This study aimed to assess the sorption capacity of a natural sorbent, specifically birch bark (BB), and its modification using chemical reagents, including nitric and hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and chloride. The objective of the chemical modification was to enhance the sorption capacity of the heavy metals cadmium(II), chromium(VI), and manganese(II). The most effective modification for adsorbing cadmium and manganese from aqueous solutions was achieved by treating the sorbent with a 0.1 M sodium hydroxide solution (BBNa). Conversely, in the case of chromium, each modification adversely affected its adsorption by the sorbent. Concentrations of the solutions were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry at appropriate time intervals. The adsorption process was described using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherms. The Freundlich isotherm provided the best fit for cadmium and chromium (R² = 0.988 and 0.986, respectively), while the Langmuir isotherm was most suitable for manganese (R² = 0.996). The sorption capacity varied for each metal ion: Cd (II)—33.13 mg/g, Cr (VI)—35.98 mg/g, and Mn (II)—24 mg/g for the highest concentration tested. This study employed pseudo–first-rate order, pseudo–second-rate order model kinetics, and the Weber–Morris model to examine the adsorption kinetics. The pseudo–second-rate order kinetics demonstrated the best fit (R² > 0.94) for each heavy metal, which underlines the process’s chemical nature. Full article

The demand for easy-to-use, affordable, accessible, and reliable technology is increasing in biological, chemical, and medical research. Microfluidic devices have the potential to meet these standards by offering cost-effective, highly sensitive, and highly specific diagnostic tests with rapid performance and minimal sample volumes. Traditional microfluidic device fabrication methods, such as photolithography and soft lithography, are time-consuming and require specialized equipment and expertise, making them costly and less accessible to researchers and clinicians and limiting the applicability and potential of microfluidic devices. To address this, researchers have turned to using new low-cost materials, such as double-sided tape for microfluidic device fabrication, which offers simple and low-cost processes. The innovation of low-cost and easy-to-make microfluidic devices improves the potential for more devices to be transitioned from laboratories to commercialized products found in stores, offices, and homes. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of the growing interest in and use of double-sided tape-based microfluidic devices in the last 20 years. It discusses the advantages of using double-sided tape, the fabrication techniques used to create and bond microfluidic devices, and the limitations of this approach in certain applications. Full article

Vibration-based condition monitoring plays an important role in maintaining reliable and effective heavy machinery in various sectors. Heavy machinery involves major investments and is frequently subjected to extreme operating conditions. Therefore, prompt fault identification and preventive maintenance are important for reducing costly breakdowns and maintaining operational safety. In this review, we look at different methods of vibration data processing in the context of vibration-based condition monitoring for heavy machinery. We divided primary approaches related to vibration data processing into three categories–signal processing methods, preprocessing-based techniques and artificial intelligence-based methods. We highlight the importance of these methods in improving the reliability and effectiveness of heavy machinery condition monitoring systems, highlighting the importance of precise and automated fault detection systems. To improve machinery performance and operational efficiency, this review aims to provide information on current developments and future directions in vibration-based condition monitoring by addressing issues like imbalanced data and integrating cutting-edge techniques like anomaly detection algorithms. Full article

Introduction: Bovine tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease of significant impact, particularly in countries where a pastoral economy is predominant. Despite its importance, few studies have analysed the disease’s behaviour in Colombia, and none have developed maps using geographic information systems (GIS) to characterise it; as such, we developed this study to describe the temporal–spatial distribution of bovine tuberculosis in Colombia over a period of 19 years. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, based on reports by the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), surveillance of tuberculosis on cattle farms in Colombia from 2001 to 2019 was carried out. The data were converted into databases using Microsoft Access 365^®, and multiple epidemiological maps were generated with the QGIS^® version 3.36 software coupled to shape files of all the country’s departments. Results: During the study period, 5273 bovine tuberculosis cases were identified in multiple different departments of Colombia (with a mean of 278 cases/year). Regarding its temporal distribution, the number of cases varied from a maximum of 903 cases (17.12% of the total) in 2015 to a minimum of 0 between 2001 and 2004 and between 2017 and 2019 (between 2005 and 2016, the minimum was 46 cases, 0.87%). Conclusions: GIS are essential for understanding the temporospatial behaviour of zoonotic diseases in Colombia, as is the case for bovine tuberculosis, with its potential implications for the Human and One Health approaches. Full article

We studied a gradient anti-oxidation coating of C/C composite materials for aircraft brake discs with a simple process and low costs. The gradient coating consists of two layers, of which the inner layer is prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (Si (OC2H5)4), C₂H₅OH, H₃PO₄ and B₄C, and the outer layer is prepared with Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O, B₂O₃, and SiO₂ powder. The experimental results show that after being oxidized at 700 °C for 15 h, the oxidation weight loss of the sample with the coating was only −0.17%. At the same time, after 50 thermal cycles in air at 900 °C, the sample’s oxidation weight loss was only −0.06%. We conducted the 1:1 dynamic simulation test for aircraft brake discs, and the brake disc did not oxidize, thus meeting the requirements for aircraft use. In addition, the anti-oxidation mechanism of the coating was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DSC-TGA), and high-temperature in situ SEM. Full article

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in programming assistance has garnered researchers’ attention for its potential to reduce learning costs for users, increase work efficiency, and decrease repetitive coding tasks. However, given the novelty of AI Coding Assistant Tools (AICATs), user acceptance is currently limited, and the factors influencing this phenomenon are unclear. This study proposes an expanded model based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that incorporates the characteristics of AICAT users to explore the key factors affecting college students’ willingness to use AICATs. Utilizing a survey methodology, 303 Chinese participants completed the questionnaire. Factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results indicate that users’ dependence worry (DW) about AICATs positively affects perceived risk (PR), which in turn negatively impacts perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU), thus reducing user willingness to use. Dependence concerns also negatively impact perceived trust (PT), while PT positively affects PU and PEOU, thereby enhancing willingness to use. Additionally, a user’s self-efficacy (SE) negatively impacts DW and positively affects PEOU. This study discusses the potential significance of these findings and offers suggestions for AICAT developers to foster and promote widespread use. Full article

Water stress and water quality represent major environmental challenges in the 21st century. In response, wastewater management and its potential reuse emerge as strategies to mitigate these problems. This research aims to verify the law of reciprocity in the solar disinfection process of real secondary wastewater effluents for different faecal microorganisms. Flat disinfection reactors, subjected only to natural and continuous UV radiation, were used. The study focused on the optical effect of UV radiation, eliminating the significant influence of the thermal effect and its synergy in solar disinfection at temperatures above 45 °C, by controlling the temperatures of the water samples to levels below 20 °C. Three experimental tests were carried out on sunny days. Each test comprised two trials, under the following conditions: (a) low solar irradiance over a prolonged time (duration approximately: 2.6 h) and (b) high solar irradiance and a shorter period of time (approximately 2 h), with each receiving the same UV dose. Inactivation kinetics was analysed for E. coli, E. faecalis, and C. perfringens (including spores). The results validated the reciprocity law for E. coli in all tests for UV doses > 20 Wh/m², showing no significant deviations, with inactivation rates of 0.44 to 0.51 m²/Wh for initial concentrations of 10⁶–10⁷ CFU/100 mL. In contrast, for E. faecalis, the reciprocity was only valid at intensities < 700 W/m², with rates of 0.04 and 0.035 m²/Wh for 10⁵–10⁶ CFU/100 mL; above this irradiance value, the law varied significantly and was not valid. C. perfringens did not show significant disinfection results during the experiments to verify this law, mainly due to the resistance of its spores. Additional experimentation with C. perfringens is necessary, by extending the length of the experiments and/or conducting them at higher irradiance values, in order to reach bacterial inactivation to enable the analysis of the reciprocity law. In general, the main conclusion from these results is that the reciprocity law in solar disinfection would be difficult to use for the estimation of water solar disinfection based on the irradiance and exposure times, as there are deviations from it at least in one specie (E. faecalis). Mores studies should be carried out to fully understand and determine the validity of this law and its potential application for forecasting solar water disinfection. Full article

The number of excavated tunnels is increasing day by day, and the corresponding engineering scale is also getting increasing. Safe, efficient, and economically beneficial tunnel construction methods are indispensable in the process of crossing mountains and steep ridges in the southwest region. However, behind the improvement of transportation infrastructure in Southwest China is the support provided by the rapid development of blasting industry engineering technology in China. In the process of tunnel construction using the drilling and blasting method, in addition to blasting vibration disasters the phenomenon of overbreak and underbreak caused by blasting construction is a prominent problem. This phenomenon not only affects the safety and stability of the tunnel excavation but also seriously increases the construction cost. Based on a short mountain hard rock tunnel project in southwest China, this paper studies the effect of blasting construction on the blasting vibration of adjacent structures and the influence of tunnel contour forming quality. Through the monitoring and analysis of in situ blasting vibration, the Sadowski formula is used to study the attenuation law of blasting vibration velocity in different tunnel sites, which provides a theoretical basis for tunnel blasting vibration control. This article compares the use of overbreak and underbreak value with the traditional method to determine the degree of overbreak and underbreak. It introduces the analysis of contour section fractal dimension value and uses fractal theory in the Python image processing module to accurately and quantitatively describe the problems of tunnel overbreak and underbreak. The feasibility and accuracy of this method have been verified, by combining the total station and 3D laser scanner results of overbreak and underbreak measurements of the Brenner Base Tunnel and a short hard rock tunnel in a mountainous area of southwestern China. The blasting scheme was optimized from the aspects of cut hole form, detonator interval time, and peripheral hole charge structure, and the rationality of the optimized scheme was verified according to the on-site blasting experiments. It has a profound influence on strengthening the protection of adjacent tunnel structures and improving the economic benefit of mountain highway projects. Full article

Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder associated with local inflammation and neuroproliferation. Increased nerve bundle density has been attributed to increased expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and interleukin–1β (IL-1β). Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out on 12 patients presenting with all three anatomic subtypes of endometriosis (deep, superficial peritoneal, endometrioma) at surgery, with at least two surgically excised subtypes available for analysis. Immunolocalization for nerve bundle density around endometriosis using protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), as well as NGF and IL-1β histoscores in endometriosis epithelium/stroma, was performed to evaluate differences in scores between lesions and anatomic subtypes per patient. Intra-individual heterogeneity in scores across lesions was assessed using the coefficient of variation (CV). The degree of score variability between subtypes was evaluated using the percentage difference between mean scores from one subtype to another subtype for each marker. PGP9.5 nerve bundle density was heterogenous across multiple subtypes of endometriosis, ranging from 50.0% to 173.2%, where most patients (8/12) showed CV ≥ 100%. The percentage difference in scores showed that PGP9.5 nerve bundle density and NGF and IL-1β expression were heterogenous between anatomic subtypes within the same patient. Based on these observations of intra-individual heterogeneity, we conclude that markers of neuroproliferation in endometriosis should be stratified by anatomic subtype in future studies of clinical correlation. Full article

Hyperspectral images (HSIs) provide valuable spatial–spectral information for ground analysis. However, in few-shot (FS) scenarios, the limited availability of training samples poses significant challenges in capturing the sample distribution under diverse environmental conditions. Semi-supervised learning has shown promise in exploring the distribution of unlabeled samples through pseudo-labels. Nonetheless, FS HSI classification encounters the issue of high intra-class spectral variability and inter-class spectral similarity, which often lead to the diffusion of unreliable pseudo-labels during the iterative process. In this paper, we propose a simple yet effective progressive pseudo-label selection strategy that leverages the spatial–spectral consistency of HSI pixel samples. By leveraging spatially aligned ground materials as connected regions with the same semantic and similar spectrum, pseudo-labeled samples were selected based on round-wise confidence scores. Samples within both spatially and semantically connected regions of FS samples were assigned pseudo-labels and joined subsequent training rounds. Moreover, considering the spatial positions of FS samples that may appear in diverse patterns, to fully utilize unlabeled samples that fall outside the neighborhood of FS samples but still belong to certain connected regions, we designed a matching active learning approach for expert annotation based on the temporal confidence difference. We identified samples with the highest training value in specific regions, utilizing the consistency between predictive labels and expert labels to decide whether to include the region or the sample itself in the subsequent semi-supervised iteration. Experiments on both classic and more recent HSI datasets demonstrated that the proposed base model achieved SOTA performance even with extremely rare labeled samples. Moreover, the extended version with active learning further enhances performance by involving limited additional annotation. Full article

Multi-agent systems are utilized more often in the research community and industry, as they can complete tasks faster and more efficiently than single-agent systems. Therefore, in this paper, we are going to present an optimal approach to the multi-agent navigation problem in simply connected workspaces. The task involves each agent reaching its destination starting from an initial position and following an optimal collision-free trajectory. To achieve this, we design a decentralized control protocol, defined by a navigation function, where each agent is equipped with a navigation controller that resolves imminent safety conflicts with the others, as well as the workspace boundary, without requesting knowledge about the goal position of the other agents. Our approach is rendered sub-optimal, since each agent owns a predetermined optimal policy calculated by a novel off-policy iterative method. We use this method because the computational complexity of learning-based methods needed to calculate the global optimal solution becomes unrealistic as the number of agents increases. To achieve our goal, we examine how much the yielded sub-optimal trajectory deviates from the optimal one and how much time the multi-agent system needs to accomplish its task as we increase the number of agents. Finally, we compare our method results with a discrete centralized policy method, also known as a Multi-Agent Poli-RRT* algorithm, to demonstrate the validity of our method when it is attached to other research algorithms. Full article

Non-high-risk (non-HR) neuroblastoma (NB) patients have excellent outcomes, with more than a 90% survival rate, whereas HR NB patients expect less than a 50% survival rate. Metastatic disease is the principal cause of death among both non-HR and HR NB patients. Previous studies have reported the significant but limited prognostic value of quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based assays, measuring overlapping but different sets of neuroblastoma-associated mRNAs (NB-mRNAs), to detect metastatic disease in both non-HR and HR patient samples. A droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based assay measuring seven NB-mRNAs (CRMP1, DBH, DDC, GAP43, ISL1, PHOX2B, and TH mRNAs) was recently developed and exhibited a better prognostic value for HR patient samples than qPCR-based assays. However, it remained to be tested on non-HR patient samples. In the present study, we employed the ddPCR-based assay to study peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples collected at diagnosis from eight non-HR and eleven HR cases and characterized the expression profiles of NB-mRNAs. The most highly expressed NB-mRNAs in PB and BM differed between non-HR and HR cases, with the CRMP1 mRNA being predominant in non-HR cases and the GAP43 mRNA in HR cases. The levels of NB-mRNAs in PB and BM were 5 to 1000 times lower in non-HR cases than in HR cases. The PB to BM ratio of NB-mRNAs was 10 to 100 times higher in non-HR cases compared to HR cases. The present case series suggests that non-HR and HR NB patients have the distinct expression profiles of NB-mRNAs in their PB and BM. Full article

Heron colonies are dynamic components of wetlands. Therefore, their systematic monitoring is important for the management of both birds and wetlands. During the period 1988–2018, we counted breeding pairs of seven colonial breeding heron species at 65 colonies across 37 wetlands in Greece. We considered as annual variables of a population: (a) years since 1988, (b) Natura 2000 network inclusion, (c) protected area management authority overseeing, (d) wetland type (new or restored), and (e) new colonies (established after 2003). The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and the Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides had a positive breeding population trend. The Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea had a negative trend, while the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea population was stable. The Great White Egret Ardea alba bred sporadically at only a few sites which precluded the evaluation of its population trend. The informative population variables differed among species, even of those at the same colony, which suggests trends are also affected by conditions at wintering grounds. The study highlights the need for the systematic monitoring of heron colonies and the protection of foraging/breeding areas in order to reverse the observed negative population trends. Full article

Sustainability as a concept is present in most aspects of our everyday life, and industry is no exception. Likewise, there is no doubt that the necessity to produce goods in a sustainable way and to ensure that products are sustainable is gaining more and more attention from producers, customers, governments, and various organizations. Understandably, there are several ways to increase the sustainable development of industrial production. One effective tool is simulation, which can have a significant impact on improving environmental, economic, and social sustainability. This paper explores the role of simulation as a powerful scientific and engineering solution in advancing sustainability within industrial ecosystems. Its main scope is to map the existing literature on the usage of simulation as a supportive tool for achieving this goal. For this purpose, a bibliometric analysis was conducted, allowing for tailored insights into the use of simulation in sustainable production. Full article

In recent years, further evidence has emerged regarding the involvement of extracellular vesicles in various human physiopathological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and mental disorders. The biogenesis and cargo of such vesicles may reveal their impact on human health nd disease and set the underpinnings for the development of novel chemical compounds and pharmaceuticals. In this review, we examine the link between bacteria-derived exosomes in the gastrointestinal tract and mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Crucially, we focus on whether changes in the gut environment affect the human mental state or the other way around. Furthermore, the possibility of handling bacteria-derived exosomes as vectors of chemicals to treat such conditions is examined. Full article

To address the issue of limited application scenarios associated with connectivity assurance based on two-dimensional (2D) trajectory planning, this paper proposes an improved deep reinforcement learning (DRL) -based three-dimensional (3D) trajectory planning method for cellular unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) communication. By considering the 3D space environment and integrating factors such as UAV mission completion time and connectivity, we develop an objective function for path optimization and utilize the advanced dueling double deep Q network (D3QN) to optimize it. Additionally, we introduce the prioritized experience replay (PER) mechanism to enhance learning efficiency and expedite convergence. In order to further aid in trajectory planning, our method incorporates a simultaneous navigation and radio mapping (SNARM) framework that generates simulated 3D radio maps and simulates flight processes by utilizing measurement signals from the UAV during flight, thereby reducing actual flight costs. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively enable UAVs to avoid weak coverage regions in space, thereby reducing the weighted sum of flight time and expected interruption time. Full article

Cyberbullying victimization is becoming more prevalent and adversely affects mental health. This research explores the relationship between the two variables and the underlying mechanism, especially for children, as the impact of mental health in childhood might last a lifetime. Primary school students (N = 344; M_age = 9.90; 43.90% girls) completed self-report questionnaires regarding cyberbullying victimization, self-perceived social competence, optimism, and depression at school. Gender and grade were controlled as covariates. Depression was positively predicted by cyberbullying victimization, while self-perceived social competence played a partially mediating role. In addition, optimism directly and indirectly moderated the effects of cyberbullying victimization on depression. Specifically, the effects were stronger for children with low levels of optimism. Therefore, efforts to enhance children’s self-perceived social competence and optimism may reduce their depression resulting from cyberbullying victimization. Full article

This narrative review study investigates the correlations between obesity, allergies, and sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric populations. Searches for pertinent articles were conducted on the Medline PubMed Advanced Search Builder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from unlimited to April 2024. Sleep-disordered breathing causes repeated upper airway obstructions, leading to apneas and restless sleep. Childhood obesity, which affects around 20% of children, is often associated with sleep-disordered breathing and allergies such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. It is distinguished between diet-induced obesity (resulting from excess of diet and physical inactivity) and genetic obesity (such as is seen in Down syndrome and Prader–Willi syndrome). In children with diet-induced obesity, chronic inflammation linked to weight can worsen allergies and increase the risk and severity of asthma and rhinitis. Furthermore, the nasal congestion typical of rhinitis can contribute to upper respiratory tract obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea. A vicious circle is created between asthma and sleep-disordered breathing: uncontrolled asthma and sleep-disordered breathing can worsen each other. In children with genetic obesity, despite alterations in the immune system, fewer allergies are observed compared to the broader population. The causes of this reduced allergenicity are unclear but probably involve genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The present narrative review study emphasizes the importance of jointly evaluating and managing allergies, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea in children considering their close interconnection. Full article

Heat stress is an important factor affecting poultry production; birds have a range of inflammatory reactions under high-temperature environments. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of dietary curcumin supplementation on the liver transcriptome of laying hens under heat stress conditions. In the animal experiment, a total of 240 Hy-Line brown hens aged 280 days were divided randomly into four different experimental diets with four replicates, and each replicate consisted of 15 hens during a 42-D experiment. The ambient temperature was adjusted to 34 ± 2 °C for 8 h per day, transiting to a range of 22 °C to 28 °C for the remaining 16 h. In the previous study of our lab, it was found that supplemental 150 mg/kg curcumin can improve production performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, and immune function in laying hens under heat stress. To further investigate the regulatory mechanism of curcumin on heat stress-related genes, in total, six samples of three liver tissues from each of 0 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg curcumin test groups were collected for RNA-seq analysis. In the transcriptome analysis, we reported for the first time that the genes related to heat stress of mRNA, such as HSPA8, HSPH1, HSPA2, and DNAJA4, were co-expressed with lncRNA such as XLOC010450, XLOC037987, XLOC053511, XLOC061207, and XLOC100318, and all of these genes are shown to be down-regulated. These findings provide a scientific basis for the possible benefits of dietary curcumin addition in heat-stressed laying hens. Full article

The development of fully biobased hydrogels obtained by simple routes and in the absence of toxic or environmentally harmful reagents is a major challenge in meeting new societal demands. In this work, we discuss the development of hydrogels made from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and xyloglucan (XG), two non-toxic, renewable, and biobased components. We present three strategies to fine-tune the functional properties. The first one consists in varying the XG/CNC ratio that leads to the modulation of the mechanical properties of hydrogels as well as a better comprehension of the gel mechanism formation. The second relies on tuning the XG chains’ interaction by enzymatic modification to achieve thermoresponsive systems. Finally, the third one is based on the increase in the hydrogel solid content by osmotic concentration. The high-solid-content gels were found to have very high mechanical properties and self-healing properties that can be used for molding materials. Overall, these approaches are a case study of potential modifications and properties offered by biobased nanocolloidal hydrogels. Full article

We consider the estimation of the marginal likelihood in Bayesian statistics, with primary emphasis on Gaussian graphical models, where the intractability of the marginal likelihood in high dimensions is a frequently researched problem. We propose a general algorithm that can be widely applied to a variety of problem settings and excels particularly when dealing with near log-concave posteriors. Our method builds upon a previously posited algorithm that uses MCMC samples to partition the parameter space and forms piecewise constant approximations over these partition sets as a means of estimating the normalizing constant. In this paper, we refine the aforementioned local approximations by taking advantage of the shape of the target distribution and leveraging an expectation propagation algorithm to approximate Gaussian integrals over rectangular polytopes. Our numerical experiments show the versatility and accuracy of the proposed estimator, even as the parameter space increases in dimension and becomes more complicated. Full article