High Availability Research Articles

Extraction of RNA from the fungus Moniliophthora Perniciosa (Stahel) Aime and Phillips-Mora cultivated in induction medium for characterization of chitininases

Chitin is considered the second most important biopolymer in nature, both for its physiological functions in different organisms and for its high availability in the biosphere. However, its natural accumulation does not occur in the environment, this demonstrates that there are natural mechanisms responsible for its degradation. The chitinolytic enzymes found in living beings are targets of great biotechnological interest because they degrade chitin into useful derivatives for various sectors of the economy. Given this, this study aimed to extract RNA for subsequent molecular characterization of chitinases from the fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa. To this end, the fungus was cultivated in WY medium, remaining in the greenhouse for 10-14 days. After growth, RNA was extracted using the traditional Trizol method and the Direct-zol commercial kit. The resulting samples were analyzed using the spectrophotometric technique and verified by photodocumentation after agarose electrophoresis. It was observed that the culture medium was considered satisfactory for RNA extraction and the ideal growth time was 8-10 days for the strain to present sufficient mycelial mass for extraction. Furthermore, the commercial kit used was more favorable than the traditional Trizol method, the product had a low level of contaminants and electrophoresis demonstrated high RNA quality due to the presence of intact rRNA bands. Therefore, as it was extracted from cultivation in a medium that induces chitinase production, the RNA extraction described becomes the most suitable method for the molecular characterization of chitinase production.

Study and design of a Hydrogen liquefaction process using ethane as refrigerant fluid

Hydrogen liquefaction is an essential process in cryogenics, facilitating the efficient storage and transport of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. This study investigates the liquefaction of hydrogen at a flow rate of 100 kmol/h, with an energy consumption of 447.05 kW. The process relies on sophisticated equipment, including multi-stage compressors and expansion devices, which play key roles in cooling and compressing the hydrogen gas. One of the notable advantages of this system is the energy recovery achieved by an expansion device, which generates 262.1 kW, enhancing overall efficiency.The hydrogen compression stages use a multi-stage compressor that employs water as the primary coolant. With a flow rate of 389.4 kmol/h, water is chosen due to its high specific heat capacity and availability, making it an ideal coolant for this cryogenic process. Ethane, serving as a secondary refrigerant, operates at a flow rate of 32 kmol/h. Its non-corrosive and inert properties contribute to system durability, while a portion of the ethane is strategically recycled through heat exchangers to minimize consumption and optimize cooling efficiency. Hydrogen enters the system at 5×10⁵ Pa and 288 K, and is gradually cooled and compressed to 2×10⁵ Pa and 22.75 K, resulting in the final liquid hydrogen product. This significant temperature reduction, achieved through the combined cooling effects of water and ethane, is critical for the successful liquefaction of hydrogen. The optimized use of refrigerants and efficient energy recovery in the expansion stages reduce operational costs and enhance process sustainability.

Drivers of Spatiotemporal Patterns of Riparian Forest NDVI Along a Hydroclimatic Gradient

ABSTRACTIn the context of rising global temperatures and their impact on weather patterns and water cycles, understanding the relationship between vegetation and hydroclimatic forcing is critical. Riparian forests are highly vulnerable to hydroclimatic variability, which can significantly affect water availability in the soil on which they primarily depend. Along large rivers, hydroclimatic forcings can vary, resulting in different vegetative responses depending on the local climatic context and site conditions. To explore this, we studied riparian forest greenness along a 512‐km river corridor with a 3° latitudinal gradient, analysing the relative contributions of climate (latitude, season, temperature, precipitation) and local hydrological conditions (groundwater). Here, we show that riparian forests along a latitudinal gradient respond differently to hydroclimatic controls, with vegetative dynamics that can be attenuated or accentuated by local site conditions. We combined Sentinel‐2 satellite Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data over seven years (2016–2022) with hydroclimatic data to examine riparian forest greenness responses to latitudinal, seasonal and interannual hydroclimatic variability. We found contrasting hydroclimatic controls across the latitudinal gradient, with the northernmost sites predominantly controlled by temperature, while those further south are limited by water availability. In addition, we identified temperature as the primary driver of NDVI throughout the growing season, either positively or negatively. Late season precipitation and high phreatic water availability positively influenced NDVI, emphasising the role of local conditions in governing riparian forest resilience. This study enhances understanding of climate controls on riparian tree greenness, which is critical for designing effective landscape‐scale riparian ecosystem management and restoration strategies.

The promotion of ultra-processed foods in modern retail food outlets in rural and urban areas in Kenya.

To assess the availability and marketing of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in modern retail food outlets (supermarkets and minimarts) in Kenya and associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kenya from August 2021 to October 2021. Variables included; the geographic location and the socioeconomic status levels (SES), the food items displayed for sale and advertised in the stores, and locations in the stores such as the entrance. Three counties in Kenya (Nairobi - urban, Mombasa - coastal tourist, and Baringo- rural). Each county was stratified into high and low SES using national poverty indices. Food outlets that offered a self-service, had at least one check-out, and had a minimum of two stocked aisles were assessed. Of 115 outlets assessed, UPFs occupied 33% of the cumulative shelf space. UPFs were the most advertised foods (60%) and constituted 40% of foods available for sale. The most commonly used promotional characters were cartoon characters (18%). UPFs were significantly more available for sale in Mombasa (urban) compared to Baringo (rural) (Adjusted prevalence rate ratios (APRR): 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.26, p=0.005). UPFs advertisements were significantly higher in Mombasa ((APRR): 2.18: 1.26-3.79, p= 0.005) compared to Baringo and Nairobi counties. There was a significantly higher rate of advertisement of UPFs in larger outlets ((APRR): 1.68: 1.06-2.67 p=0.001) compared to smaller outlets. The high marketing and availability of UPFs in modern retail outlets in Kenya calls for policies regulating unhealthy food advertisements in different settings in the country.

How big is too big? A qualitative study of discretionary food portion size norms among Australian consumers.

The high availability of energy-dense nutrient-poor discretionary foods in large serving and package sizes may have shifted portion size norms (described as a typical perception of how much people choose to eat from a given food at a single eating occasion) towards larger sizes. Few public health recommendations exist around appropriate discretionary food portion sizes. This qualitative study aimed to explore the underlying rationale of portion size norms of discretionary foods among Australian adults 18-65 years. Four focus group sessions were conducted. Collected data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Focus groups were held online via Zoom between September and October 2023. Thirty-four participants were recruited in the study (mean age 38 years, 19 females). The key themes raised from inductive analysis were personal factors, eating context factors, and food environment factors relevant to the portion size norms. A framework was established to illustrate the interaction across these themes during the conceptualisation of the norms. For serving size availability, consumers found that there were limited serving size choices when making portion size selections and lacked the knowledge and skills in portion control. These findings highlight the need to make positive changes to the current food environment and develop relevant public health guidelines around appropriate portion sizes to promote healthier portion size norms and enable better portion control.

Exploring the Potential of Fungal Biomass for Bisphenol A Removal in Aquatic Environments.

Bisphenol A is a plastic component, which shows endocrine activity that is detrimental to humans and aquatic ecosystems. The elimination of BPA from the environment is one of the solutions for BPA contaminant management. Adsorption is a cost-effective, easy-to-use method generating low harmful byproducts; nevertheless, contaminant sorbent treatment is a challenge that still needs to be addressed. Fungal fruiting bodies biomass is rarely studied sorbent but is promising due to its high polysaccharide content and availability. Our preliminary studies showed BPA sorption (100 mg/L) by 50 cultivated and wild fungi. The cultivated species: Clitocybe maxima (82%), Pholiota nameko (77%), and Pleurotus columbinus (74%), and wild fungi Cantharellus cibarius (75%) and Lactarius deliciosus (72%) were the most efficient. The biomass was able to sorb BPA over a broad range of temperature and pH levels, with an optimum at 20 °C and pH 7. Although saturation of sorbents was rapid, the regeneration process using ethanol was effective and allowed to recover up to 75% of sorbents' initial efficiency. A single use of 1 g of sorbent would allow the treatment of 8.86 to 10.1 m3 of wastewater effluent, 16.5 to 18.7 m3 of surface water, and 411 to 469 m3 of drinking water, assuming the concentrations of BPA reported in the literature.

Development of physics-guided neural network framework for acid-base treatment prediction using carbon dioxide-based tubular reactor

Accurate acid-base treatment prediction is necessary to achieve the required yield, given the inherent complexity, high nonlinearity, and restricted availability of data samples; to address this challenge, a data-driven approach was developed. However, the technique is constrained by the need for sufficient data to construct an accurate model and lacks both process insight and physical consistency. Therefore, this study introduces a physics-guided neural network model for acid-base treatment prediction in a dynamic tubular reactor using the fundamental physical intermediate variables obtained through the derivation process of the reaction schematic. By integrating batch experimental data, which provides key intermediate variables such as residence time and hydroxide ion concentration, the model addresses the challenge of high nonlinearity and limited data availability. The result shows that the physics-guided potential of a hydrogen predictor had outstanding performance in terms of prediction accuracy (greatest coefficient of determination value of 0.9381). The proposed model demonstrated an average improvement of 24.92% in pH prediction accuracy compared to traditional models without physical guidance, with a maximum improvement of up to 64.95% under limited data conditions. Moreover, downsampling tests revealed that the proposed model maintained robust performance with minimal accuracy reduction even when data was limited without overfitting implication.

Evaluation of Intravenous Immunoglobulin Usage in a Teaching Hospital: A Case Series Study in Kerman, Iran

Background: Assessing the utilization of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is crucial due to its high cost and limited availability. IVIG preparations are utilized in various disorders. This study aimed to investigate the prescribing and consumption patterns of IVIG at Kerman Afzalipour Hospital and to propose strategies for reducing drug expenditures. Materials and Methods: Over one year, physician orders and patient charts of individuals treated with IVIG were reviewed to collect data. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis using SPSS software. Results: During the study period, 62 IVIG administrations were documented at the hospital, with 54.1% involving female patients. Of these, 51.4% were prescribed for labeled indications, while 48.6% were for off-label indications. No contraindications were observed, although precaution was warranted in 9.6% of cases, which was not consistently addressed, and laboratory parameters were not evaluated in any case. Conclusion: This study reveals that IVIG infusions for off-label indications were nearly as frequent as those for labeled indications.

Ethical constraints and dilemmas in the provision of in-vitro fertilization treatment in Ghana: from the perspectives of experts

BackgroundInfertility presents both medical and public health challenges, with in vitro fertilization (IVF) emerging as a prominent solution, particularly when other alternatives are exhausted. However, IVF treatment raises significant ethical questions that have been under explored in the Ghanaian context. This study aimed to explore ethical constraints and dilemmas in the provision of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in Ghana.MethodsA descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was employed. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit 12 participants including ART experts from three in vitro fertilization (IVF) centres, ethicists and a legal practitioner. In-depth face-to-face interviews guided by an open-ended interview guide were conducted. Thematic analysis of the interviews was performed to identify major themes.ResultsProviding IVF treatment in Ghana raises several ethical issues, including inequitable access due to high costs and limited availability, which favour wealthier individuals and leave marginalized populations with fewer options. There are significant ethical considerations in balancing the potential benefits of successful IVF treatment outcomes against the health risks and emotional tolls on patients. Decisions about the fate of surplus embryos present moral dilemmas, including whether to preserve, donate, or discard them. Differing personal beliefs about the moral status of the embryo further complicate the ethical landscape. Ensuring informed consent is challenging due to the complex medical, ethical, and emotional implications of IVF treatment, potentially leading to compromised consent. Additionally, there are ongoing risks of breaches in confidentiality, given the sensitive nature of reproductive health data and the importance of protecting patient privacy.ConclusionThis study revealed that several ethical dilemmas confront both healthcare providers and couples in the process of IVF. There is an urgent need for the development of clear and uniform regulations to govern the practice of IVF treatment in Ghana, with further attention given to mitigating financial barriers and enhancing support systems for couples considering IVF treatment.

Experimental comparison of cycle modifications and ejector control methods using variable geometry and CO2 pump in a multi-evaporator transcritical CO2 refrigeration system

To reduce the direct global warming impact of refrigerants in HVAC&R applications, low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, including natural refrigerants, have been extensively investigated as alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. Among the natural refrigerants, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) offers several advantages, such as excellent transport and thermo-physical properties, being neither toxic nor flammable, and having a low price and high availability around the world. However, the high critical pressure and low critical temperature of CO2 often lead to transcritical operation, resulting in lower efficiency due to the additional compressor power necessary to achieve transcritical operation relative to subcritical HFC cycles. Therefore, a number of cycle modifications are used to enhance the coefficient of performance (COP) of transcritical CO2 cycles to meet or surpass those of HFC cycles. This paper provides a systematic experimental investigation of four such cycle architectures by employing the same multi-stage, two-evaporator CO2 refrigeration cycle test stand, 3 of these configurations in transcritical and 1 in subcritical conditions. The four cycles architectures included intercooling, open economization, an internal heat exchanger and two different ejector control approaches. Specifically, a variable-diameter motive nozzle and a variable-speed liquid CO2 pump located directly upstream of the ejector motive nozzle inlet were analyzed. Based on the experimental data, the maximum COP improvements are 4.64 % and 9.47 % when the ejector and the internal heat exchanger are used, respectively. The CO2 pump, once successfully stabilized, can control the ejector, increase its efficiency by up to 15 % and increase the cooling capacity to a maximum of 6.2 %. Nevertheless, a reduction in COP is measured when the pump is in use; however, unlike the other three different configurations, it was only analyzed under subcritical conditions.

Implementation of High Availability Based on Load Balancing and Failover Method in E-commerce Using MySQL Database

The rapid growth of e-commerce has brought about challenges in managing traffic loads and ensuring the availability of database servers. One critical issue is what happens when the main database server fails, potentially leading to downtime or data loss. This research aims to address these problems by optimizing server resource distribution and implementing data replication across multiple database servers. The goal is to enhance system efficiency, prevent server overloads, ensure data availability, and minimize downtime or data loss when server failures occur.This research utilizes a multi-stage methodology. First, data collection was conducted to gather relevant information. In the second stage, a needs analysis was performed to identify system requirements. The third stage involved designing the system architecture, including the creation of entity-relationship diagrams (ERD), flowcharts, and network topologies. In the final stage, the system was implemented through database replication and the application of failover methods.The results demonstrate that the failover mechanism operates effectively, ensuring that data is successfully replicated across all database servers. This confirms that the system achieves high availability and minimizes the risk of data loss or service downtime. The implications of this research provide a reliable solution for improving the resilience and performance of e-commerce systems, particularly in managing database server failures.

Animal Models in COVID-19 Research: Insights and Outcomes

Animal models have been critical in understanding the pathogenesis, transmission, and therapeutic interventions for COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2. The primary challenges include species-specific differences in viral receptor expression, particularly the ACE2 receptor, and immune system responses, which can affect how closely these models mimic human COVID-19 pathology. Additionally, ethical concerns around the use of animals, especially non-human primates, and logistical issues such as high costs, housing requirements, and limited availability of certain models, further complicate research efforts. Transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 (hACE2) are widely used because of their ease of handling and cost-effectiveness. Other animal models include non-human primates, hamsters, cats, and ferrets, which were used to study viral transmission and host-pathogen interactions. The rapid dynamics of the SARSCoV-2 evolution is one of the challenges and the complementary use of multiple models provides a more comprehensive understanding of the disease. Nonetheless, these models have been essential for rapid advancements in COVID19 vaccine and therapeutic development, offering insights that continue to guide public health strategies. The review discusses the various animal models used in SARS-CoV-2 research, the outcomes, and the challenges and questions to be addressed Keywords: Animal models, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19

Research on a cloud model intelligent computing platform for water resource management

ABSTRACT As the demand for water management information systems continues to increase, addressing issues such as poor generalizability, low reusability, and difficulties in updating and maintaining water resource planning cloud model service platforms becomes crucial. To achieve goals like business-oriented functionality, high availability, and reliability, this study proposes constructing a cloud model service platform for basin water resource planning based on cloud computing technology and business workflows. This study couples water cycle models with multi-objective optimization models for water resource allocation, using digital topological water networks to achieve dynamic regional water resource allocation. The cloud service platform adopts a business-oriented modeling method based on B/S development architecture. This paper takes the Weihe River Basin as an example to simulate and analyze the evolution of the water cycle pattern and optimize the annual water resources allocation plan. Results show that: (1) the water cycle model of the cloud model service platform can better describe the runoff change process in the verification period; (2) through the cloud platform service model, the water shortage rate of the Weihe River Basin in 2025 is 7.95%. The research findings provide technical references and insights for intelligent water management and refined allocation of water resources in the Weihe River Basin.

Pharmaceutical Pollutants: Ecotoxicological Impacts and the Use of Agro-Industrial Waste for Their Removal from Aquatic Environments.

Medicines are pharmaceutical substances used to treat, prevent, or relieve symptoms of different diseases in animals and humans. However, their large-scale production and use worldwide cause their release to the environment. Pharmaceutical molecules are currently considered emerging pollutants that enter water bodies due to inadequate management, affecting water quality and generating adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Hence, different alternatives for pharmaceuticals removal from water have been sought; among them, the use of agro-industrial wastes has been proposed, mainly because of its high availability and low cost. This review highlights the adverse ecotoxicological effects related to the presence of different pharmaceuticals on aquatic environments and analyzes 94 investigations, from 2012 to 2024, on the removal of 17 antibiotics, highlighting sulfamethoxazole as the most reported, as well as 6 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, and 27 pharmaceutical drugs with different pharmacological activities. The removal of these drugs was evaluated using agro-industrial wastes such as wheat straw, mung bean husk, bagasse, bamboo, olive stones, rice straw, pinewood, rice husk, among others. On average, 60% of the agro-industrial wastes were transformed into biochar to be used as a biosorbents for pharmaceuticals removal. The diversity in experimental conditions among the removal studies makes it difficult to stablish which agro-industrial waste has the greatest removal capacity; therefore, in this review, the drug mass removal rate (DMRR) was calculated, a parameter used with comparative purposes. Almond shell-activated biochar showed the highest removal rate for antibiotics (1940 mg/g·h), while cork powder (CP) (10,420 mg/g·h) showed the highest for NSAIDs. Therefore, scientific evidence demonstrates that agro-industrial waste is a promising alternative for the removal of emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals substances.

A global snapshot on health systems capacity for detection, monitoring, and management of acute kidney injury: A multinational study from the ISN-GKHA.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low and lower-middle income countries. Data from the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) were used to evaluate the organization of structures and services for the provision of AKI care in world countries and ISN regions. An international survey of key stakeholders (clinicians, policymakers, and patient advocates) from countries affiliated with the ISN was conducted from July to September 2022 to assess structures and services for AKI care across countries. Main findings of the study show that overall, 167 countries or jurisdictions participated in the survey, representing 97.4% of the world's population. Only 4% of countries had an AKI detection program based on national policy or guideline, and 50% of these countries used a reactive approach for AKI identification (i.e., cases managed as identified through clinical practice). Only 19% of national governments recognized AKI as a healthcare priority. Almost all countries (98% of the countries surveyed) reported capacity to provide acute hemodialysis (HD) for AKI, but in 31% of countries, peritoneal dialysis (PD) was unavailable for AKI. About half of all countries (44% of countries surveyed) provided acute dialysis (HD or PD) via public funding, but funding availability varied across ISN regions, including less than a quarter of countries in Oceania and South East Asia (17%) and Africa (24%) and highest availability in Western Europe (91%). Availability increased with the increasing country income level. Initiatives have been developed to propose and promote optimal care for AKI (including the ISN 0-by-25 initiative), but capacity for optimal AKI care remains low, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Concerted efforts by the global community are required to close these gaps, to improve AKI outcomes across the world.

Navigating Economies of Scale and Multiples for Nuclear-Powered Data Centers and Other Applications with High Service Availability Needs

Nuclear energy is increasingly being considered for such targeted energy applications as data centers in light of their high capacity factors and low carbon emissions. This paper focuses on assessing the tradeoffs between economies of scale versus mass production to identify promising reactor sizes to meet data center demands. A framework is then built using the best cost estimates from the literature to identify ideal reactor power sizes for the needs of the given data center. Results should not be taken to be deterministic but highlight the variability of ideal reactor power output against the required demand. While certain advocates claim that with the gigawatts of clean, firm energy needed, large plants are ideal, others advocate for SMRs that can be deployed in large quantities and reap the benefits from learning effects. The findings of this study showcase that identifying the optimal size for a reactor is likely more nuanced and dependent on the application and its requirements. Overall, the study does show potential economic promise for coupling nuclear reactors to data centers and industrial heat applications under certain key conditions and assumptions.

Assessment of Gluten-Free Products' Availability and Satisfaction in a Polish Population of Coeliac Disease Patients and Their Caregivers.

Among the most important challenges associated with the gluten-free diet are the high costs and limited availability of gluten-free products, accompanied by the lower nutritional value of gluten-free products. The aim of the presented study was to assess gluten-free products' availability and satisfaction in a Polish population of coeliac-disease patients and their caregivers. The study was conducted in a population of Polish female coeliac-disease patients and female family members/relatives of patients diagnosed with coeliac disease, being members of the Polish Coeliac Society and purchasing gluten-free products. A population of n = 819 was included in the studied group based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria (n = 547 of patients and n = 272 of family members/relatives of patients). The study was conducted as a part of an international project to assess the opinions of coeliac-disease patients about gluten-free products, as well as the availability and prices of gluten-free products in various countries, while an identical questionnaire was applied in all participating countries, with transcultural adaptation applied. Opinions concerning the availability of and satisfaction with gluten-free products were assessed based on a questionnaire of agreement with fixed statements about the accessibility, range and quality of gluten-free products in Poland, with a five-point Likert scale to declare the agreement. This was stratified by the following variables: age, place of residence, being diagnosed with coeliac disease, place of purchasing major grocery shopping, gluten-free products at least occasionally bought online, declared problem(s) with the availability and quality of gluten-free products. While comparing the studied sub-groups, it may be stated that some of them were more satisfied than the other sub-groups with the gluten-free products, including their availability and quality; namely, older respondents were more satisfied than younger ones (p < 0.05), respondents living in small towns/villages were more satisfied than those living in big cities (p < 0.05), respondents undertaking major grocery shopping in hypermarkets were more satisfied than those not doing this (p < 0.05), and respondents not buying gluten-free products online were more satisfied than those undertaking this at least occasionally (p < 0.05). At the same time, respondents diagnosed with coeliac disease were more satisfied with the availability and less satisfied with the quality of gluten-free products, while respondents with diagnosed family members/relatives were less satisfied with the availability and more satisfied with the quality (p < 0.05). The group of female coeliac-disease patients and female family members/relatives of patients diagnosed with coeliac disease was highly diverse in terms of their satisfaction with gluten-free products' availability and quality, whilst older respondents, respondents living in small towns/villages, respondents doing major grocery shopping in hypermarkets, and respondents not buying gluten-free products online were more satisfied. Respondents with family members/relatives diagnosed with coeliac disease declared serious efforts and sacrifice to purchase gluten-free products, which was associated with their higher satisfaction with quality and lower satisfaction with availability, while respondents diagnosed with coeliac disease chose easier options, resulting in their higher satisfaction with availability and lower satisfaction with quality.

High-Availability Databases in Global Banking : Ensuring Continuous Operations and Data Integrity

This comprehensive article explores the critical role of high-availability (HA) database systems in global banking operations, focusing on their impact on continuous service delivery, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. The article examines the challenges faced by financial institutions in maintaining reliable database systems, including the risks of downtime, data inconsistencies, and the complexities of managing distributed systems across multiple jurisdictions. It provides an in-depth analysis of various HA database architectures, comparing active-active and active-passive configurations, and discussing replication mechanisms and clustering strategies. Through case studies of real-world implementations in trading and core banking systems, the research highlights best practices and common challenges in deploying HA solutions. The article also investigates the broader implications of HA databases on operational resilience and regulatory adherence, particularly in the context of SOX and Basel III requirements. Looking ahead, the article explores emerging trends in HA database technology, including cloud-based solutions, the potential of blockchain for enhancing data integrity, and the role of artificial intelligence in improving system reliability. By synthesizing technical insights with practical applications, this research offers valuable guidance for financial institutions seeking to enhance their database infrastructure to meet the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected global financial system.

Mesoporous carbon spheres modified with atomically dispersed iron sites for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption

Carbon materials have obtained some achievements in electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption owing to their excellent electrical conductivity and low density. However, poor impedance matching and high electrical conductivity limit their EMW absorption properties. Metal single atoms absorbers have garnered considerable attention in EMW absorption, largely due to the high metal availability and special coordination structure, but the modulation of the EMW absorption properties still needs to be improved. Herein, atomically dispersed Fe sites embedded into the N-doped mesoporous carbon spheres (Fe–SAs/NC) were synthesized through a facile coordination-assisted polymerization assembly strategy without acid leaching treatment. Benefitting from abundant mesoporous structure, the Fe–SAs/NC displays large specific surface area (339 m2 g−1) and optimized impedance matching, which results in an effective reduction of the absorber density. The homogeneously dispersed Fe single atoms (Fe–SAs) on the carbon skeleton lead to the improvement in conduction and dipole polarization losses of Fe–SAs/NC, which endows Fe–SAs/NC with exceptional EMW absorption properties. Experimental results indicate that Fe–SAs/NC displays desirable EMW absorption properties with the minimal reflection loss of −52.5 dB at 2.8 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth of 4.8 GHz. The study provides valuable insights for the development of carbon materials modified with atomically dispersed metal sites to achieve high-efficient EMW absorbers.

Calcium oxide nanoparticles ameliorate cadmium toxicity in alfalfa seedlings by depriving its bioaccumulation, enhancing photosystem II functionality and antioxidant gene expression

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic pollutant that poses significant risks to living organisms and the environment, as it is absorbed by the plant roots and accumulates in different parts of crop during its production. A promising sustainable strategy to counteract these threats to use calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) as soil supplements in fodder crops. This approach has shown notable morpho-physiological and biochemical improvements under metal toxicity conditions. However, the specific mechanisms driving Cd tolerance, particularly at physio-biochemical level and antioxidant related genes expression in fodder crops including alfalfa remain unexplored. CaO-NPs supplementation can trigger various signaling pathways that lead to enhance the photosynthetic pigments formation, stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate and quantum yield of photosystem II. In this study, we evaluated various doses of CaO-NPs (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg kg−1) for their efficacy in reducing Cd bioavailability and toxicity in alfalfa plants. Our results demonstrated that Ca2+ and Cd2+, which share the same ionic radius, compete for ion transport through channels. The small size and high availability of CaO-NPs facilitate their rapid translocation within plant tissues, reducing metal uptake by 61 % in shoots and 30 % in roots. Notably, application of CaO-NPs at 100 mg kg−1 significantly increased shoot length (44 %) and root lengths (35 %) as compared to Cd-treated control plants. The highest dose of CaO-NPs also improved photosynthetic efficiency and gas exchange attributes including (gs, Tr, Pn and Ci) by 66 %, 27 %, 33 % and Ci 21 %, respectively, compared with the Cd treated control. Moreover, CaO-NPs (at 100 mg kg−1) alleviated metal-induced oxidative stress by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity like SOD (25 %) POD (42 %), CAT (72 %) and APX (87 %) and diminishing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production when compared with sole Cd treatment. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that CaO-NPs positively impacted stomatal conductance and mitigated Cd toxicity in leaf ultrastructure. Additionally, the highest dose of CaO-NPs markedly upregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes, MsCu/Zn SOD, MtPOD, MtCAT, and MtAPX in roots and shoots by 0.67 and 1.03 fold-change (FC), 0.61 and 0.53 FC, 0.54 and 0.88 FC, and 0.46 and 0.66 FC, respectively. In conclusion, CaO-NPs demonstrate significant potential for environmentally friendly mitigation of Cd stress in alfalfa by reducing its uptake, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture.