Optimal Level Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of titanium oxynitride catalyst via direct ammonia nitridation of titanium polyacrylate for oxygen reduction reaction

AbstractA titanium oxynitride catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells was synthesized through the direct ammonia nitridation of titanium complexes. Titanium polyacrylate was employed as the catalyst precursor, and the effect of the calcination temperature between 600 and 1000 °C on the catalyst structure was studied. The catalysts were characterized via X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and powder electrical resistivity measurements. The formation of titanium oxynitride particles and deposited carbon was observed for all the samples; however, significant variations in the catalyst structure and catalytic activity were also observed. With an increase in the calcination temperature, nitridation of titanium oxynitride progressed, and the conductivity of the catalyst powder increased. The highest rest potential and ORR current density were achieved with calcination at 800 °C. Importantly, the results suggest that maintaining an optimal nitrogen doping level within the catalyst particles, along with ensuring the formation of electroconductive deposited carbon, is essential for achieving a high ORR current. This work introduces the direct ammonia nitridation of metal complexes as a promising process for designing metal oxynitride catalysts.

Impact of Therapeutic Inertia on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A 12-Month Longitudinal Study from the TARGET-DERM AD Registry

Background: Therapeutic inertia, the delay or reluctance to modify treatment when goals are unmet, is a significant challenge in managing chronic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD). This inertia can lead to suboptimal disease control and affect patient outcomes. Objectives: This study evaluates the effect of therapeutic inertia on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in moderate-to-severe AD patients undergoing systemic treatment over 3 to 12 months. Methods: We analyzed longitudinal data from the TARGET-DERM AD registry, which includes 3,457 patients with moderate-to-severe AD from 39 centers across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible patients had documented patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at the initiation of systemic therapy and at subsequent 3-month intervals up to 12 months of follow-up. We assessed the proportion of patients not meeting treatment targets based on expert consensus. Patients had a validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA-AD) score of 3 or more at initiation of either an advanced systemic therapy (AST) such as biologics or JAK inhibitors or a conventional systemic therapy (CST) such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, or prednisone. PROs were evaluated at 3-month intervals up to 12 months, assessing achievement against the predefined treatment targets. PRO measures included Worst-Itch (PROMIS Itch-Severity), POEM, PO-SCORAD, NRS-sleep, and NRS-pain with specific moderate and optimal target levels established for each. Itch-Severity (range: 0–10; moderate target: ≥4-point reduction, optimal target: score ≤1), POEM (range: 0-28; moderate target: ≥4-point reduction, optimal target: score ≤2), PO-SCORAD (range: 0-103; moderate target: score ≤24; optimal target: score ≤10), NRS-sleep and NRS-pain (range: 0-10; moderate target: reduction ≥3-points; optimal target: score ≤1). Results: Out of 2107 patients with moderate-to-severe AD, 445 qualifying participants were included (63.8% adult, 62.0% female, 45.4% Non-Hispanic White, mean age of 31 years). Most patients (88.8%) initiated AST, with dupilumab being the most common (86.5%). At 6 months, significant proportions of AST-treated patients failed to reach moderate and optimal targets for itch (67% and 79%, respectively), POEM (46% and 69%), and NRS-sleep (59% and 47%). By 12 months, these figures were similar, with 66% and 88% failing to meet itch targets, 53% and 73% failing to meet POEM targets, and 62% and 45% failing to meet NRS-sleep targets, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for other PROs. CST-treated patients exhibited similar trends. Conclusions: The study highlights the profound impact of therapeutic inertia on the quality of life of patients with moderate-to-severe AD. Despite systemic therapy, a considerable proportion failed to meet treatment targets over a 12-month period, underscoring the need for more proactive and responsive treatment strategies in AD management.

Evaluation of Different Swab Wetting Chemicals Affecting the Yield of DNA Obtained From Biological Evidence on Cartridge Casings

Cartridge casings made from transition metals can be examined ballistically and also serve as significant evidence by containing touch DNA. However, the success rate of profiles obtained from this type of evidence is generally low. To enhance the success of DNA profiling from suspects' biological evidence, using swabs moistened with chemicals can be beneficial. Swabs are typically moistened with water, whose hypotonic nature disrupts cell integrity, causing the release of DNA. However, water is not the only agent used for moistening swabs; various buffer solutions are also utilized. The ability of swabs to transfer touch DNA depends on the type of buffer solution used. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a strong anionic detergent, denatures non-covalently linked secondary and tertiary structures to increase the release of bound DNA. Another buffer solution used for swab moistening is Te+4 buffer, which contains EDTA and Tris. EDTA chelates metal ions, inactivating enzymes that could potentially damage DNA, while Tris adjusts the pH to an optimal level. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of microfibre and cotton swabs moistened with SDS, Te+4 buffer, and water in recovering genetic material from blood and epithelial cells deposited on brass cartridge casings. The study also evaluates the impact of firing on the quality of DNA profiles. Among the profiles obtained, the swabs moistened with SDS produced the highest rate of complete profiles at 44%, while the lowest rate of complete profiles at 22% was observed with swabs moistened with Te+4 buffer. SDS is particularly advantageous over water when used on casings with epithelial cells. Microfibre swabs are more effective in eliminating degradative factors caused by firing, thus enhancing profiling success. Comparisons of the RFU values indicate that casings yield lower values compared to cartridges, supporting the negative impact of the high heat, pressure, and residues generated during firearm discharge.

Influence of Electrical Conductivity on Plant Growth, Nutritional Quality, and Phytochemical Properties of Kale (Brassica napus) and Collard (Brassica oleracea) Grown Using Hydroponics

Kale (Brassica napus) and collard (Brassica oleracea) are two leafy greens in the family Brassicaceae. The leaves are rich sources of numerous health-beneficial compounds and are commonly used either fresh or cooked. This study aimed to optimize the nutrient management of kale and collard in hydroponic production for greater yield and crop quality. ‘Red Russian’ kale and ‘Flash F1’ collard were grown for 4 weeks after transplanting in a double polyethylene-plastic-covered greenhouse using a nutrient film technique (NFT) system with 18 channels. Kale and collard were alternately grown in each channel at four different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (1.2, 1.5, 1.8, and 2.1 mS·cm−1). Fresh and dry yields of kale increased linearly with increasing EC levels, while those of collard did not increase when EC was higher than 1.8 mS·cm−1. Kale leaves had significantly higher P, K, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B than the collard at all EC levels. Additionally, mineral nutrients (except N and Zn) in leaf tissue were highest at EC 1.5 and EC 1.8 in both the kale and collard. However, the changing trend of the total N and NO3- of the leaves showed a linear trend; these levels were highest under EC 2.1, followed by EC 1.8 and EC 1.5. EC levels also affected phytochemical accumulation in leaf tissue. In general, the kale leaves had significantly higher total anthocyanin, vitamin C, phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates but lower total chlorophylls and carotenoids than the collard. In addition, although EC levels affected neither the total chlorophyll or carotenoid content in kale nor glucosinolate content in either kale or collard, other important health-beneficial compounds (especially vitamin C, anthocyanin, and phenolic compounds) in kale and collard leaves reduced with the increasing EC levels. In conclusion, the kale leaf had more nutritional and phytochemical compounds than the collard. An EC level of 1.8 mS·cm−1 was the optimum EC level for the collard, while the kale yielded more at 2.1 mS·cm−1. Further investigations are needed to optimize nitrogen nutrition for hydroponically grown kale.

Adaptive Agronomic Strategies for Enhancing Cereal Yield Resilience Under Changing Climate in Poland

Climate-driven changes have raised concerns about their long-term impacts on the yield resilience of cereal crops. This issue is critical in Poland as it affects major cereal crops like winter triticale, spring wheat, winter wheat, spring barley, and winter barley. This study investigates how soil nutrient profiles, fertilization practices, and crop management conditions influence the yield resilience of key cereal crops over a thirteen-year period (2009–2022) in the context of changing climate expressed as varying Climatic Water Balance. Data from 47 locations provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing were analyzed to assess the combined effects of agronomic practices and climate-related water availability on crop performance. Yield outcomes under moderate and enhanced management practices were contrasted using Classification and Regression Trees to evaluate the relationships between yield variations and agronomic factors, including soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilization, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The study found a downward trend in Climatic Water Balance, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on regional water resources. Crop yields responded positively to increased agricultural inputs, especially nitrogen. Optimal soil pH and medium phosphorus levels were identified as crucial for maximizing yield. The findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management and adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on cereal production. The results provide insights for field crop research and practical approaches to sustain cereal production in changing climatic conditions.

Enhanced performance and robustness in anti-lock brake systems using barrier function-based integral sliding mode control

Abstract In anti-lock brake systems (ABS), the primary goal of the controller is to maximize vehicle deceleration by maintaining the slip ratio at an optimal level. This work presents a fresh approach that enhances ABS performance by integrating a sliding mode controller with a barrier function. This method combines integral sliding mode control with adaptive laws informed by barrier functions, effectively managing external disturbances and uncertainties in inertia. A significant benefit of this approach is that it does not require prior knowledge of the upper limits of these uncertainties and disturbances, thanks to the barrier function-based sliding mode control. The system state is initially aligned with the switching manifold, ensuring robust compensation for any uncertainties and disturbances right from the start of braking. During the sliding mode phase, dynamic properties are finely tuned to ensure that the system’s performance remains consistent. The effectiveness and reliability of the proposed controller have been demonstrated through numerical simulations conducted in MATLAB/Simulink, proving its capability across a range of road conditions.

Response of Typical Shrubs Growth and Soil Nutrients to Graphene Addition in Impoverished Land of the Ulan Buh Desert

Graphene can promote plant growth and improve soil conditions, but its effectiveness in enhancing infertile soils in arid regions remains unclear. This study selected three typical shrubs from the Ulan Buh Desert Nitraria tangutorum, Xanthoceras sorbifolium, and Amygdalus mongolica as research subjects. Five graphene addition levels were set: 0 mg/L (C0), 25 mg/L (C1), 50 mg/L (C2), 100 mg/L (C3), and 200 mg/L (C4).A pot experiment was conducted in June 2023 to investigate the effects of graphene addition on shrub growth and soil nutrients. The results showed that the optimal graphene addition levels for A. mongolica, X. sorbifolium, and N. tangutorum were C2, C2, and C3, respectively. Compared with the control, the total biomass of the different shrubs increased by 185.31%, 50.86%, and 161.10%, respectively. However, when the graphene addition exceeded the optimal level, shrub biomass showed a decreasing trend with increasing graphene concentration. Total shrub biomass was positively correlated with soil available nitrogen and potassium, while redundancy analysis indicated that soil organic matter was the primary factor influencing shrub growth. This suggests that graphene promotes shrub growth by affecting soil organic matter and available nutrients. Therefore, graphene addition can enhance soil fertility in barren lands in arid regions and significantly promote shrub growth. However, due to soil leaching effects, this growth-promoting effect may decrease over time.

Development of wind power plants to increase the fulfilment ratio of renewable energy in Taiwan using system dynamics modelling

ABSTRACT This research aims to improve wind energy development by addressing environmental challenges and market dynamics. To achieve this, a system dynamics model was used to analyze the complex relationships between various factors, including wind energy production, electricity demand, costs, and government policies. The study focuses on increasing the fulfilment ratio and reducing the price of wind energy. By simulating different scenarios, researchers explored the potential impact of expanding wind farm capacity through the addition of onshore and offshore turbines. The research also investigates the role of government incentives, particularly the feed-in tariff (FIT), in stimulating investment in wind energy. The findings suggest that a higher FIT can significantly boost profitability, attract more investment, and accelerate the expansion of wind farm capacity. The optimal FIT level of 5.5 NTD/KWh is projected to lead to a 6.7% annual growth rate and substantial profits by 2040.

Postharvest CO2 treatment and cold storage for Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) fruit infestation control.

The invasive pest, spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931)or SWD), damages various soft-skinned fruits, severely impacting orchards and vineyards economically. Current sorting practices in commercial production may overlook early-stage SWD infestations, as visible signs take a few days to appear. Our study focused on managing SWD infesting fruits (blueberry, cherry, and raspberry) without visible signs using an artificial atmosphere with elevated CO2 and low temperature. We hypothesized that these factors affect SWD survival and possibly interact, with potential variations among different soft- or stone-fruit species or varieties. High CO2 concentrations and cold storage both negatively affected SWD development. A 24-h 100% CO2 fumigation, without cold storage, significantly reduced SWD infestations in all 3 fruit species studied. On the other hand, 10% CO2 without cold storage did not cause a significant infestation reduction in cherries. Cold storage alone was too slow to be considered effective. Concurrent low-temperature treatment and CO2 treatment reduced the insecticidal efficacy of CO2 fumigation. Optimal fruit sanitation was achieved with a 3-h 100% CO2 treatment at ambient temperature before cold storage. Raspberries were the most suitable host for SWD development, with over a 5-fold higher SWD development compared to blueberries and over 50 times more than in cherries. We discussed the observed interactions between CO2 fumigation and chilling and suggested a simple postharvest SWD management protocol using optimal CO2 levels, exposure times, and chilling periods-achievable without complex equipment.

Are area-level socioeconomic inequalities in obesity moderated by neighbourhood greenery?

Reducing socioeconomic inequalities in obesity is a public health priority. Limited research exists on the role of neighbourhood environmental attributes in mitigating these inequalities. However, it has been shown that neighbourhoods with more greenery tend to have lower levels of socioeconomic inequalities in non-obesity health outcomes. We examined whether neighbourhood greenery moderates the association of area-level socioeconomic status (SES) with waist circumference. Data from 3,261 middle-aged and older adults who participated in a national cohort study conducted in Australia (2011-12) were used. The outcome was objectively measured waist circumference. For area-level SES, a composite index of disadvantage based on census data was used. We used two measures of neighbourhood greenery: mean greenness and geographic size of greenspace. They were assessed using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 0.5, 1, and 2km radius buffers around participants' homes. The mean NDVI value within each buffer area was used for the former, and the geographic size of the area with NDVI ≥ 0.6 (dense greenery) was used for the latter. There was a significant negative association between area-level SES and waist circumference: one standard deviation higher score in the area-level SES indicator (less disadvantage) was associated with 1.76cm (95% CI: -2.68, -0.83) lower waist circumference. Analyses stratified by greenery levels found similar significant associations in the areas with low and high levels of greenery but not in the areas with medium levels of greenery for both greenery measures within 1km and 2km buffers. Consistent with previous studies, our study found that participants living in disadvantaged suburbs were likely to have a larger waist circumference than those living in advantaged suburbs. However, we also found that such socioeconomic inequalities in obesity were mitigated in the areas with medium levels of greenery for this sample of Australian adults. Our findings suggest that there may be an optimum level of greenery where inequalities in obesity are alleviated. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these findings.

Exploring the scope and depth of digitalisation in times of crisis: Implications for SME resilience

This article investigates the role of digitalisation in bolstering small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during crises. Drawing on data from 245 North American SMEs, we examine the impact of digital technology adoption on firm resilience. The findings reveal nuanced relationships: both the depth (Digital Depth) and scope (Digital Scope) of digitalisation exhibit curvilinear associations with resilience (Profit Outlook), suggesting optimal levels for maximum benefits. Moreover, digital depth moderates the relationship between digital scope and resilience, highlighting their interactive role in enhancing adaptive capacities. This research employs a quantitative approach to explore how SMEs can leverage digital tools for resilience. Notably, it highlights the importance of strategic digital investments tailored to industry dynamics for resilience enhancement illustrating the study underscores the practical significance of digital integration for SMEs, indicating its potential to not only restore pre-crisis performance but also foster sustainable growth in the aftermath of disruption.

The optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic imaging in Dual-energy CT arthrography of the wrist.

To suggest an optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) in dual-energy CT arthrography of the wrist. This retrospective study included 53 patients with wrist CT arthrography. Conventional polychromatic images and VMIs at four energy levels (40 to 70 keV at 10 keV intervals) were obtained. Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured, and qualitative analysis of image quality and diagnostic confidence was performed. For each patient, an energy level with the best image quality was chosen by consensus. Comparisons of quantitative and qualitative parameters between VMI sets were performed. The image noise of bone and muscle were increased with decreasing energy level (p < 0.001). The noise of contrast was highest on 60 keV VMI. SNR and CNR (between contrast and muscle) were increased with decreasing energy level and were markedly increased between 60 and 50 keV (p < 0.001). The 60 keV VMI demonstrated the highest image quality and diagnostic confidence, chosen as the best diagnostic image (n = 31/53). Given that the attenuation of the contrast material was low on the conventional image, the optimal energy level of the best VMI tended to be low. Wrist dual-energy CT arthrography with VMIs at 60 keV or less could improve image quality and diagnostic performance by increasing SNR and CNR in cases with low contrast attenuation. Wrist dual-energy CT arthrography with VMIs at variable keV could be utilised to enhance SNR and CNR, thereby achieving diagnostic images of high quality.

Spanish Translation, Adaptation and Psychometric Analysis of a Short Version of the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale in Chilean Public Workers.

Chile has been facing socio-cognitive, affective and cultural tensions and changes due to the constant increase of the migrant population in Chile over the last two decades. This means that local public policy workers must interact and achieve effective communication with migrant users living in their territories. Intercultural sensitivity is understood as the affective dimension of intercultural communication. This dimension facilitates the awareness that people differ in their behaviors, perceptions and feelings during intercultural communication processes, promoting acceptance and respect towards these differences. The aim of this paper was to analyze the factor structure, psychometric properties and invariance of the Intercultural Sensitivity scale (Chen & Starosta, 2000) in a sample of Chilean workers. The sample consists of 337 workers from five municipalities in two regions of Chile. The sample has a mean age of 42.8years (SD = 10.4), and 62.9% report being female. To determine the factor structure, an unweighted least squares (ULS) parameter estimation method was used, which is recommended for relatively small sample sizes, as is the case in this study. The overall structure of the original scale, although showing adequate indicators in a confirmatory factor analysis, presented serious conflicts in the covariance matrix used. Therefore, the 5-factor structure seen in other studies is disconfirmed. Because of this, it was decided to construct an abbreviated version, but reducing the limitations encountered during the validation process. The final result is a 4-dimensional structure, corresponding to four of the original dimensions, with a total of 13 items. The goodness-of-fit indices (CFI, TLI, RMSEA and SRMR) had optimal levels. The Manifest and Subtle Prejudice scale was used for its divergent validity, presenting all the dimensions of the instrument, and its total score, inverse and significant correlations with manifest prejudice, subtle prejudice, and total prejudice, as expected.

The impact of Life's Essentials 8 on sarcopenia prevalence among adults in the United States.

Sarcopenia is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to examine the association of Life's Essential 8 (LE8), the recently updated measurement of cardiovascular health (CVH), with the presence of sarcopenia among US adults. This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005-2006 and 2011-2018, and included adults aged 20 years or older. LE8 score was measured according to American Heart Association definitions. Sarcopenia was measured according to the National Institutes of Health definition, the ratio of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) to body mass index (BMI). Multivariable logistic and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the associations between LE8 and sarcopenia. Among the 11,078 participants, 1021 (9.22 %) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. After adjusting for potential confounders, higher LE8, health behavior and health factors scores were associated with reduced odds ratios (OR) of sarcopenia (OR for per 10 scores increase in LE8, 0.65; 95 % CI 0.61-0.70; OR for per 10 scores increase in health behaviors score, 0.90; 95 % CI 0.84-0.97; OR for per 10 scores increase in health factors score, 0.67; 95 % CI 0.63-0.71). A non-linear dose-response relationship was observed between LE8 scores, health factors scores, and sarcopenia. The inversed association between LE8 score and sarcopenia was significantly stronger among males and participants with a high school education or above. LE8 was negatively associated with the prevalence of sarcopenia in a nonlinear fashion. Promoting adherence to optimal CVH levels may benefit to reduce the risk of sarcopenia.

Optimal levels of sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity needed to support cognitive function in children of the early years.

Sleep, sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and the composition of these movement behaviours across the 24-h day are associated with cognitive function in early years children. This study used a Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach to identify the optimal duration of sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity associated with desired cognitive function outcomes in early years children. This cross-sectional study included 858 children aged 2.8-5.5 years from the Sleep and Activity Database for the Early Years. 24-h movement behaviours (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Cognitive function was measured using three tasks from the Early Years Toolbox: visual-spatial working memory, response inhibition, and expressive vocabulary. A Goldilocks day compositional data analysis approach was used in R software to identify the optimal time-use compositions associated with the best 10% of the cognitive function scores. The movement behaviour composition and the relative time spent in sleep and sedentary behaviour but not different intensities of physical activity were significantly associated with working memory (P ≤ 0.01). The movement behaviour composition and relative time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and different intensities of physical activity were not significantly associated with response inhibition or expressive vocabulary (P > 0.2). Therefore, optimal time use was only determined for working memory. Optimal daily durations for working memory were observed with 11:00 (hr:min) of sleep, 5:42 of sedentary behaviour, 5:06 of light physical activity, and 2:12 of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Working memory was the only cognitive function outcome related to the 24-h movement behaviour composition. Optimal sleep for working memory was consistent with current recommended durations, while optimal moderate-to-vigorous physical activity greatly exceeded minimal recommended levels. Optimal sedentary behaviour was longer and light physical activity was shorter than the sample average.

The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Physical Fitness and Sport Performance – A Review

Introduction: Deficiency or insufficiency of vitamin D affects all individuals, of both sexes and all ages, and consequently brings a series of negative health consequences for them. This deficiency seems to be a very widespread problem in the population in general and also among physically active individuals and particulary in athletes. Currently, the insufficiency of vitamin D is a problem appearing worldwide. While in the population the main source of deficiencies are insufficient exposure to the sun and deficiency in the food diet, in individuals who participate in physical activity and sports it seems that the main factors are high use and depletion of reserves from muscle and adipose tissue. Vitamin D deficiency has an important role not only in bone and muscle health, but also negatively affects physical fitness and sports performance. Therefore, continuing measurement and monitoring of free vitamin D and/or its bioavailable 25(OH)D metabolites is the best way to determine the true vitamin D status for preventive reasons or supplementation in all individuals. Objectives: This review aims to highlight the current situation of the status of vitamin D, especially in subjects participate in physical activity and sports, and its importance and role in the health of athletes and in sports performance. Methods: For this review, we used the database in Scopus and PubMed, searching with key words: vitamin D deficiency - vitamin D status - elite athletes - sports performance. Full articles in English, published from 2016 to 2024, that evidenced the association between vitamin D status and health outcomes and sports performance were included. Results and Conclusions: The results of the study showed that the deficiency of vitamin D in the general population, but also in those who are actively involved in sports and even elite sports, is present at worrying levels. In different groups and populations, the deficiency factors are partly different, but the results show that the lack of food in the diet today constitutes one of the main factors that has almost taken the same weight as insufficient exposure to the sun. For physically active subjects and those involved in various types of sports, deficiencies are present at an unpredictably high rate, putting in serious danger in some cases the lives of the athletes. This comes from a low attention regarding the deficiencies of this vitamin, compared to other elements that are usually taken in the form of supplements in sports. The results show that maintaining an optimal level of vitamin D affects not only the bone and muscle health, the optimal physical fitness of physically active individuals, but also the health and improvement of sports performance (not only physical) of athletes. Therefore, the measurement, monitoring, ensuring a balanced food diet and supplementing with this vitamin, if needed, should accompany the entire course and activity of the subjects of this category in a strict and consistent manner.

An Interval Fuzzy Programming Approach to Solve a Green Intermodal Routing Problem for Timber Transportation Under Uncertain Information

This study investigates an intermodal routing problem for transporting wood from a storage yard of the timber harvest area to a timber mill, in which the transfer nodes in the intermodal transportation network have multiple service time windows. To improve the environmental sustainability of timber transportation, a carbon tax policy is employed in the routing to reduce the carbon emissions. Uncertain information on the capacities and carbon emission factors of the transportation activities in the intermodal transportation network is modeled using interval fuzzy numbers to enhance the feasibility of the routing optimization in the actual timber transportation. Based on the above consideration, an interval fuzzy nonlinear optimization model is established to handle the specific routing problem. Model defuzzification and linearization are then conducted to obtain an equivalent formulation that is crisp and linear to make the global optimum solution attainable. A numerical experiment is conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed model, and it reveals the influence of the optimization level and service time windows on the routing optimization, and it confirms that intermodal transportation is suitable for timber transportation. This experiment also analyzes the feasibility of a carbon tax policy in reducing the carbon emissions of timber transportation, and it finds that the performance of this policy is determined by the optimization level given by the timber mill and is not always feasible in all cases. For the case where a carbon tax policy is infeasible, this study proposes a bi-objective optimization that can use Pareto solutions to balance the economic and environmental objectives as an alternative. The bi-objective optimization further shows the relationship between lowering the transportation costs, reducing the carbon emissions, and enhancing the reliability on capacity and budget by improving the optimization level. The conclusions provide managerial insights that can help the timber mill and intermodal transportation operator organize cost-efficient, low-carbon, and reliable intermodal transportation for timber distribution, and support sustainable forest logistics.

Community-level Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices regarding Cardiovascular Diseases and Modifiable Risk Factors in India.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) is critical to inform CVD prevention strategies, but limited community-level data exist from developing countries. To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CVD and CVRF and acceptability of non-physician health workers and text-message based reminders to guide CVD prevention strategies in India. We conducted a telephone-based survey nested in the on-going Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) cohort in Delhi and Chennai, India between January 2021 to February 2021. We randomly selected people with CVRF, but no established CVD and those with existing CVD from the CARRS cohort (n=502 participants) and assessed their 1) knowledge of CVD symptoms and risk factors, 2) attitude towards non-physician health workers (NPHW) facilitated care and text-messages for healthy lifestyle, and 3) practices regarding monitoring of CVRF. We performed logistic regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with KAP. We interviewed 502 participants (283 with CVRF and 219 with CVD); 45.8% were female, and mean age (SD) was 48.1 (11.2) years. The knowledge of heart attack symptoms, stroke symptoms, and CVRF (>75% correct answers) were: 12.9%, 20.7%, and 17.3%, respectively. Individuals with CVRF had 2.5 times lower knowledge of CVD symptoms compared to those with existing CVD. Acceptability of NPHW-facilitated care and text-messages for healthy lifestyle was 60% and 84%, respectively. The knowledge of CVD symptoms and risk factors is below optimal levels, particularly among individuals at high risk of CVD, unskilled workers, those with lower levels of education and income. Innovative use of NPHW along with mHealth tools could potentially offer solutions to reduce the burden of CVD.

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Enhanced Performance in Kadiri Lepakshi Groundnut

The study was conducted to determine the optimal fertilizer levels for Kadiri Lepakshi groundnut. The experiment consists of eight treatments and was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The present investigation was conducted at Integrated Farming System demonstration plot, ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru Karnataka, during the summer of 2022 and Kharif 2023. Five plants from the sampling area were randomly selected and observations on growth and yield parameters were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The results revealed that among the various nutrient levels, application of 100 % RDF combined with Phosphogypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 resulted in significantly higher values for plant height (32.95 cm), number of branches per plant (12.60) and dry matter production at harvest. This treatment also led to a substantial increase in the total number of pods per plant (59) and filled pods per plant (48) in groundnut, performing on par with the treatment that included 100% RDF, Gypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 (with 57 and 44 pods, respectively) when compared to other treatments. The similar trend was observed with respect to pod yield (2327 kg ha-1), kernel yield (1580 kg ha-1), and haulm yield (3594 kg ha-1). So, the application of 100% RDF with Phosphogypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 significantly enhanced growth attributes (plant height, branches per plant, and dry matter production) and yield parameters (pods per plant, filled pods, pod yield, kernel yield, and haulm yield) in groundnut. This indicates that Phosphogypsum is an effective source of calcium and sulfur for boosting groundnut yield.

Association of life's essential 8 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a population-based analysis of NHANES 2007-2018.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between Life's Essential 8 (LE8), the newly established measurement to assess cardiovascular health (CVH), and COPD among U.S. general adults. This study extracted the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018) data. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between LE8 and COPD. A restricted cubic spline regression model was used to explore the dose-response relationships between LE8 scores and COPD. In addition, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our results. Our study included 19,774 participants representing 145.2million non-institutionalized U.S. population aged ≥ 20 years. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of COPD was 4.5%. After adjusting for the potential covariates, LE8 was inversely associated with COPD [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.169, 95% CI: 0.115, 0.249], exhibiting a nonlinear dose-response relationship (P for nonlinearity < 0.05). Similar trends in the associations of health behavior score (AOR = 0.300, 95% CI: 0.223, 0.404) and health factor score (AOR = 0.603, 95% CI: 0.426, 0.852) with COPD were also identified. Furthermore, higher LE8 metric scores of nicotine exposure and sleep health were associated with a lower prevalence of COPD. LE8 was inversely associated with spirometric/self-reported COPD in a nonlinear trend, primarily driven by the nicotine exposure metric of LE8. Adhering to LE8 guidelines, especially smoking cessation, to sustain optimal CVH levels may be beneficial to alleviate the burden of COPD.