Morphological Analysis Research Articles

Effect of wood and peanut shell hydrochars on the desiccation cracking characteristics of clayey soils

Soil cracking can significantly alter the water and nutrient migration pathways in the soil, influencing plant growth and development. While biochar usage has effectively addressed soil cracking, the feasibility of using less energy-intensive hydrochars in desiccating soils remains unexplored. This study investigates the impact of wood and peanut shell hydrochars on the desiccation cracking characteristics of clayey soil. A series of controlled environmental laboratory incubations with regular imaging was conducted to determine crack development's dynamic in unamended and hydrochar-amended soils. The results reveal that the addition of wood hydrochar at 2% and 4% dosage reduced the crack intensity factor (CIF) by 22% and 43%, respectively, compared to the unamended control soil. Similarly, the inclusion of peanut shell hydrochar at 2% and 4% lowered the CIF by 22% and 51%, respectively. The presence of hydrophilic groups on the surface of hydrochars, such as O–H, CH, and C–O–C, enhanced the water retention capacity, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared analysis. The CIF decrease is attributed to mitigated water evaporation rates, enabled by enhanced water retention within the hydrochar pore spaces. These findings are supported by scanning electron microscopy analyses of the hydrochar morphology. Despite CIF reduction with hydrochar incorporation, the crack length density (CLD) increased across all hydrochar-amended series. In contrast to unamended soil which exhibited pronounced widening of large cracks and extensive inter-pore voids, the incorporation of hydrochar resulted in higher CLD due to the formation of finer interconnecting crack meshes. Consequently, the unamended control soil suffered greater water loss due to heightened evaporation rates. This study sheds new light on the potential of hydrochars in addressing desiccation-induced soil cracking and its implications for water conservation.

How to restore ecological impacts from wind energy? An assessment of Zhongying Wind Farm through MSPA-MCR model and circuit theory

The wind energy industry is developing rapidly in China with a maximum capacity worldwide. Meanwhile, the stability of the ecological network is challenged by extensive renewable energy expansion. There are still research deficiencies in wind farm ecological impacts at project scale from an ecological restoration perspective. It is of great necessity to monitor the ecological impacts with time going and explore ecological restoration strategies for wind power development. The research case of Zhongying Wind Farm is selected based on investigation and interviews regarding its ecological impact in the prior study. It employs a comparative methodology by comparing the ecological quality before and after the construction of Zhongying Wind Farm. Raw data from Landsat 8, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and wind turbine statistics originating from open data platforms are analyzed and visually represented with ArcGIS. This paper establishes an ecological network based on morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model to quantify wind farms’ impacts on ecological corridors. The circuit theory and Pajek software are used to identify and categorize the ecological nodes into weak and obstacle points. The results reveal that ecological impacts on ecological corridors decay with distance, reflecting changes in length, connection strength and cumulative values of corridors. While the impacts on ecological nodes depend on nodes’ attributes: the number of weak points increased by 18.5 %, and obstacle points increased by 350 %, with their locations shifting from the edges of urban construction sites to the edges of wind farm. Differentiated strategies are proposed according to the impact magnitude of each ecological corridor and node: such as dynamic inspection mechanism, construction prohibition for protection; corridor structure and function recovering, stepping stones addition for restoration; buffer belts, warning radar, and monetary schemes for compensation. This research fills the gap of ecological impact assessment under the challenges of wind energy expansion. It helps to balance wind energy development and ecological restoration at the regional level.

Evaluation of cold plasma activated water composite reagent on kiwifruit plants with bacterial canker and the external qualities of kiwifruit after spray treatment

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cold plasma activated water (PAW) and its complex solution (PKC) in conjunction with kasugamycin copper oxychloride wettable powder (KC) against kiwifruit bacterial canker (KBC) caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (PSA). Through morphological identification and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, Pantoea agglomerans was identified as the pathogen responsible for KBC in the 'Bairui' orchard. Results indicated that PKC exhibited the highest effectiveness in controlling KBC, particularly on mildly (II) infested plants, with a remarkable reduction of 63.64% in PKC II disease index and a control efficiency of 38.64%. Additionally, the application of PKC significantly increased fruit yield, improved fruit weight, and enhanced fruit morphology, resulting in a more uniform and refined fruit shape. Analysis of fruit skin conformational parameters revealed that KBC-affected fruit exhibited reduced hardness and brittleness, increased toughness, and thinner skin. These findings are pivotal for developing effective strategies to further prevent and manage KBC outbreaks. In future studies, further investigations could focus on elucidating the mechanism of action of PAW in complex solution with copper-based pesticides and the potential mechanism of inactivation of PSA.

Renewable ammonium chloride-induced calcium leaching of gold and copper tailings and selective preparation of vaterite CaCO3 by CO2 mineralization

This study introduced a high-value green processing solution for copper tailings to prepare high-purity vaterite from gold-copper tailings. The active reaction components were determined through Gibbs free energy calculations. The study discusses the impact of different experimental parameters on the leaching rate of Ca2+ and the degree of mineralization in gold-copper tailings, and then considers the influence of different dispersants on improving the stability of vaterite. The results show that the optimal leaching efficiency of Ca2+ in the NH4Cl solution is 75%, and the optimal mineralization efficiency is 87%. Under appropriate mineralization conditions, vaterite CaCO3 with d50 < 12 μm, a purity of 98%, and a whiteness of 98.7% can be prepared. The precipitated vaterite is affected by the pH swing method connected with the neutralization reaction. The presence of excess NH3 and supersaturated CO2 are necessary for the formation of vaterite-type CaCO3. Morphological analysis results show that dispersants such as polyacrylamide and sodium tripolyphosphate can improve the dispersibility of vaterite, preventing agglomeration and enabling its stable existence in aqueous solutions. Nanoparticle aggregation and crystal growth are two possible mechanisms for the formation of vaterite. The leaching-mineralization cycle technology using NH4Cl as the leaching solution meets the requirements for CO2 removal and alkaline industrial waste residue treatment, while avoiding the significant consumption of chemical reagents in traditional mineralization. This method provides a pathway for producing vaterite using copper tailings and has a broad market prospect.

Investigating Potential Sources of Sore Throat: Physico-Chemical Attributes and Microbial Contamination in Rambutan from Fresh Harvests and Retail Stores

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), a tropical fruit cherished for its succulent flesh and vibrant appearance, is cultivated extensively across various regions worldwide. However, despite its popularity, the fruit faces challenges related to particulate contamination during the harvesting process. Particulate matter contamination refers to the presence of solid or liquid particles suspended in the air or adhered to the fruit's surface, posing potential risks to both consumer health and fruit quality. Hence, this study aims to identify the factors in rambutan that could cause sore throats by analysing its physicochemical properties and conducting a microbiological study. For this study, two samples of rambutan fruit which are rambutan sold in stores (RS) and rambutan freshly harvested from the tree (RT) were collected and analysed for their external peel, internal peel, and pulp parts (n = 3). The assessment included the weight of visible fine dirt, pH value, oil content, surface morphology and total coliform (TPC). The results showed that the weight of visible fine dirt on RT external peel (93.50 ± 5.00 mg) and the pH value of its external peel and pulp (4.17 ± 0.00 - 5.17 ± 0.00) were significantly higher and more acidic (p&lt;0.05) than those of RS. However, there were insignificant differences (p&gt;0.05) in oil content (0.36 ± 0.7 - 0.38 ± 0.8%) between the external peels of the rambutan samples. Additionally, the surface morphology and image analysis of RS showed more foreign particles, represented as black or white dots on its internal peel and pulp, compared to RT, which was suspected to be yeast. Moreover, the total coliform count for both samples was significantly different (p&lt;0.05) in their external peel and pulp, but it was still within the safe eating limit. The study concluded that environmental pollution and contamination during rambutan handling could cause sore throat.

Insights into angiosperm pollen morphology and viability in Akot, Akola District: A Comprehensive Study

This study explores the pollen diversity and viability of angiosperms within Akot, Akola District, encompassing a total of 44 plant species from 28 families. Through comprehensive analyses of pollen morphology and viability, we aimed to shed light on the reproductive strategies of these plants. Utilizing standardized methodologies, we conducted in-depth examinations of pollen grains from various angiosperm species. Our findings reveal a wide array of morphological variations among pollen grains, with diameters ranging from 13.63 µm to 122.67 µm. additionally; we assessed pollen viability, with percentages ranging from 20% to 92.85%, providing insights into the reproductive health and success of these plant species. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of angiosperm reproductive biology and underscores the importance of conservation efforts to preserve floral ecosystems.

Isolation, characterization and identification of root nodule bacteria from Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc

The present study was conducted to characterize the native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) from the nodules of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. The seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorum was grown in two different soils i.e., sterile and non-sterile soil and four bacterial isolates were isolated. The bacterial isolates were characterised on the basis of morphological and different biochemical analysis. Phylogenetic identification was done on the basis of 16S rRNA analysis. Four isolates obtained belongs to Bacillus velezensis and Enterobacter cloacae.

Genomic and morphological characterization of Knufia obscura isolated from the Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility

Members of the family Trichomeriaceae, belonging to the Chaetothyriales order and the Ascomycota phylum, are known for their capability to inhabit hostile environments characterized by extreme temperatures, oligotrophic conditions, drought, or presence of toxic compounds. The genus Knufia encompasses many polyextremophilic species. In this report, the genomic and morphological features of the strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 presented, which was isolated from the Mars 2020 mission spacecraft assembly facility located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The identification is based on sequence alignment for marker genes, multi-locus sequence analysis, and whole genome sequence phylogeny. The morphological features were studied using a diverse range of microscopic techniques (bright field, phase contrast, differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy). The phylogenetic marker genes of the strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 exhibited highest similarities with type strain of Knufia obscura (CBS 148926T) that was isolated from the gas tank of a car in Italy. To validate the species identity, whole genomes of both strains (FJI-L2-BK-P2 and CBS 148926T) were sequenced, annotated, and strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 was confirmed as K. obscura. The morphological analysis and description of the genomic characteristics of K. obscura FJI-L2-BK-P2 may contribute to refining the taxonomy of Knufia species. Key morphological features are reported in this K. obscura strain, resembling microsclerotia and chlamydospore-like propagules. These features known to be characteristic features in black fungi which could potentially facilitate their adaptation to harsh environments.

Genomic and phenotypic characterization of 26 novel marine bacterial strains with relevant biogeochemical roles and widespread presence across the global ocean

Prokaryotes dominate global oceans and shape biogeochemical cycles, yet most taxa remain uncultured and uncharacterized as of today. Here we present the characterization of 26 novel marine bacterial strains from a large isolate collection obtained from Blanes Bay (NW Mediterranean) microcosm experiments made in the four seasons. Morphological, cultural, biochemical, physiological, nutritional, genomic, and phylogenomic analyses were used to characterize and phylogenetically place the novel isolates. The strains represent 23 novel bacterial species and six novel genera: three novel species pertaining to class Alphaproteobacteria (families Rhodobacteraceae and Sphingomonadaceae), six novel species and three new genera from class Gammaproteobacteria (families Algiphilaceae, Salinispheraceae, and Alteromonadaceae), 13 novel species and three novel genera from class Bacteroidia (family Flavobacteriaceae), and one new species from class Rhodothermia (family Rubricoccaceae). The bacteria described here have potentially relevant roles in the cycles of carbon (e.g., carbon fixation or energy production via proteorhodopsin), nitrogen (e.g., denitrification or use of urea), sulfur (oxidation of sulfur compounds), phosphorus (acquisition and use of different forms of phosphorus and remodeling of membrane phospholipids), and hydrogen (oxidation of hydrogen to obtain energy). We mapped the genomes of the presented strains to the Tara Oceans metagenomes to reveal that these strains were globally distributed, with those of the family Flavobacteriaceae being the most widespread and abundant, while Rhodothermia being the rarest and most localized. While molecular-only approaches are also important, our study stresses the importance of culturing as a powerful tool to further understand the functioning of marine bacterial communities.

Novel species, morpho‐molecular identification and pathogenicity of Allophoma (Didymellacaeae) causing leaf spots of true mangroves and mangrove associates in Thailand

AbstractTrue mangroves and mangrove associates are salt‐tolerant trees and shrubs that serve a critical role in preserving the ecological balance of tropical and subtropical estuarine environments. However, they are not immune to the damage caused by fungal pathogens. In this study, leaves exhibiting leaf spot symptoms were gathered from mangrove estuary and forests in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. Through morphological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses (LSU, ITS, RPB2 and TUB2) along with genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition, we identified Allophoma acanthi sp. nov. from Acanthus ilicifolius. Additionally, A. minor was identified as the causative agent of leaf spots in true mangrove and mangrove associate species, namely, Acanthus ilicifolius, Combretum sp., Hibiscus tiliaceus, Intsia bijuga, Lumnitzera racemosa and Sonneratia alba. We also provide evidence to support the synonymization of A. thunbergiae with A. minor. All eight isolates of Allophoma species in this study demonstrated pathogenicity to their original hosts with varied virulence, confirming Koch's postulates. Our findings contribute to the understanding of fungal pathogens affecting true mangroves and mangrove associates.

New Strategies to Improve the Efficiency of Curcumin‐Based Iridium Complexes for OLED Devices

Among the solid‐state lighting technologies, OLEDs occupy a prominent position for the high efficiencies associated with the low CO2 emissions. In line with the recent studies aimed at designing sustainable and biodegradable devices, herein we report on the synthesis of a series of iridium(III) complexes featuring, as β‐diketone ligands, curcumin and 6‐dehydrogingerdione, two natural compounds found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale. To improve the solubility of both the ligands and prevent the aggregation of the complexes, oleoyl residues were inserted on the phenolic ‐OH groups. The resulting complexes exhibited a green emission with quantum yields as high as 2.8% (relative to fluorescein). OLED devices were fabricated by using, as emitting layer, a host‐guest blend of the iridium complex in 4,4’‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)‐1,1’‐biphenyl (CBP). The morphological analysis revealed that thin films of the emitting layer were homogeneous. The devices fabricated with iridium complexes from 6‐dehydrogingerdione exhibited higher luminance, efficiency and power efficiency with respect to the corresponding devices obtained from curcumin; also the functionalization of the β‐diketone unit with the oleoyl residue proved to increase significantly the performance of the device. Overall, these data suggest that aggregation is a key factor that compromise the performances of the corresponding OLEDs.

Culm Morphological Analysis in Moso Bamboo Reveals the Negative Regulation of Internode Diameter and Thickness by Monthly Precipitation

The neglect of Moso bamboo’s phenotype variations hinders its broader utilization, despite its high economic value globally. Thus, this study investigated the morphological variations of 16 Moso bamboo populations. The analysis revealed the culm heights ranging from 9.67 m to 17.5 m, with average heights under the first branch ranging from 4.91 m to 7.67 m. The total internode numbers under the first branch varied from 17 to 36, with internode lengths spanning 2.9 cm to 46.4 cm, diameters ranging from 5.10 cm to 17.2 cm, and wall thicknesses from 3.20 mm to 33.3 mm, indicating distinct attributes among the populations. Furthermore, strong positive correlations were observed between the internode diameter, thickness, length, and volume. The coefficient of variation of height under the first branch showed strong positive correlations with several parameters, indicating variability in their contribution to the total culm height. A regression analysis revealed patterns of covariation among the culm parameters, highlighting their influence on the culm height and structural characteristics. Both the diameter and thickness significantly contribute to the internode volume and culm height, and the culm parameters tend to either increase or decrease together, influencing the culm height. Moreover, this study also identified a significant negative correlation between monthly precipitation and the internode diameter and thickness, especially during December and January, impacting the primary thickening growth and, consequently, the internode size.

Biofabrication of Tissue-Engineered Cartilage Constructs Through Faraday Wave Bioassembly of Cell-Laden Gelatin Microcarriers.

Acoustic biofabrication is an emerging strategy in tissue engineering due to its mild and fast manufacturing process. Herein, tissue-engineered cartilage constructs with high cell viability are fabricated from cell-laden gelatin microcarriers (GMs) through Faraday wave bioassembly, a typical acoustic "bottom-up" manufacturing process. Assembly modules are first prepared by incorporating cartilage precursor cells, the chondrogenic cell line ATDC5, or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), into GMs. Patterned structures are formed by Faraday wave bioassembly of the cell-laden GMs. Due to the gentle and efficient assembly process and the protective effects of microcarriers, cells in the patterned structures maintain high activity. Subsequently, tissue-engineered cartilage constructs are obtained by inducing cell differentiation of the patterned structures. Comprehensive evaluations are conducted to verify chondrocyte differentiation and the formation of cartilage tissue constructs in terms of cell viability, morphological analysis, gene expression, and matrix production. Finally, implantation studies with a rat cartilage defect model demonstrate that these tissue-engineered cartilage constructs are beneficial for the repair of articular cartilage damage in vivo. This study provides the first biofabrication of cartilage tissue constructs using Faraday wave bioassembly, extending its application to engineering tissues with a low cell density.

Elucidating the determinants of crowdsourcing adoption for organisation value creation

Purpose This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the determinants influencing organisations decisions to adopt crowdsourcing. By synthesising existing literature, it seeks to identify critical factors that act as enablers or inhibitors in the adoption process and propose a framework for understanding crowdsourcing adoption within organisational contexts. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a systematic literature review methodology to examine the determinants influencing organisations' decisions to adopt crowdsourcing. The review encompassed research articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, spanning 2006 to 2021. Additionally, morphological analysis was conducted to categorise the identified determinants into three distinct contexts: technological, organisational and environmental. This methodological approach facilitated a comprehensive exploration of the factors shaping crowdsourcing adoption within organisational settings, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon across different dimensions. Findings The study identifies 12 determinants influencing crowdsourcing adoption, categorised into technological, organisational and environmental dimensions. These determinants include technological compatibility, organisational readiness, top management support, crowd readiness and availability of third-party platforms. While some determinants primarily act as enablers, others exhibit dual roles or serve as inhibitors depending on contextual factors. Research limitations/implications The findings offer valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and organisational leaders seeking to leverage crowdsourcing as a strategic tool for innovation and competitiveness. The assessment scale of drivers and barriers developed in this research offers a systematic approach for evaluating the factors influencing crowdsourcing adoption, providing a nuanced understanding of innovation adoption dynamics. Theoretical implications include advancements in morphological analysis methodology and a nuanced understanding of innovation adoption dynamics. Managerial implications highlight strategies for enhancing organisational readiness, leveraging leadership support and mitigating adoption risks. Overall, the study provides a foundation for future empirical research and practical guidance for organisations planning to adopt crowdsourcing initiatives. Originality/value This research contributes significantly to crowdsourcing by presenting an integrated and theoretically grounded framework. By consolidating adoption determinants from diverse contexts, this study clarifies the understanding of crowdsourcing adoption. The framework offers practical value to managers and decision-makers, equipping them with a structured approach to assess and navigate the challenges associated with effectively adopting crowdsourcing. As such, this study contributes to advancing crowdsourcing practices and supports more informed managerial decision-making in innovation and knowledge sourcing.

Blocking miR396 activity by overexpression MIM396 improved switchgrass tiller number and biomass yield.

MicroRNA396 (miR396) plays an important role in the regulation of plant growth and development by repressing the expression level of its target growth-regulating factor (GRF) family genes. In our previous study, we found that overexpression of miR396 negatively regulated both tillering and biomass yield in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). We, therefore, speculated that blocking the expression of miR396 could enhance switchgrass tillering and biomass yield. Here, we produced transgenic switchgrass plants overexpressing a target mimicry form of miR396 (MIM396) in wild type (WT) and Os-MIR319b overexpressing switchgrass plant (with higher enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, but reduced tillering), in which the expression of miR396 was blocked. The phenotype and biological yields of these plants were analyzed. Blocking miR396 to improve its target PvGRFs expression in switchgrass improved the tiller number and dry weight of transgenic plants. Further morphological analysis revealed that MIM396 plants increased the number of aerial branches and basal tillers compared to those of wild-type plants. The enzymatic efficiency of MIM396 plants was reduced; however, the total sugar production per plant was still significantly higher than that of wild-type plants due to the increase in biomass. In addition, blocking miR396 in a transgenic switchgrass plant overexpressing Os-MIR319b (TG21-Ms) significantly increased the PvGRF1/3/5 expression level and tiller number and biomass yield. The miR156-target gene PvSPL4, playing a negative role in aerial and basal buds outgrowth, showed significant downregulated in MIM396 and TG21-Ms. Those results indicate that miR396-PvGRFs, through disrupting the PvSPL4 expression, are involved in miR319-PvPCFs in regulating tiller number, at least partly. MIM396 could be used as a molecular tool to improving tiller number and biomass yield in switchgrass wild type and miR319b transgenic plants. This finding may be applied to other graminaceous plants to regulate plant biological yield.

High-intensity interval training mitigates the progression of periodontitis and improves behavioural aspects in rats.

To investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on periodontitis (PD) progression and behavioural outcomes. Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: non-trained (NT); non-trained with PD; HIIT with PD; and HIIT. The HIIT protocol, involving daily treadmill sessions, spanned 8 weeks, with PD induced by ligature after the 6th week. Behavioural tests were conducted to assess anxiety and memory. Post euthanasia, we evaluated the systemic inflammatory profile and oxidative stress markers in the hippocampus and amygdala. A morphological evaluation and elemental composition analysis of the mandibular alveolar bone were performed. PD exacerbated alveolar bone level, bone surface damage and alterations in calcium and phosphorus percentages on the bone surface (p < .05), while HIIT attenuated these changes (p < .05). HIIT improved systemic inflammatory markers altered by PD (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-10, TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-1β/IL-10 ratios, p < .05). PD animals exhibited lower total antioxidant capacity and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the amygdala and hippocampus, respectively (p < .05). HIIT maintained these parameters at levels similar to those in NT animals. HIIT improved anxiety and memory outcomes altered by PD (p < .05). HIIT attenuates systemic inflammation, anxiety and memory outcomes promoted by PD.

Study on the Morphological Analysis and Evolution of the Street Network in the Historic Urban Area of Changsha City from 1872–2023

This study focuses on the streets and spatial networks of the historic urban area in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, China, by mainly investigating the evolution of their geometric and topological characteristics. It draws on the theories and methods of urban morphology and space syntax, combines the digital historical maps at different times, and uses methods such as historical map spatial interpretation, geographic information system (GIS), sDNA tools, and urban morphological parameter analysis to explore and sort out the evolutionary process of the street and alley network in Changsha from the early modern period to the present. The paper constructs a parameter system for analyzing the street and alley network of historic urban areas from a geometric and topological perspective. It introduces the indicators of road density, road orientation, intersection density, and approaches such as closeness, betweenness, and intelligibility in space syntax into the parameter analysis framework of street and alley network morphology and spatial characteristics evolution. By comparing the changes in various parameters at different spatial scales, the process of the spatial order evolution of the street and alley network in the historic urban area is analyzed, and the evolutionary rules of the various periods’ morphological characteristics are extracted.

ECG screening and Sudden Cardiac Death prevention in endurance athletes

Abstract Introduction Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in athletes during sport activity. Identifying non-invasive and repeatable risk markers during annual athletes screening remains a crucial goal for the scientific community for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The ECG, exercise test and spirometry are part of the annual screening program in the sport population over 40 years of age. The Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality in populations with CV disease, but its relationship with SCD has been little explored in those at low risk, including athletes. This study aims to use a 5 minute ECG screening in a specific population of athletes practicing endurance sports and evaluate its clinical repercussions. Aims The primary aim of the study is to assess whether morphological and spectral ECG analysis in endurance athletes by the 5-minute 'mini Holter ECG' can add information to the annual screening for the prevention of CV diseases and SCD. Materials The study population were selected from Endurance Marathon athletes. A control group was also collected for comparison. The 5 minutes ECG was recorded at rest with the Kardia Mobile 6L™ device that use three electrodes, which allows 6 leads recording. HRV indices were obtained using the Kubios software. A morphological analysis was performed and the HRV parameters were analyzed in the time and frequency domains. Results A total of 554 subjects (220 athletes-334 controls, 325 male-229 women) were analyzed. A higher incidence of sinus arrhythmias, LAFB, 1stdegree AVB, J point/ST-segment abnormalities in athletes compared to controls was observed. Athletes had a significantly shorter QTc than the control group (394.87±30.55 ms vs. 407.01±29.09 ms), suggestive of greater protection from malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The HRV PNS (-0.73±1.25 vs -0.21±1.45) and SNS (1.71±1.91 vs 0.58 ± 1.43) indices were also higher and lower in the athlete group than in the control group, suggestive for higher vagal tone. Given the absence of a normality range of standard HRV parameters in the athlete population, values in the normal range of the 5th to 95th percentile were extrapolated in the whole population for the main HRV parameters. The project, therefore, is to evaluate patients with HRV values higher or lower than 5-95 percentile to identify those deserving further clinical investigations and closer follow-up for suspected increased risk of CV disease and SCD. Conclusions The 5-minute cardiac Holter, combining a more accurate analysis in terms of morphology and arrhythmias than the 12-lead ECG, allows a greater number of static and dynamic alterations to be detected; moreover, the analysis of HRV could provide even more information, such that it could be considered as a complementary tool during the examination and FUP of athletes. Further long-term prospective studies are needed to correlate alterations in HRV and clinical events.

Uncovering the potential of industrial waste: turning discarded resources into sustainable advanced materials

To identify solutions for utilizing industrial wastes (slag, sludge, fly ash, and bottom ash) in the development of pro-environmental systems, this paper reviews existing literature and explores material characterization methods. A review analysis was conducted to uncover their potential, and it was found that many utilizations can be made to recycle them into sustainable materials. Structure characterization, optical-dielectric function, and morphology analysis were analyzed to confirm the recent review. Structural properties are represented by crystallite size and crystallinity, where nickel slag shows the smallest distribution (55 ± 10) nm with the highest crystallinity (25.42%), indicating its association with uniformity of response to external disturbances and micro-structural stability. From the analysis of optical and dielectric functions via Kramers Kronig relation, the widening of ∆(LO−TO) was shown by fly ash and slag indicating stable bonding suitable as x-ray shielding and sensor, while high electron loss functions were shown by sludge and bottom ash indicating high potential electronic transition performance. Based on their chemical and physical properties, these industrial wastes are not limited as construction materials and can even be upgraded to more advanced development materials.

Role of Morphology in Improving the Catalytic Performance of ZnCo2O4 for Soot Oxidation

Abstract The extent of interaction between carbon and catalyst profoundly shapes soot oxidation results. The catalyst configuration notably influences the frequency of contact points in solid-solid interactions. This investigation studies the impact of three distinct ZnCo22O4 catalyst morphologies and their redox property on soot oxidation. The formation of the cubic phase of ZnCo2O4via three distinct methods was revealed during XRD analysis. SEM analysis unveiled varying morphologies, including rod-shaped, rose petal-shaped, and bead-like structures. Notably, ZnCo2O4 exhibiting bead-like morphology demonstrated heightened levels of chemisorbed oxygen species which was observed during XPS analysis. The presence of Co2+ and Co3+ occupied at octahedral site ZnCo2O4 acted as the active sites for soot oxidation. With continuous redox property (Co 3+ → Co2+) leading to the generation of active oxygen species and with an added advantage of surface morphology, the M2 sample (with bead-like morphology) exhibited superior soot oxidation activity, which is evident by its T50% value of 402°C. This study underscores the essential role of catalyst morphology in influencing soot oxidation activity. Through a comprehensive array of structural, morphological, and catalytic analyses, this work sheds light on the correlation between catalyst architecture and enhanced soot oxidation performance.&amp;#xD;