The study analysed the 12th wave (2019) of data from the Panel Study on Korean Children conducted by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education. A total of 1174 children were selected as the subjects of the study. The results concerning the identifying factors influencing overweight and obesity in later school-aged children revealed that when compared to boys, girls were 1.66 times more likely to be overweight or obese. Moreover, for every one-hour increase in media usage time, the likelihood of being overweight or obese increased by 1.23 times, and for every one-point increase in body dissatisfaction, the probability of being overweight or obese increased by 2.07 times. However, among personality traits, neuroticism was associated with a 0.96 times lower likelihood of being overweight or obese. These findings underscore the significance of considering not only lifestyle factors but also psychosocial characteristics such as body dissatisfaction and neuroticism as predictive factors for overweight and obesity in later school-aged children, providing a basis for intervention. Full article

The past COVID-19 pandemic introduced the world to the necessity of dealing with the trade-off between minimizing probability of contagion, and providing people with services they need. This trade-off stipulates that a large person-to-person distance will reduce contagion probability, but will render service inefficient, and vice versa. This work focuses on the urban rail transit (URT) hub, as an example of a busy passenger area, from which we can derive an optimal preparedness policy to use during the pandemic time of any coronaviruses. We use simulation methodology, based on the classical social force model, to represent behaviors and characteristics of pedestrians. Passenger flow movement process is a mechanism we explore to figure out how the epidemic management policy and pedestrian psychological-related behaviors interact with the URT system. The systems’ complexity regarding contagion-prevention distances are tested over a few scenarios: before/after the outbreak, and for different person-to-person distances demonstrating different crowd levels. A case study of Xinjiekou Station, Nanjing URT, China, enables assessment of passenger management policy with person-to-person distances of 0.5 m, 1.0 m and 2.0 m. Multi-scenario performance illustrates the trade-off in dynamic between the efficiency of pedestrians’ walking behaviors and the distancing needs for preventing coronaviruses transmission. The results show that queuing length with social distancing of 1.0 m and 2.0 m is increased by 4.17% and 21.22%. The average delays in boarding are 14.1 s and 22.5 s for 1.0 m and 2.0 m, which leads to 15.29% and 22.39% increases, respectively, in comparison with ordinary social distancing of about 0.5 m. Full article

Weed management impacts crop yield and quality. Machine vision technology is crucial to the realization of site-specific precision weeding for sustainable crop production. Progress has been made in developing computer vision algorithms, machine learning models, and datasets for weed recognition, but there has been a lack of open-source, publicly available software tools that link imaging hardware and offline trained models for system prototyping and evaluation, hindering community-wise development efforts. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are among such tools that can integrate hardware, data, and models to accelerate the deployment and adoption of machine vision-based weeding technology. This study introduces a novel GUI called OpenWeedGUI, designed for the ease of acquiring images and deploying YOLO (You Only Look Once) models for real-time weed detection, bridging the gap between machine vision and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and users. The GUI was created in the framework of PyQt with the aid of open-source libraries for image collection, transformation, weed detection, and visualization. It consists of various functional modules for flexible user controls and a live display window for visualizing weed imagery and detection. Notably, it supports the deployment of a large suite of 31 different YOLO weed detection models, providing flexibility in model selection. Extensive indoor and field tests demonstrated the competencies of the developed software program. The OpenWeedGUI is expected to be a useful tool for promoting community efforts to advance precision weeding technology. Full article

The various wastes generated by silkworm silk textiles that are no longer in use are increasing, which is causing considerable waste and contamination. This issue has attracted widespread attention in countries that use a lot of silk. Therefore, enhancing the mechanical properties of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) and enriching the function of silk are important directions to expand the comprehensive utilization of silk products. In this paper, the preparation of RSF/Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) hybrid fiber with different Al₂O₃ NPs contents by wet spinning and its novel performance are reported. It was found that the RSF/Al₂O₃ NPs hybrid fiber was a multifunctional fiber material with thermal insulation and UV resistance. Natural light tests showed that the temperature rise rate of RSF/Al₂O₃ NPs hybrid fibers was slower than that of RSF fibers, and the average temperature rose from 29.1 °C to about 35.4 °C in 15 min, while RSF fibers could rise to about 40.1 °C. UV absorption tests showed that the hybrid fiber was resistant to UV radiation. Furthermore, the addition of Al₂O₃ NPs may improve the mechanical properties of the hybrid fibers. This was because the blending of Al₂O₃ NPs promoted the self-assembly of β-sheets in the RSF reaction mixture in a dose-dependent manner, which was manifested as the RSF/Al₂O₃ NPs hybrid fibers had more β-sheets, crystallinity, and a smaller crystal size. In addition, RSF/Al₂O₃ NPs hybrid fibers had good biocompatibility and durability in micro-alkaline sweat environments. The above performance makes the RSF/Al₂O₃ NPs hybrid fibers promising candidates for application in heat-insulating and UV-resistant fabrics as well as military clothing. Full article

The stability of resistance to fenpropathrin was assessed using five populations of Diaphorina citri with varying initial resistances ranging from fully susceptible (SS) to fully resistant (RR). Furthermore, we quantified the relative expression of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) genes in crosses of field-selected and laboratory-susceptible D. citri lines after eight months without insecticide selection. We found that resistance to fenpropathrin remained elevated up to eight months after exposure to fenpropathrin. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis using the susceptible baseline population revealed that levels of VGSC gene expression were significantly higher in the RS75 cross and the RR100 fully resistant line eight months after their last fenpropathrin exposure. Our results suggest that while fenpropathrin resistance is likely unstable under field conditions when interbreeding with susceptible individuals is possible, resistance can remain stable for at least 8 months if those populations are isolated. Further, insecticide rotation and the maintenance of susceptible reservoirs of individuals should mitigate fenpropathrin resistance in D. citri over time. The development of a VGSC gene biomarker may be a useful tool for monitoring pyrethroid resistance in D. citri going forward. Full article

Renal fibrosis is a pathological endpoint of maladaptation after ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and despite many attempts, no good treatment has been achieved so far. At the core of renal fibrosis is the differentiation of various types of cells into myofibroblasts. MSCs were once thought to play a protective role after renal IRI. However, growing evidence suggests that MSCs have a two-sided nature. In spite of their protective role, in maladaptive situations, MSCs start to differentiate towards myofibroblasts, increasing the myofibroblast pool and promoting renal fibrosis. Following renal IRI, it has been observed that Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) and Renal Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cells (RR-MSCs) play important roles. This review presents evidence supporting their involvement, discusses their potential mechanisms of action, and suggests several new targets for future research. Full article

Most commercial elevators for buildings exceeding four stories use a cable-driven traction system. Typically, a single traction machine operates by hoisting the main cable on a traction sheave, thus vertically transporting the elevator car through rotational motion of the sheave. This research introduces a groundbreaking advancement aimed at elevating loading capacity to an unprecedented 50 tons—the highest known in the world. The innovation involves the development of a twin traction system, wherein two traction machines collaborate to lift the elevator. This novel elevator system has demonstrated remarkable capabilities, showcasing the ability to transport up to 300 passengers in a single trip. The installation of this high-capacity elevator system has yielded substantial improvements in construction work efficiency and safety protocols, particularly in scenarios where cranes are traditionally used. The newly developed elevator could lift 50 tons of equipment 60 times a day, whereas the crane was limited to 8 times. The positive impact on labor is also noteworthy, with increased safety and health considerations, especially in adverse weather conditions. By eliminating the need for manual stair climbing, the well-being of the workforce is prioritized. Furthermore, the heightened productivity resulting from a significant reduction in wait times for conventional elevators is a key outcome of this transformative technology. This research not only unveils a groundbreaking twin traction system but also highlights its multifaceted features in enhancing efficiency, safety, and overall productivity in various industries. Full article

L-asparaginase is an essential drug used to treat acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), a cancer of high prevalence in children. Several adverse reactions associated with L-asparaginase have been observed, mainly caused by immunogenicity and allergenicity. Some strategies have been adopted, such as searching for new microorganisms that produce the enzyme and applying protein engineering. Therefore, this work aimed to elucidate the molecular structure and predict the immunogenic profile of L-asparaginase from Penicillium cerradense, recently revealed as a new fungus of the genus Penicillium and producer of the enzyme, as a motivation to search for alternatives to bacterial L-asparaginase. In the evolutionary relationship, L-asparaginase from P. cerradense closely matches Aspergillus species. Using in silico tools, we characterized the enzyme as a protein fragment of 378 amino acids (39 kDa), including a signal peptide containing 17 amino acids, and the isoelectric point at 5.13. The oligomeric state was predicted to be a homotetramer. Also, this L-asparaginase presented a similar immunogenicity response (T- and B-cell epitopes) compared to Escherichia coli and Dickeya chrysanthemi enzymes. These results suggest a potentially useful L-asparaginase, with insights that can drive strategies to improve enzyme production. Full article

The tantalum carbide coatings were deposited on substrates made of 12Kh18N10T steel, ZhC6 alloy, and molybdenum by reduction of TaBr₅ and CCl₄ vapors with cadmium vapors at temperatures of 950–1000 K. The average deposition rate of coatings on molybdenum was ~5 μm/h, on ZhC6 alloy was ~6 μm/h, and on 12Kh18N10T steel was ~8 μm/h. The coatings were formed as columnar grains on the substrate surface and as a diffuse layer in the substrate material. The surface layers contained mainly tantalum monocarbide TaC_y (y = 0.72–0.86) and a small fraction of tantalum. The coatings on the surface of ZhC6 alloy and 12Kh18N10T steel flaked off with increasing thickness, which was due to different thermal expansion of the coating and substrate, as well as concentration inhomogeneity and phase transitions in the substrate material during coating deposition and during the heating and cooling processes. Full article

Intentionally adding select ions such as Al³⁺ could be helpful in controlling the crystal habit of KDP crystal for high yield of optics. The study of how Al³⁺ ions affect crystal quality can provide a basis for selecting an appropriate doping level without negatively affecting the optical properties of crystals. Here, the influence of Al³⁺ ions on the crystal structure and properties of KDP crystals have been investigated by using first-principles calculations. Theoretical calculations show that Al³⁺ ions mainly replace K sites in KDP crystals and could complex with intrinsic V_H⁻ point defects to form Al_K²⁺ + 2V_H⁻ cluster defects. The linear absorption spectra indicate that the presence of Al³⁺ ions has minimal impact on the linear absorption of KDP crystals, aligning well with the experimental findings. And Al³⁺ ions could cause a slight shortening of the band gap of KDP crystals. However, these ions could bring significant deformations of O-H bonds. As the concentration of Al³⁺ ions increase, more O-H bonds linking to PO₄ groups are distorted in KDP crystals. As a result, the structural instability could be fast enhanced with increasing the defect concentration. Therefore, high concentrations of Al³⁺ ions could cause the instability of the crystal structure, which finally affects the laser-induced damage resistance of the KDP crystals. This manuscript contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanisms by which different impurity ions affect the optical properties of KDP crystals. Full article

(1) Background: Although most cases of new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are managed without serious events, life-threatening complications do arise in a subset of patients. Our objective was to assess the correlation between elevated SIRI values and adverse events related to the onset of T1DM. (2) Methods: This retrospective study, spanning ten years, included 187 patients with new-onset T1DM divided into three groups based on SIRI tertiles. The primary outcome was the occurrence of acute complications during hospital admission, while the secondary outcome was prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. (3) Results: Patients with high SIRI values were more likely to experience higher disease activity, leading to longer ICU admission times and more frequent complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the SIRI was independently associated with acute complications (p = 0.003) and prolonged ICU length of stay (p = 0.003). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the SIRI’s superior predictive accuracy compared to venous pH (AUC = 0.837 and AUC = 0.811, respectively) and to the individual component cell lineages of the SIRI. (4) Conclusions: These findings emphasize the potential utility of the SIRI as a prognostic marker in identifying patients at increased risk during T1DM hospital admissions. Full article

Millions of hatchery-reared Rainbow trout are currently released in Australian waters to support recreational fisheries objectives, yet many of these fish die soon after release. In addition, little is known whether these fish harbour parasites that can potentially threaten freshwater ecosystems and human health. Here, we tested the behaviour of hatchery-reared trout using six tank-based tests at six different ages to evaluate their chances of survival and then dissected fish to investigate parasite prevalence. At 7 weeks of age fish readily emerged from a hide and showed the greatest number of startle responses to predators. Behaviour around 25–29 weeks of age was relatively “shy”, staying in shelter and avoiding open water. At around 37–41 weeks of age though, behaviour changed, with fish emerging from a hide more readily and exploring the environment. Interestingly, at 58 weeks of age fish were slower to initiate exploration, possibly indicating a return to “shyer” behaviour. All fish underwent thorough parasite examination, revealing no infections. We conclude that knowledge of the behaviour of hatchery-reared fish at different ages is useful for decisions around the timing of release that balance the needs of recreational fishers whilst managing the impact on freshwater ecosystem. Full article

Public antibody responses have been found against many infectious agents. Structural convergence of public antibodies is usually determined by immunoglobulin V genes. Recently, a human antibody public class against SARS-CoV-2 was reported, where the D gene (IGHD3-22) encodes a common YYDxxG motif in heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR H3), which determines specificity for the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In this review, we discuss the isolation, structural characterization, and genetic analyses of this class of antibodies, which have been isolated from various cohorts of COVID-19 convalescents and vaccinees. All eleven YYDxxG antibodies with available structures target the SARS-CoV-2 RBD in a similar binding mode, where the CDR H3 dominates the interaction with antigen. The antibodies target a conserved site on the RBD that does not overlap with the receptor-binding site, but their particular angle of approach results in direct steric hindrance to receptor binding, which enables both neutralization potency and breadth. We also review the properties of CDR H3-dominant antibodies that target other human viruses. Overall, unlike most public antibodies, which are identified by their V gene usage, this newly discovered public class of YYDxxG antibodies is dominated by a D-gene-encoded motif and uncovers further opportunities for germline-targeting vaccine design. Full article

To improve traffic efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions at urban road intersections, VISSIM software was used to simulate traffic states to compare the median U-turn method with the direct left-turn method under various traffic volumes and left-turn ratios. Based on the average delay and CO emissions, suitable conditions were identified for using the median U-turn method at intersections. The results show that there are three critical left-turn ratio boundary curves named ,, and based on the relatively smaller average delay and there is a critical left-turn ratio boundary curve based on the lower average CO emissions at the intersection when the through traffic volume is in the range of 0–3000 veh/h and the left-turn ratio is in the range of 0–4. The median U-turn method is considered applicable at the intersection when the through traffic volumes are in the range of 0–87 veh/h, 87–400 veh/h, 400–416 veh/h, 416– veh/h, and 934–3000 veh/h, respectively, and, accordingly, the left-turn ratios are in the range of 0–, 0– or –4, 0–4, 0–, and . These findings can provide a reference for traffic managers to organize the left-turn traffic at an intersection reasonably. Full article

Augmenting the natural melanocortin pathway in mouse eyes with uveitis or diabetes protects the retinas from degeneration. The retinal cells are protected from oxidative and apoptotic signals of death. Therefore, we investigated the effects of a therapeutic application of the melanocortin alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on an ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) model of retinal degenerative disease. Eyes were subjected to an I/R procedure and were treated with α-MSH. Retinal sections were histopathologically scored. Also, the retinal sections were immunostained for viable ganglion cells, activated Muller cells, microglial cells, and apoptosis. The I/R caused retinal deformation and ganglion cell loss that was significantly reduced in I/R eyes treated with α-MSH. While α-MSH treatment marginally reduced the number of GFAP-positive Muller cells, it significantly suppressed the density of Iba1-positive microglial cells in the I/R retinas. Within one hour after I/R, there was apoptosis in the ganglion cell layer, and by 48 h, there was apoptosis in all layers of the neuroretina. The α-MSH treatment significantly reduced and delayed the onset of apoptosis in the retinas of I/R eyes. The results demonstrate that therapeutically augmenting the melanocortin pathways preserves retinal structure and cell survival in eyes with progressive neuroretinal degenerative disease. Full article

Because of the high demand for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials across all industries, the reuse and/or recycling of these materials (rCFRP) is necessary in order to meet the principles of the circular economy, including recycling and reuse. The objective of this study is to estimate the lifespan of thermoplastic matrix composite materials reinforced with waste materials (CFRP), which undergo only a mechanical cutting process. This estimation is carried out through the thermal decomposition of polymers, including polymer matrix composite materials, which is a complex process due to the numerous reactions involved. Some authors calculate these kinetic parameters using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) as it is a quick method, and it allows the identification of gases released during decomposition, provided that the equipment is prepared for it. This study includes a comparison between polyamides 11 and 12, as well as between polyamide composite materials with carbon fiber (CF) and polyamides reinforced with CF/epoxy composite material. The latter is treated with plasma to improve adhesion with polyamides. The behavior of weight as a function of temperature was studied at speeds of 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 20 °C/min, finding stability of the polyamides up to a temperature of 400 °C, which was consistent with the analysis by mass spectroscopy, where gas evolution is evident after 400 °C. The estimation of the lifespan was carried out using two different methods including the Toop equation and the free kinetics model (MFK). The energy of the decomposition process was determined using the MFK model, which establishes the energy as a function of the degree of conversion. It is estimated that at 5% decomposition, mechanical properties are lost. Full article

Speed reducers (SR) and electric motors are crucial in modern manufacturing, especially within adhesive coating equipment. The electric motor mainly transforms electrical power into mechanical force to propel most machinery. Conversely, speed reducers are vital elements that control the speed and torque of rotating machinery, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Interestingly, variations in chamber temperatures of adhesive coating machines and the use of specific adhesives can lead to defects in chains and jigs, causing possible breakdowns in the speed reducer and its surrounding components. This study introduces novel deep-learning autoencoder models to enhance production efficiency by presenting a comparative assessment for anomaly detection that would enable precise and predictive insights by modeling complex temporal relationships in the vibration data. The data acquisition framework facilitated adherence to data governance principles by maintaining data quality and consistency, data storage and processing operations, and aligning with data management standards. The study here would capture the attention of practitioners involved in data-centric processes, industrial engineering, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Full article

In this work, an additive manufacturing process for extruding fully compounded thermosetting elastomers based on fluorine-containing polymer compositions is reported. Additive manufacturing printers are designed with a dry ice container to precool filaments made from curable fluoroelastomer (FKM) and perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) compounds. A support tube guides the stiffened filament towards the printer nozzle. This support tube extends near the inlet to a printer nozzle. This approach allows low-modulus, uncured rubber filaments to be printed without buckling, a phenomenon common when 3D printing low-modulus elastomers via the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. Modeling studies using thermal analyses data from a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) and a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) are used to calculate the Young’s modulus and buckling force, which helps us to select the appropriate applied pressure and the nozzle size for printing. Using this additive manufacturing (AM) method, the successful printing of FKM and FFKM compounds is demonstrated. This process can be used for the future manufacturing of seals or other parts from fluorine-containing polymers. Full article

Over-budgeting due to inflation is a common phenomenon in the construction industry of both developed and developing countries. Inflation, with time changes, leaves an adverse effect on the project budget. Hence, this study aims to focus on the construction price index (CPI) behavior and inspect its correlation with inflation in Thailand’s construction industry as there has not been much work performed. The prediction of CPI was made from 2024 to 2028, relying on the data set from 2000 to 2023. The relationship between inflation and CPI categories helps in prediction by considering inflation as the independent variable and CPI (All Commodities, Lumber and Wood Products, Cement, and Iron Products) as the dependent variable that was incorporated in EViews to perform automated ARIMA forecasting. The correlation results show that out of four CPI, only Iron Products showed a significant relationship with inflation. For All Commodities, Lumber, and Wood Products, the predicted values were fluctuating, while for Cement and Iron Products, a clear seasonal pattern was observed. This prediction gives a direction to construction industry practitioners to make necessary adjustments to their budget estimation before signing the contract to overcome cost overrun obstruction. Full article

Simulating the acoustic field excited by pulse sound sources holds significant practical value in computational ocean acoustics. Two primary methods exist for modeling underwater acoustic propagation in the time domain: the Fourier synthesis technique based on frequency decomposition and the time-domain underwater acoustic propagation model (TD-UAPM). TD-UAPMs solve the wave equation in the time domain without requiring frequency decomposition, providing a more intuitive explanation of the physical process of sound energy propagation over time. However, time-stepping numerical methods can accumulate numerical errors, making it crucial to improve the algorithm’s accuracy for TD-UAPMs. Herein, the time-domain wavenumber integration model SPARC was improved by replacing the second-order finite element method (FEM) with the high-order accuracy finite difference method (FDM). Furthermore, the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method was used to process the seabed more accurately. The improved model was validated using three classic underwater acoustic benchmarks. By comparing the acoustic solutions obtained using the FDM and the FEM, it is evident that the improved model requires fewer grid points while maintaining the same level of accuracy, leading to lower computational costs and faster processing compared to the original model. Full article

We introduce a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) energy harvester, designed for capturing flow energy. Moving beyond traditional vibration-based energy harvesting, our approach incorporates a cylindrical oscillator mounted on an MEMS chip, effectively harnessing wind energy through flow-induced vibration (FIV). A highlight of our research is the development of a comprehensive fabrication process, utilizing a 5.00 µm thick cantilever beam and piezoelectric film, optimized through advanced micromachining techniques. This process ensures the harvester’s alignment with theoretical predictions and enhances its operational efficiency. Our wind tunnel experiments confirmed the harvester’s capability to generate a notable electrical output, with a peak voltage of 2.56 mV at an 8.00 m/s wind speed. Furthermore, we observed a strong correlation between the experimentally measured voltage frequencies and the lift force frequency observed by CFD analysis, with dominant frequencies identified in the range of 830 Hz to 867 Hz, demonstrating the potential application in actual flow environments. By demonstrating the feasibility of efficient energy conversion from ambient wind, our research contributes to the development of sustainable energy solutions and low-power wireless electron devices. Full article