Search Results (25,029)

The current study proceeded to reduce the environmental hazards spreading worldwide due to synthetic dyes. To overcome these problems, eco-friendly natural dyes are introduced as alternative sources of synthetic dyes. The present study was focused on exploring the bio-colorant of the aqueous and acidic extract of the bark of Melia azedarach L. for the dyeing of both silk and cotton samples. The results of the extraction medium specified that the aqueous extract gave maximum colorant solubility and upon fabric dyeing produced higher color strength in contrast to the acidic medium. The optimization experimentation data showed that excellent color strength of silk fabric was found at 45 min dyeing time duration, in 35:1 mL dye extract, and using 2% salt (NaCl) as an exhausting agent, whereas cotton fabric showed the maximum K/S value at 60 min dyeing time, in a 45:1 mL liquor ratio, and with the use of 2% salt. Bio-mordants produce different shades on both fabrics. Bio-mordanting experiments on silk revealed that pre-mordanting with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate, and post-mordanting using 3% turmeric and 2% pomegranate produced a darker shade. In the case of cotton, the pre-mordanted samples with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate and the post-mordanted samples with 4% turmeric and 4% pomegranate gave the highest color strengths. All the mordanted samples gave excellent fastness ratings. Overall, it has been found that Bakain bark proved to be an excellent source of tannin. The result of this study showed that it could be a cost-effective and eco-friendly dye source for textile progress. Full article

In the framework of fully vertical GaN-on-Silicon device technology development, we report on the optimization of non-alloyed ohmic contacts on the N-polar n+-doped GaN face backside layer. This evaluation is made possible by using patterned TLMs (Transmission Line Model) through direct laser writing lithography after locally removing the substrate and buffer layers in order to access the n+-doped backside layer. As deposited non-alloyed metal stack on top of N-polar orientation GaN layer after buffer layers removal results in poor ohmic contact quality. To significantly reduce the related specific contact resistance, an HCl treatment is applied prior to metallization under various time and temperature conditions. A 3 min HCl treatment at 70 °C is found to be the optimum condition to achieve thermally stable high ohmic contact quality. To further understand the impact of the wet treatment, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) analyses were performed. XPS revealed a decrease in Ga-O concentration after applying the treatment, reflecting the higher oxidation susceptibility of the N-polar face compared to the Ga-polar face, which was used as a reference. SEM images of the treated samples show the formation of pyramids on the N-face after HCl treatment, suggesting specific wet etching planes of the GaN crystal from the N-face. The size of the pyramids is time-dependent; thus, increasing the treatment duration results in larger pyramids, which explains the degradation of ohmic contact quality after prolonged high-temperature HCl treatment. Full article

With the escalating demand for advanced and eco-friendly processing technologies in mining engineering, the potential applications of microwave heating technology in the treatment of cement tailings backfill (CTB) are expanding significantly. This research comprehensively investigates the mechanisms through which microwave irradiation duration and power influence the mechanical properties of CTB with varying concentrations and cement-to-sand ratios. The aim is to reveal the influencing patterns through experimental methods, providing scientific evidence for optimizing CTB treatment processes. This paper conducted microwave heating tests, uniaxial compression tests, and SEM-EDS tests on CTB. The research results indicate that heating time and power significantly enhance the early strength of CTB, with a more pronounced effect on CTB with higher concentrations and higher cement–sand ratios. When the heating time is 7 min and the heating power is 340 W, the cement hydration reaction is maximally promoted, thereby increasing the density and strength growth rate of CTB. However, excessively long heating time or overly high heating power may cause microcracks or thermal stress concentration within the CTB, adversely affecting the strength growth rate of CTB. Optimal thermal exposure duration and microwave power settings facilitate the activation of cementitious materials and the nucleation of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) phases, thereby accelerating the compressive strength evolution of cemented tailings backfill (CTB). The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights into the deployment of microwave heating methodologies in underground mine backfilling, which are pivotal for augmenting the economic viability and environmental sustainability of mining operations. Full article

Background and Objectives: Non-specific neck and shoulder pain (NSNSP) is prevalent among working adults. The increased use of electronic devices and prevalence of remote working and study following the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the potential rise in such conditions. This study aims to investigate the associations between work-related, lifestyle factors and NSNSP in the adult Southeast Asian Singaporean population. Materials and Methods: An online survey was administered electronically to Singaporeans aged 21 and above. Demographic data, NSNSP prevalence, computer and smartphone usage durations, sleep patterns, and exercise frequency were captured after obtaining informed consent (SIT institutional review board approval #2023014). Results: A total of 302 validated responses were recorded, including 212 suffering from NSNSP versus 90 in the comparison group. The NSNSP group showed significantly longer smartphone usage (5.37 ± 3.50 h/day) compared to the comparison group (4.46 ± 3.36 h/day, p = 0.04). Furthermore, the NSNSP group had lower exercise frequency (2.10 ± 1.74 days/week vs. 2.93 ± 2.21 days/week, p < 0.01) and shorter weekly exercise duration (2.69 ± 3.05 h/week vs. 4.11 ± 4.15 h/week, p < 0.01). The average NSNSP severity in this group was 34.9 ± 19.96 out of 100, correlating significantly with age (r = 0.201, p < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.27, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This preliminary cross-sectional study examines characteristics of adult Southeast Asians with NSNSP post-COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate significantly longer smartphone use and less exercise in NSNSP respondents, with both age and body mass index (BMI) demonstrating significant correlations with NSNSP severity. Full article

Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) have emerged as a growing public health concern. However, the role of sleep in this context remains underexplored. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between sleep parameters and chronotype with ED risk in a sample of university students in Spain. Methods: ED risk was assessed via the Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food Questionnaire, and sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Other sleep parameters and chronotypes were self-reported. Sociodemographic, body composition, lifestyle, and depressive symptom data were collected. Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for the main confounders were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the study associations. Results: A total of 403 students (70.2% female) aged 18 to 30 years participated in the study. Those reporting poor sleep quality (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.08–3.17, p = 0.025) and ≤6 h of night-time sleep duration (OR = 4.14, 95% CI 2.00–8.57, p < 0.01) were more likely to be at risk of EDs in the adjusted analyses. The association between night-time sleep duration and the risk of ED did not remain significant when we adjusted for sleep quality. In addition, an evening chronotype was associated with an increased risk of EDs (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.66, p = 0.039) only before adjustment for confounders. Conclusions: Among university students, poorer sleep quality was cross-sectionally associated with EDs. Future prospective studies are needed to examine whether promoting sleep quality may serve as an effective strategy for preventing the risk of EDs. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the long-term prognostic implications of newly developed left bundle branch block (LBBB) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and a single coronary lesion, following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Among 3526 patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction between January 2011 and December 2013, 42 were identified with STEMI, a single coronary lesion, and newly diagnosed LBBB. A control group of 42 randomly selected STEMI patients without LBBB was also included. All participants were prospectively evaluated with a median follow-up duration of 9.4 years. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed to assess the impact of LBBB on long-term outcomes. Results: The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The STEMI with new LBBB group had significantly higher rates of new myocardial infarction, revascularization, and mortality, highlighting the severe prognostic implications and elevated risk for adverse outcomes compared to STEMI without LBBB. The multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of LBBB (HR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.28–3.62, p = 0.003), lower LVEF (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22–1.72, p < 0.001), and longer pain-to-admission time (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09–1.61, p = 0.008) were significant independent predictors of adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Newly acquired LBBB in STEMI patients is associated with poorer long-term outcomes. Early identification and management of factors such as reduced LVEF and timely hospital admission, specifically in patients with new-onset LBBB, can improve prognosis. Full article

In this study, as a vital part of the production of Mn-increased 5083 Al alloy, i.e., homogenization annealing before hot rolling, the target states of key Al₆Mn precipitation, including the dispersed, initial coarsening and intensive coarsening states, were designed, and the corresponding precipitates formed via the control of the temperature and holding time in the annealing process. By means of metallographic corrosion and nitric acid mass loss tests (NAMLT) for assessing the intergranular corrosion (IGC) resistance, temperatures ranging from 175 °C to 225 °C were determined to induce a transition from sensitization to stabilization for this innovative 5083. At a temperature of 175 °C for a duration of up to 24 h (2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 16 h, 24 h), the results show that when the soak time is 24 h, the sample with initially coarsened Al₆Mn phases has a lower degree of sensitization (DOS) compared to the samples with Al₆Mn phases in both the dispersed and intensive coarsening states, and its NAMLT is reduced by 11% and 15%, respectively. Subsequently, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis has investigated that for the sample with the best IGC resistance, i.e., that with initially coarsened Al₆Mn phases, plate-like Al₆Mn particles (200~500 nm) can act as heterogenous nucleation sites for β phases, driving their preferential precipitation on Al₆Mn particles and resisting their precipitation along grain boundaries, ultimately improving the IGC resistance of 5083 Al alloy after homogenization annealing. Full article

Background/Objectives: The previous literature on purging behavior in eating disorders (EDs) suggests an overall more complicated clinical picture for individuals with this symptomatology. So far, no studies have analyzed the possible differences between the specific types of purging among ED inpatients. Methods: A clinical sample of 302 inpatients with EDs was classified according to no purging behaviors, vomiting, the abuse of laxatives, and both vomiting and the abuse of laxatives. Participants completed the following questionnaires: the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (F-MPS), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Clinical information was collected for each individual. Results: Significant differences in the four groups were evidenced in age (p < 0.001), years of illness (p < 0.001), BMI at discharge (p < 0.001), STAI state anxiety (p < 0.001), STAI trait anxiety (p < 0.001), BDI (p < 0.001), EDE-Q eating concerns (p < 0.001), EDE-Q shape concerns (p < 0.001), EDE-Q weight concerns (p < 0.001), EDE-Q global score (p < 0.001), and F-MPS parental criticism (p < 0.001). ED inpatients with purging behaviors were older, had a longer duration of illness, higher parental criticism, and worse general and eating psychopathology. No differences emerged between the specific types of purging behavior. Conclusions: Purging behavior is a marker of severity in EDs independently of the specific type of purging. The appearance of any purging behavior must be regarded as a considerable red flag and be followed by an intensification of the cure. Full article

In the arid Arabian Peninsula, particularly within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the perception of rainfall has shifted from a natural blessing to a significant challenge for infrastructure and community resilience. The unprecedented storm on 17 April 2024, exposed critical vulnerabilities in the UAE’s urban infrastructure and flood management practices, revealing substantial gaps in handling accumulated precipitation. This study addresses the necessity of updating the Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves for the Sharjah Emirate by utilizing recent precipitation data from 2021 to April 2024, alongside previously published 2020 data. By recalibrating the IDF curves based on data from three meteorological stations, this study reveals a substantial increase in rainfall intensities across all durations and return periods. Rainfall intensities increased by an average of 36.76% in Sharjah, 26.52% in Al Dhaid, and 17.55% in Mleiha. These increases indicate a trend towards more severe and frequent rainfall events, emphasizing the urgent need to revise hydrological models and infrastructure designs to enhance flood resilience. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster management authorities in the UAE and similar regions worldwide. Full article

Background/Objectives: Relatively little has been established about the association of rapid ventricular response (RVR) with further recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study investigated the impact of RVR on the recurrence of AF. Methods: Data were obtained from a multicenter, prospective registry of non-valvular AF patients. RVR was defined as AF with a ventricular rate > 110 bpm. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of AF, defined as the first AF detected on 12-lead electrocardiography during follow-up. Secondary endpoints included manifestation of AF during follow-up and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), a composite of thromboembolic events, major bleeding, myocardial infarction, and death. Results: Among 5533 patients, 493 (8.9%) presented RVR. Patients with RVR were younger, had smaller left atrial diameters, and more frequently had paroxysmal AF. During the mean follow-up duration of 28.6 months, the RVR group exhibited significantly lower recurrence of AF (hazard ratio: 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.53–0.65, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of MACEs between patients with RVR and those without RVR (0.96, 0.70–1.31, p = 0.800). AF with RVR was identified as an independent negative predictor of AF recurrence (0.61, 0.53–0.71, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In patients with AF, those with RVR had a significantly lower recurrence of AF without an increase in MACEs. RVR is a favorable marker that may benefit from early rhythm control. Full article

Background: The ideal timing for tracheostomy in critically ill patients is still debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether early tracheostomy improves clinical outcomes compared to late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the risk of clinical outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent early (within 7–10 days of intubation) versus late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to June 2023. The primary outcome evaluated was mortality, while secondary outcomes included the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ICU length of stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation. No language restriction was applied. Eligible studies were RCTs comparing early to late tracheostomy or prolonged intubation in critically ill patients that reported on mortality. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs, and evidence certainty was assessed via the GRADE approach. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 19 RCTs, covering 3586 critically ill patients. Early tracheostomy modestly decreased mortality compared to the control (RR −0.1511 [95% CI: −0.2951 to −0.0070], p = 0.0398). It also reduced ICU length of stay (SMD −0.6237 [95% CI: −0.9526 to −0.2948], p = 0.0002) and the duration of mechanical ventilation compared to late tracheostomy (SMD −0.3887 [95% CI: −0.7726 to −0.0048], p = 0.0472). However, early tracheostomy did not significantly reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation compared to prolonged intubation (SMD −0.1192 [95% CI: −0.2986 to 0.0601], p = 0.1927) or affect VAP incidence (RR −0.0986 [95% CI: −0.2272 to 0.0299], p = 0.1327). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) for each outcome indicated that additional trials are needed for conclusive evidence. Conclusions: Early tracheostomy appears to offer some benefits across all considered clinical outcomes when compared to late tracheostomy and prolonged intubation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common diabetes complication that can lead to blindness through vision-threatening complications like clinically significant macular edema and proliferative retinopathy. Identifying eyes at risk of progression using non-invasive methods could help develop targeted therapies to halt diabetic retinal disease progression. Methods: A set of 82 imaging and systemic features was used to characterize the progression of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). These features include baseline measurements (static features) and those capturing the temporal dynamic behavior of these static features within one year (dynamic features). Interpretable models were trained to distinguish between eyes with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) level 35 and eyes with ETDRS levels 43–47. The data used in this research were collected from 109 diabetic type 2 patients (67.26 ± 2.70 years; diabetes duration 19.6 ± 7.26 years) and acquired over 2 years. Results: The characterization of the data indicates that NPDR progresses from an initial stage of hypoperfusion to a hyperperfusion response. The performance of the classification model using static features achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics equal to 0.84 ± 0.07, while the model using both static and dynamic features achieved an AUC of 0.91 ± 0.05. Conclusion: NPDR progresses through an initial hypoperfusion stage followed by a hyperperfusion response. Characterizing and automatically identifying this disease progression stage is valuable and necessary. The results indicate that achieving this goal is feasible, paving the way for the improved evaluation of progression risk and the development of better-targeted therapies to prevent vision-threatening complications. Full article

Using geochemical and pumping test data from 80 groundwater wells, the chemical, hydrologic, and hydraulic properties of the fractured Eocene carbonate aquifer located west of the Al-Minya district, the Western Desert, Egypt, have been characterized and determined to guarantee sustainable management of groundwater resources under large-scale desert reclamation projects. The hydrochemical data show that groundwater from the fractured Eocene carbonate aquifer has a high concentration of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ and varies in salinity from 2176 to 2912 mg/L (brackish water). Water–rock interaction and ion exchange processes are the most dominant processes controlling groundwater composition. The carbonate aquifer exists under confined to semi-confined conditions, and the depth to groundwater increases eastward. From the potentiometric head data, deep-seated faults are the suggested pathways for gas-rich water ascending from the deep Nubian aquifer system into the overlying shallow carbonate aquifer. This mechanism enhances the dissolution and karstification of carbonate rocks, especially in the vicinity of faulted sites, and is supported by the significant loss of mud circulation during well drilling operations. The average estimated hydraulic parameters, based on the analysis of step-drawdown, long-duration pumping and recovery tests, indicate that the Eocene carbonate aquifer has a wide range of transmissivity (T) that is between 336.39 and 389,309.28 m²/d (average: 18,405.21 m²/d), hydraulic conductivity (K) between 1.31 and 1420.84 m/d (average: 70.29 m/d), and specific capacity (Sc) between 44.4 and 17,376.24 m²/d (average: 45.24 m²/d). On the other hand, the performance characteristics of drilled wells show that well efficiency ranges between 0.47 and 97.08%, and well losses range between 2.92 and 99.53%. In addition to variations in carbonate aquifer thickness and clay/shale content, the existence of strong karstification features, i.e., fissures, fractures or caverns, and solution cavities, in the Eocene carbonate aquifer are responsible for variability in the K and T values. The observed high well losses might be related to turbulent flow within and adjacent to the wells drilled in conductive fracture zones. The current approach can be further used to enhance local aquifer models and improve strategies for identifying the most productive zones in similar aquifer systems. Full article

This paper aimed to explore a suitable ventilation method at a lower cost of energy to pursue a high learning efficiency based on the characteristics of a Chinese student group and campus building. Firstly, the model was established by Modelica and a good agreement between the numerical simulation and the results by CONTAM 3.4.0.3 was obtained. Secondly, the effects of the fixed window-opening ratio method (FWM), switch control window-opening ratio method (SCM), and automatic control window-opening ratio method (ACM) on CO₂ concentration, indoor air temperature, and the heating capacity of air conditioning were investigated. The results showed that, when the FWM with 0% opening or 20% opening was adopted, the indoor CO₂ concentration (ICC) was higher than the limit value of the classroom air quality standard, which was 1000 ppm. When the fixed window-opening ratio was greater than 40%, the indoor air temperature could not be controlled at the set value of 18 °C, which presented bad indoor thermal comfort. Meanwhile, when the ACM was adopted, the duration to meet good indoor thermal comfort was 57.17% higher than that of the SCM. However, both of them could maintain the average ICC below the set value in the class. Lastly, the fresh air energy consumption under different ventilation methods was compared. When the design temperature was 13.5 °C, it could be revealed that the fresh air energy consumption under the ACM, SCM, and FWM with 40% opening was 46.58%, 48.38%, and 51.26% lower than those at 18 °C. In summary, it was recommended to set the design temperature of the classroom at 13.5 °C, and the ACM was suggested as a suitable ventilation method to provide fresh air for the classroom. Full article

We analyzed data on pediatric invasive fungal diseases of the central nervous system (CNS-IFDs) reported by five of a total of eight Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Departments in Greece for 16 years (2007–2022). A total of twelve patients (11 boys, median age: 9.5 years, range: 2–16) were reported suffering from CNS-IFDs. The underlying malignancy was acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 9/12 and acute myeloid leukemia, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma in one each. Eleven patients presented with CNS-related symptoms (i.e., seizures, headache, cerebral palsy, ataxia, hallucination, seizures, blurred vision, amaurosis). All patients had pathological MRI findings. Multifocal fungal disease was observed in 6/12 patients. Nine proven and three probable CNS-IFD cases were diagnosed. Causative pathogens in proven cases were Aspergillus spp. and Candida albicans (n = 2 each), Mucor spp., Rhizopus arrhizus, Absidia spp., Fusarium oxysporum and Cryptococcus neoformans (n = 1 each). Causative pathogens in probable cases were Aspergillus spp. (n = 2) and Candida spp. (n = 1). All patients received appropriate antifungal therapy (median duration: 69.5 days, range 19–364). Two patients underwent additional surgical treatment. Six patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to complications. Three patients (25%) died, two due to IFD and one due to an underlying disease. Early recognition and prompt intervention of CNS-IFDs may rescue the patients and improve overall survival. Full article