Activation Volume Research Articles

Dynamic strain ageing of L12-strengthened Ni-Co base high-entropy alloy and unraveling its deformation mechanisms in strain ageing process

Dynamic strain ageing (DSA) of L12-strengthened Ni-Co base high-entropy alloy (HEA) was examined at temperatures varying from 20 to 600 °C with strain rates between 10–2 to 10–4 s-1. In normal DSA regimes, elevating temperature or lowering strain rate advances the DSA behavior, resulting in the lowered critical strain and raised amplitude of serrations. Based on strain-rate jump tests, the negative strain-rate sensitivity induced by DSA was observed at the elevated temperature regime, and high apparent activation volumes ranging from 97∼ 737b3 correspond to the strong obstacles effect from the precipitates and the additional pinning strengthening of solute atoms. Transmission electron microscopy evidence suggests that stacking faults prevailed at all testing temperatures, while the serration changes are the outcomes of their dynamic interactions with precipitates and condensed Cr, Co-rich solute cloud. Subsequently, in normal DSA regimes, activation energies required for the onset of type A, a mixture of type A and type A + C, and a mixture of type A + B and type C serrations are 30.6, 65.8, and 101.1 kJ/mol determined by strain ageing model at strain rates of 10–2, 10–3, and 10–4 s-1, respectively. Lastly, a two-time parameter-based Cottrell-Bilby strain aging kinetic model that considers the solute-dislocation interaction in a pipe diffusion manner is applied to evaluate the DSA strengthening concerning strain, strain rate, and temperature.

Developing WasteSAM: A novel approach for accurate construction waste image segmentation to facilitate efficient recycling

The escalating volume of construction activities and resultant waste generation underscores the imperative for developing sophisticated segmentation models to facilitate efficient sorting and recycling processes. This study introduces WasteSAM, an enhanced iteration of the segment anything model (SAM), specifically tailored to address the intricate complexities inherent in construction waste imagery. Drawing upon a comprehensive dataset comprising over 15,000 masks representing five distinct categories of construction materials, WasteSAM exhibits notably superior segmentation capabilities. Quantitative analysis demonstrates significant performance improvements, with WasteSAM outperforming the original SAM model by an average of 23.9% in dice similarity coefficient and 30.0% in normalized surface distance metrics. The integration of stereo-image techniques in refining the training dataset has facilitated WasteSAM in more accurately discerning the three-dimensional structure of waste materials, thereby augmenting the precision of waste classification. Noteworthy is the model’s adeptness in handling intricate textures and patterns across diverse imaging modalities, including varying lighting conditions and complex object interactions. While showing promising results, this study also highlights the need for high-quality, diverse datasets that reflect real-world construction site complexities, rather than merely larger datasets.

Added prognostic value of DCE blood volume imaging in patients with suspected recurrent or residual glioblastoma – a hybrid [18F]FET PET/MRI study

Abstract Background MRI cerebral blood volume (CBV) measurements improves diagnosis of recurrent gliomas. The study investigated the prognostic value of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) CBV imaging in treated IDH wildtype glioblastoma when added to MRI or amino acid PET. Methods Hybrid [18F]FET PET/MRI with 2CXM (2-compartment exchange model) DCE from 86 adult patients with suspected recurrent or residual glioblastoma were retrospectively analysed. High CBV tumour volume (VOLCBV), and contrast enhancing (VOLCE) and [18F]FET active tumour (VOLFET) volumes were delineated. Absolute and fractional high CBV subvolumes within VOLCE and VOLFET were determined. Associations with overall survival (OS) were assessed by Cox analysis. Results Adjusted for MGMT status and steroid all total tumour volumes were individually associated with shorter OS. Adding VOLCBV to VOLCE, or VOLFET only the effect of VOLCBV was prognostic of OS (HR 1.327, p=0.042 and 1.352, p=0.011, respectively). High CBV subvolume within both VOLCE and VOLFET, were associated with shorter survival (HR 1.448, p=0.042 and 1.416, p=0011, respectively), and the low CBV subvolumes with longer survival (HR 0.504, p=0.002 and 0.365, p=0.001, respectively). The fraction of VOLCE and VOLFET with high CBV was a strong predictor of OS with shorter median OS in upper vs lower tertiles (8.3 vs 14.5 months and 7.1 vs 15.6 months, respectively, both p<0.001). Conclusions The high CBV tumour volume was a strong prognosticator of survival and allowed for separation of high and low risk subvolumes underlining the heterogeneous physiological environment represented in the contrast enhancing or metabolically active tumour volumes of treated glioblastoma.

The Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy of a Structured Individual Exercise Program for Community-Dwelling Stroke Patients

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in low levels of physical activity post-discharge. A comprehensive exercise program could be a safe method to increase stroke patients’ physical activity and exercise volume. This pilot study examines the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of a comprehensive exercise regimen for stroke patients residing in the community after discharge. Methods: This single-group pilot study included patients who received inpatient rehabilitation for motor impairment following a stroke. Community-dwelling participants engaged in a comprehensive exercise program, which was structured and individualized, consisting of stretching, aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance exercises, conducted under the supervision of a health exercise specialist in a dedicated living lab within the hospital. The program involved 20 sessions, each lasting 50 min, conducted three to five times weekly. The pre- and post-intervention evaluations were comprehensive, including safety and validity assessments, along with physical function tests such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing and various fitness tests (6 min walk test, timed up and go test, chair stand test, figure-of-8 walk test, grip strength test, and sit-and-reach test). Depression levels were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: A total of 22 subjects were recruited, with 21 completing the study after one dropout due to fatigue and visiting distance. Among the 21 completers, one subject experienced a mild adverse event (hypoglycemia), which was not serious, confirming the program’s safety. The exercise participation rate was 95.5%, and the adherence rate averaged 95.2%, with all completers achieving over 80% adherence. Significant improvements were observed in VO2 peak (p = 0.000), 6 min walk test (p = 0.000), timed up and go test (p = 0.000), chair stand test (p = 0.000), figure-of-8 walk test (p = 0.000), and grip strength (p = 0.001). However, changes in the peak respiratory exchange ratio (p = 0.078), sit-and-reach test (p = 0.228) and GDS scores (p = 0.275) were not significant. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the comprehensive exercise program is sufficiently safe and valid for stroke rehabilitation patients. The program significantly enhances cardiopulmonary endurance, walking ability, balance, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and coordination. Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional benefits.

Physiological response to pain in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders during physiotherapy.

Pain assessment in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders during physiotherapy is a challenging yet desired task. Our study addresses two issues. First, we compare the pain perception in patients with TMJ disorders and a control group. The hand dynamometer is verified as an alternate pain self-report device in the second stage. For the dynamometer validation, we employed a cuff-pressure test to induce pain of various intensities. In the second stage, physiological signals (electrodermal activity and blood volume pulse) have been acquired during the physiotherapy in a control group and patients suffering from TMJ disorder. The linear mixed-effects modeling is carried out to find differences in pain and no pain states, considering subjects' health condition. The main result of the present pilot study is that physiological reactions to painful physiotherapy do not differ between patients with chronic pain and the control group. This finding concludes that studies on TMJ disorder procedures may also be performed on healthy subjects.

Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Global Trade and Economic Growth Amid China’s Slowing Growth

Since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s trade relations with participating nations have experienced substantial growth. This study utilises data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) covering the years 2003 to 2021 to explore the dynamics of China’s foreign trade and assess the impact of the BRI on trade interactions with China. One of the central objectives of our research is to determine whether participation in the BRI has significantly contributed to trade growth with China, thereby strengthening economic ties and fostering bilateral cooperation. Another important objective is to analyse the changes in the BRI’s role in driving global economic growth amid China’s slowing growth. Through empirical analysis using data from over 180 countries, we evaluate the heterogeneous effects of the BRI across different continents. Our findings indicate that the BRI has had the most pronounced trade-stimulating impact on the continents of America, Europe and Africa, while trade volumes with Asian countries have seen only marginal increases. The relatively smaller trade growth in Asian countries can be attributed to the already high volume of trade activities due to their geographical proximity to China, which diminishes the marginal impact of the BRI. Additionally, the significant infrastructure investments under the BRI have been predominantly directed towards Africa and Europe, further explaining the smaller trade-enhancing effects observed in Asia compared to other continents. Furthermore, we identified the spillover effects of the BRI on non-participating countries. Moreover, significant differences in the BRI’s impact on global economic growth were observed before and after China’s economic slowdown. This article offers actionable policy recommendations to inform future decisions based on these findings.

Cycloaddition of Butadiene with Perfluoroethylene: Prediction of a Periselectivity Switch under Pressure.

Defying the common Diels-Alder reactivity, the thermal cycloaddition between butadiene and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) yields exclusively a [2 + 2] cycloadduct via a stepwise diradical mechanism. Here, we study the possibility of reverting to the normal [4 + 2] reactivity in this reaction under high pressure. DFT calculations using the eXtreme Pressure Polarizable Continuum Model (XP-PCM) suggest a more negative activation volume for the concerted [4 + 2] mechanism than the stepwise [2 + 2] mechanism and predict a switch in periselectivity at 1.4 gigapascal (GPa).

Improvement and Characterisation of the ArCLight Large-Area Dielectric Light Detector for Liquid-Argon Time Projection Chambers

The detection of scintillation light in noble-liquid detectors is necessary for identifying neutrino interaction candidates from beam, astrophysical, or solar sources. Large monolithic detectors typically have highly efficient light sensors, like photomultipliers, mounted outside their electric field. This option is not available for modular detectors that wish to maximize their active volume. The ArgonCube light readout system detectors (ArCLights) are large-area thin-wavelength-shifting (WLS) panels that can operate in highly proximate modular detectors and within the electric field. The WLS plastic forming the bulk structure of the ArCLight has Tetraphenyl Butadiene (TPB) and sheets of dichroic mirror layered across its surface. It is coupled to a set of six silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). This publication compares TPB coating techniques for large surface areas and describes quality control methods for large-scale production.

Physical Activity Levels During Physical Education Classes and Their Impact on Physical Fitness in 10-Year-Old School Children: A Comparative Study

Background/Objectives: The aim of this research was to determine the differences in physical fitness according to the level of physical activity (PA) during physical education classes in 10-year-old school children. Methods: The research included 315 primary school children (age 10 ± 1.3 years), divided into three groups by level of PA: low, moderate and high. A Eurofit test battery was used to evaluate the physical fitness of children. Physical activity (volume (number of steps) and intensity) was measured using a Coach Gear pedometer and a Suunto Memory Belt heart rate monitor. Results: Presented results indicate that there are significant differences between groups of children of both genders in relation to the level of PA. Group of boys with low PA showed lower values in sit and reach (p = 0.01), standing long jump (p = 0.02), bent arm hang (p = 0.04) and polygon backwards (p = 0.01) compared to the remaining two groups. Girls with low physical activity showed significant differences in sit and reach (p = 0.01) and bent arm hang (p = 0.01) compared to the other two groups, while in hand tapping, the high PA group showed better results compared to the other two groups (p = 0.03). Conclusions: The results reported in this research support the significant effects of PA level on physical fitness in school children. Less active children generally showed poorer physical fitness in both genders.

Association of Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior With Arterial Stiffness: Findings From the Nijmegen Exercise Study.

Sedentary behavior (SB) may affect arterial stiffness, preceding the development of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the association of objectively measured SB with arterial stiffness. We also investigated factors that affected this association. We recruited adult volunteers and measured SB with thigh-worn accelerometery for 24 hrs/day for eight consecutive days. Central (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, cfPWV, gold standard) and local carotid arterial stiffness (stiffness index Beta and pressure-strain elasticity EP) were measured with ultrasound. Linear regression was used and adjusted for demographics, cardiometabolic factors, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) volume. Effect modification was studied with interaction terms. Participants (N = 664, 64 (standard deviation: 11, range: 23-89) years, 397 (59.8%) male) demonstrated 9.1 (1.6) hrs/day of SB, and arterial stiffness was 8.6 (3.0) m/s for cfPWV, 6.4 (2.9) for Beta, and 87 (43) kPa for EP. SB was not associated with cfPWV (β = 0.04 95% CI (-0.11, 0.18), p = 0.60). The association of SB with local arterial stiffness was modified by systolic blood pressure (SBP) and MVPA volume. Stratified analyses revealed positive associations of SB with Beta (β = 0.29 (0.05, 0.53), p = 0.016) and EP (β = 4.83 (1.39, 8.27), p = 0.006) in participants with SBP > 134 mmHg or > 103 min/day of MVPA (β = 0.23 (0.03, 0.42), p = 0.024 and β = 3.55 (0.82, 6.29), p = 0.011, respectively). We found no association of objectively measured SB with central arterial stiffness. However, SB was positively associated with local carotid stiffness in participants with higher SBP or MVPA levels. In certain subgroups, SB may affect carotid arterial stiffening, reinforcing the relation between SB and cardiovascular disease.

A new nanoindentation approach for determining both indentation size effect and continuous apparent activation volume during loading of nanocrystalline Ni and Ni-20 wt.% Fe alloy

A new nanoindentation approach is developed in this study to determine both indentation size effect (ISE) and continuous apparent activation volume () during loading of nanocrystalline nickel (NC Ni) and nanocrystalline nickel-20 wt.% iron alloy (NC Ni-Fe alloy). This approach involves conducting nanoindentation tests under loading modes controlled by both constant strain rate (CSR) and constant loading rate (CLR). Firstly, a new empirical expression for the parameter in the modified Nix-Gao model is established to study the strain rate dependence of the ISEs created in the CSR and CLR tests. Then, continuous data of each individual sample (indentation) during loading are obtained in the CLR test through the alternative use of continuous stiffness measurement technique. The stress dependence of is analyzed based on Duhamel et al.’s model, which considers the role of vacancies generated during inhomogeneous dislocation nucleation. Finally, based on the above experimental and theoretical work as well as transmission electron microscopy observation, the influences of loading mode, loading rate, and material properties (stacking fault energy) on resulting intrinsic hardness of NC Ni and NC Ni-Fe alloy are analyzed. The nanoindentation approach developed in this study provides profound insights into the mechanical behaviors during loading and underlying mechanisms of materials.

Solid-State Diffusion Bonding of Aluminum to Copper for Bimetallic Anode Fabrication.

The diffusion-bonding technique has been utilized to join various Al alloys (AA1060, AA2024, AA3003) to Cu for bimetallic anode application. This process aims to achieve robust metallic continuity to facilitate electron transfer, while carefully managing the growth of the intermetallic layer at the bonding interface. This control preserves the active volume of aluminum and prevents excessive brittleness of the anode. Optimization efforts have focused on different pressures, surface treatments of parent materials, and bonding parameters (temperature 450-500 °C and time 5-60 min). The optimal conditions identified include low bonding pressures (8 MPa), surface treatment involving polishing followed by chemical cleaning of the surfaces to be bonded, and energetic bonding conditions tailored to each specific aluminum alloy. Preliminary electrochemical characterization via cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests has demonstrated high reversibility intercalation/deintercalation reactions for up to seven cycles. The presence of the different alloying elements appears to contribute significantly to maintaining the high intercalation/deintercalation reaction reversibility without considerable modification of the reaction potentials. This effect may be attributed to alloying elements effectively reducing the overall alloy volume expansion, potentially forming highly reversible ternary/quaternary active phases, and creating a porous reaction layer on the exposed aluminum surface. These factors along with the influence of the Cu parent material collectively reduce the stress during volume expansion, which is the responsible phenomenon of the anode degradation in common Al anodes.

Investor attention and market activity: evidence from green cryptocurrencies

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between investor attention and market activity (return, volatility and volume) using a sample of 14 clean energy cryptocurrencies (hereafter green cryptocurrency), namely, Chia, Cardano, Stellar, Tron, Ripple, Nano, IOTA, EOS, Bitcoin Green, Alogrand, Hedara, Polkadot, FLOW and Tezos. Design/methodology/approach This paper use 26040 crypto-day observations and a range of econometric techniques, including Dynamic Granger causality, Panel vector autoregression (VAR), Impulse response function and the decomposition of forecast error variance. Findings Based on 26040 crypto-day observations, this paper finds a bidirectional Granger causal relationship between investor attention and all measures of market activity, namely, return, absolute volatility, squared volatility and volume. The panel VAR and impulse response function demonstrate that market activity in the green crypto ecosystem, especially volatility and volume, is considerably responsive to changes in investor attention proxied by Google search volume (hereafter Google search volume (GSV)). The findings also demonstrate a significant asymmetric effect of return and volume on investor attention since past negative shocks “or bad news” in return and volume are more likely to grab the investor’s attention. All in all, our study emphasizes the crucial role of investor attention in the green crypto ecosystem. Originality/value (i) The research is the first to shed light on investor attention in the green cryptocurrency market. (ii) The paper uses a wide range of green cryptocurrencies to offer a comprehensive picture of the green cryptocurrency ecosystem. (iii) This paper is the first to use the panel Granger causality to investigate investor attention in the cryptocurrency market which provides several advantages over the conventional Granger causality approach. (iv) This paper is the first to provide novel empirical evidence on the prevalent influence of investor attention in the green crypto market.

Accelerometer-measured physical activity pattern in older patients with frailty and heart failure

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) assessed by accelerometers represents a novel method to understand the PA profile of older patients with heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that PA level and pattern vary in HF patients across the spectrum of frailty status. Aim To report the duration, intensity and volume of PA in older patients with HF according to frailty status. Methods We recruited 150 HF patients≥65 years from a hospital-based HF clinic between March and October 2023. Frailty was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); patients with SPPB 10-12, 7-9, 4-6 and ≤3 was classified as robust, mildly, moderately and severely frail respectively. To evaluate PA profile, all patients wore a wrist accelerometer on their non-dominant hand for 7 days (24 hours/ day). PA parameters including average acceleration over 24 hours (proxy of volume of activity); time spent in inactive, light, moderate and vigorous intensity activities; intensity gradient (more negative gradient equates to poorer intensity profile) and time of most active continuous bouts of PA, were compared amongst frailty groups. Results 146 participants with good quality accelerometer data were included in the analysis; median age 80 (range 65-94 years), 65% male. Thirty-eight percent had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); 21% had NYHA class III/IV symptoms; median NT-proBNP was 2040 ng/L (IQR = 1110 - 4930). Frail patients were more likely to be older with more comorbidities; they also had more severe HF symptoms and higher NT-proBNP. Frail patients had lower volume of PA compared to robust patients, evidenced by lower average acceleration (milligravity-mg) over 24 hours [20.4 (robust); 16.0 (mildly frail); 13.5 (moderately frail); 13.2 (severely frail), p<0.001]. PA intensity profile was poorer in frail patients compared to robust patients [median intensity gradient: -2.72 (robust); -2.92 (mildly frail); -3.00 (moderately frail); -3.07 (severely frail), p<0.001]. (Table 1) Frail patients spent more time inactive compared to robust patients [median time spent inactive (minutes): 654 (robust); 689 (mildly frail); 780 (moderately frail); 720 (severely frail), p<0.001]. The median time (minutes) spent in light [225 (robust); 190 (mildly frail); 164 (moderately frail); 159 (severely frail)] and moderate to vigorous activity [62 (robust), 23 (mildly frail), 15 (moderately frail) and 13 (severely frail), p<0.001] were significantly shorter in frail compared to robust patients. (Figure 1) The most active continuous bout of PA of patients across the frailty spectrum appeared to between 10 AM to 2 PM. Conclusion The duration, volume and intensity of PA was generally low in older patients with HF. Worse frailty status was associated with longer duration of physical inactivity, shorter duration of light, moderate or vigorous activity, poorer PA intensity profile and lower volume of PA.

MRI and [18F]FET PET for early response assessment of Nivolumab and Bevacizumab in patients with recurrent high grade astrocytic glioma

Abstract Background In the present study early response assessment by O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) positron emission tomography (PET) and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were investigated in a phase II open-label single-centre study of nivolumab plus bevacizumab for recurrent high grade astrocytic glioma Methods Twenty patients with non-resectable first recurrence of high grade astrocytic glioma after EORTC/NCIC protocol underwent [18F]FET PET/MRI at baseline and after 2 cycles of treatment. Whole brain values of contrast enhancing volume on MRI (CEV), of mean (TBRmean) and maximal tumour-to-background ratio (TBRmax) and of metabolically active volume (MTV) on [18F]FET PET were obtained. Regional changes in [18F]FET uptake were assessed by parametric response mapping (PRM). Prediction of overall survival (OS) and response (OS>11 months) were assessed by Cox and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, respectively. Also, MRI (RANO 2.0) and PET based (PET RANO 1.0) response assessment criteria were compared. Results In ROC analysis responders were separated (p<0.05) from non-responders by lower MTV at follow-up (AUC 0.771, cut-off 18.3 ml), larger decrease in MTV (AUC 0.757, cut-off -5.3 ml), larger decrease in both TBRmax (AUC 0.814, cut-off -0.53) and relative TBRmax (AUC 0.829, cut-off -11%) and smaller PRM progressive volume (AUC 0.843, cut-off 4.0 ml). Change in CEV did not predict response. RANO 2.0 and PET RANO response assessment criteria had similar and only borderline prognostic value. Conclusion The study indicates that [18F]FET PET is superior to contrast enhanced MRI for early response assessment in patients with recurrent high grade astrocytic glioma treated with nivolumab and bevacizumab.

Hazard Identification of Well Test Operation in Drilling and Production Offshore Platform by HAZID

A significant portion of energy resources has been discovered in offshore sectors, leading to a continuous increase in the volume of activities and operations. Once a well is drilled and fluid extraction begins, all the reservoir parameters, start to change. well test operation is one of the most crucial tools for engineers to comprehend the behavior and parameters of hydrocarbon reservoirs. In this study, the hazards associated with the well test operations has been identified by using HAZID technique. A total of 189 risks were identified in the initial risk assessment, with 35 categorized as low risk, 88 as medium risk, and 66 as high risk and after implementing protection layers in the secondary risk assessment, the number of low risks incidents increased, while medium and high-risk incidents were reduced significantly. Most of the risks identified are associated with loading operations and sea transportation from the port to the drilling rig. Given that loading and unloading operations are among the most frequently repeated activities in well testing operations, it is determined that they play a critical role in the overall risk profile

Structural insights into the toxicity of type II ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs): a molecular dynamics study

Ribosome Inactivating Proteins (RIPs) act by irreversibly depurinating the 28S rRNA ricin-sarcin loop (SRL) of the eukaryotic ribosome resulting in protein synthesis inhibition. In general, they consist of two variants: Type I which is single chained (∼30 kDa), and Type II, a more toxic variant which is a Type I N-glycosidase chain covalently linked to a lectin chain. These proteins are believed to play a pivotal role in defence mechanisms. Intriguingly, non-toxic variants of such toxic proteins do exist in nature. To explore their mode of action, in the present study we have selected three toxic (Ricin, Ebulin and HmRIP) as well as two non-toxic (BGSL and SGSL) RIPs and performed molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations with the SRL loop. This study throws light on the structural stability and plasticity of the toxic and non-toxic RIP complexes. Furthermore, analysis of the active site cavity volume and binding free energy calculations reveal that the SRL, particularly the specific adenine (A4605), is relatively unstable in the case of non-toxic RIPs which is also supported by the free binding energy calculations, and the pocket size analysis indicates the abnormal increase in active site cavity volume of non-toxic RIPs with time. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive study of toxic and non-toxic RIPs gives insights about the mode of action and the dynamic nature of their interaction with the SRL loop. These observations will be helpful in the development of toxoids against RIPs and also in designing novel therapeutic approaches against human diseases.

Decent work deficit in India: Deterioration and determinants

Abstract India is being projected internationally as a country of good growth and good governance, which in turn, it is asserted, should lead to prosperity for its people, especially in terms of proper employment, income, and overall standard of living. Drawing on certain dimensions of decent work proposed by International Labour Organization to measure the quality of employment in India, this article explores how far the notions of good/high growth and good governance discourse are corroborated by the evidence of good quality employment in India. The study is based on the nationally representative unit/individual-level data published by the Government of India during the three periods 2009–10, 2018–19, and 2022–23. The main findings of analysis are: (a) the overall quality of employment in India is poor and stagnant or deteriorating, and (b) the macro-level (sub-national state-level) aspects, such as the overall volume of economic activities, the extent of quality governance, the flexibility of business regulatory environment and better labour law-related compliance, have had a significant negative influence on the quality of employment. Thus, this paper suggests that the very policy environment and the pattern of economic growth have put a drag on the quality of employment in India. Given this, we suggest a variety of countervailing policy options and emphasise the role of civil society and politics.

Amending clayey and sandy soils with nano - bio phosphorous for regulating tomato growth, biochemical, and physiological characteristics

Phosphorus is a critical nutrient that significantly enhances tomato production, so maintaining an adequate level of phosphorus plays an essential role in enhancing the growth of tomato by being present in the soil. This study assessed the impact of soil texture and phosphorus content on tomato plant properties using a factorial, complete, randomized design with four replications. Treatments included clayey and sandy soils with varying phosphorus sources: non-phosphorus (P0), calcium phosphate (CaP1 and CaP2), and nano-hydroxyapatite (PN1 and PN2), where 1 indicates a concentration of 0.12 g and 2 indicates a concentration of 0.23 g per 5-kilogram pot of fertilizer. Results indicated that treatments significantly influenced yield parameters such as average fruit weight, juice content, antioxidant activity, and fruit volume. In the clayey soil, CaP2 treatment had a superior effect on yield, average fruit weight, and shoot fresh weight. In comparison with sandy conditions, CaP2 produced a 50% increase in fruit number, 29% increase in average fruit weight, and 91% increase in fruit yield. The treatments then impacted the shoot fresh weight and root length, while the phosphorus concentration appeared to be more dependent on soil type than on phosphorus sources. Similar to the CaP1 and CaP2 treatments, the PN1 treatment in clay soil also resulted in the highest fresh and dry weights of tomato shoots when compared with the control group. Generally, the findings from this study suggest that the use of CaP2 can serve as a reliable method to improve the growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomatoes, especially in clayey soil environments. However, nano-based phosphorous sources need to be tested more to see if they can improve tomato performance in a range of soil conditions. Also, further research should look into the long-term effects of phosphorous interventions on soil health and sustainability.

Phenotyping in vivo chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis by combined 11C-PBR28 MR-PET and 7T susceptibility-weighted imaging.

11C-PBR28 positron emission tomography (PET), targeting the translocator protein, and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL) have emerged as promising imaging markers of MS chronic inflammation. No consensus on which is the optimal marker exists. To investigate the ability of 11C-PBR28 PET and PRL assessment to identify chronic inflammation in white matter (WM) MS lesions and their relation to neurological impairment. Based on 11C-PBR28 uptake, brain WM lesions from 30 MS patients were classified as PET active or inactive. The PRL presence was assessed on 7T phase reconstructions, T1/T2 ratio was calculated to measure WM microstructural integrity. Less than half (44%) of non-PRL WM lesions were active on 11C-PBR28 imaging either throughout the lesion (whole active) or at its periphery. PET peripherally active lesions and PRL did not differ in T1/T2 ratio and 11C-PBR28 uptake. A positive correlation was observed between PRL and active PET lesion count. Whole active PET lesion volume was the strongest predictor (β = 0.97, p < 0.001) of increased Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. 11C-PBR28 imaging reveals more active WM lesions than 7T PRL assessment. Although PRL and PET active lesion counts are related, neurological disability is better explained by PET whole active lesion volume.