Slight Increase Research Articles

A lightweight YOLOv5 for real-time dangerous weapons detection

Deep neural networks are currently employed to detect weapons, and although these techniques provide a high level of accuracy, it still suffers from large weight parameters and a slow inference speed. When it comes to real-world applications, such as weapon detection, these methods are often not suitable for deployment on embedded devices. Because of the huge number of parameters and poor efficiency. The most recent object detection technique, which belongs to the YOLOv5 class, is commonly used for detecting weapons. However, it faces some difficulties such as high computational parameters and an unfavorable detection rate. to solve these shortcomings. an enhanced lightweight Yolov5s approach is suggested. Which consists of a combination of YOLOv5 and GhostNet modules. To evaluate the efficacy of the suggested technique, a set of experiments was performed on the Sohas weapon dataset., which is commonly used as a reference dataset in the field. Compared to the original YOLOv5, the results indicate a slight increase in the proposed model's mean Average Precision (mAP). Furthermore, there has been a reduction of 2.7 in GFLOPs and weights, and the number of model parameters has decreased by 1.42.

A spectrometric analysis of variedly purified cinnabar in a siddha drug- linga chendhooram.

A siddha drug, linga chendhooram was prepared from cinnabar (lingam) and Citrullus colocynthis L. The transition of heavy metals concentration throughout theprocess were analysed to comprehend the significance ofdrug preparatory methods. In addition to that the main constituent cinnabar was purified from two different methods to comparatively analyse the significance of purification methods. Atomic absorption spectrometric studies were employed to obtain the concentration of class I heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) in all five samples- raw cinnabar (R), cinnabar purified (P1 and P2) from purification method 1 and 2, linga chendhooram (D1 and D2) prepared from P1 and P2. Based on the permissible limits given by The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, except cadmium the concentrations of all other three heavy metals were found to be above the limit in P1, P2, D1 and D2. According to the oral Permitted Daily Exposure values for elemental impurities given in ICH Q3D(R1) Guidelines, D1 was within the permissible limits for both single and double oral doses whereas D2 showed a slight increase in the concentration of lead in a single oral dose itself. The drug preparatory method showed a reduction of the heavy metals concentration and comparative analysis of the purification methods revealed a substantial reduction of heavy metals concentration in the end drug D1 when compared with D2 showing that the methods of purification and drug preparation in siddha system plays a vital role in reducing the concentrations of heavy metals accordingly.

Immune cell populations in the tumour environment following calcium electropora-tion for cutaneous metastasis: a histopathological study.

Calcium electroporation (CaEP) involves injecting calcium into tumour tissues and using electrical pulses to create membrane pores that induce cell death. This study assesses resultant immune responses and histopathological changes in patients with cutaneous metastases. The aimed cohort comprised 24 patients with metastases exceeding 5 mm. Tumours were treated once with CaEP (day 0) or twice (day 28). Biopsies were performed on days 0 and 2, with additional samples on days 7, 28, 30, 35, 60, and 90 if multiple tumours were treated. The primary endpoint was the change in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) two days post-treatment, with secondary endpoints evaluating local and systemic immune responses via histopathological analysis of immune markers, necrosis, and inflammation. Seventeen patients, with metastases primarily from breast cancer (14 patients), but also lung cancer (1), melanoma (1), and urothelial cancer (1), completed the study. Of the 49 lesions treated, no significant changes in TIL count or PD-L1 expression were observed. However, there was substantial necrosis and a decrease in FOXP3-expression (p = 0.0025) noted, with a slight increase in CD4+ cells but no changes in CD3, CD8, or CD20 expressions. Notably, four patients showed reduced tumour invasiveness, including one case of an abscopal response. This exploratory study indicates that CaEP can be an effective anti-tumour therapy potentially enhancing immunity. Significant necrosis and decreased regulatory lymphocytes were observed, although TIL count remained unchanged. Several patients exhibited clinical signs of immune response following treatment.

How to Reduce the Number of Inspectors: Operation Mode and Modeling Simulation of Centralized Image Recognition in Railway Passenger Security Inspection

Security inspection is an essential step for passengers entering railway stations in China. Under the existing security inspection operation mode, each X-ray machine needs an image inspector to recognize the X-ray image, which poses the issue of resource optimization for inspectors. Based on the networking of security inspection X-ray machines, an innovative centralized image recognition (CIR) operation mode for railway security inspections is proposed, and it is worth noting that network and device failures are risk factors for this mode. The method for assigning image recognition personnel is designed to reduce labor force needed for security inspection. Using a combination of agent-based modeling method and computer simulation technology, the four elements of passengers, security inspection X-ray machines, X-ray image inspectors, and secondary baggage inspection personnel are modeled, and CIR indicators to study the effectiveness of the operation are designed. Based on the real departing passenger data of the Zhangjiakou section of the Beijing Zhangjiakou Line in China, simulation is conducted in two scenarios: large passenger flow and small passenger flow. The research is conducted from three aspects: operational efficiency, travel experience, and system complexity. Experiments have shown that, with a slight increase in passenger waiting time, the average number of X-ray image inspectors is reduced by more than 70% compared with the existing operation mode. The best pick-up location for passengers is related to passenger flow. The proposed model can analyze the effectiveness of CIR operation mode and provide decisive support for the application of CIR operation mode.

The Response of the Inner Dark Matter Halo to Stellar Bars

Barred galaxies constitute about two-thirds of observed disc galaxies. Bars affect not only the mass distribution of gas and stars but also that of the dark matter. An elongation of the inner dark matter halo is known as the halo bar. We aim to characterize the structure of the halo bars, with the goal of correlating them with the properties of the stellar bars. We use a suite of simulated galaxies with various bar strengths, including gas and star formation. We quantify the strengths, shapes, and densities of these simulated stellar bars. We carry out numerical experiments with frozen and analytic potentials in order to understand the role played by a live responsive stellar bar. We find that the halo bar generally follows the trends of the disc bar. The strengths of the halo and stellar bars are tightly correlated. Stronger bars induce a slight increase in dark matter density within the inner halo. Numerical experiments show that a non-responsive frozen stellar bar would be capable of inducing a dark matter bar, but it would be weaker than the live case by a factor of roughly two.

The resilient self-employability of women and senior people after sudden economic shocks

AbstractIn recent times, various crises have negatively affected the financial stability, job security, and health of countless individuals. According to research, different factors that operate at both the individual and contextual levels can play a prominent role in influencing people's self-employment during periods of economic downturn. This study investigates the changes in the likelihood of self-employment by gender and age across various contexts following sudden shocks. By analyzing the intersection of occupational choice and business cycle theories, this research offers insights into how crises affect people's ability to work for themselves. Using a sample of over 250,000 individuals from sixteen countries and applying a multilevel binary logistic regression analysis, the results confirm that women and older individuals are less inclined to be self-employed in general. However, unexpected economic recessions may lead to a slight increase in their likelihood of self-employment. Furthermore, when women and seniors live in a higher GDP per capita context, this context positively moderates the relationship between gender, age, and the propensity for entrepreneurship. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to promote resilient self-employment among vulnerable individuals for post-crisis recovery.

Dental implant and abutment in PEEK: stress assessment in single crown retainers on anterior region.

Stress distribution assessment by finite elements analysis in poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) implant and abutment as retainers of single crowns in the anterior region. Five 3D models were created, varying implant/abutment manufacturing materials: titanium (Ti), zirconia (Zr), pure PEEK (PEEKp), carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (PEEKc), glass fiber-reinforced PEEK (PEEKg). A 50N load was applied 30o off-axis at the incisal edge of the upper central incisor. The Von Mises stress (σvM) was evaluated on abutment, implant/screw, and minimum principal stress (σmin) and maximum shear stress (τmax) for cortical and cancellous bone. The abutment σvM lowest stress was observed in PEEKp group, being 70% lower than Ti and 74% than Zr. On the implant, PEEKp reduced 68% compared to Ti and a 71% to Zr. In the abutment screws, an increase of at least 33% was found in PEEKc compared to Ti, and of at least 81% to Zr. For cortical bone, the highest τmax values were in the PEEKp group, and a slight increase in stress was observed compared to all PEEK groups with Ti and Zr. For σmin, the highest stress was found in the PEEKc. Stress increased at least 7% in cancellous bone for all PEEK groups. Abutments and implants made by PEEKc concentrate less σvM stress, transmitting greater stress to the cortical and medullary bone. The best stress distribution in PEEKc components may contribute to decreased stress shielding; in vitro and in vivo research is recommended to investigate this.

Widespread 2013-2020 decreases and reduction challenges of organic aerosol in China

High concentrations of organic aerosol (OA) occur in Asian countries, leading to great health burdens. Clean air actions have resulted in significant emission reductions of air pollutants in China. However, long-term nation-wide trends in OA and their causes remain unknown. Here, we present both observational and model evidence demonstrating widespread decreases with a greater reduction in primary OA than in secondary OA (SOA) in China during the period of 2013 to 2020. Most of the decline is attributed to reduced residential fuel burning while the interannual variability in SOA may have been driven by meteorological variations. We find contrasting effects of reducing NOx and SO2 on SOA production which may have led to slight overall increases in SOA. Our findings highlight the importance of clean energy replacements in multiple sectors on achieving air-quality targets because of high OA precursor emissions and fluctuating chemical and meteorological conditions.

Fecal Coprococcus, hidden behind abdominal symptoms in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

BackgroundSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is the presence of an abnormally excessive amount of bacterial colonization in the small bowel. Hydrogen and methane breath test has been widely applied as a non-invasive method for SIBO. However, the positive breath test representative of bacterial overgrowth could also be detected in asymptomatic individuals.MethodsTo explore the relationship between clinical symptoms and gut dysbiosis, and find potential fecal biomarkers for SIBO, we compared the microbial profiles between SIBO subjects with positive breath test but without abdominal symptoms (PBT) and healthy controls (HC) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.ResultsFecal samples were collected from 63 SIBO who complained of diarrhea, distension, constipation, or abdominal pain, 36 PBT, and 55 HC. For alpha diversity, the Shannon index of community diversity on the genus level showed a tendency for a slight increase in SIBO, while the Shannon index on the predicted function was significantly decreased in SIBO. On the genus level, significantly decreased Bacteroides, increased Coprococcus_2, and unique Butyrivibrio were observed in SIBO. There was a significant positive correlation between saccharolytic Coprococcus_2 and the severity of abdominal symptoms. Differently, the unique Veillonella in the PBT group was related to amino acid fermentation. Interestingly, the co-occurrence network density of PBT was larger than SIBO, which indicates a complicated interaction of genera. Coprococcus_2 showed one of the largest betweenness centrality in both SIBO and PBT microbiota networks. Pathway analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) database reflected that one carbon pool by folate and multiple amino acid metabolism were significantly down in SIBO.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into the fecal microbiota composition and predicted metabolic functional changes in patients with SIBO. Butyrivibrio and Coprococcus_2, both renowned for their role in carbohydrate fermenters and gas production, contributed significantly to the symptoms of the patients. Coprococcus’s abundance hints at its use as a SIBO marker. Asymptomatic PBT individuals show a different microbiome, rich in Veillonella. PBT’s complex microbial interactions might stabilize the intestinal ecosystem, but further study is needed due to the core microbiota similarities with SIBO. Predicted folate and amino acid metabolism reductions in SIBO merit additional validation.

Hierarchical bio-inspired design and fabrication of all-dimensional superhydrophobic ultra-lightweight high-volume fly ash cement foams using novel ultrasonic-assisted siloxane-encapsulated pickering emulsions

Ultra-lightweight foamed cement (ULFC) exhibits super-high porosity and excellent thermal-insulation capabilities. However, the thermodynamic instability and high water-absorptivity of ULFC with high-volume fly ash have restricted its large-scale application. Superhydrophobic technology can significantly improve the substrates’ hydrophobicity, among which the nanocoating is a popular option but the water-repellent layer may be easily destroyed due to the mechanical damage. Therefore, the intrinsic superhydrophobization becomes a promising alternative to the coating scheme. Here, the internal superhydrophobic ULFC was formulated through introducing the ultrasonic-assisted siloxane-encapsulated Pickering emulsions, in which two Pickering structures containing n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane were stabilized by hydrophobic SiO2 and C–S–H nanoparticles, respectively. Compared with the SiO2 nanoparticles-stabilized dispersion, the droplets of C–S–H nanoparticles-stabilized Pickering emulsion were more stable and controlled-release in cement hydration environment. As such, the incorporation of the latter showed no negative impact on the setting times and static yield stress of the interstitial matrix, optimizing the homogeneity, mechanical strength and heat conductivity of ULFC. The combination of nanoscale foam stabilizer and Pickering emulsions could form the hierarchical waterproof structure with low surface free energy at the gas-solid interfaces, and the multiscale siloxane-grafted intertwined hydration products were responsible for the inner superhydrophobicity of ULFC. Therefore, under the water vapor-saturated environment, the water absorption of superhydrophobic samples showed only a slight increase as a function of time and the ULFC was still hydrophobic with a reduction of apparent water contact angle from 154.6° to 137.8°. From energy consumption analysis, the all-dimensional superhydrophobic ULFC had a potential application in heat-insulation building.

Concentrated Solar Power Techno-Economic Analysis in Humid Subtropical South America: The Uruguayan Case

Abstract This study assesses the feasibility of installing concentrated solar power plants in subtropical South America, particularly in Uruguay, by numerical simulations. Parabolic trough and solar power tower technologies are examined. A comprehensive literature analysis is conducted in order to evaluate initial investment, operation, and maintenance costs. Simulation models are validated in order to ensure results accuracy. The study is focused on the optimization of solar fields and storage sizes for five locations. The target set is to minimize the levelized cost of energy. In addition, energy losses and efficiencies are compared between parabolic trough and solar power tower technologies. Salto region in Uruguay is identified as the most suitable location for concentrated solar power projects. Optimized plants yield solar multiples of 3 or higher for solar power tower and around 4 for parabolic trough, with storage sizes ranging from 12 to 15 h, depending on the location. In Salto, the levelized cost of energy ranges from 148 to 175 USD/MW h for 110 MW solar power tower and from 169 to 220 USD/MW h for 55 MW parabolic trough plants, considering different investment cost scenarios. Levelized cost of energy is comparable for other locations, with a slight increase of approximately 10% for the least favorable location, Rocha. This work shows that while not yet competitive with photovoltaic or wind technologies, concentrated solar power plants show promise against fossil-fueled power plants and are expected to decrease further in cost.

Oral flecainide therapy and myocardial pacing: preliminary data from a prospective multicenter registry

Abstract Background Antiarrhythmic drugs, class I are widely used for prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence. However, previous studies found that these drugs could affect pacing thresholds among pacemaker recipients. Aim of the study: evaluate short -term effect on myocardial pacing following therapy with oral flecainide (200 mg/daily). Methods 45 consecutive pacemaker recipients were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter registry. These patients had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, a dual chamber pacemaker with symptomatic sustained high-rate atrial fibrillation episodes and stable output atrial and ventricular thresholds. Patients were followed with ambulatory and/or remote monitoring. Results mean age was 74±1 years, 48% pts were male and AF burden was 8±16%. Pacemaker implantation was performed 3.9±0.3 year before study enrollment. Three (6%) out of 45 patients were excluded due to drug sided effects including dyspnea (n=1), diplopia (n=1) and toxicity during acute renal insufficiency (n=1). Flecainide treatment was associated with a significant reduction of atrial fibrillation burden (from 8±16% to 5±12%, p<0.01). At 30 days follow-up since Flecainide starting therapy both atrial and ventricular sensing significantly decreased (3.6 ± 2.2 vs 3.4 ± 2.1mV p=0.01; 12.5±6.6 vs 11.8±6.3 mV p=0.01), while there was a slight increase of both atrial and ventricular capture thresholds (0.77±0.61V@0.4ms vs 0.80±0.42V@0.4ms p=0.01; 0.80±0.53V @0.4ms vs 0.83±0.33V @0.4ms p=0.01). No patient required pacemaker parameters reprogramming. Conclusions oral flecainide therapy among pacemaker recipients at 30 days follow-up seems to be safe and do not affect device function. Further studies with additional follow-up data are warranted.

Phenylbutyrate Treatment in a Boy with MCT8 Deficiency: Improvement of Thyroid Function Tests and Possible Livertoxicity.

Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) deficiency is a rare X-chromosomal inherited disease leading to severe cognitive impairment, muscular hypotonia and symptoms of peripheral thyrotoxicosis. Experimental approaches aiming to functionally rescue mutant MCT8 activity by the chemical chaperone phenylbutyrate (PB) demonstrated promising effects in vitro for several MCT8 missense mutations. The objective was to evaluate biochemical and clinical effects of PB in doses equivalent to those approved for the treatment of urea cycle disorders in a boy with MCT8 deficiency due to a novel MCT8 missense mutation c.703G > T (p.V235L). During a treatment period of 13 months, PB led to a significant decrease of elevated TSH and T3 serum concentrations, while fT4 increased. Weight z-score of the toddler remained remarkably stable during the treatment period. Neurodevelopmental assessments (BSID-III) revealed a slight increase of gross motor skills from developmental age 4 to 6 months. However, increasing liver enzyme serum activities and accumulation of phenylacetate (PAA) in urine led to treatment interruptions and dose alterations. In vitro analyses in MDCK1 cells confirmed the pathogenicity of MCT8 p.V235L. However, while PB increased expression of the mutant protein, it did not rescue T3 transport, suggesting a PB effect on thyroid function tests independent of restoring MCT8 activity. In a clinical attempt of PB treatment in MCT8 deficiency we observed a significant improvement of thyroid hormone function tests, tendencies towards body weight stabilization and slight neurodevelopmental improvement. Hepatotoxicity of PB may be a limiting factor in MCT8 deficiency and requires further investigation.

Acute hemodynamic effects of the Marshall-Plan ablation on left and right atrial pressure: does 'respecting atrial physiology' prevent stiff left atria? A retrospective single- center analysis

Abstract Introduction Stiff left atrium (STILA)-syndrome is a relevant concern after extensive ablation in the left atrium (LA) e.g. in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). STILA often causes disabling heart failure symptoms worse than the initial arrhythmia symptoms. Therefore preventing adverse ablation-induced hemodynamic effects is of utmost concern. Methods This single-center study retrospectively analyzed data from 89 consecutive patients who underwent biatrial ablation for AF following the Marshall-Plan between February 2022 and November 2023. The procedures included ablation of the CTI and PVI where necessary followed by ablation of a LA roof line and ablation of the lateral mitral isthmus after previously performed ethanol ablation of the vein of Marshall. This lesion set is considered to maintain physiological activation of the LA. This study evaluates acute hemodynamic changes following the Marshall-Plan. Invasive hemodynamic measurements of mean left and right atrial pressure, as well as A- and V-waves were performed in all patients before and after the ablation. We assessed the acute changes of atrial hemodynamics in these procedures. Continuous data are given as mean ± standard deviation, categorical data are expressed as number and percentages. Differences between groups were determined by Student’s t-test, chisquare-test, and Fisher’s exact test using SPSS software. A p-value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Results The patients' mean age was 70.1 ± 7.5 years and 39.0% were female. Mean BMI was 28.9 ± 5.2 kg/m². Procedures were performed under general anesthesia (with a PEEP of 5.5cmH2O (2-10 cmH2O)) and took 181 minutes on average. Left atrial mean pressure averaged at 15.7mmHg before the procedure. The overall average change of left atrial mean pressure was +1,8mmHg. The average change in left atrial A- and V-Wave amounted to -1.9mmHg and -0.9mmHg respectively. The pre-procedural average right atrial mean pressure was 12.1mmHg. Right atrial mean pressure inclined by +1.6mmHg. The average change in right atrial A- and V-Wave was +0.6mmHg and +1.1mmHg respectively. The i.v. administered volume averaged 1900 ± 285ml. 3.3% of patients showed an increase of mean LA-pressure >9mmHg. Those patients tended to be older (74.3years), were all male (100%) and had a higher BMI (31.5 kg/m²) as well as higher amount of i.v. administered volume (2333ml) and a longer procedure (213min). Discussion Complex and extensive biatrial ablation following the Marshall-Plan does not lead to acute significant increases in left or right atrial pressures. The administered i.v. volume might explain the slight increases observed. In our observation, the rate of significant increases in LA-pressure is low. This suggests that disrupting the (left) atrial activation pattern might play a role in the development of diastolic dysfunction and thereby STILA-syndrome. Respecting atrial physiology may be beneficial for preventing adverse hemodyamic changes after ablation.

#1408 Dehydration cannot substitute for any of the triple whammy drugs to cause acute kidney injury

Abstract Background and Aims Polymedication in patients with chronic diseases, such as hypertension, can lead to undesired drug interactions. The combination of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause triple whammy (TW)-induced acute kidney injury (TW-AKI). Up to 9% of hypertensive patients used NSAIDs in combination with ACEIs / ARBs and diuretics. AKI has a mortality rate of 40% and TW increases the risk of AKI by 30% compared to the combination of only two drugs. In addition, TW-AKI is associated with other risk factors such as dehydration, which may exacerbate the injury. Consequently, the aim of our study was to determine whether dehydration combined with two of the TW drugs could induce AKI in an in vivo experimental model. Method Three months old male Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) were divided into four experimental groups: control group (CT); TW group (TW), which received four days of double therapy with trandolapril and furosemide, followed by a triple therapy for two days with trandolapril, furosemide and ibuprofen; trandolapril and ibuprofen group (T+I), which received four days of trandolapril followed by two days of trandolapril and ibuprofen; furosemide and ibuprofen group (F+I), which received four days of furosemide followed by two days of furosemide and ibuprofen; and trandolapril and furosemide group (T+F), which received six days of trandolapril and furosemide. All groups were subjected to a 60-70% water restriction of basal intake (i.e. 15 mL/day) to generate mild dehydration. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline (B), day 4 and day 6. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and day 4. Renal function was assessed by plasma creatinine, plasma urea and creatinine clearance, and hydration status was determined by plasma osmolarity and water balance (i.e. water intake minus urine flow). Results Under basal conditions, all rats were hypertensive. The combination of trandolapril and furosemide significantly reduced the mean blood pressure on day 4 (p = 0.0066), while trandolapril or furosemide alone did not achieve these decreases. After four days of water restriction to 15 mL/day, all groups showed mild dehydration with a decrease in water balance and an increase in plasma osmolarity by. Plasma creatinine and plasma urea values were only increased on day 6 in the TW group (p = 0.0009 and p = 0.02, respectively). Creatinine clearance was also clearly reduced in the TW group (p = 0.0004). F+I and T+F groups showed slight decreases in creatinine clearance at day 6, as well as slight increases in plasma urea. However, these changes were not as pronounced as those observed in the TW group. Conclusion In our in vivo model of TW-AKI, mild dehydration cannot replace any of the TW drugs, although it appears that combination of F+I and T+F in dehydrated rats slightly alter plasma urea and creatinine clearance values at day 6, suggesting that this condition maintained over time might lead to the development of AKI. Funding This research was funded by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PI21/01226 and PI21/00548 co-funded by the European Union; and RICORS2040, RD21/0005/0004, co-funded by the European Union—NextGenerationEU, Mecanismo para la Recuperación y la Resiliencia (MRR)) and from Consejería de Educación, Junta de Castilla y León (IES160P20), co-funded by FEDER funds. Noelia Diaz-Morales is recipient of a Juan de la Cierva-Formación postdoctoral contract (FJC2020-043205-I) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGenerationEU/PRTR”. Eva M. Baranda-Alonso is recipient of a predoctoral fellowship from the Junta de Castilla y Leon (Spain) and the European Social Fund from the European Commission.

Land cover change assessment in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam using GIS and remote sensing techniques

The expansion of agricultural production and urbanization has led to the depletion of the global forest ecosystem, resulting in land cover changes (LCCs) that pose threats to the land environment. Therefore, it is imperative to identify these LCCs as an essential step toward resolution and mitigation. This study aims to evaluate temporal LCCs in Thai Nguyen province by utilizing GIS and remote sensing techniques (RST) to analyze high-resolution satellite imagery spanning from 2001 to 2023. LCCs were identified using semi-automatic classification plugin (SCP) techniques with Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 images in ERVI software. The accuracy of the LCC maps was validated through post-classification comparisons, yielding high precision rates ranging from 87% to 96%. The results indicate a significant reduction in forest cover area, declining by 1018 ha from 226,18 ha in 2001 to 207,22 ha in 2023. This decline primarily occurred in urban areas, highlighting the intensification of urbanization processes. Cultivated and bare land experienced a minor decrease and a substantial decrease from 18,631 ha and 105,000 ha to 16,578 ha and 86,82 ha between 2001 and 2010, followed by a slight increase and a significant increase to 5,069 ha and 24,487 ha (1.4% and 6.9%) during the 2010-2023 period. These findings underscore the escalating risk of diminishing forest cover in the study area.

Vertical Agrivoltaics System on Arable Crops in Central France: Feedback of the First Year of Operation

Since the development of Agrivoltaics with panels placed above the plants, a new system is tested with vertical mounted bifacial photovoltaic panels, of which we present the results of the first year of two experimental sites. Such installations bring a lower shading level on the plant compared to fixed tilt or single axis tracking systems and could potentially suit fields with crops having low demands of shading. However, unlike more standard PV systems, few studies have detailed the effects of such devices on field crops. In this first experimental year, bifacial vertically mounted PV system showed interesting results with a stable or even a slight increase in annual crop yields. Also, harvest quality indicators are maintained or present favorable evolution indicating a high potential of vertical PV systems for Agrivoltaics.

#879 Impacts on ionized magnesium and total magnesium by the conversion to higher dialysate magnesium concentration

Abstract Background and Aims Hypermagnesemia is detrimental to hemodialysis patients whose renal function is compromised. However, recent observational study suggested the lower mortality rate was observed in the patients with mild hypermagnesemia. Even though the serum magnesium concentration (tMg) of the patients were frequently higher than the reference range of the tMg, one study reported 90% of the cases were within the reference range of the ionized magnesium (iMg) which is a physiologically active fraction of magnesium (Mg) in the blood. This is due to the higher serum phosphorous level in the hemodialysis patients, and negative correlation between iMg and the serum phosphorous, and anion gap. Current guideline recommends Mg level should be managed to be 3.0 mg/dL at pre-dialysis blood test. However, not much are known what iMg level is optimal. This study aimed to assess the impacts on iMg and tMg level of the patients by the conversion of the routinely-used dialysate containing 1.0 mEq/L (0.5 mmol/L) Mg to higher dialysate Mg concentration. Method This longitudinal study was conducted at Shingashi Renal Centre, Fujimino Renal Centre, and Kawagoe-minami Renal Centre. Out of 289 stable maintenance hemodialysis patients agreed to participate in the study, 42 were excluded due to death, changing hospital, or hospitalization. A total of 247 patients who are on regular hemodialysis treatment at least 6 months with commercially available dialysate mixture TA1 (Mg concentration: 1.0 mEq/L (0.5 mmol/L)) were included for the analysis. Dialysate Mg concentration was then increased to 1.25 mEq/L (0.625 mmol/L) by using a commercially available dialysate mixture TA5. Blood tests were carried out on the day of the first hemodialysis session of the week (Monday or Tuesday) before dialysate Mg concentration conversion and at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. The iMg concentrations were analyzed using the ion-selective electrode on blood gas analyzer StatProfile Prime Plus (Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA, USA). The tMg concentrations were determined by using Xylidylblue. Results Mean age of the 247 enrolled patients was 70.3ion-selective electrode on blood gas analyzer StatProfile Prime Plus (Nova Bidecreased significantly (TA1-pre:2.58±0.36mg/dL→TA1-post:2.18±0.16mg/dL, TA5-pre (24wk): 2.74±0.35mg/dL→TA5-post: 2.44±0.15mg/dL). After conversion to higher Mg dialysate TA5, post-dialysis tMg increased in comparison with TA1. After conversion to the higher Mg dialysate, iMg increased as well significantly (TA1-pre:0.64±0.11mmol/L→TA1-post:0.49±0.05mmol/L, TA5-pre:0.70±0.11mmol/L→0.60±0.04mmol/L) . However, iMg of TA1-post was close to the lower limit of the reference range of iMg (Fig. 1). Conclusion Hemodialysis patients’ iMg level became manageable within reference range by the conversion of the dialysate from TA1 to TA5 and the clinical advantage of iMg monitoring with hemodialysis patients were demonstrated. A slight increase in dialysate Mg concentration from 1.0 mEq/L to 1.25 mEq/L increased the iMg/tMg ratio, and iMg was within the normal range even when the pre-dialysis reference value of 3 mg/dL was not reached.

#406 High ferritin is not needed in hemodialysis patients: a retrospective study of total body iron and oral iron replacement therapy

Abstract Background and Aims In vivo iron levels can be adjusted through intestinal iron absorption to be maintained at a suitable level; however, optimal iron levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients are unclear. Although serum ferritin is useful as an indicator of iron stores, it does not necessarily reflect body iron levels in HD patients with unstable hematopoiesis since iron metabolism is a semi-closed system in vivo. In this study, we investigated total body iron (TBI), new index calculated as the sum of red blood cell (RBC) iron and iron stores, during courses of low-dose oral iron replacement therapy, and evaluated in vivo iron sufficiency and its indicators in HD patients. Method We analyzed data on 105 courses of low-dose iron replacement therapy (50–120 mg of iron daily) administered to 83 patients with serum ferritin <60 ng/mL and Hb <12 g/dL undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at our institution. Low-dose oral iron replacement therapy was initiated between August 2016 and June 2023 and continued for at least seven months. All blood samples were collected at the start of hemodialysis at the beginning of the week. Blood examinations were performed twice a month, and patients were given darbepoetin alfa (DA), long-acting ESAs to maintain Hb at the target level of 10–12 g/dL, in accordance with the guidelines of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. Iron-related parameters were determined based on blood samples collected once a month, with TSAT calculated from serum iron (Fe) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), using the following equation. TSAT=Fe/TIBC × 100. We evaluated changes in TBI, RBC iron, and iron stores from the initiation of treatment to month 7, in two groups of patients, namely, iron-therapy responders and non-responders. Furthermore, we investigated factors associated with steady-state TBI. TBI was regarded as achieving a steady state during the course of therapy when the trend shifted from an increase and the difference from the value at one month was less than or equal to zero. TBI was calculated using the formula proposed by Cable et al (Transfusion. 2016, 56, 2005). Results Mean age was 68.1±12.6 years and median time on hemodialysis was 6.6 years. Of the 105 courses of therapy, 75 were delivered to men and 30 to women, and 66.7% of the patients had diabetic nephropathy. The patients had a mean Hb level of 10.4±0.7 g/dL, a mean serum ferritin level of 27.3±12.5 ng/mL, mean transferrin saturation (TSAT) of 18.1%±5.9%, and a median C-reactive protein level of 0.1 mg/dL at the start of each course. TBI showed significant increases until month 4 and plateaued thereafter in iron-therapy responders, and tended to increase and then reached a similar plateau in non-responders (month 7: 1900±447 vs. 1900±408 mg, Fig. 1). As for RBC iron, iron-therapy responders showed significant monthly increases up to month 3, whereas non-responders showed constant values. Regarding iron stores, iron-therapy responders showed significant monthly increases up to month 5, while non-responders showed a significant increase only at month 1. DA per body weight showed a significant decrease at month 3 and 4 in the effective group, but a slight increase in the non-responder group. Steady-state TBI did not correlate with Hb or serum ferritin, but was strongly correlated with body surface area (BSA) using the Du Bois formula [TBI=−791.914 + 1628.606 × BSA (m2); R2=0.88, p<0.001, Fig. 2]. Conclusion This study showed that hemodialysis patients can increase their body iron levels during oral iron replacement therapy and maintain them at the same level after sufficiency has been achieved, suggesting activation of a “mucosal block.” Furthermore, this result also suggests that determining iron sufficiency based on serum ferritin alone is difficult in HD patients with fluctuations in Hb. However, regression equations using steady-state TBI and BSA showed a high degree of fit. Therefore, BSA might potentially be used in estimations of TBI sufficiency, which may be useful for avoiding excessive iron dosage.

Navigating bioenergy horizons: a critical examination of Europe’s potential, with Belgium as a case study

Estimates of the energy potential of the different energy sources are essential for modelling energy systems. However, the potential of biomass is debatable due to the numerous dimensions and assumptions embedded. It is thus important to investigate further the final potential to understand their implications. Therefore, this study analyses European studies assessing biomass potential and proposes a critical discussion on the different results to converge to a realistic range of potentials for 2030. Biomass is divided into four categories: forestry products, agricultural residues, energy crops and other waste, each with sub-categories. Belgium is used as a case study to highlight the convergences and divergences of the studies. Having a national case study allows for more precise analyses through in-depth comparisons with national data and reports. The potential estimates are compared with the current production for each category in order to have a better view of the gap to be bridged. From these national perspectives, the European potential can be better apprehended. The results show that the realistic potentials for 2030 for Belgium and Europe are somewhat in the lower range of the estimates of the different studies: from 30 to 41 TWh and from 2000 to 2500 TWh, respectively. The forestry biomass is already well exploited with a slight potential increase, while the agricultural residues present the most significant potential increase. The realistic potential for energy crops in Belgium turned out to be close to the minimum estimates. Indeed, the implications of those crops are considerable regarding the agricultural structure and logistics. This article emphasises that no energy potential is neutral, as it involves a specific system in terms of agriculture, forestry or waste management, with broader social, economic or environmental implications. Consequently, using one estimate rather than another is not a trivial matter; it has an impact on the system being modelled from the outset.