Excessive Value Research Articles

The Frontiers and Future Landscape of Research and Education on Value Rationality in Contemporary China

The importance of conducting in-depth research and education on value rationality in the new era is increasingly recognized. Therefore, it is essential to systematically grasp the themes, frontiers, and trends of research in this field, organizing the knowledge system to provide references for future studies. This necessitates clarifying the research achievements of scholars from different disciplines and institutions. Using the CiteSpace visualization analysis method, we can analyze, summarize, and synthesize research networks, hotspots, and knowledge structures, thereby forming a direction for advancing research. Through literature review methods and knowledge graph software analysis, it is believed that value rationality and instrumental rationality represent the rational attitudes individuals adopt when contemplating issues and putting them into practice. They are merely methods and should not be subjected to excessive value judgments. The relationship between value rationality and instrumental rationality is a focal point of societal concern, involving complex interdisciplinary issues with significant theoretical value and practical implications. In the future, the academic community needs to strengthen research collaboration, enhance the expansion of value rationality in various social practice fields, and conduct empirical studies to build consensus for the construction of Chinese society.

Effect of dielectric material on the uniformity of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is considered as a promising technique to produce large volume uniform plasma at atmospheric pressure, and the dielectric barrier layer between the electrodes plays a key role in the DBD processes and enhancing discharge uniformity. In this work, the uniformity and discharge characteristics of the nanosecond (ns) pulsed DBD with dielectric barrier layers made of alumina, quartz glass, polycarbonate (PC), and polypropylene (PP) are investigated via discharge image observation, voltage-current waveform measurement and optical emission spectral diagnosis. Through analyzing discharge image by gray value standard deviation method, the discharge uniformity is quantitatively calculated. The effects of the space electric field intensity, the electron density (N e), and the space reactive species on the uniformity are studied with quantifying the gap voltage U g and the discharge current I g, analyzing the recorded optical emission spectra, and simulating the temporal distribution of N e with a one-dimensional fluid model. It is found that as the relative permittivity of the dielectric materials increases, the space electric field intensity is enhanced, which results in a higher N e and electron temperature (T e). Therefore, an appropriate value of space electric field intensity can promote electron avalanches, resulting in uniform and stable plasma by the merging of electron avalanches. However, an excessive value of space electric field intensity leads to the aggregation of space charges and the distortion of the space electric field, which reduce the discharge uniformity. The surface roughness and the surface charge decay are measured to explain the influences of the surface properties and the second electron emission on the discharge uniformity. The results in this work give a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the dielectric materials on the DBD uniformity, and contribute to the selection of dielectric materials for DBD reactor and the realization of atmospheric pressure uniform, stable, and reactive plasma sources.

Cold Chain Logistic for Pharmaceuticals Products

This research paper explores the important position of cold chain logistics inside the pharmaceutical quarter, focusing on the precise challenges and possibilities inside this area. The look at employs a group-primarily based move-sectional method, making use of each quantitative and qualitative facts to assess the performance of cold chain management for temperature-sensitive prescribed drugs. It highlights the fast improvement of bloodless chain logistics in China, driven via national rules, yet underscores the persistent challenges, along with the excessive value of pharmaceutical cold chain logistics, the need for technological improvements, and the scarcity of professional experts inside the field. The paper also addresses the imperfections within the regulatory machine governing pharmaceutical cold chain logistics, emphasizing the importance of setting up a standardized and transparent regulatory framework to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products at some point of their lifecycle. Through a complete evaluation of the current panorama and proposed optimization techniques, the research goals to make contributions to the enhancement of pharmaceutical bloodless chain logistics, selling the safe and green delivery of critical medications and vaccines. KEYWORDS: Research Paper, Pharmaceutical Cold Chain, Cold Chain Logistics, Optimization of Pharmaceutical Cold Chain, Logistics in Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Logistics, Cost of Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Logistics

Accelerated Aging Induced by an Unhealthy High-Fat Diet: Initial Evidence for the Role of Nrf2 Deficiency and Impaired Stress Resilience in Cellular Senescence.

High-fat diets (HFDs) have pervaded modern dietary habits, characterized by their excessive saturated fat content and low nutritional value. Epidemiological studies have compellingly linked HFD consumption to obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the synergistic interplay of HFD, obesity, and diabetes expedites the aging process and prematurely fosters age-related diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these associations remain enigmatic. One of the most conspicuous hallmarks of aging is the accumulation of highly inflammatory senescent cells, with mounting evidence implicating increased cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Our hypothesis posits that HFD consumption amplifies senescence burden across multiple organs. To scrutinize this hypothesis, we subjected mice to a 6-month HFD regimen, assessing senescence biomarker expression in the liver, white adipose tissue, and the brain. Aging is intrinsically linked to impaired cellular stress resilience, driven by dysfunction in Nrf2-mediated cytoprotective pathways that safeguard cells against oxidative stress-induced senescence. To ascertain whether Nrf2-mediated pathways shield against senescence induction in response to HFD consumption, we explored senescence burden in a novel model of aging: Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2+/-) mice, emulating the aging phenotype. Our initial findings unveiled significant Nrf2 dysfunction in Nrf2+/- mice, mirroring aging-related alterations. HFD led to substantial obesity, hyperglycemia, and impaired insulin sensitivity in both Nrf2+/- and Nrf2+/+ mice. In control mice, HFD primarily heightened senescence burden in white adipose tissue, evidenced by increased Cdkn2a senescence biomarker expression. In Nrf2+/- mice, HFD elicited a significant surge in senescence burden across the liver, white adipose tissue, and the brain. We postulate that HFD-induced augmentation of senescence burden may be a pivotal contributor to accelerated organismal aging and the premature onset of age-related diseases.

The impact of accommodation function on the difference between noncycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in adult myopes.

To investigate the impact of accommodation function on the difference between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic subjective and automatic refraction in adult myopes. Myopic patients between 18 and 50 years old evaluated at Peking University Third Hospital who underwent cycloplegic and noncycloplegic automatic and subjective refraction were enrolled. Accommodation function, including negative and positive relative accommodation (PRA/NRA) and accommodation response (binocular cross cylinder, BCC) was examined. Of the 3268 individuals enrolled, the mean age was 27.3 ± 6.9 years, and 34.8% of participants were male. The noncycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) was 0.23 ± 0.29 D and 0.64 ± 0.61 D more myopic than cycloplegic subjective and automatic refraction. Adjusting for associated factors, participants with at least 0.50 D of more myopia SE refraction by noncycloplegic subjective refraction were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR], 1.029; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.013-1.045) and with insufficient (OR, 1.514; 95% CI, 1.093-2.096) and excessive (OR, 2.196; 95% CI, 1.538-3.137) NRA value. The automatic refraction SE difference of at least 1.00 D more myopia was more likely to be found in individuals with older age (OR, 1.036; 95% CI, 1.022-1.050) and accommodative lead (OR, 1.255; 95% CI, 1.004-1.568). A quarter of adult myopes had at least 0.50 and 1.00 D of subjective and automatic SE difference with cycloplegia. The accommodation function significantly affects the difference between cycloplegic and noncycloplegic refraction. Investigating the differences in refraction measurement guarantees the proper use of cycloplegia in adults for myopia correction.

Experimental study on the synergistic dust reduction of MNBs and surfactants

Spray dust suppression is a primary technological method for controlling coal mine dust. To enhance the wetting and adhesion of droplets to dust particles and improve the efficiency of spray dust suppression, a method of synergistic dust reduction by micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) and surfactants is proposed. This research focuses on MNBs, three different types of surfactants, and low-wetting anthracite coal. Experimental analysis is conducted to investigate the interaction between surfactants and MNBs in solution. The wetting capability of dust particles by the mixed solution of MNBs and surfactants is studied. Additionally, a spray dust suppression experimental platform is employed to compare the dust reduction efficiency of different types of surfactants in synergy with MNBs. The experimental results indicate that surfactants facilitate the generation of nanoscale bubbles, reduce the average diameter of MNBs, and the charge carried by surfactant molecules affects the potential of MNBs. Anionic surfactants decrease the bubble potential, while cationic surfactants elevate it, with non-ionic surfactants having a minimal impact on bubble potential. The presence of MNBs can temporarily reduce the surface tension of a surfactant solution, bringing it to the surface tension at the critical micelle concentration (CMC) but cannot surpass the surface tension beyond the CMC. The addition of low-concentration surfactant solutions to bubbles decreases the contact angle between dust particles and coal dust, while high-concentration surfactant solutions have the opposite effect. In general, the combined use of MNBs and surfactants is beneficial for improving spray dust suppression efficiency. However, extremely high surfactant concentrations lead to an excessive absolute value of bubble potential, enhancing the stability between dust particles and reducing dust suppression efficiency.

Preparing Environmental Isotopes Databases for Determining Groundwater and Surface Water Relationships in Iraq

This study is prepared to constitute an isotopic database of Deuterium (δ2H) and Oxygen 18 (δ18O) for groundwater and its relationship with the isotopic footprint for surface water The 311 samples of groundwater were collected between 2013 and 2021 and analyzed using a Liquid-Water Isotope Analyzer (LWIA). The study covered different regions of Iraq, including the Western region (Al-Anbar), Northern region (Kirkuk), Central Region (Samarra, Shirqat, Khanaqin, Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf, Diyala), and Southern region (Samawah، Nasiriya, Diwaniyah, Basra). In addition, the 208 surface water samples were collected from different sources including (the Tigris, Euphrates, Diyala, and Shatt Al-Arab) rivers during the same period. The isotopic measurements showed a linear relationship between the two stable isotopes (δ18O, δ2H) with a slope of 7.38 and an excessive deuterium reach to (-9.4597) compared with the excessive value of the domestic rain line of (14.15). It is defined according to the local meteoric water line equation (LMWL δ2H = 7.7035 * δ18O + 14.158), which characterized a fingerprint of groundwater and showed the impact of the climate on it. The study showed a significant interaction between groundwater and surface water of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in the Southern region of Iraq, due to the aquifers in these areas being close to the surface, with depth ranges between (6 – 40 m), and high porosity that simulative of the sedimentary plain characterization. The samples of these areas calculated the highest and the lowest value for δ2H of (12.04‰) and (-36.14‰) respectively. A similar result was found in the western regain. This region recorded the highest value of δ2H (-4.42‰) and the lowest value (-42.2‰), the depth of the wells ranged between (2 – 22 m), which explains the relationship between the groundwater and the Euphrates River. However, the study indicated that the wells in Diyala Governorate, have depth ranges between (10 – 70 m) and were not affected by rainwater or Diyala River, with the highest and lowest value for δ2H of (4.66‰), (-38.54‰), respectively. On the other hand, the highest and lowest values of δ2H were recorded in the Khanaqin area with a value of (-13.48‰) and (-32.67‰) respectively.

Contributions to the Understanding of the Current Problems of the Doctor-Patient-Technology Trilogy

"The help provided by technological tools is beneficial to the clinical act. At this point, it is necessary for the physician to know how to investigate auxiliary procedures to achieve the diagnostic complementarities offered by semiology. Technology is not an isolated entity in the interpretation of elements that are added to the clinical act; in fact, it cannot decide by itself. Also, this does not lead to proper medical training. There should be no technological abuse in pursuit of a diagnosis. This does not improve or replace the clinical act, because unless properly interpreted, these studies can be misleading. An excessive value given to auxiliary procedures can lead to clinical error and neglect the "human factor", a pillar in medical practice"

Joint Observation Coding Method Based on the Individual Agent for Centralized Training and Decentralized Execution

We investigated the effects of different value function inputs on algorithm performance within the CTDE framework. Furthermore, we proposed an individual-based joint observation coding method that effectively mitigated the impact of excessive value function input dimensions and redundant features on algorithm performance by directing agents to focus more specifically on local observations about other agents that are connected to themselves, rather than relying on global state information provided by the environment. As a result, the overall performance of the algorithm was significantly improved.

Online painting image clustering for the mental health of college art students based on improved CNN and SMOTE.

In modern education, mental health problems have become the focus and difficulty of students' education. Painting therapy has been integrated into the school's art education as an effective mental health intervention. Deep learning can automatically learn the image features and abstract the low-level image features into high-level features. However, traditional image classification models are prone to lose background information, resulting in poor adaptability of the classification model. Therefore, this article extracts the lost colour of painting images based on K-means clustering and proposes a painting style classification model based on an improved convolutional neural network (CNN), where a modified Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) is proposed to amplify the data. Then, the CNN network structure is optimized by adjusting the network's vertical depth and horizontal width. Finally, a new activation function, PPReLU, is proposed to suppress the excessive value of the positive part. The experimental results show that the proposed model has the highest accuracy in classifying painting image styles by comparing it with state-of-the-art methods, whose accuracy is up to 91.55%, which is 8.7% higher than that of traditional CNN.

Metabolism effector links in diet-induced and genetically-based obesity: A full-transcriptome study of liver tissue in experimental models in rodents

Background. When developing methods for personalized diet therapy of obesity, an urgent task is to study the molecular genetics features of the obesity pathogenesis using in vivo experimental models in laboratory animals.The aim. To determine metabolism effector links in obesity based on a comparative analysis of full-transcriptome profiles of the liver tissue of mice and rats of various strains.Materials and methods. We carried out a comparative analysis of the changes in liver transcriptome in rats and mice fed with diets of excessive energy value and exerting lipogenic effect. Data of full-transcriptome profiling using DNA microarray technology have been presented previously in 8 publications. Results. In three strains of mice treated with a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHFD), a significant differential expression (DE) of 1849 genes was revealed, of which 74 genes responded jointly in at least two groups of animals. In Wistar and Zuckerfa rats, 2109 genes responded to the consumption of HCHFD, of which 242 genes responded jointly in two groups of animals. For rodents different in genetic predisposition to the development of diet-induced obesity, the groups of genes that responded with the opposite sign of DE (depending on the genotype) in reaction to the consumption of HCHFD were identified. Bioinformatical analysis allowed establishing the presence of 43 metabolic pathways, which are targeted for the applied experimental diets exposure, in rats and 77 pathways – in mice. Four of these pathways – the pathway of retinoid metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway associated with it the previous one, xenobiotics metabolism and drugs metabolism mediated by cytochrome P450 system – responded in all groups of animals (except for female mice). The importance of the expression of Tat gene encoding tyrosine aminotransferase in the modulation of biogenic amines synthesis in diet-induced obesity was shown, which may represent a new neurometabolic regulatory function of the liver in response to the consumption of high-calorie diets. Conclusion. The analysis of the results of full-transcriptome studies showed that within each studied species (Rattus rattus and Mus domesticus) and animal sex, a number of genetic variants with a greater or lesser predisposition to the development of diet-induced obesity phenotype can be identified; and at the same time, within these variants, there is a largely similar pattern in the response of metabolism effector links to hypercaloric dietary intake. This pattern creates new prospects for translating the results of transcriptomic and metabolomic studies of laboratory animals into clinical practice in order to substantiate new approaches to personalized diet therapy of alimentary dependent diseases in patients with different genetic predisposition to obesity.

Predicting potential small molecule-miRNA associations utilizing truncated schatten p-norm.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have significant implications in diverse human diseases and have proven to be effectively targeted by small molecules (SMs) for therapeutic interventions. However, current SM-miRNA association prediction models do not adequately capture SM/miRNA similarity. Matrix completion is an effective method for association prediction, but existing models use nuclear norm instead of rank function, which has some drawbacks. Therefore, we proposed a new approach for predicting SM-miRNA associations by utilizing the truncated schatten p-norm (TSPN). First, the SM/miRNA similarity was preprocessed by incorporating the Gaussian interaction profile kernel similarity method. This identified more SM/miRNA similarities and significantly improved the SM-miRNA prediction accuracy. Next, we constructed a heterogeneous SM-miRNA network by combining biological information from three matrices and represented the network with its adjacency matrix. Finally, we constructed the prediction model by minimizing the truncated schatten p-norm of this adjacency matrix and we developed an efficient iterative algorithmic framework to solve the model. In this framework, we also used a weighted singular value shrinkage algorithm to avoid the problem of excessive singular value shrinkage. The truncated schatten p-norm approximates the rank function more closely than the nuclear norm, so the predictions are more accurate. We performed four different cross-validation experiments on two separate datasets, and TSPN outperformed various most advanced methods. In addition, public literature confirms a large number of predictive associations of TSPN in four case studies. Therefore, TSPN is a reliable model for SM-miRNA association prediction.

Do shareholders punish or reward excessive CSR engagement? Moderating effect of cash flow and firm growth

Although extensive past research has studied the connection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm value, it has rarely discriminated between optimal and excessive CSR. Thus, we addressed this issue by examining whether shareholders punish or reward excessive CSR engagement through the moderating effect of cash flow and firm growth. We applied country–industry–year fixed-effects (FE) regression to a cross-country sample of 43,803 firm-year observations between 2002 and 2019. The findings show that while both optimal and excessive CSR increase firm value, optimal CSR has greater value relevance than excessive CSR for shareholders. However, although cash flow positively moderates the relationship between optimal and excessive CSR and firm value, firm growth negatively moderates this relationship. The findings are robust regarding alternative CSR proxies, industry-adjusted firm value measures, public governance indicators, and endogeneity concerns.

Performance and mechanism of Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions’ adsorption via modified antibiotic residue-based hydrochar

This study investigated the hydrochar-based porous carbon prepared by combining the technical route of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) + chemical activation. The hydrochar morphology was adjusted by changing the activation reaction conditions and adding metal salts. Experiments showed that the activation of KHCO3 significantly increased the specific surface area and pore size of the hydrochar. Besides, oxygen-rich groups on the surface of the activated hydrochar interacted with heavy metal ions to achieve efficient adsorption. The activated hydrothermal carbon adsorption capacity for Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions reached 289 and 186 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption mechanism study indicated that the adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ was related to electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, and complexation reactions. The “HTC + chemical activation” technology was environmentally friendly and effectively implemented antibiotic residues. Carbon materials with high adsorption capacity can be prepared so that biomass resources can be utilized with excessive value, as a consequence presenting technical assistance for the comprehensive disposal of organic waste in the pharmaceutical industry and establishing a green and clean production system.

Estimating atmospheric radon deviation using statistical coefficients: Sulaymaniyah city, Iraq, as a case of study

ABSTRACT The authors studied the atmospheric radon concentration with associated meteorological parameters variation during the dust events from July to November 2017. We obtained the meteorological parameters data in weather station of Sulaymaniyah city, Iraq. In the environmental monitoring plan, the atmospheric radon fluctuated from 15 to 48 Bq m–3 around the mean value of 31.5 ± 7 Bq m–3 within the summer. In autumn, varied from 22 to 46 Bq m–3 with a mean value of 34 ± 12 Bq m–3. We employed this to determine the radon level anomalously. Using the modified statistical coefficients, such as the residual deviation (RD), residual fluctuation ratio (RFR), F-test, and p-value coefficients. Among the atmospheric radon fluctuation values, particularly one anomalous (42 Bq m–3) on 25 July was determined because the excessive value of the RD was 1.9 σ, and the RFR value was 66 %. Corresponding to our coefficients criteria, the minimum level of atmospheric radon (22 Bq m–3) does not consider anomalous because of increasing wind speed. Based on this, our method for determining the atmospheric radon anomalies that are influenced by the missed factors beyond the mentioned meteorological parameters is accurate.

In situ oxidation of ethylene glycol coupled with Bi2O3 epitaxial growth to prepare Bi2O3/BiOCOOH heterojunctions with oxygen vacancies for efficient photocatalytic lignin degradation

Papermaking wastewater has large output and high chemical oxygen demand (COD), which seriously affects the water environment. As a by-product of papermaking industry, lignin is the main contaminant that causes excessive COD value. Bismuth oxide is a potential catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of lignin-contained wastewater because of its high charge conduction performance and light corrosion resistance. However, the high electron-hole recombination rate and poor surface chemical state of pure Bi2O3 seriously hinder the degradation efficiency. Herein, we designed an OV-Bi2O3/BiOCOOH heterojunction with oxygen vacancies and heterojunction coexisting for photocatalytic degradation of lignin. Temperature induced the oxidation of ethylene glycol into formic acid, resulting in the epitaxial growth of Bi2O3 and forming a Bi2O3/BiOCOOH heterojunction. The heterojunction presents a tight interface by sharing the Bi-O tetrahedron, and provides a highway for the charge transfer. Meanwhile, the oxidation of ethylene glycol induces oxygen vacancies (OVs) on Bi2O3/BiOCOOH surface, forming charge trapping centers to promote electron transport and surface reactions. The degradation efficiency of OV-Bi2O3/BiOCOOH is approximately 3 and 16 times that of Bi2O3 and BiOCOOH, respectively. The improvement of photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the synergy of heterojunction and oxygen vacancy, and the stability is attributed to covalent bonds tightly connected.

Fractal dimension-based analysis of rockery contour morphological characteristics for Chinese classical gardens south of the Yangtze River

ABSTRACT Based on the rockery photos of 10 classical gardens including world cultural heritage, this paper incorporates the combined analysis and comparison of constituent elements (rockeries, buildings and plants) of scenic surfaces, and probes into the fractal characteristics of landscaping through the theory and the fractal dimension (FD) value analysis software. Studies have shown that the quantitative evaluation data of visual complexity (FD, i.e., fractal dimension) can characterize the contour morphology of constituent elements of the scenic surface of rockeries. The relevant analysis results are as follows: (1) FD can directly quantify the morphological contour of each element. Through the statistical analysis, it can effectively avoid the misjudgment of empirical cognition and subjective feeling. Therefore, FD value can be used as one of the effective indexes to evaluate the complexity and diversity of rockery and landscape elements. (2) The change in the level of the FD value enables the intuitive analysis of the effects of the plant varieties and landscaping techniques on rockery morphological complexity. (3) Higher FD value is not always better. Necessary morphological maintenance is required to avoid excessive FD value of plants.

IMPACTOS DE CARGAS NO TREINAMENTO MUSCULAR SOBRE A APTIDÃO FÍSICA DOS ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to the excessive value of contemporary intellectual education, the physical fitness of college students has become precarious. This gradual deficit requires innovative solutions to inhibit the negative impacts on the physical quality that inevitably impact students' learning ability. Objective: Verify the impacts of varied loads in muscular strength exercise on college students and their practical repercussions on the diversified development of physical education classes. Methods: We selected 90 non-sporting college students, sedentary and without physical diseases, divided into experimental group 1 with medium intensity load, experimental group 2 with a low-intensity load, and a control group. Before and after the experiment, the relevant fitness indicators were evaluated, and finally, the data were statistically integrated and analyzed. Results: Group 1 increased from 52.25 ± 5.57kg before training to 54.56 ± 6.02kg, with a very significant change; experimental group 2 increased from 53.32 ± 4.89kg before training to 54.21 ± 5.22kg, showing a very significant change as well. Conclusion: Establishing the intensity of load muscle training scientifically and rationally can improve college students' physical quality and muscle strength, and promote the healthy and coordinated development of their psychological and physical quality. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Micronutrients and heavy metals in rice farms: the case of Ahvaz and Bawie Counties, Khuzestan Province, Iran.

This study addressed micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co) and heavy metals (As, Pb) in the soil and rice crop in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Twenty-eight composite soil and grain samples from the intended rice farms were garnered during harvest time. Concentrations of the elements in the samples and in the grains were, respectively, determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device. The average concentration of As, Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in soil of crop were 2.71, 20,065.8, 10.43, 22.28, 422.28, 5.85, and 47.07mg/kg, respectively. The physicochemical properties of soil, bioconcentration factor, daily intakes, and health risk assessment of the elements were calculated. The results revealed that the area covered by alkaline saline soils is poor in micronutrients. Bioconcentration factor values of all elements were less than 1. Low levels of bioconcentration factor may be for low levels of nutrients in the soil and physicochemical conditions of the soil. Furthermore, the daily intake of Co (adults' group) and Fe and Zn (children group) was very low. Health risk assessment showed only adults are threatened by non-cancerous diseases due to excessive value of all the elements (HI = 2.53) and cancerous diseases caused by excessive As and Pb (2.86E-04 and 2.01E-05, respectively). Considering that Khuzestan Province is the fourth largest producer of rice in Iran, the lack of micronutrients and the presence of heavy metals in rice produced in the study area can adversely affect consumers. Further investigation is therefore a must in the region.

AISI 2205 DSS for body-in-white automotive structure: effect of welding current and time on the performance of spot welded joint

Duplex stainless steel is an ideal candidate in the automotive sector leading to a significant weight reduction and enhancement in product safety. In the present work, two major influencing process parameters i.e. welding current and welding time have been considered to investigate the mechanical and metallurgical performance of resistance spot welded duplex stainless steel. Other important process parameters, such as electrode force, squeeze time and hold time have been kept constant throughout the process. Results show that tensile shear strength (TSS) increases with an increase in welding current as well as welding time due to more amount of heat generation at interface. However, excessive value of both results in the expulsion of weld material which significantly alters the nugget diameter and cause decrease in TSS. Moreover, the failure mode is changed from interfacial failure (IF) mode to pull-out failure (PF) mode at the higher value of welding current and time. Microstructural observation reveals that the fusion zone (FZ) is consisted of columnar grain structure, whereas heat affected zone (HAZ) contains equiaxed grain structure. Furthermore, the phase balance of austenite and ferrite is completely disturbed in the FZ and HAZ.