Standard Values Research Articles

Replacing traditional coffee appraisers with inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS): From manual sensory evaluation to scientific analysis

Scientific development provides opportunities to replace many traditional manual methods to achieve more accurate results and higher efficiency. To scientifically ascertain the geographical origin of coffee, this study develops a method for the rapid determination of 16 inorganic elements in coffee using microwave digestion combined with the ICP-MS internal standard method. Principal component analysis (PCA), Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), and Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) are employed to analyze 40 coffee samples from three production areas of Pu'er, Baoshan, and Wanning. The results show that the linear correlation coefficients of the 16 elements in this method are above 0.999, the detection limits are in the range of 0.0004–0.63 mg/kg, the RSD of the precision experiments are 4.5 %–13.5 %, the recovery rate of the peak experiment is 86.0 %–96.3 % with the RSD of 1.1 %–8.8 %, and the results of the standard substances are within the range of standard values. Using the discriminant analysis of inorganic elements in coffee (FDA and PLS-DA), coffee origin discrimination was realized, and six key elements (Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Na, and Ba) are identified as effective discriminatory indexes. Accordingly, a coffee origin discrimination model is established, and the overall accuracy discrimination rate of the discrimination model are all more than 90.0 %, and FDA > PLS-DA. The findings indicated that the method has good accuracy and reliability, is suitable for analyzing and determining multiple elements in sample components as targets, and may have a positive impact on the development of related industries.

Sodium hypochlorite–based binderless technology for solid wood adhesion: application of a commercial bleaching agent for adhesion and observation of surface characteristics

AbstractIn this study, several methods for a novel binderless technology were explored, the effects of treatment conditions on the adhesive performance were examined and the surface was characterized during adhesion. The method entailed a three-step process for bonding solid wood, which involved immersion in sodium hypochlorite–containing treatment solutions, surface scratching, and drying with pressing. Various treatment conditions were investigated, including solution types, immersion durations, scratch treatment materials, and pressing methods. The resulting shear strength was 9.7 MPa, which is well above the Japanese Agricultural Standards value for laminated wood (6 MPa). In this method, the specimens were immersed in a bleach solution containing a surfactant for 16 h, followed by pressurization at 1 MPa for 24 h at 60 ℃ using a pressure-controlled press. Around the bonding area in the specimens, the cells in the immersed area were significantly compressed, and the aldehyde groups of the coniferyl aldehyde in the lignin were denatured or lost. Based on these findings, a new binderless technology was developed for solid wood without a high-temperature, high-pressure pressing step.

Drinking water is the urolithiasis development factor among the rural population of a single region

BACKGROUND: The urolithiasis incidence in the Nizhny Novgorod Region exceeds the national average that determines the importance of analyzing the causes of its development and creating preventive measures. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and drinking water composition consumed by the rural population of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chemical analysis of drinking water was performed in 50 rural districts of the Nizhny Novgorod Region (a total of 61 samples). Water was taken from centralized water supply sources, artesian wells and boreholes, and springs. The relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and chemical composition measures of drinking water was assessed. RESULTS: Differences in the impurity content of drinking water were found between districts with different values of urolithiasis incidence. Exceeding the standard values for impurities specified in the Sanitary regulations and standards (SanPin) was most commonly detected in water from districts with the highest incidence of urolithiasis. An increase in the calcium/magnesium ratio was the most commonly noted in drinking water from these districts. In 41 (67.2%) of 61 samples, an increase of calcium level was detected. The hardness of drinking water was higher than the standard in 33.3–38.8% of samples depending on the water intake source. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water with a high level of hardness and mineralization is one of the etiological factors for the development of urolithiasis in Nizhny Novgorod Region. In rural areas of this region with a high incidence of urolithiasis, the monitoring of the state of central water supply sources and the impurity content in drinking water should be intensified.

Heavy metal concentrations in soil and ecological risk assessment in the vicinity of Tianzhu Industrial Park, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Industrial parks in China are centers of intensive chemical manufacturing and other industrial activities, often concentrated in relatively small areas. This concentration increases the risk of soil pollution both within the parks and in surrounding areas. The soils of the Tibetan Plateau, known for their high sensitivity to environmental changes, are particularly vulnerable to human activity. In this study, we examined the concentrations (mg/kg) of 10 metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in soils at depths of 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm from the surface at three distances (500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m from the park boundary) on the east, south, west, and north sides of the Tianzhu Industrial Park on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, and Pb were close to the standard reference values for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, while Cu, Ni, Se, and Zn levels were found to be 1.6-2.2 times higher than the reference values. Cd and Hg concentrations were particularly concerning, at 8.0 and 6.5 times higher than reference values, respectively. The potential ecological risk indexes indicated persistent risk levels for Cd and Se across various directions and distances. Variations in soil depth and direction were observed for the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Se, and Zn, underscoring the need for regular or long-term monitoring. Cd, in particular, presents a significant hazard due to its high concentration and its propensity for uptake by plants in the study area.

Measurement of Noise Intensity in the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin Market Area, Banda Aceh City in 2024

Introduction: Noise is a fairly important issue, especially in relation to comfort. Excessive noise levels in markets can have very dangerous negative impacts in many ways, namely health impacts as well as psychological and technical impacts. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the noise level that occurs in the market area using a Sound Level Meter (SLM) and to map the noise level in the Al-mahirah Lamdingin market. Methods: This study uses an observation method, data collection is carried out by direct observation and measurement of the research object. The sample in this study is one of the sectors of the community trade center, namely the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin market in Banda Aceh city which consists of 93 kiosks with 639 traders. Inclusion criteria are places where people often gather and pass by, areas that are flanked by lots of noise and come from different sources and machines that operate more than 4 hours in 1 day. Exclusion criteria are locations/areas that do not have noise sources and are far from the main road shoulder, machines that operate for less than 4 hours and operate only at certain times. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel software. Results: The results of the study showed that the noise intensity at the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin Market was already in the risky category because it had the highest noise intensity of 55.2 dBA, but did not exceed the threshold value that had been set, namely 65 dBA. Conclusion: Based on the measurement of noise intensity in the Al-Mahirah Lamdingin market, the noise intensity value does not exceed the noise quality standard value but is already at a risky stage because the measurement results are close to the set quality standard and the frequency and time of noise exposure are quite long with the target group. It is necessary to carry out control at each point such as changing the layout of the machine so that the noise does not collect in one place and the use of Hearing Protection Equipment (APT) or it can be by controlling the device, be it equipment renewal or repair.

Anatomical Characteristics of Cervicomedullary Compression on MRI Scans in Children with Achondroplasia

This retrospective study assessed anatomical characteristics of cervicomedullary compression in children with achondroplasia. Twelve anatomical parameters were analyzed (foramen magnum diameter and area; myelon area; clivus length; tentorium and occipital angles; brainstem volume outside the posterior fossa; and posterior fossa, cerebellum, supratentorial ventricular system, intracranial cerebrospinal fluid, and fourth ventricle volumes) from sagittal and transversal T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 37 children with achondroplasia aged ≤ 4 years (median [range] 0.8 [0.1–3.6] years) and compared with scans from 37 children without achondroplasia (median age 1.5 [0–3.9] years). Mann–Whitney U testing was used for between-group comparisons. Foramen magnum diameter and area were significantly smaller in children with achondroplasia compared with the reference group (mean 10.0 vs. 16.1 mm [p < 0.001] and 109.0 vs. 160.8 mm2 [p = 0.005], respectively). The tentorial angle was also steeper in children with achondroplasia (mean 47.6 vs. 38.1 degrees; p < 0.001), while the clivus was significantly shorter (mean 23.5 vs. 30.3 mm; p < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed in myelon area, occipital angle, fourth ventricle, intracranial cerebrospinal fluid and supratentorial ventricular volumes, and the volume of brainstem protruding beyond the posterior fossa (all p < 0.05). MRI analysis of brain structures may provide a standardized value to indicate decompression surgery in children with achondroplasia.

Flattening behaviour of weft-knitted spacer fabrics

AbstractWeft-knitted spacer fabrics are thick 3D knitted structures prized for their cushioning properties which have gathered increasing attention in the last decade. The thickness of a spacer fabric is one of its most influential parameters and strongly impacts its cushioning properties, wearability, thermal insulation or permeability. However, the fabric's natural undulation and high deformability make its thickness measurement uneasy. The current standard measurement methods require to measure the fabric thickness after compressing it until a fixed threshold stress value is reached to flatten it. The diversity of these threshold values is confusing, and each of them is unsuitable to variety of fabric rigidity. In this article, a standard for thickness evaluation was proposed and used to measure the thickness of 20 samples knitted with 5 independent parameters. The measured thickness was compared to the thickness measured at a threshold value of 1 kPa and to a theoretical thickness. The proposed measurement standard was proved reproducible and efficient for all fabrics when the threshold measures showed large errors on the softer and stiffer samples. The flattening stress of the fabrics ranged from 86 to 5262 Pa and could not be approximated by a single standard value. The theoretical thickness was more accurate, predicting the thickness with an average error of 3.8%.

Evaluation of Soil Texture, EC, pH and Primary Macro Elements in Five Mango Orchard Soils of Kotri, Sindh, Pakistan

Analysis of soil is a very important practice for evaluating the nutrient status and ultimately establishing the fertilizer application program for soil health, fruit quality and production. The aim of present study was to assess the soil texture, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and primary macronutrients such as N, P, K at 0-15 and 15-30cm depths from five orchards such as Aijaz farm (Orchard 1), Zardari farm (Orchard 2), Shahnawaz farm (Orchard 3), Ismail farm (Orchard 4), and Malik Azad farm (Orchard 5) of Kotri, Sindh Pakistan. The results indicated that most of the soils were sandy clay loam in textural class. The maximum electrical conductivity was found 0.65 dS m-1 in orchard 5, whereas the lowest electrical conductivity was found as 0.42 dS m-1 in orchard 1 at 15-30cm. All the orchards were found alkaline in nature at both 0-15 and 15-30cm depths. The total N content was found 80% low and 20% adequate at 0-15cm depth and 100% orchards were found low in total N content in soil at 15-30cm depth as compared with standard values. The AB-DTPA-P content in orchards were found 60% marginal and 40% adequate at 0-15cm depth, whereas 20% low, 40% marginal and 40% adequate were found at 15-30cm depth. AB-DTPA-K (mg kg-1) was found 20% low and 80% marginal at 0-15 and 15-30cm depths. Future studies should focus on assessing the soil biological properties, plant analysis, soil interaction mechanism, amended with press mud compost, farmyard manure, biochar, modified biochar, nano-material, minerals and low-cost additives.

Abstract 4126692: Effect of change in different adiposity indices over 10 years on Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The UK Whitehall II Study

Background: It is accepted that obesity increases type 2 diabetes risk. Some studies have explored associations between changes in body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC), 2 indicators commonly used to assess obesity, and diabetes risk separately. However, there are few studies on the effect of change in waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), an index that has been suggested to be more strongly associated with diabetes than BMI and WC, on incident diabetes. Even fewer studies simultaneously examined the associations of change rate in the 3 indices with diabetes. Hypothesis: WHtR change may be more strongly associated with diabetes than BMI and WC. Aims: This study aims to investigate the change rates of BMI, WC, and WHtR in the UK adult population, and compare the effects of different adiposity indices’ changes on diabetes development. Methods: To make facilitate quantitative comparison of BMI, WC and WHtR, we used their standardized values. Repeated measures of the 3 indices were obtained from Phase 3 (1991-94), 5 (1997-99), and 7 (2002-04) of the UK Whitehall II Study (included persons participated in at least 2 of the 3 visits). Mixed effects model was used to calculate individual change rate of the 3 indices. Non-diabetic participants at Phase 7 were then followed up for incident diabetes until Phase 9 (2007-09). We examined the prospective association between change rate of the 3 indicators and diabetes by Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 5,539 persons were included (mean age at Phase 3 was 49.6 years, 28.8% women). All adiposity indicators increased during Phase 3-7. The overall change rate of WHtR (0.07 SD/year) was higher than BMI (0.04 SD/year) and WC (0.06 SD/year). There were 375 non-diabetic (Phase 7) participants developing diabetes after a median follow-up period of 5.0 years. Initial WC value (HR:1.56) and WHtR value (HR:1.50) showed a stronger association with diabetes than initial BMI (HR:1.27). When the 3 indices increased at the same rate, WC change (HR:3.83, 95% CI: 2.48-5.93) had a higher risk of developing diabetes than changes in WHtR (HR:3.19, 95% CI: 2.19-4.64) and BMI (HR:2.57, 95% CI: 1.85-3.56). Conclusions: The rate of increase over time was higher in WHtR than BMI and WC in this UK adult population. Increases in WC and WHtR were more strongly associated with incident diabetes than BMI. When the 3 indices increased at the same rate, change in WC increased a higher risk of developing diabetes relative to BMI and WHtR.

Uji Analisis Nikel Ore/Ni (Sampel Cek) Menggunakan Metode Press Pellet Berdasarkan Variasi Suhu Pengeringan, Waktu Pengeringan, dan Berat Sampel Timbangan Press

The purpose of the study was to determine the changes in nickel levels as a result of the analysis on the variation in temperature and drying time as well as the weight of press pellet scale samples from one of the same sample types. This research method is in the form of an experiment with a factorial research design from analysis parameters in the form of MC percentage and nickel ore content of Ni element. The results of the analysis showed that drying at 105°C and 125°C achieved a constant MC during a heating time of 5 to 6 hours. Meanwhile, at a temperature of 145-185 degrees Celsius with an interval of 2-6 hours, the MC level has experienced a constant weight of 44.44%. At the same temperature treatment, which is 105oC, different constant times are obtained. This is influenced by the difference in weight between the two samples, namely in the AP/5 and AP/6 range of 0.360 grams, while AP ORI weighs 1.8 kg. The results of the Epsilon 4 reading showed that the variation in drying temperature at 105°C to 185°C and drying time of 3-6 hours affected the nickel ore content in the range of 1.50% to 1.53%, close to the standard value of nickel 1.50%. The lower the temperature and drying time, the humidity level of the sample increases, causing the nickel ore content to decrease, while the higher the temperature and drying time increases the risk of nickel decomposition. The optimum temperature and drying time is 165°C for 2-4 hours. The press sample weight is between 8-14 grams resulting in a stable nickel content at 1.47%-1.50%, with an optimum weight of 10-14 grams for optimal sample thickness and density.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Socket Healing After Third Molar Germ Extraction: A Case Series Study Including Adolescents with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type I Treated with Bisphosphonates and Healthy Age-Matched Subjects

Bisphophonates (BPs) are widely used in Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) shows clinical usefulness in evaluating impacted teeth and adjacent structure relationships, extraction socket healing, bone mineral density (BMD) and BP-related jaw osteonecrosis (BRONJ). The aim of the study was to compare alveolar sockets and the adjacent bone area before and after third molar extraction in OI type I (OI-I) adolescents treated with BPs and age-matched healthy subjects (HSs) by CBCT. Methods: Five adolescents with genetically proven OI-I treated with BPs (three males and two females, mean age: 15.2 ± 1.78 years) and four age-matched healthy subjects (two males and two females, mean age: 15.5 ± 1.29 years) were included in this study. Eight Regions of Interest (ROIs) were evaluated: between 3.7 and 3.8 (ROI-1) and 4.7 and 4.8 (ROI-2); after 3.8 (ROI-3) and 4.8 (ROI-4); alveolar sockets 3.8 (ROI-5) and 4.8 (ROI-6); left (ROI-7) and right (ROI-8) cortical bone. Results: ROIs were evaluated on both sides of the mandible for all the subjects except one OI patient in which CBCTs were performed pre- and-post third molar extraction only on the right side. CBCT was performed 12.8 ± 4.60 and 11.5 ± 2.51 days before and 8.0 ± 1.41 and 7.7 ± 0.5 months after extraction in OI-I and HSs, respectively. BPs were discontinued 62.0 ± 36.5 months before extraction. None of the OI-I adolescents developed BRONJ. Statistically significant greater values were observed in OI-I for ROI-1 and -2 (p = 0.0464), ROI-3 and -4 (p = 0.0037) and ROI-7 and -8 (p = 0.0079) after extraction. Conclusions: This descriptive study confirms that, in OI-I adolescents treated with BPs, third molar extraction is safe, and socket healing occurs properly. In addition, it demonstrates that, if the same device and imaging conditions are used and comparisons to predetermined standard values are avoided, CBCT can be used to monitor BMD changes. The significant greater BMD observed for different ROIs in OI-I could reflect the increased secondary mineralization related to the BP-dependent reduction in bone turnover.

Esterification and Transesterification Optimization Processes of Nonedible (Castor and Neem) Oils for the Production of Biodiesel

In current times, the diminishing reserves of petroleum, increased energy consumption across various sectors, and their consequential environmental impact have become apparent. Consequently, it is necessary to develop sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources to meet growing demands. The article aimed to blend castor and neem oils (in a 50:50 ratio) to rectify the drawbacks present in castor biodiesel such as elevated kinematic viscosity and density. Response surface methodology was used to study the optimization of the two-step biodiesel production process through the use of a central composite design (CCD). For the esterification step, a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 7.5:1, 1.75 wt.% of H2SO4, and a temperature of 55 °C were optimal. In the transesterification step, optimized conditions included a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 9:1, 2.50 wt.% of calcium oxide, a temperature of 55 °C, and a stirring speed of 900 rpm, resulting in a 93% yield of methyl ester. Different properties of produced biodiesel were examined using the standard values provided by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The production of biodiesel from a mixture of castor and neem oils did not have any adverse impacts on food security.

Prevalence and survival of patients with nasopharyngeal malignancies (C11) (clinical and population-based study)

Introduction. In the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the code for malignant neoplasms of pharynx (mNN) is C11. These tumors are rare. The state statistics only presents information on morbidity. Data on mortality due to mNN are absent, they are included into the group of other causes of death. The real assessment of the effectiveness of antitumor management of mNN can only be obtained from the population Cancer Registry Database (pCR DB) of the Northwestern federal District of the Russian federation (NwfD Rf) developed by us. This database allows to determine the main analytical values of any parameter included in the case report form. The most reliable criterion of evaluation of the effectiveness of antitumor management is calculation of observed and relative 1-year and corrected 5-year survival rates of patients at the population level and in accordance with international standards.Aim. To perform first in Russia assessment of the effectiveness of antitumor management of mNN with calculation of analytical values including survival (separately for men and women) and detailed characteristics of location and histological structure.Materials and methods. The data of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), as well as reference books of the p.A. Hertsen moscow Oncology Research Institute and the N.N. petrov National medical Research Center for Oncology were used. Data processing was preformed using mS Excel 2013–2016 and STATISTICA 6.1 licensed software. Survival rates were calculated using modified EuROCARE software. The study was based on the databases of the population cancer registry of Saint petersburg and NwfD Rf developed by us. In total, 950 observations were analyzed. Results. Data obtained during investigation of the incidence and survival rates of mNN confirmed the rarity of this pathology and positive morbidity dynamics, standardized values of which decreased in Russia between 2010 and 2022 by 19.35 %, in NwfD Rf by 27.59 %. The coronavirus pandemic had a significant negative effect on the record keeping. Additionally, between 2010 and 2022 1-year survival of patients with mNN in NwfD Rf increased from 58.5 to 80.6 % (by 22.1 %); 5-year survival increased between 2000 and 2018 from 25.4 to 35.4 % (by 10 %).Conclusion. Analysis of the incidence and survival of patients with malignant neoplasm of rare location can be performed only using a database of population cancer registry of a federal district in compliance with all international rules of its maintenance. unfortunately, currently this is possible only for NwfD Rf.

Sex Estimation Using Heel-Ball Index: A Metric-Based Comparative Study on Foot and Footprint Dimensions.

Background: Sexual dimorphism plays a vital role in individual identification, and body dimensions can contribute to establishing a biological profile for identification purposes. Aims and Objectives: To determine the reliability of the Heel-Ball Index (HBI) in estimating sex from foot dimensions and footprint dimensions and also to investigate the potential of dimensions and indices, using a standardized value, in estimating sex, from foot dimensions and footprint dimensions. Materials and Methods: In this study, a group of 112 young Indian adults aged 18 to 22, consisting of 56 males and 56 females, was examined. The foot breadth at ball (BBAL) and foot breadth at heel (BHEL) of both feet were measured using sliding digital calipers from foot and footprint dimensions. Results: Significant sexual dimorphism was observed in BBAL, BHEL, and HBI (HBI = BHEL/BBAL × 100) measurements in both feet of both sexes. Conclusion: HBI yielded better accuracy for foot dimensions than footprint dimensions. It was also found that utilizing absolute foot dimensions (BBAL and BHEL) yielded more accurate results in estimating sex compared to the HBI, which is calculated as a ratio of absolute measurements.

Innovative hip-knee health evaluation: Leveraging pose estimation for single-leg stance postural stability assessment

The analysis of the Hip and Knee (HK) joint angles during single-leg stance (SLS) activity contributes to a great understanding of the bio-mechanical mechanisms and balance maintenance across different age groups. Comprehending how these joints operate in the dynamic state is critical for identifying age-related changes in joint control and stability which can contribute to reducing the risk of falls and improving mobility among people. The possibility of revealing the health of HK joints without resorting to an MRI scan is the significance of this work. By obtaining the data on joint angles during the SLS test, we succeeded in identifying those with a higher risk of HK issues and thus the possibility of early intervention and treatment. Our proposed work is going to use a pose estimation technique that will track the trajectories of HK angles followed by association with instabilities or compromised balance in this way, we can detect the affected joint and evaluate the severity of the issue. The study found stable mean and standard deviation values for HK joints in a young participant, both hips (107.14 ± 5, 96.42 ± 7) and both knees (36.76 ± 7, 44.30 ± 4), these values align with the expected norm (110–120° for the hip and 45–65° for the knee) which indicates stable results. while elderly participants showed high variability and low mean values for both hips (65.42 ± 77, 85 ± 76.67) and both knees (4.15 ± 10.8, 7 ± 18) indicating concerns about joint health and stability. The evaluation of HK joint angles through SLS activity offers new insights.

Accuracy of analytically determined fractional flow reserve derived from coronary angiography for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery stenosis.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) determined invasively has been globally accepted as the gold standard for determining the functional significance of coronary artery stenoses. However, despite its great importance, the invasive method has certain disadvantages, including the risk of vascular injuries, the need for vasodilation, and significant medical costs. That is why great attention was paid to the development of non-invasive methods that would enable reliable diagnosis without exposing patients to the risk of unwanted consequences. This paper aimed to create and verify an alternative, less resource- and time-demanding, non-invasive solution. The determination of FFR is based on the application of the fundamental laws of fluid dynamics. All energy losses in the coronary artery with stenosis were identified and analyzed in detail. A three-dimensional model of a coronary artery was generated using the corresponding angiographic images. Finally, the pressure due to stenosis was calculated and the FFR was determined. The results obtained using the proposed analytical method were compared with available experimental data for 40 patients who experienced the invasive coronary angiography. The coefficient of determination, mean difference and standard deviation values are determined to be 0.726, -0.017 and 0.056, respectively. These values were slightly higher for FFR values above 0.80. The FFR calculated by the proposed analytical method has a relatively good correlation with clinical data, which leads to the conclusion that it can provide a reliable assessment of the functional significance of coronary stenosis.

Learning glass transition temperatures via dimensionality reduction with data from computer simulations: Polymers as the pilot case.

Machine learning methods provide an advanced means for understanding inherent patterns within large and complex datasets. Here, we employ the principal component analysis (PCA) and the diffusion map (DM) techniques to evaluate the glass transition temperature (Tg) from low-dimensional representations of all-atom molecular dynamic simulations of polylactide (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB). Four molecular descriptors were considered: radial distribution functions (RDFs), mean square displacements (MSDs), relative square displacements (RSDs), and dihedral angles (DAs). By applying Gaussian Mixture Models (GMMs) to analyze the PCA and DM projections and by quantifying their log-likelihoods as a density-based metric, a distinct separation into two populations corresponding to melt and glass states was revealed. This separation enabled the Tg evaluation from a cooling-induced sharp increase in the overlap between log-likelihood distributions at different temperatures. Tg values derived from the RDF and MSD descriptors using DM closely matched the standard computer simulation-based dilatometric and dynamic Tg values for both PLA and PHB models. This was not the case for PCA. The DM-transformed DA and RSDdata resulted in Tg values in agreement with experimental ones. Overall, the fusion of atomistic simulations and DMs complemented with the GMMs presents a promising framework for computing Tg and studying the glass transition in a unified way across various molecular descriptors for glass-forming materials.

A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Studies Applying Flow-Mediated Dilation

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a noninvasive method to evaluate vascular endothelial function, which manifests the vascular inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and autoregulation. Since FMD is noninvasive and assesses commonly in the brachial artery by ultrasound, compared to other invasive methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), it is widely used to evaluate endothelial function and allows serial assessment. In this review, we present the currently accepted mechanisms and methods of FMD measurement with the studies applied in the current clinical practice using FMD. After all, the association with cardiovascular diseases is of substance, and so we introduce clinical studies of FMD related to cardiovascular disease such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and peripheral vascular disease. In addition, studies related to pregnancy and COVID-19 were also inspected. Yet, endothelial examination is not endorsed as a cardiovascular prevention measure, for the lack of a clear standardized value methodology. Still, many studies recommend practicable FMD and would be a better prognostic value in the cardiovascular prognosis in future clinical research.

Performance of water quality simulation model for lifting drainage water joints and mixing zone determination

Limited water resources with gradual increase in water demand led to higher dependence on drainage water as one of the non-conventional water resources in Egypt. However, there was no precise approach for using such resource. The practices ranged between stopping lifting drainage water to main canals at many locations due to the water quality degradation in the drains and pure dependence on polluted drainage water by farmers. This implies the importance of applying the mathematical models that provide precise and flexible alternative for the dependence on the drainage water. This procedure could save the big investments that were used in the lifting stations while mitigating the environmental hazards. Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) model is one of these mathematical simulation models. The study used surface discharge sub-model (CORMIX3) to define the mixing zone between the lifted drainage water from Mehalet Rough drain and the freshwater in Mit Yazid canal, by investigated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total dissolved solids (TDS). The simulation results verified that the two investigated parameters met WQ standards for the Egyptian law 48/1982. BOD standard value was met after 448.36 m, in 723 s. TDS standard value was met after 4.46 m, in 7.8 s. This was far ahead of the first municipal station regardless low quality of these parameters in the drain. This is the first time to apply this model in the irrigation sector in Egypt, and the results were promising for defining the precise approach to reuse the drainage water in Egypt.

A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS ON HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM ADHERENCE IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS USING THE EXERCISE ADHERENCE RATING SCALE (EARS) – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Background: Adherence to Home Exercise Program (HEP) is crucial for achieving an effective rehabilitation outcome, particularly among middle-aged adults (40-60 years) who have to face many challenges maintaining regular physical activities. Understanding the current adherence levels can inform strategies to enhance participation in HEP regimens. Objective: The study aims to find the level of adherence in middle-aged adults to HEP using the Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) through a patient report. Methods: The study was conducted with middle-aged adults who follow HEP for musculoskeletal conditions. Participants were asked to fill the EARS; to know the level of adherence they have towards home exercise program. Data were collected from patients who approached OPD following a musculoskeletal condition. Descriptive statistics are done with the data collected to analyze the adherence of subjects towards exercise. Result: From the EARS questionnaire it was analyzed that from a total of 94 subjects present in this study, 76 subjects showed a non-adherent value, and 18 subjects showed adherent value. The average mean value and standard deviation value of the non-adherent group is 11.8 ± 0.607 and 2.701, while for the adherent group it is 19.16 ± 0.385 and 0.833 respectively. Conclusion: From this study it is known that middle-aged adults are non-adherent to home exercise programs because of which the improvement in the rehabilitation program is not fulfilled.