Load Levels Research Articles

Effect of Hybrid Nanofillers on the Mechanical Characteristics of Polymethyl Methacrylate Denture Base Composite

The research study focused on enhancing the mechanical characteristics of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture bases. PMMA is commonly used in dentistry due to its easy fabrication, cost-effectiveness, and favourable physical properties. However, its limitations include low wear resistance, hardness, and mechanical strength, making it less suitable for long-term dental applications. To address these limitations, the study employed a combination of hybrid nano-fillers, specifically HNTs (halloysite nanotubes) and MWCNTs (multi-walled carbon nanotubes), at varying loading levels to improve the mechanical characteristics of the PMMA composite. These nano-fillers underwent treatment by using a coupling agent to enhance their compatibility with PMMA. Key findings of the research include that introducing HNTs/MWCNTs into the PMMA matrix led to a substantial increase in flexural strength, with a significant improvement of 109.1 MPa compared to unfilled PMMA. This indicates that the composite material became more resistant to bending or deformation. There was a substantial rise in flexural modulus values, suggesting improved stiffness in the nanocomposite compared to unfilled PMMA. In addition, the tensile strength of the PMMA composite increased by 64.4 MPa with the addition of the hybrid nano-fillers, indicating enhanced resistance to stretching or pulling forces. The study found that the improvement in flexural and tensile strength was dependent on the concentration of MWCNTs. Increasing the MWCNT concentration up to 0.75 wt.% led to improved mechanical properties, but further increases resulted in a reduction in PMMA properties. Although there was a modest improvement in Vickers hardness (approximately 18.93 kg/mm<sup>2</sup>), the addition of HNTs/MWCNTs as hybrid nano-fillers effectively enhanced the properties of the PMMA nanocomposite. The study concludes that incorporating hybrid nano-fillers into PMMA could contribute to the longevity and durability of dental composites, addressing some of the material's inherent limitations. The specific combination and concentration of nano-fillers played a crucial role in determining the mechanical properties of the resulting nanocomposite.

Identification of New Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Potentially Related to Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection Susceptibility in Goats Based on Data Selected from High-Throughput Sequencing.

Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections are spread in the flocks of sheep and goats all over the world, causing economic loss. Although only a fraction of infected animals develop disease symptoms, all of them may shed the virus, causing uncontrolled spread of the infection. Antibodies against the virus can be detected in the blood of infected animals and are the main marker of infection. Additionally, in most infected animals, proviral DNA can also be detected, but at different levels. Due to the lack of treatment or vaccines, the most effective strategy to prevent SRLV infections are control programmes introduced by several countries based on the elimination of seropositive individuals from the flock. An alternative approach, which has currently become the rationale, is an identification of host factors which may predispose certain individuals or breeds to resistance or susceptibility to small ruminant lentivirus infection. In our work, attention was paid to goats of the Carpathian breed infected with SRLV. Available RNA-seq results from the blood of 12 goats with a determined level of SRLV proviral load were used to analyse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by the variant calling method. Six SNPs within five genes (POU2AF1, BCAT2, TMEM154, PARP14, UBASH3A) were selected for genotyping to determine their association with the level of small ruminant lentivirus proviral DNA in a group of 60 goats. Interestingly, in seronegative individuals, only the TT genotype of the PARP14 gene was observed, while the TMEM154 CC genotype was found only in seropositive goats. Both genes may be considered potential markers for resistance/susceptibility to SRLV infection. In contrast, polymorphisms identified in POU2AF1 and UBASH3A genes seemed to be deleterious for respective protein functions; therefore, these genes are less likely to be recognised as resistance/susceptibility markers of SRLV infection.

Physical-chemical and nutritional parameters of liquid porcine effluent from a biodigester supplemented with a lagoon system.

Objetive. Determining the concentration of physical-chemical and nutritional parameters of the wastewater derived from a biodigester complemented with lagoon train. Metodology. A study was carried out in the CEAJAL livestock production module, 12 gestating sows, fresh solid excreta was collected manually (shovel and wheelbarrow), the lagoon-type biodigester was fed daily with two levels of organic load (CO), CO5% and CO15%. The biogas and wastewater were evaluated in four periods of 40 days each. The Influent washing water (INF) entered the biodigester, then the liquid effluent (EFL) was subjected to complementary treatment of EFL stabilization pits, Pit 2, Pit 3 and Pit 4, determining physical-chemical parameters such as TSS, pH, CTE and COD, and nutritional parameters such as NT and FT. The data were analyzed using descriptive and differential statistics. Results. The methane content in the biogas was 59.8%; CO5% and 60.2%; CO15% (p>0.05). The physical-chemical parameters of INF such as SST ml/L was 67.4; CO5% and 81.3; CO15%. EFL was 23.2 and 48.0, respectively, in COD ml/L of INF was 738.7; CO5% and 1807.7; CO15%. EFL was 1444.2 and 2522.5, respectively, in NT ml/L of INF was 128.3; CO5% and 111.9; CO15%. EFL was 436.9 and 554.6, respectively. Conclusions. Despite a lower CO, methane production is in the normal range and the physical-chemical and nutritional parameters of the wastewater as it passes into stabilization lagoons can be taken as a reference to determine the CO that should enter to the biodigester with the purpose of providing complementary treatment of the wastewater generated in pig farms.

Digital eye strain symptoms worsen during prolonged digital tasks, associated with a reduction in productivity

PurposeIt is often stated that digital eye strain can impact productivity and/or work accuracy, but the relationship between symptoms, productivity, and work accuracy has been unclear. Hence this study tracked the development of visuo-ocular symptoms during prolonged digital tasks and to explore the impact of higher and lower cognitive load levels on visuo-ocular symptoms, productivity, and work accuracy. MethodsThirty-five participants (23.2 ± 4.0 years) who had digital eye strain (diagnosed with the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire) undertook an uninterrupted laptop adapted Eriksen Flanker task for 60 min on two separate days, once with a high cognitive load in randomised sequence. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and every 10 min throughout the task. ResultsAll visuo-ocular symptom scores significantly worsened (F = 87.783, p < 0.001) with time, with the symptom severity increasing faster with the higher cognitive load (F = 7.110, p < 0.001). The mean total number of tasks completed was greater for the lower (1060.8 ± 296.5) than the higher (532.2 ± 123.4) cognitive load tasks (F = 138.830, p < 0.001), reducing with time (F = 7.339, p < 0.001), but in a similar way for both cognitive loads (F = 1.795, p = 0.154). Task accuracy was not affected by the cognitive load of the task (F = 1.729, p = 0.197) and was consistent over time (F = 1.885, p = 0.135). ConclusionsSymptoms increased with task duration in individuals with digital eye strain, with a faster rate for more demanding tasks. This was associated with a decrease in the task completion rate (productivity), but not the work accuracy.

Experimental study on the residual strength of butt adhesive joints subjected to systematic creep damage

AbstractUsing adhesively bonded joints is an effective strategy for achieving lightweight designs. However, understanding the long‐term performance of these bonded joints remains a critical concern. Creep is a time‐dependent phenomenon induced by sustained mechanical loads, which can lead to viscous strain in adhesive materials. This strain has the potential to cause cracking in bonded structures over time. This study aims to investigate the creep and post‐creep behaviors of adhesively bonded aluminum joints, focusing on two crucial parameters: creep load level and creep duration. Butt adhesive joint (BAJ) specimens were fabricated and exposed to varying creep loads and times. Subsequently, quasi‐static tensile tests were conducted to assess the residual mechanical properties. The results indicated that higher creep loads resulted in increased creep deformations at constant creep durations. Furthermore, a downward trend was observed in the residual tensile mechanical properties of BAJ specimens following creep. Specifically, higher creep load levels and longer times led to more pronounced reductions in joint strength, strain, and stiffness. These reductions in joint mechanical properties were corroborated through joint fracture surface analysis. Additionally, mathematical models were developed using response surface methodology (RSM) to predict the experimental joint residual mechanical properties under different creep loads and times.Highlights Investigation of creep and post‐creep behaviors in adhesive joints. Higher creep load levels result in greater joint permanent deformations. Impact of higher creep load levels and durations on joint failure strength. Decreasing in the joint deformability and stiffness after creep.

The Effect of the Loading Frequency on the Dynamic Bending Strength of Spruce Wood.

Wood is increasingly being used in construction as an alternative to steel and concrete. As wood is an inhomogeneous material, this has a strong effect on its static and dynamic properties. When timber is used as a load-bearing component, there is a possibility that it will be exposed to unfavourable weather conditions (wind) or dynamic environments (vibrations), leading to fatigue of the material. In this article, the effects of load frequency and load magnitude on the durability of Norway spruce wood (Picea abies) were investigated. The frequencies of 5 and 10 Hz were compared at three load levels of 70%, 80% and 90% of the static breaking force. The research results show that the load magnitude has a major influence on the dynamic strength at the same fatigue frequency. Each increase in load means a lower dynamic strength of the spruce, which is reflected in the load cycles achieved. In addition, the dynamic properties of spruce wood deteriorate with an increasing loading frequency, which is more pronounced at higher loading forces. These test results are the basis for determining the Wöhler curve, which is required as input data for the material properties in numerical calculations to determine the durability of the material.

Microbial load of facilities for keeping pigs of different production groups

The study analyzed the microbial load of objects in the facilities where pigs of different production groups were kept at the final stage of production cycles, immediately before disinfection measures. The study found that the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (MAFAnM) in the swabs from the surfaces of the studied objects varied from 5.00 to 6.88 log CFU/cm³. The lowest quantity of bacteria was found on drinkers and feeders, while the highest quantity was on the facilities’ floor. The average level of microbial load in the facilities for keeping sows, farrowing, and growing piglets ranged from 5.91 to 6.07 log CFU/cm³. The highest values were observed for the study of swabs taken in the piglet-rearing facility. The proportion of field isolates of the rod, cocci, and spiral shapes of microorganisms in the rearing facility was 62.1%, 28.8%, and 9.1%, respectively, in the farrowing facility — 63.9%, 29.2%, and 6.9%, and in the sow housing facility — 66.2%, 26%, and 7.8%. Escherichia coli was dominant in the rearing facility — 13.9% of isolates, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, and Campylobacter jejuni — 9.7% each, and Citrobacter freundii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium — 8.3% each. In farrowing facilities, the proportion of E. coli isolates was 16.6%. 7.5% fewer isolates belonged to B. subtilis, Streptococcus salivarius, and C. jejuni, and 9% fewer isolates belonged to Klebsiella pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, E. faecalis, and E. faecium. In the sow housing facility, the proportion of E. coli isolates was 12.9%, the number of P. mirabilis isolates was 1.2% less, and C. freundii was 3.8% less

Disparities in the Levels of Whole-Blood Epstein-Barr Virus between the Cancer and Non-Cancer Populations in Zhejiang, China

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in patients with and without cancer. MethodsA total of 26,648 participants who underwent whole-blood EBV DNA (WBEBV) assays between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023, were included. The chi-square test was used for categorical data analysis, and R software was used to analyze the differences in EBV DNA load levels and the diagnostic capabilities of WBEBV. ResultsPositive rates were 10.2% and 25.4% for healthy controls (HC) and patients, respectively. The positivity rate for EBV-associated neoplasms (EN) was the highest at 7.53%, followed by leukemia (Le) at 5.49%. The subgroup analysis showed that the positivity rate for abnormal proliferation or hyperplasia (APH) was 31.9%, followed by 30.5% for Le. The WBEBV of patients with transplants (TP), especially living-related transplants (LT), was the highest among all subgroups. WBEBV at diagnosis was used to differentiate between infectious mononucleosis (IM) and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV), with a sensitivity of 67.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.6–75.8) and specificity of 72% (95% CI: 63.3–79.3). We conclude that the prevalence of EBV infection is low in the healthy population in this region and that a high EBV load at baseline is more common in LT, IM, and Lymphocyte Leukemia (LL). ConclusionThis study used a large-sample survey to characterize the prevalence of whole-blood EBV levels in various diseases, including the stages and subtypes. The EBV detection rate was higher in patients with malignant disease than in those with benign disease. Our study provides clinicians with baseline information regarding EBV-associated diseases.

Which ERP components are effective in measuring cognitive load in multimedia learning? A meta-analysis based on relevant studies.

The open and generative nature of multimedia learning environments tends to cause cognitive overload in learners, and cognitive load is difficult for researchers to observe objectively because of its implicit and complex nature. Event-related potentials (ERP), a method of studying potential changes associated with specific events or stimuli by recording the electroencephalogram (EEG), has become an important method of measuring cognitive load in cognitive psychology. Although many studies have relied on ERP output measurements to compare different levels of cognitive load in multimedia learning, the results of the effect of cognitive load on ERP have been inconsistent. In this study, we used a meta-analysis of evidence-based research to quantitatively analyze 17 experimental studies to quantitatively evaluate which ERP component (amplitude) is most sensitive to cognitive load. Forty five effect sizes from 26 studies involving 360 participants were calculated. (1) The results of the studies analyzed in subgroups indicated high level effect sizes for P300 and P200 (2) Analyses of moderating variables for signal acquisition did not find that different methods of signal acquisition had a significant effect on the measurement of cognitive load (3) Analyses of moderating variables for task design found that a task system with feedback was more convenient for the measurement of cognitive load, and that designing for 3 levels of cognitive load was more convenient for the measurement of cognitive load than for 2 levels of cognitive load. (4) Analyses of continuous moderating variables for subject characteristics did not find significant effects of age, gender, or sample size on the results.

Association of in vivo retention of [18f] flortaucipir pet with tau neuropathology in corresponding brain regions

[18F]Flortaucipir is an FDA-approved tau-PET tracer that is increasingly utilized in clinical settings for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Still, a large-scale comparison of the in vivo PET uptake to quantitative post-mortem tau pathology and to other co-pathologies is lacking. Here, we examined the correlation between in vivo [18F]flortaucipir PET uptake and quantitative post-mortem tau pathology in corresponding brain regions from the AVID A16 end-of-life study (n = 63). All participants underwent [18F]flortaucipir PET scans prior to death, followed by a detailed post-mortem neuropathological examination using AT8 (tau) immunohistochemistry. Correlations between [18F]flortaucipir standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) and AT8 immunohistochemistry were assessed across 18 regions-of-interest (ROIs). To assess [18F]flortaucipir specificity and level of detection for tau pathology, correlations between [18F]flortaucipir SUVR and neuritic plaque score and TDP-43 stage were also computed and retention was further assessed in individuals with possible primary age-related tauopathy (PART), defined as Thal phase ≤ 2 and Braak stage I–IV. We found modest-to-strong correlations between in vivo [18F]flortaucipir SUVR and post-mortem tau pathology density in corresponding brain regions in all neocortical regions analyzed (rho-range = 0.61–0.79, p < 0.0001 for all). The detection threshold of [18F]flortaucipir PET was determined to be 0.85% of surface area affected by tau pathology in a temporal meta-ROI, and 0.15% in a larger cortical meta-ROI. No significant associations were found between [18F]flortaucipir SUVRs and post-mortem tau pathology in individuals with possible PART. Further, there was no correlation observed between [18F]flortaucipir and level of amyloid-β neuritic plaque load (rho-range = – 0.16–0.12; p = 0.48–0.61) or TDP-43 stage (rho-range = – 0.10 to – 0.30; p = 0.18–0.65). In conclusion, our in vivo vs post-mortem study shows that the in vivo [18F]flortaucipir PET signal primarily reflects tau pathology, also at relatively low densities of tau proteinopathy, and does not bind substantially to tau neurites in neuritic plaques or in individuals with PART.

The Ultimate Fate of Reactive Dyes Absorbed onto Polymer Beads: Feasibility and Optimization of Sorbent Bio-Regeneration under Alternated Anaerobic–Aerobic Phases

Dyes employed in many production cycles are characterized by high toxicity and persistence in the environment, and conventional wastewater treatments often fail to reach high removal efficiencies. Consequently, there is an increasing research demand aimed at the development of more efficient and sustainable technologies. A two-step strategy consisting of dye sorption followed by sorbent bio-regeneration is proposed here, with a special focus on the regeneration step. The objective of this study was to establish the best operating conditions to achieve regeneration of dye-loaded polymers and concurrently the ultimate removal of the dyes. To this aim, the bio-regeneration of the Hytrel 8206 polymer, used as a sorbent material to remove Remazol Red dye from textile wastewater, was investigated in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor (TPPB) under alternated anaerobic–aerobic conditions. Comprehensive analysis of operational parameters, including sorbent load and initial contamination levels, was conducted to optimize bio-regeneration efficiency. Experimental data demonstrated high regeneration efficiencies (91–98%) with biodegradation efficiencies up to 89%. This study also examines the biodegradation process to investigate the fate of biodegradation intermediates; results confirmed the successful degradation of the dye without significant by-product accumulation. This research underscores the potential of TPPB-based bio-regeneration of polymeric sorbent material for sustainable wastewater treatment, offering a promising solution to the global challenge of dye pollution in water resources.

Experimental study and statistical analysis of system performance parameters of a household freezer

The present research comprehensively examines the influences of different input variables, such as cabinet load level, ambient temperature, relative humidity, door opening time and day, on the output parameters of frosting amount, recovery time, and total energy consumption of the upright domestic freezer following the door opening operation. Moreover, a holistic statistical methodology, which is known as the GLM-ANOVA, was implemented for determining the parametric experimental results. Meanwhile, the effects of binary interactions between the input factors on the output parameters were extensively evaluated using statistical methods. As a consequence, the amount of frost increases with an upward gradient as the load level within the cabinet escalates from 25 °C to 32 °C. Both the duration of door openings and the relative humidity level have a double impact on the frosting. Moreover, the duration required for the system to recover from half load to full load more than doubles with an increase in ambient temperature from 25 °C to 32 °C. On the other hand, at an outdoor temperature of 25 °C, the recovery time demonstrates a close to linear relationship with the load level of the cabinet. Furthermore, the duration of door openings and the load capacity within the cabinet are considered two important factors that simultaneously influence the daily energy consumption. The infiltration of ambient air into the freezer compartment and the presence of moisture in the air substantially increase the energy consumption, especially when the relative humidity fluctuates between 30 % and 65 % and the door opening duration stretches from 10 to 20 s, respectively.

OPTIMIZATION OF CROSS-PLATFORM APPLICATIONS USING THE REACT LIBRARY

In today's world, with the growing use of mobile devices, the importance of creating cross-platform applications that provide high performance and quality of user experience has increased significantly. Improving the creation of such applications using React and React Native opens up wide opportunities for developers due to the possibility of code reuse, high development speed and ease of innovation, and is especially relevant because it concerns not only the technological aspects of development, but also economic efficiency, quality of user experience and the speed of introducing innovations to the software market. Open source and active community communication allow rapid identification and resolution of issues, development of new features and enhancements, and the sharing of knowledge and experience between developers. This creates a positive environment for innovation and growth, promotes rapid technological progress, and improves the quality of end products. The paper analyzes the key aspects and challenges associated with the creation of cross-platform applications, analyzes the main types of optimizations at different levels of development, including the component level, the state and data level, the level of working with APIs and external data, as well as the loading and code level. Special attention is paid to the integration of synchronous and asynchronous rendering to achieve optimal performance and user experience. Highlights the benefits of flexible state management using state managers, as well as the importance of image and media optimization to improve overall website performance. The article notes the role of the developer community in the process of improvement and innovation. Developers who master these technologies and optimize their application can create products that not only meet the requirements of the time, but also form new standards in the field of mobile and web development. Further research and integration of the latest technologies into the development process of cross-platform applications will have a significant impact on the software industry.

Influence of Tire Reclaimed Rubber (TRR) Loadings on Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber/Styrene Butadiene Rubber (NR/SBR) Blends

This investigation delves into the potential utilization of Tire Reclaimed Rubber (TRR) as a filler within Natural Rubber/Styrene Butadiene Rubber (NR/SBR) blends. TRR is obtained from discarded rubber tires and stands as a pertinent resource that necessitates its effective utilization in the production of eco-friendly, value-added rubber-based products. This is due to the rising of rubber waste tires which causes environmental concerns and all sorts of pollution. The TRR filled NR/SBR blends were fabricated using two-roll mills. The loadings of TRR were varied ranging from 20 phr to 100 phr. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of TRR loading on the curecharacteristics and mechanical properties of blends in terms of tensile strength, rebound resilience, hardness, and density. It is found that the MH and Δ torque exhibited a decreasing trend which would indicate a reduction in crosslink density due to high loading of TRR. Meanwhile, the ts2 and tc95 increased with the increase of TRR loading. Furthermore, the tensile strength, hardness, density, and rebound resilience of blends experience a steady reduction with the incorporation of TRR. The decrement of those properties might be due to the low molecular weight of TRR. Regarding the collective findings, TRR emerges as a potentially viable candidate for waste rubber repurposing, serving as a non-reinforcing filler with optimal utility achieved at a 30 phr loading level.

Reducing Viral Load Impact: Blood Transfusions as a Complementary Approach in HIV Treatment

Blood transfusions have traditionally been associated with the management of anemia in individuals living with HIV; however, their potential role as a complementary approach in reducing viral load impact is gaining attention. This review explores how blood transfusions can enhance immune function, improve oxygen delivery, and support the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART), thereby contributing to better health outcomes for patients. By addressing complications associated with HIV, such as anemia and immune dysfunction, blood transfusions may play a crucial role in optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals living with the virus. The relationship between viral load and immune function is critical in HIV management, as high viral loads are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Blood transfusions can mitigate the negative effects of viral load by improving the physiological conditions necessary for an effective immune response. Enhanced oxygenation from transfusions supports immune cell proliferation and activity, potentially leading to better control of viral replication and lower viral load levels. Moreover, improving hemoglobin levels through transfusions can reduce fatigue, increase treatment adherence, and promote active participation in ART. Keywords: anemia, blood transfusions, HIV, immune response, viral load

STUDY OF SUPPRESSION OF HIV VIRAL LOAD AMONG PEOPLE RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN PALEMBANG CITY

Background: Suppression of viral load is a targeted strategy for the prevention of HIV transmission. Viral load (VL) testing can be done at all health centres in Palembang City with free services. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate VL suppression and factors associated with VL suppression. Methods: The study design of this research was a cross-sectional study with data analysis using the Chi-square and binomial logistic regression tests. The population in this study was all HIV patients who accessed health services for VL testing. Data sources were obtained from the HIV/AIDS Information System (SIHA) for the period 2023 - June 2024. Results: The majority of PLHIV cases were male (1072 people) (83%) and unmarried (802 people) (62.1%). The transmission group was male-sexual males, 54.88%, with an average age of 36.62 years. The results of multivariate analysis showed that there were three variables associated with viral load levels, namely age with a p-value &lt;0.03, AOR = 1.59 (95% CI: 1.04-2.43), ARV adherence with a p-value &lt; 0.00, AOR = 1.76 (95% CI: 1.18-2.61), and clinical stage with a p-value &lt; 0.04 AOR = 1.02 (95% CI: 1.02-2.07). Conclusion: Adherence to ART therapy, prevention of opportunistic infections, and early detection of clinical stage are predictors of successful viral load suppression. The role and responsibility of the community and the active participation of health workers in early detection, treatment and care are needed.

The protective role of Mertk in JEV-induced encephalitis by maintaining the integrity of blood–brain barrier

Japanese encephalitis is an acute infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by neurotropic Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). As a member of TAM (Tyro3, Axl and Mertk) family, Mertk has involved in multiple biological processes by engaging with its bridging ligands Gas6 and Protein S, including invasion of pathogens, phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, inflammatory response regulation, and the maintenance of blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, its role in encephalitis caused by JEV infection has not been studied in detail. Here, we found that Mertk−/− mice exhibited higher mortality and more rapid disease progression than wild-type mice after JEV challenge. There were no significant differences in viral load and cytokines expression level in peripheral tissues between Wild type and Mertk−/− mice. Furthermore, the absence of Mertk had little effect on the inflammatory response and immunopathological damage while it can cause an increased viral load in the brain. For the in vitro model of BBB, Mertk was shown to maintain the integrity of the BBB. In vivo, Mertk−/− mice exhibited higher BBB permeability and lower BBB integrity. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that Mertk acts as a protective factor in the development of encephalitis induced by JEV infection, which is mainly associated with its beneficial effect on BBB integrity, rather than its regulation of inflammatory response.

Investigation of the performance and emission effects of ammonia-borane as a B–N-based amine-borane adduct in gasoline engines

This study examined the impact of varying concentrations of ammonia-borane (AB) in gasoline on engine performance and emissions across different load conditions. Four fuel formulations were tested: pure gasoline (G100) and gasoline blends containing 10%, 15%, and 20% AB (AB10, AB15, AB20). Increased AB concentration resulted in higher brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC). While exhaust gas temperatures were highest with G100 (730.9 °C at full load), the AB blends, particularly AB20, exhibited lower temperatures, with a maximum reduction of 13.8%. The AB20 blend demonstrated elevated BSFC and increased oxygen (O₂) emissions but significantly reduced carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, with up to an 88.2% decrease at full load. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were generally lower for all AB blends. The highest NOx value was measured with G100 fuel at full load, while the lowest NOx value was measured with AB10 fuel. Under these conditions, a 23% decrease in NOx value was observed with AB10 fuel compared to G100. The engine's thermal efficiency decreased with AB blends at all load levels compared to pure gasoline. Thermal efficiency decrease of 13.76%, 22.32%, and 30.88% occurred for AB10, AB15 and AB20, respectively compared to G100.Overall, incorporating AB in gasoline reduced thermal efficiency and led to a notable decrease in NOx, hydrocarbons (HC), and CO emissions.

Flexural behavior and numerical simulation of reinforced concrete beams with a UHPC stay-in-place formwork

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional concrete structures such as long construction cycle, high construction cost and poor durability, seven composite beams with a UHPC stay-in-place formwork (UCB) and one reinforced concrete (RC) beam were designed. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the flexural behavior of composite beams under the static load. The research parameters include formwork thickness, reinforcement rate, and formwork surface treatment. The results revealed that roughening the surface of UHPC formwork has a positive impact on enhancing the integrity of composite beams. The utilization of UHPC stay-in-place formwork can effectively improve the stiffness, cracking load, and peak load of members. Compared with that of the RC beam, the cracking load and peak load of composite beams increased by 63% ~ 103% and 6% ~ 15%, respectively, and the yielding stiffness increased by 23% ~ 41%. Different from the RC beam, new cracks occurred on one side of the initial crack's end and continued to extend upwards rather than along the original crack. The existence of a significant quantity of tiny cracks in composite beams effectively slowed down the increase in the width of pre-existing cracks in the early stage of loading. Due to the multi-crack pattern exhibited by the UHPC formwork, the strain concentration of the steel bars was effectively mitigated. When subjected to the same load level, the strain of the longitudinal steel bars in composite beams was smaller than that of the RC beam. The formula for calculating the flexural bearing capacity of composite beams is established through theoretical analysis. In addition, the numerical model of the composite beam is established by the finite element method (FEM). The influence of the contact method of the UHPC-NC interface on the flexural performance of the composite beam is explored. The supplementary analysis of the parametric study of the reinforcement rate and the UHPC formwork thickness is carried out. When using ABAQUS for the numerical analysis of the composite beam, it is appropriate to adopt the cohesion model or the Tie model for the UHPC-NC interface, and it is not appropriate to use the Coulomb friction model.

Unobtrusive measurement of cognitive load and physiological signals in uncontrolled environments

While individuals fail to assess their mental health subjectively in their day-to-day activities, the recent development of consumer-grade wearable devices has enormous potential to monitor daily workload objectively by acquiring physiological signals. Therefore, this work collected consumer-grade physiological signals from twenty-four participants, following a four-hour cognitive load elicitation paradigm with self-chosen tasks in uncontrolled environments and a four-hour mental workload elicitation paradigm in a controlled environment. The recorded dataset of approximately 315 hours consists of electroencephalography, acceleration, electrodermal activity, and photoplethysmogram data balanced across low and high load levels. Participants performed office-like tasks in the controlled environment (mental arithmetic, Stroop, N-Back, and Sudoku) with two defined difficulty levels and in the uncontrolled environments (mainly researching, programming, and writing emails). Each task label was provided by participants using two 5-point Likert scales of mental workload and stress and the pairwise NASA-TLX questionnaire. This data is suitable for developing real-time mental health assessment methods, conducting research on signal processing techniques for challenging environments, and developing personal cognitive load assistants.