Intensity Zones Research Articles

Substrate specificity analysis of semi-purified fibrinolytic protease of Metabacillus sp. CS-2 to support its potential as a wound debridement agent

Fibrinolytic proteases play an important role in the fibrin degradation process, which is crucial in the treatment of chronic wounds as a debridement agent. Fibrinolytics work by breaking down fibrin tissue that forms as part of a blood clot leading to cell necrosis. Metabacillus sp. CS-2 is known to be one of the potential sources of fibrinolytic protease production with high activity. This study aims to examine the activity and specificity of fibrinolytic proteases produced by Metabacillus sp. CS-2 before and after the ultrafiltration process by zymography. In this study, crude protease extraction was carried out from Metabacillus sp. CS-2 followed by ultrafiltration to improve the purity and activity of the enzyme. The obtained ultra-filtrate protease was then characterized for its specificity to 4 protein substrates, i.e. casein, gelatine, fibrin, and collagen. The results showed that the activity of the fibrinolytic protease enzyme from Metabacillus sp. CS-2 was improved by ultrafiltration from 0.342  0.011 to 0.768 0.014 U/mL min-1. The obtained zymogram confirmed that the protease of Metabacillus sp. CS-2 can degrade all of the protein substrates tested. Interestingly, the most specific substrate for Metabacillus sp. CS-2 was fibrin evidenced by intense clear zone smeared from high to low enzyme sizes. In conclusion, ultrafiltration is proven to be effective in increasing the activity of fibrinolytic proteases. The ability to degrade fibrin and collagen substrates likely supports fibrinolytic protease of the strain to function as a debridement agent in wound healing treatment.

Seasonal intensification of oxygen minimum zone: linking Godavari River discharge to fall hypoxia in the Bay of Bengal

IntroductionThis study investigates the biogeochemical impact of Godavari River discharge (GRD) on the Bay of Bengal (BoB), focusing on the formation of an intense and shallow oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) near the river mouth during the fall season. Unlike the BoB’s typical intermediate-depth OMZ, this subsurface (~40-200 m) phenomenon is attributed to the interplay of GRD-driven nutrient enrichment, coastal upwelling, enhanced productivity, and subsequent organic matter decomposition.Data and MethodsOur analysis using the Biogeochemical-Argo floats and World Ocean Atlas 2018 data reveals that a clear shoaling and intensification of the OMZ in the fall season. Further, a comparative analysis at two geographically distinct locations highlighted the pivotal role of GRD.Results, Discussion, and ImplicationsThe location directly influenced by GRD exhibited significantly higher chlorophyll-a blooms, net primary production during the southwest monsoon, and pronounced oxygen consumption during the fall compared to the other. Our analysis suggests that GRD fuels primary productivity, leading to organic matter abundance and intense oxygen depletion in the subsurface layers, driving the observed shallow OMZ. Understanding the complex interplay between GRD, stratification, upwelling, and biogeochemical processes is crucial for predicting the impact of altered riverine inputs on coastal ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, and the overall health of the coastal BoB.

Does the high-intensity zone of lumbar intervertebral disc at magnetic resonance imaging have diagnostic value for discogenic low back pain? A meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe correlation between high-intensity zone (HIZ) of lumbar disc magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discogenic low back pain (DLBP) is currently controversial, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the correlation between HIZ of lumbar disc MRI and positive discography, as well as its diagnostic value for DLBP.MethodDatabases were searched to include research literature on high intensity zone (HIZ) related to discography and DLBP diagnosis. HIZ is a separate small, confined area of high signal located at the posterior border of the annulus fibrosus on MRI T2-weighted images of the lumbar spine, which is separated from the nucleus pulposus but has a higher signal than the nucleus pulposus. Studies on the correlation of HIZ with discography and DLBP diagnosis were searched in the Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Science Direct, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Databases, Scopus from January 1992 to June 2024. The outcomes were diagnostic values of HIZ for DLBP. The risk assessment was performed by Deeks’ funnel methods in the Stata 17.0 software after 2 investigators independently screened the literature, extracted information and evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies.ResultsA total of 25 studies including 5889 patients were included. meta-analysis showed that the sensitivity of HIZ for the diagnosis of DLBP was (0.49, 95% CI [0.37,0.61]) and specificity was (0.89, 95% CI [0.85,0.93]); the positive likelihood ratio was (4.52, 95% CI [3.28,6.25]) and the negative likelihood ratio was (0.58, 95% CI [0.46,0.71]). The diagnostic ratio was (7.87, 95% CI [5.05,12.26]).ConclusionThe available evidence suggests that HIZ has acceptable sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of DLBP. Due to the limitation of the number and quality of included studies, the above conclusions need to be validated by more high-quality studies.

Relation between wearable heart rate monitor derived training load and cardiac adaption in endurance athletes

Abstract Background No studies have effectively measured training load (TL) from wearable heart rate (HR) monitors and determined its relation to exercise induced left and right ventricular (LV, RV) remodeling. A better insight into drivers of exercise induced cardiac remodeling is of clinical relevance to guide training advice in athletes at risk of adverse remodeling. Purpose We determined the TL, based on HR monitoring by commercial wearables[1]. The number and duration of training sessions was quantified during a period of 3 months. Training-intensity was calculated as Edwards TRIMP (eTRIMP) based on the product of training duration in one of 5 HR zones (1=light, 5=very vigorous) and the coefficient related to the respective HR zone. Methods Training data was collected in 2 prospective multicenter studies. Master@Heart comprises endurance trained middle-aged men aged 45 to 70years[2]. Pro@Heart consists of elite athletes aged 16 to 23years[3]. For this analysis, all male athletes with complete training data recorded using a chest-worn HR monitor for 3 months were included. Using an in-house developed pipeline, maximal HR and TL were calculated from raw training data. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to measure indexed LV/RV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi, RVEDVi), end-systolic volume (LVESVi, RVESVi), ejection fraction (LVEF, RVEF) and LV mass (LVMi). Results Pro@Heart athletes (n=69; age 21.9 ± 4.2 years) trained more than Master@Heart athletes (n=82; age 55.2 ± 6.5 years) and their total 3-month TL (eTRIMP) was also higher (9718 ± 3190 vs. 5499 ± 3775min; P<0.05 and 22339 ± 7350 vs. 13438 ± 8880 AU; P< 0.05; Table 1). Considering all athletes, there was a strong correlation between both training duration and eTRIMP and LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVMi, RVEDVi and RVESVi. Training duration in zone 1&2 correlated well with LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVSV, LVMi, RVEDVi and RVESVi (Table 2). We found small significant negative correlations between duration and eTRIMP compared to LVEF and RVEF (Table 2). To filter out individual training factors influencing cardiac remodeling we used a partial least squares method which included time and percentage of time spent in training zones and age. Accordingly, training duration in zone 1&2 and age were the main predictors of cardiac volumes and LVMi. For LVEF, age and time in zone 3 was most predictive, whereas for RVEF zone 3 and to a lesser degree zone 1&2 were the main predictors, irrespective of age. Interestingly, time spent in high intensity zones 4 and 5 was not predictive. Conclusion We prospectively quantified TL in comparison to CMR-derived measures of cardiac remodeling and demonstrated that training duration in low intensity training zones is most predictive for cardiac volumes and mass, whereas LVEF and RVEF are more closely associated to time in zone 3. Very vigorous intensity exercise was not predictive, likely due to limited time training in zone 4 and 5.

Simulation and prediction of daytime surface urban heat island intensity under multiple scenarios via fully connected neural network

The intensification of the Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI), driven by urbanization, land use and land cover (LULC) changes, and population growth, presents significant environmental and public health risks in urban areas. Simulating and predicting SUHI, particularly through the identification of future high SUHI intensity (SUHII) zones, has been recognized as a critical step in mitigating these effects. This study employs a Fully Convolutional Neural Network (FCNN) model, trained on data from four research sites, to simulate the current daytime SUHII across six validation sites in Singapore, utilizing 15 key independent variables identified in previous studies. The model exhibits high validation accuracy, achieving 87.45%. Three projection scenarios, based on projected population growth and LULC changes, predict a decrease in High SUHII across all validation sites, ranging from 98.3% to 9%. This reduction is attributed to the LULC improvements proposed in the 2019 Master Plan. Spatial analysis of the predicted SUHII maps indicates that the majority of High SUHII locations across scenarios remain consistent with the current situation. This research also suggests that the model could be a valuable tool for urban planners, allowing them to assess whether new urban development plans will effectively reduce High SUHII to desired thresholds, thereby mitigating SUHII in urban environments.

Analysis of Hydration Habits Before and During a Specific Training Session in Male Padel Athletes Aged over 65: Physiological and Psychological Implications

(1) Background: Since older adults are more susceptible to dehydration and there is a lack of information on older athletes, this study observed a group of 12 male padel players in this age group (70.42 ± 3.50 years) to characterize their hydration habits, physiological demands, and psychological responses before and during a 90 min padel training (PT). (2) Methods: After approval from the Ethics Committee (CE/FCDEF-UC/00022023) and the provision of signed informed consent, participants’ body mass, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were measured. Habitual fluid intake was monitored by diary from the evening until before the PT; the subjects completed a Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) and a satiety scale (SLIM). To assess hydration levels at different moments, we used a portable osmometer and an eight-point urine color chart and weighed the participants immediately before and after the PT. During the PT, heart rate (HR) and hydration were monitored. After the PT, subjects completed another POMS and SLIM. (3) Results: Subjects trained at 73.2 ± 12.3% of their maximum HR, with brief peaks at the anaerobic threshold or higher (130.00 ± 18.78 bpm). The mean urine osmolality indicated normal hydration or minimal dehydration. However, the urine color values indicated dehydration after the training. Subjects drank 438 mL of liquids at night, 333 mL before PT, and 900 mL during the PT, with a good repartition of the liquids. POMS and SLIM were not affected by the training. (4) Conclusions: Older male padel athletes achieved challenging yet safe training, staying within healthy intensity zones; their hydration patterns nearly met the recommendations for exercise and should be slightly increased.

Advanced exploration of rare metal mineralization through integrated remote sensing and geophysical analysis of structurally-controlled hydrothermal alterations

Fusing multi-source (remote sensing and geophysical) data and diverse approaches validation in targeting hydrothermal alteration and structural anomalies enhances the potential for accurately detecting and characterizing mineralization zones. Sentinel 2 data and ASTER were processed for lithological and hydrothermal alteration mapping in the rare metal-rich Umm Naggat area (Egypt). Different image processing techniques were implemented, including false color composites, minimum noise fraction, band rationing, band math, mineral indices, relative absorption band depth, and constrained energy minimization. The rare metal-bearing Umm Naggat younger granite (NYG) pluton was lithologically discriminated and intra-differentiated to mafic-rich biotite granites, mafic-poor alkali feldspar granites, and albitized granites. Extensive hydrothermal alterations, such as albitization, ferrugination, propylitization, argillization, and phyllitization, overprint the NYG pluton. Normalized standard deviation, automatic lineament extractions, and trend analysis highlighted the key structural directions (NW, NNW, NNE, and NE) and distinguished the NYG pluton as a moderate to high structural density zone. The high structural density and intensive alteration zones are spatially associated and more localized within the NYG pluton than the surrounding rocks. Spatial overlay analysis confirmed that the hydrothermal alterations and fluid circulation systems are structurally-controlled. Furthermore, the hydrothermal alteration mapping and structural analysis outcomes were verified by combining fieldwork, slab polishing, petrographic investigations, and mineral chemistry through semi-quantitative scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and quantitative electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) analysis. As a result, the hydrothermal genesis of rare metal-bearing minerals (Nb-rutile, Nb-ilmenite, and columbite) close to or incorporated within alteration minerals (chlorite, muscovite, and hematite) is confirmed from the alteration zones (propylitic, phyllic, and ferruginated). In addition, biotite muscovitization and chloritization significantly contribute to the secondary rare metal enrichment. The current study emphasizes the extensive distribution of secondary rare metal-bearing minerals within the entire NYG pluton (not only limited to the northern albitized granite as depicted by previous studies), which might shed light on these hydrothermally-altered younger granites as a new potential source for Nb and Ta in Egypt.

External Physical Demands during Official Under-18 Basketball Games: Consideration of Overtime Periods.

The purpose of this study was to identify the external demands during official under-18 basketball matches that included four quarters (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) and/or overtime (OT) periods. Variables included: 1) distance covered and distance covered within four intensity zones (standing-walking S-W, jogging JOG, running RUN, and high-speed running HSR); 2) explosive efforts per minute (EEs); 3) PlayerLoad (PL); 4) the number of jumps per minute; 5) the number of accelerations above 2 m·s2 (ACCs); and 6) the number of decelerations above -2 m·s2 per minute (DECs). The values for total distance, JOG, RUN, HSR, PL, ACC, and DEC were significantly smaller during periods Q2, Q3, Q4, and OT compared to Q1. In addition, the number of EEs during Q1 was significantly greater than during Q3, Q4, and OT. When comparing OT periods to Q2, there were significantly smaller values for total distance, RUN, and PL. Similarly, when comparing OT periods to Q3, significantly smaller values were found for PL. Furthermore, when comparing OT periods to Q4, significantly smaller values were achieved for total distance and PL. These findings indicate that players experienced a decrease in external physical demands as the match progressed to an OT period. This decrease may be indicative of player fatigue and/or strategic changes that should be considered by practitioners in the preparation and management of players for overall team success in junior basketball competitions.

Histidine-rich protein (hrp) 2-based RDT false-negatives and Plasmodium falciparum hrp 2 and 3 gene deletions in low, seasonal and intense perennial transmission zones in Cameroon: a cross - sectional study.

False negative rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) accruing to the non-detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) is threatening the diagnosis and management of malaria. Although regular monitoring is necessary to gauge the level of efficacy of the tool, studies in Cameroon remain limited. This study assessed Plasmodium spp. prevalence and Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions across ecological and transmission zones in Cameroon. This is a cross-sectional, multi-site, community- and hospital- based study, in 21 health facilities and 14 communities covering all five ecological settings in low seasonal (LS) and intense perennial (IPT) malaria transmission zones between 2019 and 2021. Participants were screened for malaria parasite using Pfhrp2 RDT and light microscopic examination of thick peripheral blood smears. DNA was extracted from dried blood spot using chelex®-100 and P. falciparum confirmed using varATS real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), P. malariae and P. ovale by real-time qPCR of Plasmepsin gene, and P. vivax using a commercial kit. Isolates with amplified Pfcsp and Pfama-1 genes were assayed for Pfhrp 2/3 gene deletions by conventional PCR. A total of 3,373 participants enrolled, 1,786 Plasmodium spp. infected, with 77.4% P. falciparum. Discordant RDT and qPCR results (False negatives) were reported in 191 (15.7%) P. falciparum mono-infected samples from LS (29%, 42) and IPT (13.9%, 149). The Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3 + genotype was most frequent, similar between LS (5.5%, 8/145) and IPT (6.0%, 65/1,076). Single Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions occurred in LS (0.7%, 1/145 each) and IPT (3.6%, 39/1,076 vs. 2.9%, 31/1,076), respectively. Whilst a single sample harboured Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype in LS, 2.4% (26/1,076) were double deleted at IPT. Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3- (0.3%, 3/1,076) and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3+ (1.2%, 13/1,076) genotypes were only observed in IPT. Pfhrp2, Pfhrp3 deletions and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype accounted for 78.8% (26), 69.7% (23) and 63.6% (21) RDT false negatives, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum remains the most dominant and widely distributed Plasmodium species across transmission and ecological zones in Cameroon. Although the low prevalence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions supports the continued use of HRP2-based RDTs for routine malaria diagnosis, the high proportion of false-negatives due to gene deleted parasites necessitates continued surveillance to inform control and elimination efforts.

The effect of third intensity zone exercises by varying the muscle elongation of the muscles of the dominant arm and the supporting leg on some physiological indicators and the performance of pushing the weight

The research aimed to prepare exercises for the third intensity area with the variation of muscle elongation of the prevailing arm muscles and the supporting leg of the weight push players, and to identify the effect of the exercises of the third intensity area by contrasting the muscle elongation of the dominant arm muscles and the supporting leg in some physiological indicators and the achievement of weight pushing, and the researcher assumed that there are statistically significant differences between the results of the pre- and post-tests for the top and the time of the signal (EMG) for each of the dominant arm muscles and the supporting leg (brachial, radial brachial of the dominant arm, and rectilinear femurs). anterior, and twin leg) at the moment of the start of the rotation phase to push the weight of the players of the experimental group, and there are statistically significant differences between the results of the pre- and post-tests to accomplish the weight push distance for the players of the experimental group, the experimental research approach was adopted by designing one experimental group with tight control of the pre- and post-tests, The limits of the research community were represented by the young players in the hammer throwing event in the Etisalat Club, who numbered (9) players for the sports season (2023/2024), all of whom were deliberately selected for the research sample by (100%) from their original community in a comprehensive inventory method to represent the experimental research group, and to measure the electrical indicators of both the dominant arm muscles and the supporting leg (brachial, radial brachial of the dominant arm, anterior femoral rectum, and leg twin) The moment the rotation phase begins to push the weight The researcher adopted the (EMG) device and to measure the achievement the test was adopted Completion of the hammer throwing event in accordance with the conditions of competition in the international law of the Athletics Federation according to its international bulletin for the year (2018), and the exercises were prepared and applied with a field experiment that began with the application of the pre-tests on (16/11/2023), and then the application of these exercises for the period from (19/11/2023) to (11/1/2024), and the completion of the experiment by applying the post-tests on (14/1/2024), then the results were processed with the (SPSS) system. Extracts and applications are formed by the fact that the third severity area exercises help with the contrast of the muscular elongation of the prevailing arm muscles and the supporting man in increasing the summit of the EMG sign and reducing its time for both the prevailing arm muscles and the supporting man (the humerus, and the Hebrew muscles of the prevailing arm, the front thighs, and the twins of the leg) in the players The moment of the start of the rotation stage to push the weight, and helps in the development of the distance of the completion of the heavy -paying the players, and it is necessary to pay attention to the coaches of the heaviness in the physiological measurement by measuring the (EMG) signals for the prevailing arm muscles and the man who supported the players to pay the weight and plan and apply the exercises according to the physiological characteristics by adopting the results of this measurement, It is necessary not to exaggerate the training loads or how much muscular elongation resistors to reduce the problem of decreasing the speed of muscle rubble in the event of an increase in the amount of these resistors.

The effect of exercises in the third intensity zone of the strength characteristic of the speed of the two legs on the adequacy of the circulatory and respiratory systems and the performance of some basketball skills among young players

The research aimed to prepare exercises area intensity third strength distinctive speed of the two men for young players basketball, and to identify its impact on the adequacy of the circulatory and respiratory systems and in the performance of some of their basketball skills, and the researcher assumed that there are statistically significant differences between the results of the pre- and post-tests of the experimental and control research groups for each of the adequacy of the circulatory and respiratory systems and the performance of some basketball skills, and there are statistically significant differences between the results of the tests of the experimental research groups and the dimensional control for each of the adequacy of The circulatory and respiratory systems and the performance of some basketball skills, and the experimental approach was adopted by designing the experimental and equal control groups, on a sample of (12) players who were deliberately selected by (75%) of the young basketball players at the Industry Sports Club for the season (2022-2023), and after determining the tests and preparing the exercises, they were applied over a period of (10) consecutive weeks at a rate of two units per week, and after the completion of the experiment, the results were processed with the (SPSS) system to be the conclusions that the application of the exercises of the third intensity zone of the strength characteristic of the speed of the two men helps in developing the adequacy of the circulatory and respiratory systems, and in improving the performance of some skills among young basketball players, and the researcher recommended that, it is necessary to adopt the application of intensity area exercises The third is for the strength characterized by the speed of the two men for the young players in basketball and the good rationing of the high-intensity training load without exaggerations, It is necessary to pay attention to developing the capabilities of basketball coaches when working on the application of exercises in the third intensity zone of strength characteristic of speed for the two men for young basketball players that aim to develop their physiological skill factor.

Effects of Acute Citrulline Malate Supplementation on CrossFit® Exercise Performance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study.

Given the increasing popularity of CrossFit® as a high-intensity functional training program and the potential benefits of citrulline malate (CM) in enhancing exercise performance through its role as a precursor to L-arginine and nitric oxide production, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of CM supplementation on CrossFit® performance and cardiovascular function. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 21 recreationally active participants (mean age 22.2 ± 2.6 years, mean body weight 75.9 ± 10.4 kg) with CrossFit® experience completed the "Cindy" workout under CM and placebo conditions. Participants consumed 4.4 g of CM or a placebo 60 min before the workout, and the performance was measured by the number of rounds completed. Secondary outcomes included heart rate response, time spent in different heart rate intensity zones, and post-exercise recovery time. The results indicated no significant difference in the number of rounds completed between the CM and placebo conditions (13.5 ± 5.2 vs. 13.8 ± 6.7 rounds, respectively; p = 0.587). However, the time spent in zone 4 (80-90% of HR max) was significantly increased in the CM condition (527 ± 395 s vs. 453 ± 334 s; p = 0.017), suggesting a potential benefit for aerobic capacity and anaerobic threshold. No significant differences in post-exercise recovery time were observed (6.6 ± 4.7 h vs. 6.9 ± 4.7 h; p = 0.475). This study highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes, both genders, and different CM dosages to clarify these findings and better understand CM's role in enhancing athletic performance.

An updated concept of the polarization index enables the integration of three intensity zones in one number and identifies polarized training in an extended definition range

Introduction Polarized endurance training is an important and frequently discussed training intensity distribution (TID). The polarized TID is described as the largest fraction of training time or sessions spent with low-intensity exercise in intensity zone (z)1, followed by a considerable fraction of high intensity exercise (z3), and a relatively small fraction of threshold intensity (z2), so that z1 > z3 > z2. The polarization index concept (PI; Figure 1, equation 1) provides a clear, numerical cut-off for this rather vague, verbal description of a polarized TID by relating the fractions of z1, z2, and z3 and defining a given TID as polarized if the result is > 2.00 (Treff et al., 2019). The concept has successfully been applied in more than 36 peer-reviewed articles. Since the publication of the high-performance sports centered PI, a variety of issues related to transforming context conditions appeared, revealing some limitations of the original PI: (i) The increasing use of automatic database entries can result in TIDs with intensity zones < 1%. These can cause rounding problems. (ii) TIDs are attracting increasing attention in the public health sector (Festa et al., 2023). Here, due to lower total volume and session frequencies, TIDs may occur that are virtually never reported in high-performance sports as, e.g., z2 < z1 < z3. These TIDs can result in negative log10-arguments of equation 1. It has been proposed to limit the calculation of the PI to TIDs z1 > z3 >z2 (Arjona et al., 2023). This would, however, limit the PI’s applicability. Here, we propose an update to adapt the PI without limiting its definition space. Methods Methods: Given that z1, z2, z3 ∈ [0, 1] and z1 + z2 + z3 = 1, where z1, z2 denote the measured fractions rounded to two decimals and z3 = 1 - z1 - z2, new PI is calculated according to equation 2 (Figure 1). Results A TID (given as z1 - z2 - z3) partially consisting of fractions below 0.01 (0.991 - 0.001 - 0.008) will be quantized to (0.99 - 0.00 - 0.01) and the respective PI results in 0, thereby indicating a non-polarized TID in contrast to 2.90 with equation 1 (Figure 1). Thus, the false-positive indication of a polarized TID is avoided. Applying equation 2 (Figure 1), the PI of the TID (0.15 - 0.05 - 0.80) will result in -2.38 (inversely polarized) instead of 2.38 (polarized) with equation 1 (Figure 1). Discussion & Conclusion Particularly the exclusive consideration of intensity zones with at least 1% of the total proportion avoids negative arguments in the log10 algorithm and the indication of a polarized TID if the fraction of z3 is not higher than 0.01. Furthermore, equation 2 (Figure 1) allows for the identification of inversely polarized TIDs while avoiding false positive indication of a polarized TID when z2 < z1 < z3. For polarized distributions (z1 > z3 > z2) with z2 = 0, subtracting the 0.01 fraction from z1 accounts for the underestimation of the z3 percentages especially in heart rate-based quantifications. Thus, our proposal allows a broad application of the PI concept in health and performance-focused databases to accurately detect polarized TIDs.

A new high-resolution Coastal Ice-Ocean Prediction System for the East Coast of Canada

The Coastal Ice Ocean Prediction System for the East Coast of Canada (CIOPS-E) was developed and implemented operationally at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to support a variety of critical marine applications. These include support for ice services, search and rescue, environmental emergency response and maritime safety. CIOPS-E uses a 1/36° horizontal grid (~ 2 km) to simulate sea ice and ocean conditions over the northwest Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL). Forcing at lateral open boundaries is taken from ECCC’s data assimilative Regional Ice-Ocean Prediction System (RIOPS). A spectral nudging method is applied offshore to keep mesoscale features consistent with RIOPS. Over the continental shelf and GSL, the CIOPS-E solution is free to evolve according to the model dynamics. Overall, CIOPS-E significantly improves the representation of tidal and sub-tidal water levels compared to ECCC’s lower resolution systems: RIOPS (~ 6 km) and the Regional Marine Prediction System – GSL (RMPS-GSL, 5 km). Improvements in the GSL are due to the higher resolution and a better representation of bathymetry, boundary forcing and dynamics in the upper St. Lawrence Estuary. Sea surface temperatures show persistent summertime cold bias, larger in CIOPS-E than in RIOPS, as the latter is constrained by observations. The seasonal cycle of sea ice extent and volume, unconstrained in CIOPS-E, compares well with observational estimates, RIOPS and RMPS-GSL. A greater number of fine-scale features are found in CIOPS-E with narrow leads and more intense ice convergence zones, compared to both RIOPS and RMPS-GSL.

Mineral Exploration of the Former Province of Kasaï-Occidental through the Analysis of Land and Satellite Gravity Data

This paper is based on the application of terrestrial and satellite gravimetry in mining and petroleum research in the former province of Kasai- Occidental in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This former province was split into two new provinces: Kasaï and Kasaï-Central. From a geological point of view, this area is dominated by Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks in its northern part and by Precambrian rocks very rich in minerals in its southern part. Due to the insufficiency of terrestrial gravity data from pre-existing campaigns, we had access to satellite data from the International Gravimetric Bureau platform in order to have better resolution in the mapping of the subsurface of this region. The data processing methodology consisted of background noise attenuation as well as regional-residual separation. The gravity sets detected on the Bouguer anomaly map were grouped into high and low intensity zones. The structural map on which we have traced the faults and fold axes shows a preferential orientation of these structures in the NW-SE direction. The superposition of mineral occurrences and geological structures highlighted allowed us to split this zone into two parts: The southern part whose gravity highs concentrate the majority of diamond and iron occurrences and the gravity depressions which concentrate the indices of Lead, Nickel, Manganese; as well as the northern part located in the center of the Central Cuvette which contains a great thickness of sediments constituting, therefore, a favorable place for the maturation of the source rocks.

Modeling mobile shales under contraction: Critical analyses of new analog simulations of shale tectonics and comparison with salt-bearing systems

Weak substrates, such as salt and mobile shales, exert a strong control on deformation styles in all structural settings, especially those undergoing contraction. Despite both materials being very weak, they are mechanically very different. Salt is weak and will flow in a ductile fashion under most geologic conditions, whereas shales only become mobile after reaching a critical state. Many sandbox-style physical or analog modeling studies have typically used a salt analog, viscous silicone polymer, as a proxy for mobile shales. However, to more accurately model mobile shale behavior, the model material needs to exhibit yield strength. One such material is Carbopol, which is made up of microgel grains that are elasto-plastic, separated by a viscous interstitial fluid. The abundance of the grains depends on the concentration of the mixture. Our results show that Carbopol does behave much differently than the traditional salt analog during contraction. Polydimethylsiloxanes typically undergoes bulk deformation and inflation under contraction, whereas Carbopol forms discrete, intense shear zones and contains zones of little to no strain where its yield strength has not been exceeded. Below the shale analog, brittle layers typically form imbricate thrust stacks, jacking up the overburden, with shear zones propagating out from thrust tips along and through the shale proxy. Strain analyses reveal complex switching of activity within the Carbopol and overlying sediments. Models reveal that even a very thin layer of Carbopol can act as a highly efficient detachment, and form more geologically realistic shortening structures, especially where these detachments are vertically stacked and horizontally offset. We believe that Carbopol is a powerful mobile-shale analog and opens new modeling directions because, as far as we are aware, this material has never been incorporated into a traditional sandbox model. Future work will seek to incorporate this material into more complex and 3D sandbox-style models.

Study of Earthquake Landslide Hazard by Defining Potential Landslide Thickness Using Excess Topography: A Case Study of the 2014 Ludian Earthquake Area, China

Influenced by the combined effects of crustal uplift and river downcutting, rivers with significant potential energy are often found in high mountain and canyon areas. Due to the active tectonic movements that these areas have experienced or are currently experiencing, geological hazards frequently occur on the mountains flanking the rivers. Therefore, evaluating the susceptibility and risk of earthquake landslides in river segments of these high mountain and canyon areas is of great importance for disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as for the safe construction and operation of hydropower stations. Currently, a major challenge in the study of landslide susceptibility and hazard is determining the thickness of potential landslide bodies. The presence of excess topography reflects the instability of the disrupted slopes, which is also a fundamental cause of landslides. This study takes the example of the Ludian earthquake in 2014, focusing on the IX and VIII intensity zones, to extract the excess topography in the study area and analyze its correlation with seismic landslides. The correlation between the critical acceleration value and the excess topography was validated using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, resulting in a correlation coefficient of −0.771. This indicates a strong negative correlation between the excess topography and critical acceleration, with significant relevance. The landslide susceptibility distribution obtained by setting the potential landslide thickness based on the excess topography and proportion coefficient showed an ROC curve analysis AUC value of 0.829. This is higher than the AUC value of 0.755 for the landslide susceptibility result using a uniform potential landslide thickness of 3 m, indicating the higher model evaluation accuracy of this approach. Earthquake landslide hazard predictions for rapid post-earthquake assessments and earthquake landslide hazard zoning for pre-earthquake planning were made using actual seismic ground motion and a 2% exceedance probability in 50 years, respectively. Comparing these with the 10,559 coseismic landslides triggered by the Ludian earthquake and evaluating the seismic landslide development rate, the results were found to be consistent with reality. The improved model better reflects the control of excess topography and rock mechanics properties on the development of earthquake landslide hazards on high steep slopes. Identifying high-risk seismic landslide areas through this method and taking corresponding preventive and protective measures can help plan and construct safer hydropower and other infrastructure, thereby enhancing their disaster resistance.

Lavandula angustifolia Herb from Ukraine: Comparative Chemical Profile and in vitro Antioxidant Activity.

Lavandula L. genus plants have always been relevant as medicines for various purposes in food, medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology and aromology. Ukraine is a new territory in the mass plant cultivation and lavender essential oil production. Therefore, the issue of integrated use of herbal raw materials and their intended use is still relevant. For the first time, ten samples of Lavendula angustifolia herb from 5 growing regions of Ukraine were studied for the composition and content of polyphenols and terpenoids using HPLC and HPTLC methods, respectively, to assess the prospects and quality of herbal raw materials. The results obtained showed that L. angustifolia herb has pronounced antioxidant activity due to the high content of phenolic compounds, namely hyperoside (5.665-11.629 mg/g), vanillic acid (5.986-11.196 mg/g), rosmarinic acid (0.211 to 1.488 mg/g), caffeic acid (0.369-3.835 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (0.239-4.619 mg/g), genistein-7-O-glucoside, as well as due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, which was confirmed by qualitative analysis. The total antioxidant activity was the highest in samples from Lviv Botanical Garden (0.293 Trolox mg/mL), Kyiv OLawander (0.288 Trolox mg/mL), Kharkiv Bohodukhiv (0.270 Trolox mg/mL) which is due to the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds. At the same time, the most intense zones of terpenoids in lavender herb were noted for images from Kharkiv region Lebiazhe and Kitchenkivka villiges. Cluster analysis showed priority in the selection of marker compounds (vanillic acid, hyperoside, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid) for lavender herb based on their quantitative content in the samples. In the future, lavender herb from Ukraine can be considered as a promising raw material with neuroprotective properties as part of its complex use, as research continues.

Quantitative CT Imaging Features Associated with Stable PRISm using Machine Learning

Rationale and ObjectivesThe structural lung features that characterize individuals with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) that remain stable overtime are unknown. The objective of this study was to use machine learning models with computed tomography (CT) imaging to classify stable PRISm from stable controls and stable COPD and identify discriminative features. Materials and MethodsA total of 596 participants that did not transition between control, PRISm and COPD groups at baseline and 3-year follow-up were evaluated: n=274 with normal lung function (stable control), n=22 stable PRISm, and n=300 stable COPD. Investigated features included: quantitative CT (QCT) features (n=34), such as total lung volume (%TLCCT) and percentage of ground glass and reticulation (%GG+Reticulationtexture), as well as Radiomic (n=102) features, including varied intensity zone distribution grainy texture (GLDZMZDV). Logistic regression machine learning models were trained using various feature combinations (Base, Base+QCT, Base+Radiomic, Base+QCT+Radiomic). Model performances were evaluated using area under receiver operator curve (AUC) and comparisons between models were made using DeLong test; feature importance was ranked using Shapley Additive Explanations values. ResultsMachine learning models for all feature combinations achieved AUCs between 0.63-0.84 for stable PRISm vs. stable control, and 0.65-0.92 for stable PRISm vs. stable COPD classification. Models incorporating imaging features outperformed those trained solely on base features (p>0.05). Compared to stable control and COPD, those with stable PRISm exhibited decreased %TLCCT and increased %GG+Reticulationtexture and GLDZMZDV. ConclusionThese findings suggest that reduced lung volumes, and elevated high-density and ground glass/reticulation patterns on CT imaging are associated with stable PRISm.

Assessment of the seismic failure of reinforced concrete structures considering the directional effects of ground motions

Seismic intensity measures at different levels significantly impact the seismic damage of building clusters. Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are a type of building widely used in different regions worldwide. A large amount of field seismic damage observation data indicates that within the same seismic intensity zone, the directional effects of varying ground motions lead to significant differences in damage to RC structures on different floors. However, relatively little research has been conducted on estimating the seismic fragility and vulnerability of RC structures considering the directional effects of seismic action. To further study the directional effect of seismic motion on the damage of different floors, this study conducted dynamic time history and spectral analyses on 1472,379 acceleration records in multiple directions obtained from monitoring at nine actual seismic stations during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. This paper innovatively reports on the actual damage features of RC structures during the Mw6.2 magnitude Jishishan earthquake in Gansu Province, China, on December 18, 2023 (the most severe destructive earthquake in China in 2023) and analyses the influence of earthquake directionality on the damage to different floors of RC structures. A three-dimensional numerical model of a four-story RC frame structure was established using numerical simulation and the finite element method. Different intensity measures were taken to input seismic excitations of different intensities into the RC structure in the 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° directions, and damage simulation analysis was conducted. The nonlinear dynamic time history curves of structures under multiple directions of seismic excitation in different intensity zones have been developed. Using the interstory stiffness and interstory displacement angle as engineering demand parameters, damage assessment curves and stress clouds for RC structures with 1–4 floors considering different seismic directional effects were generated. The analysis results and major findings indicate that the seismic sequence in the 0° direction has a relatively heavy impact on the first floor of the RC structure in zone IX, which is consistent with the actual field observation results.