Spreading Technique Research Articles

Exploration of alcohol dehydrogenase EutG from Bacillus tropicus as an eco-friendly approach for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic compounds

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are pervasive environmental contaminants derived from diverse sources including pyrogenic (e.g., combustion processes), petrogenic (e.g., crude oil), and biological origins. They are commonly found in gasoline, coal, and crude oil, reflecting their prevalence and varied origins in natural and anthropogenic activities. The aim of this study is to use Bacillus tropicus which is a spore-forming, gram-positive and facultative anaerobic bacteria, containing a gene for PACs degradtion. In this study bacterial sample was collected from women’s vaginal discharge through streaking and spreading techniques. The DNA was extracted from bacterial culture and then the bacterium was identified through 16S rRNA which appeared to be B.tropicus. Then the computational analysis was conducted where the sequence similarity and functional analysis of alcohol dehydrogenase EutG protein from B.tropicus was analyzed through PSI-BLAT and SMART tool, respectively. The PSI-BLAST showed 100% query coverage score and 9 domains of alcohol dehydrogenase EutG protein were predicted through SMART tool. The quality of the protein was also assessed through ProQ server with a predicted LQ score of 8.091, a Maxsub score of − 0.350 and a z score of − 10.76. Then the phylogentic analysis was conducted to know the evolutionary relationship and closely related taxa. The 3D structure of the protein was predicted through SWISS MODEL and its quality was predicted through ERRAT with overall qauality factor of 98.708. The Ramachandran plot also predicted its quality and showed that 93.8% residues were in the most favored region. After this, 3D stucture of PACs were obtained from PubChem and molecular docking of the protein was performed with each of the compound. The lowest energy of − 10.3 was obtained with Indeno[1,2,3-cd] pyrene and the best docked complex was visulaized through discover studio to analyze its binding residues. Lastly, in-silico site-directed mutagenesis studies were performed which showed that the EutG gene (codes for alcoholic dehydrogenase) obtained from B. tropicus, will not get altered or have any decreasing effect on the enzyme’s stability if it goes through any mutations. This suggests that B. tropicus can act as an efficient, non-virulent, and reliable candidate for the eco-friendly and cost-effective bioremediation of PACs.

Mindfulness and decision-making for teachers—the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of experience

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the relationship between mindfulness, self-esteem, and decision-making. The study focused to examine the relationship primarily between mindfulness and decision-making, with self-esteem as a mediator and experience as a moderator among teachers in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA survey was conducted among teachers in Saudi Arabia and was completed by 525 teachers (67.8% were females and 32.2% were males, with an average age of 38.25 years, standard deviation [SD] = 8.72). Participants were Arabic-speaking teachers who were selected from public and private schools in Saudi Arabia. They were selected via direct contact with schools in Riyadh. Using the snowball spreading techniques, the teachers were recruited from elementary, middle, and high schools. Adolescent and Adult Mindfulness Scale (AAMS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Decision-Making Scale were used to obtain information on the variables.ResultsMindfulness was significantly and positively correlated with decision-making and positive self-esteem and negatively correlated with negative self-esteem. Decision-making was significantly positively correlated with positive self-esteem and negatively correlated with negative self-esteem. Moreover, positive self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and decision-making, indirectly. However, mindfulness was not predicted by decision-making through negative self-esteem. A multigroup analysis showed that the mediational model was moderated by high teaching experience.ConclusionThe results prove that mindfulness and self-esteem are associated with decision-making. Self-esteem and mindfulness for teachers increase their awareness of the problems they face daily in the classroom. Additionally, more experienced teachers are more confident and portray better decision-making skills.

Comparative Approach of Staphylococcus Abundance in 3 Different AquaticEnvironments in Kribi (Coastal Area, Cameroon, Central Africa), andPotential Role of Some Abiotic Factors

A study to compare bacterial populations in sea, ground and stream waters and to assess the importance of some abiotic factors on these populations was carried out in the town of Kribi (on the Cameroonian coast) from January to March 2024. The bacteria sought were Aerobic Mesophilic Heterotrophic Bacteria (AMHB) and staphylococci. They were isolated using the surface spreading technique on Petri dishes on PCA media (Rapid Labs, ref CM-PCASP051) and the membrane filtration technique on Chapman mannitol medium (HIMEDIA, ref MH118-500G), for AMHB and staphylococci respectively. Isolated bacteria were identified by standard methods. Some abiotic parameters were measured using standard analytical techniques. These analyses showed that the abiotic variables varied overall from one sampling period to the next and from one point to the next. It was noted that the water was neutral with low mineral content. The high nitrogen values recorded at all the sampling points attest to the high organic matter content of the water analyzed. Bacteriological analyses revealed that the water contains a high-density bacterial microflora consisting of AMHB and bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus. The average densities of AMHB in log (CFU/100 mL) were 5.62, 5.86 and 5.30 in groundwater, stream waters and seawaters respectively. The waters of this coastal area of Cameroon are populated by Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with mean densities of 2.66 (log (CFU/100 mL)), 3.30 (log (CFU/100 mL)) and 5, 36 (log (CFU/100 m)) for Staphylococcus aureus and 1.66 (log (CFU/100mL)), 1.06 (log (CFU/100mL)) and 5.02 ( log (CFU/100 mL)) for Staphylococcus epidermidis in groundwater, stream waters and seawaters respectively. Comparatively, the densities of staphylococci in seawaters were more abundant and diverse than those in groundwater and stream waters. The deterioration in the quality of these coastal waters seems to be encouraged by their proximity to point sources of pollution linked to discharges of ballast water without prior treatment. These waters are therefore not recommended for human consumption according to WHO standards.

Vertex Augmentation With Hyaluronic Acid Filler: A Novel Technique for Height Enhancement and Cephalic Contouring.

Height augmentation and cephalic contouring using hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers represent an innovative approach in minimally invasive aesthetic medicine. This study introduces a novel technique for vertex augmentation, leveraging cross-linked HA fillers to achieve subtle height enhancement and cephalic contouring. A 42-year-old male patient seeking non-surgical height augmentation underwent vertex injections with 15ml of HA filler (e.p.t.q. eve X, Jetema Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea), using a multidirectional spreading technique under local anesthesia. The procedure resulted in an immediate and sustained 1.2cm height increase with no adverse effects at a 6-month follow-up. The vertex's low vascularity and favorable anatomic features minimized complications and enhanced safety. This method also holds potential for cephalic contouring in female patients, providing subtle cranial volume for aesthetic purposes. The findings highlight the adaptability of HA fillers beyond traditional facial applications, offering a safe, effective alternative to surgical interventions. Further studies are encouraged to validate long-term outcomes and expand patient applicability.

Influence of initial state and residual stresses on the modulus-density relationship of geomaterials: insights from multiple experimental setups

ABSTRACT Quality control in pavement construction traditionally relies on density measurements of geomaterials. With the introduction of modulus measurement methods, a shift has occurred due to the operational advantages of modulus-estimating devices over conventional density measurement techniques. Modulus-based methods also provide valuable information for the mechanistic-empirical (ME) design of pavement layers. However, a challenge emerges as a single modulus measurement does not directly correspond to a specific density measurement, leading to concerns about replacing density measurements in quality control processes. While it is generally accepted that a geomaterial's modulus primarily depends on its moisture content and density or void ratio, this study explores the complex relationship between modulus and density, particularly in field scenarios with consistent moisture content. Using three different laboratory-scale test set-ups, characterised by unique loading and boundary conditions, the research highlights the significant role of a geomaterial's initial state in obtaining accurate modulus estimates. The results reveal that identical densities can exhibit variations in modulus due to differences in initial densities and the development of residual lateral stresses. These variations in field conditions often stem from different paving or spreading techniques, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach when establishing density-modulus correlations..

Antibacterial efficacy of Doxycycline as a Photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy against Subgingival Plaque Bacteria

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammation that occurs in the periodontium and is caused by the host immune responses and subgingival plaque bacteria. Subgingival plaque bacteria can initiate periodontal disease because they have the potential to induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Mechanical debridement alone not always possible to completely remove pathogenic bacteria that cause periodontal infections due to accessibility and location. New treatments, such as photodynamic therapy, which uses lasers, can offer an alternative option. Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses photons of light energy for medical purposes. The mechanism of photodynamic therapy is based on a triad consisting of a photosensitizer, a light source, and molecular oxygen. Microorganisms first absorb the photosensitizer, then are activated by light of a specific wavelength. Photosensitizer can transfer the received energy to molecular oxygen and convert oxygen into ROS, then cause the death of microorganisms by affecting their membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids. Doxycycline is widely used in periodontal therapy and is known to act as an exogenous photosensitizer. Objective: The aim of the research was to evaluate the potential of doxycycline as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy against subgingival plaque bacteria. Method: The research used the diffusion method to test the bacterial inhibition with 4 replications. This research was divided into 6 groups: (1) control, (2) photodynamic therapy, (3) 0,0125% doxycycline with photodynamic therapy, (4) 0,025% doxycycline with photodynamic therapy, (5) 0,05% doxycycline with photodynamic therapy, and (6) 0,1% doxycycline with photodynamic therapy. Subgingival plaque bacteria were collected from stock and put into a reaction tube that contained liquid BHIB. After that, the subgingival plaque bacteria culture was incubated for 48hours at 37ºC, and then the subgingival plaque bacteria culture was planted on Mueller Hinton agar with the spreading technique. Filter paper was inserted into each of the doxycycline concentrations and placed on the petridish that has been planted with subgingival plaque bacteria. Photodynamic therapy with a wavelength of 405nm for 30 seconds was exposed to the paper. Then, the agar plates were incubated for 48 hours at 37ºC. Result: The avarage inhibition zone of subgingival plaque bacteria was obtained in the following groups: (1) 0mm, (2) 13.375mm, (3) 14.6125mm, (4) 15.450mm, (5) 17.325mm, and (6) 19.2875mm. Conclusion: The doxycycline 0.1% concentration group that is combined with photodynamic therapy for 30 seconds has the biggest inhibition zone in the subgingival plaque bacteria.

Layer-level fabrication of continuous functionally graded materials (cFGMs) via Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam technology

Multi-material fabrication of metals through Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes is attracting more and more attention in recent years. This work presents a novel methodology that enables the fabrication of continuous functionally graded materials (cFGMs) at the layer level using Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) technology. This has been achieved by designing and building a customized powder separation system that can be easily installed on a currently operating PBF-LB system with a blade/roller-based powder spreading technique (extremely limited for layer-level multi-material fabrication). This technique overcomes one of the main drawbacks of AM multi-material fabrication by properly joining materials with very different mechanical properties and low compatibility, thus extending the productive capacity of this technology. Two steels, AISI 316 L and 18 Ni Maraging 300, with different physical, chemical and mechanical properties, were used to study the applicability and verify the proposed methodology. A high-resolution optical system was used to monitor, layer by layer, the different laser-matter interactions given by the different materials and thus the presence of a graded transition zone between them. Results in terms of statical mechanical properties, microstructure, chemical analysis and optical monitoring showed that the proposed solution is reliable and cost-effective, paving the way for future applications.

A clustered-LPSEIRS malware propagation model in complex networks

In this paper, we present a new malware propagation model that integrates epidemic spread, clustering, and link prediction techniques, tailored for complex network networks. Our model is based on the clustered-link prediction-susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (clustered-LPSEIRS) epidemic model, which simulates malware dissemination within the network. Our findings reveal a significant decrease in the rate of malware spread compared to the traditional SEIR model, with this enhancement in containment attributed to the integration of clustering and link prediction methods. We also compute the basic reproduction ratio (R0\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$R_{0}$$\\end{document}) for our model, providing insights into the potential ramifications of malware within the network. By examining parameter variations, we enhance our understanding of the model's behavior under diverse scenarios. Additionally, we assess the influence of clustering and link prediction on mitigating malware spread, emphasizing its effectiveness in diminishing the overall impact.

Modeling of Malware Propagation Under the Clustering Approach in Scale‐Free Networks

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present an innovative malware propagation model that combines epidemic spread and clustering techniques, specifically designed for scale‐free networks. The proposed model builds upon the susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered (SEIR) framework, effectively simulating the dissemination of malware across the network. Our research demonstrates a notable reduction in the rate of malware transmission compared to the traditional SEIR model, with this improvement in containment being attributed to the incorporation of clustering methodologies. We also calculate the basic reproduction ratio (R0) for the proposed model, which offers valuable insights into the potential consequences of malware outbreaks within the network. By exploring variations in key parameters, we deepen our understanding of the model's behavior under different conditions. Furthermore, we evaluate the role of clustering in mitigating malware spread, highlighting its significant effectiveness in reducing the overall impact of infections.

The application of matching pursuit spectral blueing in post-stack seismic frequency enhancement

The calculation of the spectral blueing operator in the traditional spectral blueing method has singularity, which leads to poor performance in post-stack seimic frequency expansion. To this end, a frequency spreading technique based on matching pursuit (MP) and spectral blueing is proposed. Through time–frequency analysis processing, it is shown that the seismic signal extracted by matching tracking method has good stability and higher resolution. The specific process of the method in this paper firstly uses the matching tracking method to accurately divide the post-stack seismic data into multiple frequency-division seismic bodies; then, in the process of calculating the spectral blueing ization operators for each frequency band, the weighting idea is used to calculate the weights of the optimized spectral blueing ization operators for each frequency band based on the differences in energy in different frequency bands; finally, the optimized spectral blueing operator is convolved with seismic reflection coefficients to obtain high-resolution seismic data. The actual test results of poststack seismic data have proven that the frequency raising method proposed in this paper is superior to the traditional spectral blueing ization algorithm, greatly improving the high-frequency component information of poststack seismic data. After frequency extension, there are more seismic events and higher resolution. Finally, the practicability and rationality of the seismic data after frequency extraction are verified by a series of operations such as attribute extraction, well seismic calibration and inversion.

A New Diffusion Strategy Using an Epidemic Spreading Model for Encryption.

The diffusion phenomenon that exhibits intrinsic similarities is pervasive in cryptography and natural systems, evident in liquid diffusion, epidemic spread, animal migration, and encryption techniques. In cryptography, bytes are systematically diffused in a sequential manner to encrypt the value of each byte in the plaintext in a linear fashion. In contrast, within an epidemic spreading model, the diffusion process can be represented within a complex, multilayered network, encompassing layers such as familial and social transmission dynamics. Transmission links establish connections both within and between individual layers. It has had a more rapid spread than linear approaches due to the particularization of non-linear transmission. In this study, the novelty of a cryptography diffusion strategy based on an epidemic model is first proposed, in which pixels and their dynamic adjacency are considered as vertices and edges, respectively, within a complex network framework. Subsequently, the encryption process is governed by the Susceptible-Vaccinated-Infected-Recovered (SVIR) model integrated with chaotic dynamics. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits faster encryption speed while effectively resisting brute force, statistical, and differential attacks. Furthermore, it demonstrates strong robustness against noise interference and data loss.

Residual stress evaluation in innovative layer-level continuous functionally graded materials produced by Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam

The main objective of this study is to evaluate residual stresses in AISI 316L and 18Ni Maraging 300 functionally graded materials with continuous variation of composition within a single layer using the contour method. The manufacture of this kind of layer-level continuous functionally graded materials by employing a Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam system utilizing a blade/roller-based powder spreading technique has only been recently devised and a proper residual stress analysis is still required. In fact, as the mechanical properties of additively manufactured samples are significantly influenced by the direction of construction, the same holds true for the direction along which the compositional variation is made. Furthermore, in this study, the impact of solution annealing and aging heat treatment, which are necessary for enhancing the mechanical properties of martensitic steel, on residual stresses was explored. Additionally, the effect of adopting material-differentiated process parameters was investigated. The results indicated that each specimen displayed areas of tensile stress concentration on the upper and lower surfaces, balanced by compression in the center. The application of heat treatment led to a decrease in the maximum tensile stress of 8% and provided a uniform and significant stress reduction within the maraging steel. Finally, the implementation of material-specific process parameters for the three composition zones in conjunction with the heat treatment resulted in a reduction in the maximum residual stress of 35% and also a significantly lower residual stress field throughout the specimen.

Molecular identification of biosurfactant-producing bacteria obtained from oil-polluted soil samples in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Several human activities have led to environmental pollution with crude oil and other related hydrocarbons. There are various technologies of remediating oil-polluted environments, but the use of biological agents such as biosurfactants are widely practiced, and are generally considered as safe and eco-friendly. This study aimed at isolating and identifying biosurfactant-producing bacteria obtained from oil polluted soil samples in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria using molecular techniques. Six waste oil-contaminated soil samples were collected from mechanic and generator repair workshops, and were analyzed using standard microbiological methods. Nine bacterial isolates were obtained from the waste oil-contaminated soil samples, and were suspected to be Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular identification of the biosurfactant-producing isolates was also carried out using PCR and the genes responsible for biosurfactant production targeted. Oil spreading technique was used to detect the oil displacement activity (ODA) of the isolates. The emulsification index (E24) was calculated and the ability of the extracted biosurfactant to emulsify the hydrocarbons was determined. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest ODA of 28.1 cm while Staphylococcus aureus had the least ODA of 5 cm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed E24 of 70.1%, Bacillus subtilis 57.1% while S. aureus showed 32.5%. Hence, Pseudomonas and Bacillus species have good potentials for biosurfactant production, and can be harnessed and utilized in the cleanup of oil polluted soil.

Effects of Fu's subcutaneous needling at myofascial trigger points on pain and lumbar mobility in patients with lumbar disc herniation： a randomized controlled trial.

To explore the therapeutic effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on pain, lumbar mobility and the quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), so as to provide clinicians with new ideas and methods in treating LDH. One hundred patients with LDH admitted to department of rehabilitation medicine of the affiliated hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to January 2023 were collected as the subjects, and they were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. In the observation group, the spreading technique of Fu's subcutaneous needling was delivered at MTrP. In the control group, the routine acupuncture was applied to Shenshu (BL23), Weizhong (BL40) and MTrP. The treatment was given 3 times weekly, for 2 weeks in the two groups. The score of visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated before treatment, at the moment after the 1st treatment completion and after 2 weeks of treatment, separately, and the inclinometer was adopted to measure the range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar flexion, extension and lateral flexion. The numbers of MTrPs and their distribution were recorded before treatment and after the completion of a 2-week treatment in the two groups. Before treatment and in 4 weeks of follow-up, using SF-36 scale, the score of the quality of life was evaluated. The incidence of adverse effects was recorded. At the moment of the 1st treatment completion and after 2 weeks of treatment, VAS score and ROM of the lumbar region were significantly improved in comparison with those before treatment in the two groups and the improvement was superior in the observation group compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After 2 weeks of treatment, the total number of MTrPs and the counts of MTrPs in each muscle zone were reduced when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). In the observation group, the total number of MTrPs and numbers of MTrPs in the zones of quadratus lumborum, musculi multifidus and musculi iliocostalis lumborum decreased significantly when compared with the control group (P<0.05), while the difference was not significant in the numbers in the zone of musculi glutaeus medius between the two groups. In 4 weeks of follow-up, the scores of SF-36 scale were improved in comparison with those before treatment in each group and the result in the observation was better (P<0.05). No any adverse events occurred during treatment in the two groups. Fu's subcutaneous needling is effective for reducing the numbers of MTrPs and improving analgesia, ROM of the lumbar region, as well as the long-term quality of life in the patients with LDH.

Patterned Liquid Crystal Polymer Thin Films Improved Energy Conversion Efficiency at High Incident Angles for Photovoltaic Cells.

In this report, micro-patterned silicon semiconductor photovoltaic cells have been proposed to improve the efficiency in various incident sunlight angles, using homeotropic liquid crystal polymers. The anisotropic liquid crystal precursor solution based on a reactive mesogen has good flowing characteristics. It can be evenly coated on the silicon solar cells' surface by a conventional spreading technique, such as spin coating. Once cured, the polymers exhibit asymmetric transmittance properties. The optical retardation characteristics of the coated polymer films can be eventually determined by the applicable coating and curing parameters during the processes. The birefringence of light then influences the optical path and the divergence of any encountered sunlight. This allows more photons to enter the active semiconductor layers for optical absorption, resulting in an increase in the photon-to-electron conversion, and thus improving the photovoltaic cell efficiency. This new design is straightforward and could allow various patterns to be created for scientific development. The experimental results have evidenced that the energy conversion efficiency could be improved by 2-3% for the silicon photovoltaic cells, under direct sunlight or at no inclination, when the liquid crystal polymer precursor solution is prepared at 5%. In addition, the efficiency could be much more significantly improved to 14-16% when the angle is inclined to 45°. The unique patterned liquid crystal polymer thin films provide enhanced energy conversion efficiency for silicon photovoltaic cells. The design could be further evaluated for other solar cell applications.

Properties of laminated board from Belangke bamboo (Gigantochloa pruriens) modified with citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene

ABSTRACT The development of bamboo as a raw material for construction materials has drawbacks, including low physical properties. Therefore, this work aimed to determine the physical and mechanical properties of laminated boards modified with citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene. In addition, the study analysed the optimum immersion time and the phenomenon of the modifications provided. Two-step conditions were designed for the immersion of bamboo lamina. The first steps were prepared at different variation times (6, 12, and 24 h). The effect of variation time was evaluated to obtain the optimum duration treatment of bamboo lamina. Then, another step of bamboo lamina was immersion for different solutions (citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene) at an immersion time of 6 h. The bamboo lamina was assembled into laminated boards (3 layers) measuring 30 cm × 15 cm × 1.5 cm (length × width × thickness) using isocyanate adhesive with adhesive spread level of 280 g/m2 using the double adhesive spread technique. The physical and mechanical properties of the laminated board were tested according to the JAS 234:2003 standard. The laminated board modified with polystyrene has higher density, lower delamination, higher shear strength, and higher modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) than that modified with citric acid and boric acid. In addition, the bamboo laminated with 6 h and polystyrene immersion has density, moisture content, delamination, MOE, and MOR that meet the JAS 234:2003 standard. These phenomena are due to changes in the functional group and crystallinity of bamboo laminated after immersion.

Evaluation of Fire Spread and Suppression Techniques in Micro-Mobility Battery Packs

Lithium-ion battery packs used in micro-mobility devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters can lead to substantial safety hazards should a single cell go into thermal runaway. In this paper we explore the extent and severity of e-mobility battery fires resulting from a single cell thermal runaway failure and evaluate various suppression techniques a user may attempt to implement if they experience a battery fire at home. We tested a household water hose as well as different fire blankets deployed both before the forced thermal runaway event and after initiation. The water hose was unable to supply a sufficient amount of water to extinguish the thermal event, however, the average pack temperature was decreased and the cell-to-cell propagation rate was slowed. Neither fire blanket tested was able to contain the flames or debris ejected from the battery packs and both acted to hold in the heat from the event, increasing the temperature, rather than allowing it to dissipate. In addition, we also demonstrated how various design approaches, such as added thermal insulation between cells, can help prevent cell-to-cell propagation and reduce the severity of a battery pack failure.

The Application of Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Heat Island Mitigation in Asia: Progress, Challenges, and Recommendations.

Unprecedented urbanization in Asia affects the net radiation and energy flux of urban areas in the form of urban heat islands (UHI). The application of nature-based solutions (NbS) via urban green and blue infrastructures is a promising approach to mitigate UHI via urban boundary condition modifications, which affect the energy balance. This narrative review discusses the application of green and blue infrastructures in the Asian context by highlighting its progress, challenges, and recommendations. This review is descriptive in nature and includes perspectives on the discussed topics. Studies on the application of green and blue infrastructures in UHI mitigation are still scant in Asia. Their cooling performance is greatly influenced by their types, size, geometry, surface roughness, spread (threshold distance), temporal scales, topography, pollution levels, prevailing climate, and assessment techniques. Distinct urban characteristics, climatic conditions, environmental risks, lack of awareness and expertise, lack of policy and government incentives, and limited scientific studies are the major challenges in their implementation of UHI mitigation in Asia. Although green and blue infrastructures are associated with urban cooling, more in-depth experimental work and multidisciplinary research collaboration are paramount to exploring its implementation potential in Asia and other countries that share similar urban and environmental characteristics.

Powder spreading effects on laser powder bed fused parts quality

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing technique whose efficiency and quality depend largely on a consistent and precise powder spreading procedure. This article examines the crucial role of powder spreading in influencing the quality of 3D-printed parts. Through case studies and experimental results, the article demonstrates in detail the impact of parameters such as: powder flowability, spreading speed, layer thickness, and recoater type on powder uniformity during spreading. In addition, the paper presents a comparison between types of recoaters in order to obtain optimum surface finish, mechanical properties, and reduced defects. This paper reviews the most appropriate powder spreading techniques to maintain the flowability and uniformity of the powder. Therefore, the primary objective of this work is to present an in-depth review of the impact of powder spreading dynamics in LPBF. In addition, it aims to demonstrate to the reader the various factors influencing powder spreading and the methodologies employed to optimize this crucial process.

Mitotic metaphase karyotype of the mosquito Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) from Kassala State, eastern Sudan

The mosquito Anopheles arabiensis Patton is the most important malaria vector in Sudan. The study was conducted for the first time to describe numerically the karyotype of An. arabiensis from Kassala State, eastern Sudan. Adults An. arabiensis were caught from human dwellings during the rainy season of 2022. We examined for the first time the utility of brain ganglia tissues of adult mosquitoes for mitotic chromosomal preparations using Giemsa stain - spreading technique. High-quality chromosomal preparations were examined and photographed. Chromosome measurements were carried out using computer software and analyzed statistically using SPSS® software. The diploid mitotic chromosome complement of An. arabiensis consists of three pairs of chromosomes, two pairs of metacentric autosomes (chromosome II and chromosome III) and one acrocentric dot-shaped pair, sex chromosome, which is homomorphic in females (XX) and heteromorphic in males (XY). Chromosome II was described as the longest (2.61±0.07) of the complement and constitute 44.39% of the total length (5.88 μm) of the haploid chromosomes set, while chromosome I (X=1.39 ±0.04; Y=1.04±0.04) as the shortest chromosome. Chromosome X appears in the males significantly larger than chromosome Y (P = 0.00). Chromosome III has an intermediate length (1.88±0.06) compared with the other chromosomes. Comparison of the average lengths of the three chromosome pairs by ANOVA test revealed highly statistical significant differences between them (P &lt; 0.00). The study establishes a strong cytogentic data, which can contribute to accurate identification of the mosquito An. arabiensis and to planning human malaria vector control programs in Kassala State, eastern Sudan.