The transferred arc twin torch system has attracted significant attention in fields such as coal gasification, metallurgy, and solid waste treatment due to its superior characteristics, including high temperature, high enthalpy, and high energy density. However, compared with the traditional axial-arc plasma torch, the large-area exposed arc of the transferred arc twin torch system renders the maintenance of stable discharge more complex. This work focuses on the DC transferred arc twin torch system and investigates the effects of nozzle structural parameters and discharge operating parameters on arc stability. The correlation between arc characteristics and both structural and operating parameters is established. Research shows that both straight-channel nozzles and backward-facing stepped nozzles are effective in stabilizing the arc. In contrast, the backward-facing stepped nozzle exhibits lower gas flow limits for discharge stability, weaker arc rigidity, a longer restrike period, as well as lower average discharge voltage and power. An increase in nozzle length or a decrease in nozzle diameter can enhance the constraint strength of the arc, increasing its rigidity, average length, and restrike frequency. This is beneficial for increasing the average voltage and reducing voltage fluctuations, but it also raises the minimum gas flow rate required for stable discharge. In addition, as the current increases, the rigidity of the arc also improves. Emission spectroscopy results indicate that the DC transferred arc twin torch system generated plasma with extremely high temperature. At a current of 140 A, the electron temperature could reach up to 1.88 eV, while the heavy particle temperature was approximately 21000 K, which makes the system suitable for high-temperature and high-enthalpy applications.

The use of storytelling in COVID-19 vaccine promotion: A scoping review of interventions and campaigns.

Mechanistic insights into the influence of subtle structural variations on photophysical properties and desilication reaction.

Theoretical study on the modulation of ESIPT and AIE synergistic mechanisms in α-CAS fluorescent probe by binary solvents with contrasting polarity.

Objective.Calf blood pressure (CBP) plays an important role in various clinical applications, such as determining the appropriate cuff pressure for compression therapy and diagnosis of lower extremity vascular diseases, which necessitates the integration of built-in measurement methods within the device. This study aimed to investigate the differences in human CBP assessments resulting from the application of variousin vivoexternal compression strategies.Approach.An experimental procedure incorporating different compression strategies, specially the low-pressure-sustained mode, the slow-inflation (SI) mode and the slow-deflation (SD) mode, was conducted to capture the dynamic responses of the photoplethysmography (PPG) signal for CBP evaluation. Nineteen subjects, including 13 males and 6 females, participated in this experimental study. Feature points related to CBP were extracted from dynamic responses of the PPG signal and subjected to statistical analysis. A lumped parameter model of the human lower extremity was developed to assist in analyzing the biomechanical factors underlying these differences.Main results.The experimental results indicated that the dynamic behaviors of the PPG signal followed clear and consistent patterns, and the CBP value derived from the PPG signal in the SI mode was significantly higher than that obtained in the SD mode. Model simulation results showed that the differences in the evaluated values of the CBP between the SI and SD modes were caused by the different collapse processes of calf arteries and veins.Significance.This study could help understand the forced collapse process of blood vessels in the calf and inspire new ideas on CBP evaluation and personalized compression therapy.

Effect of extramedullary fixation under different biomechanical modes on osseointegration of short-stem intramedullary implants: an experimental study

Photocleavable protective groups (PPGs) offer a straightforward method of temporarily masking the aggressive functions of organic compounds and inactivating biologically active or toxic substrates. The active species can then be released from their photoactivatable precursors in a controlled manner upon exposure to light. In this study, we present a series of photocages based on the novel fluorescent scaffold 2-aryl-2H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-thiazoles (ATTs), incorporating proteinogenic amino acids, the biologically active compound biotin, the anticancer agent melphalan, and model compounds such as aromatic acids. Studies of photodegradation under various conditions using mass spectrometry, spectral and kinetic analyses, and quantum mechanical calculations have shown that acid release from the photoconjugates (ATT-PCs) depends on fluorophore fragment structure, acid nature, and the presence of air, water or a phosphate buffer solution (pH of 7.4), as well as the light source power and λir. The release of acid during photodissociation was confirmed through high-resolution mass spectrometry and biological experiments, including the MTT assay and the imaging of Vero cells incubated with ATT-PCs, utilising a confocal scanning microscope. The photorelease mechanism was explored using both experimental studies and quantum mechanical calculations, which revealed that the properties and reactivity of this photosystem are predominantly influenced by the transition to the triplet state. Additionally, the findings indicated that ATT-PCs effectively absorb light in the visible spectrum and exhibit intense fluorescence, even in a DMSO-PBS mixture at a 1 : 9 ratio. Furthermore, ATT-PCs can function as photosensitisers, capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cell studies demonstrate the rapid intracellular uptake of ATT-PCs by Vero cells, with accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or lipid droplets within a 0.5-hour incubation period.

The mechanism of electroacupuncture treatment for post-stroke spasticity: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death form, is a key pathogenic mechanism in Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially in the entorhinal cortex, a brain region selectively vulnerable to early AD neuropathology. This study aimed to identify peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) as a novel ferroptosis-related hub gene in the entorhinal cortex and validate its diagnostic and therapeutic potential in AD. Gene expression datasets (GSE138852, GSE5281, GSE48350, GSE118553) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) from FerrDb were analyzed. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using Limma (|log2FC| > 1, P < 0.05), followed by Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to delineate AD-associated modules. Machine learning approaches (LASSO and random forest) were employed to screen candidate hub genes, and CIBERSORT was utilized to assess correlations with immune cell infiltration. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from GSE138852 mapped gene distribution across entorhinal cortex cell populations. Validation included analyses in the Alzdata database, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for diagnostic accuracy, and Western blot assays in Aβ1-42-induced U251 astrocyte models. Functional enrichment analyses of WGCNA key module genes revealed involvement in anti-apoptosis regulation, cytosolic processes, enzyme binding, and the ferroptosis pathway. Machine learning identified six candidate genes, among which PRDX6 showed significant upregulation in the AD entorhinal cortex (Alzdata), correlation with both Aβ and tau pathologies, and a negative association with neutrophils. Single-cell profiling localized PRDX6 predominantly to astrocytes. ROC curves confirmed PRDX6 as the optimal hub gene, and Western blot validation demonstrated significantly elevated PRDX6 protein expression in Aβ1-42-induced U251 cells, consistent with bioinformatics findings. These findings establish PRDX6 as a pivotal mediator linking ferroptosis, immune cell dynamics, and AD neuropathology. Targeting PRDX6-mediated antioxidant pathways holds promise for intervening in ferroptosis-driven neurodegeneration and provides a novel avenue for AD diagnosis and therapeutic development.

The elastic properties of amorphous TiNiSn, a promising half-Heusler system for flexible and wearable devices, were investigated using experimental and theoretical methods. Nanoindentation measurements performed on amorphous TiNiSn thin film grown by magnetron sputtering yielded an elastic (Young's) modulus value of 132 GPa. To corroborate this result, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and two machine learning models were employed, where the latter were trained on available literature data. The DFT-derived elastic modulus of amorphous TiNiSn is 113 GPa (stress-free conditions), which is 15% lower than the experimental value. However, when hydrostatic stress is considered, arising from possible thermal loads and ion bombardment during thin film synthesis, the difference is reduced to 5%. Electronic structure analysis reveals that amorphous TiNiSn exhibits predominantly covalent bonding with a minor metallic contribution, which is consistent with the measured elastic modulus. Although both machine learning models underestimate the experimental modulus more than DFT, the theoretical results enhance understanding of the elastic behaviour of amorphous TiNiSn and highlight its potential for future applications in flexible microelectronic systems.

Defect engineering is a promising strategy in heterogeneous catalysis, while understanding how the defective sites affect reactivity still remains ambiguous. Herein, we demonstrated an in-depth experimental study of dynamic interaction of CO2 molecules on defective In2S3 surfaces by integrating operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with infrared spectroscopy. More specifically, the formation of S vacancy could promote the electron enrichment on adjacent In sites for facilitating CO2 molecule adsorption, accompanying with the emergence of high oxidation states of surface In sites. Upon light illumination, the adsorbed CO2 molecules undergo a sequential transformation into *COOH and *CO intermediates. However, an unexpected upside-down inversion of *CO species on defective In sites from In-*CO to In-*OC has been firstly observed, severely restraining desorption of CO product from In2S3 surfaces. Further tailoring the electronic structure of defective In sites by substituting residual S atom with O atom for inhibiting *CO inversion, a significant improvement of CO evolution activity has been achieved (18.3µmol g-1 h-1), nearly five times higher than that of pristine In2S3 (3.77µmol g-1 h-1). This work provides the new insights on dynamic roles of defect-derived active sites in determining catalytic activity, which might offer opportunities for fine control of catalytic process.

In this article, the authors present a pilot industrial version of a flat solar water heating collector. This collector is equipped with reflectors and twisted channel absorber tubes, and is integrated with paraffin as a phase change material (PCM). The authors also conducted an experimental study of the collector’s energy efficiency. These studies took place in July and August 2025 at the “Alternative Energy Sources” training and scientific polygon of Karshi State Technical University, in conditions representative of the region’s natural meteorological and climatic conditions. During these studies, changes in solar radiation, outdoor air temperature and water temperature at the collector outlet were measured, and the results were analysed. Data on solar radiation was recorded using the NASA POWER and GIDROMET databases, as well as measuring and control devices installed during the research. The results showed a consistent increase in water temperature with increasing solar radiation, which accelerated heat exchange processes significantly due to the reflectors and twisted channel tubes. Notably, despite the decrease in solar radiation after 16:00, the water temperature remained high for a period, indicating the release of heat accumulated by the paraffin-based FCM during the day.

The increasing demand for electrical energy each year and the high dependence on fossil energy, which has negative environmental impacts, necessitate the development of alternative renewable energy sources. One potential source that can be utilized is mechanical energy from human activities through the application of piezoelectric technology in paving blocks. In addition, studies on the effect of piezoelectric circuit configurations, particularly comparisons between series and parallel circuits in generating electrical power, are still limited. This study employed an experimental method using a piezoelectric paving block prototype, with testing conducted under a static load of 60 kg. The measured parameters included output voltage and current, which were then used to calculate the generated power. The experimental results show that the parallel circuit configuration produced a higher average electrical power of 1.51 mW compared to the series circuit, which generated an average power of 1.37 mW. The increase in power in the parallel configuration was mainly influenced by the higher output current, while the difference in voltage was relatively insignificant. These findings contribute to determining a more optimal circuit configuration for the development of piezoelectric paving blocks as a renewable energy harvesting system based on mechanical pressure.

Purpose This study aims to examine how self-initiated trial experiences with innovative products by older consumers influence their future choice behavior. Specifically, it investigates whether such autonomous engagement increases self-efficacy and leads to a greater tendency to make risk-taking choices in later and unrelated consumption contexts. Rather than treating chronological age merely as a demographic factor, this study views it as a proxy for underlying psychological mechanisms that shape consumers’ openness to innovation and their willingness to engage with uncertainty. This study challenges prevailing assumptions that older consumers are passive or avoidant toward technological innovation. Design/methodology/approach Three studies were conducted using both survey and experimental methods. Study 1 surveyed 85 Korean adults (Mage = 46.5) to assess the relationship between the frequency of recent self-initiated use of nine innovative services (e.g. kiosks, AI appliances and metaverse) and consumers’ current self-efficacy in using innovative technologies. Study 2 used a 2 (generation: younger vs older) × 3 (experience type: self-use vs helped by others vs control) between-subjects design (n = 186) using a scenario involving an unmanned service. Study 3 replicated the findings with a new product extension scenario (n = 198), testing the mediating role of situational self-efficacy through a bootstrapped moderated mediation analysis. Findings Across three studies using both survey and experimental methods, older consumers who independently engaged in self-initiated trial experiences with innovative services showed higher self-efficacy, which in turn increased their willingness to make riskier or more novel consumption choices. Self-efficacy played the role of a mechanism linking self-initiated engagement with innovation to subsequent risk-taking behavior. In contrast, younger consumers exhibited no significant changes in self-efficacy or choice tendencies. These results were consistently supported across survey data (Study 1) and two experimental replications (Study 2 and Study 3). Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in a single cultural context (South Korea), which may limit generalizability. Future research could explore different innovation types, long-term behavioral changes of older consumers or cross-cultural effects. Although this study used chronological age as a proxy for generation differences, considering other variables such as cognitive age, perceived control and time perspective would also provide insights into examining the impact of older adults’ engagement with innovation. Moreover, future research could examine whether other internal mechanisms, beyond differences in self-efficacy, could drive behavioral change in middle-aged and older adults. Overall, the findings contribute to age-specific consumer innovation research and provide empirical support for self-efficacy as a key psychological mechanism in transformative service experiences. Practical implications New product development marketers should design technological experiences that allow older consumers to independently experience innovative services. As new innovative technologies continue to emerge, older consumers with significant purchasing power and a growing market are becoming a key segment deserving particular attention in the marketing landscape. The findings of this study suggest that encouraging these consumers to use new technologies on their own can enhance their confidence and increase their openness to novel or unfamiliar product choices, which has meaningful practical implications. Social implications This study challenges age-based stereotypes by showing that older consumers can adopt innovative technologies and become more confident and risk-tolerant when given self-directed experiences. Crucially, even a single encounter with new technology can enhance self-efficacy, suggesting that such experiences have the potential to transform older consumers’ lives. Consequently, these findings highlight the importance of inclusive service environments that respect both chronological and psychological age diversity, support digital equity and promote active engagement in technology-driven societies. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to highlight the role of self-motivated engagement with innovation in shaping older consumers’ decision-making behaviors. It integrates self-efficacy theory with innovation adoption and risk-taking behavior, offering theoretical as well as managerial insights for designing inclusive service environments.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a highly prevalent, costly, and often untreated condition in the United States. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) represents a common comorbidity with AUD which worsens outcomes and decreases functional outcomes. Suvorexant (SUV) shows clear promise as a novel therapeutic candidate to treat AUD and PTSD. This study features a promising compound (i.e., suvorexant), the application of a well-established human laboratory paradigm (i.e., alcohol cue reactivity), and a novel early efficacy laboratory model (i.e., practice quit attempt) to provide a cost/time-efficient evaluation of safety and initial efficacy of suvorexant for AUD with comorbid PTSD. Additionally, by collecting both objective and subjective sleep measures, the study provides an assessment of a putative mechanism through which suvorexant jointly addresses an intervening variable common to both AUD and PTSD. The combination of human laboratory modeling and real-world clinical outcomes provides a unique and synergistic set of data that can advance the development of suvorexant and identify its behavioral mechanisms of action. The recruitment of individuals with AUD and PTSD with sleep disturbances and who are intrinsically motivated to quit is a novel approach to screening pharmacotherapies by bridging the gap between experimental studies with non-treatment seekers and clinical trials with treatment-seeking individuals. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06679062 "Suvorexant for Treatment of AUD and PTSD (SUV)." Registered on November 12, 2024.

Bolt support is one of the primary techniques for enhancing rock mass stability, and the degree of fracturing in the rock mass significantly influences the strength and failure behavior of the anchored rock mass. To investigate the failure characteristics and load-bearing mechanisms of anchored fractured rock masses, a self-developed three-dimensional physical simulation test system was employed to conduct comparative loading tests on anchored specimens with varying fracturing degrees reinforced with prestressed bolts. The mechanical response of the anchored fractured rock mass was analyzed based on four aspects: stress-strain curves, failure modes, bolt axial forces, and acoustic emission characteristics. The failure characteristics and load-bearing mechanism were elucidated from the perspective of the evolution of load-bearing structures. The results demonstrated that in intact specimens, the free surface fractured initially upon loading, followed by the development of 40°~60° through-going shear cracks near the internal diagonal region. The peak strength of anchored specimens gradually decreased with increasing fracturing degree. Specimens with higher fracturing degrees exhibited more pronounced advancement in bolt load curves. The upper-row bolts, subjected to combined tension and shear, fractured and displayed a ">"-shaped deformation at through-going cracks. A dynamic transition law was identified between the load-bearing structure and the fracturing degree of anchored specimens. For Fracturing Degrees Ⅰ~Ⅲ, the internal load-bearing structure remained partially intact. After bolt activation, the rock mass and bolts co-bore the load until instability occurred. For Fracturing Degrees Ⅳ~Ⅴ, the inherent load-bearing structure of the rock mass was destroyed, and the bolts became the primary load-bearing component. The load on the bolts gradually increased due to rock mass bulking until instability occurred. These findings provide valuable insights for determining optimal support timing in roadway surrounding rock.

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a global public health problem. In Ecuador, it is the second leading cause of death among women and the third among men. Digital health technologies, including mobile applications, messaging platforms, and web-based tools, have emerged as promising interventions for managing this condition, although a gap remains between their theoretical potential and their effective implementation in clinical practice. Objective To explore and synthesize the available evidence on the experiences, perceptions, barriers, and facilitators reported by adult users with type 2 diabetes mellitus regarding the use of digital health technologies for managing their disease in community or outpatient settings. Methodology An integrative systematic review of literature published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies in English and Spanish involving adults using mobile applications for T2DM were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model. Results A total of 66 studies were analyzed, with qualitative designs predominating (n=28), followed by randomized clinical trials (n=13) and experimental studies (n=14). Most studies were rated as high (n=35) or good quality (n=28). Experiences were grouped into three categories: positive (usefulness, satisfaction, empowerment, educational support), conditioning factors (individual, contextual, and design-related), and barriers (technological, usability, personal). Perceptions focused on usefulness, usability, and impact on self-care. Facilitators included simple design, personalization, professional support, cultural adequacy, and motivation. Conclusions Digital health technologies promote self-management and glycemic control, although barriers persist that limit their sustained adoption. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD420251241989.

Gait asymmetry is a significant clinical characteristic of hemiplegic gait that most stroke survivors suffer, leading to limited mobility and long-term negative impacts on their quality of life. Although a variety of exoskeleton controls have been developed for robot-aided gait rehabilitation, little attention has been paid to correcting the gait asymmetry of stroke patients, and it remains challenging to properly share control between the exoskeleton and patients with partial motor control. In view of this, an assist-as-needed (AAN) hip exoskeleton control with human-in-the-loop optimization is proposed to correct gait asymmetry in hemiplegic gait. To realize the AAN concept, an objective function was designed for real-time evaluation of the subject's gait performance and active participation, which considers the variability of natural human movement and guides the online tuning of control parameters on a subject-specific basis. In this way, subjects were stimulated to contribute as much as possible to movement, thus maximizing the efficiency and outcomes of gait rehabilitation. Finally, an experimental study was conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed control with simulated hemiplegic gait, and the common hypothesis that AAN controls can improve active human participation was clearly validated from a biomechanics perspective.

Gaining public support and involvement is essential for implementing effective social-ecological system (SES) management. Earlier studies focused on an aggregate level, i.e., measured by average; however, we aimed to address public heterogeneity, determine their support for policy, and identify their involvement in SES management. Accordingly, we applied audience segmentation and a messaging approach in coastal SES management to address oligotrophication in part of the Seto Inland Sea (SIS), Japan. In our experimental study, audience segmentation was applied based on a single-item self-categorization measure regarding public opinion about coastal SES issues and management, and the impact of two messaging conditions on the segments was assessed. Respondents living in coastal SES areas were recruited (N = 1800) and randomly divided into three groups: a control group without messaging and two groups with either "Negative consequences of oligotrophication" or "Collective public involvement" messaging. Four primary segments were identified: alarmed, concerned, cautious, and disengaged-dismissive. The groups exhibited distinctive personal characteristics and decreasing levels of policy support and involvement. For example, those in segment "Disengaged- Dismissive" were generally younger and physically and psychologically distant from the sea, showed less recognition of the problems, and exhibited infrequent related behaviors (e.g., consuming local seafood), with lower values of the sea. Such knowledge informs policymakers in targeting decisions. The two messaging conditions comprised varied impacts on different segments, suggesting that policymakers should select messaging conditions based on the target segment. Our study highlighted the importance of audience segmentation and targeted messaging in enabling policymakers to effectively reach the public sector.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of plastic waste on the compressive strength, water absorption, and temperature resistance of lightweight bricks for green architecture. This study is included in quantitative research using the Experimental method. The variations of plastic that will be used are PETE, HDPE, and LDPE plastic types, each of which is 10%, 20%, and 30% of the weight of cement. The test object made is a cylindrical lightweight brick with a diameter of 10.8 cm and a height of 5 cm. The mixture of lightweight bricks made includes cement, sand, foam agent, and water. After obtaining the compressive strength, water absorption, and temperature resistance values of each test object, it is then compared with the benchmark object, namely lightweight bricks without a plastic mixture to see if there is an effect of the plastic mixture. There is an effect of the plastic mixture on the compressive strength seen from the increase in compressive strength in lightweight bricks mixed with 10% PETE plastic. There is an effect of the plastic mixture on the water absorption seen from the increase in water absorption in lightweight bricks mixed with 10% PETE plastic. There is an effect of plastic mixture on temperature resistance as seen from the increase in compressive strength of lightweight bricks mixed with 30% HDPE plastic. It can be concluded that plastic can affect the quality of lightweight bricks and is suitable for highly recyclable materials that can be utilized in green architecture.