In the study of English denominal adjectives, scholarly attention has predominantly centred on those with Latinate suffixes (e.g., -al, -ary, and -ic/-ical), which are well-known as relational adjectives (RAdjs) and are extensively scrutinised in the existing literature. Conversely, those with English native suffixes (e.g., -en, -ern, -y, and -ed) have not undergone thorough examination to date. In the present study, I delve specifically into denominal adjectives with the suffix -ed (-ed Adjs), such as bearded, long-tailed, and shirt-sleeved. I present a novel basic picture of these adjectives, setting forth the following two central propositions: (i) -ed Adjs are a type of RAdj and (ii) undergo conversion to qualitative adjectives (QAdjs) (e.g., bearded man vs. bearded rock) akin to the better-known Latinate RAdjs (e.g., grammatical error vs. grammatical sentence). The analysis is conducted by examining suffixal etymology (i.e., Latinate or Germanic), suffixal properties (i.e., all-purpose or dedicated), and the driving factor for QAdj-forming conversion (i.e., the modal attribute true). These propositions and analyses collectively enrich our comprehensive understanding of the semantic and morphosyntactic properties of -ed Adjs within the realm of English morphology. Full article

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) for patient-specific medical care products offers great opportunities. However, evidence about the supply chain (SC) performance impact based on empirical data is limited. Methods: In this case study, we gathered real-life data about a traditional manufacturing orthopedic shoe SC and developed future scenarios in which AM is introduced at various points and with different degrees of penetration in the SC. Results: Presently, AM can only replace traditional manufacturing of tools and shoe components at a higher total cost. However, with maturing technology, the complete AM production of orthopedic shoes is expected to become feasible. Theoretically, that could disrupt existing SCs, eliminating 70% of the SC steps, improving SC lead time by 90%, and altering SC relations. However, certain thresholds currently prevent disruption. Specifically, the AM of complete orthopedic shoes has to become possible, manufacturing prices have to drop, and traditional craftsmanship has to be integrated into the digital product design. Conclusions: A framework for transition pathways, including directions for future research, is formed. Findings provide valuable insights for scholars and decision makers in the patient-specific products industry, health insurance providers, and healthcare policy makers to be better prepared by adjusting SC designs, relationships, and remuneration programs while AM technology develops towards maturity. Full article

We studied some fibrotic aspects of chronic interstitial pneumonitis in the lungs of dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. The lungs of eleven naturally infected dogs, twelve experimentally infected with two distinct strains of L. infantum (BH401 and BH46), and six uninfected (controls) dogs, were analyzed by histological, parasitological, and immunohistochemical studies. Conventional histology (HE), collagen deposition (Gomori’s silver staining for reticulin collagen fibers), and immunohistochemistry for myofibroblast characterization were carried out based on the cellular expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, cytokeratin, E-cadherin, snail antigen homologue 1 (SNAI1) (Snail), and the cytokine expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Parasitological screening was carried out using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the immunohistochemical reaction of streptavidin–peroxidase for visualizing Leishmania amastigotes. Dogs naturally infected with L. infantum and experimentally infected with L. infantum BH401 strains showed intense interstitial pneumonitis characterized by thickening of the alveolar septa as a consequence of an intense diffuse and focal (plaques) chronic exudate of mononuclear cells associated with fibrogenesis. The expression of alpha-actin, vimentin, and TGF-β was higher in the lung interstitium of all infected dogs than in the other two groups (BH46 strain and controls). Moreover, in both the naturally and experimentally infected dog (BH401 strain) groups, the expression of Snail was moderate to intense in contrast to the other groups. Based on these immunohistochemical results, we concluded that mesenchymal cells are active in promoting changes in the extracellular matrix in the lungs of dogs naturally and experimentally infected with L. infantum, but it depends on the virulence of the parasite. Full article

While digital twins (DTs) have recently gained prominence as a viable option for creating reliable asset representations, many existing frameworks and architectures in the literature involve the integration of different technologies and paradigms, including the Internet of Things (IoTs), data modeling, and machine learning (ML). This complexity requires the orchestration of these different technologies, often resulting in subsystems and composition frameworks that are difficult to seamlessly align. In this paper, we present a scalable compositional framework designed for the development of a DT-based production management system (PMS) with advanced production monitoring capabilities. The conducted approach used to design the compositional framework utilizes the Factory Design and Improvement (FDI) methodology. Furthermore, the validation of our proposed framework is illustrated through a case study conducted in a phosphate screening station within the context of the mining industry. Full article

This experimental study investigates the damage effects of nanosecond pulse laser irradiation on silicon solar cells. It encompasses the analysis of transient pulse signal waveform characteristics at the cells’ output and changes in electrical parameters, such as I–V curves before and after laser irradiation under varying laser fluence and background light intensities, and explores the underlying action mechanisms of laser irradiation. The study reveals that as the laser fluence increases up to 4.0 J/cm², the peak value of the transient pulse signal increases by 47.5%, while the pulse width augments by 88.2% compared to the initial transient pulse signal. Furthermore, certain parameters, such as open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and peak power obtained, from the measured I–V curve indicate a threshold laser fluence for functional degradation of the solar cell at approximately 1.18 ± 0.42 J/cm². Results obtained from laser irradiation under different background light intensities underscore the significant influence of background light on laser irradiation of silicon cells, with the most severe damage occurring in the absence of light. Moreover, findings from laser irradiation at multiple locations on the silicon cell demonstrate a linear decrease in the output voltage of the silicon cell with an increase in the number of irradiation points. Full article

A series of novel binuclear PNP ligands based on the cyclohexyldiamine scaffold were synthesized for this study. The experimental results showed that positioning the two PNP sites at the para-positions of the cyclohexyl framework led to a significant enhancement in the catalytic activity for selective tri/tetramerization of ethylene. The PNP/Cr(acac)₃/MAO(methylaluminoxane) catalytic system exhibited relatively high catalytic activity (up to 3887.7 kg·g⁻¹·h⁻¹) in selective ethylene oligomerization with a total selectivity of 84.5% for 1-hexene and 1-octene at 40 °C and 50 bar. The relationship between the ligand structure and ethylene oligomerization performance was further explored using density functional theory calculations. Full article

The photoredox-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction of aryl acetic acids and aryl nitriles has been achieved under an argon atmosphere in high yields. This method provides a fast way to obtain prevalent aryl acetic acids from an abundant natural source. A tentative radical mechanism has been proposed. Full article

The global incidence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is on the rise, fueled by factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, socio-economic factors, and ethnic backgrounds. T2D is a multifaceted condition often associated with various health complications, including adverse effects on bone health. This study aims to assess key biomarkers linked to bone health and remodeling—Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL), and Glycoprotein Non-Metastatic Melanoma Protein B (GPNMB)—among individuals with diabetes while exploring the impact of ethnicity on these biomarkers. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a cohort of 2083 individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds residing in Kuwait. The results indicate significantly elevated levels of these markers in individuals with T2D compared to non-diabetic counterparts, with OPG at 826.47 (405.8) pg/mL, RANKL at 9.25 (17.3) pg/mL, and GPNMB at 21.44 (7) ng/mL versus 653.75 (231.7) pg/mL, 0.21 (9.94) pg/mL, and 18.65 (5) ng/mL in non-diabetic individuals, respectively. Notably, this elevation was consistent across Arab and Asian populations, except for lower levels of RANKL observed in Arabs with T2D. Furthermore, a positive and significant correlation between OPG and GPNMB was observed regardless of ethnicity or diabetes status, with the strongest correlation (r = 0.473, p < 0.001) found among Arab individuals with T2D. Similarly, a positive and significant correlation between GPNMB and RANKL was noted among Asian individuals with T2D (r = 0.401, p = 0.001). Interestingly, a significant inverse correlation was detected between OPG and RANKL in non-diabetic Arab individuals. These findings highlight dysregulation in bone remodeling markers among individuals with T2D and emphasize the importance of considering ethnic variations in T2D-related complications. The performance of further studies is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop interventions based on ethnicity for personalized treatment approaches. Full article

The efficient design of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) is crucial for their operational performance. A key design parameter, cogging torque, is significantly influenced by various structural parameters of the motor, complicating the optimization of motor structures. This paper proposes an optimization method for PMSM structures based on heuristic optimization algorithms, named the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Self-Optimization Lift Algorithm (PMSM-SLA). Initially, a dataset capturing the efficiency of motors under various structural parameter scenarios is created using finite element simulation methods. Building on this dataset, a batch optimization solution aimed at PMSM structure optimization was introduced to identify the set of structural parameters that maximize motor efficiency. The approach presented in this study enhances the efficiency of optimizing PMSM structures, overcoming the limitations of traditional trial-and-error methods and supporting the industrial application of PMSM structural design. Full article

This study explores consumer preferences for brands that emphasize sustainability and inclusivity, and for brands perceived as exclusive and trendy. Consumer data obtained via a large-scale survey involving 24,798 participants across 20 countries and one special administrative region (SAR) are used to understand how willingness to pay (WTP) for these brand types varies globally, accounting for demographic factors like generation, gender, and country. A substantial body of literature highlights growing consumer interest in brands that stand for sustainability and inclusivity, challenging traditional notions that luxury and exclusivity primarily drive brand value. Despite persistent skepticism among some business executives about consumers’ actual versus claimed willingness to spend more for sustainable and inclusive brands, academics and commercial researchers increasingly signal a shift in purchasing behavior that is influenced by socio-ecological factors. This research aims to provide empirical data on consumer WTP across different demographics and countries/regions, thereby contributing to academic discussions and offering insights for managerial decision making. The study frames its investigation around four research questions, to explore how consumers’ WTP for exclusive and inclusive brands varies across generations, genders, and countries/regions. It employs a robust methodological approach, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data. This ensures that the constructs of brand inclusiveness and exclusivity are comparable across diverse cultural contexts. Significant gender, generational, and country/region differences are observed. When comparing generations, the findings indicate that GenZ consumers have a higher WTP for sustainable/inclusive brands (compared to older, GenX, and Baby Boomer generations). Similar patterns are found when considering WTP for exclusive, on-trend brands. In terms of gender, women are observed to have a higher WTP for sustainable/inclusive brands, but a lower WTP for exclusive, on-trend brands compared to men. Finally, compared to consumers originating from certain European countries, we find that consumers living in certain Asian countries/regions have a significantly higher WTP for inclusive and sustainable brands, as well as for exclusive/on-trend brands. The study underscores the complexities of consumer behavior in the global market, highlighting the coexistence of traditional preferences for exclusive, trendy brands and preferences for brands that embrace sustainability and inclusivity. Full article

The paper breaks the general concepts and shows that pore formation is possible in anodic aluminum barrier oxide by anodizing of pure Al, and also presents the results of electrochemical anodizing in boric acid and citrate buffer aqueous solutions of homogeneous binary alloys AlCu (4 wt.%), AlZn (3 wt.%) and AlAg (5.2 wt.% and 16.2 wt.%). Barrier anodizing allowed obtaining Al₂O₃ thin films doped with copper, zinc and silver. The anodizing behavior and the effect of anodic current density on the charge were studied, and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy analyses were performed. The doped alumina thin films, which are a mixture of Al₂O₃, Cu₂O, ZnO, Ag₂O, AgO and promising double metal oxides CuAlO₂, AgAlO₂ and ZnAl₂O₄, are promising for use as resistive switching, photoelectron, mechanical, photo-thermoelectric and fluorescence materials; sensors; and transparent conductive and photocatalyst films. Full article

Modern chemotherapies offer a broad approach to cancer treatment but eliminate both cancer and non-cancer cells indiscriminately and, thus, are associated with a host of side effects. Advances in precision oncology have brought about new targeted therapeutics, albeit mostly limited to a subset of patients with an actionable mutation. They too come with side effects and, ultimately, ‘self-resistance’ to the treatment. There is recent interest in the modulation of ion channels, transmembrane proteins that regulate the flow of electrically charged molecules in and out of cells, as an approach to aid treatment of cancer. Phytochemicals have been shown to act on ion channels with high specificity regardless of the tumor’s genetic profile. This paper explores the use of phytochemicals in cancer symptom management and treatment. Full article

With the construction and development of the smart grid, the power business puts higher requirements on the communication capability of the network. In order to improve the energy efficiency of the space–air–ground-integrated power three-dimensional fusion communication network, we establish an optimization problem for joint air platform (AP) flight path selection, ground power facility (GPF) association, and power control. In solving the problem, we decompose the problem into two subproblems, one is the AP flight path selection subproblem and the other is the GPF association and power control subproblem. Firstly, based on the GPF distribution and throughput weights, we model the AP flight path selection subproblem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and propose a multi-agent iterative optimization algorithm based on the comprehensive judgment of GPF positions and workload. Secondly, we model the GPF association and power control subproblem as a multi-agent, time-varying K-armed bandit model and propose an algorithm based on multi-agent Temporal Difference (TD) learning. Then, by alternately iterating between the two subproblems, we propose a reinforcement learning (RL)-based joint optimization algorithm. Finally, the simulation results indicate that compared to the three baseline algorithms (random path, average transmit power, and random device association), the proposed algorithm improves an overall energy efficiency of the system of 16.23%, 86.29%, and 5.11% under various conditions (including different noise power levels, GPF bandwidth, and GPF quantities), respectively. Full article

Although research has shown that moral distress harms mental health in diverse populations, information on potential moderators of such associations is scarce. In a sample of sub-Saharan African nurses, we examined the link between moral distress and depressive symptoms. We explored for whom and when such relationships may hold with regard to gender, age, and work experience. Participants consisted of 398 nurses drawn from a tertiary healthcare institution in southeastern Nigeria. Data were collected using the Moral Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) for clinical nurses, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised (CEDS-R). Hayes regression-based macro results for the moderation effects indicated that the association of high moral distress with increased depressive symptoms was robust for women but not significant for men. Although older age and higher years of nursing experience were associated with reduced symptoms of depression, nurses’ age and years of work experience did not moderate the relationship between moral distress and depressive symptoms. To promote mental well-being and preserve the integrity of nurses, gender-based differentials in how morals contribute depressive symptoms should be considered in policy and practice. Full article

Existing research in metasurface design was based on trial-and-error high-intensity iterations and requires deep acoustic expertise from the researcher, which severely hampered the development of the metasurface field. Using deep learning enabled the fast and accurate design of hypersurfaces. Based on this, in this paper, an integrated learning approach was first utilized to construct a model of the forward mapping relationship between the hypersurface physical structure parameters and the acoustic field, which was intended to be used for data enhancement. Then a dual-feature fusion model (DFCNN) based on a convolutional neural network was proposed, in which the first feature was the high-dimensional nonlinear features extracted using a data-driven approach, and the second feature was the physical feature information of the acoustic field mined using the model. A convolutional neural network was used for feature fusion. A genetic algorithm was used for network parameter optimization. Finally, generalization ability verification was performed to prove the validity of the network model. The results showed that 90% of the integrated learning models had an error of less than 3 dB between the real and predicted sound field data, and 93% of the DFCNN models could achieve an error of less than 5 dB in the local sound field intensity. Full article

Water resource management has emerged as a pivotal concern within arid regions in recent times. The water footprint (WFP) index stands out as a principal gauge for facilitating comprehensive watershed management. This study endeavors to compute the WFP of diverse agricultural products encompassing major crops, orchards, cucurbits, and medicinal plants across arid regions. This research focuses on three distinct climate scenarios: the Shazand Plain with a semidry climate, the Khomein Plain characterized by a dry climate, and the Saveh Plain exhibiting a very dry climate. This study also seeks to ascertain the climate most conducive to cultivating crops from a WFP (green, blue, and gray) perspective. To achieve these objectives, this study employed the CropWat family software to determine crop water requirements, as well as considering crop yield and relevant parameters for calculations. The findings of the investigation unveiled that the cultivated areas in the respective climates amounted to 19,479 ha (semidry), 18,166 ha (dry), and 41,682 ha (very dry). These areas were allocated as follows: 88%, 85%, and 55% for crops; 11%, 13%, and 40% for orchards; and 1%, 2%, and 5% for cucurbit crops. Importantly, the very dry climate was predisposed to allocating more land for low-water-demand orchards. Among the major crops, wheat occupied 44%, 39%, and 43% of the total areas in the semidry, dry, and very dry climates, respectively. Analyzing the overall agricultural output in these climates, it was revealed that over 79%, 69%, and 66% of production correlated with crops; 17%, 19%, and 22% with orchards; and 4%, 12%, and 12% with cucurbits, respectively. In terms of water consumption, maize and apples emerged as the highest performers, with varying consumption patterns across different crops. Interestingly, canola exhibited a substantially higher WFP, surpassing wheat and barley by 56.48% and 58.85%, respectively, in dry climates. Cucurbit crops, on the other hand, displayed a lower WFP in dry climates, which could potentially encourage their cultivation. The influence of climate warming on canola’s WFP_gray introduced complexity, challenging the conventional correlation between WFP and yields. Medicinal plants consistently demonstrated lower WFP values, underscoring the need for deliberate and considerate cultivation decisions in this regard. Full article

Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a key cell cycle regulator, with essential roles during G1/S transition. The clinicopathological significance of CDK2 in ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) and early-stage invasive breast cancers (BCs) remains largely unknown. Here, we evaluated CDK2’s protein expression in 479 BC samples and 216 DCIS specimens. Analysis of CDK2 transcripts was completed in the METABRIC cohort (n = 1980) and TCGA cohort (n = 1090), respectively. A high nuclear CDK2 protein expression was significantly associated with aggressive phenotypes, including a high tumour grade, lymph vascular invasion, a poor Nottingham prognostic index (all p-values < 0.0001), and shorter survival (p = 0.006), especially in luminal BC (p = 0.009). In p53-mutant BC, high nuclear CDK2 remained linked with worse survival (p = 0.01). In DCIS, high nuclear/low cytoplasmic co-expression showed significant association with a high tumour grade (p = 0.043), triple-negative and HER2-enriched molecular subtypes (p = 0.01), Comedo necrosis (p = 0.024), negative ER status (p = 0.004), negative PR status (p < 0.0001), and a high proliferation index (p < 0.0001). Tumours with high CDK2 transcripts were more likely to have higher expressions of genes involved in the cell cycle, homologous recombination, and p53 signaling. We provide compelling evidence that high CDK2 is a feature of aggressive breast cancers. The clinical evaluation of CDK2 inhibitors in early-stage BC patients will have a clinical impact. Full article

Pedestrianization is a significant discourse focus within urban planning and design research. However, the need for more clarity from the inconsistent use of near-synonym concepts or terms necessitates attention. This review article addresses this issue through a comprehensive analysis of synonym proliferation in pedestrian research, culminating in developing a robust “near synonymous toolkit” and “synonym selection framework”. Employing a linear snowball sampling technique, numerical analysis, and a qualitative content analysis-based summative approach, we examined sixteen peer-reviewed articles from 11 scientific journals. Through systematic classification based on consistency and variability, the summative review identifies three primary groups of near synonyms: dominant and widely utilized conceptual or terminological near synonymy in pedestrianization in the urban planning and design literature, near synonyms directly associated with a pedestrian, pedestrianize, and those indirectly linked to another conceptual or terminological synonymy. Further analysis delves into the nature of near-synonym concepts or terms, revealing three discernible patterns: the use of distinct, precise concepts or terms with near-synonym meanings, similar concepts or terms conveying divergent meanings, and the juxtaposition of unrelated vocabulary lacking semantic resemblance. These insights illuminate semantic relationships within the studied vocabulary, underscoring the importance of addressing inconsistency for clarity, precision, and coherence in scientific discourse. By offering practical guidance through the proposed framework, this study empowers academic researchers to navigate synonym selection adeptly, thereby enhancing the caliber of scholarly writing in urban planning and design. Full article

Humanity development is associated with higher spiritual and social behaviour and financial shape, which is an undeniable factor of urbanisation. Previously, in areas of georesource concentration, cities and settlements were formed with people exploiting these georesources. However, imperfect technologies lead to rapid depletion of reserves and industrial and environmental disasters, which affect the vulnerability of cities and the people living in them. The analysis of applied technologies has demonstrated that potash extraction is accompanied by a low recovery ratio, high mine accidents, and environmental problems. The principles of sustainable development of geo-resources for the creation of mining technologies that ensure industrial safety, environmental sustainability, and extending the life of the mining enterprise to save working places will reduce the vulnerability of cities. This article proposes the use of the room-and-pillar mining method with the replacement of natural supports with artificial ones. Three-stage stoping with backfill is considered. Numerical modelling has shown stabilisation of mining and geomechanical processes, which confirms the prospectivity of the method with backfill. For these purposes, this research presents a new backfill composition based on local industrial waste. Schemes of backfill preparation and feeding into the mined-out space are proposed. The proposed technology, based on the principles of sustainable development of georesources, is the foundation for an economically profitable, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible mining enterprise. The implementation of the principles of sustainable development of georesources will allow for the preservation of cities and reduce their vulnerability. Full article

This study presents a numerical approach to the design and optimization of centrifugal impellers used in the pumps of active thermal control systems of spacecraft. Although launch costs have shrunk in the last decade, the performance requirements, such as efficiency and reliability, have increased, as such systems are required to work up to 15 years, depending on the mission. To that effect, our paper deals with the first step in this pump design, namely the hydraulic optimization of the impeller. Constructively, this type of impeller allows for certain balancing systems and labyrinth seals to be applied in a more effective way, as well as allowing for additive manufacturing methods to be used—however, details regarding these aspects are beyond the scope of the current paper. By combining empirical formulas, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, and artificial neural networks (ANNs), the research focuses on achieving high efficiency and fast manufacturing. A series of geometries have been sized and validated using steady-state RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes) simulations, leading to the identification of the most efficient configuration. Subsequent optimization using an ANN resulted in a refined impeller design with notable improvements in hydraulic performance: a 3.55% increase in efficiency and a 7.9% increase in head. Key parameters influencing impeller performance, including blade number, incidence, and backsweep angles, are identified. This approach offers a comprehensive method to address the evolving requirements of space missions and contributes to the advancement of centrifugal pump technology in the space domain. Full article

This essay reads a short narrative, “Savoir” by Hélène Cixous, to describe susceptibility as a problem organized around two lines of impingement: between subject and world and between consciousness and the wayward impulses of interior life. The young girl in Cixous’s text suffers a moment of disorientation and distress one misty morning and, against presumptions of inviolability and ideals of subjective consistency, this unhappy event comes to resonate with her disappointed trust in the generosity of the world, her anxious sense of betrayal with respect to those who ought to protect her and her insecurity about her own role in this complex of associations. The frame of susceptibility thus opens up a space for Cixous’s reader and this essay to think the subject in her inconsistency and self-strangeness. Full article

Feminist reflections on the sexual division of labour have given rise to a body of knowledge on the ethics of care from different disciplines, including philosophy, in which outstanding contributions to the topic have been formulated. This approach is applicable to the analysis of any phenomenon and particularly that of disasters. As various investigations have highlighted, the consequences on the population throughout all of a disaster’s phases (prevention, emergency, and reconstruction) require an analysis of differentiated vulnerabilities based on gender and other identity categories, such as social class, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual identity, etc. The interrelation between all these variables gives rise to differentiated impacts that cannot be ignored in catastrophic contexts, where survival and sustaining life are at stake, so care becomes a central issue. Research on the topic has also identified that, along with the analysis of social vulnerability, we must consider the capacity for agency, both individual and collective, where care is once again of vital importance. Considering the gender approach and its multiple intersections is thus a fundamental theoretical-practical proposal for the study of disasters from philosophy, as it implies an unavoidable epistemic, ontological, and ethical reflection in the face of risk reduction. Full article