Search Results (14,556)

Fig mosaic is the most serious viral disease affecting figs. A fig germplasm collection from the Nikita Botanical Garden on the Crimean Peninsula was surveyed for viruses using high-throughput sequencing and RT-PCR with primers specific to known fig viruses. Reads related to fig umbra-like virus (FULV) were generated in samples from Ficus carica caprifig (pollinator) trees of the cultivar Belle dure. F. carica trees of other cultivars, as well as F. afghanistanica, F. palmata, and F. virgata trees, tested negative for FULV. Near-complete genomes of five Crimean fig umbra-like virus (FULV-CR) isolates shared 99.4% to 99.9% identity and were most closely related (85.2% identity) to the Hawaiian FULV isolate Oahu1 (MW480892). Based on their genome structure and a phylogenetic analysis, the FULV-CR isolates were determined to be dicot-infecting Class 2 umbra-like viruses and seem to be highly divergent forms of the same virus found recently in Hawaii, USA. This is the first report of an umbra-like virus found on figs in Crimea and outside of Hawaii, expanding information on the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of FULV. All of the Crimean FULV-positive plants were also co-infected with fig mosaic virus, fig badnavirus 1, and grapevine badna FI virus. Full article

The intensive use, development, and expansion of the road network is expanding the zones of direct impact of road transport on forest ecosystems. Issues related to the mobility of trace elements in forest ecosystems along motorways are very important due to the numerous environmental risks associated with the excessive accumulation of metals, the ability to migrate and accumulate in plants and animals, and the risk of transferring these elements to higher trophic levels. The aim of this article was therefore to determine the impact of road traffic on the basis of contents of trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and to describe the relationship of these contents in moss gametophytes and blueberry leaves taken in the vicinity of an existing and variously expanded expressway (S7, Poland, Europe). Analyses of transport impacts included the effects of distance and time of pollutant deposition and road transport on habitat and stand conditions. The highest contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in moss tissues were found in fir stands and the contents were, respectively, 0.36 mg·kg⁻¹, 5.91 mg·kg⁻¹, 12.5 mg·kg⁻¹, 3.26 mg·kg⁻¹, 8.82 mg·kg⁻¹, and 55.28 mg·kg⁻¹. Mosses showed the best bioindication capacity of all of the studied ecosystem elements. The Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Ni contents were particularly markedly elevated in moss tissues relative to non-anthropopressured areas and dependent on distance from the emitter (road). Blueberry proved to be a less useful bioindicator, as the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn found were similar to the data from non-anthropopressured areas and were, respectively, 0.09 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.98 mg·kg⁻¹, 7.12 mg·kg⁻¹, 2.49 mg·kg⁻¹, 1.18 mg·kg⁻¹, and 15.91 mg·kg⁻¹ in fir stands and 0.04 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.47 mg·kg⁻¹, 6.63 mg·kg⁻¹, 1.65 mg·kg⁻¹, 0.72 mg·kg⁻¹, and 17.44 mg·kg⁻¹ in pine stands. Full article

Although technical causes of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) failure have long been reported, we were curious about the quality of contemporary sinus surgery. The electronic health database of Mayo Clinic, Arizona was scrutinized to identify adult patients with diffuse chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who underwent revision ESS between January 2019 and September 2023 with a history of bilateral full-house ESS. Anatomical features on preoperative radiology and intraoperative endoscopy were cataloged: residual uncinate tissue, maxillary antrostomy with a non-incorporated natural os, residual ethmoidal septations (three septations > 3 mm), and inadequate sphenoid osteotomy (os size < 6 mm). Sixty-nine subjects were identified. A deviated nasal septum was present in 53.6%. Residual uncinate tissue was noted in 50.7% of patients associated with missed natural maxillary os in 39.13% of antrostomies. An inadequate os diameter was noted in 63.8% of sphenoidotomies. Significant residual septations were seen in posterior ethmoidal cells in 66.7% and anterior ethmoidal cells in 62.3% of patients. Residual frontoethmoidal cells were noted in 72.4% of patients. Although the extent of ESS must be individualized, a high prevalence of features reflecting suboptimal surgery that could limit the success of ESS was identified. These findings merit further consideration for focused training during residency and continuous professional development activities. Full article

Around the world, groundwater supply is critical for vital needs such as drinking and irrigation. This work investigates groundwater in the carbonate aquifer of the Middle Miocene in the east El Minia area, Egypt. In this regard, thirty-two groundwater samples were collected. The water samples were analyzed for Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, CO₂⁻, HCO₃⁻, Fe, Mn, Cd, As, Cr, Cu, and Pb. Groundwater has been evaluated using two methods, which are water quality index (WQI) and health risk assessment (HRA). The predominant groundwater is soft water, and the samples range in salinity from fresh to slightly salty. The groundwater mostly falls into the alkaline water type. All the groundwater samples under study are deemed low quality for human consumption due to water contamination. Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, and Pb have high HQnc values, which can result in non-carcinogenic health issues in adults, while Mn, Cu, and Pb can give rise to non-carcinogenic health issues in children. Full article

Composite coatings based on chromium carbide (Cr₃C₂) and nickel–chromium alloys (NiCr) are widely used due to their unique properties, including high heat resistance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. This article studies the structural–phase and physical–mechanical characteristics of Cr₃C₂-NiCr composite coatings applied by high-velocity oxygen fuel to E110 zirconium alloy. The HVOF method was chosen to create coatings with high adhesion to the substrate and excellent performance properties. Analysis of the microstructure of the cross-section showed the thickness of the modified surface layer from 75 to 110 μm, depending on the processing modes. Energy dispersive X-ray spectral analysis revealed the presence of elements Cr, Ni, C and O in the coating composition. Structural–phase analysis confirmed the formation of coatings with a high concentration of Cr₃C₂ carbide particles and NiCr (nickel–chromium) phases. The resulting composite coatings based on Cr₃C₂-NiCr had a significantly high microhardness, ranging from HV 1190 to HV 1280, and the friction coefficient varied in a significant range from 0.679 to 0.502 depending on the processing conditions. The maximum adhesion strength was 9.19 MPa per square centimeter. Full article

The potential of utilizing inorganic constituents in processed animal proteins (PAPs) for species identification in animal feeds was investigated, with the aim of using these constituents to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products. This study aimed to quantify the inorganic content across various PAP species and assess whether inorganic analysis could effectively differentiate between PAP species, ultimately aiding in the identification of PAP fractions in animal feeds. Four types of PAPs, namely bovine, swine, poultry, and fish-based, were analyzed and compared to others made up of feathers of vegetal-based feed. Also, three insect-based PAPs (Cricket, Silkworm, Flour Moth) were considered in this study to evaluate the differences in terms of the nutrients present in this type of feed. Ionic chromatography (IC) was used to reveal the concentrations of NO₃⁻, NO₂, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to detect Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Si, Sr, Ti, and Zn. The application of multivariate chemometric techniques to the experimental results allowed us to determine the identification capability of the inorganic composition to identify correlations among the variables and to reveal similarities and differences among the different species. The results show the possibility of using this component for discriminating between different PAPS; in particular, fish PAPs are high in Cd, Sr, Na, and Mg content; swine PAPs have lower metal content due to high fat; feathers and vegetal feed have similar Al, Si, and Ni, but feathers are higher in Fe and Zn; and insect PATs have nutrient levels comparable to PAPs of other origins but are very high in Zn, Cu, and K. Full article

The need to better exploit crop yield potential through agronomic practices is driven by the necessity to feed a growing population in a changing climate. In this regard, cereals, including barley, represent strategic crops. Barley grain yield in Poland is comparable to the European average. Under good habitat and agronomic conditions, it can exceed the average. The effects of cropping system (continuous cropping, CC; crop rotation, CR), cultivar (Radek, Skald), plant protection level (control treatment, CT; herbicide, H; herbicide and fungicide, HF), and the interactions among these factors on spring barley yield were evaluated in northeast Poland in 2017–2022. Growing spring barley in the CR system promoted higher yields compared to the CC system due to increased spike density and 1000-grain weight (TGW). Skald, with a higher TGW, yielded more than Radek. H treatment increased barley yield by improving the spike density and TGW, while fungicide inclusion (HF) contributed to further yield increase by improving the TGW. The interaction of CR and HF practices contributed to the greatest realization of the yield potential of both cultivars. The study confirmed the strong contribution of inter-annual weather variability in modifying the effects of cropping system, cultivar, and plant protection strategy on barley yield. Full article

The closed-loop material and energy cycles of islands increase the susceptibility of their internal ecosystem components to heavy metal accumulation and transfer. However, limited research on the island scale hinders our understanding of heavy metal environmental geochemistry in this unique environment. This study focused on assessing a tropical island’s ecological risk by investigating heavy metal contamination and potential sources. The results revealed elevated cadmium and nickel concentrations in 0.44–1.31% of soil samples, particularly in coastal plains and developed areas. Using the absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model assisted by GIS mapping, we identified three contamination sources: geological factors, agricultural activities, and traffic emissions. Network analysis indicated direct exposure risks of vegetation and soil microorganisms to contaminated soil (0.4611 and 0.7687, respectively), with nickel posing the highest risk, followed by Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Cr with risks transferring across trophic levels. These findings provide crucial insights for mitigating ecological risks associated with heavy metals by controlling priority pollutants and their sources in tropical island environments. Full article

The common machining technologies for difficult-to-machine materials do not remarkably ensure acceptable efficiency and precision in bulk materials cutting. High-energy abrasive water injection jet (AWIJ) treatment can cut diverse materials, even multi-layer composites characterized by divergent properties, accurately cutting complex profiles and carrying them out in special circumstances, such as underwater locations or explosion hazard areas. This work reports research on the AWIJ machining quality performance of X22CrMoV12-1 high-alloy steel. The response surface method (RSM) was utilized in modeling. The most influencing process control parameters on cut kerf surface roughness—abrasive flow rate, pressure, and traverse speed—were tested. The result is a mathematical model of the process in the form of a three-variable polynomial. The key control parameter affecting the cut slot roughness turned out to be the traverse speed. In contrast, pressure has a less significant effect, and the abrasive mass flow rate has the slightest impact on the cut slot roughness. Under the optimal conditions determined as a result of the tests, the roughness of the intersection surface Sq does not exceed 2.3 μm. Based on the ANOVA, we confirmed that the model fits over 96% appropriately with the research outcomes. This method reduces the computations and sharply determines the optimum set of control parameters. Full article

Nickel and chromium are both common heavy metals that pose serious environmental and health hazards. However, the exact mechanism by which nickel and/or chromium cause renal injury is unclear. Therefore, we explored the molecular mechanisms of renal injury caused by nickel and/or chromium poisoning from the perspective of mitochondrial dynamics and the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. In this study, eighty 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (Con, untreated), nickel (Ni, 110 mg/L Ni²⁺), chromium (Cr, 50 mg/L Cr⁶⁺), and combined nickel–chromium (Ni + Cr, 110 mg/L Ni²⁺, 50 mg/L Cr⁶⁺). The results showed that chronic nickel and/or chromium exposure inhibited body weight gain and impaired kidney function and structure in mice. Chronic nickel and/or chromium exposure led to the disruption of mitochondrial dynamics and thus induced oxidative stress. On the other hand, the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway may play an important regulatory role in mitigating oxidative stress-induced oxidative damage in kidney. The present study partially elucidated the molecular mechanism of renal injury induced by nickel and/or chromium exposure in mice and the regulatory role of the Nrf2 pathway in inducing oxidative injury from the perspective of mitochondrial dynamics. This provides a theoretical basis for the development of prevention and control strategies, and environmental protection measures. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between collaborative robot (CR) parameters and worker utilization and system performance in human–robot collaboration (HRC) environments. We investigated whether optimized parameters increase workplace efficiency and whether adapting these parameters to the individual worker improves workplace outcomes. Three experimental scenarios with different CR parameters were analyzed in terms of the setup time, assembly time, finished products, work in process, and worker utilization. The main results show that personalized CR parameters significantly improve efficiency and productivity. The scenario in which CR parameters were tailored to individual workers, balanced the workload, and minimized worker stress, resulting in higher productivity compared to non-people-centric settings. The study shows that personalization reduces cognitive and physical stress, promotes worker well-being, and is consistent with the principles of human-centered manufacturing. Overall, our research supports the adoption of personalized, collaborative workplace parameters, supported by the mathematical model, to optimize employee efficiency and health, contributing to human-centered and efficient HRC environments. Full article

Expanded polystyrene concrete (EPSC) is increasingly utilized in buildings as a green building material. To investigate the effect of high-tenacity polypropylene (HTPP) fibers on the carbonation resistance (CR) of EPSC, five groups of EPSC specimens with HTPP fiber volume fractions of 0%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5% were prepared. Rapid carbonation tests were conducted to measure the carbonation depth (CD) and uniaxial compression strength (UCS) of the specimens at different carbonation ages (3, 7, 14, and 28 days). The CD and UCS of the specimens were calculated and analyzed. The results indicated that the HTPP fibers dramatically improved the CR of EPSC, with a decrease in the CD of up to 29.5% at 28 days. A model for predicting the CD of EPSC was developed. The model for the strength after carbonation also showed good agreement with the experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure of the HTPP-reinforced EPSC, while the mechanism of HTPP fibers to enhance the CR of EPSC was elucidated. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the application of EPSC as a structural material. Full article

This study investigated the susceptible sites for pit nucleation in a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) Fe₃₉Mn₂₀Co₂₀Cr₁₅Si₅Al₁ (at.%) high-entropy alloy (HEA) in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The investigation involved a constant-load stress corrosion cracking (SCC) experiment. The SCC testing was interrupted at different pre-determined time intervals to characterize the specimen surface using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and a three-dimensional optical stereomicroscope. The EBSD results revealed pit nucleation at the susceptible γ–ε interphase and ε–ε interlath/plate boundaries. The three-dimensional profile and SEM results indicated an increase in pit depth with no change in pit diameter on the surface of the specimen as the experiment progressed over time. This study highlights the importance of microstructural features and mechanical loading in the corrosion behavior of TRIP HEAs, providing insights into the mechanisms of pit nucleation and growth under aggressive environmental conditions. Full article

Abstract: The impact of introducing trace transition elements on the thermal stability and conductivity of pure copper was examined through metallographic microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrical conductivity measurements; the interaction between trace transition element and trace impurity element S in the matrix was analyzed. The results show that the addition of trace Ti and trace Cr, Ni, and Ag elements significantly enhances the thermal stability of the pure copper grain size. After high-temperature treatment at 900 °C/30 min, the grain sizes of Cu, Cu-Ti-S, and Cu-Cr-Ni-Ag-S were measured and found to be 200.24 μm, 83.83 μm, and 31.08 μm, respectively, thus establishing a thermal stability ranking of Cu-Cr-Ni-Ag-S > Cu-Ti-S > Cu. Furthermore, the conductivities of pure copper remain high even after the addition of trace transition elements, with recorded values for Cu, Cu-Ti-S, and Cu-Cr-Ni-Ag-S of 100.7% IACS, 100.2% IACS, and 98.5% IACS, respectively. The enhancement of thermal stability is primarily attributed to the pinning effect of the TiS and CrS phases, as well as the solid solution dragging of Ni and Ag elements. Trace Ti and Cr elements can react with S impurities to form a hexagonal-structure TiS phase and monoclinic-structure CrS phase, which are non-coherent with the matrix. Notably, the CrS phase is smaller than the TiS phase. In addition, the precipitation of these compounds also reduces the scattering of free electrons by solute atoms, thereby minimizing their impact on the alloy’s conductivity. Full article

The cornerstone of ovarian cancer treatment is complete surgical cytoreduction. The gold-standard option in the absence of extra-abdominal metastases and intra-abdominal inoperable circumstances is primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS). However, achieving complete cytoreduction is challenging, and only possible in a selected patient population. Preoperative imaging modalities such as [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT could be useful in patient selection for cytoreductive surgery. In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the role of preoperative [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT in predicting complete cytoreduction in primary and secondary debulking surgeries. Publications were pooled from two databases (PubMed, Mendeley) with predefined keywords “(ovarian cancer) AND (FDG OR PET) AND (cytoreductive surgery)”. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST). During statistical analysis, MetaDiSc 1.4 software and the DerSimonian–Laird method (random effects models) were used. Primary and secondary cytoreductive surgeries were evaluated. Pooled sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPVs), and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated and statistically analyzed. Results were presented in forest plot diagrams and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Overall, eight publications were included in our meta-analysis. Four publications presented results of primary, three presented results of secondary cytoreductions, and two presented data related to both primary and secondary surgery. Pooled sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values were the following: in the case of primary surgeries: 0.65 (95% CI 0.60–0.71), 0.73 (95% CI 0.66–0.80), 0.82 (95% CI 0.77–0.87), 0.52 (95% CI 0.46–0.59); and in the case of secondary surgeries: 0.91 (95% CI 0.84–0.95), 0.48 (95% CI 0.30–0.67), 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.93), 0.56 (95% CI 0.35–0.75), respectively. The PPVs of [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT proved to be higher in cases of secondary debulking surgeries; therefore, it can be a valuable predictor of complete successful secondary cytoreduction. Full article