Physical Integrity Research Articles

As global energy demand continues to rise and the need to transition from fossil fuels becomes increasingly urgent, integrating solar farms efficiently into power grids presents a significant challenge. This study introduces a novel graph-theoretic framework for designing optimal interconnection networks among distributed solar farms. By utilizing Prim’s algorithm to construct a minimum spanning tree, the proposed method effectively reduces transmission losses and infrastructure costs. The performance of this deterministic approach is benchmarked against Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), a widely applied metaheuristic technique. To assess network robustness under potential line failures, a new graph-based reliability metric is developed. Case studies involving a cluster of solar farms demonstrate that Prim’s algorithm outperforms PSO in minimizing both power losses and capital investment, while also offering higher topological reliability. Although PSO achieves better load balancing, the graph-based approach proves more effective for loss-sensitive and cost-driven design scenarios. The proposed framework naturally accommodates constraints such as terrain limitations and is scalable to hybrid renewable energy systems. By integrating classical graph theory with practical power system considerations, this work offers a computationally efficient and economically viable solution for the optimal physical integration of large-scale solar energy infrastructure. The proposed methodology also lays a foundation for future integration of AI and machine learning techniques to enable dynamic network optimization under uncertainty.

<i>Introduction: </i>The migration of the Senegalese to the Eldorado has continued to increase since 2006. It has become massive and clandestine, and candidates do not hesitate to use illegal and dangerous ways and means, thus exposing their lives and engaging their physical and psychological integrity. <i>Objectives: </i>Determine the prevalence of PTSD in migrants and identify the factors associated with its occurrence. <i>Methodology: </i>A descriptive and analytical transversal study on migrants had been carried out in Ziguinchor over the period from January 1 to July 31, 2024. The collection of data was done on the basis of the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) evaluation scale and a pre-established questionnaire. The entry was made on Excel spreadsheet and statistical analysis with the STATA 18 software. <i>Results: </i>A total of 41 migrants had been surveyed. The study population was made up of men (92.7%). The average age was 36.9 years ± 9.3. Migrants had attended school (70.7%) and had professional activity before departure (92.7%). They were craftsmen (39.0%) and single without children (46.3%). Motivation to emigration was linked to financial difficulties (85.4%). Italy was the chosen destination 58.5%. The privileged travel route was terrestrial (70.7%). Thirty-five migrants had encountered difficulties during the trip. The return to the country was against their will (63.4%). The prevalence of the PTSD was 31.7%. Its occurrence was favored by borrowing the land route, by the difficulties linked to food and extortion. Literacy was a protective factor. The PTSD impacted on social reintegration but had no impact on professional reintegration and the desire to return. <i>Conclusion: </i>The study has shown a fairly high frequency of PTSD in migrants related to traumatic events experienced during the trip. It is therefore necessary to assess all the migrants on the health level and to ensure them a medico-psychosocial care.

Cultural heritage (CH) relics are irreplaceable records of human civilization, encompassing diverse historical, technological, and artistic achievements. Extracting their structural and compositional information without affecting their physical integrity is a critical challenge. This review summarizes recent advances in non-destructive techniques (NDTs) for CH analysis and emphasizes the balance between the depth of analysis and conservation ethics. Techniques are broadly categorized into spectrum-based, X-ray-based, and digital-based methods. Spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provide molecular-level insights into organic and inorganic components, often requiring minimal or no sampling. X-ray-based techniques, including conventional and spatially resolved XRD/XRF and total reflection XRF (TRXRF), provide powerful means for crystal and elemental analysis, including in situ pigment identification and trace material analysis. Digital-based methods include high-resolution imaging, three-dimensional modeling, data fusion, and AI-driven diagnosis to achieve the non-invasive visualization, monitoring, and virtual restoration of CH assets. This review highlights a methodology shift from traditional molecular-level detection to data-centric and AI-assisted diagnosis, reflecting the paradigm shift in heritage science.

Introduction: Obstetric violence constitutes a phenomenon of significant social and scientific relevance, as it undermines the dignity and the physical and psychological integrity of women during the childbirth process, being configured as a violation of human rights and of the ethical principles that guide healthcare practices. In this context, nursing assumes a central role as a promoting agent of humanized care, bearing the responsibility to prevent and confront abusive or negligent behaviors that may constitute forms of violence in the obstetric environment. Objective: To analyze the role of nursing in the prevention of obstetric violence, based on the identification of care practices that foster the humanization of childbirth and ensure respect for women’s autonomy. Materials and method: This is an integrative literature review, with a qualitative approach, carried out through a systematic search in indexed scientific databases, aiming to select recent and pertinent publications related to the subject. Data analysis will be conducted through thematic categorization, enabling synthesis and critical interpretation of the findings. Results: It is expected to identify and systematize the main strategies adopted by nursing professionals to prevent obstetric violence, highlighting practices that value active listening, respect for the parturient’s choices, the reduction of unnecessary interventions, and the provision of physical and emotional support throughout the childbirth process. Furthermore, the relevance of ethical, technical, and humanistic training of professionals is expected to be evidenced, in order to strengthen the quality of care. Conclusions: It is considered that obstetric nursing plays an essential role in promoting humanized childbirth, being indispensable in confronting the institutional culture that still perpetuates violent practices in obstetric settings. By contributing to the strengthening of public health policies aimed at protecting women, nursing affirms itself as a protagonist in the defense of parturients’ rights and in the consolidation of care based on dignity and respect for female autonomy.

The goal of this research is to convert iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) waste from metal workshops, as well as silicon (Si), into innovative intermetallic nanocomposites with different characteristics that are reinforced with various quantities of hybrid fly ash and vanadium carbide (VC) for industrial usage. The microstructure, physical integrity, tribo-mechanical performance, and thermal behavior of the resultant sintered materials were all carefully examined. FeSi, FeAl, Fe₃Si, and Fe₃Al₂Si₃ were among the intermetallic phases that were formed, according to post-milling XRD examination. The bulk density of the intermetallic alloy steadily dropped as the amount of hybrid ceramic reinforcements rose, although the apparent porosity in the sintered microstructure increased. Notably, as compared to the unreinforced intermetallic alloy, the microhardness increased by 8.11%, 23.62%, 47.10%, and 84.26% in quick succession when these reinforcements were added. In comparison to the intermetallic alloy, the sample containing 16 vol% of hybrid reinforcements (FV8) achieved a Young’s modulus of 84.1% and a compressive strength of 43.2% after the addition of reinforcements. The CTE value of the intermetallic alloy was 11.88 × 10−6/ ⁰C, whereas the nanocomposite samples FV1, FV2, FV4 and FV8 have values of 11.28 × 10−6, 10.61 × 10−6, 9.14 × 10−6, and 7.10 × 10−6/ ⁰C, respectively, which can be attributed to vanadium and silica, which have lower CTE values than the matrix. Moreover, the previous results are associated with improved tribological properties of the prepared nanocomposites, as their wear rate decreased by 4.6%, 10.9%, 22.8%, and 43.2% compared to the intermetallic alloy. The average fraction coefficient decreased by 5.3%, 11.9%, 22.4%, and 39.5% for the same samples. Based on the results, recycled materials can be used in industrial applications, reinforcing the importance of recycling metal waste.

Abstract Human rights organizations regularly publicize abuses and shame repressive regimes. But can such human rights messaging effectively mobilize public support for sanctions against these regimes? This study examines whether and under what conditions international advocacy influences citizens’ willingness to support sanctions. I hypothesize that advocacy effectiveness depends on who delivers the message, what type of violation is reported, and how the response is framed. I fielded a preregistered survey experiment with a sample of 2,204 Americans, varying the type of rights violation (physical integrity vs. empowerment rights), the advocacy messenger (UN Special Rapporteur vs. Human Rights Watch), and the sanctions framing (unilateral vs. multilateral). Results show that advocacy messages can increase public support for sanctions, but effects vary significantly across conditions. First, UN messaging produces robust effects, while Human Rights Watch messaging shows weaker and less consistent impacts. Second, messages describing physical integrity abuses generate strong support, while empowerment rights violations fail to mobilize public opinion. Contrary to expectations, multilateral framing does not significantly increase support. These findings advance our understanding of transnational advocacy by identifying the conditions under which international actors can effectively mobilize public backing for human rights enforcement and when advocacy efforts may fall short.

IntroductionPeople with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly experience pain, whether during active disease or remission, which interferes with daily life and major goals and causes distress. Current psychological methods of pain management draw from musculoskeletal pain interventions, but it has not been established that the musculoskeletal model is a good fit. We aimed to outline a psychological model of IBD pain.MethodsWe used qualitative methods: a very open interview (Grid Elaboration Method), conducted online and transcripts analysed for themes and subthemes. 15 men and 15 women with IBD pain, recruited from a national charity, took part in 4 months to February 2024. Participants scored their average pain 5/10 and interference by pain with activity 6/10, where 10 is maximum pain or interference.ResultsWe extracted five inter-related themes: on the emotional impact of pain and symptoms; the challenge of pain; restrictions due to pain and other IBD symptoms; shortcomings in healthcare, particularly for pain; and poor public understanding of IBD. Although the first theme, universally endorsed, covered anxiety about the meaning of pain, we did not find the fears about physical integrity that characterise much musculoskeletal pain, nor the avoidance of physical activities based on those fears.ConclusionWe propose that further exploration is warranted of the experience of IBD-related pain and how people adjust to it. This will inform the design of better psychologically-informed interventions to help people with IBD manage their pain, independently and in partnership with healthcare.

Background: The mechanical properties of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) play a vital role in enhancing mobility and improving the quality of life in individuals recovering from stroke. Parameters such as stiffness, alignment, and kinetic-kinematic characteristics are critical aspects that require optimization in AFO design and evaluation. Purpose: To investigate the advancement of physical sensor technologies applied in AFO systems. It focuses on enabling practitioners and researchers to obtain objective, real-time data on fitting outcomes, while addressing the limitations associated with traditional, bulky, or high-cost instrumentation. Method: A literature-based review was conducted to analyze the implementation of various physical sensors integrated into AFOs. Sensor selection was examined in relation to targeted biomechanical outcomes, with attention given to each sensor's operational strengths and constraints to inform optimal usage. Results: Findings indicate that physical sensors significantly enhance data acquisition related to AFO fitting and performance by offering accurate, efficient, and user-friendly measurement capabilities. The diversity of available sensors allows for customization based on specific research or clinical objectives, although careful consideration must be given to each sensor's limitations. Conclusion: The integration of physical sensors into AFO systems represents a promising direction in orthotic development, facilitating evidence-based assessments through wearable and cost-effective technologies. Strategic sensor selection is essential to maximizing the accuracy and utility of AFO outcome measurements in both clinical and research settings.

Staphylococcus aureus contamination in dental impression materials, such as alginate, presents significant challenges in clinical settings. These include reduced material integrity, elevated infection risks, and decreased procedural accuracy, especially in immunocompromised patients. Conventional disinfection methods may be insufficient against biofilm-forming bacteria, prompting the exploration of natural antimicrobials as safer alternatives. This study investigated the effects of Peronema canescens Jack extract on the physical properties of alginate and the virulence of S. aureus, including growth and biofilm formation. Thirty-six alginate samples were divided into six treatment groups, with the extract applied as a spray at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%. Bacterial growth was assessed spectrophotometrically (OD 620 nm), porosity was examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface texture was analyzed using a texture analyzer. Biofilm formation was evaluated using a 1% crystal violet assay and visualized under light microscopy. The 0.5% extract concentration exhibited the highest bacteriostatic activity (OD 0.08, <300 CFU/mL), effectively reducing S. aureus growth and biofilm mass. It also preserved the physical integrity of alginate by minimizing porosity and maintaining a smoother surface. These effects were comparable to those of 0.2% chlorhexidine. In conclusion, P. canescens Jack extract at 0.5% demonstrated a significant reduction in S. aureus biofilm mass, while effectively preserving alginate porosity and surface texture, supporting its application as a biocompatible antimicrobial agent in dental impression materials.

Effects of chemical & biological warfare agent decontaminants on trace survival: Impact on digital media.

ABSTRACT The study examined the outcomes and development process of a teacher training program on physical activity (PA) based learning for gifted students. Multiphase-mixed methods were used based on the ADDIE model. Gifted students’ teachers working in special education institutions sampled in accordance with criterion sampling and distributed as experimental group (n = 24) with a mean age of X̄ = 40.17 (±6.12) and control group (n = 22) with a mean age of X̄ = 42.68 (±8.75). Qualitative data were collected through project documents-field notes, open-ended question forms, focus groups, and individual interviews. Quantitative data were obtained using a knowledge test and a self-assessment scale. The program was designed through process-oriented needs analysis. Statistically significant differences in knowledge test and self-assessment scale were observed in the experimental teacher group with moderate-large effect sizes (p < .05; r = .355−.875). Qualitative data indicated four main themes in post-training period: (1) Change in teachers, (2) Change in learning environment and students, (3) Social networks, and (4) Ongoing Barriers and Unfavourableness. As a result, the teacher training program has increased teachers’ skills and knowledge regarding to PA integration while these improvements reflected into changes and actions in learning environment. Teachers applied pedagogical strategies specific to gifted students within integrated PA. However, teachers also reported ongoing barriers for implication of PA integration.

ABSTRACTCarbon aerogel supported phase change materials (PCMs) can confer multifunctional properties to ordinary PCMs and meet specific requirements in extreme environments. In this study, composite phase change materials (CPCMs) with integrated insulation and thermal conductivity functions were successfully developed through the physical integration of a thermal insulation layer and a thermal conductivity layer. The structurally stable carbonized polyimide (C‐PI)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) aerogel acts as the thermal conductivity layer substrate. The aerogel obtained from a polyamic acid salt (PAS) composite with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used for the thermal insulation layer. Then, polyethylene glycol was vacuum‐impregnated into the integrated aerogel to prepare CPCMs with integrated insulation, thermal conductivity, and thermal energy storage functions. When the mass ratio of CNTs to PAS was 2, the enthalpy reaches 160.3 J/g and the PEG loading reaches 95.56%. Moreover, the presence of CNTs increased the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive layer to 0.433 W/m K. In addition, the bilayer CPCMs can conduct heat quickly and also have a good thermal insulation effect. The all‐in‐one material achieves a perfect combination of dual functions and provides a new solution for thermal management of power devices. Furthermore, the bilayer CPCMs also have great application potential in the field of infrared stealth.

Effect of Metschnikowia pulcherrima and 24-epibrassinolide on grape quality preservation and Botrytis control during postharvest.

Respect for Autonomy in Patients with Altered Reality Judgment

BackgroundLong-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been distributed and installed in the Dominican Republic since 2008, and they remain the main vector control intervention used to pursue malaria elimination in the country. However, LLIN performance remains unclear due to a lack of monitoring over the past decade.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey was conducted to monitor LLIN coverage, access, use, physical integrity, washing and drying practices, and the time people go to bed and wake up in the two main malaria foci of the country: Azua (4–6 months post-distribution and installation) and San Juan (one year post-distribution and installation).ResultsThe percentage of sleeping spaces that could be covered with a LLIN given the LLINs present in the household was 64% in Azua and 63% in San Juan; with any net, coverage was 75% in Azua and 80% in San Juan. Reported LLIN retention was 88.4% in Azua and 80.9% in San Juan. The percentage of people who had access to sleeping under an LLIN was 58.8% in Azua and 65.4% in San Juan. Among people with LLIN access (people with enough LLINs to cover all sleeping spaces in their household), use was 48.8% in Azua and 75% in San Juan; and overall, LLINs use was 32.3% in Azua and 50.5% in San Juan. Most LLINs remained in serviceable physical condition (Azua: 96.4%, San Juan: 88.9%) but those with holes were not repaired. Most LLINs were washed with aggressive products (Azua: 65%, San Juan: 86%), at a frequency that suggests they will be washed more than twenty times in three years (Azua: 52%, San Juan: 73%), and dried under the sun (Azua: 75%, San Juan: 90%).ConclusionPoor washing and drying practices are prevalent in both areas, low LLIN use was observed in Azua and some LLIN coverage gaps were measured in both foci. Urgent behavioural change strategies are needed to improve LLIN care in both foci and to increase LLIN use in Azua, alongside revisions to LLIN quantification methods to ensure full coverage of all sleeping spaces in use during installation. Heterogeneities in LLINs use across foci suggest the need for monitoring use in each distribution area to identify individual gaps and promptly address them.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-025-05406-6.

Using leaf fibers from pineapple (PALFs) as a model dual-purposeplant, we deliberately explore the effect of bio- and semibiobasedtreatment using xylanase, cellulase, and a mixture of pectinase andamylase. We assess these treatments for their potential to selectivelyand precisely remove lignocellulosic components. Additionally, weexamine how they modify the relative content of cellulose, hemicellulose,and lignin, as these are key factors affecting the physical appearance,dimensional structures, and mechanical integrity. Pretreatment andpost-treatment with alkaline further affect how efficiently the enzymesfunction toward hemicellulose and lignin elimination. As the degradationyield can be as high as 99 wt %, i.e., overdigestion, for alkalinepretreatment followed by xylanase or cellulase, the chemical analysisby Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) finds that eachtreatment selectively removes different lignocellulose compounds (upto over 50% for hemicellulose and lignin) when compared to the normalizedamount of cellulose. In addition, disintegration of the microfiberbundles (10–50 μm) in the PALFs upon removal of hemicelluloseand lignin into individual fibers of size around 5–8 μmis also detected under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Even thoughthe mechanical properties and load-bearing capacity of the treatedfibers are reduced upon the treatment, optimally treated fibers bydiluted xylanase and diluted xylanase + alkaline, with light appearance,soft touch, and a well-defined and debundling structure, are successfullyfabricated into yarns under an industrial ring spinning process withas high as 80 wt % PALF content. Despite a change in surface chemistry,the treated PALFs can be naturally dyed by both hot and cold processeswith excellent color fastness to washing, perspiration, and lightunder AATCC TM 61:2013 METHOD 1A. The PALFs after enzyme and alkalinetreatment with a thickness of 10–50 mm have high sound absorptioncapability in the frequency range of 800–6300 Hz. The PALFyarns are successfully woven into plain and patterned fabrics usingan industrial loom, illustrating the scalability and practicalityof our nature-based solution to valuation of the dual-purpose plant’swastes.

Stone cleaning for cultural heritage monuments is a critical conservation intervention that must effectively eliminate harmful surface contaminants while preserving the material’s physical, chemical, and historical integrity. This study investigated the removal of tenacious black biofilms formed by Nocardia species previously isolated from deteriorated limestone from the Bastet tomb in Tell Basta, Zagazig City, Egypt, using a Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Experimental limestone specimens were systematically inoculated with Nocardia sp. under controlled laboratory conditions to simulate biodeterioration processes. Comprehensive testing revealed that a laser fluence of 0.03 J/cm2 with a 5 ns pulse duration, applied under wet conditions with 500 pulses, achieved the complete elimination of the biological black film without damaging the underlying stone substrate. The cleaning efficacy was evaluated through an integrated analytical framework combining stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS). These analyses demonstrated a remarkable transformation from a compromised mineralogical composition dominated by gypsum (62%) and anhydrite (13%) to a restored state of 98% calcite, confirming the laser treatment’s effectiveness in reversing biodeterioration processes. SEM micrographs revealed the complete elimination of mycelial networks that had penetrated to depths between 984 μm and 1.66 mm, while LIPS analysis confirmed the restoration of elemental signatures to near-control levels. The successful application of LIPS for real-time monitoring during cleaning provides a valuable tool for preventing overcleaning, addressing a significant concern in laser conservation interventions. This research establishes evidence-based protocols for the non-invasive removal of Nocardia-induced black biofilms from limestone artifacts, offering conservation professionals a precise, effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatments for preserving irreplaceable cultural heritage.

Beyond age and expertise: Emotional intelligence and heart rate variability predict decision-making under risk in mountain-guide population.

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are vital for malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, but their durability is challenged by fabric decay and pyrethroid resistance. This study assessed the physical integrity and bioefficacy of piperonyl butoxide-LLINs (PBO-LLINs) and pyrethroid-only LLINs (pyrethroid-LLINs) after 1.5 years of use in western Kenya, where resistance is widespread. A survey on net integrity and insecticide efficacy was conducted in randomly selected households (101-107 per group per visit) from three villages per net type group in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County. Physical integrity surveys were done after every six months while residual bio-efficacy was after every three months for 18 months. Physical integrity and residual bio-efficacy studies were conducted following WHO guidelines. PBO-LLINs exhibited higher physical integrity than pyrethroid-LLINs over time. At 18 months, 45.2% (61/135) of pyrethroid-LLINs and 21.8% (31/142) of PBO-LLINs were torn, with pHI values of 2494.1 ± 1696.4 and 1618.6 ± 1056.7, respectively. Net type, net age and house wall structures significantly influenced net integrity (p < 0.05). Torn nets were significantly more common in pyrethroid-LLIN households with mud-unplastered [OR=5.323 (95% CI = 1.685-16.816), p = 0.004] and corrugated iron walls [OR=6.31 (95% CI = 2.10-18.93), p < 0.001] and in PBO-LLIN households with mud-unplastered walls [OR=9.823 (95% CI = 1.487-64.898), p = 0.018]. Against the Kisumu susceptible Anopheles gambiae s.s, both net types decreased in mortality at baseline (when new) from 97.6% to 18.4% and 98.6% to 18.5% for pyrethroid and PBO-LLINs respectively at 18 months. Against a Bungoma pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.s, mosquito mortality with pyrethroid-LLINs declined from 36.9% when new to 6.8% at 18 months, while PBO-LLINs dropped from 55.6% to 11.8%. Both physical integrity and bioefficacy of LLINs declined significantly within 18 months. The findings demonstrate that not all nets in the field offer maximum protection by this time point, calling for net care education and further evaluation of PBO-LLINs especially in pyrethroid-resistant regions.

The increasing complexity and cost of manufacturing monolithic chips have driven the semiconductor industry toward chiplet-based designs, where smaller, modular chiplets are integrated onto a single interposer. While chiplet architectures offer significant advantages, such as improved yields, design flexibility, and cost efficiency, they introduce new security challenges in the horizontal hardware manufacturing supply chain. These challenges include risks of hardware Trojans, cross-die side-channel and fault injection attacks, probing of chiplet interfaces, and intellectual property theft. To address these concerns, this paper presents ChipletQuake, a novel on-chiplet framework for verifying the physical security and integrity of adjacent chiplets during the post-silicon stage. By sensing the impedance of the power delivery network (PDN) of the system, ChipletQuake detects tamper events in the interposer and neighboring chiplets without requiring any direct signal interface or additional hardware components. Fully compatible with the digital resources of FPGA-based chiplets, this framework demonstrates the ability to identify the insertion of passive and subtle malicious circuits, providing an effective solution to enhance the security of chiplet-based systems. To validate our claims, we showcase how our framework detects hardware Trojans and interposer tampering.