Stages Of Process Research Articles

The impact of angiographic pedal circulation status on wound healing in chronic limb-threatening ischemia after bypass surgery

ObjectivesIn the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), complete wound healing is an important goal. Although foot perfusion status seems to be important for wound healing, the global limb anatomic staging system (GLASS) of the Global Vascular Guidelines (GVG) does not include pedal artery status for the staging process due to the lack of sufficient evidence of its importance. This study aimed to clarify the importance of pedal perfusion status after bypass surgery. MethodsAmong the 153 CLTI cases that underwent bypass distal to popliteal arteries from 2014 to 2018, 117 CLTI limbs with wounds and with sufficient pedal angiographic data were enrolled. They were classified into two groups, based on the wound status 6 months postoperatively; early wound healing group (EWG, N=78), which achieved complete wound healing within 6 months postoperatively, and prolonged healing or unhealed wounds group (PWG, N=39), which failed to achieve wound healing within 6 months. Various factors associated with wound healing, including the wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI) classification, intraoperative graft flow, and pedal angiographic data, were analyzed. Regarding pedal angiographic data, in addition to the GLASS inframalleolar/pedal disease descriptor (IPD), newly formed classification system of the pedal circulation status in association with the location of wounds was included: pedal circulation status was classified into two groups as visualized arterial perfusion towards wounds (visualized perfusion) and non-visualized arterial perfusion towards wounds (non-visualized perfusion). ResultsUnivariate analysis showed preoperative albumin (Odds ratio [OR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.94; P=.027), higher WIfI clinical stage (OR, 3.88; 95%CI, 1.74-10.1; P=.0005), higher IPD (OR, 2.16; 95%CI, 1.16-4.02; P=.012), and non-visualized perfusion to wounds (OR, 5.74: 95%CI, 2.45-14.0; P < .0001) as significant for prolonged wound healing. Multivariate analysis showed higher WIfI stage (OR, 5.04; 95%CI, 1.74-14.6; P=.0029) and non-visualized perfusion to wounds (OR, 4.34; 95%CI, 1.71-11.0; P=.0021) as significant, while IPD was not detected as significant. Regarding blood supply to the foot, although graft flow was significantly lower in IPD-P2 than IPD-P0/P1, graft flow was similar regardless of the status of angiographic circulation to wounds, suggesting that distribution of blood supply to the wound would be more important than total amount of blood supply to the foot for wound healing. ConclusionsWIfI clinical stage and pedal circulatory environment were important factors for wound healing after bypass surgery. Pedal anatomical classification system including perfusion status would be important for decision making in CLTI treatment.

Beyond primary visual cortex: The leading role of lateral occipital complex in early conscious visual processing

The study of the neural substrates that serve conscious vision is one of the unsolved questions of cognitive neuroscience. So far, consciousness literature has endeavoured to disentangle which brain areas and in what order are involved in giving rise to visual awareness, but the problem of consciousness still remains unsolved. Availing of two different but complementary sources of data (i.e., Fast Optical Imaging and EEG), we sought to unravel the neural dynamics responsible for the emergence of a conscious visual experience. Our results revealed that conscious vision is characterized by a significant increase of activation in extra-striate visual areas, specifically in the Lateral Occipital Complex (LOC), and that, more interestingly, such activity occurred in the temporal window of the ERP component commonly thought to represent the electrophysiological signature of visual awareness, i.e., the Visual Awareness Negativity (VAN). Furthermore, Granger causality analysis, performed to further investigate the flow of activity occurring in the investigated areas, unveiled that neural processes relating to conscious perception mainly originated in LOC and subsequently spread towards visual and motor areas. In general, the results of the present study seem to advocate for an early contribution of LOC in conscious vision, thus suggesting that it could represent a reliable neural correlate of visual awareness. Conversely, striate visual areas, showing awareness-related activity only in later stages of stimulus processing, could be part of the cascade of neural events following awareness emergence.

Conspicuous compensatory consumption: scale development and initial validation

PurposeThis study aims to develop and validate a measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Compensatory consumption phenomenon is gaining increased significance in consumer behavior literature. In a symbolic-rich culture, the use of possessions creates a perfect venue for self-construction and self-repairing to make up for one’s psychological deficiencies and inadequacies.Design/methodology/approachA mixed research design of qualitative and quantitative methodologies is adopted by using elicitation techniques, interviews and survey data. Extensive development and validation procedures are used. A series of studies, encompassing a total sample of 1,782, are reported.FindingsThe current study offers a valid and reliable measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption by chronologically following the stages of the scale development process. Compensatory consumption had a negative influence on subjective happiness and a positive influence on negative affect and satisfaction with life. Respondents with high materialism scores had significantly higher compensatory tendencies than the low materialism group. The low self-compassionate group had significantly higher compensatory tendencies than the high self-compassionate group.Originality/valueThe current study provides theoretical contributions to consumer behavior research by providing a valid and reliable measure for conspicuous compensatory consumption. Contrary to past scales that followed a mood-alleviation perspective where therapeutic shopping is used to regulate negative emotions, this scale is novel in adopting a self-completion approach where products are pursued for a tactical effort to offset threatened self-concepts.

Study on the Changes and Correlation of Microorganisms and Flavor in Different Processing Stages of Mianning Ham.

(1) Background: Mianning ham is a dry-cured ham from Southwest China, known for its distinct regional characteristics and delicious taste. It is particularly favored by consumers due to its safety, as no artificial nitrites are added during processing. The microbial changes during its different processing stages significantly influence the final product's flavor. This study aims to investigate the changes in microbial communities and flavor compounds across the nine stages of Mianning ham production, from raw material preparation to salting, drying, fermentation, and maturation, using 16S and ITS sequencing, as well as solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). The goal is to explore the correlation between these changes and provide a basis for process improvement from the initial raw material preparation. (2) Results: The microbiota of Mianning ham across different processing stages mainly consisted of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Ascomycota. A total of 324 volatile compounds were identified, of which 27 were key contributors to the ham's flavor. Aldehydes contributed the most to flavor, with octanal, trans-2-nonenal, and trans, trans-2,4-decadienal being the most significant contributors at various stages. Mature Mianning ham, fermented for 1-3 years, exhibited fresh grass and earthy aromas, buttery and fatty flavors, and a distinctive roasted potato note. Correlation analysis revealed that Cobetia was the primary bacterial contributor to the main flavor compounds, especially prominent in the second year of fermentation. Among fungi, Yamadazyma and Aspergillus positively influenced several key aldehyde flavor compounds throughout the processing stages, significantly contributing to the flavor profile of Mianning ham. (3) Conclusions: Correlation analysis showed that the Mianning ham that matured for two years had the richest and most characteristic flavor. The positive and consistent impact of fungi on the ham's flavor suggests that they may warrant further research and application in Mianning ham production. This provides a theoretical basis for improving the flavor quality and enhancing the market competitiveness of Mianning ham. One of the key features of Mianning ham is its substantial accumulation of hydrocarbons, which surpasses that of hams from other regions in China. A notable characteristic of Mianning ham processing is the absence of artificially added nitrites as antioxidants and color fixatives. Whether this absence is a contributing factor to the significant accumulation of hydrocarbons warrants further investigation.

Rapid pyrolysis of cellulose: Revealing the role of volatile matter and char structure evolution

The complexity of the cellulose structure hinders its energy conversion and utilization. Pyrolysis is not only an independent thermochemical conversion technology but also a necessary stage in the gasification process. The real-time capture of volatile components in cellulose pyrolysis is difficult, and the evolution of char structures is lacking, which is extremely challenging. In this work, elemental analysis, industrial analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (Raman), and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) were used to characterize the raw materials and products. Combined with rapid pyrolysis experiments, the pathways of cellulose pyrolysis volatiles and char structure evolution were explored. Dehydrated sugars are the initial products formed below 350 ℃, which quickly dehydrate to form furan compounds at 400 ℃ and then break CC bonds at 600 ℃ to generate fatty aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Biochar generated at low temperatures (<300°C) has strong lipid solubility. An increase in pyrolysis temperature leads to a continuous decrease in the content of H and O in biochar, which destroys its functional groups and physical structure, and ultimately tends to form graphite-type char with aromatic structures. Based on the correlation between the volatile matter release characteristics and the evolution of the semichar structure, a cellulose pyrolysis pathway was established, providing theoretical support for the high-value utilization of cellulose.

Reimagining faculty development: A paradigm shift from content to transformative learning processes

Background Faculty development programs in health professional education traditionally emphasise theories, principles, and effective teaching practices. However, the efficacy of these strategies in instigating meaningful changes in instructional practices has come under scrutiny. Methods This qualitative research aims to enhance our understanding and support of educators’ ongoing learning and growth. Employing a transformative learning lens, the study explored the experiences, professional development practices, and responsibilities of clinical educators who participated in a faculty development course. Utilising Mezirow’s transformative learning theory as a framework, this research investigated the transformative journey of educators, analysing reflective pieces from 144 participants. Results The study findings revealed shifts in pedagogical approaches, ranging from the recognition of a haphazard teaching style to the intentional integration of evidence-based methods and pedagogical philosophies. The thematic analysis identified key stages in the transformative process, illuminating educators’ commitment to structured teaching, self-directed learning, and continuous improvement. Conclusion This research has contributed valuable insights into how faculty development programs can stimulate reflective practices and transformative learning in health professional education. The article argues for the centrality of transformative learning processes in faculty development, presenting an intriguing perspective on sustainable and impactful professional growth. Trends across learning experiences are presented, accompanied by practical recommendations. The implications of the research for clinical educators, administrators, and developers of formal faculty professional development programs are also discussed.

Human-Human vs Human-AI Therapy: An Empirical Study

In many nations, demand for mental health services currently outstrips supply, especially in the area of talk-based psychological interventions. Within this context, chatbots (software applications designed to simulate conversations with human users) are increasingly explored as potential adjuncts to traditional mental healthcare service delivery with a view to improving accessibility and reducing waiting times. However, the effectiveness and acceptability of such chatbots remains under-researched. This study evaluates mental health professionals’ perceptions of Pi, a relational Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot, in the early stages of the psychotherapeutic process (problem exploration). We asked 63 therapists to assess therapy transcripts between a human client and Pi (human-AI) versus traditional therapy transcripts between therapists and clients (human-human). Therapists were unable to reliably discriminate between human-AI and human-human therapy transcripts. Therapists were accurate only 53.9% of the time, no better than chance, and rated the human-AI transcripts as higher quality on average. This study has potentially profound implications for the treatment of mental health problems, adding tentative support for the use of relational AI chatbots in providing initial assistance for mild to moderate psychological issues, especially when access to human therapists is constrained.

Exploring consumers’ competence, autonomy and relatedness needs in the adoption of facial recognition payment technology

Facial Recognition Payment Technology (FRPT) is an emergent innovative biometric payment system that may involve more complexed consumer decision-making process due to its reliance on using consumers' images and financial information. Earlier research on FRPT adoption has overlooked drivers and barriers of ‘trial’, which logically precedes ‘adoption’. For retailers, there is also an unclear understanding about the evolution of consumers' needs before trialling a new and potentially risky technology. Drawing on the Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT), this current study takes an exploratory approach and uncovers factors that lead to consumers' ‘needs satisfaction’ or ‘frustration’ for autonomy, competence, and relatedness across early stages of the innovation-decision process. Study 1 offers an extensive systematic literature review, then Study 2 adopts an exploratory approach by conducting (n = 21) in-depth interviews. A conceptual framework is offered that defines the meaning of each fundamental human need of BPNT in each stage – including knowledge, persuasion and trial, of the technology adoption process, and underlines the factors drive these needs positively or negatively. The developed framework has important implications for retailers and countries who aim to introduce FRPT or similar new technologies in their market.

Towards the Reuse of Fire Retarded Polyamide 12 for Laser Sintering.

The control of powder aging during Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) processing is one of the challenges to be overcome for the implementation of this technique in serial production. Aging phenomena, because of the elevated temperatures and long processing times, need to be considered when a fraction of the polymer powders present in the build chamber and not used to manufacture the parts are reused at various times. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of successive reuse of blends of pure Polyamide 12 and its blends with two types of flame retardants (FR): ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and zinc borate (ZB). The composition of the blends was 70/30 (wt/wt) PA 12/FR. Four successive processing stages have been carried out by collecting the remaining powder blend each time. The powders were re-used using the same processing parameters after sieving. DSC measurements showed that the incorporation of FRs entailed a reduction in the processing window up to 4 °C; nevertheless, no further reduction was noted after aging. The TGA curves of aged blends of powders were also similar for pure PA 12 and PA 12 with FR. In addition, initial and reused powders presented a higher degree of crystallinity than the specimens processed from the powders. The heterogeneous character of the PA 12 after LS processing or reprocessing was shown through Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry (PCFC) and cone calorimeter (CC) tests. FTIR analysis also showed that post-condensation reactions have occurred. The mode of action of the flame retardants was clearly seen on HRR curves at both tests. The first reuses of PA 12 powders entailed a significant reduction in time to ignition at the cone calorimeter (150 for the initial material to around 90 s for the reused material), indicating the formation of short polymer chains. Only in the case of zinc borate was it noticed that re-used powder was detrimental to the fire performance because of a strong increase in the value of pHRR (between 163 and 220 kW/m2 for reused material instead of 125 kW/m2 for the initial one).

Cavitation analysis of plunging hydrofoils using large eddy simulations

This study employs numerical analysis to investigate the behavior of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA)66 modified (mod) hydrofoil under plunging motion, considering various cavitation numbers. The Large Eddy Simulation (LES) method is utilized to model turbulence. The hydrofoil's plunging motion leads to an increase in lift force and a decrease in drag force. Our research indicates that increasing the speed of the hydrofoil's heaving motion delays the onset of cavitation and enhances the formation of cavity clouds. Furthermore, during the peak oscillatory motion of the hydrofoil in the plunging phase, the detachment length of cavitation bubbles decreases. Additional investigations reveal that cavitation on the hydrofoil's surface accelerates the transition from a laminar to a turbulent boundary layer, strengthening the turbulent boundary layer and postponing the onset of flow separation. This research involves an in-depth investigation of the terms in the vorticity transport equation in cavitation inception, finding a correlation between vapor volume fraction and vorticity dilatation near the hydrofoil surface. This correlation proves crucial to the initial stages of the cavitation inception process.

Stability of cross-sensory input to primary somatosensory cortex across experience.

Merging information from across sensory modalities is key to forming robust, disambiguated percepts of the world, yet how the brain achieves this feat remains unclear. Recent observations of cross-modal influences in primary sensory cortical areas have suggested that multisensory integration may occur in the earliest stages of cortical processing, but the role of these responses is still poorly understood. We address these questions by testing several hypotheses about the possible functions served by auditory influences on the barrel field of mouse primary somatosensory cortex (S1) using in vivo 2-photon calcium imaging. We observed sound-evoked spiking activity in a small fraction of cells overall, and moreover that this sparse activity was insufficient to encode auditory stimulus identity; few cells responded preferentially to one sound or another, and a linear classifier trained to decode auditory stimuli from population activity performed barely above chance. Moreover S1 did not encode information about specific audio-tactile feature conjunctions that we tested. Our ability to decode auditory audio-tactile stimuli from neural activity remained unchanged after both passive experience and reinforcement. Collectively, these results suggest that while a primary sensory cortex is highly plastic with regard to its own modality, the influence of other modalities are remarkably stable and play a largely stimulus-non-specific role.

Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Game Meat (Wild Boar) Supply Chain in Umbria Region, Central Italy.

Consumption of raw or undercooked wild boar (WB) meat is considered an important risk factor for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in humans. The possibility of HEV contamination during the slaughtering practices may pose an additional risk. Based on these assumptions, we evaluated HEV contamination of WB meat hunted in Umbria (central Italy) during the 2022-2023 hunting season by real-time RT-PCR. Herein, we show that 10.8% of livers from slaughtered WB were positive for HEV RNA, thus providing an estimate of HEV infection in WB in the Umbria region. Then, by evaluating paired liver-muscle samples from both HEV-positive and HEV-negative animals, we found evidence of muscle HEV contamination in 33% and 14% of cases, respectively. This is the first report on the detection of HEV in WB meat in Umbria, an Italian region with diffuse WB hunting and consumption. The evidence of contamination provided by our study underscores the importance of adopting good hygienic practices in the processing stages of hunted WB carcasses to significantly reduce meat contamination and the risk posed for the final consumer.

ВОЗБУЖДЕНИЕ УГОЛОВНОГО ДЕЛА КАК СТАДИЯ УГОЛОВНОГО СУДОПРОИЗВОДСТВА

This article is devoted to procedural problems that arise at the stage of initiating a criminal case and are associated with the essence and content of the initial stage of the criminal process under consideration. Currently, there is an ongoing debate about the future prospects for the stage of initiating a criminal case: some scientists believe that the stage under consideration should be excluded, others, on the contrary, propose to leave it unchanged. The article discusses problems that have been the subject of many years of discussion, provides the opinions of various researchers, on the basis of which the author concludes that the stage of initiating a criminal case as an independent stage of criminal proceedings requires unconditional reform.

Exploration of the rapid growth of high-molecular-weight oligomers in the later stage of diisocyanate self-polymerization

Diisocyanate trimers are important products in the polyurethane industry. Large amounts of high-molecular-weight oligomers, which change the physical and chemical properties of the final products, are generated in the later stages of the synthesis process. It is important to understand the self-polymerization of high-molecular-weight oligomers. The relationship between this phenomenon and the PDI monomer concentration was first experimentally demonstrated. Then the self-polymerization of pentamethylene diisocyanate (PDI) was investigated via Dmol3 calculations using the linear synchronous transition (LST) and quadratic synchronous transition (QST) methods. Calculations revealed a new synthesis pathway with a reaction energy barrier of 31.548 kcal/mol, leading to the conversion of pentamers into decamers. In the initial stage of the polymerization reaction, the PDI monomer concentration was high, and the reaction followed a step-growth polymerization. However, as the PDI monomer concentration decreased and the PDI pentamer concentration increased in the later stage of the reaction, a new synthesis pathway emerged, leading to the direct synthesis of high-molecular-weight oligomers from the available oligomers. This study further demonstrates the self-polymerization of diisocyanate and provides a comprehensive understanding of its synthesis process. By inhibiting this new pathway can reduce the content of high-molecular-weight oligomers, increase yields, and reduce the product viscosity, all of which are beneficial for chemical process optimization.

Echoes from Sensory Entrainment in Auditory Working Memory for Pitch.

Ongoing neural oscillations reflect cycles of excitation and inhibition in local neural populations, with individual neurons being more or less likely to fire depending upon the oscillatory phase. As a result, the oscillations could determine whether or not a sound is perceived and/or whether its neural representation enters into later processing stages. While empirical support for this idea has come from sound detection studies, large gaps in knowledge still exist regarding memory for sound events. In the current study, it was investigated how sensory entrainment impacts the fidelity of working memory representations for pitch. In two separate experiments, an 8 Hz amplitude modulated (AM) entraining stimulus was presented prior to a multitone complex having an f0 between 270 and 715 Hz. This "target" sound could be presented at phases from 0 to 2π radians in relation to the previous AM. After a retention interval of 4 s (Experiment 1; n = 26) or 2 s (Experiment 2; n = 28), listeners were tasked to reproduce the target sound's pitch by moving their finger along the horizontal axis of a response pad. It was hypothesized that if entrainment modulates auditory working memory fidelity, reproductions of a target's pitch would be more accurate and precise when targets were presented in phase with the entrainment. Cosine fits of the average data for both experiments showed a significant entrainment "echo" in the accuracy of pitch matches. There was no apparent echo in the matching precision. Fitting of the individual data accuracy showed that the optimal phase was consistent across individuals, aligning near the next AM peak had the AM continued. The results show that sensory entrainment modulates auditory working memory in addition to stimulus detection, consistent with the proposal that ongoing neural oscillatory activity modulates higher-order auditory processes.

Oxygen-Propelled Dual-Modular Microneedles with Dopamine-Enhanced RNA Delivery for Regulating Each Stage of Diabetic Wounds.

Diabetic wounds are characterized by the disruption and cessation of essential healing stages, which include hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. However, traditional treatments for diabetic wounds concentrate on individual stages of the healing process. Herein, this study utilizes mask-mediated sequential polymerization and varied cross-linking techniques to develop dual-modular microneedles (MNs) with fast- and slow-module, exhibiting varying degradation rates tailored for the full spectrum of diabetic wound healing. First, MNs incorporating calcium ions and dopamine synergistically promote rapid hemostasis. Second, fast-module physically cross-linked MNs rapidly D-mannose/dopamine-enhanced tripolyphosphate-quaternized chitosan (mDTC) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with microRNA-147 (miRNA-147) to manage inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic wounds. Additionally, dopamine in these NPs enhances their internalization and safeguards miRNA-147 from oxidative stress and RNase degradation. Finally, slow-module chemically cross-linked MNs facilitate the continuous release of deferoxamine (DFO) and dopamine, accelerating angiogenesis and tissue regeneration during the proliferation and remodeling stages. Manganese/dopamine-enhanced calcium peroxide NPs within the MNs initiate a blast-like generation of oxygen bubbles, not only enhancing the delivery of miRNA-mDTC NPs and DFO but also alleviating tissue hypoxia. Consequently, dual-modular MNs are instrumental in promoting rapid and complete healing of diabetic wounds through all stages of healing.

Conflict Detection in Language Processing: Using Affect Control Theory to Predict Neural Correlates of Affective Incongruency in Social Interactions

AbstractAffect control theory (ACT) is a sociological theory of meaning processing in social interactions. Meaning, according to ACT, derives from cultural institutions and situational affordances, having denotative (declarative) as well as connotative (affective) properties. Mathematical formalizations of ACT allow predictions of affective incongruency (in the terminology of ACT, deflection), which arises from conflicting institutional and situational meanings in a given interaction context. Although ACT is theoretically consistent, its propositions regarding cognitive and affective processing have rarely been tested. The present study fills this gap by investigating the neural processing of affective incongruency in linguistic descriptions of social interactions. Following a neurosociological paradigm, the study draws on neurocognitive evidence on the effects of words’ affective content on word processing as well as on a previous electroencephalography study that investigated processing of affective incongruency using event-related brain potentials. We hypothesized that affective incongruency is associated with activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain area known for conflict processing. To test this hypothesis, we replicated the electroencephalography study using functional magnetic resonance imaging: We visually presented sentences describing social interactions to 23 participants in a silent reading task while measuring differences in the hemodynamic response in two conditions of affective congruency. Results show expected increases in neural activity for affectively incongruent sentences in the left ACC, supporting the assumption that affective language content influences meaning-making at very early semantic processing stages. The results also add to the emerging neuroscientific evidence for ACT’s mathematical model of impression formation.

Identification of digital device hardware vulnerabilities based on scanning systems and semi-natural modeling

Objectives. The development of computer technology and information systems requires the consideration of issues of their security, various methods for detecting hardware vulnerabilities of digital device components, as well as protection against unauthorized access. An important aspect of this problem is to study existing methods for the possibility and ability to identify hardware errors or search for errors on the corresponding models. The aim of this work is to develop approaches, tools and technology for detecting vulnerabilities in hardware at an early design stage, and to create a methodology for their detection and risk assessment, leading to recommendations for ensuring security at all stages of the computer systems development process.Methods. Methods of semi-natural modeling, comparison and identification of hardware vulnerabilities, and stress testing to identify vulnerabilities were used.Results. Methods are proposed for detecting and protecting against hardware vulnerabilities: a critical aspect in ensuring the security of computer systems. In order to detect vulnerabilities in hardware, methods of port scanning, analysis of communication protocols and device diagnostics are used. The possible locations of hardware vulnerabilities and their variations are identified. The attributes of hardware vulnerabilities and risks are also described. In order to detect vulnerabilities in hardware at an early design stage, a special semi-natural simulation stand was developed. A scanning algorithm using the Remote Bitbang protocol is proposed to enable data to be transferred between OpenOCD and a device connected to the debug port. Based on scanning control, a verification method was developed to compare a behavioral model with a standard. Recommendations for ensuring security at all stages of the computer systems development process are provided.Conclusions. This paper proposes new technical solutions for detecting vulnerabilities in hardware, based on methods such as FPGA system scanning, semi-natural modeling, virtual model verification, communication protocol analysis and device diagnostics. The use of the algorithms and methods thus developed will allow developers to take the necessary measures to eliminate hardware vulnerabilities and prevent possible harmful effects at all stages of the design process of computer devices and information systems.

Separation Study of Magnesium–Lithium from Low‐Mg/Li Brine

The lithium present in salt lakes constitutes a significant and valuable resource. There are various methods for extracting lithium from salt lake brine, but currently, they all face challenges such as high energy consumption and low utilization efficiency of lithium resources. One prominent issue is the composition of feedstock during lithium extraction, specifically determining the optimal concentration ratio (nMg/nLi value). This constitutes a critical aspect in the later stages of the extraction process, influencing the cost and efficiency of lithium extraction processes. The fundamental reason for this prominent issue is the effective control of the evaporation and concentration process of lithium‐containing brines, which is caused by the disconnection between the evaporation process and the subsequent processing and extraction stages. Therefore, considering the concentration variation patterns of Li+ and Mg2+ in brine during the evaporation process, paper employs a combination of experimental research and computational simulation. It investigates the variation of Li‐Mg concentrations and their interactions during the natural evaporation enrichment process. The research investigates changes in lithium and magnesium concentrations and their interactions during natural evaporation enrichment process of salt lake. Elucidates the mechanism of lithium migration and proposes a new lithium extraction process ‐ the ‘3 Steps 2 Units’.

Interviews on masculinities in post-conflict contexts as a process of three translations

ABSTRACT This paper disentangles the complexity of using interviews to explore masculinities in post-conflict contexts. Deploying a practice-theoretic ontology, we see interviews as sites of multiple translations, each tied to one of the three stages of the interview process: preparing, conducting, and interpreting interviews. First, when preparing interviews, the abstract concept of masculinities must be translated into concrete issues. Second, when conducting interviews, these issues must be translated into interview questions. Third, interpreting interviews necessitates translating respondents’ statements into practices. By disentangling this complex process, we provide strategies for successfully asking difficult, context-sensitive questions and reach an increased understanding of the asynchronous and unsteady ways in which masculinities change or persist during peacebuilding processes in politically and societally polarised contexts.