergonic process.

This article explores the crucial task of estimating State of Charge (SOC) in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and examines the applicability of various regression models for this purpose. We delve into the strengths and limitations of Linear Regression, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Neural Network Regression (NNR) in the context of SOC estimation. Linear regression provides a simple and interpretable baseline, SVR extends this to nonlinear relationships, while NNR emerges as a powerful tool with adaptive capabilities. The choice of model depends on factors such as data characteristics, interpretability, and computational resources. As the field evolves, the article advocates for a nuanced approach, possibly incorporating hybrid models, to achieve robust and accurate SOC estimation, contributing to the ongoing enhancement of HEV efficiency and sustainability.

(3+1)D quantum mechanics is a four-dimensional quantum formalism, which is developed neither in a Minkowski spacetime, nor in a purely Hilbert space and not its metric is Lorentzian. This quantum mechanics also yields the quantum Einstein field equation in (3+1)D quantum spacetime. Every observable (3+1)D quantum spacetime can be found to contain internally hidden opposite spin quantum state, that results Supersymmetry. Closed continuous mappings of this hidden quantum state immediately yield more extra hidden dimensions including string. This string is found to be fundamentally eleven-dimensional (rather than lower dimensional) by nature within this quantum spacetime, which is necessarily a natural phenomenon of (3+1)D Quantum Mechanics.

The poor solvent crystallization of carbapenem CS-023 has been performed at 25 °C. The following results have been obtained: 1) A solvate crystal Form A (5/2 Ethanol·1/2 H2O) is recovered from 80 v/v% ethanol solution, 2) Form A transforms to Form H (4H2O) by the solid-phase transition through the solvate-free polymorph, Form A-2, and Form A also transformed to Form C (1Ethanol·3H2O) by the solvent-mediated transformation. In the present study, we found that Form C also transforms to Form H by the solid-phase transition through the solvate-free polymorph, Form C-2. The three polymorphs, Form A, H, and C, were composed of the helical-chain structures, respectively. However, there was an incomprehensible affair in the solid phase transition among the three polymorphs. Namely, Form A comprised a left-handed helix.On the other hand, Form C and Form H’s helix chains were in a left- and right-handed helix complex. The solid-phase transition of Form A into Form H suggested the switch of helicity in the solid. We attempted to explain the helicity change in the solid phase transition. As a result, it was suggested that the over-absorption of water of Form A-2 at high humidity plays a vital role in the helicity change.

NiO-based nanomaterials have attracted a great deal of interest in view of various applications, that have stimulated the implementation of various synthetic approaches to control their chemico-physical properties as a function of the desired end-use. In this regard, their bottom-up preparation starting from suitable precursors plays an important role, but a molecular level in-sight into their reactivity remains an open challenge. In this study, we focus on the fragmentation of Ni(II) diketonate-diamine adducts, of interest as precursors for Ni(II) oxide systems, by com-bined electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) with multiple collisional experiments (ESI-MSn) and theoretical calculations. The joint analyses revealed common features in the frag-mentation pattern of the target compounds: i) in the first-fragmentation, all three complexes form analogous base-peak cations by losing a negatively charged diketonate; in these cations, Ni-O and Ni-N interactions are stronger and the Ni positive charge is lower than in the neutral complexes; ii) the tendency of ligand electronic charge to migrate towards Ni further increases in the subsequent fragmentation processes, leading to the formation – in all three cases – of a tetracoordinated Ni environment involving an interesting cation-π intramolecular interaction.

Zidovudine (AZT) has significantly reduced the mortality and morbidity rates among AIDS patients, but it has been associated with hepatotoxicity. AZT treatment has been linked to disrupted lipid and glucose metabolism, and the enhancement of pro-inflammatory chemokines and other mediators, which can lead to liver steatosis. In contrast, the administration of adenosine (ADO) has proven to be an effective hepatoprotector against both acute and chronic liver damage. Therefore, present study was aimed to investigate the harmful effects of chronic AZT administration and the beneficial effects of the co-administered ADO. Chronic oral AZT administration did not induce hyperglycemia or dyslipidemia, but serum liver marker enzyme activities were increased, as well as evidence of liver steatosis and inflammation. These findings were associated with low insulin and glucagon levels, elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and disruptions in cell redox states in these animals. ADO co-administration attenuated the deleterious effects induced by AZT: blocking the production of inflammatory molecules, increasing serum insulin and glucagon levels, and restoring liver cellular redox state. Then, blood insulin levels seemed to be greatly influenced by the cellular redox state, which was altered by AZT administration. This alteration is likely to be connected to mitochondrial integrity and metabolism.

Amplitudes of quantum transitions containing time zigzags are considered. The discussion is carried out in the framework of the Minkowski metric and the standard quantum mechanics without adding new postulates. We argue that time zigzags are not suppressed at the quantum level, but their contribution to the amplitude is zero. The result is valid for a single particle and a non-interacting scalar field.

Stroke is a major leading cause of chronic disability, often affecting patients’ motor and sensory functions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the most commonly used method of functional neuroimaging and allows the non-invasive study of brain activity. The time-dependent coactivation of different brain regions at rest is described as resting-state activation. As a non-invasive task-independent functional neuroimaging approach, resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) may provide therapeutically useful information on both the focal vascular lesion and the connectivity-based reorganization and subsequent functional recovery in stroke patients. Considering the role of prompt and accurate prognosis in stroke survivors along with the potential of rs-fMRI in identifying patterns of neuroplasticity in different post-stroke phases, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest literature regarding the role of rs-fMRI in stroke prognosis in terms of motor and sensory outcome. Our comprehensive review suggests that with the advancement of MRI acquisition and data analysis methods, rs-fMRI emerges as a promising tool to study the motor and sensory outcome in stroke patients and evaluate the effect of different interventions.

This paper focuses on leveraging a cutting-edge 3D state-space model for a holistic eco-friendly assessment in petrochemical operations. - By applying the ecological carrying capacity theory and the three-dimensional state-space model, this research aims to unleash the next frontier of sustainability in the petrochemical industry. - The proposed methodology will enable advanced and comprehensive eco efficiency evaluation in petrochemical operations. - Through the integration of the ecological carrying capacity theory and advanced modeling techniques, this research seeks to revolutionize sustainability assessments in the petrochemical sector. - The utilization of the cutting-edge 3D state-space model will provide a more advanced and accurate understanding of eco-friendly practices in petrochemical operations. This research presents a unique approach distinct from existing literature, which primarily examines business eco efficiency from behavioral motivation and strategic perspectives. In contrast, this paper introduces a novel three-dimensional state-space model to evaluate the ecological efficiency of petrochemical operations. By combining the ecological carrying index and state space, this model represents the ecological impact of petrochemical operations in a three-dimensional geometric space. It considers petrochemical operations as a significant factor exerting pressure on natural resources and the natural environment. In this three-dimensional state-space model, the three axes represent different dimensions of petrochemical operations. The first axis represents the economic status, which quantitatively describes the financial aspects of the operation. The second axis represents the utilization of resources, capturing the extent to which resources are consumed in the operation. The third axis focuses on the impact of the operation on the environment, allowing for a quantitative assessment of its ecological footprint. By incorporating these dimensions, the model aims to provide a comprehensive and quantitative description of the economic activities of petrochemical operations and their interactions with resources and the environment.The primary focus of this research is to apply the three-dimensional state-space model to calculate the ecological carrying capacity of petrochemical operations. By doing so, it aims to verify the feasibility and applicability of the model in determining the ecological efficiency of these operations. The research also aims to provide theoretical tools that can assist operations in making more informed ecological efficiency judgments. By utilizing this model, petrochemical operations will have a quantitative framework to assess and improve their environmental impact, thus fostering more sustainable practices. The findings of this research demonstrate that the implementation of this method can effectively identify issues related to resources, economy, and environment throughout the development of petrochemical operations. By identifying these problems, it provides managers with a solid foundation for making strategic decisions that promote sustainable development. With this valuable information at their disposal, managers can proactively address challenges, optimize resource utilization, and minimize environmental impacts, thus steering the petrochemical operations towards a more sustainable and responsible path.

This work proposes a physics-based identification technique based on genetic algorithms. The main objective is to obtain a parametric matrix A that describes the time-invariant linear model of the longitudinal dynamics of an aircraft. This is achieved by proposing a fitness function based on the properties of the transition matrix and taking advantage of some of the capabilities of the genetic algorithm, mainly those of restricting the search ranges of the unknowns. In this case, such unknowns are related to the type of aircraft and flight conditions that are considered during the identification process. The proposed identification method is validated with a reliable nonlinear model that can be found in the literature, as well as with the calculation of the trim condition and linearization generally used in aircraft dynamics. In summary, this study suggests the genetic algorithm provided with the adequate fitness function, could be an appealing alternative for aircraft model identification, even when only a limited amount of data is available. Furthermore, in some cases, linearization using genetic algorithm can be more efficient than classical methods.

Nano-drugs and nano-delivery systems are rapidly evolving, with new strategies emerging in the current practices. The evolution of these technologies began with modifying the chemical structure, progressing to supramolecular ionic complexes, and culminating in elegant ad hoc delivery systems. Nanoparticles have numerous benefits as a carrier system for delivering therapeutic agents to intra-arterial sites. These benefits include their subcellular size, targeted surfaces, good suspensibility, and uniform dispersity, making them an ideal choice for catheter-based delivery. Despite the advancements made in the field of nano-drugs and nano-delivery systems, there are still some hurdles to overcome in terms of their commercial availability.The current review presents an updated summary of recent advancements in nano-drugs and nano-delivery systems, including their commercial availability. We aim to discuss the present challenges and prospects of commercially available nano-drugs and nano-delivery systems. Here, we provide a precise and informative overview of the current state of these technologies and underscore the potential they hold for future developments. Further, we have categorized commercially available modifications, name, parent company and their main applications in nano-drugs.

The phytoplankton community in 66 reservoirs ubicated at the hydrographic basin of the Ebro River (Spain) was analyzed. Samples were collected in the summer season during the period 2010-2015, with the main purpose of evaluate the Trophic State and Ecological Potential according to the Water Framework Directive of the European Union. In this work we presented a representative overview of several consecutive years of the state of the reservoirs and their associated trophic status; methodology was to obtain statistically significant relationships between the phytoplankton community and main physicochemical water quality variables (water transparency, pH, chlorophyll a, total and soluble phosphorus, anoxic zone depth, nitrite, nitrate and ammonium concentrations). We provide data for retrospective comparative of the state of the reservoirs with previous and current studies in order to improve the management of these reservoirs, and to serve as data reference for future works in a context of global change (climate and pollution).

The maritime sector, grapples with environmental challenges, but the adoption of "cold ironing" emerges as a promising solution, signifying a shift toward sustainability by providing energy to ships at port, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly lowering emissions, contributing to global climate change efforts. This transition towards renewable energy is especially crucial for islands like Lesvos, addressing challenges of high energy costs and environmental degradation resulting from reliance on imported fossil fuels, highlighting the potential for positive economic and environmental impacts. The existing literature highlights a research gap in the development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to support cold ironing operations, specifically due to the absence of specific data for the power demand needed in such operations and the lack of monitoring data for accurate calculations. This study's primary objective is to utilize real monitoring data from the port of Lesvos to evaluate the power demand for a potential cold ironing application. Additionally, the study aims to analyze the implementation of a wind power park to meet the energy needs of an electric port and evaluate the potential reduction in CO2 emissions. The database of Marine Traffic S.A. was utilized, while the determination of the energy used in-port per ship depended on factors such as the number of arrivals, the duration of hoteling, and the type of engine used by the ships. In addition, the software RETSCREEN was used for the energy analysis of a simulated 20 MW wind park that can support the in-port operations. The combined monthly energy demand for both main and auxiliary engines of shipping vessels at Mytilini port was assessed to be 6118 MWh and averaging a power demand equaled to 8.2 MW. The simulation analysis indicates that the annual electricity delivered to the port can be72080 MWh, with a significant portion remaining unused and exported to the grid, amounting to 14956 MWh annually. Due to demand fluctuations, in-port activities require an additional 924 MWh from the main electrical grid, which highlights the importance of additional measures like energy storage and demand-response practices for the gradual transition to 100% Renewable Energy Sources (RES) operations.

Changing the symmetry of spin from SU(2) to the quaternion group, $Q_8$, has many ramifications. In this paper we first summarize the properties of Q-spin and then discuss some of those resulting changes.

In a Water-Cooled Lithium-Lead (WCLL) Breeding Blanket (BB), the heat generated by the plasma thermal radiation and nuclear reactions is removed mainly by two components; namely, the First Wall (FW) and the Breeding Zone (BZ). The FW faces the neutrons and charged particles fluxes generated by the fusion reactions and the thermal radiation coming from the plasma. The present work takes into account the FW cooling system inspired by the WCLL BB 2018 design of DEMO 2017 baseline. Unlike the baseline where a Pressurized-Water Reactor (PWR) setup is used for the coolant, various setup between the Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) and the High-Pressure (HP) BWR are studied in the present work operating in the Two-Phase Flow (TPF) regime. The 3D model of the FW in the WCLL BB 2018 design is simplified into a 1D model and a steady state analysis is carried out to optimize the mass flow rate of the water and the number of parallel channels at the BB cells at different poloidal locations of the reactor, which helps not only in reducing the used coolant but also in improving the Tritium Breeding Ratio (TBR). The present work takes into account forced convection in the liquid only region, the subcooled boiling region, and the saturated boiling region using suitable empirical or semi-empirical models from the literature. The results are validated against the existing results in the literature. In the end, related conclusions are made regarding the pros and cons of the studied operating conditions.

Karate is a martial art that originated in Japan It is characterized by its diverse techniques, including punches, kicks, strikes, and open hand techniques. Generally, karate practitioners shall execute techniques fast, with an impactful finishing towards the target. The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of customized gym sessions in enhancing the athletes’ general performance with a duration of 3-months’time. A total of 7 tests were monitored, i.e., anthropometric measurement, sit and reach test, stork balance stand test, T-test, counter movement jump, 20m sprint, and Yo-Yo endurance test. 4 male amateur athletes (state representative) that has practiced karate for at least 6 years, with at least 5 days training per week, were selected. The age ranges from 15 to 20 years old. The athletes were requested to have a proper rest (at least 7 hours sleeping time) five days before the actual test day. The results show that all athletes have at least maintained or improved stork balance for both legs. The balance improvement ranges from 0% up to 134.69%. However, both the T-test and 20m sprint test demonstrated a negative outcome. The time consumed to complete 20m is increased, which deteriorated the linear speed capability by 1.89% up to 8.93%. Also, 3 out of 4 athletes show that the T-test performance does not provide a satisfactory achievement. The agility of athletes was found to drop by 3.58% up to 10.60%. Interestingly, the athletes’ stamina was found to improve based on the VO2 max prediction and Yo-Yo test. The enhancement of VO2 max prediction and Yo-Yo test recorded as 0% - 7.53% and 9.09% - 20%, respectively. So far, there is no clear indicator on the flexibility of the athletes’ spine and length of the hamstring muscles, based on the sit and reach test. Short-term gym sessions with a duration of 3 months might improve the strength and body balance of athletes. However, the impact on the responsiveness and agility of athletes did not show any significant breakthrough. In future study, it is recommended that a large sample of participants should be included in the analysis.

In 2018, the state of Himachal Pradesh in north India launched an initiative to convert all its farmers to natural farming (NF), an agroecological approach. The aim was to address multiple challenges related to rural livelihoods, high input costs, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. This paper is based on a qualitative case study of the state programme to transition farmers to NF. It seeks to understand how its mechanisms support and empower small and marginal women farmers. In addition to identifying mechanisms that facilitate the effective uptake of NF, the case study sought women's views on whether these increased spaces for decision-making and developed capabilities and autonomy. Framed within the vision of reclaiming food sovereignty, various mechanisms such as training in villages, participating in NF groups and networks, visits to model farms and adopting leadership roles offered new pathways for women farmers to gain confidence and capabilities. Women began to participate in spaces that had been culturally and structurally denied to them. This case study illustrates how agroecology efforts with a specific focus on gender have the potential to provide women with creative outlets and a variety of decision-making and income-generating roles, spaces for community learning and knowledge needed for sustainable ecosystems.

We report recent enhancements of the online atomic database at the Ohio State University, NORAD-Atomic-Data, that provides various parameters for radiative and collisional atomic processes dominant in astrophysical plasma. NORAD stands for Nahar Osu RADiative. The database belongs to the data sources, especially for the latest works, of the international collaborations of the Opacity Project and the Iron Project. The contents of the database are calculated values for energies, oscillator strengths, radiative decay rates, lifetimes, cross sections for photoionization, electron-ion recombination cross sections and recombination rate coefficients. We have recently expanded NORAD-Atomic-Data with several enhancements over those reported earlier. They are as follows. i) We continue to add energy levels, transition parameters, cross sections for atoms and ions with their publications. ii) Recently added radiative atomic data contains significant amount of transition data for photo-absorption spectral features corresponding to x-ray resonance fluorescence effect, prominent wavelength regions of bio-signature elements, such as phosphorus ions, and emission bumps of heavy elements, such as of lanthanides, that may be created in a kilonova event. We are including iii) collisional data for electron-impact-excitation, iv) experimental data for energies and oscillator strengths for line formation, v) experimental cross sections for photoionization that can be applied for benchmarking and other applications, and vi) introduction of a web-based interactive feature to calculate spectral line ratios at various plasma temperature and density diagnostics, starting with our recently published data for P II. We presented summary description of theoretical backgrounds for the computed data in the earlier paper. With introduction of experimental results, we present summary description of measurement of high resolution photoionization cross sections at Advanced Light Source of LBNL synchrotron set-up and briefly discuss other set-ups. These additions should make NORAD-Atomic-Data more versatile for various applications. For brevity, we provide information on the extensions and avoid repetition of data description of the original paper.

The rate constants of elementary processes in the atom-diatom system O(³P)+H₂(v), including the processes of vibrational relaxation and dissociation, were studied using the quasi-classical trajectory method. All calculations were carried out along the ground potential energy surface (PES) ³A′′ that was approximated by a neural network. Approximation data were obtained using ab initio quantum chemistry methods at the extended multi-configuration quasi-degenerate second-order perturbation theory XMCQDPT2 in a basis set limit. The calculated cross sections of the reaction channels are in good agreement with the literature data. A complete set of state-to-state rate constants was obtained for the metathesis reaction, the dissociation and VT relaxation of the H₂ molecule upon collision with an O atom. According to this data Arrhenius approximations over a wide temperature range were obtained for the thermal rate constants of considered processes. Data obtained on the dissociation constants and VT relaxation of vibrationally excited H₂ molecules can be used in constructing kinetic models describing the oxidation of hydrogen at high temperatures or highly nonequilibrium conditions.

Transitions from seed to seedling represent a critical developmental step in the life cycle of higher plants, dramatically affecting plant ontogenesis and stress tolerance. The release from dormancy to acquiring the germination ability is defined by a balance of phytohormones, with a substantial contribution of abscisic acid (ABA), which inhibits germination. We studied the embryonic axes of Pisum sativum L. before and after radicle protrusion. Our previous work compared RNA sequencing-based transcriptomics in the embryonic axes isolated before and after radicle protrusion. The current study aims to analyze ABA-dependent gene regulation during the transition of embryonic axes from germination to post-germination stage. First, we determined the levels of abscisates (ABA, phaseic acid, dihydrophaseic acid, and neo-phaseic acid) using the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Second, we made a detailed annotation of ABA-associated genes using RNA sequencing-based transcriptome profiling. Finally, we analyzed the DNA methylation pattern in the promoters of the PsABI3, PsABI4, and PsABI5 genes. We showed that changes in the abscisate profile are characterized by the accumulation of ABA catabolites, and the ABA-related gene profile is accompanied by the upregulation of genes controlling the seedling development and the downregulation of genes controlling the water deprivation. The expression of ABI3, ABI4 and ABI5, which encode the crucial transcription factors during late maturation, was downregulated by more than 20-fold, and their promoters exhibited a high level of methylation already at the late germination stage. Thus, although ABA remains important, other regulators seems to be involved in the transition from seed to seedling.

This article investigates hydraulic percolation in saturated porous media, focusing on containment systems using sheet pile walls and gravity concrete dams. The Laplace equation, which governs hydraulic flow in porous media, is solved using the Finite Element Method through the ANSYS software. The modeling of the porous media employs a planar quadratic element called Plane 55, originally used for thermal problems, composed of four nodes and one hydraulic degree of freedom per node. The numerical results of the water pressure acting on the hydraulic structure, flow rate, and hydraulic gradient at the outlet of the porous media are compared with results obtained in the technical-scientific literature using flow nets. Two different methodologies are used to obtain the rate of seepage: by using the average hydraulic velocity or by calculating the integral of the hydraulic gradient perpendicular to the flow area. Both methodologies are compared and validated in the numerical simulations. This work also demonstrates the importance of mesh refinement for obtaining the flow rate in the studied hydraulic systems.

Sodium-phosphate-based glass-ceramics (GCs) are promising materials for a wide range of applications, including solid-state sodium-ion batteries, microelectronic packaging substrates, and humidity sensors. This study investigates the impact of 24-hour heat-treatments at varying temperatures on Na-Ge-P glass, with a focus on (micro)structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of prepared GCs. Various techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) are employed. With the elevation of heat-treatment temperature, crystallinity progressively rises; at 450 °C, the microstructure retains amorphous traits featuring nanometric grains, whereas at 550 °C, heat-treatment results in fully crystallized structures characterized by square-shaped micron-scale grains of NaPO3. The insight into the evaluation of electrical and dielectric properties is provided by Solid-State Impedance Spectroscopy (SS-IS), revealing a strong correlation with the conditions of controlled crystallization and observed (micro)structure. The glass-ceramic heat-treated at 450 °C achieves the highest DC conductivity of 2.30×10–8 Ω–1 cm–1 at 393 K. As the heat-treatment temperature rises, the crystallization of the NaPO3 phase depletes the glass matrix of mobile Na+ ions, resulting in a reduction in DC conductivity. Dielectric parameters also decrease with rising heat-treatment temperature, with the glass-ceramic heat-treated at 550 °C displaying the lowest permittivity of 19.37 and the dielectric loss of 0.008. This research uncovers the intricate relationship between heat-treatment conditions and material properties, emphasizing that controlled crystallization allows for precise modifications to microstructure and phase composition within remaining glassy phase, ultimately facilitating fine-tuning of material properties.

The COST Action ‘PED-EU-NET’, JPI Urban Europe, IEA EBC Annex 83 and EERA JP Smart Cities can be considered as the main promoters and pioneer initiatives of the research on Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), that collaborated to develop a tool called 'PED Database'. The tool aims to map, filter, sort, and compare PED experiences, providing a balanced overview of the technological and non-technological solutions adopted in different PED projects and case studies around Europe and beyond. The paper aims to present the collaborative step-by-step process leading to the PED DB implementation, describing the adopted methodology, the current results and potentials of the online version platform and introducing its future possible developments towards a more user-friendly and stakeholders-tailored tool.

Lithium-ion batteries are key elements in the development of electrical energy storage solutions. However, due to cycling, environmental and operating conditions, battery capacity tends to degrade over time. Capacity fade is a common indicator of battery state of health (SOH) because it is an indication of how capacity has been degraded. However, battery capacity cannot be measured directly, so there is an urgent need to develop methods for estimating battery capacity in real time. By analyzing the historical data of a battery in detail, it is possible to predict the future state of the battery and forecast its remaining useful life. This paper develops a real-time, simple and fast method to estimate the cycle capacity of a battery during the charge cycle using only data from a short period of each charge cycle. This proposal is attractive because it does not require data from the entire charge period, since batteries are rarely charged from zero to full. The proposed method allows simultaneous and accurate real-time prediction of the health and remaining useful life of the battery over its lifetime. The accuracy of the proposed method has been tested using experimental data from several lithium-ion batteries with different cathode chemistries under various test conditions.

This paper proposes a metaphysical framework for distinguishing between human and machine intelligence. By drawing an analogy from Kant’s incongruent counterparts, it posits two identical deterministic worlds -- one comprising a human agent and the other comprising a machine agent. These agents exhibit different types of information processing mechanisms despite their apparent sameness in a causal sense. By postulating the distinctiveness of human over machine intelligence, this paper resolves what it refers to as “the vantage point problem” – namely, how to legitimize a determinist’s assertion of determinism by placing the determinist within the universe.

Dimers and oligomers of alkenes represent a category of compounds that are in great demand for diverse industrial sectors. Among the developing synthetic methods, the catalysis of alkene dimerization and oligomerization using transition metal salts and complexes is of undoubted interest for practical application. This approach demonstrates substantial potential, offering not only elevated reaction rates but also precise control over the chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity of the reactions. In this review, we discuss the data on catalytic systems for alkene dimerization and oligomerization. Our focus lies in the analysis of how the activity and chemoselectivity of these catalytic systems are influenced by various factors, such as the nature of the transition metal, the ligand environment, the activator, and substrate structure. Notably, the review particularly discusses the reaction mechanisms, encompassing metal complex activation, structural and dynamic features, and the reactivity of hydride intermediates, which serve as potential catalytically active centers in alkene dimerization and oligomerization.

This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization and study of a new perovskite-type materials as cathode in SOFC. The synthesized doped perovskites have been successfully synthesized with high purity. The electrochemical performance of these materials was extensively examined through the characterization of I-V-P and EIS curves at the three temperatures: 750, 800 and 850 °C. Where it is revealing a substantial reduction of total resistances by approximately 50% and 70%, accom-panied by an impressive increase in power densities by around 200% and 300%, respectively. The cell featuring Sm0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3 exhibited the most commendable electrochemical properties at each temperature, following closely were Pr0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3 and La0.01Sr0.99Fe0.5Co0.5O3.

In our discipline, some numbers, facts and methods are established and unquestionable. Still, a credible source is hard to find. Likewise, some state-of-the-art papers do not have the right focus, or they do not point at current research trends and future mission statements. Lastly, reliable resources for claims and statements that are arguable are not always found in the typical journals of our field. The paper at hand solves this issue for our field. Through critical review of a vast amount of journal papers, monographs, handbooks, conference proceedings and theses as well as manuals, textbooks and tutorials, numbers, facts, methods, claims statements, state-of-the-art, research and application trends are reflected and substantiated.

The purpose of water treatment through ultraviolet (UV) radiation is to interrupt the development and multiplication of microorganisms by preventing their growth and reproduction.Ultraviolet treatment has become a very affordable solution to produce clean water of optimal quality in regions where access to drinking water is essential. The experimental water treatment unit is powered by a photovoltaic (PV) source. It incorporates a discharge lamp used to generate ultraviolet radiation, which is harnessed to address bacteriological issues related to water quality. This lamp is continuously powered by a photovoltaic (PV) source through an inverter and an electronic ballast. The water treatment system also includes a motor pump designed to draw contaminated water from the input reservoir, a flow control valve to adjust flow rates as needed, and a filter aimed at enhancing the quality of the contaminated water. The water circulates between the input reservoir (contaminated water) and the output reservoir (treated water) through the UV lamp. The relationship between the intensity of the UV lamp and the water flow rate can ensure an adequate water quality.

A new polymorph of anhydrous β-cyclodextrin (polymorph III) was obtained and characterized for the first time using powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Solution enthalpy and time of dissolution in water were determined by solution calorimetry for this polymorph and compared with those of dried commercial form of β-cyclodextrin (polymorph I), its amorphous form and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Specific heat capacity of polymorphs I and III was determined by differential scanning calorimetry in the wide range of temperatures, which gives enthalpy and Gibbs energy of polymorphic transition at 298 K. Affinity of polymorph III and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin for water was characterized by determination of their hydration isotherms, which gives the values of hydration Gibbs energy. Being energy-rich, the found new polymorph of β-cyclodextrin has a significantly higher dissolution rate and an in-creased affinity for water compared with the dried commercial form of β-cyclodextrin. Such properties make the new polymorph promising in industrial applications for guest inclusion in aqueous solutions and pastes and may be a desirable alternative for water-soluble β-cyclodextrin derivatives.

The use of ARPIs has led to an increase in the proportion of AR-null prostate cancer, including NEPC and DNPC, but the mechanism underlying this lineage transition has not been elucidated. We found that ID2 expression was increased in AR-null prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that ID2 promotes PCa malignancy and can confer resistance to enzalutamide in PCa cells. We generated a ID2 UP50 signature, which is capable to determine resistance to enzalutamide and also valuable for predicting patient prognosis. Functional experiments showed that ID2 could activate the stemness-associated JAK/STAT and FGFR signaling while inhibiting the AR signaling pathway. Our study indicates that ID2 promotes the acquisition of a stem-like phenotype in adenocarcinoma cells, leading to resistance to ADT and next-generation ARPIs in prostate cancer.

Abstract: In the past years, lithium-ion solid-state batteries demonstrated significant advancements regarding such properties as safety, long-term endurance, and energy density. The properties of these depend on solid-state electrolytes and especially ionic transport interfacial transport with cathode or anode materials. Solid-state electrolytes based on lithium halides offer new opportunities due to their unique features such as broad electrochemical stability window, high lithium-ion conductivity, and elasticity at close to melting point temperatures that help to improve lithium-ion transport at interfaces. A comparative study of lithium indium halide (Li3InCl6) electrolytes syn-thesized by a mechano-thermal method using different optimization parameters revealed a signif-icant effect of ball-milling time, temperature, and pressure on lithium-ion transport. Based on the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) data in the temperature range of 25-100 °C, the optimized Li3InCl6 electrolyte phase demonstrates high ionic conductivity reaching 0.98 mS cm−1 at room temperature. However, at 70 °C, phase transformation was observed leading to significant changes in the activation energy for lithium-ion transport. In-situ X-ray diffraction and in-situ/operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques confirmed the tempera-ture-dependent behavior of Li3InCl6 synthesized. These observations provide critical information for practical applications of solid-state electrolytes and nanocomposites based on Li3InCl6 within the broad temperature range for lithium-ion solid-state batteries with improved morphology, chemical interactions, and structural integrity.

Rural areas of advanced industrial countries have frequently experienced a dualistic set of policies: one designed for the land-use sector, especially agriculture; and another dealing with rural development [1]. As problems of industrialised agriculture and forestry emerged, a more joined up approach to policy was advocated. Since the 1980s, at national and international level, new elements of rural policy have emerged to connect these two policy fields, including environmental payments, farm diversification grants, woodland creation within the farm sector and support for community-led local development. Rural land is also closely connected to the biodiversity and climate crises which have become important policy drivers. Policy towards community-led local development has moved further in Scotland than almost anywhere else as a result of policies for community-based land reform, community empowerment and community asset transfer. These communitarian approaches connect closely to collaborative landscape management as it addresses environmental challenges. As collaborative place-based and area-based approaches emerge as the guiding stars of the new rural development, this paper explores the challenges in the governance of sustainability transitions in moving from a sectoral rural policy hinging around support for land use to one based much more on communitarian values and place-based development.

Sr4Al6O12SO4 samples were obtained from the compound mixture formed by a solid–state reaction of Al2O3, SrSO4, and SrCO3. Samples were compacted at 100MPa to form pellets of 1 and 4cm in diameter and were sintered at 1400°C for 4 hours. The compound was analyzed by X–ray diffraction. Static immersion and wettability tests were performed to evaluate corrosion resistance in contact with Al–Si. Corrosion tests were carried out by immersion at 800, 900, and 1000°C for 24, 50, and 100 hours, while wettability was carried out at 900, 1000, and 1100°C for 2 hours. Subsequently, the samples were prepared metallographically. Samples were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and image analysis. In general, reaction products consisting of alumina, spinel, oxides, and sulfates were found. The contact angles obtained were 124° to 135°. It is concluded that ceramic substrate Sr4Al6O12SO4 is resistant to corrosion by Al–Si alloy, since the slight thickness of the reaction products found in the samples (100μm) considering the severe conditions of the experiment: 1000°C and 100 hours of isothermal temperature. Furthermore, it can be said that Sr4Al6O12SO4 is not wettable by Al–Si alloys.

Many bacteria have the ability to survive in challenging environments; however, they cannot grow on standard culture media, a phenomenon known as the Viable but Non-Culturable (VBNC) state. Bacteria commonly go into the VBNC state under nutrient-poor environments or under stressful conditions. This review explores the concept of the VBNC state, providing insights into the beneficial bacteria known to employ this strategy. The investigation covers different chemical and physical factors that can induce the latency state, cell features, and gene expression observed in cells in the VBNC state. The revision also covered the significance and applications of beneficial bacteria, methods for evaluating bacterial viability, the ability of bacteria to persist in environments associated with higher organisms, and the factors that facilitate the return to the culturable state. Knowledge about beneficial bacteria capable of entering the VBNC state remains limited, however, beneficial bacteria in this state could face adverse environmental conditions, and return to culturable state when conditions become suitable and continue to exert their beneficial effects. Likewise, this unique feature positions them as potential candidates for healthcare applications, such as the use of probiotic bacteria to enhance human health, applications in industrial microbiology for the production of prebiotics, functional foods, and in the beer and wine industry. Moreover, their use in formulations to increase crop yield and for bacterial bioremediation offers an alternative pathway to harness their beneficial attributes.

The broad emission bump in the electromagnetic spectra observed following the detection of gravitational waves created during the kilonova event of merger of two neutron stars in August 2017, GW170817, has been linked to the heavy elements of lanthanides (Z=57-71), and a new understanding of creation of heavy elements in the r-process. The initial spectral emission bump has a wavelength range of 3000 - 7000 \AA, thus covering the region of ultraviolet (UV) to optical (O) wavelengths, and is similar to those seen for lanthanides. Most lanthanides have large number of closely lying energy levels which introduce extensive sets of radiative transitions which often form broad region of lines of significant strength. The current study explores these broad features through photoabsorption spectroscopy of 25 lanthanides ions, Ho I-III, Er I-IV, Tm I-V, Yb I-VI and Lu I-VII. With excitations only to a few orbitals up beyond the ground configurations, we find most of these ions cover large number of bound levels with open $4f$ orbital and produce tens to about hundred thousands lines that may form one or multiple broad features in X-ray to UV, O, and infrared (IR) regions. Spectrum of each of 25 ions is presented indicating presence, shape and wavelength region of the features. Accuracy of atomic data to interpret the merger spectra has been a outstanding problem. The present study aims at providing improved atomic data for energies and transition parameters obtained using relativistic Breit-Pauli approximation implemented in the atomic structure code SUPERSTRUCTURE. The present data have been benchmarked with available experimental data for energies and transition parameters. The study finds that number of ions under the present study are possible contributors of the emission bump of GW170817. All atomic data will be made available online at NORAD-Atomic-Data database.

Flexible energy storage devices, such as solid-state supercapacitors, are becoming increasingly attractive due to their characteristics of high electrochemical performance, reliability, light weight, flexibility, absence of electrolyte leakage, high power density, and long lifetime. For the optimization of the solid-state symmetrical supercapacitor proposed in this work, it was employed in sodium and lithium form Aquivion electrolyte membrane, which serves as the separator and electrolyte. As electrode materials, carbon xerogels, synthesized by microwave-assisted sol-gel methodology, with designed and controlled properties were obtained. Commercial activated carbon (YP-50F, 'Kuraray Europe' GmbH) was used for comparison. Specifically, the developed solid-state symmetrical supercapacitors deliver sufficient high specific capacitances of 105−110 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, along with an energy density of 4.5 Wh kg−1 at 300 W kg−1, and in a voltage window of 0-1.2 V in an aqueous environments, also demonstrating excellent cycling stability up to 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. These results can demonstrate the potential applications of carbon xerogel as an active electrode material and cation exchange membrane as the electrolyte in the development of solid-state supercapacitor devices

Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) struggles with significant policy and operational challenges, particularly concerning recyclables collection routes and fleet composition. Within the European Union, phasing out traditional fuel-based vocational vehicles, like garbage trucks, in favor of zero-emission alternatives is mandatory to achieve sustainable development objectives. Integrating electric solid waste collection vehicles into municipal fleets presents challenges due to differences in range, capacity, and noise levels. The emission is even more crucial in the systems where recyclables are collected separately, which requires a greater number of trips to be performed. This study addresses MSWM’s strategic aspect by minimizing the total cost of replacing waste collection vehicles while meeting emission constraints. The Fleet Transition Problem (FTP) was formulated and solved using a MARKAL-based approach. The objective of the FTP and a mixed integer linear program used to solve it is minimizing the overall cost of fleet modernization throughout a multi-phase planning horizon so that the sustainable transition of the fleet can be assured. Computational experiments affirmed the model’s effectiveness in strategizing fleet transition. This research outlines a multi-period model for transitioning to a zero-emission fleet and demonstrates the FTP’s potential for strategic decision-making. Notably, the study observes a consistent reduction in permissible emissions across the planning horizon.

The classification of Trojans in modern analog microcircuits is considered. Using high-speed operational amplifiers (Op-Amps) as an example, the relationship between Op-Amp circuit design and the formation of undesirable states in typical switching circuits is shown. Circuit solutions are proposed to minimize the Trojan states of high-speed Op-Amps. These include limiting the maximum output currents of the input stages of the Op-Amp during the transient process and the use of differentiating transient correction circuits in the Op-Amp.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is mostly diagnosed at advanced or even metastasized stages limiting patient´s prognosis. Metastasis requires high tumor cell plasticity implying phenotypic switching in response to changing environments. Here, Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT), being associated with the gain of cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, and its reversion are important. Since it is poorly understood whether different CSC-phenotypes exist along the EMT-axis and how these impact malignancy-associated properties, we aimed to characterize CSC-populations of epithelial and mesenchymal PDAC cells. Single-cell cloning revealed CSC (Holoclone) and non-CSC (Paraclone) clones from the PDAC cell lines Panc1 and Panc89. Panc1 Holoclone cells showed a mesenchymal phenotype dominated by high expression of the stemness marker Nestin, while Panc89 Holoclone cells exhibited a SOX2-dominated epithelial phenotype. Panc89 Holoclone cells showed enhanced cell growth and self-renewal capacity but slow cluster-like invasion. Contrarily, Panc1 Holoclone cells showed slower cell growth and self-renewal ability but were highly invasive. Moreover, cell variants differentially responded to chemotherapy. In vivo, Panc1 and Panc89 cell variants significantly differed regarding number and size of metastases as well as organ manifestation leading to different survival outcomes. Overall, these data support the existence of different CSC-phenotypes along the EMT-axis in PDAC manifesting in different metastatic propensities.

Nanocomposites of cyanate ester resin (CER) filled with three different reactive amino-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were synthesized and characterized. The addition of a small quantity (0.1 wt.%) of amino-POSS chemically grafted to the CER network led to increasing thermal stability of CER matrix. A significant increase of the glass transition temperature, Tg (DSC data), and the temperature of α relaxation, Tα (DMTA data), by 45-55 оС of CER matrix with loading of nanofillers was evidenced. CER/POSS films exhibited a higher storage modulus than that of neat CER in the temperature range investigated. It was evidenced that CER/aminopropylisobutyl (APIB)-POSS, CER/N-phenylaminopropyl (NPAP)-POSS, and CER/aminoethyl aminopropylisobutyl (AEAPIB)-POSS nanocomposites induced a more homogenous α relaxation phenomenon with higher Tα values and an enhanced nanocomposite elastic behavior. Furthermore, CER/amino-POSS nanocomposites possessed higher specific surface area, gas permeability (CO2, He), and diffusion coefficients (CO2) values than those for neat CER, due to increasing free volume of the nanocomposites studied that is very important for their gas transport properties. Permeability grew respectively by about 2 (He) and 3.5-4 times (СО2), and diffusion coefficient of CO2 increased approximately twice for CER/amino-POSS nanocomposites in comparison with the neat CER network. The efficiency of amino-functionalized POSS in improving the thermal and transport properties of the CER/amino-POSS nanocomposites increased in a raw of reactive POSS containing one primary (APIB-POSS) < eight secondary (NPAP-POSS) < one secondary and one primary (AEAPIB-POSS) amino groups. APIB-POSS had the least strongly pronounced effect, since it could form covalent bonds with the CER network only by reaction of one –NH2 group, while AEAPIB-POSS displayed the most highly marked effect, since it could easily be incorporated into the CER network via reaction of –NH2 and –NH– groups with –O–C≡N groups from CER.

Abstract Objective Variations of sex characteristics (VSC) are atypical genetic, hormonal, gonadal and anatomical sex traits that require holistic medical management. The Chicago Consensus statement 2006 introduced the requirement that multidisciplinary teams organise the transition of care from pediatric to adult services. Yet, the evidence that the transitional care is in place is scarce. The aim of this paper is to examine the implementation of transition of care for people with VSC. Method Seven focus groups were conducted with health care professionals and peer support groups in care teams in Central, Northern and Western Europe. The data from the focus groups were examined using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The participants in the study stated that the transition of care has been implemented in the last two decades. The quality of care depends on available resources and variation of sex characteristics. However, there are significant hurdles to adequate transition of care as there is lack of time and resources. Lack of adult care providers and psychosocial support leaves young adults and adults with VSC navigating the health care system often alone. Conclusion The outcome of the study shows that the transition of care is organized through the department of pediatric endocrinology. The quality of care varies due to resources and variation. Lack of adult specialists and psychosocial support represent the biggest obstacle for young adults and adults to navigate the healthcare system and for the improvement in provision of healthcare to adults, especially psychosocial support.

We discuss the neutron skins of 48Ca and 208Pb. We review and critically examine modern predictions and empirical constraints, with special attention to the dierent interpretations of the ndings from the PREX-II experiment and the recently reported value of the neutron skin in 48Ca extracted from the CREX experiment. We argue that, in the spirit of the ab initio philosophy, the path to understanding the behavior of dense neutron-rich matter must not circumvent fundamental nuclear forces. Based only on that argument, a thick neutron skin in 208Pb is highly unlikely.

This review focuses on the Just Energy Transition (JET) policies of the BRICS member countries, with the aim of finding lessons and possible adoption of some of the key energy policy aspects utilized in other countries for benchmarking for the South African context. Considerations of the present stage of JET in South Africa and the energy-source mix supporting the electricity sector, cognisant of the lifespan and condition of power plants. Analysis of the energy mix revealed that all nations were energy dependent on electricity which was produced by predominantly fossil fuelled power plants with high GHG (concentrating on high CO2 emissions). It was concluded that some of the learnings and lessons learnt from the BRICS countries might be incorporated into a South African energy plan for the transition with options and guidance for formulation of policies. This study will attract responsible environmentally conscious audience that has a commitment and drive to combat global warming and curbing climate change.

To date, most research on amyloid aggregation has focused on describing the structure of amyloids and the kinetics of their formation, while the conformational stability of fibrils remain insufficiently explored. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of amino acid substitutions on the stability of apomyoglobin (ApoMb) amyloids. Study of amyloid unfolding of ApoMb and its six mutant variants by urea has been carried out. Changes in the structural features of aggregates during unfolding were recorded by the far UV CD and native electrophoresis. It was shown that during the initial stage of denaturation, amyloid's secondary structure partially unfolds. Then, the fibrils undergo dissociation and form intermediate aggregates weighing approximately 1 MDa, which at the last stage of unfolding decompose into 18 kDa monomeic unfolded molecules. The results of unfolding transitions allow concluding that the stability of studied amyloids relative to the intermediate aggregates and of the latter relative to unfolded monomers is higher for ApoMb variants with substitutions that increase the hydrophobicity of the residues. The results presented provide a new insight into the mechanism of stabilization of protein aggregates and can serve as a base for further investigations of the amyloids stability.

A single-crystal of ytterbium-doped “mixed” yttrium-lutetium aluminium garnet with a stoichiometric composition of (Y0.601Lu0.233Yb0.166)3Al5O12 was grown by the Czochralski method and its structure, vibronic, spectroscopic and laser properties were studied. The stimulated-emission cross-section for Yb3+ ions was maximized to 2.53×10-20 cm2 at 1031 nm, the emission bandwidth is ~8 nm and the reabsorption-free luminescence lifetime of the 2F5/2 state is 1.063 ms. Pumped at 941 nm, the Yb-laser generated a maximum output power of 1.04 W at 1.03 and 1.05 μm with a high slope efficiency of 76.4% and a laser threshold of 76 mW. A continuous wavelength tuning over a range of 51.6 nm (1026.4 - 1078.0 nm) was also achieved. Power scaling is achieved using a 969 nm-diode pumped microchip cavity. A maximum output power of ~9 W is obtained at 1.05 μm with a slope efficiency of 76% and with an almost circular laser beam profile.

This paper explores the latest developments in electrolysis technology, a key player in the transition to sustainable energy systems. Electrolysis, despite currently contributing a small share to global hydrogen production, holds immense potential for producing green hydrogen. The study delves into the efficiency of electrolysis systems, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance energy conversion rates. It investigates the impact of high-temperature electrolysis on reducing electricity consumption, thus making the process more efficient. The paper discusses the various challenges in the research on water electrolysis and underscores the critical role electrolysis plays in integrating renewable energy sources. The study emphasizes the need for continuous advancements in electrolysis technology to bridge existing gaps, making a compelling case for its pivotal role in the green hydrogen revolution.

Study design: Retrospective observational study. Objectives: To evaluate the change in adjacent segment disease (ASD) after hybrid dynamic stabilization with Dynesys-Transition-Optima (DTO). Methods: In 2012–2020, 115 lumbar spinal stenosis patients with spondylolisthesis re-fractory to nonsurgical management received hybrid dynamic stabilization with DTO system in a single medical center from a single neurosurgeon. After excluding those who did not receive L3–L4 dynamic stabilization and L4–L5 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion fixation and those with incomplete postoperative data (n = 84), the 31 patients studied received follow-up vis-its at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Radiological assessment applied at the L2–L3, L3–L4 and L5–S1 segments separately included disc height, listhesis distance and angular change while in motion. Implant failure and screw loosening sign were both documented. Results: In the L3–L4 segment, the listhesis distance appeared 1 year after the operation; however, alterations in other segments showed at 6 months. At 2 years, the L3–L4 segment showed significantly less increase in listhesis distance and relatively less disc height reduction than other segments. In motion an-gular change, only the L3–L4 segment had a significant decrease at 2 years. Only the L3–L4 seg-ment maintained negative growth over 2 years in time-dependent assessment of motion angular change. Conclusions: In our study, disc height decreased, listhesis distance increased less and ASD changed later at the index level than the L2–L3 and L5–S1 levels. Angular change was re-duced at the index level while in motion. Although ASD was not significantly prevented, index level degeneration was both minor

Mass transfer and phase transition have important effect on the velocity of bubble migration in deepwater wellbore, and accurate prediction of bubble migration velocity is crucial for calculating the safe shut-in period of deepwater oil and gas well. Therefore, the effect of bubble dissolution mass transfer and hydrate phase transition on bubble migration behavior in deepwater environment have attracted extensive attention from researchers in the fields of energy, marine chemistry, and marine engineering safety. In this work, a new model of bubble migration velocity in deepwater is developed, which considers the effect of hydrate phase transition and gas-water bidirectional cross-shell mass transfer during bubble migration. Based on the observation data of bubble migration in deepwater, the reliability of the model in predicting bubble migration velocity is verified. Then, the model is used to calculate and analyze the bubble migration velocity and bubble migration cycle under different initial bubble size, different annular fluid viscosity and density. The results show that the initial size of bubble and the viscosity of annulus fluid are the main factors affecting the migration velocity of bubble, but the density of annulus fluid has little effect on the migration velocity of hydrated bubble and clean bubble. In addition, the migration velocity of clean bubble gradually increases during the migration process from the bottom to the wellhead, while the migration velocity of hydrated bubble is divided into gradually decreasing stage and slowly increasing stage. The gas consumption and the thickening of hydrate shell in the gradually decreasing stage play a dominant role, and the increase of bubble volume caused by the decrease of pressure in the slowly increasing stage is the most important factor. The formation of hydrated bubble can significantly reduce the migration velocity of bubble and effectively prolong the safe shut-in period. This study provides a reference for quantitative description and characterization of complex bubble migration behavior with phase change and mass transfer in deepwater environment.

As the global community shifts away from fossil fuels towards more environmentally friendly energy alternatives, there is an escalating demand for sophisticated energy storage solutions. Solid-State Batteries (SSBs) have emerged as a promising advancement, presenting a superior substitute to conventional lithium-ion batteries. This review provides an in-depth examination of SSBs, emphasizing their enhanced energy density, safety, and longevity. We evaluate conventional cathode materials, including lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). Additionally, we introduce emerging materials such as sulfides, oxides, and air-based cathodes, discussing their benefits, limitations, and their congruence with solid electrolytes. Special attention is devoted to the structural fine-tuning of cathode ma-terials, investigating approaches like nanostructuring, surface coatings, and composite strategies to counteract issues such as restricted conductivity and structural volatility. The review critically analyzes the electrical and thermal properties of these materials, which are essential for battery safety and efficacy. Moreover, we present a comparative assessment of cathode materials based on performance indicators and identify prevailing research voids and hurdles in the commerciali-zation of SSB cathodes. Concluding, we suggest prospective research directions and innovations, underscoring the revolutionary potential of SSB technologies in paving the way for a sustainable energy horizon.

Apraxia of speech is a persistent speech motor disorder that affects speech intelligibility. Studies on speech motor disorders with transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) have been mostly directed to post-stroke aphasia. Only a few tDCS studies have focused on apraxia of speech or childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and no study has investigated individuals with CAS and people with trisomy 21 (T21, Down Syndrome). This study examined the effects of tDCS combined with a motor learning task in developmental apraxia of speech co-existing with T21 (ReBEC RBR-5435x9). The accuracy of speech sound production of nonsense words (NSWs) during Rapid Syllable Transition Training (ReST) under 10 sessions of anodal tDCS (1.5 mA, 25 cm) over the Broca’s area with cathode over the contralateral region was compared to 10 sessions of sham-tDCS and 4 control sessions in a 20-year-old male individual with T21 presenting moderate-severe childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The accuracy for NSWs production progressively improved (gain 40%) under tDCS only (sham-tDCS and control sessions showed <20% gain). A decrease in speech severity from moderate-severe to mild-moderate indicated transfer effects in speech production. The speech accuracy under tDCS was correlated with Wernicke’s area activation (P3 current source density), which in turn, was correlated with the activation of the left supramarginal gyrus and the Sylvian Parietal Temporal Junction. Repetitive bihemispheric tDCS paired with ReST may have facilitated the speech sound acquisition in a young adult with T21 and CAS, possibly by recruiting brain regions required for the phonological working memory.

Objective: To identify risk factors(RF) related to abnormal glucose regulation(AGR) 3 years postpartum according to 3-month-postpartum glucose status. Research design: Normoglycemic pregnant women of the St. Carlos Gestational Study included before gestational week 12, during 2015-2017. Of 3,036 eligible women, 2529 were followed-up until delivery: 1400 participated in postpartum follow-up. AGR defined as fasting serum glucose (FSG)>5.6 mmol/L and/or HbA1c >5.7% (39 mmol/mol) and/or 2h-SG ≥140/mg/dL after 75-g OGTT. 12-modifiable and 3-unmodifiable RF were analyzed for associations with glycemic changes. Reinforcement of Mediterranean Diet adherence was provided to all women at the postpartum visit by a dietitian Results: 137/1400(9.8%) women presented AGR 3 years postpartum, 27/137(19.7%) also had at 3 months, whereas 110/137(80.2%) had not. The remaining 1,263(90.2%) women were normoglycemic 3 years postpartum, 1180/1263(84.3%) were at 3 months, while 83/1263(6.08%) had AGR and became normoglycemic. Women with GDM were more likely to progress to AGR 3 years postpartum (OR:1.60[1.33-1.92]) and less likely to remain normoglycemic (OR:0.22[0.15-0.33]) versus non-GDM women. Having >2/3 unmodifiable RF was associated with a reduced rate of maintained normoglycemia (OR:0.56[0.39-0.80]) and an increased risk of progression to AGR (OR:1.90[1.28-2.83]). Having >5/12 modifiable RF was associated with a reduced rate of maintained normoglycemic (OR:0.74[0.51-0.99]) and reversion of AGR (OR:0.49[0.25-0.97]), an increased progression to AGR (OR:1.40[1.00-2.09]), and persistence of AGR (OR:2.57[1.05-6.31]). Pre-gestational BMI≥25kg/m2 (OR:1.80[1.19-2.71]), post-delivery weight gain (OR:2.22[1.10-4.48]), and waist circumference >89.5cm (OR:0.54[0.36-0.79]), (all p<0.05) were the main modifiable RF. Conclusions: RF related to an increased probability for 3-year-postpartum AGR despite 3-month normoglycemia were identified, potentially useful when designing personalized strategies for pregnant women, directed towards minimizing unfavorable outcomes.

In this paper we report on the use of an in-house developed solid-state hybrid microwave and radiofrequency generator operating at frequencies of 2.45 GHz and/or 480 kHz for cancer ablation in various tissues. The generator has demonstrated increased accuracy due to its custom-designed hardware, which incorporates the latest technologies and algorithms to control the emitted power versus temperature profile of the treated sample. In particular, the hybrid generator incorporates control systems based on impedance or reflected power measurements that allow controlled ablation without causing unwanted carbonisation and without including areas where tissue damage is not desired. Tests performed ex-vivo on chicken breast and bovine liver show that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is very effective for performing controlled ablations with minimally invasive probes, such as cardiac pathologies, small lesions, tissues with particular composition, while microwave ablation (MWA) is optimal for performing large ablations in highly vascularised tissues, such as liver cancer, where it is necessary to achieve higher temperatures.

Energy supply interruptions or blackouts caused by faults in power distribution feeders entail several damages to power utilities and consumer units: financial losses, damage to power distribution reliability, power quality deterioration, etc. Most studies in the specialized literature concerning faults in power distribution systems present methodologies for detecting, classifying, and locating faults after their occurrence. In contrast, this study aims to prevent faults by estimating the city regions whose power grid is most vulnerable to them. This work incorporates the geographic space study to prevent faults in the distribution power grid through a spatial data analysis using local variables that increase the fault risk in feeders in some city regions. Geographically weighted spatial analysis is applied to data aggregated by regions to produce thematic maps with the city regions whose feeders are more vulnerable to failures. Spatial data analysis is developed in QGIS and R programming environments. It is applied in real data of electrical discharges in a medium-sized city with approximately 200,000 inhabitants. In this study, we highlight a moderate positive correlation between electrical discharge density and the percentage of faults in transformers by regions in the central and western areas of the city under study.

This article presents a review of resources for batteries with a specific focus on sustainability aspects related to raw materials, electrode and electrolyte chemistries suitable for the automobile industry. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing sustainability in battery technology evolution, which is expected to shift towards earth-abundant materials. One notable advancement in this direction is the utilization of glass solid-state electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity, low electronic conductivity, and high dielectric constant. However, our review suggests that further research should explore synthesis methods to modify anisotropic properties, enhancing the performance of solid-state electrolytes, particularly in facilitating the flow of ions.

Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is a stochastic optimization algorithm inspired by the foraging behavior of ants. We investigate a simplified computational model of ACO, wherein ants sequentially engage in binary decision-making tasks, leaving pheromone trails contingent upon their choices. The quantity of pheromone left is the number of correct answers. We scrutinize the impact of a salient parameter in the ACO algorithm, specifically, the exponent $\alpha$ that governs the pheromone levels in the stochastic choice function. In the absence of pheromone evaporation, the system is accurately modeled as a multivariate nonlinear P\'{o}lya urn, undergoing a phase transition as $\alpha$ varies. The probability of selecting the correct answer for each question asymptotically approaches the stable fixed point of the nonlinear P\'{o}lya urn. The system exhibits dual stable fixed points for $\alpha\ge \alpha_c$ and a singular stable fixed point for $\alpha<\alpha_c$. When pheromone evaporates over a time scale $\tau$, the phase transition does not occur and leads to a bimodal stationary distribution of probabilities for $\alpha\ge \alpha_c$ and a monomodal distribution for $\alpha<\alpha_c$.

An inorganic solid electrolyte is the most favorable candidate for replacing flammable liquid electrolytes in lithium batteries. Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide (LLZO) is considered as a promising solid electrolyte due to its safe operating potential window (0-5V) combined with its good electrochemical stability. In this work, 250 g batches of pre-sintered Tadoped (Li7La3Zr1.6Ta0.4O12, TaLLZO) were synthesized for bulk production of dense LLZO electrolyte. A simple two-step thermal treatment process was developed. The first thermal step at 950 °C initiates nucleation of LLZO carefully controlling process parameters such as heating atmosphere, temperature and dopant concentration. In the second thermal step at 1150 °C, sintered discs were obtained as solid electrolytes, with relative densities of 96%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the phase purity of the sintered TaLLZO disc, and refined data was used to calculate the lattice parameter (12.944 Å). Furthermore, the presence of the Ta dopant in the disc was confirmed through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The ionic and electronic conductivity values of TaLLZO disc were 104 S cm-1 and 10-10 S cm-1, respectively. These values confirm that the prepared (Ta-LLZO) discs exhibit ionic conductivity while being electronically insulating, being suitable for use as solid electrolytes with the requisite electrical properties.

The current study primarily aimed to simulate detonation initiation via turbulent jet flame acceleration in partial-premixed H2-air mixtures. Different vertical concentration gradients were generated by varying the duration of hydrogen injection (referred to as diffusion time) within an enclosed channel filled with air. H2-air mixtures with average hydrogen concentrations of 22.5% (lean mixture) and 30% (near stoichiometric mixture) were investigated at diffusion times of 3, 5, and 60 seconds. Numerical results show that the vertical concentration gradient has a major influence on the early-stage of flame acceleration (FA). In the stratified lean mixture, detonation began in all the diffusion times, and comparing the flame-speed graphs showed that a decrease in the diffusion time and an increase in the mixture inhomogeneity speeded up the flame propagation and the jet flame to detonation transition occurrence in the channel. In the stratified H2-air mixture with an average hydrogen concentration of 30%, transition from a turbulent jet flame to detonation occurred in all the cases, and the mixture inhomogeneity weakened the FA and delayed the detonation initiation.

A structure based analysis of the pion’s decay path reveals that neutrinos can show up in three eigenstates. It requires a proper understanding of the nature of charged leptons, such as why the loss of binding energy stops the lepton generation at the tauon level. The analysis quantifies this binding energy in terms of the weak interaction strength as embodied by the weak interaction boson and the strength of the energetic background field as embodied by the Higgs boson. Next to this it is shown that a reconstruction of Fermi’s neutrino theory allows a quantitative assessment of the Fermi constant straightforwardly from the weak interaction strength. The article ends with the conclusion that neutrino oscillation is not a physical phenomenon, but, instead, a measurement interpretation induced from projecting the statistical behaviour of a multi-particle ensemble onto a single particle.

Objective To observe the effect of roxadustat on blood pressure and micro-inflammatory response in patients with hemodialysis anemia, and to provide a viable technique for the treatment of hemodialysis anemia patients. Methods A total of 100 hemodialysis anemia patients admitted to the Nephrology Department of our hospital from July 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group (roxadustat) and a control group (human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO). The clinical efficacy, blood lipid metabolism, inflammatory factor levels, iron metabolism-related indicators, blood biochemical indicators, anemia indicators, adverse reactions and blood pressure were recorded and compared. Results There was no significant difference in baseline data and serum indicators (P>0.05). The study group demonstrated superior performance to the control group in terms of clinical efficacy, blood lipid metabolism, inflammatory factor levels, iron metabolism-related indicators, blood biochemical indicators, anemia indicators, adverse reactions and blood pressure (all P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with rhEPO treatment, roxadustat exhibits a promising outcome in treating anemia and has slight impact on blood pressure of patients.

The direct measurements of the magnetocaloric effect were performed in Heusler Ni44.4Mn36.2Sn14.9Cu4.5 alloy at cryogenic temperatures in magnetic fields up to 10 T. The maximum value of the inverse magnetocaloric effect in a field of 10 T was observed ∆Tad = –2.7 K in the vicinity of the 1st order magnetostructural phase transition at T0 = 117 K. The ab initio and Monte Carlo calculations were performed to discuss the effect Cu doping into Ni-Mn-Sn compound on the ground state structural and magnetic properties. It is shown that with increasing Cu content the martensitic transition temperature decreases and the Curie temperature of austenite slightly increases. In general, calculated transition temperatures, magnetization values are correlated well with the experimental ones.

Water conflicts have been a significant issue in Brazil, especially in the Sao Francisco River basin. Subseasonal forecasts, up to a 60-day forecast range, can provide information to support decision-makers in managing water resources in the river basin, especially before drought events. Predictability in the subseasonal forecasts range is a research topic as this range contains mixed dependence on weather and seasonal phenomena. Numerical models may inherit this mixed dependence on their skills. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the Eta Model simulations to reproduce the drought events between the years 2011 and 2016. Two sets of 60-day simulations were produced; one started in September (SO) and the other in January (JF) each year. These months were chosen to evaluate the model skill to reproduce the onset and the middle of the rainy seasons in Central Brazil, where the Upper Sao Francisco River is located. The SO simulations reproduced the observed spatial distribution of precipitation but underestimated the amounts. Precipitation errors exhibit large variability across the subbasins. The JF simulations also reproduced the observed precipitation distribution but overestimated it in the Upper and Lower subbasins. The JF simulations better captured the interannual variability of precipitation. The 60-day simulations were discretized in six 10-day accumulations to assess the intra-monthly variability. They showed that simulations can capture the onset of the rainy season and the small amounts of the rainy months that occurred in these severe drought years.

Current Li battery technology employs graphite anode and flammable organic liquid electrolytes. Thus, current Li battery is always facing the problems of low energy density and safety. Additionally, sustainable supply of Li due to scarce abundance of Li sources is another problem. All-solid-state Mg battery is expected to solve the problems owing to non-flammable solid-state electrolytes, high capacity/safety of divalent Mg metal anode and high abundance of Mg sources. Therefore, solid-state electrolytes and all-solid-state Mg battery have been researched intensively last two decades. However, realization of all-solid-state Mg battery is still far. In this article, we review recent research progress on all-solid-state Mg battery so that researchers can pursue recent research trend of all-solid-state Mg battery. At first, solid-state electrolyte research is described briefly in the categories of inorganic, organic and inorganic/organic composite electrolytes. After that, the recent research progress of all-solid-state Mg battery is summarized and analyzed. To help readers, we tabulate electrode materials, experimental conditions and performances of all-solid-state Mg battery so that the readers can find necessary information at a glance. In the last, challenges to realize the all-solid-state Mg batteries are visited.

Aurora Kinase A being overexpressed in majority of cancers, appear to be an attractive therapeutic target. However, a Phase III clinical trial of Alisertib, a selective AURKA inhibitor, resulted in no better response compared to the comparator arm of chemotherapeutic regimen raising question regarding ability of the same to target the undetectable stem cell functions. In silico analysis indicated regulation of AURKA by the stemness factors Oct4 and Sox2. TCGA data indicated positive correlation of each of the factors with AURKA which were eventually validated in cell lines, patient tissues and blood by flow cytometry along with Oct4 binding on AURKA promoter being detected by ChIP assay. However, indirect immunofluorescence and cell cycle analyses indicated proliferation-independent AURKA functions during asymmetric cell division, a characteristic feature of stem cells. Thorough screening of the AURKA positive cells in patient samples denoted epithelial to mesenchymal transition and significant upregulation of Vimentin, a mesenchymal marker and ABCG2, a drug resistance marker under Oct4 or Sox2 influence. Overall, our study demonstrated combinatorial selection Oct4, Sox2, AURKA, Vimentin and ABCG2 for diagnostics and intervention of circulating breast cancer stem cells as a blood-based, cost-effective and simple approach which will be beneficial in reducing relapse.

Oral cancer ranks sixth among Taiwan's top 10 cancers, and most patients with poor prognosis acquire metastases. The essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has been found to diminish many cancer properties. However, the anti-cancer activity of ALA in oral cancer has yet to be determined. Migration and invasion assays confirmed OSCC cells' EMT capabilities, whereas flow cytometry and Western blotting identified the molecular pathways. ALA dramatically reduced cell growth in a concentration dependent manner, according to the findings. Low concentrations of ALA (100 or 200 μM) inhibit colony formation, expression of Twist and EMT-related proteins, expression of MMP2/-9 proteins and enzyme activity, as well as cell migration and invasion. Treatment with high concentrations of ALA (200 or 400 μM) greatly increases JNK phosphorylation and c-jun nuclear accumulation, then upregulates the FasL/caspase8/caspase3 and Bid/cytochrome c/caspase9/caspase3 pathways, leading to cell death. Low concentrations of ALA inhibit SAS and GNM cell migration and invasion by suppressing Twist and downregulating EMT-related proteins, or by decreasing the protein expression and enzyme activity of MMP-2/-9, whereas high concentrations of ALA promote apoptosis by activating the JNK/FasL/caspase 8/caspase 3-extrinsic pathway and the Bid/cytochrome c/caspase 9 pathway. ALA demonstrates potential as a treatment for OSCC patients.

A stable driver state is essential in the process of manually transition control, which inevitably occurs in Level 3 automated driving situations. To this end, this paper proposed a CNN algorithm-based driver state monitoring system that uses multi-sensor data such as driver's face image, biometric information, and vehicle behavior information as input. This system calculates the probability of drowsiness for each of the four time periods using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on ToF camera-based eye blinking, ECG information (pulse rate) embedded in the steering wheel, and vehicle information (steering angle data). In order to build a reliable and high-quality training dataset (Ground Truth) for the CNN algorithm, a baseline was established by matching the driver's face image with the electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) changes in the drowsy and normal states. In a simulation test of the proposed CNN algorithm using more than 20,000 driver image data acquired using a driving simulator, the TNR was 94.8% and the accuracy was 94.2%. Our proposed method is expected to minimize human errors that may occur when switching control by monitoring inappropriate driver state (drowsiness) in real time.

The intensification of conflicts associated with the use of water in the transition region of the Cerrado and Amazon biomes caused by population and economic growth, combined with the interest in generating energy from hydroelectric plants, raise the need to quantify the surface water availability of rivers contributing with different drainage areas. The present study estimated and compared loco measurements of liquid flow (QL) and depth of rivers in the Teles Pires river basin by reference methods (MLN-7 hydrometric windlass and metal rod/winch) and by Acoustic Current Profiler by Doppler Effect (ADCP RiverRay), in addition, evaluated the total measurement time underestimation uncertainty by ADCP. Field measurements were carried out at monthly intervals between March 2020 and October 2021, seeking to represent the water seasonality and depth and QL variations in the cross-sections of the Caiabi 1 and 2, Celeste, Preto and Renato rivers. The evaluated rivers had a net flow between 3.48 and 60.78 m3 s-1 by the windlass and between 2.66 and 54.30 m3 s-1 by the ADCP, while the depths obtained were from 0.17 to 6.34 m by the rod/winch and from 0.65 to 6.20 m by the ADCP. The methods resulted in similar measurements of net flow and depth in each of the cross-sections, and the statistical performance of the linear regression model was satisfactory with a Willmott concordance index of 0.9977 and 0.9819 for estimates of QL and of the depth of the cross-sections, respectively. The ADCP accurately measured net discharge and depth in shallow (up to 6.5 m) cross-sections of Teles Pires River in relative to the reference method. Determining the total measurement time and pairs of transects to obtain accurate QL by ADCP depends on the hydraulic characteristics of the watercourses.

Recent successes in the field of evolutionary cancer cell biology (ECCB) have brought to a head two of the most important controversies regarding cancer origin. The first concerns the question of whether carcinogenesis is initiated only by genetic alterations, mutations, and driver genes, as the mutational theory teaches. The ECCB, claims that a large number of polyploidy-related cancers (PGCC cancers) are not due to mutations, but rather to inadequate ancient repair mechanisms used by DNA-damaged stem cells for their repair. Somatic mutations are merely secondary. The second controversy, described in the previous article, concerns the non-mutational theory itself: Are non-mutational polyploid cancers an atavism - as previously thought - or rather the effect of an ancient gene regulatory network aGRN that controls genome reprogramming in precancerous DNA-damaged cells as well in the transformed cells. Finally, the unicellular gene module of cancer, of which the aGRN is a part, has evolved along with the multicellular genome during the last 1000 My of evolution. and non-mutated cancer cell systems are under the control of the aGRN. The atavistic theory relies on phylostratigraphic evidence to determine the age of cancer genes. It states that most cancer-like genes arose during the transition period from unicellularity to multicellularity, but also during the early metazoan era. In our opinion, the atavistic theory is flawed and suffers from many misunderstandings. It provides little insight into the origin and coevolution of the cancer cell system and its control by the ancient gene regulatory network aGRN.

Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease affecting multiple systems including the GI tract. Clinical manifestation in patients can start as early as infancy and vary across different age groups. With the advent of new highly effective modulators, the life expectancy of PwCF has improved significantly. Various GI aspects of CF care such as nutrition are linked to the overall improvement in morbidity, lung function, and quality of life of PwCF. The variable clinical presentations and management of GI diseases in pediatrics and adults CF should be recognized. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure efficient transfer of information between pediatric and adult providers for proper continuity of management and coordination of care at the time of transition. The transition of care is a challenging process for both patients and providers and currently, there are no specific tools for GI providers to help ensure smooth transition. In this review, we aim to highlight the crucial features of GI care at the time of transition and provide a checklist that can assist in ensuring an effective transition and ease the challenges associated with it.

As the application of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) becomes more and more widespread, its security is becoming a focus of attention. Currently, there has been much research on the security defense of the physical layer of the CPS. However, most of the research only focuses on one of the aspects, for example, attack detection, security state estimation or recovery control. Obviously, the effectiveness of security defense targeting only one aspect is limited. Therefore, in this paper, a set of security defense processes is proposed for the case that a CPS containing multiple sensors is subject to three kinds of stealthy attacks (i.e., zero-dynamics attack, covert attack, and replay attack). Firstly, the existing attack detection method based on improved residuals is used to detect stealthy attacks. Secondly, based on the detection results, an optimal state estimation method based on improved Kalman filtering is proposed to estimate the actual state of the system. Then, based on the optimal state, internal model control (IMC) is introduced to complete the recovery control of the system. Finally, the proposed methods are integrated to give a complete security defense process, and the simulation is verified for three kinds of stealthy attacks. The simulation results show that the proposed methods are effective.

This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the neural systems involved in regulating wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) in mammals. Specifically, we focus on the anatomical connections between the subiculum, a component of the hippocampal formation, and the regions responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle. The subiculum exhibits direct connections with key areas involved in sleep regulation, such as the lateral hypothalamus, tuberomammillary nucleus, basal forebrain, ventrolateral preoptic nucleus, ventrolateral tegmental area, and suprachiasmatic nucleus. Additionally, second-order projections from the subiculum are received by the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus and locus coeruleus, suggesting potential involvement of the subiculum in the regulation of circadian rhythms, particularly the circadian sleep-wake cycle. We also discuss alterations in the subiculum observed in individuals with sleep disorders and sleep-deprived mice, underscoring the significance of investigating neuronal communication between the subiculum and pathways promoting both sleep and wakefulness.

The clinical relationship between diabetes and inflammation is well-established. Various branches of science independently have confirmed that disrupting oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium and elevated lipid peroxidation could be a potential mechanism for chronic kidney disease associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Under diabetic condition, hyperglycemia, especially inflammation, and increased reactive oxygen species generation are bidirectionally associated. Inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue damage are believed to have a role in the development of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism underlying the oxidative stress and its impact on diabetes progression remains uncertain, the hyperglycemia-inflammation-oxidative stress interaction clearly plays a significant role in onset and progression of vascular disease, kidney disease, hepatic injury, pancreas damage and, therefore holds promise as a therapeutic target. Evidence strongly indicates that the use of multiple antidiabetic medications therapy fails to achieve the normal range for glycated hemoglobin target, signifying treatment resistant diabetes. Antioxidants with polyphenols are considered useful as adjuvant therapy for their potential anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity. We aimed to analyze the current major points reported in preclinical in vivo and clinical studies of antioxidants in the prevention or treatment of inflammation in T2DM. Then, we will share our speculative vision of the future diabetes clinical trials.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal disease due to early metastatic spread, late diagnosis and the lack of efficient therapies. A major driver of cancer progression and hurdle to successful treatment is the desmoplastic reaction of the tumor stroma, the formation of which is orchestrated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Recent data from pancreatic cancer mouse models have shown that the TGF-β pathway is controlled by transcriptionally active p73 (TAp73) through secretion of biglycan (Bgn) via intermittent expression of the TGF-β signaling intermediates, Smad3 and Smad4. Genetic knockout of TP73, and, as a consequence, deficient induction of Smad3/Dpc4 and secretion of Bgn led to activation of TGF-β signaling through a (Smad-independent) ERK pathway, favoring epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell motility. Except for BGN, these functions of TAp73 have recently been shown to also operate in human PDAC cells and are reminiscent of what we previously observed for the small GTPase, RAC1b. This prompted us to hypothesize that TAp73 and RAC1b are part of the same tumor-suppressive pathway in human PDAC cells. The two objectives of this study, therefore, were to reveal i) if the regulatory interactions between TAp73 and Bgn previously discovered in murine PDAC-derived cells also operate in their human counterparts, and ii) if RAC1b collaborates with TAp73 in these tumor-suppressive activities in human PDAC cells. Using a variety of experimental approaches, including mutual rescue experiments, we were able to show that the previously proposed tumor-suppressive TAp73-Smad4-Bgn signaling also operates in human cells and that RAC1b is as an upstream activator of this pathway. Our findings highlight the complex role of TGF-β in pancreatic tumorigenesis and might have implications for therapeutic approaches targeting this growth factor for inhibition.

We have previously developed several successful decellularization strategies yielding porcine cardiac extracellular matrices (pcECMs), which exhibit tissue-specific bioactivity and bioinductive capacity when cultured with various pluri- and multipotent stem cells. Here, we studied the tissue-specific effects of the pcECM on seeded human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) phenotype using reverse transcribed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) arrays for cardio-vascular related genes. We further corroborated interesting findings at the protein level (flow cytometry and immunological stains) as well as bioinformatically using several mRNA sequencing and protein databases of normal and pathologic adult tissue expression, as well as during human embryonic organogenesis. We discovered that upon seeding of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on the pcECM they displayed partial MET toward endothelial phenotypes (CD31+) and morphologies, which were preceded by an early spike (~day 3 onward after seeding) in HAND2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels compared to plate controls. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (KO) of HAND2 and its associated antisense long non-coding RNA (HAND2-AS1) regulatory region resulted in proliferation arrest, hypertrophy, and senescent-like morphology. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that HAND2 and HAND2-AS1 are highly correlated in expression, are expressed in many different tissue types albeit at distinct yet tightly regulated expression levels. Deviation (down or up regulation) from these basal tissue expression levels are associated with a long list of pathologies. We thus suggest that HAND2 expression levels may finetune cell plasticity possibly affecting senescence and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition states, through yet unknown mechanisms. Targeting this pathway may represent a promising new therapeutic approach for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, degenerative disorders, and aging. Nevertheless, further investigations are required to better understand the molecular players involved, potential inducers and inhibitors of this pathway, and eventually potential therapeutic applications.

This study aims to investigate how the adoption of an online to offline (O2O) transition strategy impacts the sales volume of Kampoeng Merdeka Clothing. The O2O strategy includes various components, such as establishing O2O platforms, delivering personalized services, ensuring secure transactions, and engaging in offline business activities. The research employs a quantitative approach, focusing on consumers who have made clothing purchases from Kampoeng Merdeka Clothing in Macassar. The sample size comprises 83 respondents, deliberately selected using the Slovin approach. The data analysis and methodology involve the application of Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling to assess both the external and internal models. The findings of this study emphasize the significant and positive influence of the variables "Build O2O Network Platform," "Provide Personalized Experience," "Safeguard Transactions Security," and "Offline Business" on driving the sales growth of Kampoeng Merdeka Clothing. These results indicate that the O2O transition strategy has a substantial impact on the brand's sales performance, with the establishment of O2O platforms and personalized services playing crucial roles. Additionally, ensuring secure transactions and engaging in offline business activities further contribute to the overall success of Kampoeng Merdeka Clothing in the market. This research sheds light on the effectiveness of the O2O approach in boosting sales for clothing brands and underscores the importance of integrating online and offline elements to maximize business outcomes.

Approximately 6 million youth aged 12 to 20 consume alcohol monthly in the United States. The effect of alcohol consumption in adolescence on behavior and cognition is heavily researched, however, little is known about how alcohol consumption in adolescence may alter brain function, leading to long-term developmental detriments. In order to investigate differences in brain connectivity associated with alcohol use in adolescents, brain networks were constructed using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data collected by the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) from 698 youth (12-21 years, 117 hazardous drinkers and 581 no/low drinkers). Analyses assessed differences in brain network topology based on alcohol consumption in eight pre-defined brain networks, as well as in whole-brain connectivity. Within the central executive network (CEN), basal ganglia network (BGN), and sensorimotor network (SMN), no/low drinkers demonstrated stronger and more frequent connections between highly globally efficient nodes, with fewer and weaker connections between highly clustered nodes. Inverse results were observed within the dorsal attention network (DAN), visual network (VN), and frontotemporal network (FTN), with no/low drinkers demonstrating weaker connections between nodes with high efficiency and increased frequency of clustered nodes compared to hazardous drinkers. Results from this study show clear organizational differences between adolescents with no/low or hazardous alcohol use, suggesting that aberrant connectivity in these brain networks is associated with risky drinking behaviors.

Canine mammary tumors represent one of the leading malignant pathology in female dogs, displaying the importance of efficient therapeutic findings, beside the golden standard surgery, able to limit the development of the disease. Studies in human cancers demonstrated that Doxorubicin presents a good effect in different biological processes like apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle, cell invasion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Our study following the effects of Doxorubicin on two canine mammary cancer cell lines P114 and CMT-U27, showing an inhibitory effect in cell proliferation and an expression alteration of the EMT related genes.

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO₂), tetragonal (t-ZrO₂), and monoclinic (m-ZrO₂) phases of ZrO₂. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO₂. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO₂, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, and m-ZrO₂ are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y₂O₃ onto the m-ZrO₂ structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO₂ and an increase in its defectiveness. A doping-induced and concentration-dependent phase transition in ZrO₂ under the influence of Y₂O₃ was discovered, due to which the position of the Fermi level changes and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that, not only for pure systems but including those doped with Y₂O₃, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. The t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H₂O on unstabilized t-ZrO₂ (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of - 0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The results show that ab initio approaches are able to describe the mechanism of doping-induced phase transitions in (ZrO₂+Y₂O₃)-like systems, based on which it can be assumed that DFT calculations can also flawlessly evaluate other physical and chemical properties of YSZ, which have not yet been studied quantum chemical research. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO₂.

Extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) technologies (i.e., fused filament fabrication, FFF) mostly produce thermoplastic parts. However, producing metallic or ceramic parts by FFF is also a sintered-based AM process. FFF for metallic parts can be divided into five steps: (1) raw materials selection and feedstock mixture (including palletization), (2) filament production (extrusion), (3) production of AM components using the filament extrusion process, (4) debinding, and (5) sintering. These steps are interrelated, where the parameters interact with the other ones and have a key role in the integrity and quality of the final metallic parts. FFF can produce high-accuracy and complex metallic parts, potentially revolutionizing the manufacturing industry and taking AM components to a new level. In the FFF technology for metallic materials, material compatibility, production quality, and cost-effectiveness are the challenges to overcome to make it more competitive compared to other AM technologies, like the laser processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in FFF for metallic materials, including the metals and binders used, the challenges faced, potential applications, and the impact of FFF on the manufacturing (prototyping and end parts), design freedom, customization, sustainability, supply chain, among others.

A global existential and interlocking environmental, climate and cooperation/equity polycrisis is being faced, which increasingly impacts and is impacted by water and land systems. As a result, transformations in response are gaining increasing traction. Advances in approaches to visualising and communicating how innovations and changes in landscape features enable shifts, transformations and transitions are more crucial than ever before. Visions help focus actions, collaboration and alignment of multiple actors in working towards a common purpose, whilst also entering people’s consciousness at the deep level of values, transforming beliefs and consequently, thinking and action. They give direction on effort and pull on transformational innovation. The evidence-based ‘Water Visions Visualisation Platform’ presents an innovative and accessible way to illustrate, communicate and support future water visioning and strategizing at the landscape scale based on composite paradigms, scenarios, horizons and concepts. Plausible visions of the future are envisioned, illustrated, narratively described and qualitatively assessed, as well as connected with real-world examples and resources through the interactive Platform. This paper outlines the co-creation methodology, the architecture and the co-development of the Platform, as well as a preliminary evaluation through literature-based criteria and the sharing of the Platform with a number of audiences.

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO₂), tetragonal (t-ZrO₂), and monoclinic (m-ZrO₂) phases of ZrO₂. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO₂. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO₂, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, and m-ZrO₂ are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y₂O₃ onto the m-ZrO₂ structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO₂ and an increase in its defectiveness. The doping-induced and concentration-dependent phase transition of zirconium dioxide under the influence of yttrium oxide was studied, after which the position of the Fermi level changes and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that, not only for pure systems but including those doped with Y₂O₃, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. The t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H₂O on unstabilized t-ZrO₂ (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of -0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The calculations showed that ab initio research methods are capable of describing the mechanism of phase transitions of materials under the influence of alloying. That is, by optimizing the parameters of DFT calculations, it is possible to observe the effects of doping on other physical and chemical properties of materials, which are still beyond the scope of quantum chemical modeling. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO₂.