Effect Of Different Degrees Research Articles

Investigating the impacts of different degrees of deficit irrigation and nitrogen interactions on assimilate translocation, yield, and resource use efficiencies in winter wheat

Water and nitrogen (N) are recognized as the primary determinants influencing the development and output of winter wheat. They affect the growth of winter wheat not only through their own changes, but also through their interaction. The translocation and accumulation of pre- and post-anthesis assimilates (including dry matter and N) are important physiological processes in winter wheat, which are closely related to the resource use efficiency and yield. However, a dearth of research exists that examines the complex interplay between varying water levels, especially severe water deficit, and N deficiency levels on the growth dynamics of winter wheat. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare the effects of different degrees of water deficit and N interaction on assimilate translocation, water and N use efficiency and yield of winter wheat. A four-year long-term field experiment conducted under the rain-out shelter including four irrigation and two N levels was launched during 2019–2023. This method avoided the impact of precipitation on water treatment and helped to achieve serious water deficit treatment. The findings indicated that the higher N application improved the wheat's ability by 49.6 % - 362.3 % to utilize the available soil water. The pre- and post-anthesis translocation and accumulation of assimilates (including dry matter and N) in winter wheat increase alongside elevated levels of water and N application, except under severe water deficit treatment. Plants under mild to moderate water deficit were better able to translocate the pre-anthesis assimilates. However, the severe water deficit hindered the re-translocation of assimilates before anthesis. Providing additional N during periods of severe water scarcity leads to a 13.4 % - 44.7 % reduction in water use efficiency (WUE). Furthermore, both the irrigation water use efficiency and WUE diminished by 10.3 % - 60.5 % and 4.5 % - 41.4 % with higher levels of irrigation, while improved by 24.4 % - 48.2 % and 12.6 % - 39.4 % with higher N application rates. Conversely, N partial factor productivity and N use efficiency followed the opposite trend. Similar to WUE, increasing N application under severe water deficit would result in a yield reduction of 38.7 %. The reduction in crop yield resulting from severe water stress was primarily ascribed to the decline in the kernels number per spike (up to 74.9 %), with the reduction in spike number per unit area following closely behind (up to 29.1 %). This integrated approach, combining resource use efficiency with a detailed assessment of assimilate dynamics, provides a holistic view of how water and N management strategies impact winter wheat performance. The findings will offer precise insights for developing targeted irrigation and N scheduling strategies for sustaining both winter wheat production and environmental sustainability.

Probabilistic seismic risk analysis of electrical substations considering equipment-to-equipment seismic failure correlations

When an earthquake occurs, electrical equipment in a substation exhibits a certain level of seismic failure correlation since they suffer similar ground motions and share similar structural characteristics. However, this equipment-to-equipment seismic failure correlation (E2ESFC) was neglected in previous substation-level probabilistic seismic risk analyses due to the lack of awareness and practical approach. To investigate the effect of different degrees of the E2ESFC on the substation seismic risk, an efficient method for considering partially correlated seismic failure was proposed. The concepts of “damage demand probability” and “damage capacity probability” were derived from the equipment's fragility curve. Then the partial correlation of equipment's capacity probabilities can be easily introduced and incorporated into the substation-level risk analysis through the combination of Copula functions and the Monte Carlo simulation. A case study on a real-world 220/110 kV substation using an equi-correlation model demonstrated that ignoring the E2ESFC among the same type of equipment will lead to an underestimate of the probability of seeing high seismic loss. Furthermore, a general method to assess the E2ESFC coefficients between equipment was also proposed, laying the foundation to facilitate applications of the introduced E2ESFC simulation method and to generate a more reliable system risk assessment result.

The fuzzy graph model for conflict resolution considering power asymmetry based on social trust network

Conflicts are widespread in all spheres of society, and power asymmetries between conflicting actors are becoming more pronounced. However, the underlying causes of this asymmetry are often overlooked. To objectively reveal the fundamental reasons for power asymmetry, this paper utilizes Social Trust Networks (STN) to calculate decision-makers’ (DMs) weights. To further investigate the complex phenomenon of power asymmetry and accurately describe the inherent fuzziness in DMs’ subjective judgments, two multiple decision-makers (multi-DMs) power asymmetry models based on fuzzy preferences are constructed: one with a leader, a subordinate leader, and a follower, and the other with a leader and two followers. In response to the issue of neglecting power intensity differences in previous research, this paper provided an in-depth discussion of the effects of different degrees of power on the adjustment of followers’ preferences. On this basis, the stability definitions were extended to fuzzy power asymmetry conditions. Finally, this paper presented a case study on business operation conflicts in commercial banks and drew conclusions based on the analysis.

Effects of ankle joint degree of freedom of knee–ankle–foot orthoses on loading patterns and triceps surae muscle activity on the paretic side in individuals with subacute severe hemiplegia: a retrospective study

BackgroundIndividuals with subacute severe hemiplegia often undergo alternate gait training to overcome challenges in achieving walking independence. However, the ankle joint setting in a knee–ankle–foot orthosis (KAFO) depends on trunk function or paralysis stage for alternate gait training with a KAFO. The optimal degree of ankle joint freedom in a KAFO and the specific ankle joint conditions for effective rehabilitation remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different degrees of freedom of the ankle joint on center-of-pressure (CoP) parameters and muscle activity on the paretic side using a KAFO and to investigate the recommended setting of ankle joint angle in a KAFO depending on physical function.MethodsThis study included 14 participants with subacute stroke (67.4 ± 13.3 years). The CoP parameters and muscle activity of the gastrocnemius lateralis (GCL) and soleus muscles were compared using a linear mixed model (LMM) under two ankle joint conditions in the KAFO: fixed at 0° and free ankle dorsiflexion. We confirmed the relationship between changes in CoP parameters or muscle activity under different conditions and physical functional characteristics such as the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity Synergy Score (FMAs) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) using LMM.ResultsAnterior–posterior displacement of CoP (AP_CoP) (p = 0.011) and muscle activity of the GCL (p = 0.043) increased in the free condition of ankle dorsiflexion compared with that in the fixed condition. The FMAs (p = 0.004) and TIS (p = 0.008) demonstrated a positive relationship with AP_CoP. A positive relationship was also found between TIS and the percentage of medial forefoot loading time in the CoP (p < 0.001).ConclusionsFor individuals with severe subacute hemiplegia, the ankle dorsiflexion induction in the KAFO, which did not impede the forward tilt of the shank, promotes anterior movement in the CoP and muscle activity of the GCL. This study suggests that adjusting the dorsiflexion mobility of the ankle joint in the KAFO according to improvement in physical function promotes loading of the CoP to the medial forefoot.

Effect of alfalfa downy mildew (Peronospora aestivalis) infection on the growth and development of Therioaphis trifolii (Homoptera: Aphidiidae)

Downy mildew disease, which is caused by Peronospora aestivalis (Mastigomycotina: Peronosporaceae) and the spotted alfalfa aphid Therioaphis trifolii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), affects Medicago sativa (alfalfa) production. P. aestivalis and T. trifolii frequently occur together under natural conditions. In this study, alfalfa-P. aestivalis-T. trifolii were used as the research objects to explore the effects of different degrees of P. aestivalis infection on the growth and reproduction of T. trifolii, and the life table of T. trifolii population was constructed based on the fecundity parameters. The results revealed that alfalfa downy mildew infection had a significant effect on T. trifolii population. T. trifolii fed on mildly infected alfalfa plants exhibited the longest life span (18.9 d) and the highest number of nymphs (30.6) compared to those fed on alfalfa in other treatments. In terms of population life table parameters, the intrinsic rate of increase (0.626) and finite rate of increase (1.869) of T. trifolii fed on moderately infected alfalfa were the highest, and the generation time (8.310) and population doubling time (1.108) were the shortest, indicating that moderately infected alfalfa are conducive to T. trifolii population development. This study provides insights into the effects of alfalfa downy mildew on the main reproductive parameters and population of T. trifolii on M. sativa.

Enhancing freeze-thaw stability of frozen dough with deacetylated konjac glucomannan: The role of degree of deacetylation

The effect of different degrees of deacetylation (DDs) of deacetylated konjac glucomannan (DKGM) on the gluten structure, water state, and yeast activity of frozen dough was evaluated. The moderate DKGM group maintained a more continuous gluten network after three freeze-thaw cycles, as evidenced by an 8.67% increase in disulfide bond content and a 15.01% increase in α-helix content compared to the KGM group. DKGM effectively impeded bound water migration, with the moderate DKGM group retaining 8.28% more bound water than the KGM group after three freeze-thaw cycles. The stabilization of gluten structure and water state in frozen dough by DKGM resulted in higher yeast activity in the low and moderate deacetylation groups (DD = 31.31% and 50.24%). Additionally, DKGM enhanced the quality of frozen steamed bread. The results indicate that DKGM with a moderate DD (50.24%) effectively alleviates the quality deterioration of frozen dough. These findings suggest that DKGM has great potential as a novel cryoprotectant for frozen dough, with DD being a crucial factor in its cryoprotective effect.

Synthesis, Optimization and Molecular Self-Assembly Behavior of Alginate-g-Oleylamine Derivatives Based on Ugi Reaction for Hydrophobic Drug Delivery.

To achieve the optimal alginate-based oral formulation for delivery of hydrophobic drugs, on the basis of previous research, we further optimized the synthesis process parameters of alginate-g-oleylamine derivatives (Ugi-FOlT) and explored the effects of different degrees of substitution (DSs) on the molecular self-assembly properties of Ugi-FOlT, as well as the in vitro cytotoxicity and drug release behavior of Ugi-FOlT. The resultant Ugi-FOlT exhibited good amphiphilic properties with the critical micelle concentration (CMC) ranging from 0.043 mg/mL to 0.091 mg/mL, which decreased with the increase in the DS of Ugi-FOlT. Furthermore, Ugi-FOlT was able to self-assemble into spherical micellar aggregates in aqueous solution, whose sizes and zeta potentials with various DSs measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) were in the range of 653 ± 25~710 ± 40 nm and -58.2 ± 1.92~-48.9 ± 2.86 mV, respectively. In addition, RAW 264.7 macrophages were used for MTT assay to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Ugi-FOlT in the range of 100~500 μg/mL, and the results indicated good cytocompatibility for Ugi-FOlT. Ugi-FOlT micellar aggregates with favorable stability also showed a certain sustained and pH-responsive release behavior for the hydrophobic drug ibuprofen (IBU). Meanwhile, it is feasible to control the drug release rate by regulating the DS of Ugi-FOlT. The influence of different DSs on the properties of Ugi-FOlT is helpful to fully understand the relationship between the micromolecular structure of Ugi-FOlT and its macroscopic properties.

The ability of SPEEK to promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on PEEK surfaces

To investigate the ability of sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) to promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and compare the effects of different degrees of sulfonation (DS), SPEEK was made with two different DS. The L-SPEEK group had a lower DS, while the H-SPEEK group had a higher DS. The physicochemical properties of both species were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), capitilize Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Then, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation between the two groups and with pure polyetheretherketone (PEEK) were compared after surface inoculation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the surface of the PEEK substrates could be smooth or coarse, and the degree of roughness increased with increasing sulfonation. FTIR spectroscopy showed that both the L-SPEEK and H-SPEEK samples contained sulfonic acid. TGA and XRD revealed that the components in the two groups were the same, but the intensities were different. After BMSC inoculation, a CCK8 assay revealed that the cells proliferated more on the H-SPEEK surface and little on the L-SPEEK surface compared with the PEEK surface. Then, osteogenic differentiation was verified by immunofluorescence staining for OCN and Runx2, which indicated that H-SPEEK had the greatest effect on improving differentiation. The results of alizarin red staining (ARS) and alkaline phosphatase staining (APS) also revealed this trend. Sulfonation can change the microsurface of PEEK, which can improve both BMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.

Effect of different degrees of primary varus knee on short-term effectiveness of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To investigate whether different degrees of primary varus knee affect joint function and stability in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A clinical data of 160 patients with primary varus knee, who were admitted between January 2020 and December 2021 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent primary ACL reconstruction using autologous single-bundle hamstring tendon. Patients were divided into three groups based on the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA): group A (64 patients with HKA 0°-3°), group B (55 patients with HKA 3°-6°), and group C (41 patients with HKA 6°-9°). Except for the significant difference in HKA among the three groups ( P<0.05), baseline data such as age, gender, affected side, body mass index, interval between injury and operation, Kellgren-Lawrence grading, posterior tibial slope, proportion of combined meniscal injuries, Tegner score, Lysholm score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, and the results of KT1000 (side-to-side difference, SSD) showed no significant difference ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, joint stability was assessed through the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, and SSD; joint function was evaluated using the Tegner score, Lysholm score, and IKDC objective score. All incisions in the three groups healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 24-31 months, with an average of 26 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time among the three groups ( Z=0.675, P=0.714). At last follow-up, the knee stability and functional assessment indicators in each group significantly improved when compared to preoperative ones ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference among the three groups ( P>0.05) in terms of the anterior drawer test, Lachman test, pivot shift test, IKDC objective scores, and the changes of the Lysholm scores and Tegner scores. The Kellgren-Lawrence grading and HKA at last follow-up were consistent with preoperative results in the three groups. Varying degrees of primary varus knee do not affect early knee joint stability and functional recovery after ACL reconstruction, and there is no significant difference in effectiveness between different degrees of varus knee.

The effect of different degrees of Eustachian tube dysfunction on hearing threshold in patients with acquired primary middle ear cholesteatoma after balloon eustachian tuboplasty

Objective:To investigate the changes in hearing threshold of the acquired primary cholesteatoma of the middle ear with different degrees of eustachian tube dysfunction after balloon eustachian tuboplasty. Methods:This retrospective study included forty cases with middle ear cholesteatoma and eustachian tube dysfunction who underwent open mastoidectomy + tympanoplasty + balloon eustachian tuboplasty were enrolled. All patients were admitted from November 2020 to April 2022. The preoperative eustachian tube score of 0-2 were defined as the lower group, and the scores of 3-5 were defined as the higher group. Pure tone audiometry was measured preoperatively and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The average value of bone conduction threshold and air conduction threshold of 250-4 000 Hz were calculated, and the air-bone gap was calculated simultaneously. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:In the lower group, the air conduction threshold and air-bone gap at 3 months postoperatively were significantly decreased in comparison with those preoperatively（P<0.05），as was the air-bone gap at 6 months postoperatively（P<0.05）. In the higher group, the air conduction threshold and air-bone gap were significantly decreased at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The air conduction threshold and air-bone gap of patients with the acquired primary cholesteatoma of the middle ear and eustachian tube dysfunction were significantly decreased after eustachian tube balloon dilatation. Hearing improvement lasted longer in patients with slight eustachian tube dysfunction.

The Effects of Head Elevation on Intracranial Pressure, Cerebral Perfusion Pressure, and Cerebral Oxygenation Among Patients with Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Head elevation is recommended as a tier zero measure to decrease high intracranial pressure (ICP) in neurocritical patients. However, its quantitative effects on cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), jugular bulb oxygen saturation (SjvO2), brain tissue partial pressure of oxygen (PbtO2), and arteriovenous difference of oxygen (AVDO2) are uncertain. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of head elevation on ICP, CPP, SjvO2, PbtO2, and AVDO2 among patients with acute brain injury. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library of studies comparing the effects of different degrees of head elevation on ICP, CPP, SjvO2, PbtO2, and AVDO2. A total of 25 articles were included in the systematic review. Of these, 16 provided quantitative data regarding outcomes of interest and underwent meta-analyses. The mean ICP of patients with acute brain injury was lower in group with 30° of head elevation than in the supine position group (mean difference [MD] - 5.58mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 6.74 to - 4.41mm Hg; p < 0.00001). The only comparison in which a greater degree of head elevation did not significantly reduce the ICP was 45° vs. 30°. The mean CPP remained similar between 30° of head elevation and supine position (MD - 2.48mm Hg; 95% CI - 5.69 to 0.73mm Hg; p = 0.13). Similar findings were observed in all other comparisons. The mean SjvO2 was similar between the 30° of head elevation and supine position groups (MD 0.32%; 95% CI - 1.67% to 2.32%; p = 0.75), as was the mean PbtO2 (MD - 1.50mm Hg; 95% CI - 4.62 to 1.62mm Hg; p = 0.36), and the mean AVDO2 (MD 0.06µmol/L; 95% CI - 0.20 to 0.32µmol/L; p = 0.65).The mean ICP of patients with traumatic brain injury was also lower with 30° of head elevation when compared to the supine position. There was no difference in the mean values of mean arterial pressure, CPP, SjvO2, and PbtO2 between these groups. Increasing degrees of head elevation were associated, in general, with a lower ICP, whereas CPP and brain oxygenation parameters remained unchanged. The severe traumatic brain injury subanalysis found similar results.

The effect of different degree of compaction towards electrical resistivity value for cohesive soil

The effect of different degree of compaction towards electrical resistivity value for cohesive soil

Effect of degree of esterification on the stability of high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) fabricated with pectin‐whey protein isolate complexes

SummaryThis study examined the effects of different degree of esterification (DE) on the stability of high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) fabricated using pectin‐whey protein isolate complexes. The modified pectin with different DE was prepared using the alkali de‐esterification method with high methoxyl pectin (HMP). The impact of DE on the conformational changes of pectin and whey protein isolate (WPI) during the complexes formation was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Citrus pectin (CP)–WPI complexes and camellia oil were used to create an emulsion with a self‐supporting structure of 75% internal phase volume. The thermal, centrifugal, storage and freeze–thaw stabilities of CP–WPI stabilised HIPPEs with different DE were evaluated and the results revealed that the low methoxyl pectin (LMP) produced via alkali de‐esterification altered the charge density of pectin. Compared with the untreated pectin, the electrostatic interaction between CP–WPI complexes was enhanced and the stability of CP–WPI stabilised HIPPEs was improved. The study will help to better understand the interaction between CP and WPI, enhance the efficiency of the pectin–protein delivery system and improve the utilisation rate of citrus pectin, which has important guiding significance.

Interactions of catecholamines and GABA+ in cognitive control: Insights from EEG and 1H-MRS

Catecholamines and amino acid transmitter systems are known to interact, the exact links and their impact on cognitive control functions have however remained unclear. Using a multi-modal imaging approach combining EEG and proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), we investigated the effect of different degrees of pharmacological catecholaminergic enhancement onto theta band activity (TBA) as a measure of interference control during response inhibition and execution. It was central to our study to evaluate the predictive impact of in-vivo baseline GABA+ concentrations in the striatum, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the supplemental motor area (SMA) of healthy adults under varying degrees of methylphenidate (MPH) stimulation. We provide evidence for a predictive interrelation of baseline GABA+ concentrations in cognitive control relevant brain areas onto task-induced TBA during response control stimulated with MPH. Baseline GABA+ concentrations in the ACC, the striatum, and the SMA had a differential impact on predicting interference control-related TBA in response execution trials. GABA+ concentrations in the ACC appeared to be specifically important for TBA modulations when the cognitive effort needed for interference control was high – that is when no prior task experience exists, or in the absence of catecholaminergic enhancement with MPH. The study highlights the predictive role of baseline GABA+ concentrations in key brain areas influencing cognitive control and responsiveness to catecholaminergic enhancement, particularly in high-effort scenarios.

Carboxymethylated Desmodium styracifolium polysaccharide reduces the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation by inhibiting crystal adhesion and promoting crystal endocytosis.

The inhibition of cell surface crystal adhesion and an appropriate increase in crystal endocytosis contribute to the inhibition of kidney stone formation. In this study, we investigated the effects of different degrees of carboxymethylation on these processes. An injury model was established by treating human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells with 98.3 ± 8.1 nm calcium oxalate dihydrate (nanoCOD) crystals. The HK-2 cells were protected with carboxy (-COOH) Desmodium styracifolium polysaccharides at 1.17% (DSP0), 7.45% (CDSP1), 12.2% (CDSP2), and 17.7% (CDSP3). Changes in biochemical indexes and effects on nanoCOD adhesion and endocytosis were detected. The protection of HK-2 cells from nanoCOD-induced oxidative damage by carboxymethylated Desmodium styracifolium polysaccharides (CDSPs) is closely related to the protection of subcellular organelles, such as mitochondria. CDSPs can reduce crystal adhesion on the cell surface and maintain appropriate crystal endocytosis, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. CDSP2 with moderate -COOH content showed the strongest protective activity among the CDSPs.

Experimental study on improvement of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease by different degrees of steaming and sunning of Polygoni Multiflori Radix based on fecal metabolomics

The fecal metabolomics method was employed to investigate the cognitive improvement mechanism of Polygoni Multiflori Radix in Alzheimer's disease(AD) and examine the effects of different degrees of steaming and sunning on cognitive function in AD model mice. Additionally, the processing principle of Polygoni Multiflori Radix was discussed. Forty-eight 5-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: model group, positive group, raw product group, three-steaming and three-sunning product group, six-steaming and six-sunning product group, and nine-steaming and nine-sunning product group. Seven negative control mice from the same litter were included as the blank group. After 150 days of intragastric administration, the learning and memory abilities of mice in each group were assessed by using the Barnes maze and dark avoidance tests. Fecal samples were collected for extensive targeted metabolomics testing. Principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and other multivariate statistical methods were utilized to analyze metabolites in mouse feces. Comparison of behavioral results between the model group and different product groups demonstrated that the six-steaming and six-sunning product group exhibited significantly reduced latency in the Barnes maze positioning and navigation test(P&lt;0.05), as well as a notable decrease in the number of errors in the space exploration experiment(P&lt;0.05). Moreover, the latency of mice entering the dark box for the first time in the dark avoidance experiment was significantly prolonged(P&lt;0.05), indicating the best overall improvement in the learning and memory ability of AD model mice. Metabolomics results revealed that compared with the model group, the differential metabolites in other groups in descending order were as follows: six-steaming and six-sunning product group &gt; nine-steaming and nine-sunning product group &gt; raw product group &gt; three-steaming and three-sunning product group, encompassing 146, 120, 95, and 81 potential biomarkers, respectively. Among them, 16 differential metabolites were related to AD disease. Further comparisons based on the degree of processing indicated that the six-steaming and six-sunning product group exhibited the most significant adjustments in total metabolic pathways, particularly regulating the interconversion of pentose and glucuronic acid, as well as amino acid anabolism and other pathways. In summary, the mechanism of Polygoni Multiflori Radix after processing in enhancing the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice may be associated with improved amino acid metabolism and increased energy metabolism in the body. The six-steaming and six-sunning yielded the best outcomes.

Beyond the Game: The Influence of Varying Degrees of Sports Involvement on College Students’ Self-Perceptions and Institutional Affiliation

This research investigates the impact of varying levels of sports participation on college students’ self-perception and their sense of connection to their educational institution, with a specific focus on an Israeli context. Recognizing the gap in the existing literature regarding the nuanced effects of different degrees of sports engagement, this study aims to offer insights into how sports involvement shapes students’ academic, social, and psychological experiences. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research involved conducting 26 semi-structured interviews with undergraduate students from a northern Israeli college, encompassing a diverse range of sports participation levels, from occasional involvement to committed varsity athletes. The findings reveal that sports participation significantly enhances students’ perceptions of their academic and social abilities, fosters a sense of belonging to the institution, and cultivates institutional pride, regardless of the level of involvement. Particularly noteworthy is the positive correlation between sports engagement and heightened self-esteem and self-efficacy. This study contributes to the understanding of the broader impacts of sports in higher education, highlighting its role in personal development and institutional affiliation. The research underscores the need for further studies in varied cultural contexts to deepen the understanding of these dynamics. Additionally, the study’s focus on an Israeli sample provides a unique perspective on the role of sports in a culture where collegiate sports are less academically explored. This research serves as a stepping stone for future quantitative investigations to objectively measure and enhance the understanding of the relationship between sports participation and student development in higher education.

Factors affecting the intraoperative calculi excretion during flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy: an in vitro analysis.

To explore the parameters influencing intraoperative calculi excretion (ICE) during flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy (fURL) using in vitro simulation experiments. 3D-printed human kidney models were used to simulate the elimination of gravel during fURL. The factors influencing the ICE during fURL were analyzed by comparing the effects of different degrees of hydronephrosis (mild, moderate, and severe), surgical positions (supine and lateral position), ratios of endoscope-sheath diameter (RESD) (0.625, 0.725, and 0.825), gravel sizes (0.50-1.00mm, 0.25-0.50mm, and 0.10-0.25mm), and ureteral access sheaths (UASs) (traditional UAS and negative-pressure UAS) on ICE. The impacts of various UAS, RESD, degree of hydronephrosis, surgical positions, and gravel sizes on ICE were all significant (p < 0.05). We found no evidence of multicollinearity for all the independent variables, and the linear regression equation fitted as (R2 = 0.569). Employing negative-pressure UAS, smaller RESD, milder hydronephrosis, lateral position, and smaller gravel size contribute to improved ICE during fURL. Among them, the adoption of negative-pressure UAS had the most substantial effects.

Decentralized production concepts for bio-based polymers - implications for supply chains, costs, and the carbon footprint

This paper presents a multi-dimensional evaluation of decentralized production networks based on modular production plants. The main objective of this evaluation is to examine the effects of different degrees of decentralization in production networks of the chemical industry. Using the production of a biopolymer as an example, the study includes strategic supply chain planning by agent-based simulations, economic evaluation by calculation of net present values and environmental assessment by calculation of carbon footprints. By allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of the decentralized networks over time, it is shown that mobile, modular plant concepts are beneficial to reduce supply chain expenses. Transportation efforts resulting from strategic supply chain planning are reduced by 40 % with increasing degree of decentralization. The profitability of the decentralized networks is dominated by the costs for the production processes themselves as capital and operational expenditures allocate to >50 % of the total costs. Product prices of 3000 to 5500 €2020 per ton are necessary to reach profitability of the decentralized production networks. Regarding the environmental assessment, the carbon footprint of the supply chain accounts for <3 % of the total emissions, which are dominated by the provision of process heat that accounts for 46 to 68 % of the total emissions. Carbon footprint of the decentral production networks can be significantly reduced by a systematic electrification of 90 % of the process heat demand.

Right Ventricular Longitudinal Shortening is not Associated with Left Ventricular Rotational Mechanics in Healthy Adults - Insights from the Three-dimensional Speckle-tracking Echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

The left ventricle (LV) not only contracts, but its rotational mechanics have a significant role in systolic ejection, whereas the right ventricle (RV) is substantially different in shape and function, and its contractility is not accompanied by rotational features. Simple M-mode echocardiography-based tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) reflects RV longitudinal contraction or shortening. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the parameters characterizing the rotational mechanics of the LV as assessed by three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) and the TAPSE. The effects of different degrees of these parameters on each other were also examined. The present retrospective analysis evaluated the results of 80 healthy adult individuals with an average age of 28.1 6.3 years (33 males) with LV rotational mechanics being directed normally. All cases have undergone complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography with the measurement of TAPSE and 3DSTE. None of the LV volumes and rotational parameters showed any differences in healthy cases with TAPSE 18-21 mm vs. TAPSE 22 mm. Similarly, right atrial (RA) volumetric parameters did not differ either. TAPSE showed no associations with the degree of basal LV rotation. RA volumes were slightly increased with higher basal LV rotation. Similar to basal LV rotation, TAPSE did not change with the degree of apical LV rotation and a tendentious increase of RA volumes could be demonstrated with increasing apical LV rotation. No correlation could be demonstrated between apical and basal LV rotations and TAPSE. 3DSTE-derived LV rotational parameters and TAPSE are not associated suggesting that LV twist is independent of RV longitudinal shortening in healthy circumstances.