ABSTRACT In the context of increasing global solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology adoption for electricity generation, the performance degradation of photovoltaic panels due to the accumulation of various soil and ash types is investigated by various studies and experimental works. Eight common particulate types – coal ash, brick powder, cement, wood ash, house dust, yellow sand, construction sand, and pit sand – were tested with a set laboratory condition for three irradiance levels (900, 680, and 360 W/m2). Experimental outcome reveals that coal ash had the most severe impact, reducing PV efficiency by 36.0%, 34.0%, and 33.2%, respectively, due to its fine particle size, high absorption coefficient (1.5–2.0 cm−1), and dense surface coverage, as confirmed by microscopic and X-ray imaging. In contrast, yellow and pit sand showed less than 15% performance loss. Optical parameters such as the reflection coefficient (~0.04–0.05) and refractive index (1.3–1.6) were analyzed to quantify light transmission losses. To evaluate the relative performance, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was carried out, treating each test case as a decision-making unit (DMU), with irradiance and soiling weight as inputs and Pmax, Isc, Voc as electrical outputs of PV panels. The cross-efficiency score (CES) framework is used to eliminate bias in weight selection and validate rankings. Coal ash consistently ranked lowest in DEA results, reinforcing its status as the most detrimental contaminant. This multidisciplinary approach provides an evidence-based framework for optimizing site selection, scheduling maintenance, and policy formulation for solar PV deployment in dust-prone regions, especially those near thermal power plants and civil construction work zones, enabling strong support to the sustainable PV performance enhancement.

Rutting is a predominant distress in asphalt pavements, particularly in hot climatic regions. This study systematically investigated the high-temperature performance of hot mix asphalt modified with five nanomaterials, namely, nano-silica (NS), nano-alumina (NA), nano-titanium (NT), nano-zinc (NZ), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), under consistent laboratory conditions. Modification dosages were selected up to 10% for NS, NA, and NT, and up to 5% for NZ and CNTs. The experimental methodology comprised the following: (i) binder rheological characterization through rotational viscosity, G*/sinδ, and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) to quantify rutting susceptibility; (ii) chemical and microstructural assessments using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); (iii) mixture-level evaluation via repeated-load axial testing coupled with digital image correlation (DIC) to monitor permanent microstrain evolution; and (iv) rutting performance over a 20-year period using the VESYS 5W predictive model. A cost–performance analysis was further incorporated to assess the economic viability of each nanomaterial. The results demonstrated that nanomodification substantially improved rutting resistance, consistent with reductions in non-recoverable creep compliance and permanent microstrain. Among additives, the 8% NS mixture exhibited the most favorable performance, maintaining a present serviceability index (PSI) of 2.5 after 20 years, whereas the un-modified mixture dropped below the failure threshold within a few years. These findings confirm that nanomaterial selection and dosage can meaningfully enhance the structural and performance of asphalt pavements.

Brass toxicity has emerged as a pressing environmental concern, with its dual-metal burden of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) from industrial discharges continuing to jeopardize aquatic ecosystem health. This study investigates the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations (ERC) and 10% and 20% elevated levels of Cu (0.85, 0.935, and 1.02 mg/L) and Zn (1.2, 1.32, and 1.44 mg/L) on the kidney of Channa punctatus during a 60-day exposure, with sampling conducted at 15-day intervals under controlled laboratory conditions. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05), dose- and time-dependent accumulation of Cu and Zn in renal tissues, accompanied by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) content declined markedly. qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated pronounced upregulation of atg5, beclin1, lc3, and ulk1b with concomitant downregulation of mTOR, suggesting activation of the autophagic pathway in response to oxidative stress. Histopathological examination confirmed progressive renal degeneration, including glomerular degenerative cells, vacuolization, and epithelial disorganization, especially at higher concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a strong association among ROS, antioxidant enzymes, LPO, and autophagy genes, emphasizing redox-autophagy coupling in metal-induced stress responses. Collectively, these findings identify brass as a key driver of nephrotoxicity, where chronic Cu-Zn release disrupts redox balance and induces cytotoxic autophagy, with autophagy-related genes serving as sensitive biomarkers of brass toxicity in freshwater ecosystems.

With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), agricultural monitoring has developed into a new phase of innovation providing remedies to precision farming. The common traditional agricultural methods are based on manual inspection and few observations on the ground using sensors that may be inaccurate and time-consuming. New technologies such as drones and AI provide us with an opening of large scale, early detection, but most systems currently only seek pests or diseases and are usually specific to a single type of crop in controlled laboratory conditions. Drone-operated AI system, which combines RGB and, where feasible, multispectral cameras and a YOLOv8 pipeline to detect pests and crop diseases simultaneously across a variety of crops. We are developing it to be used in the real world: we load in data fields, laboratories, and the internet, perform preprocessing, transfer learning, and make the inference to be lightweight enough to execute on edge computers. The introduction of agricultural monitoring systems based on the use of UAVs builds on the peculiarities of quadcopters and fixed-wing UAVs. Quadcopters are used when conducting detailed field surveys or spot checks, allowing high-resolution imaging to be used in order to complete precise inspections, whereas fixed-wing UAVs are used when it comes to covering extensive areas and long-range capabilities. These UAVs can gather extensive data and conduct biological and chemical analyses due to sophisticated IoT devices and sensors, such as multispectral and hyperspectral cameras, GPS modules, and real-time communication tools. Our hybrid machine learning model (HMLM) has more accuracy and predictive capabilities, with an amazing score of 98.74 and hence, our machine learning model is doing the right job of 98.74 accurate classification and thereby yielding high accurate yields by predicting crop management. This research will contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices as well as yield protection by providing timely, precise and scalable detection. The model proposed can potentially enable farmers with action-oriented insights, losses can be alleviated, and food security objectives can be achieved in areas where there are high susceptibility rates to pests and diseases.

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), also referred to as eggplant, aubergine or garden egg, is a globally important vegetable crop, with India ranking among the top producers. Its cultivation is often hindered by foliar diseases, particularly leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata, which can result in significant yield losses. Effective management of this disease requires understanding the growth and sporulation behavior of the pathogen under different nutritional conditions. The present study evaluated the effect of fourteen solid culture media, including natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic types, on the mycelial growth and sporulation of A. alternata isolated from infected brinjal leaves. Observations on radial growth, colony morphology and sporulation were recorded under controlled laboratory conditions. The results demonstrated significant differences among the media in supporting fungal development. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supported the maximum radial growth (86.67 mm), followed by Richard Agar (79.67 mm), Asthana and Hawkers medium (74.33 mm) and Oat Meal Agar (71.67 mm), whereas the lowest growth (41.00 mm) was observed on Brinjal Leaf Agar. Colony characteristics varied with media with colours ranging from grayish-white to black and textures classified as smooth, compact, or fluffy. Sporulation also differed significantly; PDA, Oat Meal Agar, Richard Agar and Asthana and Hawkers medium exhibited excellent (++++) sporulation, while Brinjal Leaf Agar and Coon’s Agar showed poor (+) sporulation. These variations are likely due to differences in nutrient composition and the type of carbon sources available in each medium. PDA proved to be the most suitable medium for in vitro growth and sporulation of A. alternata, providing a reliable substrate for further studies on its pathogenicity and biology.

Abstract The whitebacked planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera Horváth, a major pest of rice, Oryza sativa L., was studied under controlled conditions in Telangana, India, during the Rabi season of 2024-2025 to understand its biological characteristics. Eggs were predominantly laid on the leaf sheath (47.6%), followed by the midrib (41.4%) and stem (11.0%), in clusters of 7-24. The incubation period ranged from 6 to 10 days, averaging 8.8 days, with a hatchability rate of 86.5%. The nymphal stage lasted 16-19 days (average 17.38 days) and consisted of five instars with the following durations: 1st instar 2.73 days; 2nd instar 3.01 days; 3rd instar 3.72 days; 4th instar 3.91 days; and 5th instar 4.01 days. Nymphal survival decreased from 95% on the 5th day to 87% by the 20th day. Adult emergence was 87 per cent, with a female-biased sex ratio of 1.5:1. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods averaged 3.38, 8.98 and 3.12 days, respectively. Females lived longer (15.48 days) than males (12.5 days). Fecundity averaged 137.2 eggs per female (range 108-152). These findings provide essential insights into WBPH biology contributing to the development of effective management strategies for WBPH.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major mosquito-borne pathogen, primarily transmitted by Culex tritaeniorhynchus in rural regions. In the Republic of Korea (ROK), genotype V (GV) has become the dominant JEV strain since 2010, raising suspicion about the vector competence of urban mosquitoes like Culex pipiens pallens. This study evaluated the vector competence of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. pipiens pallens for JEV GIII and GV under laboratory conditions. Mosquitoes were orally infected, and the infection rate (IR), dissemination rate (DR), and transmission rate (TR) were assessed at days 7 and 14 post-infection. Culex tritaeniorhynchus showed consistently high IR, DR, and TR for both genotypes, with over 95% of mosquitoes infected and actively transmitting the virus. In contrast, Cx. pipiens pallens exhibited a markedly lower IR, ranging from 23.1 to 39.2%; however, among infected mosquitoes, DR and TR were comparatively high. Viral load and titers were also markedly higher in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus than in Cx. pipiens pallens, particularly in the head-thorax and salivation samples. These findings confirm that Cx. tritaeniorhynchus is a highly competent vector for JEV GIII and GV and suggest that Cx. pipiens pallens may play a notable role in the transmission of Japanese encephalitis virus in urban areas. This study emphasizes the importance of targeted vector surveillance and control strategies for multiple mosquito species, especially given the recent urbanization of JE cases in the ROK.

Enhancing the low-carbon performance for municipal wastewater treatment through high-rate activated sludge-three-stage constructed wetland system: Water quality, energy recovery and carbon emissions reduction.

Copper toxicity as stressor in Chaetoceros calcitrans under different salinity levels: Growth inhibition, ROS accumulation, and alterations in fatty acid and PUA profiles.

The rapid detection of carriers of Emerging eXtensively Drug Resistant bacteria (eXDR), particularly Carbapenemase-producing organisms and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci, is crucial for controlling their spread and preventing infections. This study evaluated the impact of PCR on turnaround time (TAT) for eXDR detection compared to culture methods under routine laboratory conditions, excluding night or weekend analyses. A prospective before-and-after study was conducted at a French university hospital. Phase 1 (culture) occurred from February to September 2022, while phase 2 (PCR) from September 2022 to March 2023. TAT was defined as the time from sample collection to result delivery to the infection control team and/or physician. Patients over 18 meeting specific screening criteria were included. Two PCR kits were utilized: the BD MAXTM Check-Points CPO kit and the VIASURE Vancomycin resistance Real Time PCR Detection Kit. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05200546). A total of 2049 and 1861 patients were included in phase 1 and 2, respectively. Sixteen patients tested eXDR positive for the first time in phase 1, and 25 in phase 2. The median TAT was significantly shorter in phase 2 22.7 [16.0-41.3] compared to phase 1 (43.5h [31.9-69.7]; p=0.001). A significant decrease in the median number of contacts patients was observed in phase 2 compared to phase 1. The number of total screening tests secondary cases and the hospitalization costs were comparable regardless of the eXDR detection method. ConclusionsRapid rectal screening using PCR significantly reduces TAT for results in low-endemic contexts without increasing costs.

Background/Objectives: Flavonoids have been extensively investigated as reducing and stabilizing agents in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. However, studies specifically employing pure naringin (NG) and naringenin (NGN) remain relatively scarce. Methods: In the present work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized under controlled laboratory conditions using NG and NGN as bioreductants, and critical parameters governing nanoparticle formation were optimized. The synthesized AgNPs were comprehensively characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The characterization analyses confirmed the successful formation of predominantly spherical AgNPs with average particle sizes of 17 nm (AgNG) and 20.4 nm (AgNGN). DLS analysis indicated zeta potentials of approximately −30 mV and PDIs of 0.45 (AgNG) and 0.29 (AgNGN), consistent with stable colloidal dispersions. Biological evaluations revealed that both AgNP systems exhibited notable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, cytogenetic assessment using the Allium cepa assay demonstrated concentration-dependent alterations in mitotic index and chromosomal integrity, indicating biological activity at cellular level. Conclusions: Collectively, these results underscore the potential of flavonoid-mediated synthesis as an eco-friendly and effective approach for generating stable, bioactive nanomaterials with promising biological applications.

Despite extensive studies on the physiological effects of salinity in cotton, the combined regulatory roles of phytohormones in modulating the plant antioxidant and pro-oxidant systems under salt stress remain poorly understood. The biochemical responses of cotton plant varieties with different salt tolerances were studied through the exogenous application of phytohormones. The study used cotton plants of Gossypium hirsutum L. species developed by classical cotton breeding (Gulistan and C-4727), two gene knockout cultivars (Porlok-1 and Porlok-4) and two cultivars developed through DNA marker-assisted introgression into local varities (Ravnak-1 and Ravnak-2). Based on the results obtained, the exogenous application of abscisic acid (ABA) was found to alleviate the negative effects of salinity in all varieties. Under laboratory conditions, in saline models with 1 % and 4 % NaCl (sodium chloride), significant biochemical indicators including antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as concentrations of endogenous ABA and proline were observed to increase respectively in Porlok-1, Porlok-4 and Gulistan cotton cultivars. The biochemical resistance of gene knockout cotton varieties such as Porlock varieties to abioticstresses has been confirmed by molecular studies. When these varieties were compared with unmodified cotton varieties, the modified lines exhibited higher antioxidant enzyme activity and greater synthesis of free proline, reducing sugars and phytohormones, indicating enhanced stress adaptation.

Childhood trauma is associated with positive subjective responses to acute opioids in the laboratory. Yet, its impact on behavioural economic demand for opioids remains unclear. Because demand can predict future use and misuse, we investigated whether individuals with childhood trauma also display greater demand for opioids in the laboratory. This secondary analysis used data from a double-blind, randomised, controlled, counterbalanced trial. Across two sessions, individuals with (n = 26) and without (n = 21) childhood trauma received a high (0.15mg/kg) and low (0.01mg/kg) dose of intramuscular morphine 120min before a hypothetical purchase task. Participants also regularly reported their subjective desire for the study drug. Area under the consumption and expenditure curves, and specific demand indices (Omax, Pmax, breakpoint, intensity, elasticity), were analysed with non-parametric mixed models. Consumption and expenditure for low dose morphine was lower in the childhood trauma group when compared to high dose morphine in this group, and low dose morphine in the control group (ps ≤ 0.03). Consistent results were obtained for specific demand indices Omax, Pmax, and breakpoint, but not intensity or elasticity. Positive correlations between subjective desire and consumption and expenditure were only observed in the childhood trauma group (Tau-c = 0.24-0.34, ps ≤ 0.03). Under laboratory conditions, desires to use opioids among individuals with childhood traumas may not manifest in strong intentions to acquire these drugs. Diverging results from psychometric measures of subjective and economic opioid value highlight the need for future research to explore contextual and resilience factors to understand how problematic opioid use emerges after childhood traumas.

In the construction of ultra-high voltage (UHV) transformation substations, mass concrete is highly susceptible to temperature-induced cracking due to thermal gradients arising from the disparity between internal hydration heat and external environmental conditions. Such cracks can severely compromise the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of foundations, making accurate temperature prediction and effective thermal control critical challenges in engineering practice. To address these challenges and enable real-time monitoring and dynamic regulation of temperature evolution, this study proposes a novel hybrid forecasting model named CPO-VMD-SSA-Transformer-GRU for predicting temperature behavior in mass concrete. First, sine wave simulations with varying sample sizes were conducted using three models: Transformer-GRU, VMD-Transformer-GRU, and CPO-VMD-SSA-Transformer-GRU. The results demonstrate that the proposed CPO-VMD-SSA-Transformer-GRU model achieves superior predictive accuracy and exhibits faster convergence toward theoretical values. Subsequently, four performance metrics were evaluated: Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Coefficient of Determination (R2). The model was then applied to predict temperature variations in mass concrete under laboratory conditions. For the univariate time series at Checkpoint 1, the evaluation metrics were MAE: 0.033736, MSE: 0.0018812, RMSE: 0.036127, and R2: 0.98832; at Checkpoint 2, the values were MAE: 0.016725, MSE: 0.00091304, RMSE: 0.019114, and R2: 0.96773. In addition, the proposed model was used to predict the temperature in the rising stage, indicating high reliability in capturing nonlinear and high-dimensional thermal dynamics in the whole construction process. Furthermore, the model was extended to multivariate time series to enhance its practical applicability in real-world concrete construction. At Checkpoint 1, the corresponding metrics were MAE: 0.56293, MSE: 0.34035, RMSE: 0.58339, and R2: 0.95414; at Checkpoint 2, they were MAE: 0.85052, MSE: 0.78779, RMSE: 0.88757, and R2: 0.91385. These results indicate significantly improved predictive performance compared to the univariate configuration, thereby further validating the accuracy, stability, and robustness of the multivariate CPO-VMD-SSA-Transformer-GRU framework. The model effectively captures complex temperature fluctuation patterns under dynamic environmental and operational conditions, enabling precise, reliable, and adaptive temperature forecasting. This comprehensive analysis establishes a robust methodological foundation for advanced temperature prediction and optimized thermal management strategies in real-world civil engineering applications.

Every car comprises thousands of parts, is expected to operate reliably for many years, and this reliability depends on the production process. Measuring production is complex and costly; measurement times often exceed part production time. Statistical Process Control (SPC) enables reliability monitoring rather than measuring entire parts, and the fundamental instruments for this method are 3D Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs). However, the CMMs’ requirement for a vibration-free floor necessitates that measurements be taken in specialized laboratory conditions, away from the production line. This requirement poses a significant challenge for manufacturers, who often require their own “control fixtures” (CFs) for their production lines. However, these CFs, custom-built for each mass-produced part, can be complex and relatively expensive. This article introduces operator-assisted automated part measurement near the production line using a cobot-mounted profile laser and simplified CFs fixtures. The system automatically performs measurement and data collection after the operator simply loads/unloads the part and scans the QR code. The proposed system, a hybrid of a CMM and a control fixture, is termed the Control Fixture Measuring Machine (CFMM). In this research article, the basic working principles of CFMM are explained, and as a “Gage,” its reliability and repeatability are evaluated through a Type 1 Gage Study. During the experiments, the prototype is placed near a machine tool. The results show that the measurements obtained with this new concept of checking control points on a simplified control fixture with a profile laser are satisfactory under shop floor conditions, aided by a simple Kalman filter.

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that causes the disease Q fever. Both secretion of effector proteins by a type IVB secretion system and expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are critical for C. burnetii virulence. The C. burnetii Nine Mile strain lineage is routinely used in laboratories, with Nine Mile I RSA493 (fully virulent) expressing phase I LPS, Nine Mile Crazy RSA514 (lightly attenuated) expressing intermediate LPS, and NMII RSA439 clone 4 (NMII, attenuated) expressing phase II LPS. NMII was exempted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Federal Select Agent Program due to a genetic deletion predicted to prevent phase I LPS synthesis; however, recent findings demonstrated that NMII LPS elongation occurs in vivo and in vitro. These findings raise concerns regarding the suitability of NMII for manipulation at biosafety level-2 (BSL-2) containment. Here, we evaluated a mutant strain lacking the gene responsible for LPS elongation (C. burnetii NMII Δcbu0533) as an alternative strain for BSL-2 containment studies. Growth of wild-type NMII and NMII Δcbu0533 in axenic media and macrophages was evaluated. Neither growth kinetics nor replication vacuole morphology significantly differed between strains. NMII Δcbu0533 also prevented staurosporine-induced cell death, indicating that the mutant strain maintains the capacity to alter cell signaling events similar to wild-type C. burnetii. Cumulatively, these data reveal that C. burnetii NMII Δcbu0533 is a suitable alternative to wild-type NMII in BSL-2 laboratory experiments that can be distributed to the field for use.IMPORTANCEAttenuated C. burnetii NMII RSA439 clone 4 (NMII) expresses truncated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and was long predicted to be unable to produce elongated LPS due to a large chromosomal deletion. As a result, this strain was exempted from the CDC Federal Select Agent Program's regulation and is commonly used under biosafety level-2 laboratory conditions. Recently, it was shown that C. burnetii NMII LPS can elongate due to a mutation reversion in cbu0533, resulting in increased virulence in guinea pigs. As a result, the previously exempted NMII strain is subject to regulation if the cbu0533 mutation reversion is present, posing concerns regarding laboratory use. Experiments described here provide a suitable alternative strain to address these concerns.

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by MDR Escherichia coli present a growing challenge in elderly patients, often leading to limited therapeutic options and poor clinical outcomes.1 Laboratory studies of E. coli resistance patterns can guide rational prescribing, but clinical decision-making must also account for patient-specific factors, comorbidities and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) principles.2,3 This study bridges laboratory findings on E. coli resistance with real-world clinical application in an elderly patient with MDR E. coli UTI.ObjectivesTo evaluate antibiotic susceptibility trends in E. coli using the agar plate method under controlled laboratory conditions and to apply these findings to a real-world clinical case of a 72-year-old female with MDR E. coli UTI, highlighting AMS-guided therapeutic decision-making.MethodsThe laboratory phase involved agar plate diffusion assays testing broad- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cefoxitin, erythromycin) against E. coli, with inhibition zones measured over four weeks to monitor susceptibility trends. In the clinical phase, we reviewed microbiology results from a 72-year-old female with symptomatic UTI, whose urine culture revealed E. coli (>100 000 cfu/mL) resistant to multiple β-lactams, fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins, but sensitive to sulfonamides, carbapenems, nitrofurantoin and tetracyclines.ResultsLaboratory findings demonstrated variability in E. coli susceptibility, with ampicillin showing reduced efficacy over time, cefoxitin maintaining stable activity and erythromycin demonstrating no activity. Clinical findings showed resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, piperacillin/tazobactam and most cephalosporins, with susceptibility retained to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, imipenem, meropenem, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, doxycycline and ertapenem. These results suggest a MDR strain likely producing ESBLs (Figure 1).ConclusionsIntegrating laboratory resistance surveillance with clinical case evaluation supports targeted antibiotic therapy in MDR E. coli UTIs, particularly in vulnerable elderly populations. For the presented patient, oral nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole could be appropriate first-line agents for lower UTI, with carbapenems reserved for complicated or systemic infections. Where a broad-spectrum agent is initiated empirically, timely de-escalation to the narrowest effective oral option based on culture results is essential to reduce selective pressure and minimize collateral damage to the microbiome. This combined approach emphasizes the importance of continuous local susceptibility monitoring, prompt review of microbiology results, prudent antimicrobial selection and adherence to AMS strategies (Figure 2)—including early de-escalation, shortest effective treatment duration and avoidance of unnecessary broad-spectrum use—to optimize patient outcomes, prevent recurrence and slow the progression of antimicrobial resistance.Figure 1.Antimicrobial resistance profile of Escherichia coli isolate from a 72-year-old patient, showing ESBL production and preserved carbapenem susceptibility. Figure 2.Proposed antimicrobial stewardship workflow for the rapid detection, review and protocol optimization in elderly UTI management.

The use of larvicides is a vital part of integrated vector control aimed at managing invasive Aedes mosquitoes. However, there is an urgent need for safe alternative control agents to replace chemical larvicides, as the effectiveness of these chemicals has been diminished by the emergence of resistance in Aedes populations. We evaluated the performance of granule, suspension, and wettable powder formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis serotype M-H-14 (Bioflash®) in the laboratory at concentrations of 17, 0.17, 0.0017, and 0.000017mg/L on Aedes aegypti in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, Iran, and determined the LC50 and LC99 values. Subsequently, we assessed the initial efficacy and residual activity of the wettable powder formulation under semi-field conditions. The results showed that both the wettable powder and suspension formulations achieved 100% mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae when tested in laboratory studies at the highest concentration. In contrast, the granule formulation only resulted in 49% mortality. During the semi-field phase, the wettable powder formulation demonstrated residual activity lasting 2 to 14 days. The results of this research could greatly assist in creating a comprehensive vector-borne disease control program, especially in tackling insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti in Iran.

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the performance of hybrid joints combining adhesive bonding and pretensioned bolts on steel substrates, taking into account imperfections. In an optimal laboratory setting involving clean steel surfaces and curing in accordance with the technical datasheets, hybrid joints bonded with Scotch-Weld 7240 (SW7240) achieved a load capacity of around 352 kN, whereas those bonded with SikaDur 370 (S370) reached approximately 394 kN. These results provide a basis for evaluating joint performance under various imperfect real-world conditions. The study also explores how surface preparation, exposure to saltwater and temperature variations impact joint performance. For bare steel surfaces treated under suboptimal conditions, joints exposed to saltwater and cleaned with a grinding fleece had a maximum load capacity of 320 kN with SW7240, while joints cleaned with a 50% isopropanol/demineralised water mixture had a maximum load capacity of 325 kN. This illustrates a slight reduction compared to ideal conditions. Curing temperature also influences joint performance. S370 joints on a galvanised surface, manufactured at 40°C, demonstrated an average load capacity of 272 kN – a significant improvement on the 143 kN observed for joints bonded at 5°C — indicating an increase in performance of over 89%. Furthermore, the results suggest that exposure to saltwater negatively affects the load-carrying capacity of joints, with a decrease of around 30% for S370 joints compared to reference samples bonded under optimal conditions. Notably, hot-dip galvanised surfaces exhibited consistent load capacities of approximately 259 kN for the SW7240 and 167 kN for the S370, demonstrating resilience against different surface preparation methods. These findings emphasise the importance of understanding how real-world conditions, such as surface imperfections, exposure to saltwater and temperature fluctuations, affect the reliability of adhesive bonding in structural applications. The study highlights the resilience of hybrid joints towards imperfections and reduces the need for strict industry standards regarding adhesive use and surface preparation in construction.

Background Advanced footwear technology (AFT) is reported to elicit an approximate 4% average improvement in running economy (RE). However, a large inter-individual variability remains unexplained, and limited research examined the impact of AFT during outdoor running. The aim was to compare the physiological, biomechanical and perceptual responses of 36 well-trained athletes to running outdoors using three different AFT and a traditional racing shoe. Methods Thirty-six well-trained athletes (19 males and 17 females) had their maximal aerobic capacity ( V ˙ O 2 max) and anaerobic threshold (AT) determined in laboratory conditions and were familiarised to the different shoe running conditions. Within 7 days, athletes ran 4 × 6 min running bouts, paced outdoors at 95% of their individual AT with 10 min recovery, in three different AFT conditions and a traditional flat. Oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 ), heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), lactate, shoe perception, and biomechanical responses were compared between the four running trials. Results No differences were observed in the RE between shoe conditions, with a great inter-individual variability (range: 12% impairment to 14% improvement in RE). This variability was accompanied by a significant V ˙ O 2 order effect across exercise bouts (bout 2 lower than one [-1.1 mL/kg/min, p = 0.002]; bout 3 lower than 2 [-0.8 mL/kg/min, p = 0.027]; no differences between bouts 3 and 4). This variability was likely due to methodological issues such as one squared-wave RE measurement per shoe condition or the lack of a mirrored experimental design, among others. There was no order effect in other physiological or biomechanical variables. No significant differences were found in lactate, heart rate or rate of perceived exertion between running trials. Biomechanical responses to the different shoe conditions were also highly variable. One of the advanced AFT shoes showed a greater strike angle (+2.07°; p = 0.001), with no other significant differences between shoes conditions. Conclusion The large variability in the physiological response to AFT may be explained by methodological considerations. A minimum of two-bout RE measurements, the use of a mirrored order, a sufficient familiarisation with shoes and experimental designs, among other considerations, seem crucial to enhance the ecological validity and reduce data variability.