Increase In Average Size Research Articles

Abstract TP145: Stroke INSPIRE Community Support Program for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers – An Overview

Background: Located in Twin Cities, Minnesota (MN), HealthPartners Stroke INSPIRE (HPSI) is a free stroke survivor support program which offers support groups, education, peer mentoring, and leisure-based engagement opportunities for stroke survivors and caregivers. This 25-year-old program, which originated out of one hospital, is experiencing significant growth throughout the Midwest. Program growth is facilitated by the addition of virtual and in-person programs and has expanded to support a healthcare system of eight hospitals. HPSI provides support to stroke survivors and caregivers throughout the state of MN and internationally. HPSI program growth is supported by stroke system leadership and statewide partners. Expansion of HPSI has prompted data collection about participant demographics, experiences and priorities of stroke survivors and caregivers. Methods: Analysis of HPSI participant demographic, quality of life, attendance and support group topic trends were gathered from the HPSI Impact Pilot Quality Improvement Project (SIIP-QIP) and program tracking tools were reviewed. The SIIP-QIP collected qualitative information regarding stroke survivor demographic information, and perceptions of their Quality of Life, Affect and Well Being via the NEURO-Quality of Life Short Form. Results: HPSI has experienced a 36.3% increase in average group attendance sizes since October of 2022, with the average group sizes ranging from approximately 9-23 participants (Fig. 1). The most common support group topics are represented in Fig. 2 and 3. Demographic analysis indicates that 29.5% of participants had their most recent stroke in the last 1-5 years, while 38.7% experienced their most recent stroke over 6 years ago. Additionally, 45% of participants drive themselves, 63.2% reside in a major metropolitan area, 92.7% are non-Hispanic/Latino, 88.4% are white, 75% are 61 years old or older, 54.5% are male, and 45.5% are female. Perceptions of quality of life were generally consistent those who were not participating in HPSI. Discussion: As evidenced by consistent growth, high participant engagement, and demographic review, there is a need for expansion of community-based stroke specific support programming. Further study is needed to determine strategies for implementation of such programs in culturally diverse and rural communities. Research should explore the effects of stroke type and severity on support group participation and perceptions of quality of life.

The Impact of Extensive Reading of Novels on Students' English Vocabulary Acquisition

This study examines the impact of extensive novel reading on vocabulary acquisition among students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Extensive reading involves reading large amounts of material for pleasure and general comprehension, fostering a positive attitude toward reading and language learning. This method enables learners to engage with texts that interest them, promoting vocabulary growth. The study synthesizes findings from recent research, revealing that students engaging in extensive reading show significant vocabulary gains compared to those who do not. A semester-long program with EFL students allowed participants to select novels based on personal interest, with pre-and post-program assessments measuring vocabulary acquisition. Results showed a 30% average increase in vocabulary size, with students reporting improved confidence in using new words. Challenging texts led to greater vocabulary gains, while qualitative feedback highlighted increased motivation and engagement through enjoyable reading experiences. Students noted that encountering new words in context and discussing novels with peers enhanced comprehension and retention. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating extensive reading into EFL curricula to enhance vocabulary acquisition and language proficiency. Future research should investigate long-term effects, retention, and the role of different genres in vocabulary development.

Effect of growth temperature on the physical properties of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films

Spray pyrolysis technique was used to deposit Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films onto SLG substrates. The effect of substrate temperature (Tsub), ranging from 300°C to 390°C on their structure and optoelectronic properties. The structural properties reveal that all the prepared CZTS films have a kesterite structure, with a preferential orientation along (112) plane, and presence of secondary phases. XRD data indicated an improvement in crystallinity with an increase in average crystallites size, from 12.29 to 24.73 nm, while Tsub rise up to 390 °C. Raman spectra reveal CZTS formation, with two vibrational modes observed at 335 and 373 cm−1 along with a small Raman peak at 472 cm−1 associated to the Cu2S phase. Transmittance spectra show low values in the visible range with an absorption coefficient of 105 cm−2, The band gap energy (Eg) of the sprayed-CZTS films was consistently found to decrease from 1.6 to 1.38 eV as Tsub is increased from 300 to 390 °C. Hall effect measurements revealed p-type conductivity for all the samples, and the electrical conductivity increased from 1.8 to 150 (Ω.cm)−1 with substrate temperature (Tsub). Overall, experimental results demonstrate that grown CZTS thin films can be considered as a promising absorber material in solar cell devices.

Synthesis, characterization, and co-delivery of doxorubicin and melittin-loaded NiyMg1-yFe2O4 nanoparticles for combination therapy in MCF-7 and NIH-3T3 cell lines

The present investigation reporting about the synthesis of NiyMg1-yFe2O4 (y = 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) nanoparticles employing the co-precipitation method. TG-DT analysis revealed that NiyMg1-yFe2O4 nanoparticles were thermally stable above 386 °C. Structural, morphological, and magnetic studies were carried out through XRD, FTIR, FESEM, HRTEM, and VSM tools. XRD analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles possessed a single-phase cubic spinel structure and the Debye-Scherrer equation employed notices a linear increase in average crystallite size with increases in both nickel concentration and annealing temperatures. Two prominent absorption peaks between 423 and 556 cm−1, observed in FTIR study corresponding to the stretching vibration of octahedral (B) and tetrahedral (A) sited characteristic of spinel ferrite. The surface morphology of the NiyMg1-yFe2O4 nanoparticles annealed at 600 °C was characterized through FESEM and HRTEM tools. FESEM micrographs emphasized a spherical shape with less agglomeration, while EDX spectra confirmed the presence of Fe, Ni, Mg, and O in the nanoparticles advocating its purity. HRTEM images further confirmed the spherical morphology of the nickel magnesium ferrite nanoparticles. Magnetic properties were measured using VSM technique, suggesting the saturation magnetization and coercivity values increased with increased nickel concentrations, showing its soft ferrimagnetic behavior and suggesting potential applications in drug delivery and storage devices. The in vitro investigation was carried out using MTT assay to ascertain the amount of cytotoxicity present in breast cancer (MCF-7) and non-cancerous (NIH-3T3) cells taken for study with help of prepared nanoparticles administered with drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and melittin (MLT).

Investigating the mechanism of time dependent evolution of vertical graphene nanowalls

This work presents a time dependent multistage growth model for vertical graphene nanowalls (VGN). Factors mediating growth of VGN in both vertical and spatial direction at different stages were discussed. VGN films were deposited on Si (100) substrate using Radio Frequency Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition technique by increasing the deposition time systematically for 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, and 240 min, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out in both planar and cross section view to confirm the growth of VGN and quantification of its height. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the spatial growth of VGN. Raman scattering and in-plane GIXRD measurements were carried out to characterize the microstructure of VGN, which unveils that the strain relaxation and defects annihilation followed by increase in average crystallite size plays crucial role. Eventually, a schematic diagram was presented for time dependent evolution of VGN at different stages.

A Three–Dimensional Nanoscale View of Electrocatalyst Degradation in Hydrogen Fuel Cells

AbstractThe loss of platinum (Pt) electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is a critical degradation mode that often becomes a limiting factor for heavy‐duty proton exchange membrane fuel cell vehicles. High surface area carbon supports have been shown to improve Pt dispersion and limit detrimental ionomer‐electrocatalyst interactions due to their large interior pore volume. In this work, using automated scanning transmission electron tomography, the degradation of nanoparticles located on the interior versus exterior surfaces of the carbon support is compared following a catalyst‐specific accelerated stress test (AST) of 90,000 voltage cycles between 0.6 V to 0.95 V. The results reveal a notable increase in median particle size for both interior and exterior Pt catalyst particles, with a slightly higher increase in particle size distribution and loss of specific surface area for the particles located on the exterior carbon surface. The fraction of Pt nanoparticles that reside within the interior of the carbon support also increased following the AST test, accompanied by evidence of an increase in average carbon mesopore size. The results shed light on the degradation mechanisms affecting electrochemical properties and the enhanced particle accessibility at lower relative humidity.

Local size structure and distribution of demersal fish in relation to sea pens and other benthic habitats in a deep-sea soft-bottom environment

Many fish species undergo ontogenetic habitat shifts as they grow to fulfill new biological, ecological and environmental requirements. While relationships between fishes and large hard-substrate cold-water corals (CWC) (e.g., Desmophyllum pertusum reefs) have frequently been studied, there are relatively fewer studies examining the relationships of fish with habitats specifically provided by smaller corals (e.g., sea pens) in soft-bottom environments. Despite this knowledge gap around soft-bottom corals, growing evidence of their importance has nonetheless justified their inclusion as conservation targets in numerous Marine Protected Areas (MPA), including the Canadian Laurentian Channel MPA. Here, we performed ROV and near-seabed drift-camera system surveys within the Laurentian Channel MPA in 2017 and 2018 to assess the influence of fish body size and habitat type on fish small-scale distribution in a low-relief deep-sea soft-sediment environment. We compared the local size structure of the four most abundant deep-sea demersal fish taxa of the channel (Redfish (Sebastes spp.), Witch Flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus), Marlin-Spike Grenadier (Nezumia bairdii) and Longfin Hake (Phycis chesteri)) across one barren and five structural benthic habitats defined by the presence of nine dominant epibenthic invertebrates (actiniarians and CWCs). We used generalized additive models to identify biotic (benthic habitats) and abiotic (depth, bottom types) covariates of size for each taxon. We observed 15,381 fish within the 43.6-ha study area, of which 7,511 fish were measured. Juveniles represented 99% of all fish measured, with a notable increase in average fish size in 2018. While we did not find any associations between benthic habitats and fish life stages, the analysis revealed a significant increase in fish size within sea pen habitats for all four taxa. Conversely, we found a taxon-specific influence of bottom type on fish size for all taxa. In addition, Redfish and Longfin Hake size was positively correlated with depth. For deep-sea demersal fish taxa of the MPA, our results suggest that 1) sea pens provide nursery habitat for early-life stages, 2) fish undergo ontogenetic shifts in micro-habitat use and specialization, and 3) fish-habitat associations appear to be facultative rather than obligate. Through the use of in-situ video data, this study provided evidence that small and large fish do not use the same micro-habitats, and that sea pens contribute significantly to fish habitat despite providing less habitat heterogeneity than reef-forming scleractinians or large gorgonians. These results contribute to empirical understanding of fish-habitat relationships at different fish life stages and may inform fisheries management, as well as monitoring efforts in the MPA and other protected deep-sea environments.

Restoration of the Ultrastructural Integrity of the Dermal Collagen Network by 12-Week Ingestion of Special Collagen Peptides.

This pilot study investigated the effects of a 12-week administration of a nutritional supplement containing special collagen peptides on the structural and molecular properties of the collagen fiber network in the human skin. For the assessments, the suction blister method and electron microscopical comparisons were used. Three suction blisters were generated on the inner forearm of each test subject before and after the 12-week administration of the nutritional supplement. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to meticulously investigate the structural characteristics of the skin's collagen network, including the length and diameter of collagen fibers within the suction blister roof. Furthermore, the analysis included immunohistochemistry and fluorescence light microscopy to study hyaluronic acid within the extracellular matrix. Additional assessments encompassed changes in various epidermal parameters. Nine female participants within the age range of 43.7-61.8years (mean: 52.5 ± 5.9years) completed the study in accordance with the study protocol. Compared with baseline, the 12-week supplementation regimen led to a statistically significant average increase in the collagen fiber network size of 34.56% (p < 0.0001). Additionally, collagen fiber cross-linking and fiber length were substantially increased. The ingestion of the supplement also resulted in an 18.08% elevation in epidermal hyaluronic acid concentration (p < 0.0001). No adverse events were recorded during the study. Using an innovative approach, this study demonstrated the ability of a targeted nutritional supplement to effectively restore the ultrastructural integrity of the dermal collagen network, which is typically disrupted by the natural aging process of the skin. These findings not only corroborate existing data regarding the positive effects of oral collagen peptides on skin structure and function but also contribute to our understanding of ultrastructural morphological aspects of changes in the skin's collagen network. Supplementation can induce regeneration of the collagen fiber network in the human skin. German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS-ID DRKS00034161- Date of registration: 06.05.2024, retrospectively registered.

Hot Carcass Fabrication Intervention for Managing Top Round Quality in Heavy Weight Beef Carcasses

Chilling-related meat quality issues have been observed in the deep portion of the top round due to the increase of average beef carcass size. The current study examines the impact of an alternative fabrication method aimed at alleviating top round quality in heavy weight beef carcasses (n = 11; 510 kg average weight). Prior to rigor, the knuckle subprimal was partially fabricated to expose the femur on alternating sides of each carcass (TRT), and each adjacent intact side served as a control (CON). All sides were air chilled (2°C) for 48 h before further fabricating. Temperature loggers placed at approximately 2.54 cm below the top round surface was the superficial (SP) location while loggers for the deep (DP) location were inserted at the midline sagittal center of the round until in contact with the femur bone. Temperature and pH decline were monitored for 48 h. The top rounds were collected, aged under vacuum packaging until 14 d postmortem, and then cut into steaks (2.54 cm). Each steak was separated into SP and DP portions and subjected to Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), consumer sensory panel, and a 3-d retail display analysis which included lipid oxidation and objective color evaluation. The TRT accelerated the rate of temperature decline at the DP location (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and increased the pH decline rate at the SP location (P = 0.029). Retail day and location were more impactful than TRT on objective color traits. SP steaks were more tender (P = 0.001) than DP steaks. Consumer taste panel indicated TRT improved overall acceptability (P = 0.042) and flavor (P = 0.035) of top round steaks regardless of locations. TRT accelerated top round DP chilling rate and elevated steak palatability attributes. Findings of the present study report an improvement of top round steaks due to the innovative fabrication treatment.

Toward Metallized Pellets for Steelmaking by Hydrogen Cooling Reduction: Effect of Gas Flow Rate.

This study proposed a strategy to prepare metalized pellets for direct steelmaking by hydrogen cooling reduction (HCR) of iron ore pellets with a focus on the effect of H2 flow rate on the process. It was demonstrated that increasing H2 flow rate could effectively enhance the reduction performance of iron ore pellets. However, due to the influence of the countercurrent diffusion resistance of gas molecules, too high H2 flow rate no longer promoted the reduction of the pellets when the maximum reduction rate was reached. The reduction swelling index (RSI) of the pellets initially increased and then decreased with increasing H2 flow rate. This change was associated with the decreased content of Fe2SiO4 in the metalized pellets and the changes in porosity and iron particle size. The compressive strength (CS) decreased continuously, showing a sharp decline when the H2 flow rate reached 0.6 L/min. It was attributed to the significant increases in porosity and average pore size of the metalized pellets, with the presence of surface cracks. When the H2 flow rate was 0.8 L/min, the metalized pellets had the optimal performance, namely, reduction degree of 91.45%, metallization degree of 84.07%, total iron content of 80.67 wt%, RSI of 4.66%, and CS of 1265 N/p. The findings demonstrated the importance of controlling the H2 flow rate in the preparation of metallized pellets by HCR.

Correlating male white‐tailed deer antler size with female body mass across multiple spatial scales

AbstractManagers use morphometric data collected from harvested animals as indicators of nutritional condition. Antler or horn size often are considered in ungulates, but there are problems associated with biased and limited harvest data available from male animals in many populations. Adult female body mass also may be collected, but little information exists on how male antler size scales with female body mass. We evaluated the relationship between property‐specific mature male white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) antler size and adult female body mass from harvest data collected at 2 spatial scales. Regression predicted a 4.4‐cm increase in average mature male antler size for every 1‐kg increase in female body mass from 31 properties across the eastern United States, 2015–2023. Adult female mass explained 64% of the variation in mature antler size, and including latitude as a covariate did not improve model fit. When we considered data from 174 properties in Mississippi, USA, 1991–1994, we predicted a 4.7‐cm increase in average mature male antler size for every 1‐kg increase in adult female body mass. Including soil resource region in the Mississippi model explained 48% of the variation in mature male antler size by accounting for differences in average sizes across regions. Our results indicate average female body mass correlates with mature male antler size at multiple spatial scales. We recommend managers collect body mass and age from harvested female deer, as female mass represents a useful metric to track management progress and predict changes in antler size.

Thickness variation on some physical properties of CdS: MgO films

In this study, CdS: MgO films were synthesized using the chemical spray pyrolysis method, varying the film thickness. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the films, with an observed increase in average crystallite size corresponding to thicker films, and The films' surface morphology indicates an absence of crystal defects such as holes and voids . The investigation of energy gap and optical parameters revealed a dependency on film thickness, with the energy gap shifting from 2.412 eV for a thickness of 150 nm to 2.354 eV for a thickness of 750 nm. Hall effect measurements demonstrated an augmentation in carrier concentration with increasing film thickness. The findings suggest a substantial influence of thickness on the physical properties of CdS: MgO thin films. Notably, thicker films exhibit characteristics that make them promising candidates for application as absorber layers in solar cells. This research provides valuable insights into tailoring the properties of these films for optimal performance in solar energy conversion devices, emphasizing the importance of controlling thickness in achieving desired electronic and optical characteristics.

Grain agriculture and the end of the fossil fuel era

First paragraphs: A great deal of attention is currently focused on how agriculture in highly industrialized coun­tries contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emis­sions, and how certain farming innovations might curb the emissions of nitrous oxide and methane and draw down carbon dioxide from the atmos­phere. What is not being discussed is how agricul­ture in general, and grain agriculture in particular, will need to change as society phases out its dependency on fossil fuels in order to achieve carbon (C) neutrality. Over the last century in the U.S., the number of farmers on the land declined by about 66%, in close proportion to the increase in average farm size (U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service [USDA ERS], n.d.). Integral to these trends has been the simplification of farming systems in which practices like fertility-generating rotations have been replaced with lower-diversity monocultures maintained by applications of fossil fuel–based fertilizers and pesticides (Crews &amp; Peoples, 2004). Between fossil fuel–powered mechanization and fossil fuel–based input intensi­fication, the energy used by farmers to grow maize in the state of Nebraska is 99.7% from fossil fuels and 0.3% human labor (Grassini &amp; Cassman, 2012; Pimentel &amp; Pimentel, 2008). Even organic farming systems often require prodigious fossil fuel inputs with intensive tractor tillage, manure hauling, and mechanical harvesting (Smith et al., 2015). In con­trast to our modern grain-producing agroeecosys­tems, ancestral agroecosystems and natural ecosys­tems of all types—forests, grasslands, deserts, tundra—have remained productive for millennia with no fossil fuel inputs. In this commentary I explore the dependency of grain agriculture on fossil fuel use in the U.S. set in a global context, and approaches for reducing this dependency, including a shift to perennial polycultures that rely on ecological intensification in place of energy-intensive inputs. . . .

Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction With Custom Alloplastic Implants for Pediatric Ankylosis.

For pediatric patients with refractory temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, reconstruction with autologous techniques such as costochondral grafts or distraction osteogenesis has long been considered the gold standard. Many surgeons believed the use of alloplastic joint replacement to be contraindicated in pediatric patients due to concerns for growth restriction and the limited lifespan of the implants. However, recent data has supported TMJ prostheses in skeletally immature patients. This study aims to present a case series of pediatric patients undergoing bilateral TMJ reconstruction with custom-made implants and evaluate their postoperative results. A retrospective chart review was performed of all consecutive pediatric patients undergoing bilateral alloplastic TMJ reconstruction for refractory ankylosis. All patients underwent bilateral TMJ release and total joint replacement with custom-made implants. Preoperative and postoperative cephalometric and volumetric airway data was obtained using cone-beam computed tomography. Three patients, aged 8 to 17, underwent bilateral TMJ replacement with custom-made implants. There were no postoperative complications, and no implants required explantation or replacement. Postoperatively, all patients had increases in maximal interincisal opening, which was stable over months/years of follow-up. The patients also subjectively reported improved speech and mastication; 1 patient had significant improvements in sleep apnea symptoms. Volumetric airway analysis revealed an average airway size increase of 25.6%. Alloplastic TMJ reconstruction is a safe, effective solution for refractory ankylosis in pediatric patients and represents a promising new frontier in craniofacial surgery. Continued long-term evaluation will provide further evidence of the utility of this procedure.

Promotion of particle agglomeration by different vortex generator angles based on PIV-PDPA experiment

Turbulent agglomeration is a promising pretreatment technology aimed at enhancing fine particles removal efficiency. Recent studies suggested that V-structure vortex generators are effective in improving turbulence to promote particle collisions and size increase. However, the experimental studies on flow fields and particles induced by V-structure vortex generators with different angles are still insufficient. To this end, this study investigated the effect of the angle of V-structure vortex generators on particle agglomeration based on the experimental approach. More specifically, the flow field dynamics were obtained directly from a Particle Image Velocimetry, while the particle behavior and size variation were investigated by a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer. The results of the Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer showed that the addition of the vortex generator and its angle increase led to an increase in average size as well as cross-particle size, while a decrease in number concentration of smaller particles, which confirmed the collisions between smaller particles. Through Particle Image Velocimetry experiments, it was found that a wider range of recirculation regions and counter-rotating eddies were generated. Furthermore, by analyzing particle distribution and tracking single particle trajectory through numerical simulation, two kinds of agglomeration mechanisms were proposed. One being the trajectory crossover of smaller particles triggered by recirculating vortex, and the other is the preferential concentration of larger particles. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the design of V-structure vortex generators and particle agglomeration techniques.

Efficient Removal of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants from Water Using Fe3O4@SiO2@CS@EDTA Nanocomposite: Optimization via Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

AbstractThe elimination of pollution from wastewater holds significant value, especially when targeting colored and heavy metals originating from industrial activities. This study aims to optimize the degradation of both organic and inorganic pollutants in water by utilizing Fe3O4@SiO2@CS@EDTA (NCM@EDTA) core‐shell nanocomposite adsorbents. The NCM@EDTA adsorbents were synthesized in a step‐by‐step process and characterized using various techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed an increase in average size to 137 nm, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence of a core‐shell structure. Additional characterization techniques included XRD, XPS, FT‐IR, EDX, BET analysis, and VSM, establishing the presence of functional groups, elemental analysis, and magnetic properties. Optimization of pollutant removal was conducted using response surface methodology (RSM), considering factors such as NCM@EDTA amount, reaction time, and temperature. Under optimized conditions, significant removal efficiency for Congo red, Safranin, and Cu2+ – representing cationic, anionic, and inorganic pollutants – was observed. The adequacy of the models was evaluated using p‐Value, F‐value, adjusted R2, and correlation coefficient (R2) for every pollutant, indicating a strong agreement between experimental data and predicted values. Additionally, the process of adsorbent recycling was studied, revealing that the internal structure remains unchanged throughout the removal and recovery process.

A sulfur-modified pore-blocking method to enhance the electrocatalytic stability of carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles.

Currently, the durability of electrode materials remains a big obstacle to the widespread adoption of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Herein thiourea and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDS) were employed as sulfur source and carbon source to modify the pristine carbon black (Ketjen black EC300 J). A highly durable carbon supported Pt nanosized catalyst with higher platinum utilization for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs was produced by doping elemental sulfur into carbon supports and decreasing the carbon pore sizes and volume through a successive impregnation technique. The catalyst exhibits an initial activity of 0.167 A mgPt -1 at 0.90 V and demonstrates minimal activity loss after acceleration stress test (30,000 cycles of AST). The half-wave potential loss for representative sample (Pt/S-C-3) is only 14 mV with only 21.8 % ECSA decrease, 27.5 % MA loss and 5.9 % SA loss. A sintering test at various temperature shows a minor average size increase for sulfur-doped carbon (S-C) supported one (from 2.09 to 2.52 nm). In single-cell test, the MEA sample employing the platinum catalyst on modified carbon as cathode exhibited almost negligible performance loss after 30,000 cycles of AST.

The Birth of Yamatogoto Culture : Stringed Instruments and the Formation of Complex Society in Pre- and Protohistoric Japan

abstract: Excavated Japanese zithers are likely the oldest surviving stringed instruments in East Asia. This article reviews diachronic changes that occurred in the forms of wood zithers in pre- and protohistoric Japan over approximately two millennia (ca. 1500 b.c.–a.d. 600). It highlights developments such as the addition of resonator boxes, average size increase, and inclusion of figural ornamentation. Results indicate that these formal developments, in addition to the adoption of a seated playing posture as portrayed in Kofun haniwa musician figurines, were driven by the needs of growing communities and their leaders. This analysis suggests that examining changes in musical instruments can be used alongside traditional lines of evidence to research the origins of social complexity and thereby carves out space for a humanistic approach to the study of prehistory.

Enrolment Progression Trends of Grade 1 2017 CBC Cohort into Senior Secondary Schools in 2026 in Kenya.

Enrolment projections are critical for the government and planners to allocate education-related resources and ensure necessary school infrastructure and teachers are provided. In view of the new education system of 2-6-3-3-3 that was launched in 2017 in Kenya and named Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), there was need to come up with a projection of enrolment trends of Grade 1 2017 CBC cohort into Senior Secondary Schools in 2026. The objectives of the study were to project the enrolment progression trends of Grade 1 2017 CBC cohort into Senior Secondary Schools in 2026. This study was guided by the rational comprehensive (Synoptic) planning theory propounded by Faludi and Needham (1993), which allows for the evaluation that consists of procedures such as cost benefit analysis, systems analysis, and forecasting (projection) research. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. All the primary and secondary schools in Kenya were the target population for the study. Collection of data was done by means of questionnaires, document analysis and direct observation. The study followed Thonstad’s Grade Transition Model for projecting the CBC enrolment trends of the 2017 Grade one cohort to Junior and eventually Senior School. The study considered 2017 to 2021 enrolment data. The findings of this study indicated an increase in CBC enrolment over the years to 2026. The study also established that an increase in enrolment leads to an increase of teacher requirement, physical infrastructure, and average school size. The study concluded that there will be a shortage of teachers and selected projected infrastructure due to the projected increase in enrolment at Senior secondary levels by 2026. The study therefore recommended the need to expand the physical infrastructure, the need for TSC to roll out a plan to employ more teachers by 2028. With the findings of this study, the MOE, and TSC may be guided to consider adequate and effective teacher training programmes for the teachers to be CBC compliant and the need for adequate textbooks supply in time for use during instruction. With the enrolment projections at Senior Secondary Schools in 2026, budgetary allocations will be much easier by the stake holders. Findings of this study would also inform policy makers including TSC and Ministry of Education to come up with practical policy reforms that would enhance provision of quality education in Vihiga County. This study can also guide Tertiary and University institutions for proper preparation when the learners graduate from Senior School.

Prevalência e perfil clínico de infecções pelo vírus da hepatite C em pacientes talassêmicos multitransfundidos nas cidades gêmeas capital do Paquistão

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents a significant global health concern, affecting 3.3% of the world's population. The primary mode of HCV transmission is through blood and blood products. Patients with beta thalassemia, who rely on lifelong blood transfusions, are particularly vulnerable to HCV infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infections among multitransfused thalassemic patients in the twin cities of Pakistan's capital. The clinical research, involving the enrollment of 262 multitransfused beta thalassemic patients residing in the capital twin cities of Pakistan. The investigation encompassed the evaluation of hepatitis C virus presence, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, serum creatinine, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and the occurrence of splenectomy. The overall prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infections was notably high at 55.73%. This was particularly pronounced among patients aged 20 years and older, with a 100% infection rate. In HCV-positive thalassemic patients, the average ALT level was observed to be 98 U/L, while average creatinine values stood at 0.39 mg/dL. Additionally, hepatomegaly was prevalent in 82.20% of HCV-positive thalassemic patients, featuring an average liver size increase of 4.33 cm. Splenomegaly was evident in 67.12% of HCV-positive thalassemic patients, with an average spleen size augmentation of 4.46 cm. Splenectomy was identified in 15.75% of cases. The incidence of HCV infections in the thalassemic population of Pakistan is alarmingly high. Furthermore, the risk of contracting HCV infections escalates with the advancing age of thalassemic patients. Elevated ALT levels and hepatomegaly were pervasive among the majority of HCV-positive thalassemic patients. Consequently, there is a compelling need for rigorous screening of blood products prior to transfusion to mitigate the future burden of HCV in Pakistan.