Capacity Measurements Research Articles

Efficient Prediction of Fatigue Damage Analysis of Carbon Fiber Composites Using Multi-Timescale Analysis and Machine Learning

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) possesses numerous advantages, such as a light weight and high strength; however, its complex damage mechanisms make the evaluation of fatigue damage particularly challenging. Therefore, this study proposed and demonstrated an entropy-based damage evaluation model for CFRP that leverages the entropy derived from heat capacity measurements and does not require knowledge of the loading history. This entropy-based fatigue degradation model, though accurate, is computationally intensive and impractical for high-cycle analysis. To address this, we reduce computational cost through multi-timescale analysis, replacing cyclic loading with constant displacement loading. Characteristic variables are optimized using the machine learning model LightGBM and the response surface method (RSM), with LightGBM achieving a 75% lower root mean squared error than RSM by increasing features from 3 to 21. This approach cuts analysis time by over 90% while retaining predictive accuracy, showing that LightGBM outperforms RSM and that multi-timescale analysis effectively reduces computational demands.

10-Week Ballroom Dance Program Improves Mood and Influences Health-Related Elements in Healthy Middle-Aged Adults.

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyles remain a persistent health issue in Japan. Ballroom dancing has recently gained attention as a potential means of maintaining physical activity, but there are very few reports on Japanese subjects. Exploratory research is therefore needed to investigate the effects of ballroom dancing on the physical and mental health of sedentary middle-aged Japanese adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ballroom dancing on various health-related physical and psychological outcomes in middle-aged adults compared to a control group. Methods: A parallel-group study was carried out. Thirty healthy but inactive middle-aged adults with no previous dance experience were divided into 2 groups: an intervention group which participated in a recreational level ballroom dance program for 10 weeks (60 minutes, once per week) and a control group which had no dance lessons. Subjects completed questionnaires regarding subjective mood changes and daily physical activity. Objective measures of physical fitness, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and autonomic nervous system function were also assessed before (T0) and after 10 weeks (T11) of dance practice. Results: In the subjective questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS®2) survey, one of the health-related indicators, T-scores of the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) after the intervention showed a difference (P = .014) between the dance group and the control group. In post hoc tests, increases of autonomic activity and number of days of high-intensity physical activity correlated positively with a reduction in TMD in the dance group. Conclusion: Among inactive middle-aged adults, participation in weekly ballroom dance lessons for 10 weeks improved their psychological mood compared to a control group. The improvement was found to have the positive effects of activating autonomic nervous system activity and increasing high-intensity physical activity. The results suggest that ballroom dancing may be effective in improving exercise habits and physical and mental health.

Quasi-one-dimensional alternating spin-1/2 antiferromagnetism in perovskite metal formate framework [(NH2)2CH]Cu(HCOO)3.

The formamidinium copper formate [(NH2)2CH]Cu(HCOO)3 (FMD-Cu) with a perovskite-like structure based on a nonporous metal-organic framework (MOF), is presented for its synthesis and magnetic properties. The magnetic properties and their couplings to the structure are derived from detailed magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements. We also discuss the spin exchange couplings based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations. As a result, FMD-Cu exhibits the unusual quasi-one-dimensional antiferromagnetic (AFM) characteristics with the Néel temperature TN = 12.0 K and an intrachain coupling constant J/kB ≈ 76.3 K. We also estimate the effective interchain coupling J*/kB≈ 4.24 K, suggesting that FMD-Cu is close to an ideal candidate for one-dimensional magnet. Furthermore, the heat capacity shows a transition to an antiferromagnetic ordering state appears around TN. Besides, the nonzero parameter γ = 0.089 J/mol K obtained from the linear relationship, γT, to the low temperature-dependent zero-field heat capacity data, can be associated with the magnetic excitations in insulating quasi-one-dimensional AFM Heisenberg spin-1/2 chains. The experimental estimate and DFT calculations are entirely consistent with a model of FMD-Cu in which AFM exchange interactions originating from Jahn-Teller distortion of the Cu2+ (3d9) ions, leaving a sublattice of coupled ferromagnetic (FM) chains. Hence, FMD-Cu is proposed as a canonical model of a quasi-one-dimensional Heisenberg spin-1/2 antiferromagnetic material.&#xD.

Skeletal Muscle mRNA Splicing Variants Association With Four Different Fitness and Energetic Measures in the GESTALT Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundPhysical activity is essential for maintaining muscle mitochondrial function and aerobic capacity. The molecular mechanisms underlying such protective effects are incompletely understood, in part because it is difficult to separate the effects of disease status and physical activity. We explored the association of human skeletal muscle transcriptomic with four measures of energetics and mitochondria oxidative capacity in healthy individuals.MethodsUsing RNA sequencing of vastus lateralis muscle biopsies from 82 GESTALT participants (52 males, aged 22–89 years), we explored gene and splicing variant expression profiles associated with self‐reported physical activity, peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), muscle oxidative capacity (kPCr) and mitochondrial respiration (Mit‐O2 flux). The effect of aging on gene expression was examined in participants with low and high VO2 peak.ResultsThe four measures of energetics were negative correlated with age and generally intercorrelated. We identified protein‐coding genes associated with four energetic measures adjusting for age, muscle fiber‐ratio, sex and batch effect. Mitochondrial pathways were overrepresented across all energetic variables, albeit with little overlap at the gene level. Alternative spliced transcript isoforms associated with energetics were primarily enriched for cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granules. The splicing pathway was up‐regulated with aging in low but not in high fitness participants, and transcript isoforms detected in the low fitness group pertain to processes such as cell cycle regulation, RNA/protein localization, nuclear transport and catabolism.ConclusionsA consistent mitochondrial signature emerged across all energetic measures. Alternative splicing was enhanced in older, low fitness participants supporting the energy‐splicing axis hypothesis. The identified splicing variants were enriched in pathways involving the accumulation of ribonucleoproteins in cytoplasmic granules, whose function remains unclear. Further research is needed to understand the function of these proteoforms in promoting adaptation to low energy availability.

Home-Based Exercise and Self-Management After Lung Cancer Resection

Patients with lung cancer have poor physical functioning and quality of life. Despite promising outcomes for those who undertake exercise programs, implementation into practice of previously tested hospital-based programs is rare. To evaluate a home-based exercise and self-management program for patients after lung resection. A randomized clinical trial with assessor blinding was conducted among 116 patients undergoing surgery for non-small cell lung cancer from November 23, 2017, to July 31, 2023, at tertiary hospitals in Australia. Patients were followed up for 12 months postoperatively. Patients randomized to the intervention group received a postoperative 3-month home-based exercise and self-management program, supported by weekly physiotherapist-led telephone consultations. Patients randomized to the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was self-reported physical function (30-item European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC QLQ-C30] score) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included objective measures of physical function and exercise capacity (at 3 and 6 months) and patient-reported outcomes including quality of life (at 3 and 6 months, with some questionnaires completed at 12 months). Analysis was performed on an intent-to-treat basis. A total of 1370 patients were screened, with 177 eligible and 116 consented (mean [SD] age, 66.4 [9.6] years; 68 women [58.6%]). Of these 116 patients, 58 were randomized to the intervention and 58 to the control. A total of 103 patients (88.8%) completed assessments at 3 months, 95 (81.9%) at 6 months, and 95 (81.9%) at 12 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups for self-reported physical function (EORTC QLQ-C30 physical functioning domain score) at the 3-month primary end point (mean [SD] score, 77.3 [20.9] vs 76.3 [18.8]; mean difference, 1.0 point [95% CI, -6.0 to 8.0 points]). Patients in the intervention group, compared with the control group, had significantly greater exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance: mean difference, 39.7 m [95% CI, 6.8-72.6 m]), global quality of life (mean difference, 7.1 points [95% CI, 0.4-13.8 points]), and exercise self-efficacy (mean difference, 16.0 points [95% CI, 7.0-24.9 points]) at 3 months as well as greater objectively measured physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery score: mean difference, 0.8 points [95% CI, 0.1-1.6 points]), exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance: mean difference, 50.9 m [95% CI, 6.7-95.1 m]), and exercise self-efficacy (mean difference, 10.1 points [95% CI, 1.9-18.2 points]) at 6 months. One minor adverse event and no serious adverse events occurred. In this randomized clinical trial, a postoperative home-based exercise and self-management program did not improve self-reported physical function in patients with lung cancer. However, it did improve other important clinical outcomes. Implementation of this program into lung cancer care should be considered. http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12617001283369.

Impact of provincial economic development levels on public–private hospital co-development in China: an empirical analysis

IntroductionThe co-development of public–private hospitals in China’s healthcare system significantly influences the system’s service utilisation, but the public–private hospital interaction is poorly understood. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial for...

Magnetocaloric effect in geometrically frustrated GdInO[formula omitted]

We have investigated the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of geometrically frustrated rare-earth indium oxide, GdInO3, by magnetization and heat capacity measurements. It is found that the spin moments of Gd3+ ion undergo a paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition below 2 K. At low-magnetic fields, the dc magnetic susceptibility exhibits a clear deviation from the Curie–Weiss (CW) law below 150 K due to the strong magnetic frustration. However, with increasing field strength, the magnetic frustration weakens and the susceptibility data follow the expected CW behavior down to 2 K. The effective paramagnetic moment of Gd3+ ion calculated from the CW fit (∼8μB/Gd) is very close to the theoretical value for S=7/2. The maximum values of magnetic entropy change and adiabatic temperature change for a field change of 0–7 T are found to be ∼21 J kg−1 K−1 (∼155 mJ cm−3 K−1) and ∼15 K, respectively, while the refrigeration capacity is found to be ∼188 J kg−1 for μ0H = 7 T. The large values of magnetocaloric parameters along with negligible hysteresis loss suggest that GdInO3 could be considered as a potential candidate for magnetic refrigeration at low temperature.

Biodegradable Shale Inhibitors for Water Based Fluids

Swelling of shale formations is the main challenge may be encountered during the drilling operations. To address this challenge, the potassium chloride (KCl) is traditionally added as an inhibitor to the drilling mud for controlling its chemical reaction with the shale formations. However, environmental concerns surrounding the non-biodegradability and detrimental effects of chloride ions necessitate the exploration of alternative solutions. This study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of biodegradable and environmentally friendly additives in mitigating the shale swelling. Potassium sorbate, potassium citrate, and potassium bicarbonate are the selective additives with different concentrations (1%-7%). Different tests, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence, were conducted to characterize the shale type and determine its chemical composition or the major mineral abundances. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the microstructure of shale cuttings and identify the small-scale pore features. Furthermore, cation exchange capacity measurements were performed to ascertain the shale samples' ion exchange capabilities. The effectiveness of the additives was evaluated using the Linear Swell Test. The results revealed that potassium sorbate exhibited a remarkable performance in reducing shale swelling, its consistently yielding the lowest swelling percentage compared to other tested materials. A concentration of 4% of potassium sorbate demonstrated the lowest reduction in swelling that reaches to 3.938%. Additionally, potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate exhibited swelling rates close to those observed with KCl. The lowest swelling percentage achieved at different concentrations of potassium citrate (4% and 5%) was 12.019%. In contrast, a 11.819% of swelling percent was observed when 5% concentration of potassium bicarbonate was added to the drilling mud. This research introduces innovation biodegradable materials added to the drilling mud for mitigating the shale swelling.

Thermodynamics of Polyethylene Glycol Intrusion in Microporous Water.

Polymers can be used to augment the properties of microporous materials, affording enhanced processability, stability, and compatibility. Manipulating polymers to target specific properties, however, requires detailed knowledge of how different polymers and microporous materials interact. Here, we report a study of the thermodynamics of polyethylene glycol (PEG) intrusion into a representative hydrophobic zeolite (silicalite-1) and metal-organic framework [ZIF-67; Co(2-methylimidazolate)2] in water, both of which can be formed into colloidally stable aqueous dispersions─termed "microporous water"─with dry, guest-accessible pore networks. Through a combination of O2 capacity measurements and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), we establish relationships between PEG intrusion behavior, polymer length, polymer end groups, and the structure of the microporous framework. In particular, we find that PEG intrusion is exothermic for silicalite-1 but endothermic for ZIF-67. Our results provide fundamental insights into polymer intrusion in microporous materials that should inform efforts to design composite solids and fluids with enhanced functionality.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to Assess Infection Complications During the Acute Phase of Acute Pancreatitis

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) severity is correlated with systemic infection incidence in the acute phase, and it is important to assess inflammation during the disease course and to recognize infection at an early stage. As in sepsis, inflammation in AP impairs tissue oxygen metabolism and disrupts microcirculation. We performed a vascular occlusion test (VOT) via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which noninvasively monitors local oxygen in peripheral tissues, to evaluate tissue oxygen metabolism and blood circulation during the acute AP phase. Methods: Tissue oxygen metabolism was measured via an NIRS probe attached to the thenar eminence at admission and 7 days after admission. The upper arm was wrapped with a sphygmomanometer cuff while avoiding brachial artery compression for 3 min. The minimum desaturation value was defined as the minimum tissue oxygen index (TOI), the maximum reactive hyperemia value after release was defined as the maximum TOI, and the difference was defined as the ∆TOI. The time from the minimum TOI to maximum TOI was defined as the TOI interval. Results: Fifteen healthy volunteers, 13 patients with AP, and 12 patients with sepsis were included. The TOI at baseline and ∆TOI (parameter describing tissue oxygen metabolism) decreased in a stepwise manner, and the TOI interval (measure of peripheral vasodilatory capacity) was protracted in a stepwise manner among the three groups. In a subgroup analysis, no significant differences in the NIRS-derived variables between patients with AP complicated by infection and those without infection were observed at admission; however, after 7 days, the groups significantly differed. Additionally, blood lactate concentrations were significantly correlated with the ∆TOI and TOI. Conclusions: Mild tissue oxygen metabolism impairment and tissue perfusion occurred in AP compared with sepsis, and changes similar to those in sepsis occur in AP complicated by infection. Further research is needed to evaluate whether these values can be applied to treating this group of patients.

Exploration of quantum oscillation in antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal GdSiAl

GdSiAl single crystal has been investigated by means of magnetic and magneto-transport measurements and compared withab-initiodensity functional theory (DFT) calculations. Significant non-saturating magnetoresistance reaching∼18%at 12T and2Kwas observed, alongside the presence of Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations with the fundamental frequencies 22.09T and 77.33T. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations provide the information about the nontrivialπBerry phase in GdSiAl with the Fermi surface areas of0.00211A˚-2and0.00739A˚-2. Angle-dependent magnetoresistance shows anisotropy withθ, exhibiting a maximum at 180°. The magnetic susceptibility data forH∥candH⊥creveals that the magnetic moments of Gd3+ions orders antiferromagnetically below 32K along with an another transition occurs at∼8K, which is consistent with the heat capacity measurements where a distinctλ-shaped anomaly has been observed near antiferromagnetic ordering temperature 32K. The high value of Debye temperature indicates the contribution of acoustic phonons. Electronic structure calculations suggest the existence of nested Fermi surface pockets characterized by nesting wave vectors that closely align with the observed magnetic ordering wave vector. Furthermore, DFT calculations reveal the presence of Weyl nodes in close proximity to the Fermi surface. Our findings from combined experimental and theoretical techniques indicate GdSiAl to be a potential candidate for an antiferromagnetic topological Weyl semimetal.

PsicoCare: a pilot randomized controlled trial testing a psychological intervention combining cognitive-behavioral treatment and positive psychology therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Although psychological factors play a significant role in the onset and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), psychological interventions (PIs) are rarely included in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs due to inconclusive evidence regarding specific intervention components and effect sizes. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a PI based on cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) and positive psychology therapy (PPT) in improving psychological and clinical outcomes in patients with ACS. This PsicoCare trial was an open-label randomized controlled trial that compared a combined CBT and PPT-based PI (the PsicoCare program) with a standard CR program (control group). We recruited 87 ACS patients, and psychological outcomes, functional capacity, biochemical and anthropometric measures, and clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 months, and 9 months after the ACS event. The PsicoCare group showed significant improvements in depression, anger traits, anger-in, and anger control-out compared to the control group. Additionally, the PsicoCare intervention was associated with the improved maintenance of cognitive function, social support, and spiritual coping styles, while the control group showed deterioration in these areas. Patients experiencing severe ACS showed significant improvement in personal strength and meaning as a result of the PsicoCare intervention. However, no significant effects were observed on anxiety, anger-out, emotion regulation skills, dispositional optimism, other personal strengths, or quality of life. Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in functional capacity and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that CBT and PPT-based PIs may offer additional benefits for ACS patients, particularly regarding their psychological health. Further larger trials are required to confirm these findings. identifier, NCT05287061.

Machine-Based Resistance Training Improves Functional Capacity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Resistance training (RT) can improve the functional performance of older adults, maintaining independence and quality of life. It has been proposed that training interventions should implement exercises associated with the movements needed in everyday life. However, this strength training philosophy presents challenges, specifically to older adults, and the use of resistance machines might present an efficacious alternative. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the impact of machine-based RT on strength and functional capacity in older adults. Methods: The inclusion criteria were for strength training interventions to be a minimum of 6 weeks, using only resistance machines, with pre- and post-intervention measurements of functional capacity of either a timed up-and-go and/or a sit-to-stand test, and including healthy older adults (>60 years). Results: Following the screening, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, 15 of which were included in the meta-analysis for functional outcomes (n = 614 participants), and 11 of which were included in the meta-analysis for strength outcomes (n = 511 participants). Analyses revealed significant standardized mean change in favor of machine-based RT for functional outcomes (0.72, 95% CIs 0.39 to 1.07) and strength outcomes (0.71, 95% CIs 0.34 to 1.08) compared to control conditions (functional = 0.09, 95% CIs - 0.1 to 0.28, strength = 0.1, 95% CIs - 0.05 to 0.24). Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the manipulation of RT variables and the magnitude of effects between studies. Conclusions: The data presented support the idea that significant strength and functional performance outcomes are attainable using uncomplicated, machine-based RT.

Heat Capacities of α-, β-, and γ- Polymorphs of Glycine.

As a part of our effort to establish reliable thermodynamic data for amino acids, the heat capacity and phase behavior are reported for two stable polymorphs (α and γ) of glycine (aminoacetic acid, CAS RN: 56-40-6). Prior to heat capacity measurement, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray powder diffraction were performed to determine decomposition temperatures and initial crystal structures, respectively. The literature heat capacities obtained by adiabatic calorimetry are available in the temperature interval (7-304). The literature data were used for validating performance of our relaxation (heat-pulse) calorimeter, which was used for measurement of the heat capacity of α-glycine in the temperature interval (2-267) K. The crystal heat capacities of the α- and γ-glycine were extended towards higher temperatures using Tian-Calvet calorimetry in the temperature interval (262-358) and power compensation DSC in the temperature interval (310-449) K. As a result, reference heat capacities and thermodynamic functions for the crystalline phase from 0 K up to 450/435 K for α/γ-glycine were developed. The literature heat capacities for β-glycine over the range 0 K to 295 K were treated in the same manner in order to provide thermodynamic data for all three polymorphs existing at the atmospheric pressure.

Hybrid Supports for Oligonucleotide Synthesis: Controlled Pore Glass Derivatives with Branched Amine-Ended Polyether or Polyimine.

Controlled pore glass (CPG), differing in pore size and subsequent specific surface, was chemically modified by: (1) increasing surface susceptibility for amine functionalization via reaction with oxirane-type (active) and alkyl/aryl-type (inactive towards amine compounds) silane pro-adhesive compounds, and (2) immobilization of trimethylolpropane tris[poly(propylene glycol), amine terminated] ether, comb-like 8-arm octa[poly(ethylene glycol) amine] with each branch amine terminated, and a poly(propylene imine) amine-terminated second-generation dendrimer. The increase in surface density of amine functions-monitored by UV-Vis technique adopted for quantitative measurements of Ruhemann's purple intensity-improved final loading capacity, characterized by dimethoxytrityl cation absorption. Obtained materials proved their applicability in automatic oligonucleotide (ON) synthesis, especially when silanized 2000 Å CPG modified with 8-arm octa[poly(ethylene glycol) amine], with deduced empirical formula CPG-silane-(NH)5.7PEG-(NH2)2.3, was used for long-chain (150 nucleotides) ONs synthesis. This can be regarded as a good CPG support for this purpose. Moreover, hybrid supports with different porosity allowed the synthesis of shorter ONs with satisfactory yield and purity, monitored by RP-HPLC and MALDI-TOF. On the molecular level, two competitive mechanisms seem to influence the utility of the final hybrid support: spatial availability of active sites and the propensity of the functionalizer to bond with the CPG surface.

State Capacity and COVID-19 Responses: Comparing the US States

Abstract This article addresses the interstate differences in outcomes from the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on state capacity. State capacity refers to states’ ability to create and implement policy. We posit that states want to limit death and destruction within their borders. COVID-19 created an instance in which states had a shared, preferred outcome but had very different levels of success. Using a novel measure of state capacity that allows for subnational comparisons – and is independent of ideological political will – we show that states with greater capacity experienced fewer excess deaths during 2020 and more successfully distributed vaccines in early 2021. The findings are robust to various measures of partisanship, social capital, geography, and demographics. Our work bridges US state politics literature and comparative politics literature on state capacity, and it contributes to research on the politics of pandemics.

Abstract 4124506: Short Physical Performance Battery as a Marker of Severity and Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)

Background: ATTR-CM has an age dependent prevalence and is a disorder that almost exclusively affects older adults. Objective evaluations of function are critical to assessing and managing ATTR-CM in older adults. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) is a valid measure of functional capacity that predicts morbidity and mortality in older adults but its utility in ATTR-CM remains unknown. Aims/hypothesis: To establish SPPB as a useful marker of disease severity and predictor of outcomes in ATTR-CM. We hypothesized that SPPB scores would correlate with validated markers of ATTR-CM severity and improve clinical prediction. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients referred to the Columbia University Cardiac Amyloid Program. Patients were stratified into low (SPPB 0-6), moderate (7-9), and high (10-12) cohorts based on initial SPPB score and baseline characteristics were compared between groups. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan Meier (KM) curves were generated to assess associations with mortality as well as a composite of death and cardiovascular (CV) hospitalization in follow-up. Results: A total of 263 patients, age 78 years (IQR 73, 84), 86% male, 22% with ATTRv (variant) and 78% with ATTRwt (wild type) were studied. SPPB showed no limitation in 59%, mild limitation in 33%, and severe limitation in 8%. Lower SPPB was associated (p <0.05) with older age, prior stroke/TIA, shorter 6-minute walk test, elevated NT-proBNP and HS-troponin, worse quality of life metrics on Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, more advanced NYHA and Mayo stages, and higher Columbia scores. On multivariate regression (adjusted for age, sex, genotype, NYHA), SPPB was independently associated with the composite of mortality and CV hospitalization, with each point increase corresponding to 13% lower incidence of the outcome (HR 0.87, p=0.01). Chair stands score, one of three SPPB subdomains, was independently associated with the composite and mortality. KM curves showed significant association with SPPB and both the composite and mortality (Fig. 1). Conclusions: SPPB score is a marker of ATTR-CM severity, associated with validated biomarkers and staging systems, and independently predicts clinical outcomes.

A Study of the Drainage Capacity, Flood Risks and Mitigation Measures for Selected Areas in Guyana’s Coastal and Riverine Regions: Williamsburg- Hampshire, Kilcoy-Chesney and Mabaruma-Kumaka-Barabina

This research investigates the drainage challenges and flood risks in three areas of Guyana: Williamsburg-Hampshire, Kilcoy-Chesney, and Mabaruma-Kumaka-Barabina. These drainage areas are characterised by low-lying terrain, proximity to waterways, and inadequate drainage infrastructure. The study identifies how these factors lead to frequent and sometimes costly flooding, especially during periods of peak rainfall and high tides that prevent the opening of drainage sluices. Using rainfall and runoff data, with the analysis of drainage coefficients and discharge capacities, the study examines the existing drainage systems in these regions. It highlights the inefficiencies of undersized drainage structures, inadequate maintenance, and the growing pressure from urbanisation, which has led to the expansion of impervious surfaces, thus increasing runoff. In the case of Mabaruma-Kumaka-Barabina, under- maintained sluices, narrow bridge culverts, and low earthen dams exacerbate the area’s flood vulnerabilities. To address these issues, the study recommends several key interventions. These include upgrading drainage infrastructure by widening internal drains, replacing narrow culverts, installing additional sluices, and using modern technologies like automated pumps and self-actuated sluices. The construction of higher, vegetated embankments and raising the earthen river dams are also recommended to prevent erosion and overtopping during high tides. Monitoring water levels and rainfall data regularly is proposed to inform drainage maintenance and flood prevention efforts. The findings underscore the need for public-private partnerships to maintain drainage systems while engaging the community in flood risk mitigation. By implementing these recommendations, these regions can better manage water flow, reduce the impact of flooding, and improve the quality of life for residents, particularly as climate change continues to pose greater challenges for water management in Guyana.

Lassa fever in Nigeria: epidemiology and risk perception

Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever have resulted in a public health threat in Nigeria and other endemic countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the Lassa Virus (LASV) is endemic in rodent populations, zoonotic spillover to humans causes annual outbreaks. This study reviewed the burden of Lassa fever (LF) in Nigeria between 2020 and 2023 and conducted a cross-sectional survey of Nigerians to evaluate their risk perceptions of LF. During the period under review, 28,780 suspected and 4,036 confirmed cases of LF were reported from 34 of the 37 states of Nigeria. These cases resulted in 762 deaths (a CFR of 18.9%). The overall case positivity rate was 14% (4,036/28,780), with more positive cases in 2020 (17.5%, n = 1,189/6,791). A total of 2,150 study participants were enrolled in the prospective cross-sectional study, with most of them (87.5%, n = 1,881/2,150) having previously heard of Lassa fever (LF). The numerical scoring system revealed that 35.43% (n = 762/1,881) of those aware of LF have poor knowledge of its preventive measures, route of transmission, and control measures. Approximately 6.84% (n = 147/2,150) of them were at a high risk of contracting LF, with 27.6% (n = 584/2,150) of study participants feeling concerned about contracting LF because of the presence of rodents in their immediate vicinity, occupational exposure to healthcare workers, and the probability of contamination of food by infected rodents without necessary food safety measures. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that tertiary education was associated with an increased likelihood of better LF knowledge (OR: 17.32; 95% CI: 10.62, 28.26; p < 0.01) and a lower risk of contracting LF when compared to respondents with no formal education. In addition, study participants who reside in low-burden states have lower LF perception than those residents in high-LF-burden states (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.38–0.91; p = 0.049). On the other hand, study participants with poor risk perception (knowledge) of LF had a higher likelihood (RR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.53; p < 0.01) of contracting LF when compared to those with good knowledge of LF. Similarly, those residents in low LF burden states were less likely (OR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.05,0.17; p < 0.01) to contract LF when compared to those residents in high burden states. There is a need to improve LF diagnostics capacity, infection prevention and control measures, and implementation of the One Health approach to controlling LASV from animal reservoirs. In addition, public enlightenment campaigns to address fundamental knowledge gaps are crucial to mitigating the ongoing and future impact of LF in Nigeria.

Concurrent determination of heat and capacity change of a sessile droplet using a single measurement

Microcalorimetry, designed for the independent measurement of enthalpy and heat capacity, has been commercially available for a considerable time. However, heat-related states in samples, especially liquids, can introduce complicated phenomena and challenging measurement and data evaluation processes. Such complexity becomes apparent when observing fluctuations in heat capacity (Cp) while measuring heat consumption (Q) during water evaporation. This paper presents a continuous heat pulse measurement (CHPM) method for concurrently analyzing Q and Cp in a single test using microcalorimetry. The sample droplet of 400 nL was directly dispensed on the microcalorimeter surface, followed by a light-emitting diode (LED) radiation generating heat to perform CHPM. We repetitively heated the microcalorimeter using heat pulses provided by LED irradiation, with their duration set to 100 ms and 10 s repetition, while measuring the temperature response of the microcalorimeter. A MATLAB-based simulation model was established to validate the accuracy of our Cp measurements, which show its value of 0.79 % of minimum variance. Water evaporation coupled with simultaneous salt crystallization served as our study model, where the Cp values were calculated from real-time responses to heat pulses provided by LED. The experimental outcomes confirm the suitability of CHPM in extracting key thermal properties and emphasize its versatility as a diagnostic tool, providing a significant method for research and applications in the fields of physics, engineering, and beyond.