Efficiency Index Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Radicular Cervical Spondylosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is a serious and common degenerative disease of the cervical spine due to irritation and compression of the nerve roots of the cervical spine, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms based on sensory, motor and reflex disorders, such as numbness and pain in the neck, shoulders, upper limbs and fingers. Acupuncture is highly effective in treating CSR and has become a common treatment accepted by patients. This study aims to systematically review and analyze existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of CSR. We used the following eight databases for literature data search: PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine Disc ( CBMdisc), Wanfang Database and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP). The search consisted of randomized controlled studies of acupuncture for CSR between 2000 and 2020 and the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's "Risk of Bias Assessment Tool."RevMan 5.4 software was used for statistical analysis only. Study screening, data extraction and statistics, and assessment of the risk of bias of the included studies were performed independently by two reviewers. 27 studies with 3124 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis of the total efficiency index for acupuncture for CSR were [RR = 1.14,95% CI (1.09,1.19)]. The results of the meta-analysis of the PPI index were [MD = -0.35, 95% CI (-0.61,-0. 09)]. The results of META analysis of the total effective rate, VAS score, PRI(A) score, PRI(S) score and PRI(T) score showed heterogeneity in the studies included for each outcome index, and sources of heterogeneity were sought through subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis to ensure more stable and reliable data results. The results of the combined meta-analysis showed that the treatment group was significantly more effective than the control group and more effective in lowering the nerves to reduce the pain index in patients with CSR, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). This indicates that acupuncture treatment is superior to traction for CSR. Acupuncture is significantly more effective than traction therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis and can reduce the pain index of patients with CSR.

A model to address the cold-start in peer recommendation by using k-means clustering and sentence embedding

In academia, research collaboration plays a vital role in enhancing the research quality and enriching the academic profile of the authors. Recommending appropriate collaborators from a vast scholarly database, particularly for newcomers, poses a challenging cold-start problem. This study addresses a cold-start problem in peer recommendation, considering a dynamic coauthorship graph as a network structure of academic collaborators. As the coauthorship graph is quite large and complex, an efficient indexing method is essential for speeding up the initial search of similar coauthors. The study introduces an efficient Global Inverted List (GIL) for indexing research areas and active authors in the coauthorship network. An attribute-based search and filtering mechanism is proposed to identify relevant collaborators, followed by the application of k-means clustering and doc2vec metrics to rank and select top recommendations. A cold user is associated with attributes that identify coauthors with similar research interests. For each attribute of the cold user, the model searches the associated authors from the GIL. Further, two filtering approaches are applied to refine the retrieved author list. The first ensures that the authors have a significant presence in the specified research areas, whereas the second one helps avoid recommending authors with only superficial connections to the cold user. The model creates a feature matrix of filtered authors using the publication features of authors. The k-means clustering applied to the feature matrix generates k clusters, among which the model chooses only those with seed nodes i.e. the clusters which are having seed nodes are selected for further process. Selected clusters are ranked using doc2vec metrics, with the top-ranked cluster providing the final recommendation. The model recommends the top L members of the selected cluster, where L is the length of the recommendations provided to the new user. Our extensive experiments show the efficacy of the proposed model.

A weight-based efficiency measure for energy dissipating devices for flexible rockfall barriers

Flexible barriers are essential passive measures which are able to protect human life, structures and infrastructures from rockfall hazards. When a barrier is impacted, a significant portion of energy dissipation is concentrated in targeted components, named brakes, which can be replaced after the rockfall event. Several technologies exist, differing in both constitutive elements and energy dissipation mechanisms, but experimental data are generally restricted by producers. The present paper compares the various technologies thanks a new efficiency index, that is the ratio between the component potentially dissipated energy and its weight. To analyse the effects of the design parameters, four of the most common brakes are analytically modelled. It is shown that the performance of the devices is variable and depends on the working mechanism and the adopted material. In particular, plastic deformation energy dissipation induced by buckling is generally more efficient than the one caused by bending. Finally, a discussion on the force that activates the brake is proposed. The proposed analyses are of paramount importance for the conceptual design of new energy dissipation devices in rockfall risk mitigation structures.

Effects of Nutrient Deficiency on Crop Yield and Soil Nutrients Under Winter Wheat–Summer Maize Rotation System in the North China Plain

The wheat–maize rotation system in the North China Plain (NCP) has a large amount of crop straw. However, improper crop straw management and blind fertilization lead to nutrient imbalance and accelerated nutrient loss from the soil, ultimately leading to nutrient deficiency affecting the wheat–maize rotation system. In order to explore the effects of nutrient deficiency on the yield and nutrient use efficiency of wheat and maize, the experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design consisting of five treatments with three replicates for each treatment: (1) a potassium fertilizer deficiency and appropriate nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer treatment (NP); (2) a phosphate fertilizer deficiency and appropriate nitrogen and potassium fertilizer treatment (NK); (3) a nitrogen fertilizer deficiency and appropriate phosphate and potassium fertilizer treatment (PK); (4) an adequate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer treatment (NPK); and (5) a no-fertilizer treatment (CK). The results showed that, compared with CK, the yields of wheat and maize treated with NPK were increased by 21.5% and 27.5%, respectively, and the accumulation of the dry matter of the wheat and maize was increased by 42.5% and 57.3%. In all the deficiency treatments, the NK treatment performed better in terms of yield compared to the NP and PK treatments, while the NP treatment demonstrated a greater increase in dry matter accumulation. The NPK treatment significantly improved the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of the wheat and maize, which resulted in higher nitrogen accumulation in the NPK treatment, and the NP treatment was the best among the other nutrient deficiency treatments. The inorganic nitrogen content showed a similar trend. In conclusion, nutrient deficiency can severely restrict crop growth. Nitrogen deficiency can significantly reduce crop yields. Phosphorus deficiency had a greater impact than potassium deficiency in terms of nutrient absorption and accumulation. Therefore, nitrogen fertilizer application should be emphasized in crop rotation systems, with moderate increases in phosphorus fertilizer application. This practice can effectively improve the nutrient deficiency under the wheat and maize rotation system in the NCP and complete a rational fertilization system.

Citrus Industry Agglomeration and Citrus Green Total Factor Productivity in China: An Empirical Analysis Utilizing a Dynamic Spatial Durbin Model

In the context of increasingly severe resource and environmental constraints, examining the impact of citrus industry agglomeration on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of citrus is of great importance for the sustainable development of the citrus industry and is crucial for promoting the green, high-quality growth of China’s agricultural sector. In this study, the global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index (GMLPI) model was used to measure the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines based on inter-provincial panel data from China’s major citrus-producing regions between 2007 and 2022. The dynamic spatial Durbin model was employed to empirically analyze the effects of citrus industry agglomeration on the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines, including the disaggregation of its spatial spillover effects. The results indicate that, in terms of temporal dynamics, the GTFP, technical progress index (GTC), and technical efficiency index (GEC) of mandarins and tangerines significantly fluctuated, especially during the period from 2007 to 2015. Regional disparities in GTFP and the GTC are more pronounced for mandarins than for tangerines, while the GEC shows greater regional disparities for tangerines than for mandarins. The intensification of citrus industry agglomeration has had a significant positive impact on the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines, both locally and in neighboring regions. The spatial correlation of the green total factor productivity of mandarins and tangerines fluctuated; mandarins showed significant spatial aggregation in some years, while tangerines showed significant spatial dispersion in several years. The local Moran scatterplot further reveals the significant negative spatial autocorrelation of mandarin and tangerine green total factor productivity from 2007 to 2022. The direct, indirect, and total effects of citrus industry agglomeration on the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines are significant and positive in both the short- and long-term, with short-term benefits exceeding long-term effects. Consequently, enhancing regional cooperation and exchange while advancing citrus industry agglomeration is essential for sustained productivity growth.

Sex-specific changes in sleep quality with aging: Insights from wearable device analysis.

Prior studies evaluating sleep quality have found that women often have better polysomnography-defined sleep quality than men, but women subjectively report a greater frequency of sleep disturbances. Although these studies can be partially attributed to study design, it is currently unclear what may be causing these discrepancies. In this study, we aim to identify potential differences in objectively assessed sleep quality between men and women with further emphasis on subgroup analysis based on age. We hypothesize that women's sleep worsens after menopause. Sleep quality was assessed by comparing the Sleep Quality Index, Arousal Index, sleep efficiency and apnea-hypopnea index, as provided by the SleepImage Ring@ 2.3.0, between men and women, with a sub-group analysis performed by age (18-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years, 61-70 years, and > 70 years), run separately for women and men. In total, 1444 subjects (704 women and 740 men) with a mean age of 53.6 ± 14.71 years were enrolled in this analysis. In women, a significant drop in Sleep Quality Index was noted after age 51 years. Regression analysis demonstrated that age, Arousal Index, sleep efficiency and apnea-hypopnea index correlated significantly with Sleep Quality Index - with age, Arousal Index and apnea-hypopnea index negatively correlated, and sleep efficiency positively correlated. The highest correlation coefficient was obtained for Arousal Index in both women and men. In women, age older than 50 years was associated with a more rapid decrease of sleep quality than men, as defined by an increase in Arousal Index and apnea-hypopnea index with a concurrent decrease in Sleep Quality Index.

Efficacy of new generation herbicide mixtures in irrigated maize (Zea mays)

The experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to study the efficacy of new generation herbicide mixtures in irrigated maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisted of 9 treatments including pre-emergence herbicides, new generation post emergence herbicides and other weed management practices [T1, Weedy check; T2, Weed free check; T3, Spraying of atrazine @1 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Hand weeding on 25 DAS (days after sowing); T4, Spraying of atrazine @0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Spraying of topramezone @25.2 g/ha as post-emergence on 25 DAS; T5, Spraying of atrazine @0.75 kg/ha as pre emergence + Tembotrione @120 g/ha on 25 DAS; T6, Spraying of atrazine @1 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Topramezone @25.2 g/ha on 25 DAS; T7, Spraying of atrazine @1 kg/ha as pre-emergence + Tembotrione @120 g/ha on 25 DAS; T8, Spraying of topramezone @25.2 g/ha + atrazine @0.75 kg/ha on 15 DAS; and T9, Spraying of tembotrione @120 g/ha + atrazine @0.75 kg/ ha on 15 DAS], replicated thrice. The results evinced that application of topramezone at 25.2 g/ha + atrazine at 0.75 kg/ha on 15th day after sowing significantly reduced the weed density and dry weight leading to higher weed control efficiency and lower weed index of 62.0% and 3.1%, respectively, during both the years of study. This treatment resulted in higher grain yield (7675 kg/ha), net returns (₹72884/ha) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (2.33) in irrigated maize.

Abstract 4143219: Pressure-Volume Analysis by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography: A Novel Method to Estimate Left Ventricular Efficiency

Background: Left ventricular (LV) efficiency is a key pathophysiological marker in heart failure (HF). LV pressure curve estimation and three-dimensional (3D) volumes via echocardiography allows for non-invasive pressure-volume (PV) analysis and calculation of an index of efficiency (Figure 1). Aim: Validate efficiency index by 3D echocardiography by comparing it to invasive measurements and efficiency derived from Positron Emission Tomography (PET) metabolism. Methods: Two experimental models were utilized - one with canines (n=21) and another with sheep (n=12). In canines, echocardiography provided 3D LV volumes and valve event timings. The pressure curve was estimated by adjusting the time axis of a reference pressure curve to the valve events and its amplitude to measured peak LV pressure, which in clinical practice would be approximated as systolic brachial cuff pressure. Invasive pressure was measured by micromanometer and volume by subendocardial piezoelectric crystals. Non-invasive and invasive efficiency indices, calculated as the ratio of stroke work to total mechanical energy (Figure 1), were compared during baseline, right ventricular pacing, aortic constriction and dobutamine infusion. Twelve sheep implanted with a pacemaker underwent 8 weeks of rapid dyssynchronous DDD pacing to induce dilated HF. LV efficiency index was calculated as in Figure 1, using measurements from a PV-catheter calibrated to end-diastolic volume by cardiac MRI, and compared to efficiency calculated as stroke work divided by total LV glucose metabolism via PET/CT. Recordings were performed during AAI and DDD pacing, at baseline (n=3) and following 8 weeks pacing-induced HF (n=12). Results: In canines, non-invasive and invasive efficiency indices showed excellent agreement (r=0.95, p&lt;0.0001; mean difference 0.4%, SD 3.4%) (Figure 2). In sheep, the efficiency index showed similar decline compared to efficiency by PET/CT after induction of HF and after switching from AAI to DDD pacing (p&lt;0.05 for all interventions). Overall correlation between the methods was moderate (r=0.67, p=0.0001) but excellent in animals with longitudinal data (r=0.89, p=0.0001) (Figure 3). Conclusions: Efficiency index by 3D echocardiography is accurate and reflects changes in efficiency measured by PET/CT. It may thus be of interest for clinical use.

Investigation of Critical Aspects of Roughness Assessment for Airfield Pavements

One of the main priorities of airport authorities is to maintain a high level of serviceability of runway pavements due to the high safety requirements for aircraft at high speeds. Accordingly, the assessment of the functional condition of airfield pavements is crucial for the proper operation of an airport. The most critical functional parameter appears to be pavement roughness. It characterizes the condition of the runway surface and is directly related to the safety of aircraft flights, as it affects the handling characteristics and braking performance of the aircraft, the increase in operating costs, and the wear of the aircraft. Worldwide, there are several indices for assessing the roughness of airfield pavements. This study aims to compare some of these indices to assess their ability to capture the characteristics of airfield pavement roughness. For this purpose, roughness data were collected along a runway with flexible pavement at a regional airport in southeast Europe and corresponding indices were estimated. The analysis of the data leads to the most efficient index for assessing the roughness of airfield surfaces to date. However, the need for a new index that expresses the response of the aircraft remains a critical issue.

Iterative Methods for Nonlinear Systems Applied to Grid Impedance Estimation: A Comparative Study

In this work, a comparative study is presented to evaluate the performance of iterative methods to solve nonlinear systems applied to grid impedance estimation. The iterative methods of Newton-Raphson, Potra-Pták, and Chun were embedded in the control system of a three-phase inverter supported by a photovoltaic plant connected to the grid. The adopted impedance estimation technique consists of successive variation of the power injected into the grid, more precisely, at three different levels. The voltage and current amplitudes at the point of common coupling~(PCC) are monitored and serve as input for the iterative methods, which, after processing them, provide an estimate of the grid impedance. To compare the performance between the methods, the following merit figures were listed: execution time, number of iterations required to deliver the estimates, percentage error, efficiency index, computational efficiency, computational efficiency index, and stability of the iterative method. The results presented were obtained through real-time simulations. From that, it was possible to conclude about the method with the best performance, thus contributing to greater assertiveness on the part of designers when choosing the most efficient iterative method to be embedded in a microcontroller for grid impedance estimation purposes.

Quantitative Analysis of the Evolution of Production–Living–Ecological Space in Traditional Villages: A Comparative Study of Rural Areas in Tibet

Since the introduction of the rural revitalization strategy by the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017, there have been significant transformations in the production–living–ecological space (PLES) within villages. Evaluating and enhancing villages’ PLES are crucial for fostering sustainable development. Therefore, this study utilized a multi-scale environmental assessment model and mathematical approach to conduct horizontal and vertical nested correlation analyses of indicators at different levels through a path analysis, a Spearman correlation analysis, a variance analysis, the entropy weight method, data simulation, and other methods to establish a “three-dimensional” comprehensive evaluation system for traditional village PLES. The findings indicate the following: (1) The ecological space of traditional villages in Tibet significantly impacts the overall environment of the PLES, with the components’ impact ranked as follows: ecological space &gt; production space &gt; living space. Furthermore, industry and tourism resources show a significant positive correlation with traditional villages’ PLES; (2) There are no significant differences in natural environmental factors, such as air relative humidity, temperature, humidity index, and wind efficiency index among traditional villages in neighboring cities in Tibet. However, they all possess profound ecological and cultural heritage; (3) There are notable disparities in living space between traditional villages in Lhasa and Nyingchi, indicating unbalanced development. It is evident that traditional village construction should not only focus on the development of certain PLES but also pay attention to the balanced development of the overall spatial environment. This study holds great significance for enhancing the living environment of traditional villages in Tibet and promoting sustainable development through protection efforts in these villages.

Enhanced Ninth-Order Memory-Based Iterative Technique for Efficiently Solving Nonlinear Equations

In this article, we present a novel three-step with-memory iterative method for solving nonlinear equations. We have improved the convergence order of a well-known optimal eighth-order iterative method by converting it into a with-memory version. The Hermite interpolating polynomial is utilized to compute a self-accelerating parameter that improves the convergence order. The proposed uni-parametric with-memory iterative method improves its R-order of convergence from 8 to 8.8989. Additionally, no more function evaluations are required to achieve this improvement in convergence order. Furthermore, the efficiency index has increased from 1.6818 to 1.7272. The proposed method is shown to be more effective than some well-known existing methods, as shown by extensive numerical testing on a variety of problems.

Integrated organic and mineral fertilizer strategies for achieving sustainable maize yield and soil quality in dry sub-humid inceptisols

Maize is one of the important cereal crops grown in rainfed regions of northwestern Himalayas, however, persistent use of chemical fertilizers coupled with poor soil nutrients and water holding capacity due to coarse textured soils poses serious threat to sustaining maize yield and soil health. To address these bottlenecks, a long-term experiment with application of organic manures and mineral fertilizer provides insights to quantify changes in soil organic carbon (SOC), crop yield and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) in rainfed area having low water use efficiency. A twelve years field experiment was conducted under dry sub-humid Inceptisols in northern India to study the potential impacts of organic and mineral fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity, water use efficiency and soil quality. Ten treatments were assessed, involving different nitrogen levels (20, 30, and 40 kg N ha⁻¹) combined with 10 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹ of farmyard manure (FYM), in-situ green manure from sunhemp, and the incorporation of Leucaena leucocephala leaves at 5 tha⁻¹ year⁻¹, including an unfertilized control. Maize yield increased linearly with increasing nitrogen application rates. The combination of FYM @ 10t ha−1 and 40 kg N ha−1(T4) yielded the highest maize production. Manure addition improved soil organic carbon (SOC) and major soil nutrients (N, P and K) while unfertilized control showed decline in soil nutrients compared to their initial values. Compared with control, incorporation of 10 t ha−1 FYM increased SOC by 1.3, 1.41, 1.44 times at application rate of 20, 30, 40 kg N ha−1, respectively. Application of N@40 kg ha−1 + 10t FYM ha−1 showed highest rain water use efficiency (RWUE) and relative production efficiency index (RPEI) (2.74 kg ha−1 mm−1 and 82, respectively) and the lowest rank sum of 6. Highly significant positive relationship existed between RPEI and RWUE, RPEI and sustainability yield index (SYI), RWUE and SYI indicated the superiority of FYM in combination with mineral fertilizer. Regression models, correlating yield with monthly rainfall and crop growing periods, indicated that the integration of FYM (10 tha⁻¹) with 40 kg N ha⁻¹ was most effective in achieving the highest relative soil quality index (RSQI) of 76 and the greatest sustainability yield index (SYI) of 49.3%. Based on results, we recommend balanced fertilization (N@40 kg ha−1 +10t FYM ha−1) which is easily manageable by farmers as the optimal strategy for improving soil quality and achieving sustainable maize productivity in nutrient depleted Inceptisols of northern India.

PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF GEL CONTAINING NANOPHYTO-PHOSPHOLIPID COMPLEX OF KOPASANDA LEAF EXTRACT (CHROMOLAENA ODORATA (L.) R. M. KING AND H. ROB)

Objective: This study aims to prepare, characterize, and in vitro evaluation of the gel containing nanophyto-phospholipid complex of kopasanda leaf extract. Methods: Kopasanda dried leaf was extracted by extraction reflux method, followed by total phenolic content of extract measurement using Spectrophotometry UV-Vis method. The nanophyto-phospholipid complex was prepared using an antisolvent evaporation method with various ratios between extract and phospholipid of 1:1; 1:2; 1:3. The optimum ratio was evaluated by entrapment efficiency (%). The nanophyto-phospholipid complex formation was characterized by polydispersity index, particle size, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR), and the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) method. The optimum nanophyto-phospholipid complex was formulated into gel preparation. The in vitro permeation study was performed to discover the influence of gel containing nanophyto-phospholipid complex compared with gel-containing extract without the nanophyto-phospholipid complex formation. Results: Thetotal phenolic content of kopasanda leaf extract was 117.214±3.054 mg/GAE. The optimum ratio of kopasanda leaf extract and phospholipid was 1: 2 with entrapment efficiency (%), particle size, and polydispersity index equal to 99.897±0.001%, 130.1 nm and 0.394. The morphology of the nanophyto-phospholipid complex was spherical and the complex formation was confirmed by the FTIR spectrum. The permeation test showed that the gel containing nanophyto-phospholipid complex had better diffusion than the gel without the nanophyto-phospholipid complex formation. Conclusion: The gel containing nanophyto-phospholipid complex formation exhibited the potential drug delivery system to increase the phenolic content permeation of kopasanda leaf extract.

Enhancing mortar performance: A comparative study on particle size of recycled concrete powder and metakaolin in binary and ternary blends

The construction industry generates substantial volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW), including aggregates and fine particles classified as recycled concrete powder (RCP). This study investigates the sustainable reuse of RCP by evaluating its combined use with metakaolin (MK) as supplementary cementitious materials in both binary and ternary mixtures with Portland cement, aiming to reduce environmental impact without compromising mortar performance. The experimental program assessed two particle sizes of RCP, along with MK, and various replacement levels, which were pivotal parameters in the study. A series of binary and ternary mixtures were prepared with different proportions of RCP and MK, considering replacement levels ranging from 10 % to a maximum of 30 %, using RCP alone or in conjunction with MK. The mortars were analyzed in both fresh and hardened states, focusing on critical properties such as consistency index, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, water absorption, density, void index, and capillary water absorption. Furthermore, a microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a cement consumption efficiency index, along with CO₂ emissions data, was calculated to provide a comprehensive evaluation of performance and sustainability. The findings demonstrate that RCP with a particle size comparable to that of cement (RCP1) significantly enhances both physical and mechanical performance, particularly in ternary mixtures with MK due to its pozzolanic activity, where the silica (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃) components react to form additional hydrated products, thereby improving the properties of mortars. For instance, the ternary mixture comprising 15 % RCP1 and 15 % MK attained compressive and splitting tensile strength of 29.26 MPa and 3.36 MPa at 28 days, respectively, compared to the reference mixture, which yielded 27.96 MPa and 3.33 MPa. Conversely, larger particle sizes (RCP2) and higher replacement levels led to a decline in performance across all evaluated parameters. Ternary mixtures containing RCP1 also exhibited a higher cement consumption efficiency index and lower CO₂ emissions per MPa. Notably, the mixture with 15 % RCP1 and 15 % MK showed the most favorable indicators overall, with cement consumption and CO₂ emissions measured at 12.08 kg/m³·MPa and 10.01 kgCO₂/m³·MPa, respectively. These results suggest that the synergy between RCP1 and MK enhances particle packing and matrix density, which in turn improves the structural properties of the mortar. The incorporation of MK compensates for the limited reactivity of RCP, especially at higher replacement levels, while the utilization of RCP1 offers significant sustainability benefits by reducing Portland cement consumption. This study demonstrates that the combination of RCP and MK in ternary mixtures presents a technically viable and sustainable alternative for mortar production, optimizing cement use and reducing CO₂ emissions. The innovative application of CDW-derived RCP in construction materials represents a practical approach to promoting more sustainable practices within the industry.

A two-point Newton-like method of optimal fourth order convergence for systems of nonlinear equations

A two-step Newton-like method is proposed to efficiently solve the systems of nonlinear equations. Extending Newton scheme to a next step as weighted-Newton iteration, the proposed iteration scheme shows optimal fourth order of convergence. The primary objective in formulating the method is to keep the computational efficiency as high as possible. In this context, the efficiency analysis is thoroughly examined using a systematic approach, wherein the efficiency index of the new method is compared with those of existing methods of comparable complexity. Numerical experimentation is performed to investigate the computational efficacy of the developed method. Results indicate higher efficiency and numerical precision in comparison to the existing counterparts.

Integrating LLMs and software-defined resources for enhanced demonstrative cloud computing education in university curricula

This paper explores the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Software-Defined Resources (SDR) as innovative tools for enhancing cloud computing education in university curricula. The study emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge in cloud technologies such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS), DevOps, and cloud-native environments. It introduces Lean principles to optimize the teaching framework, promoting efficiency and effectiveness in learning. By examining a comprehensive educational reform project, the research demonstrates that incorporating SDR and LLMs can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, while also providing essential hands-on skills required in today’s dynamic cloud computing landscape. A key innovation of this study is the development and application of the Entropy-Based Diversity Efficiency Analysis (EDEA) framework, a novel method to measure and optimize the diversity and efficiency of educational content. The EDEA analysis yielded surprising results, showing that applying SDR (i.e., using cloud technologies) and LLMs can each improve a course’s Diversity Efficiency Index (DEI) by approximately one-fifth. The integrated approach presented in this paper provides a structured tool for continuous improvement in education and demonstrates the potential for modernizing educational strategies to better align with the evolving needs of the cloud computing industry.

Echocardiographic Assessment in Patients with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Insights from an Unexplored Field.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by arterial fragility. Celiprolol is a β1-adrenoceptor antagonist with partial β2 agonist activity that has been shown to reduce rates of vascular events in this setting, though the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Moreover, very few echocardiographic data are available in patients with vEDS. To perform a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of a cohort of patients with vEDS with or without celiprolol therapy compared with healthy subjects. Twenty patients with genetically confirmed diagnosis of vEDS followed at our Institution (University Hospital of Brescia, Italy) were divided into two groups according to whether or not they were on celiprolol therapy at the maximum recommended dose (400mg daily) for at least 12 months. Both groups were compared to 10 healthy individuals matched for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and office blood pressure (BP) values. Each participant underwent transthoracic echocardiography with tissue Doppler analysis (TDI) for a comprehensive evaluation of cardiac structure and function. Mean age was 35 years and mean BMI was 21.6 kg/m2. Female sex was prevalent (60%). Left ventricular (LV) internal diameter values tended to be lower in patients with untreated vEDS than in healthy controls (4.33 vs 4.74cm, respectively), though this difference was not statistically significant. Similar data were observed for LV mass index (56.9 vs 68.6 g/m2), stroke volume (56.6 vs 71.6 mL), and E/A ratio (1.26 vs 1.66), whereas an opposite trend was observed for e' lateral (13.2 vs 12.2cm/s). No statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of other parameters of LV mass, systolic and diastolic function. A normal LV geometry was found in all the cases. Indices of mechano-energetic efficiency and ventricular-arterial coupling were also similar between groups. No patient presented with aortic root dilation, mitral valve prolapse, valve insufficiency of more than mild degree, or valve stenosis of any degree. Our study suggests that patients with vEDS have normal cardiac mass and geometry, as well as normal systolic and diastolic function. Celiprolol therapy does not seem to significantly influence such aspects. Compared with vascular imaging, less stringent follow-up with echocardiography seems reasonable in this setting. Future studies with prospective design should confirm these aspects.

Effects of Tree Spacing and Branch Configuration on Production, Fruit Quality, and Leaf Minerals of ‘Aztec Fuji’ Apple Trees in a Tatura Trellis System Over 5 Years

Tree spacing and branch architecture are critical for the productivity of high-density orchards. The influence of two tree spacings of 45.7 cm × 366 cm and 91.4 cm × 366 cm each with two branch architectures or configurations of shortened branch (ShBr) or overlapped branch (OverBr) on tree growth, yield components, fruit quality, and leaf mineral nutrients in an ‘Aztec Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard with a 60-degree Tatura trellis (V) system was studied over 5 years. Trees planted with 91.4-cm spacing had a significantly greater trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), higher number of fruit and greater yield per tree, and greater cumulative yield efficiency than those of trees planted with 45.7-cm spacing during 2012–16. Tree spacing did not significantly affect fruit weight and firmness at harvest or after storage. However, trees planted with 91.4-cm spacing always had higher fruit color, sunburn, fruit russet, and watercore at harvest and a higher soluble solids concentration but lower fruit bitter pit at harvest and after storage compared to those of trees with 45.7-cm spacing. These differences were often significant. Trees with 45.7-cm spacing had significantly higher leaf concentrations of potassium, iron, copper, and manganese and relatively higher leaf zinc than those of trees with 91.4-cm spacing. Trees trained according to ShBr architectures had a relatively larger TCSA than those of trees with an OverBr configuration every year. Branching architectures did not affect the number of fruits per tree, yield per tree, yield per hectare, yield efficiency, or biennial bearing index in any year. Trees with a ShBr architecture had significantly larger fruits than those with an OverBr system every year and over the 5 years. Trees with a ShBr architecture had higher average leaf fresh and dry weights and calcium concentration but a similar percentage of dry weight compared to those of trees with an OverBr architecture.

Weed dynamics, energetic, yields and economics as influenced by sequential application of herbicides for weed management in direct seeded rice

This study quantifies the crop yield loss by weeds and management of hardy and prominent weeds. Uncontrolled weeds reduced grain yield of DSR by 68%. Pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 pre-emergence (PE) followed by (fb) bispirbac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 25 DAS fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 60 g ha−1 at 30 DAS, and pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 (PE) fb azimsulfuron 25 g ha−1+fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 60 g ha−1 at 30 DAS significantly reduced weed density and weed dry matter, and recorded higher grain yield in DSR than other treatments. The pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 30 DAS was statistically similar to stale seed-bed fb bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 30 DAS and gave higher weed control efficiency and energy index compared to unweeded control and bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 30 DAS. Pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 25 DAS fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 60 g ha−1 30 DAS showed more promising in controlling tough weeds like L. chinensis and D. aegyptium and predominant weeds (Echinochloa colona, broad-leaved weeds and Cyperus species) in DSR.