Search Results (14,861)

A white encrustation of the Cotswold Weir wall in the lower reaches of the Condamine River, a tributary of the Murray–Darling River system in semi-arid Australia, was investigated following community concern that it indicated health risks from an unknown substance in the water resulting from mining and agricultural enterprises in the catchment. The vitreous white surface consisted of closely packed frustules of diatoms, observed by scanning electron microscopy, with an underlying layer of clay particles and dried filamentous green algae. Pennate diatoms identified in the white encrustation were the benthic species Nitzschia palea (predominant), Eolimna subminiscula, Craticula aff. cuspidata, Navicula viridula var. rostellata, and Luticola mutica. The centric diatom species Melosira varians was also present as filamentous chains of cylindrical frustules among the aggregated pennate diatom frustules. The encrustation was the remains of a periphyton (biofilm) of diatoms and green algae that had developed during protracted stream flow over the weir wall following record flooding. A dry period had resulted in the death of the diatoms and exposure of their aggregated siliceous frustules as a vitreous white coating. All diatom species identified are considered tolerant of eutrophic and mildly saline conditions. Chemical analyses of water from the Cotswold Weir, compared to long-term records, revealed higher salinity, with changes from March when the river was flowing to September when the white coating was noted, in electrical conductivity (299 to 461 µS/cm), and in sodium (26 to 43 mg/L) and chloride (26 to 75 mg/L) concentrations, respectively. Total nitrogen (0.82 to 1.6 mg/L) and total phosphorus (0.24 to 0.094 mg/L) were at mesotrophic and eutrophic concentrations, respectively, together with substantial dissolved silica concentrations (18 to 11 mg/L). Atomic ratios for total nitrogen/total phosphorus (7.6 to 37.6), nitrate-nitrogen/orthophosphate-phosphorus (2.3 to 274), and dissolved silica–silicon:orthophosphate-phosphorus (81.7 to 749) probably favoured diatoms over other photoautotrophs. While the diatomaceous encrustation indicated no health risks from the weir water, continued watch is required to avoid eutrophication and salinization of the river. Full article

The growing demand for higher reliability and efficiency in modern electric drives, coupled with the increasing adoption of multi-phase machines, has necessitated advancements in fault-tolerant control strategies. This paper presents a fault tolerance analysis for a six-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) connected to a five-level cascaded H-bridge converter, employing a level-shift pulse width modulation (LSPWM) technique. Unlike existing strategies, this work integrates a unique combination of three key innovations: first, a fault detection mechanism capable of identifying faults in both machine phases and inverter legs with high precision; second, an open-circuit fault compensation strategy that dynamically reconfigures the faulty inverter phase leg into a two-level topology to reduce losses and preserve healthy switches; and third, a modified closed-loop control method designed specifically to mitigate the adverse effects of short-circuit faults while maintaining system stability. The proposed approach is validated through rigorous simulations in Simulink and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) tests, demonstrating its robustness and applicability in high-reliability applications. Full article

The transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) is a critical component of economic systems, especially in regions such as the Western Balkans (WB), where infrastructure and regulatory frameworks face significant challenges. This study assesses the current state of transportation of dangerous goods in Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo*, focusing on the alignment of national regulations with international standards such as the ADR agreement. Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 847 stakeholders, key barriers are identified, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, limited oversight and low public awareness. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, reveal significant differences in perceptions across the countries surveyed, indicating inequalities in implementation and enforcement. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to close gaps through targeted investments in infrastructure, increased training programs, stricter compliance and regional cooperation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive data collection systems and advanced risk assessment tools to improve safety and efficiency. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of TDG issues in the WB countries and provides actionable recommendations for policy makers and practitioners to promote safer and more sustainable practices. The region can improve its TDG framework by addressing these challenges and ensuring economic growth and public safety while minimizing environmental risks. Full article

Cell culture models with tissue-mimicking architecture enable thein vitro investigation of cellular behavior and cell–cell interactions. These models can recapitulate the structure and function of physiological systems and can be leveraged to elucidate mechanisms of disease. In this work, we developed a method to create open microfluidic cell cultures in vitro using 3D-printed molds. The method improves sample accessibility, is simpler to manufacture than traditional closed microfluidic cell culture systems and requires minimal specialized equipment, making it an attractive method for cell culture applications. Further, these molds can generate multiple tissue-mimicking structures in various hydrogels, including blood vessel mimics using endothelial cells (HUVECs). Various geometries were patterned into agarose, gelatin, and collagen type I hydrogels, including star-shaped wells, square wells, round wells, and open channels, to demonstrate the versatility of the approach. Open channels were created in collagen with diameters ranging from 400 µm to 4 mm and in multiple collagen densities ranging from 2 mg/mL to 4 mg/mL. To demonstrate the applicability of our approach for tissue modeling, blood vessel mimics were generated in open channels with diameters of 800 µm and 2 mm, with high cell viability (>89%) for both dimensions. The vessel mimics were used to study the effects of hypoxia on cell viability and CD31 expression by subjecting them to a reduced-O2 environment (∼16% ${\mathrm{O}}_2$). As compared to normoxia conditions, vessel mimics under hypoxia had a reduction in cell viability by 8.3% and CD31 surface expression by 7.4%. Overall, our method enables the generation of different geometries in hydrogels and the development of in vitro tissue mimics for biological applications. Full article

How important is the support during the rational design of a catalyst? Herein, doped ceria (Zr; Pr and Tb) was used as an active support to prepare Pt catalysts (0.5 wt%) for glycerol selective oxidation. A thorough characterization of achieved catalytic systems showed that the nature of doping elements led to different physicochemical properties. The presence of surface Pr³⁺ and Tb³⁺ not only increased oxygen vacancies but also electron mobility, modifying the oxidation state of platinum particles. The redox properties of the catalyst were also affected, achieving a close interaction between the support and metal particles even in the form of Pt-O-Pr(Tb) solid solutions. Furthermore, the combination of medium-sized metal particle dispersion, strong metal–support interaction and a synergy between the amount of oxygen vacancies and Pt⁰, observed in the Pt/CeTb catalyst, led to a high turnover frequency (TOF) and increased selectivity to glyceric acid. Thus, the present study reveals how a simple structural modification of active supports, such as cerium oxide, by means of doping elements is capable of improving the catalytic performance during glycerol selective oxidation, avoiding the cumbersome methods of synthesis and activation treatments. Full article

Food security is an immensely complex issue connected to global food production and supply systems. One of the key challenges is to provide sufficient, safe, and nutritionally balanced food for everyone on the planet. It is closely linked to many factors including population growth, poverty, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Currently, the world population is growing at an unprecedented rate, placing immense pressure on food production systems. Thus, meeting the increasing demand for food presents a significant challenge for the current global agriculture and food systems. The World Food Program reported that over 345 million people faced high levels of food insecurity in 2023. Additionally, 2 billion people are living with micronutrient deficiencies (such as vitamin A, iron, and iodine). Over time, a severely restricted food intake can cause malnutrition and reduce the lifespan. On the other hand, nearly 2 billion adults worldwide are overweight or obese. Global emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and war zones have complicated the situation and resulted in increased hunger, lower immunity, increased infectious disease, and increased rates of early mortality. Furthermore, climate changes are disrupting traditional growing seasons, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and posing a serious threat to crop yields. This scenario warrants adaptation of sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems is crucial for improved and sustainable food security. Full article

Exposure to air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is closely linked to various adverse health effects, particularly in the respiratory system. The present study was designed to investigate the lncRNA–mRNA interactions in PM2.5-induced lung cell injury using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). We downloaded the gene expression data of GSE138870 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and screened for differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. We constructed co-expression modules with WGCNA. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis was also performed. We also constructed lncRNA–mRNA co-expression networks and lncRNA–mRNA-pathway networks to identify key regulatory relationships. The results revealed several modules significantly correlated with PM2.5-induced lung injury, such as the turquoise and blue modules. Genes within these modules were enriched in pathways related to signal transduction, metabolism, and cancer. Hub lncRNAs in the turquoise module, including LOC100129034 and CROCCP2, were found to be co-expressed with mRNAs involved in apoptosis and proliferation regulation. In the blue module, lnc-CLVS2-2 and GARS1-DT were connected to genes related to cell migration, invasion, and lung injury. These findings contribute novel perspectives to the molecular mechanisms involved in PM2.5-induced lung injury and suggest that WGCNA could be a valuable tool for predicting and understanding this disease process. Full article

The information perceived by producers plays a crucial role in the efficient management of the agricultural production chain, encompassing both the fertilization and marketing processes of the final product. The ability of farmers to make effective use of this information depends on their information behavior, the use of information technologies, and the adoption of up-to-date technical knowledge. However, small Ecuadorian producers face information gaps that limit their access to technical and commercial knowledge, which affects productivity and profitability. This study analyzed the informational competencies of small banana producers in the provinces of Guayas and Los Ríos, with the objective of identifying the causes of these gaps and their impact on fertilization and marketing. A structured survey was applied to small producers, evaluating five dimensions of information. In addition, soil analyses were conducted in 20 plantations to determine the correspondence between fertilization practices and banana nutritional requirements. The results showed that producers in Guayas presented more robust informational competencies, with greater recognition of information needs and active use of reliable sources. This was reflected in the fertilization practices more aligned with nutritional standards, where plantations in Guayas presented average values of 1.21 cmol(+)/L aluminum, 8.67 cmol(+)/L magnesium, and 0.87 cmol(+)/L potassium, largely complying with nutritional standards for banana cultivation. In contrast, growers in Los Ríos spent less time searching for information and evidenced deficiencies in soil nutrition. This study highlights the importance of strengthening knowledge transfer and improving agricultural communication systems as tools to close information gaps. It is recommended to implement inclusive public policies and training programs in the use of information technologies and sustainable practices. In addition, promoting the creation of collaborative platforms can optimize access to markets, facilitating the direct and efficient marketing of produce. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to explore nasal fracture patterns, trauma mechanism and intent, treatment approaches, and mortality rates, offering insights for clinical practice and prevention in trauma settings. Design: This retrospective analysis was carried out using trauma data from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) for the years 2013 to 2016. Main outcome measures: Trauma mechanism and mortality rates between closed and open fractures were conducted. Results: This study involved 122,574 closed and 9704 open nasal fractures to elucidate demographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics. Significant risk factors for open nasal fractures included a higher injury severity score, self-inflicted intent, unintentional causes, and firearm mechanism compared to assault injuries. Conclusions: Significant factors associated with open nasal fractures include injury severity, self-inflicted intent, trauma type, and firearm mechanisms, which notably increase the likelihood of open fractures. Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention, efficient resource allocation, and risk screening to enhance the management of complex facial traumas in the national trauma system. Full article

Automatic modulation recognition (AMR) technology is a critical component of modern communication systems. However, conventional AMR methods based on the closed-set assumption struggle to detect unknown classes that may appear during testing. To address this limitation, this paper proposes an open-set automatic modulation recognition (OSAMR) framework, termed CPLDiff, that integrates circular prototype learning (CPL) with a denoising diffusion model (DDM) to detect unknown classes. The core idea of CPLDiff is to jointly leverage the class-level and instance-level information of the training samples. To achieve this, CPL is used to extract class-level information, while the diffusion model is employed to extract instance-level information. (1) Circular Prototype Learning: Prototype vectors are pre-optimized and fixed, and a bias radius is introduced to expand the feasible encoding space. (2) Denoising Diffusion Model: Noise is added to the sample, and the DDM is used to remove this noise. The probability of a sample belonging to a known class is proportional to the extent of noise removal. (3) Final Integration: The outputs of the CPL and the DDM are combined to perform OSAMR. We conducted comparative experiments and evaluated the proposed method using diverse metrics to ensure a comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness. The experimental results demonstrate that the CPLDiff method significantly improves the detection capability for unknown classes compared to state-of-the-art methods. Full article

With the growth of energy demand and the aggravation of environmental problems, solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation has become a research hotspot. As the key interface between new energy generation and power grids, a PV grid-connected inverter ensures that the power generated by new energy can be injected into the power grid in a stable and safe way, and its power grid adaptability has also received more and more close attention in the field of new energy research. This research focuses on the discussion of PV grid-connected inverters under the complex distribution network environment, introduces in detail the domestic and international standards and requirements on grid-connected inverter grid adaptability, and then analyzes in depth the impacts of the access point voltage changes, access point frequency changes, and access point harmonic changes on the inverters. In order to enhance the adaptability of grid-connected inverters under these abnormal conditions, this research systematically summarizes and concludes a series of inverter adaptive control strategies, which provide literature guidance to effectively reduce the probability of power system faults and improve the reliability of the power system. Finally, the future development direction of PV inverter technology is outlooked, pointing out that, with the increase in the proportion of PV power generation in the power system, PV inverters need to evolve gradually from adapting to the grid to supporting the grid and promote the transformation of PV power generation from the auxiliary power source to the main power source through the integration of PV and energy storage. Full article

Synanthropic rodents are involved in the transmission of several parasitic zoonoses to humans, such as helminth parasites. As part of a multidisciplinary study concerning the rodent population in Barcelona (Spain), 300 specimens of the Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus, were analyzed to elucidate their helminth community, mainly species with a zoonotic potential. The sample included 263 specimens from the sewage system and 37 from public gardens. A total of 253 (84.3%) rats were found to be parasitized, and 206 (68.7%) harbored zoonotic species. Adult rats were found to be more heavily parasitized with zoonotic helminths than juveniles, but the sex and site of capture had no influence. Six zoonotic helminths were identified: Hydatigera taeniaeformis larvae (1.7%), Rodentolepis nana (8.0%), Hymenolepis diminuta (21.3%), Calodium hepaticum (46.3%), Gongylonema neoplasticum (36.7%), and Moniliformis moniliformis (2.3%). Human zoonotic helminth infections often go unreported, so that the role of R. norvegicus in their transmission is unknown. According to our results, it is advisable to monitor and control rodent populations in deprived settlements close to cities and in cities themselves, and to promote good hygienic and sanitary practices, especially among vulnerable populations and workers with high exposure such as sewage workers. Full article

The polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production process that uses mixed microbial cultures combined with main stream wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a competitive integrated resource recovery process in which non-oxygen electron acceptors can be used to enrich the PHA producer. Trials carried out in operating plants are very scarce, and there are no simulation tools available to analyse the feasibility of integrating the two processes. This research presents a novel analysis tool for a techno-economic assessment of value-added biopolymers. A general model for a conventional WWTP has been designed and eventually validated using the operating data collected in the database of a fully operational plant. In the model, a simulation of a PHA production line based on thickened primary sludge as a substrate has been integrated. The assembly has been treated as a closed-loop system with an accuracy level of 0.1% with a limit of 1000 iterations. Two strategies based on internal (ADF) or external (AN/AD) limitations of some nutrients have been contrasted for the selection of a biomass capable of feast–famine PHA synthesis. The ADF strategy was found to be the most favourable system, with a production of 0.226 kg of COD_PHA·kg⁻¹ COD. The calculated production cost was EUR 0.11·kg⁻¹ COD_PHA. The sludge production was reduced by 6%. Full article

Refractory angina pectoris (RAP) is a clinical syndrome characterized by persistent chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia that is unresponsive to optimal pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for managing RAP, offering significant symptom relief and improved quality of life. A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and safety profile of SCS in treating RAP. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 1990 and 2023. Of 328 articles identified, 6 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for final analysis. The included studies consistently demonstrated that SCS significantly reduces the frequency of anginal episodes and nitroglycerin use while improving exercise capacity and quality of life. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of pain signals via the gate control theory, enhancement of autonomic balance, and redistribution of myocardial perfusion. Novel stimulation modalities, including high-frequency, Burst, and Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM), show potential advantages in enhancing patient comfort and clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, long-term studies are necessary to validate these findings and establish the comparative efficacy of these advanced technologies. SCS is a safe and effective therapy for patients with RAP who are unsuitable for surgical interventions. Innovations in neurostimulation, including closed-loop systems and personalized treatment strategies have the potential to further optimize outcomes. Rigorous clinical trials are needed to consolidate the role of SCS as a cornerstone therapy for the management of RAP. Full article

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, progressive, and poor-prognosis systemic disorder that primarily affects women of reproductive age, with a higher prevalence among individuals of Caucasian origin. However, there are limited reliable data on the prevalence of LAM during pregnancy. The fulminant respiratory clinical presentation that often includes progressive dyspnea on exertion, cough, or hemoptysis, frequently complicated by pneumothorax, and the increased risk of spontaneous abortion due to increased estrogen and progesterone production during gestation, are arguments that most often make the diagnosed woman avoid pregnancy. Elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D), decline in respiratory function, and radiological findings are sufficient arguments in favor of the diagnosis in the pregnant woman. Sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, has demonstrated effectiveness in slowing the decline of lung function. Although sirolimus treatment is often recommended to be discontinued before conception due to the increased risk of fetal growth restriction, maintaining a dose level of <5 pcg/mL, with serum drug levels of 3–5 pcg/L, has been considered safe. Given the potential risks, individualized decisions about pregnancy are advised for patients with LAM. For those who choose to proceed, close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team is essential to manage complications effectively. Ongoing research aims to provide clearer guidance to optimize outcomes for both mother and child. Full article