Component Level Research Articles

Sound prediction of an electric car using numerical simulation and sound synthesis techniques

The automotive industry's transition to electrification raises new challenges to maintain a comfortable acoustics environment both inside and outside the car. This paper presents an innovative way to make an early prediction of the overall sound of a vehicle at driver's ear by mixing noise sources that can be simulated and noise sources measured at component level. This hybrid approach combining Test and Simulation data helps define acoustic and vibration specifications at component level and take decisions on design strategies. For instance, the mounting method of the Electric motor to the body can be decided using a combination of Electric motor numerical simulation and Rolling noise sound synthesis techniques. Realistic signals could be generated and compared with sound quality metrics to choose the best vibration isolation strategy.

A bottom-up numerical model for wheel-rail contact to predict rail-way noise emission

Pass-by noise emission models are often based on measurement databases, yielding engineering models that are fast enough to calculate noise maps or to do predictions based on existing infrastructure. However, these cannot predict the effect of innovative components, either in the track or in the rolling stock. Changing properties of a single component, e.g. damping of rail pads or the profile of a wheel, leads to a chain of coupled effects including the dynamics of the individual component, the contact force, the vibrational velocity, and finally the emitted noise. These intricate interactions can only be captured by detailed numerical models. We present a step-by-step implementation that allows to predict the effect of changes on the component level on the pass-by noise emission. The model includes the finite element calculation of the mobility of track and wheel separately, and uses these to derive the contact force from the combined roughness and train speed. Next, the vibration velocities of rails, sleepers, and wheels are used as input for a boundary element calculation of the noise emission. Pass-by measurement results validate the models, and show good agreement if wheel-rail contact noise is dominant and secondary sources can be ignored.

Sound quality characteristics of reciprocating hermetic refrigeration compressors

In recent years, sound quality (SQ) has become an increasingly important factor in the home appliance industry, enhancing the customer experience and comfort. Manufacturers that prioritize SQ in their designs can gain a competitive advantage in the market and increase customer satisfaction. The compressor is one of the main sources of noise in a refrigerator. While manufacturers typically provide refrigerator sound quality and noise labels, research that specifically evaluates the compressor sound quality metrics at a component level is not common. Therefore, this study aims to isolate the compressor from the refrigerator to investigate SQ metrics for hermetic refrigeration compressors. To achieve this, compressors with different capacities are operated and recorded at different working speeds for different thermal conditions. Objective parameters are calculated and tested using time domain signals and analyzed with spectral analysis methods. In addition to the objective parameters, subjective results are obtained through jury tests consisting of 75 people of different genders and age ranges. By considering objective parameters of sound quality as input and sound quality evaluation values as output, a regression model is established. It is found that Loudness, Sharpness, and Degree of Modulation play an important role in compressor sound quality evaluations consider.

Validation of a three-dimensional finite element constitutive modeling approach for a thermoplastic polyurethane calibrated with uniaxial tests

This paper presents the three-dimensional finite element constitutive modeling validation for a Thermoplastic Poly-Urethane (TPU) material. The material parameters are those given in a previous study obtained by calibrating the constitutive model with uniaxial material-level test results (1-D tensile and compression tests). Confined compression tests were performed to estimate the bulk modulus for more accurate material characterization. The parameters were validated by comparing the results of experimental tests on TPU components with those obtained by its equivalent finite element simulations. The TPU component tests comprised cyclic compression tests of (i) a TPU cylinder, (ii) a solid 100 mm diameter TPU ball, and (iii) a 100 mm diameter TPU ball with an 80 mm steel core. In all tests, the constitutive model parameters showed an excellent performance in representing the mechanical behavior of the material observed in the tests, including the nonlinear stiffness and hysteresis. Finally, a brief case study is presented to illustrate the applicability of the validated constitutive model parameters in modeling a novel TPU damper for structural control before its manufacturing and experimental testing. The validated constitutive modeling approach and available material parameters will allow the performance of reliable and early-stage finite element simulations to prototype the mechanical behavior of TPU components of different shapes and boundary conditions and thus gain relevant insight into the component level response before manufacturing and testing.

Hardware Testing Methodologies for Wide Bandgap High-Power Converters

Wide bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor devices are increasingly replacing silicon IGBTs in high-power and high-voltage power electronics applications. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding efficient testing methodologies for high-power and high-voltage converters under constrained laboratory resources. This paper addresses this gap by presenting comprehensive, hardware-focused testing methodologies for high-power and high-voltage WBG power semiconductor-based converter bring-up before the control validation phase steps in. The proposed methods enable thorough evaluation and validation of converter hardware, including device switching characteristics, driving circuit functionality, thermal management performance, insulation integrity, and sustained operation at full power. We utilized the double pulse test (DPT) to characterize switching performance in a two-level phase leg configuration, extract circuit parasitics, and validate magnetic components. The DPT was further applied to optimize gate driving circuits, validate overcurrent protection mechanisms, and measure device on-resistance. Additionally, a multicycle test was introduced to rapidly assess steady-state converter performance and estimate efficiency. Recognizing the critical role of thermal management in high-power converters, our methodologies extend to the experimental extraction of key thermal parameters—such as junction-to-ambient thermal resistance and thermal capacitance—via a heat loss injection method. A correlation method between temperature sensor measurements and junction temperature is presented to enhance the accuracy of device temperature monitoring during tests. To ensure reliability and safety, dielectric withstand tests and partial discharge measurements were conducted at both component and converter levels under conventional 60 Hz sinusoidal and high-frequency PWM waveforms. Finally, we highlight the importance of testing converters under full voltage, current, and thermal conditions through power circulating tests with minimal power consumption, applicable to both non-isolated and isolated high-power converters. Practical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of these hardware testing methodologies.

A novel approach to aeroengine performance diagnosis based on physical model coupling data-driven using low-rank multimodal fusion method

Aeroengine health assessment plays a pivotal role in ensuring flight safety and reliability. Traditionally, this process involves diagnosing the performance of the aeroengine gas path. However, owing to the intricacies of operating conditions, non-linear performance, and the interplay of gas path performance fault characteristics, determining the aeroengine health condition directly from engine monitoring information poses a significant challenge, particularly in cases of insufficient sensor data. To address these challenges, a novel digital twin method for aeroengine performance diagnosis has been proposed. This method integrates data-driven and performance models, employing a low-rank multimodal fusion approach. By digitizing the physical system or process through mathematical models and simulation technology, this approach presents distinct advantages compared to previous methods relying solely on models or data. At the aeroengine component level, an adaptive model was implemented, and the data-driven model was constructed using flight data. Gas path fault classification employed support vector machines. The engine digital twin was established through low-order multimodal fusion. Results indicate that the proposed method attains excellent diagnostic accuracy under both steady and transient conditions. It can be harnessed to enhance engine performance monitoring and evaluation, thereby improving the reliability, availability, and efficiency of the engine.

Identification of compounds from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS and comparative analysis of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties

The aim was to assess the phytochemical composition, phenolic component levels, and biological properties of the flowering tops of Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum. The study employed phytochemical assays, spectrophotometric techniques for quantitative analysis of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and compound identification using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties were examined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the O. compactum extract had significantly high levels of total polyphenols, measuring 47.368 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram, and flavonoids, measuring 14.839 mg quercetin equivalents per gram. The phytochemical examination of O. compactum revealed that lithospermic acid accounted for 36.82 % of the chemicals detected, followed by salvianolic acid C at 12.57 % and ros-marinic acid at 6.01 %. The main constituents of O. elongatum are salvianolic acid C (14.46 %), luteolin-3-O-glucuronide (13.51 %), salvianolic acid B (12.24 %), rosmarinic acid (7.83 %), and rutin (6.18 %). The results demonstrated different levels of effectiveness against the investigated microorganisms, with the extract from O. compactum exhibiting better activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, certain yeasts, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extracts of both Origanum species demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. O. compactum has a higher total antioxidant capacity (IC50 of 35.083 μg/mL) compared to O. elongatum (IC50 of 77.080 μg/mL). However, O. elongatum has a higher reducing power (35.697 μg/mL) compared to O. compactum (42.563 μg/mL). In vivo evaluations revealed that the aqueous extracts of O. compactum and O. elongatum possess significant antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant properties. The extracts demonstrated a marked reduction in blood glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Wistar rats and effectively prolonged both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), highlighting their ability to inhibit coagulation pathways. Moreover, their comparable efficacy to standard antihyperglycemic medications and absence of severe toxicity, even at high doses, underscore their therapeutic potential for safe and effective treatment applications. Between the two species, O. compactum exhibited superior efficacy in key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant properties, making it a strong candidate for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the value of Origanum species as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agri-food industries. The findings pave the way for further exploration of their diverse applications.

Integrated Small Intestine Microbiota and Serum Metabolomics Reveal the Potential Mechanisms of Wine Steaming in Alleviating Rhubarb-Induced Diarrhea.

Long-term use of rhubarb (RH) commonly leads to diarrhea, which can be alleviated by steaming with wine. However, the specific mechanism by which wine steaming alleviates RH-induced diarrhea remains unknown. This study aims to reveal the underlying mechanisms of wine steaming in alleviating RH-induced diarrhea by examining small intestinal flora and serum metabolomics. Major anthraquinone and anthrone components were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Eighty-four ICR mice were randomly divided into control, RH, and RH steamed with wine (PRH) groups and were administered RH and PRH (1, 4, and 8 g/kg, i.g). for 14 consecutive days. Histopathological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Levels of inflammatory factors and tight junction proteins, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, in the small intestine were measured. The small intestine content was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and UPLC-MS was used to analyze endogenous metabolites. Levels of major anthraquinone and anthrone components decreased in PRH. Both RH and PRH groups showed varying degrees of loose stools and increased fecal water rates; the RH group exhibited more severe effects. Compared with the control group, RH caused small intestine injuries, increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, downregulated the expression of ZO-1 and occludin, and induced gut microbiota (GM) imbalance. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus decreased, while the relative abundance of Shigella and Streptococcus increased. However, PRH had a milder impact than RH. The glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was involved in this effect. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and potential metabolites (sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) were positively correlated with Streptococcus infection, while the levels of ZO-1 and occludin were negatively correlated with Streptococcus infection. GM imbalance and abnormal glycerophospholipid metabolism contributed to impaired intestinal barrier function and inflammatory factor release, which may underlie RH-induced diarrhea, though PRH had a weaker effect. PRH alleviated RH-induced diarrhea by recovering GM balance, reducing ZO-1 and occludin expression, and decreasing the release of inflammatory factors. This mechanism may be linked to the reduced anthraquinone content. This study is the first to explore the mechanism of wine steaming in alleviating RH-induced diarrhea through small intestinal flora and serum metabolomics. It provides data to support the broader clinical use of RH and its safer application.

N6‑methyladenosine methyltransferase METTL14 is associated with macrophage polarization in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is largely caused by the inflammatory response triggered by macrophage polarization. Through epigenetic reprogramming, the inflammatory state of macrophages can be modified. Macrophage polarization is associated with the RNA epigenetic alteration N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation. However, the specific function and underlying mechanisms of m6A methylation in the role of macrophage polarization in RA remain to be elucidated. The mRNA expression levels of m6A methylase genes and signaling pathway components associated with RA macrophages were determined in the present study using reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Methyltransferase 14 (METTL14) protein expression levels were determined using western blot analysis, and the levels of specific cellular secretion factors were determined using ELISA and flow cytometry. The results of the present study demonstrated that elevated METTL14 expression was associated with joint tenderness, and METTL14 expression was positively correlated with both C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor expression levels. Moreover, METTL14 exhibited potential in the prediction of visual analogue scale. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and M1 macrophage markers (CD68+CD86+) were also positively associated with METTL14 expression. The results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that METTL14 was strongly associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. Notably, JNK and ERK2 exhibited a positive correlation with the M1 macrophage marker, CD68+CD86+, which was positively associated with the pro-inflammatory factor, TNF-α. JNK and ERK2 expression levels were markedly increased in the METTL14 high-expression group, compared with in the low-expression group; however, p38 and ERK1 expression levels were not significantly different between these groups. Collectively, the results of the present study demonstrated that METTL14 expression was significantly increased in the peripheral blood and synovial tissue of patients with RA, highlighting the potential association with both immunoinflammatory markers and clinical symptoms. In addition, it was suggested that METTL14 may exacerbate the downstream inflammatory response, through mediating macrophage polarization via the MAPK pathway.

Drying-induced metabolic changes in daylily: A comprehensive analysis of VOC profiles and antidepressant compounds

Daylilies are mellow-colored edible items with significant medicinal value. This study systematically evaluates the changes in the morphology and texture of daylily buds (DLB) dried by three different techniques (vacuum freeze-drying (FD), vacuum drying (VD), and hot-air drying (HD)). FD-DLB retain a more complete microstructure appearance with brighter colors and a better rehydration ability than VD-DLB or HD-DLB. According to the results of electronic-tongue and free amino acid content analyses of nutritional components, FD-DLB retain the freshness, taste, and nutritional value of DLB more than HD-DLB and VD-DLB. GC–IMS detected 28 differential metabolites; among them, the VD-DLB samples contain a relatively high content of 24 volatile components such as methyl hexanoate-D. LC–MS indicates that FD enables the retention of a high level of certain flavonoid components with strong antidepressant activity such as hyperoside, rutin, quercetin. The results of this study confirm that the FD method, which enables a better retention of nutritional and antidepressant active ingredients in DLB samples, exhibits promising potential for industrial application as a drying technology for the manufacture of DLB samples with dual-use value as medicine and food. Therefore, this study contributes significantly to guide future research on optimal methods for the treatment of functional foods.

First Comprehensive Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Bacterial Blight Resistance in Wild Punica granatum L. Populations from the North-Western Himalayas

Identifying and selecting disease-resistant sources from wild germplasm pools is pivotal due to their ecological benefits and cost-effectiveness. This study encompassed the survey and collection of wild pomegranate genotypes alongside commercial cultivars, followed by screening against native pathogens. Additionally, biochemical analyses were conducted to elucidate defense mechanisms in both resistant and susceptible genotypes. Cuttings from selected germplasm across four districts were obtained, grown for one year, and assessed for pathogenicity and biochemical responses. Microscopic and molecular analyses confirmed the pathogen as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap), identified by its distinctive morphology and a 1500 bp amplicon along with phylogeny analysis. Germplasm screening via detached and attached leaf assays identified genotypes with minimal disease severity, highlighting SH-14 and SH-16 as highly resistant in the attached leaf assay. Principal component analysis categorized genotypes based on disease parameters, with PC1 explaining approximately 75% of the variability. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering further grouped genotypes into ten clusters, emphasizing clusters IX and X for their significant resistance traits. Biochemical studies revealed that the resistant genotype SH-16 exhibited higher levels of constitutive defense components like chlorophyll and vitamin C, as well as induced defense components such as phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, compared to the susceptible cultivar Bhagwa. These findings underscore the critical roles of both constitutive and induced defense mechanisms in conferring pomegranate resistance to Xap. The study's comprehensive approach in evaluating genetic and biochemical resistance provides valuable insights for breeding disease-resistant pomegranate varieties, marking a significant advancement in exploring pomegranate wild relatives from the Himalayan region for their resistance to bacterial blight.

Features of the immune system and levels of blood transport components in residents of the arctic of the Russian Federation.

The peripheral venous blood of 191 residents of the Arctic of the Russian Federation (Murmansk Oblast) aged 21-55 analyzed comprehensively. Blood was sampled from the ulnar vein on an empty stomach in the morning. The hemogram, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, lymphocyte content with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD10, CD19, CD16, CD71, CD25, HLA-DR and CD95 phenotypes, concentrations of cytokines: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, extracellular receptor pool: sCD71, sCD62L, sApo-1/Fas, sFasL, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and blood transport components: haptoglobin (Hp), transferrin, IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE (immunoglobulins M, G, A and E) low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were evaluated. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative, factorial, and regression analyses. Residents of the Murmansk Oblast exhibit a high prevalence of erythrocytosis (62.3%), thrombocytosis (25.0%), leukocytosis (20.1%), and increased hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations (42.5%), coupled with a significantly decreased level of active phagocytes (47.6%). A significantly decreased level of lymphocytes with phenotypes CD3 (92.4%), CD4 (40.4%), CD71 (62.3%) was revealed, coupled with the activation of lymphocytes with phenotypes CD16 (50.1%), CD8 (37.5%), CD19 (15.9%) and increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory IFN-γ (47.9%), IL-6 (33.3%), and TNF-α (20.1%). Elevated levels of sCD71 (56.6%), sCD62L (32.1%), sApo-1/Fas (22.1%), sFasL (10.2%), and autoantibodies to double-stranded DNA (57.1%), RNA (10.4%), and oLDL (oxidized-modified LDL) (16.3%) were recorded in residents of the Murmansk Oblast. Arctic residents showed elevated concentrations of Hp (63.3%), IgM (63.9%), IgA (42.4%), IgE (18.8%), LDL (24.9%), and a decreased level of HDL (21.1%) owing to an ApoA-I ligand deficiency (58.1%). Elevated levels of Hp in the blood are associated with increased erythrocyte aggregation frequency, T-lymphocyte activation, and increased concentration of free receptors of the extracellular pool. Increased IgM and IgA levels in the blood are attributed to the need to bind components of the extracellular receptor pool sCD71, sCD62L, sApo-1/Fas, sFasL and are associated with decreased levels lymphocyte with CD8 and CD16 phenotypes. The humoral immune response in Arctic residents is triggered when the cellular component of immunity is under strain which compounded by ineffective clearance of metabolic byproducts owing to imbalanced LDL and HDL lipid transport complexes. The immune system of Arctic residents is characterized by excessive cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes and increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, free forms of receptors of the extracellular pool, and autoantibodies. The change in the content of transport components of the blood system is directed at maintaining homeostasis by exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties.

Variability of the chemical composition of Dendrocalamus giganteus in relation to growth stage

Bamboo is a renewable bioresource with extensive applications, from construction to textiles, and is essential for bioenergy and eco-friendly practices. Despite its potential use in biorefineries, the utilization of abundant species like Dendrocalamus giganteus is hindered by a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding its chemical composition at various growth stages. In this study, we addressed this gap by quantifying the holocellulose, lignin and extractive contents of D. giganteus from the tropical forests of Bangladesh. We examined the composition across different ages and heights, assessing the solubility of holocellulose, lignin and extractive contents, with a view to enhance the use of D. giganteus in biorefinery industries. We analyzed chemical composition and assessed the solubility using both hot and cold water, as well as conducting 1 % NaOH (caustic soda) solubility tests following the TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) standards. The holocellulose, lignin, and extractive content increased with the increase age of the bamboo. These components also increased with increasing height, regardless of age. The solubility in water and NaOH, on the other hand, decreased with the increasing age and height positions. The top of 4-year-old bamboo exhibited the highest levels of holocellulose (70.2 %), lignin (29.7 %), and extractive components (6.9 %), but the lowest solubilities in hot water (6.18 %), cold water (3.58 %) and caustic soda (22.48 %). These findings suggest that D. giganteus has potential applications in specific industries, such as pulp and paper, nanocellulose, bioethanol, biochemicals and bio-based composites.

AGO2 protein: a key enzyme in the miRNA pathway as a novel biomarker in adrenocortical carcinoma.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy characterised by diagnostic challenges, high recurrence rates, and poor prognosis. This study explored the role microRNA (miRNA) processing genes in ACC, and their potential role as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. We analysed the mRNA expression levels of miRNA machinery components (DROSHA, DGCR8, XPO5, RAN, DICER, TARBP2 and AGO2) utilising mRNA-Seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) projects. Additionally, protein levels were quantified in tissue samples from the Kolling Institute of Medical Research's tumour bank. Our results demonstrated that among all miRNA processing components, AGO2 exhibited significant overexpression in ACC compared to the normal adrenal cortex (NAC) and benign adrenal adenoma (AA) (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that higher AGO2 expression correlated with significantly worse overall survival in ACC patients (HR 7.07, p < 0.001). Among 32 cancer types in TCGA, the prognostic significance of AGO2 was most prominent in ACC. This study is the first to report AGO2's potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ACC, emphasising its significance in ACC pathogenesis and potential application as a non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarker.

Visualization and characterization of complement activation in acetylcholine receptor antibody seropositive myasthenia gravis.

There are no blood biomarkers to monitor treatment effects in myasthenia gravis (MG) or studies visualizing the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-induced membrane attack complex (MAC) at the human muscle membrane. This study aimed to compare levels of complement activation products and native complement components in MG patients and healthy controls (HCs) and to model the AChR antibody-mediated attacks in human muscle cells. We assessed the complement components and activation product levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and magnetic bead-based sandwich assays in plasma and sera of 23 MG patients and matched HCs. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy. Complement levels were correlated with the myasthenia gravis composite (MGC) scores. AChR+ MG modeling in human muscle cells used sera from nine MG patients and three HCs. MG patients had significantly higher plasma levels of C3a (p < .0001), C5 (p = .0003), and soluble C5b-9 (sC5b-9; p < .0001) than HCs. The ROC curve analysis showed a clear separation between MG patients and HCs for plasma C3a (AUC = 0.9720; p < .0001) and sC5b-9 (AUC = 0.8917, p < .0001). MG patients had higher levels of plasma complement Factor I (FI; p = .0002) and lower properdin levels (p < .0001). The MGC had moderate correlations with plasma Factor B (FB), FI, and Factor H. AChR+ MG patient sera triggered the deposition of MAC and reduced AChRs. We suggest validating plasma C3a and sC5b-9 as blood biomarkers for complement activation in MG. Further, the in vitro study allowed visualization of MAC deposition after applying AChR+ MG sera on human muscle cells.

Longitudinal Assessment of Retinopathy of Prematurity (LONGROP) Study: Impacts of Viewing Time and Ability to Compare on Detection of Change

This study compared two imaging grading techiques to assess the utility of longitudinal image-based analysis in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening: 1) time-limited without image comparison (a proxy for bedside indirect ophthalmoscopy, termed sBIO) and time-unlimited with image comparison (for telemedicine grading, termed TELE) screening. We tested two hypotheses: 1) H1: TELE was superior to sBIO for the detection of change (Tempo)-same, better, or worse-and, 2) H2: granular data of change (e.g. at the image and feature level) is integrated by graders to achieve the Tempo assessment. Prospective reliability analysis. Gold standard reference (GS) was a published curated ROP image database consisting of both Tempo and granular level changes (image and components) from 40 patients in 2 sets. Graders were divided into 2 cohorts. There were two screening techniques-1) sBIO with time limited review of 10 minutes/patient, access to prior notes and drawings and 2) TELE with unlimited review time, access to prior weeks' images, notes and schematics. Graders switched techniques and sets after 6 weeks. H1 outcome was comparison of graders' weekly Tempo scores to GS-Gestalt and for H2 was Tempo score compared to GS-View and GS-Component. H1 demonstrated no difference-accuracy of sBIO and TELE compared to GS was 51.7% and 51.9% respectively (p=0.95). Highest agreement occurred when all exams exhibited no change (91.5% sBIO vs. 93.5% TELE, p=0.46) and worst agreement was when exams always demonstrated worsening (46.5% sBIO vs. 47.1% TELE, p=0.93). Both sets of graders did worse in weeks 7-12, irrespective of technique. H2 demonstrated that Tempo assessment did not correlate with granular data changes in the GS for View level and Component level assessments-overall agreement dropped to 31.4% for Tempo vs GS-VIEW (31.2% for sBIO, 31.5% for TELE) and 4.6% for Tempo vs GS-COMPONENT (4.9% for sBIO, 4.3% for TELE). Detection of ROP Tempo was independent of screening technique by expert pediatric retina graders. Both groups did significantly better in the first half of the study, indicative of a fatigue factor. This is the first study in ROP history to demonstrate that graders integrate image and retinal features in various ways that can be in contradiction of their assessment of overall disease progression.

Impact of Feeding Artemia franciscana Enriched with Various Oil Resources on Growth, Blood Biochemical and Behavioral Indices, and Survival of Oreochromis Niloticus

Abstract The main objective of the present trial was to examine the efficacy of feeding tilapia fry fish on Artemia franciscana diets supplemented with various oil emulsion resources in terms of performance, behavior indices, survival rate, blood biochemical parameters, and immunological response. Four hundred Nile tilapia fry (weighing 0.15±0.05 g and measuring 2.17±0.08 cm) were randomly allocated into four equal groups (each with five repetitions) and acclimatized for fifteen days. The first group served as the control and received unenriched Artemia franciscana (G0), while the remaining three groups were fed Artemia franciscana diets enriched with different oil resources (0.5 mL oil per liter for 6 hours): soybean oil (G1), sesame oil (G2), and rice bran oil (G3). Behavioral observations were recorded during the 45-day experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fingerlings were analyzed. Furthermore, the growth performance, survival, and immune response of the fingerlings were evaluated. The results indicated noticeable improvements in behavioral measurements (feeding, foraging and schooling), performance (final length, final weight, net weight gain, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate), survival, and immune response among fry fish supplemented with enriched Artemia, particularly those enriched with soybean oil. Additionally, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fish fry were significantly enhanced when oil emulsions are applied, with soybean oil demonstrating the most prominent improvements. Whereas, supplementing fry fish Artemia diets with oil resulted in lower liver enzyme activity and higher protein component levels in plasma in comparison to the control group. In brief, feeding Nile tilapia fry fish Artemia diets enriched with a soybean oil emulsion (0.5 mL/L) is recommended for promoting high performance, immunological activity, and survival throughout the early stage till fingerlings phase.

How to combine different types of prefabricated components in a building to reduce construction costs and carbon emissions?

In the context of industrialized construction and carbon emission reduction globally, prefabrication has gained considerable attention. However, most studies cared the carbon emissions and construction costs from the perspective of a whole prefabricated building rather than the prefabricated components. It makes it difficult to understand the role of prefabricated components play and make improvements from the prefabricated components level. To fill this gap, this study proposes a model to optimize the selection and combination of prefabricated components in a building project to simultaneously reduce the construction costs and carbon emissions. Six common component types were considered: shear wall, beam, floor slab, stair, balcony, and air-conditioning slab. Their costs and carbon emissions were quantified when adopting prefabrication and cast-in-situ technologies. To obtain the optimal solution, we developed an improved multi-objective mayfly algorithm (IMOMA), which incorporates enhanced circle chaos mapping and a global best guiding strategy to generate Pareto solution sets. The performance of IMOMA was evaluated using the Zitzler-Deb-Thiele series test functions, demonstrating its advantages in convergence, diversity, and comprehensive performance through metrics such as generation distance, diversity metric Δ, and inverse generational distance. A case study validated the effectiveness of this proposed method, demonstrating an average reduction of 9.05% in total construction costs and 8.04% in carbon emissions when compared to the initial scheme. Further study revealed that different prefabrication rates correspond to different optimal components combination schemes, with different trends in the costs and carbon emission curves as the prefabrication rate increases. Additionally, carbon trading policies influence the components combination, with construction costs reduced by 10.88% at a carbon trading price of 42.80 CNY/t CO2eq. This study provides valuable guidance for general contractors to design optimal component combinations and for governments to promote the sustainable development of prefabricated construction.

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in blood and radon concentrations in urine samples of workers at selected building material factories in Erbil, Iraq

ABSTRACT A total of 90 blood and urine samples were assessed to evaluate the health risks associated with radon and heavy metals in the Erbil Governorate. The worker group from the building materials manufacturers provided 70 samples, while an additional 20 samples were obtained from a control group. X-ray fluorescence technology was employed to measure and analyse the heavy metal content in the collected blood samples, while radon levels in the urine samples were analysed using a CR-39 detector. The findings indicate that the working group exhibits greater levels of radon and heavy components (Pb, Cd, and Ni) compared to the control group. The statistical analysis revealed that the levels of radon in urine samples of workers were significantly different (p ≤ 0.001) in certain factories, such as the cement plant, lightweight block, and red brick factories, compared to the control group. However, the levels were not statistically significant in other factories. The test showed significant differences in Pb concentrations between the employed and control groups (p < 0.05), with higher average values of Cd and Ni, but not statistically significant (P ˃ 0.05). The study found a positive correlation between the duration of employment and the average concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Ni) in workers’ blood samples. Additionally, smokers and non-smokers had significantly different mean heavy element levels in their blood samples (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant correlation between smoking status and radon levels (P ˃ 0.05). Remarkably, each urine sample had radon levels below the 200 Bq/m3 International Atomic Energy Agency standard, suggesting that urine is impurity-free. These results are critical and serve as baseline data in the Kurdistan region.

Characterizing the Contribution of Strain Specificity to the Microbiota Structure and Metabolites of Muqu and Fresh High-Temperature Daqu

In this study, the differences in physicochemical properties, microbial community structure, and metabolic characteristics between various fortified Muqu and their corresponding high-temperature Daqu (HTD) were investigated using multiphase detection methods. The results demonstrated that the physicochemical properties, community structure, dominant bacterial composition, and metabolic components varied significantly among the different types of fortified HTD. The differences between HTDs became more pronounced when fortified HTD was used as Muqu. Compared to HTD, Muqu exhibited a more complex volatile profile, while HTD contained higher levels of characteristic non-volatile components. The cultivable bacteria count in Muqu was significantly higher than that in HTD, while the cultivable fungi count was slightly lower than that in HTD. The fungal profiles in HTD were primarily associated with starch hydrolysis and ethanol synthesis, while bacterial activity was more prominent in Muqu. Additionally, pyrazine synthesis was mainly attributed to fungi in Muqu and bacteria in HTD. Source Tracker analysis indicated that 8.11% of the bacteria and 26.76% of the fungi originated from Muqu. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the controlled production of HTD, contributing to improvements in its quality and consistency.