External Environmental Conditions Research Articles

The Dynamic Change in the Reliability Function Level in a Selected Fire Alarm System during a Fire.

This article discusses fundamental issues associated with the functional reliability of selected fire alarm systems (FASs) in operation during building fires. FASs operate under diverse external or internal natural environmental conditions, and the operational process of FAS should take into account the impacts of physical phenomena that occur during fires. Their operation is associated with the constant provision of reliability. FAS designers should also consider the system's reliability when developing fire control matrices, tables, algorithms, or scenarios. All functions arising from an FAS control matrix should be implemented with a permissible reliability level, RDPN(t), prior to, as well as during, a fire. This should be assigned to the controls saved in the fire alarm control unit (FCP). This article presents the process by which high temperatures generated during a fire impact the reliability of FAS functioning. It was developed considering selected critical paths for a specific scenario and the control matrix for an FAS. Such assumptions make it possible to determine the impact of various temperatures generated during a fire on the reliability of an FAS. To this end, the authors reviewed that the waveform of the R(t) function changes for a given FAS over time, Δt, and then determined the fitness paths. The critical paths are located within the fire detection and suppression activation process, using FAS or fixed extinguishing devices (FEDs), and the paths were modeled with acceptable and unacceptable technical states. The last section of this article defines a model and graph for the operational process of a selected FAS, the analysis of which enables conclusions to be drawn that can be employed in the design and implementation stages.

Growth analysis of kikuyo grass Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone fertilized with different levels of nitrogen

Contextualization: Forage production response is determined by factors inherent to the ecotype and external environmental and management conditions. The high variation of factors influencing forage growth implies the need to establish responses based on the biological development regarding the accumulated temperature. Knowledge gap: The growth response of Cenchrus Clandestinus expressed in heating degree days (HDDs) when fertilized with different doses of N is unknown to establish grazing times at peak biomass accumulation accurately. Purpose: To determine the growth dynamics of kikuyu grass with different levels of nitrogen fertilization. Methodology: A control treatment without application of any source of N (T0) was evaluated, a dosage of 100 kg. N ha.-1 (T1) and a dosage of 150 kg. N ha.-1 (T2). The fertilization plan was programmed for 42-day defoliation with a residual height of 10cm. Subsequently, the growth of kikuyu grass was evaluated with a seven-day frequency based on the analysis of dry matter, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, number of leaves, height, leaf area, and dry matter of leaves and stems. Growth rates were calculated from the dry matter of the forage: Absolute Growth Rate (AGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR), Specific Leaf Area (SLA), Leaf Area Ratio (LAR), and Leaf Area Index (LAI). Analysis of repeated measures was carried out to determine the effect per sampling point (HDDs) in a completely randomized arrangement. Results and conclusions: With the application of 150 kg. N ha.-1 and defoliation at 208.5 Grade Days Cumulative (GDC), plants showed higher growth rate, leaf tissue production, increased leaf expansion and greater height (p<0.05).

A Multi-Step Image Pre-Enhancement Strategy for a Fish Feeding Behavior Analysis Using Efficientnet

To enhance the accuracy of lightweight CNN classification models in analyzing fish feeding behavior, this paper addresses the image quality issues caused by external environmental factors and lighting conditions, such as low contrast and uneven illumination, by proposing a Multi-step Image Pre-enhancement Strategy (MIPS). This strategy includes three critical steps: initially, images undergo a preliminary processing using the Multi-Scale Retinex with Color Restoration (MSRCR) algorithm, effectively reducing the impact of water surface reflections and enhancing the visual effect of the images; secondly, the Multi-Metric-Driven Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (mdc) technique is applied to further improve image contrast, especially in areas of low contrast, by adjusting the local contrast levels to enhance the clarity of the image details; finally, Unsharp Masking (UM) technology is employed to sharpen the images, emphasizing their edges to increase the clarity of the image details, thereby significantly improving the overall image quality. Experimental results on a custom dataset have confirmed that this pre-enhancement strategy significantly boosts the accuracy of various CNN-based classification models, particularly for lightweight CNN models, and drastically reduces the time required for model training compared to the use of advanced ResNet models. This research provides an effective technical route for improving the accuracy and efficiency of an image-based analysis of fish feeding behavior in complex environments.

Interaction of ultrasonic guided waves with interfacial debonding in a stiffened composite plate under variable temperature and operational conditions

Stiffeners play a vital role in strengthening thin panels in a wide range of engineering constructions by reducing additional structural weight. However, these structures are vulnerable to issues such as interlayer delamination or skin-stiffener interfacial debonding due to high stress levels developed from external environmental conditions and operational loadings. In contrast, ultrasonic-guided wave (UGW) techniques exhibit an efficient and precise approach for monitoring discontinuities or damages in composite structures. There is a lack of research on understanding the characteristics of the interaction between UGW and interfacial debonding when in-plane edge loading and environmental factors are simultaneously taken into account. Therefore, this study is motivated by the need to develop a multiphysics numerical model which employs a commercially available finite element software, COMSOL Multiphysics®, to simulate UGW propagation in a stiffened composite plate with debonding at the plate-stiffener interface through a piezoelectric transducer under the combined influence of in-plane edge load and hygrothermal environment. The stiffened plate and piezoelectric patches are modelled with the tetrahedral element, and the bottom surface of the attached stiffener has a through-width 0.1 mm deep groove simulated for debonding. The developed FE model is validated against the results of the conducted experiments and those found in the available literature through the correlation coefficient. Further, the study conducts a comprehensive parametric investigation on stiffened cross-ply (0/90/0) laminated plates, considering variations in debonding size, in-plane load, and hygrothermal load intensity through the excitation of A0 mode. The acquired response is processed to compare the peak amplitude of various modes and energy of the waveform. Additionally, statistical indices such as normalised correlation moment (NCM) and variance of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) peak are estimated to understand the impact of various parameters on waveform. The results show that the presence of a 90° lamina in the cross-ply laminate generates a low amplitude S0 mode in the scattered response. Moreover, a mode conversion from A0 to S0 mode is observed due to perfect bonding between the plate and the stiffener, providing insights into the bonding state in the panel. Furthermore, it is found that the magnitude of the in-plane loading marginally affects the peak amplitude of various modes in the scattered response. Additionally, when temperature intensity rises, the energy and amplitude of the UGW signals acquired through piezoelectric patches positioned in a direct line with the actuator gradually increase. The NCM value enhances with debonding regardless of exposed hygrothermal condition and reduces with increasing temperature intensity. In addition, the variance of the CWT peak reduces with debonding. The findings of this research are expected to be helpful for the development of efficient algorithms for detecting damages for structural health monitoring of stiffened composite panels.

Can green finance improve eco-efficiency? New Insights from China.

Achieving economic development and ecological protection simultaneously is an inevitable selection for sustainable development in today's world, so it is crucial to improve eco-efficiency (EE). According to Chinese panel data at the provincial level between 2010 and 2020, this research explores the nexus between green finance (GF) and EE. The results denote that GF can significantly improve EE, and the higher the level of EE, the stronger the effect of improvement. The upgrading of industrial structure, optimization of energy structure, enterprises' concern for environmental protection and the public's attention to the environment are all favorable factors that can enhance the promotion effect of GF on EE. Additionally, this facilitation can only be played under a good external environment and mature internal conditions. Our findings can provide new insights for improving EE by developing GF.

Study on The Implementation Intention of Health Protection Behavior of College Students in Epidemic Situation of Infectious Diseases

From the perspective of social cognitive theory, this paper refines and integrates the theory of protective motivation, the theory of planned behavior and the individual and social environment factors in risk research, a comprehensive analytical framework was built to predict the implementation intention of public health behaviors. Through the investigation of the college students during the epidemic of Covid-19, we found that the willingness of the public to carry out health behaviors was influenced by two kinds of factors: external social environment and individual internal conditions. As far as the external environment is concerned, perceived normative influence of “Significant others” and informational influence from mass media can positively promote the implementation intention of health protection behavior. At the same time, media attention can also indirectly affect the public's willingness to carry out health behaviors through the mediating effects of self-efficacy and coping efficacy, respectively. As far as internal factors are concerned, self-efficacy is the most powerful direct factor to predict individuals' health behaviors. The existence of cognitive deficit and optimism bias results in the failure of the predictive power of the element of threat assessment on the willingness to carry out health behaviors, however, perceived severity can have a negative effect on health behavior intention through the mediation of the “Avoidance” concept. The study also found that the emotional response not only positively affected the intention to carry out healthy behaviors independently of the cognitive assessment process, but also played a positive moderating role between media attention and the intention to carry out healthy behaviors, however, improper risk concept may have a blocking effect on the implementation intention of health behavior.

Natural Factors of Microplastics Distribution and Migration in Water: A Review

Microplastics are widely present worldwide and are of great concern to scientists and governments due to their toxicity and ability to serve as carriers of other environmental pollutants. The abundance of microplastics in different water bodies varied significantly, mainly attributed to the initial emission concentration of pollutants and the migration ability of pollutants. The migration process of microplastics determines the abundance, fate, and bioavailability of microplastics in water. Previous studies have proved that the physicochemical properties of water bodies and the properties of microplastics themselves are important factors affecting their migration, but the change in external environmental conditions is also one of the main factors controlling the migration of microplastics. In this paper, we focus on the effects of meteorological factors (rainfall, light, and wind) on the distribution and migration of microplastics and conclude that the influence of meteorological factors on microplastics mainly affects the inflow abundance of microplastics, the physical and chemical properties of water, and the dynamics of water. At the same time, we briefly summarized the effects of aquatic organisms, water substrates, and water topography on microplastics. It is believed that aquatic organisms can affect the physical and chemical properties of microplastics through the physical adsorption and in vivo transmission of aquatic plants, through the feeding behavior, swimming, and metabolism of animals, and through the extracellular polymers formed by microorganisms, and can change their original environmental processes in water bodies. A full understanding of the influence and mechanism of external environmental factors on the migration of microplastics is of great theoretical significance for understanding the migration law of microplastics in water and comprehensively assessing the pollution load and safety risk of microplastics in water.

Development Strategy Of Agro-tourism For Sustainability Of Agricultural Business Entity: Case Study Of Sawangan Farm In Depok, West Java

Abstract The lack of net income that farmers receive often puts pressure on the sustainability of agribusiness businesses. This research aims to analyze the agricultural business development strategies through business diversification at an agricultural and livestock business in Depok City called Sawangan Farm Dairy. This study analyses the factors of internal and external environmental conditions that affect the increase in income and plans alternative business development strategies. The research method is descriptive-qualitative using internal factor evaluation (IFE), external factor evaluation (EFE). Analysis method were SWOT analysis and Quantitative Strategies Planning Matrix (QSPM). Sampling technic used were purposive sampling. The results of the IFE analysis show a score of 3.00, which means it is in the high category. This means that the Sawangan Farm business, from an internal aspect, has strategic value to continue to develop. The results of the EFE analysis got a score of 3.32, which is also included in the high category. This can indicate that the company has a strong external position to take advantage of opportunities and overcome existing threats to achieve company goals. The simulation results of the IFE and EFE analysis scores, or the IE matching stage, show that the company is in quadrant I. For the SWOT analysis, six strategies were found, and from the QSPM analysis, the first rank to be implemented was conducting tourism marketing through online media to potential market areas, namely the cities nearest major cities, with a value of 6.88.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR FORMING AN ENTERPRISE ANTI-CRISIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The main reason for the crisis in domestic enterprises is the low level of stimulation for further development. Other reasons that contribute to the crisis include loss of efficiency of production facilities and passivity of counterparties, lack of prospects for stabilizing the economic situation of enterprises. Also among the factors noted is the inconsistency of the mechanism for managing the business processes of the enterprise with the requirements of today, the uncertainty and unpredictability of the economic environment in Ukraine during the war and post-war period leads to destabilization of the business activity of enterprises. Impact of the war on the majority of economic entities in Ukraine is a difficult test for the development of the domestic economy. This situation showed the incompetence of business owners in case of failure to fulfill contractual obligations, as well as the provision of unpaid deferments to employees for insignificant periods, reduction or liquidity of general purchases, purchases, etc., destabilization of logistics stability, insignificance of a specific situation. In the conditions of an unstable external environment, it is practically impossible to strategically plan and forecast the company's development scenarios. We are observing a situation where the incomes of enterprises have significantly decreased and expenses have increased. Considering the high probability of occurrence of crisis phenomena in the activities of enterprises, especially in modern conditions, this indicates the necessity of forming a system of anti-crisis management of the enterprise, countering their development and neutralization.

The Influence of Fatigue, Recovery, and Environmental Factors on the Body Stability of Construction Workers.

In the construction industry, falls, slips, and trips (FST) account for 42.3% of all accidents. The primary cause of FST incidents is directly related to the deterioration of workers' body stability. To prevent FST-related accidents, it is crucial to understand the interaction between physical fatigue and body stability in construction workers. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of fatigue on body stability in various construction site environments using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) analysis. We conducted experiments reflecting six different fatigue levels and four environmental conditions. The analysis process involves comparing changes in DTW values derived from acceleration data obtained through wearable sensors across varying fatigue levels and construction environments. The results reveal the following changes in DTW values across different environments and fatigue levels: for non-obstacle, obstacle, water, and oil conditions, DTW values tend to increase as fatigue levels rise. In our experiments, we observed a significant decrease in body stability against external environments starting from fatigue Levels 3 or 4 (30% and 40% of the maximum failure point). In the non-obstacle condition, the DTW values were 9.4 at Level 0, 12.8 at Level 3, and 23.1 at Level 5. In contrast, for the oil condition, which exhibited the highest DTW values, the values were 10.5 at Level 0, 19.1 at Level 3, and 34.5 at Level 5. These experimental results confirm that the body stability of construction workers is influenced by both fatigue levels and external environmental conditions. Further analysis of recovery time, defined as the time it takes for body stability to return to its original level, revealed an increasing trend in recovery time as fatigue levels increased. This study quantitatively demonstrates through wearable sensor data that, as fatigue levels increase, workers experience decreased body stability and longer recovery times. The findings of this study can inform individual worker fatigue management in the future.

Host weight, seasonality and anthropogenic factors contribute to parasite community differences between urban and rural foxes

Pathogens often occur at different prevalence along environmental gradients. This is of particular importance for gradients of anthropogenic impact such as rural-urban transitions presenting a changing interface between humans and wildlife. The assembly of parasite communities is affected by both the external environmental conditions and individual host characteristics. Hosts with low body weight (smaller individuals or animals with poor body condition) might be more susceptible to infection. Furthermore, parasites' mode of transmission might affect their occurrence: rural environments with better availability of intermediate hosts might favour trophic transmission, while urban environments, typically with dense definitive host populations, might favour direct transmission. We here study helminth communities (141 intestinal samples) within the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a synanthropic host, using DNA metabarcoding of multiple marker genes. We analysed the effect of urbanisation, seasonality and host-intrinsic (weight, sex) variables on helminth communities. Helminth species richness increased in foxes with lower body weight and in winter and spring. Season and urbanisation, however, had strong effects on the community composition, i.e., on the identity of the detected species. Surprisingly, transmission in two-host life cycles (trophic transmission) was more pronounced in urban Berlin than in rural Brandenburg. This disagrees with the prevailing hypothesis that trophically transmitted helminths are less prevalent in urban areas than in rural areas. Generally, co-infestations with multiple helminths and high infection intensity are associated with lighter (younger, smaller or low body condition) animals. Both host-intrinsic traits and environmental drivers together shape parasite community composition and turnover along urban-rural gradients.

БАЛЫҚ ДЕРНӘСІЛДЕРІН ӨСІРУ ҮШІН ОҢТАЙЛЫ ҚОРЕК РЕСУРСЫ РЕТІНДЕ АРТЕМИЯЛАРДЫ ӨНДІРУ

In aquaculture, the use of Artemia as an optimal nutrient resource for fish fry is an object of growing interest. The advantages of using Artemia include the possibility of mass cultivation under controlled conditions, the possibility of long-term storage in frozen form and resistance to external environmental conditions. Artemia, belonging to crustaceans, is a rich source of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals necessary for the healthy development of fish larvae. Due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, fry contribute to the development of a healthy immune system, which reduces the risk of many diseases. Their small size and mobility make them available for cultivation, which ensures a high level of quality and reduces feed consumption. The results of the study show that the use of crustaceans as the main food source for fish farming contributes to improving the life, growth and health of fry. This makes them a successful type of feed in aquaculture and an optimal resource for fish farming. Further research in this area can lead to increased efficiency of fish farming, development of practices and improvement of the overall potential of the aquaculture industry. This article discusses the advantages of using Artemia, its biological value, ease of cultivation and versatility in the nutrition of various fish larvae. Various methods and technologies of growing Artemisia are analyzed, as well as their application in breeding species of fish larvae. Special attention is paid to optimizing the maximum growth of fish larvae and feeding conditions.

Nano-engineered versatile Janus natural-skin with sandwich structure for wearable all-season personal thermal management

Thermal management wearables hold significant promise for various applications, such as bio-integrated electronics, multifunctional fabrics, thermoelectric devices, etc. Given the complex and volatile external environmental conditions they may encounter, thermal management wearables should possess versatile and comprehensive auxiliary functions to enable cutting-edge advanced applications. Herein, we present a multifunctional nano-engineered Janus-type natural-skin (SHRC-skin) offering dual-modes of solar heating and radiative cooling. Additionally, the SHRC-skin integrated functionalities like flammability resistance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and physiological signal monitoring achieved through the integration of traditional spray techniques and a phase-conversion pathway on natural-skin as a substrate, SHRC-skin enabled all-season thermal management. The radiative cooling side of the SHRC-skin incorporates a CA/Mg11(HPO3)8(OH)6 composite coating with an irregular porous structure, while the solar heating side consists of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a rough structure. The radiative cooling layer exhibited a solar reflectance of ∼90.13 % and a mid-infrared emittance of ∼87.6 %, whereas the heating layer demonstrated a solar absorptance of ∼89 %. These attributes translated to excellent thermal management performance in outdoor-tests. Furthermore, SHRC-skin offered extensive additional functionalities, including exceptional asymmetric wetting, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, Joule heating, electromagnetic shielding, and physiological signal monitoring. This versatility significantly enhances SHRC-skin's adaptability to complex and diverse environments. In summary, the multifunctional SHRC-skin seamlessly transitions between cooling and heating modes without additional energy input. This innovation holds great promise for all-season wearable thermal management, environmentally friendly travel, and energy-efficient building furnishings, and opens new possibilities for the development of wearable materials across various scenarios.

Resilience evaluation model of photovoltaic industry chain based on grey-entropy-catastrophe progression method: a case study of Jiangsu province

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to establish a grey-entropy-catastrophe progression method (CPM) model to assess the photovoltaic (PV) industry chain resilience of Jiangsu Province in China.Design/methodology/approachFirst, we designed the resilience evaluation index system of such a chain from two aspects: the external environment and internal conditions. We then constructed a PV industry chain resilience evaluation model based on the grey-entropy-CPM. Finally, the feasibility and applicability of the proposed model were verified via an empirical case study analysis of Jiangsu Province in China.FindingsAs of the end of 2022, the resilience level of its PV industry chain is medium-high resilience, which indicates a high degree of adaptability to the current unpredictable and competitive market, and can respond to the uncertain impact of changes in conditions effectively and in a timely manner.Practical implicationsThe construction of this model can provide reference ideas for related enterprises in the PV industry to analyze the resilience level of the industrial chain and solve the problem of industrial chain resilience.Originality/valueFirstly, an analysis of the entire industrial chain structure of the PV industry, combined with its unique characteristics is needed to design a PV industry chain resilience evaluation index system. Second, grey relational analysis (GRA) and the entropy method were adopted to improve the importance of ranking the indicators in the evaluation of the CPM, and a resilience evaluation model based on grey-entropy-CPM was constructed.

Controls on Soft Tissue and Cellular Preservation in Late Eocene and Oligocene Vertebrate Fossils from the White River and Arikaree Groups of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming

Previous studies on microtaphonomy have identified multiple types of organic microstructures in fossil vertebrates from a variety of time periods and past environmental settings. This study investigates potential taphonomic, paleoenvironmental, and paleoclimatic controls on soft tissue and cellular preservation in fossil bone. To this end, fifteen vertebrate fossils were studied: eight fossils collected from the Oligocene Sharps Formation of the Arikaree Group in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, and seven fossils from formations in the underlying White River Group, including the Oligocene Brule Formation of Badlands National Park, and the Eocene Chadron Formation of Flagstaff Rim, Wyoming; Toadstool Geologic Park, Nebraska; and Badlands National Park, South Dakota. A portion of each fossil was demineralized to identify any organic microstructures preserved within the fossils. We investigated several factors which may have influenced cellular/soft tissue decay and/or preservation pathways, including taxonomic identity, paleoclimatic conditions, depositional environment, and general diagenetic history (as interpreted through thin section analysis). Soft tissue microstructures were preserved in all fossil samples, and cellular structures morphologically consistent with osteocytes were recovered from 11 of the 15 fossil specimens. Preservation of these microstructures was found to be independent of taxonomy, paleoclimate regime, apatite crystallinity, depositional environment, and general diagenetic history, indicating that biogeochemical reactions operating within microenvironments within skeletal tissues, such as within individual osteocyte lacunae or Haversian canals, may exert stronger controls on soft tissue and biomolecular decay or stabilization than external environmental (or climatic) conditions.

Database construction and comparative genomics analysis of genes involved in nutritional metabolic diseases in fish

Nutritional metabolic diseases in fish frequently arise in the setting of intensive aquaculture. The etiology and pathogenesis of these conditions involve energy metabolic disorders influenced by both internal genetic factors and external environmental conditions. The exploration of genes associated with nutritional and metabolic disorder has sparked considerable interest within both the aquaculture scientific community and the industry. High-throughput sequencing technology offers researchers extensive genetic information. Effectively mining, analyzing, and securely storing this data is crucial, especially for advancing disease prevention and treatment strategies. Presently, the exploration and application of gene databases concerning nutritional and metabolic disorders in fish are at a nascent stag. Therefore, this study focused on the model organism zebrafish and five primary economic fish species as the subjects of investigation. Using information from KEGG, OMIM, and existing literature, a novel gene database associated with nutritional metabolic diseases in fish was meticulously constructed. This database encompassed 4583 genes for Danio rerio, 6287 for Cyprinus carpio, 3289 for Takifugu rubripes, 3548 for Larimichthys crocea, 3816 for Oreochromis niloticus, and 5708 for Oncorhynchus mykiss. Through a comparative systems biology approach, we discerned a relatively high conservation of genes linked to nutritional metabolic diseases across these fish species, with over 54.9 % of genes being conserved throughout all six species. Additionally, the analysis pinpointed the existence of 13 species-specific genes within the genomes of large yellow croaker, tilapia, and rainbow trout. These genes exhibit the potential to serve as novel candidate targets for addressing nutritional metabolic diseases.

Active Adaptive Strategies of Mallard Feet in Response to Changes in Wetness and Compactness of the Sand Terrain.

Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) exhibit exceptional locomotive abilities in diverse terrains, such as beaches, swamps, and tidal flats. This capability is primarily attributed to their unique webbed toe structure and cooperative locomotion posture of their feet. Therefore, this study aims to further delve into the active adaptive strategies of mallard feet in response to diverse external environmental conditions. Six adult male mallards were selected for this research. Their locomotion on sandy surfaces with differing wetness levels and varying degrees of compaction were captured using a high-speed camera, and analysis of instantaneous and continuous changes in the primary joint angles of the mallards' feet, including the toe-webbed opening and closing angles, the tarsometatarsal-phalangeal joint (TMTPJ), and the intertarsal joint (ITJ). It was found that on loose sandy surfaces, increasing wetness expanded the ground contact area of the mallards' feet. This led to greater flexion at the TMTPJ joint during mid-stance, accompanied by decreased flexion of the ITJ during touch-down and mid-stance. Conversely, on compacted sand, increasing wetness resulted in a reduced foot effect area and lessened ITJ flexion at both touch-down and mid-stance. Furthermore, on looser sand, the ground contact area of the mallards' feet decreased, with an increase in ITJ buckling at touch-down. During the swing phase, sand wetness and compactness effected minimally on the feet of the mallards. On dry and loose sand ground, mallards will contract their second and fourth toes with webbing upon ground contact, covering and compacting the sand beneath, while increasing ITJ flexion to mitigate sinking. This adaptation reduces the energy expended on sand and enhances body stability. In wet and compacted sand conditions, mallards expand their second and fourth toes upon ground contact and reduce ITJ flexion. Therefore, this coordinated foot and ITJ locomotion offers mallards a natural advantage when moving on various environmental media.

The Influence of Container and Frigo Planting Material on the Vegetative Growth and Fertility of the Variety Clery

The quality of planting material plays a decisive role in the profitability of strawberry production. Of all categories of seedlings in commercial strawberry plantations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, frigo seedlings predominate. The goal of the research is to obtain relevant data on the reaction to external environmental conditions, vegetative growth, and reproductive potential of both types of seedlings by comparing frigo and container planting material. By researching the vegetative and generative growth of strawberries of the Clery variety with two different types of seedlings, it was concluded that green container seedlings are vegetatively more developed compared to frigo seedlings. The container seedlings produced a higher number of buds by 14.2% and leaf mass by 17.5% and entered the resting phase more readily. The percentage of unrooted container seedlings after planting is only 1.1% compared to frigo seedlings, where this percentage is 11.3%, due to the fact that container seedlings have less stress after transplanting, which is the result of the substrate around the roots of the seedling. On the other hand, green container seedlings form a higher percentage of stolons, which additionally burdens the work engagement when removing them in intensive strawberry production. Finally, the container seedlings had a higher and better yield, which amounted to an average of 10.34 grams per fruit, while the average fruit weight of the frigo seedlings was 9.84 grams. In the end, this difference in weight gave 80.29 grams more yield per plant in favor of container seedlings.

Effects of Pd Alloying and Coating on the Galvanic Corrosion between Cu Wire and Bond Pads for a Semiconductor Packaging

Semiconductor chips are packaged in a process that involves creating a path to allow for signals to be exchanged with the outside world and ultimately achieving a form to protect against various external environmental conditions such as heat and moisture. The wire bonding type of packaging is a method in which thin metal wires are bonded to pads to create an electrical connection between the chip and the lead frame. An Epoxy Molding Compound (EMC) can be applied to protect semiconductor chips from external environmental conditions such as heat, shock, and moisture. However, EMC contains halogen elements and sulfides and has hydrophilic properties, which can lead to a corrosive environment. The present study aims to evaluate the influence of chloride, which is a contaminant formed during the PCB manufacturing process. To this end, the galvanic corrosion of bonding wire materials Cu wire, Cu wire alloyed with 1% Pd, and Cu wire coated with Pd was investigated. The first ball bond was bonded to the Al pad and the second stitch bond was bonded to the Au pad of the manufacturing process, after which the galvanic corrosion behavior in the semiconductor packaging module specimen was analyzed. A model of galvanic corrosion behavior was also proposed.

Exploring the role of neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicle miR-93 and interoception in major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with interoceptive processing dysfunctions, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this dysfunction are poorly understood. This study combined brain neuronal-enriched extracellular vesicle (NEEV) technology and serum markers of inflammation and metabolism with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to identify the contribution of gene regulatory pathways, in particular micro-RNA (miR) 93, to interoceptive dysfunction in MDD. Individuals with MDD (n = 41) and healthy comparisons (HC; n = 35) provided blood samples and completed an interoceptive attention task during fMRI. EVs were separated from plasma using a precipitation method. NEEVs were enriched by magnetic streptavidin bead immunocapture utilizing a neural adhesion marker (L1CAM/CD171) biotinylated antibody. The origin of NEEVs was validated with two other neuronal markers - neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 3 (ATP1A3). NEEV specificities were confirmed by flow cytometry, western blot, particle size analyzer, and transmission electron microscopy. NEEV small RNAs were purified and sequenced. Results showed that: (1) MDD exhibited lower NEEV miR-93 expression than HC; (2) within MDD but not HC, those individuals with the lowest NEEV miR-93 expression had the highest serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, and leptin; and (3) within HC but not MDD, those participants with the highest miR-93 expression showed the strongest bilateral dorsal mid-insula activation during interoceptive versus exteroceptive attention. Since miR-93 is regulated by stress and affects epigenetic modulation by chromatin re-organization, these results suggest that healthy individuals but not MDD participants show an adaptive epigenetic regulation of insular function during interoceptive processing. Future investigations will need to delineate how specific internal and external environmental conditions contribute to miR-93 expression in MDD and what molecular mechanisms alter brain responsivity to body-relevant signals.