Strict Conditions Research Articles

Optical terahertz metamaterial switch controlled via high-stability CsPbBr3 microcrystals.

Dynamic control of terahertz metamaterials using thin organic perovskite active layers has been extensively researched. However, the preparation of organic perovskite devices requires strict environmental conditions, and the devices are prone to hydrolysis in air, which reduces performance. Herein, we report an optical terahertz metamaterial switch controlled via hybridization with high-stability CsPbBr3 microcrystals prepared through precipitation from a water-dimethylformamide (DMF) mixed-solution. Under light excitation, a modulation factor of 24% was achieved based on the photoelectric and photothermal effects of the CsPbBr3 microcrystals. After exposure to air for four months, the modulation factor remained essentially unchanged, demonstrating the exceptional stability of the system generated. Following the integration of CsPbBr3 microcrystals with the metamaterial, a frequency-shift of its dipole resonance and switching of Fano resonance was achieved, providing a novel approach to dynamic control of terahertz waves.

Enhancing aggression in Henan gamecocks via augmentation of serotonergic-dopaminergic signaling and attenuation of neuroimmune response

Animal aggression is one of the most conserved behaviors. Excessive and inappropriate aggression was a serious social concern across species. After long-term selection under strict stress conditions, Henan gamecock serves as a good model for studying aggressive behavior. In this research, we constructed a Henan game chicken backcross population containing 25% Rhode Island Red (RIR), and conducted brain transcriptomics and serum metabolomics analyses on Henan gamecock (HGR) through its comparison with its female encounters (HGH) and the male backcross birds (BGR). The study revealed that seven differential metabolites in serum and 172 differentially expressed genes in the brain were commonly shared in both HGR vs. HGH and HGR vs. BGR comparisons. They exhibited the same patterns of modulation in Henan gamecocks, following either HGH < HGR > BGR or HGH > HGR < BGR style. Therein, some neurological genes involving in serotonergic and dopaminergic signaling were upregulated, while the levels of many genes related with neuro-immune function were decreased in Henan gamecock. In addition, many unknown genes specifically or highly expressed in the brain of the Henan gamecock were identified. These genes are potentially key candidates for enhancing the bird's aggression. Multi-omics joint analysis revealed that tyrosine metabolism and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were commonly affected. Overall, our results propose that the aggressiveness of Henan gamecocks can be heightened by the activation of the serotonergic-dopaminergic metabolic process in the brain, which concurrently impairs the neuroimmune system. Further research is needed to identify the function of these unknown genes on the bird's aggressive behavior.

One-base-mismatch CRISPR-based transistors for single nucleotide resolution assay

An effective strategy for accurately detecting single nucleotide variants (SNVs) is of great significance for genetic research and diagnostics. However, strict amplification conditions, complex experimental instruments, and specialized personnel are required to obtain a satisfactory tradeoff between sensitivity and selectivity for SNV discrimination. In this study, we present a CRISPR-based transistor biosensor for the rapid and highly selective detection of SNVs in viral RNA. By introducing a synthetic mismatch in the crRNA, the CRISPR-Cas13a protein can be engineered to capture the target SNV RNA directly on the surface of the graphene channel. This process induces a fast electrical signal response in the transistor, obviating the need for amplification or reporter molecules. The biosensor exhibits a detection limit for target RNA as low as 5 copies in 100 μL, which is comparable to that of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Its operational range spans from 10 to 5 × 105 copy mL–1 in artificial saliva solution. This capability enables the biosensor to discriminate between wild-type and SNV RNA within 15 min. By introducing 10 μL of swab samples during clinical testing, the biosensor provides specific detection of respiratory viruses in 19 oropharyngeal specimens, including influenza A, influenza B, and variants of SARS-CoV-2. This study emphasizes the CRISPR-transistor technique as a highly accurate and sensitive approach for field-deployable nucleic acid screening or diagnostics.

VOICING LIBERATION OF WOMEN: QASIM AMIN AND ASMA BARLAS

Does Islam advocate inequality? This question has been a concern of Muslim scholars in recent centuries, notably Qasim Amin and Asma Barlas. Hence, this paper aims to make a comparative study of Amin and Barlas’s thoughts on the liberation of women. The data will be analyzed through a descriptive-analytic approach. The analysis finds that Amin and Barlas have similarities and differences in voicing women's freedom. They criticize and reconstruct some concepts considered established within the Islamic tradition, such as hijāb and polygamy. They firmly oppose the established idea of hijab, which means covering women's entire bodies except for their eyes, which is contrary to Islamic teaching. They disagree, however, on which a hijab should cover parts of a woman's body. Furthermore, Amin broadens the definition of hijāb, which restricts women's movements (qasr al-mar’ah fī al-bait). In terms of polygamy, however, they critically assessed the classical understanding of the permissibility of polygamy. Therefore, they impose strict conditions on the permissibility of polygamy. Nevertheless, Amin seems to advocate that polygamy is not permissible. Amin and Barlas were inspired to reform Muslim society, specifically women's liberation, by their social context and experiences. Despite their good intentions, their ideas have received both criticism and praise. This mixed reception emphasizes the continuous struggle in the Muslim world about gender, tradition, and modernization.

Nitrite-dependent microbial utilization for simultaneous removal of sulfide and methane in sewers

Chemicals are commonly dosed in sewer systems to reduce the emission of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methane (CH4), incurring high costs and environmental concerns. Nitrite dosing is a promising approach as nitrite can be produced from urine wastewater, which is a feasible integrated water management strategy. However, nitrite dosing usually requires strict conditions, e.g., relatively high nitrite concentration (e.g., ∼200 mg N/L) and acidic environment, to inhibit microorganisms. In contrast to “microbial inhibition”, this study proposes “microbial utilization” concept, i.e., utilizing nitrite as a substrate for H2S and CH4 consumption in sewer. In a laboratory-scale sewer reactor, nitrite at a relatively low concentrations of 25–48 mg N/L was continuously dosed. Two nitrite-dependent microbial utilization processes, i.e., nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) and microbial sulfide oxidation, successfully occurred in conjunction with nitrite reduction. The occurrence of both processes achieved a 58 % reduction in dissolved methane and over 90 % sulfide removal in the sewer reactor, with microbial activities measured as 15.6 mg CH4/(L·h) and 29.4 mg S/(L·h), respectively. High copy numbers of n-DAMO bacteria and sulfide-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) were detected in both sewer biofilms and sediments. Mechanism analysis confirmed that the dosed nitrite at a relatively low level did not cause the inhibition of sulfidogenic process due to the downward migration of activity zones in sewer sediments. Therefore, the proposed “microbial utilization” concept offers a new alternative for simultaneous removal of sulfide and methane in sewers.

Portfolio Analysis of Multi-Factor Stock Selection Model Based on Investor Sentiment

Since 1990, China's securities market has been gradually improved. Domestic and foreign scholars have proposed many theoretically perfect investment models, but not many of them have been applied in practice because the market cannot satisfy the strict assumption conditions of the models. Foreign quantitative investment models are not necessarily effective in the Chinese market. Based on this, this paper takes the portfolio theory as a guide, uses the scoring method to construct a multi-factor stock selection model, and selects the relevant factors in combination with the characteristics of the Chinese market. Through empirical analyses, the validity of the multi-factor stock selection model with equal weight allocation in China's market is verified. In addition, this paper innovatively constructs an investor sentiment factor, combines the sentiment timing with the multi-factor stock selection model, optimises the timing on the basis of the multi-factor stock selection model, and proposes an investment strategy to obtain excess returns stably.

Neuromuscular blocking agent drug challenge: a literature review and protocol proposal with biological evaluation.

Drug challenge is the gold standard for identifying causative agents of drug allergies. Although clinical guidelines have recently been published, they do not recommend neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) drug challenges. NMBA challenges are rendered difficult by the lack of homogeneity of routine allergy work-ups and the necessity of a specialised setting. Several scenarios support NMBA challenges, such as an ambiguous allergy work-up, a high suspicion of a false-positive skin test or identification of a well tolerated alternative NMBA strategy. Furthermore, routine allergy work-ups may not recognise non-IgE mechanisms, such as IgG or MRGPRX2, whereas drug challenges may reveal them. Finally, if the culprit NMBA is not identified, subsequent anaesthesia regimens will be challenging to implement, resulting in increased risk. This literature review discusses the indications, strategies, doses, monitoring methods, limitations, and unresolved issues related to drug challenges for NMBAs. The literature review included randomised controlled trials, observational studies, reviews, case reports, series, and comments on humans. Studies were retrieved from databases (PubMed) and electronic libraries (OVID, EMBASE, Scopus, etc.). All studies that referred to the NMBA challenge were included without publication date limitations. NMBA challenge may be considered in NMBA anaphylaxis patients with inconclusive or ambivalent IgE diagnostic work-up under controlled conditions (presence of anaesthetists and allergists with continuous monitoring in a secured environment). To illustrate its utility, a case report of a double NMBA challenge in a patient with NMBA cross-reactivity is presented, along with biological explorations to detect subclinical cellular activation, a novel aspect of this procedure. Drug challenges could be implemented during the NMBA allergy work-up under strict safety conditions at specialised centres with close collaboration between anaesthetists and allergists. This could decrease uncertainty and contribute to defining a safer strategy for subsequent anaesthetic drug regimens.

Global Inequality Challenge: An Analysis of the Disparities in Wealth and Power

Global inequality is central to the explanation of the disparity between the global North and global South in terms of level of development. World systems theorists have pointed to colonial exploitation of the South by countries in the North as the cause of the disparities in wealth and power between regions. This paper examines global inequality challenges to identify the disparities in wealth and power between the North and the South. The study relied essentially on qualitative data predicated on secondary data. The paper adopted world systems theory as its framework of analysis. The paper showed that the unequal relationship between the global North and the global South was made possible by the colonial exploitation of the South by the North. By adopting the world system theory, the paper revealed how unequal division of labour, terms of trade imbalance, and Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF and World Bank) reinforced global inequality. The study recommended, amongst other things, that the South address internal conditions impeding their development; IMF and World Bank-assisted projects should not be attached with strict conditions.

Towards a General Theory of Sustainable Development: Using a Sustainability Window Approach to Explore All Possible Scenario Paths of Economic Growth and Degrowth

Across decades of contemporary discussion on sustainable development, a core concern has been the balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions. A critical strand of the debate focuses on economic growth versus economic degrowth and, more specifically, on whether economic growth can be sustainable in environmental terms and whether degrowth can be sustainable in social terms. This conceptual and theoretical article used the Sustainability Window, or “SuWi”’ method, to theoretically determine the sustainable window of economies. The window is defined as the upper and lower bounds of future change in GDP that could be deemed in line with achieving both environmental and social sustainability. The conceptual analysis considers all theoretically possible scenario paths for development by combining the outcome paths of economic, environmental, and social dimensions with the environmental and social productivities of GDP. Through SuWi analysis, it is found that only four of the logically possible scenario paths could be considered theoretically “sustainable”—two cases involving economic growth and two of degrowth. In the cases of each of the four paths, sustainability only emerges where they adhere to strict conditions in terms of environmental and social outcomes, as well as related productivities. The SuWi approach and its applied analytical formulas have many potential uses in 21st-century policymaking for sustainability, including supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a unique and comprehensive theoretical and analytical framework that enables the categorisation of the complex challenges of sustainability and quantitative analysis of policy choices. Such foresight analysis could greatly assist in providing an evidence base for future development planning and policy formulation, ex ante of locking in a pathway. Further implementation in applied studies that explore a comprehensive indicator set, robust and consistent across all relevant dimensions, offers a promising opportunity to advance empirical analysis of key questions in sustainable development globally at a critical juncture in human history.

The deceleration of full metal jacket bullets in compact target models – A new approach

The wounding potential of a projectile depends on its kinetic energy. The aim of the study was to investigate the deceleration of non-deforming full metal jacket handgun bullets (FMJ) in gelatine blocks of increasing length. The temporary cavity (TC) was visualized using a SA-X2 Photron camera.126 test shots in 9 mm nominal calibre were fired under strict temperature control conditions (4°C) at small gelatine blocks ranging from 2 to 12 cm in length. The deposited energy was calculated based on the loss of bullet velocity through high-speed video analysis. The length of the TC was measured, when the TC reached its maximum height. The volume of the TC was approximated by a cylinder.Regression analysis showed a linear correlation between the length of the bullet path and the energy transfer. The constant deceleration of the FMJ bullets in gelatine up to 12 cm bullet path was confirmed across various brands and velocity ranges (270–450 m/s). Higher impact velocities correlated with increased loss of energy in the target medium. The shape of the bullet tip influenced the characteristic of deceleration. The volume of the tubular temporary cavity, derived from high-speed video records, was found to be proportional to the energy transferred.The proposed approach might be a valuable tool in advancing wound ballistics research.

A random active set method for strictly convex quadratic problem with simple bounds

The active set method aims at finding the correct active set of the optimal solution and it is a powerful method for solving strictly convex quadratic problems with bound constraints. To guarantee the finite step convergence, existing active set methods all need strict conditions or some additional strategies, which can significantly impact the efficiency of the algorithm. In this paper, we propose a random active set method that introduces randomness in the active set’s update process. We prove that the algorithm can converge in a finite number of iterations with probability one, without any extra conditions on the problem or any supplementary strategies. At last, numerical experiments show that the algorithm can obtain the correct active set within a few iterations, and it has better efficiency and robustness than the existing methods.

العرف كمصدر تشريعي وأثره في إطار الشريعة الإسلامية والقانون الوضعي

This research aims to shed light on customs as a legislative source in both Islamic and statutory law. Customs are considered one of the legislative sources under the provisions of Islamic Sharia and statutory law, and they have an impact on both, in addition to the authority they hold as evidence. The research examines the advantages, pillars, and effects of customs. Islamic scholars have paid significant attention to customs, setting regulations for them, and considering them a legitimate source as long as they do not contradict a definitive text or legitimate evidence. Customs have also influenced secular laws and have been an important source for them. Unlike statutory law, customs in Islamic jurisprudence are subject to strict conditions, whereby the beneficial custom is approved, and the harmful one is annulled. However, secular law, which makes custom binding on individuals, may adopt both beneficial and harmful customs due to the lack of distinction between them, provided they are consistent with the law and do not contravene public order. Islamic jurisprudence requires the presence of the moral element in customs, without addressing the material element, unlike secular law which requires the presence of both material and moral elements. As a result of the variations in customs within a single country according to regions, the legal unity of customs is negated, contrary to the law. Additionally, some sections of the law do not align with customs, as is the case with penal law where there is no punishment except by text, whereas custom is considered in private, international, civil, administrative, and constitutional law. The study recommends examining examples and applications based on customary practices, since customs are not documented. It suggests that authorities responsible for issuing fatwas and judicial decisions document the prevailing and practiced customs among individuals to rely on them during judgments, fatwas, and dispute resolution.

On the Application Limits of the Parameter in Studying Variations of the Ancient Geomagnetic Field

To describe secular geomagnetic variation on geological timescales, statistical models have been widely used in recent decades. Currently, the most popular among these is the TK03 model (Tauxe and Kent, 2004). As other statistical models, TK03 numerically characterizes the amplitude of secular geomagnetic variation and the shape of the distribution of paleomagnetic directions which are considered as directly reflecting the directions of the geomagnetic field on the considered interval of geological time. For this purpose, three main parameters are used: the scatter Sb (or S) of the virtual geomagnetic poles, the elongation E of the distribution of paleomagnetic directions, and the direction of elongation of the distribution of paleomagnetic directions. The correct application of these parameters to describe ancient secular variation requires the satisfaction of certain, sometimes rather strict conditions. These conditions for the Sb and E parameters were considered in a number of previous publications, while the limits and conditions of application of parameter have not been studied in detail so far. This paper presents the results of mathematical modeling that allow us to evaluate the stability of the calculated values of this parameter as a function of the latitude of sampling, the number of samples used for its determination, the length of the time series on which this parameter is determined, as well as inclination shallowing and the degree of averaging when is estimated in sedimentary rocks. We also consider the extent to which the parameter can be sensitive to the presence and characteristics of the equatorial dipole component in the total geomagnetic field.

The utility of electrode-assisted ammonia oxidation under strict anaerobic conditions

ABSTRACT In this study, we investigated the feasibility of electrode-assisted ammonia oxidation and subsequent nitrite accumulation within an anaerobic microbial fuel cell (MFC). Our study focused on determining whether these processes could be effectively maintained in a strictly anaerobic environment, which would be critical for advancing nitrogen removal technologies in wastewater treatment. Although we demonstrated electrode-assisted ammonia oxidation and nitrite accumulation, the expected dominance of these reactions within the system was not achieved. In contrast, ammonia assimilation appeared to be the prevailing nitrogen removal pathway under our experimental conditions. The study did not identify the specific microbial communities responsible for these processes, however, illustrates an important area for future research. Our findings enhance the current understanding of nitrogen cycling in anaerobic MFCs and demonstrate the need for improved strategies to enrich nitrifying bacteria and optimize electrode-assisted nitrogen removal processes in wastewater treatment.

Autonomic responses in young females with typical vasovagal syncope

To determine whether young women who have experienced typical vasovagal syncope (tVVS) have altered autonomic response parameters, based on a battery of autonomic tests and maneuvers. Notably, previous studies including small cohorts and a partial list of tests yielded conflicting results. A total of 91 otherwise healthy women were included and divided according to those who had experienced tVVS (39 patients) or not (52 patients). Heart rate variability was evaluated at rest, under strict conditions, during 5 min of standing and during a deep breathing test. Response to Valsalva maneuver and Ewing maneuver were also quantified and compared. Both groups had similar clinical characteristics at baseline. No significant differences were found between the two groups in any of the autonomic parameters evaluated. Autonomic responses in young women who experienced typical vasovagal syncope at baseline were indistinguishable from those who did not. Thus, using non-tilt test autonomic screening tests does not seem to provide diagnostic benefits, and may not be useful in predicting recurrence in this patient population.

Production Prediction Model of Tight Gas Well Based on Neural Network Driven by Decline Curve and Data

The accurate prediction of gas well production is one of the key factors affecting the economical and efficient development of tight gas wells. The traditional oil and gas well production prediction method assumes strict conditions and has a low prediction accuracy in actual field applications. At present, intelligent algorithms based on big data have been applied in oil and gas well production prediction, but there are still some limitations. Only learning from data leads to the poor generalization ability and anti-interference ability of prediction models. To solve this problem, a production prediction method of tight gas wells based on the decline curve and data-driven neural network is established in this paper. Based on the actual production data of fractured horizontal wells in three tight gas reservoirs in the Ordos Basin, the prediction effect of the Arps decline curve model, the SPED decline curve model, the MFF decline curve model, and the combination of the decline curve and data-driven neural network model is compared and analyzed. The results of the case analysis show that the MFF model and the combined data-driven model have the highest accuracy, the average absolute percentage error is 14.11%, and the root-mean-square error is 1.491, which provides a new method for the production prediction of tight gas wells in the Ordos Basin.

Normal baseline cardiac autonomic function and increased pupillary parasympathetic tone in patients with vasovagal syncope.

It is controversial whether people with vasovagal syncope (VVS) have abnormal autonomic responses at baseline and whether specific diagnostic manoeuvres have a diagnostic value. We investigated whether the pupillary light reflex and cardiac autonomic tests can be used to identify autonomic dysfunction in volunteers with a medical history of VVS. The study groups included 128 healthy volunteers, of whom 31 reported a history of typical VVS. The right pupil was evaluated using an automated, commercial infra-red pupillometer under strict conditions. In addition to miosis and mydriasis kinetics, pupil diameters were measured. Heart rate variability at rest and heart rate changes to standing were quantified with high-resolution electrocardiography and designated software. The demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were statistically similar. Average constriction velocity (ACV) was significantly higher in VVS patients following a univariate analysis (3.83 ± 0.59vs. 3.56 ± 0.73 mm/s, p = 0.042) and after correcting for potential confounders (p = 0.049). All other pupillometric and heart rate indices were comparable between groups. Patients with a history of VVS depict pupillary parasympathetic overactivity in response to light stimuli, manifested as increased ACV. The prognostic implications of this finding and the significance of using this simple clinical tool to identify patients who are at risk for developing frequent episodes of VVS or physical injuries following a syncope merits further study.

High-capacity dilithium hydroquinone cathode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Lithiated organic cathode materials show great promise for practical applications in lithium-ion batteries owing to their Li-reservoir characteristics. However, the reported lithiated organic cathode materials still suffer from strict synthesis conditions and low capacity. Here we report a thermal intermolecular rearrangement method without organic solvents to prepare dilithium hydroquinone (Li2Q), which delivers a high capacity of 323 mAh g-1 with an average discharge voltage of 2.8V. The reversible conversion between orthorhombic Li2Q and monoclinic benzoquinone during charge/discharge processes is revealed by in situ X-ray diffraction. Theoretical calculations show that the unique Li-O channels in Li2Q are beneficial for Li+ ion diffusion. In situ ultraviolet-visible spectra demonstrate that the dissolution issue of Li2Q electrodes during charge/discharge processes can be handled by separator modification, resulting in enhanced cycling stability. This work sheds light on the synthesis and battery application of high-capacity lithiated organic cathode materials.

The Ethnic Content of the Values Son and Daughter in the Kazakh Culture: Ethnopsycholinguistic Study of Family and Relative Values

Purpose. The study is aimed at exploring the ethnic content of values ұл / son and қыз / daughter in the Kazakh language and culture bearers’ linguistic consciousness and determining their place in the system of family and relative values in the Kazakh culture at the level of the state. The problem under study is especially relevant in the context of transformation of Kazakhstani society, heterogeneity of language situation and cultural diversity across regions.&#x0D; Methods. The study employed an ethnographic research design, which included a component analysis, an association experiment, and a ranking of values ұл / son and қыз / daughter by the representatives of the Kazakh nation. The study materials comprised linguistic data, obtained from dictionaries and encyclopedias of the Kazakh language, Kazakh paremias, and data of the association experiment. Semantic components of the values were defined and modelling of the association fields was conducted with further categorization of semantic gestalts.&#x0D; Results. The analysis of Kazakh dictionaries, encyclopedias and paremias revealed the importance of raising children based on good examples in Kazakh families. A son in Kazakh culture is considered great happiness, luck, and wealth, as he is the successor of his father and the heir of the family house in the future, whereas a daughter is raised in especially strict conditions, though treated as a guest, considered the prosperity in the family, pampered and valued for her beauty and girlish behaviour. The association experiment’s results were in line with the analysis of proverbs, showing the common and different components in the association fields and semantic zones of the values. The ranking of values ұл / son and қыз / daughter confirmed our hypothesis.&#x0D; Conclusions. Children are of utmost importance in the Kazakh culture, though the treatment and relation to a son and a daughter, as well as their place in the family differs because of their different roles and responsibilities.

Clinical Evaluation of Different Designs of Fixed Space Maintainer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Evaluation of survival rates for three space maintainers (SMs) of different designs compared to the standard one. A total of 52 extraction sites in children aged 4-7 years with prematurely lost primary molars were selected for this study. The whole sample was divided into four groups of 13 each. In group I, Band and Loop (B&L); group II, single-sided Band and Loop (Ss B&L); group III, Direct Bonded Wire (DBW); and group IV, Tube and Loop (T&L). Children were recalled at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. Cumulative survival rates of SMs were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with a logrank test. Although there was a nonsignificant difference in the number of failed cases among all groups, the overall survival rate for group I was 69.2%, group II was 53.8%, group III was 38.5%, and group IV was 30.8% at the end of the study. The failure types for B&L were solder breakage (75% of the total failure rate) and cement dissolution (25%); for Ss B&L, they were solder breakage with lost loop (50%), soft tissue impingement (33%), and dislodgment (17%); for DBW, they were composite-wire interface debonding (75%) and enamel-composite interface debonding (25%); and finally, for T&L, they were lost T&L (56%), soft tissue impingement (22%), and total loss (22%). Banded SMs survived for a longer time than bonded ones, with superior performance for B&L compared to Ss B&L. In addition, bonded SMs required strict isolation conditions. DBW could be used in the maxilla rather than the mandible and was preferable for older children. Hemdan ME, H El Kalla IHH, El Agamy RA. Clinical Evaluation of Different Designs of Fixed Space Maintainer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):442-450.