Efficient Test Research Articles

An efficient multi‐probe enabled midfield over‐the‐air test method for 5G base station antenna pattern reconstruction

AbstractWith the accelerated deployment of 5G massive multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO)‐structured base stations (BSs), accurate and efficient testing of massive MIMO arrays is essential to ensure that the 5G massive MIMO antenna array can perform as expected. The increasing trend of both antenna element and array physical size makes massive MIMO antenna pattern measurement in the direct‐far‐field OTA environment unrealistic due to the signal attenuation, long measurement time, and ultra‐high test system construction cost. Therefore, the necessity of a compact, efficient, low‐complex, yet accurate OTA test method is evident, especially for 5G massive MIMO BS arrays. This paper proposes a novel multi‐probe‐enabled midfield (MF) OTA test method for 5G massive MIMO devices in compact measurement settings where antenna pattern measurement can be efficiently performed. The detailed theoretical analysis for the 5G massive MIMO array MF antenna pattern reconstruction method is presented, and the simulated validation results based on the typical 5G BS antenna arrays are provided and analysed, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MF OTA test method and can provide insights into the radio frequency parametric measurement for 5G massive MIMO devices.

Integration of variant annotations using deep set networks boosts rare variant association testing

Rare genetic variants can have strong effects on phenotypes, yet accounting for rare variants in genetic analyses is statistically challenging due to the limited number of allele carriers and the burden of multiple testing. While rich variant annotations promise to enable well-powered rare variant association tests, methods integrating variant annotations in a data-driven manner are lacking. Here we propose deep rare variant association testing (DeepRVAT), a model based on set neural networks that learns a trait-agnostic gene impairment score from rare variant annotations and phenotypes, enabling both gene discovery and trait prediction. On 34 quantitative and 63 binary traits, using whole-exome-sequencing data from UK Biobank, we find that DeepRVAT yields substantial gains in gene discoveries and improved detection of individuals at high genetic risk. Finally, we demonstrate how DeepRVAT enables calibrated and computationally efficient rare variant tests at biobank scale, aiding the discovery of genetic risk factors for human disease traits.

Novel adaptive MPPT technique for enhanced performance of grid integrated solar photovoltaic system

In order to extract the maximum photovoltaic (PV) power under stochastic weather conditions, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is required. PV modules behave nonlinearly in unpredictable weather conditions, and the effectiveness of many control strategies under such conditions especially conventional ones—decreases significantly. It is essential to maximize the use of PV power in the system; thus, MPPT algorithms have been developed to ensure that grid integrated PV systems work best at the maximum power point regardless of weather conditions. This research presents a novel HLO-ANN (Horned Lizard optimized artificial neural network) MPPT technique for grid-integrated solar photovoltaic systems which is the improved version of the ANN-MPPT, developed using a novel HLO technique, which effectively optimizes weights of the neural network. The irradiance and temperature datasets from the NASA website have been utilized to train the neural network. The proposed methods have been evaluated by comparing their simulation results to other ANN optimized MPPT techniques: The results showed that the proposed method outperforms the other methods in terms of robustness, DC bus voltage regulation, tracking speed, convergence to the minimum error value, and tracking efficiency in maximizing the harvested power from the PV systems. Furthermore, the EN50530 MPPT efficiency test was carried out during both fast and slow-varying irradiance levels to examine the effectiveness of proposed algorithms.

An efficient branch‐and‐bound algorithm to optimize a function over a nondominated set

AbstractThis study introduces an algorithm based on the branch‐and‐bound approach for optimizing a main function over the nondominated set of a multiobjective integer programming (MOIP) problem. Initially, is optimized within the feasible solution set of the MOIP. A new efficiency test combining Benson's test with is then developed using an auxiliary optimization program. This program provides both an efficient solution and a lower bound for . Moreover, this solution is the best one for when compared to its alternative solutions for MOIP. Subsequently, efficient cuts are incorporated into the criteria space to eliminate dominated points. Furthermore, the algorithm is tailored to handle scenarios where the objective involves optimizing a linear combination of multiobjective programming criteria over the nondominated set. The study concludes by showcasing the superior performance of the proposed two algorithms through comparison with existing approaches on well‐known problem instances from the literature.

Tannic acid and Gallic Acid as Alternative Compounds for the Application as Preservatives in Cosmetic Products

Introduction: Tannic acid and gallic acid have been known as natural compounds with antibacterial activity. In this work, the antimicrobial efficiency of tannic acid (TA) and gallic acid (GA), as well as their mixtures, was tested. Method: During the research, the minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and fractional inhibitory concentration were defined. Based on them, for further study, mixtures of TA/GA in ratios 50:50 and 80:20 were chosen as a preservation mixture applied to the cosmetic emulsion. Results: The obtained cosmetics emulsions were analyzed for the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria count and the total combined yeast count. The preservation efficiency test was performed according to the ISO 11930 standard. A stability test for cosmetics formulation was also carried out. Conclusion: The preservation mixture of TA/GA in an 80:20 ratio incorporated in the cosmetics formulation showed good preservation efficiency and could be considered a natural origin preservative.

Detection of the stimulant clobenzorex using voltammetry and screen-printed electrodes: A simple and fast screening method for application in seized samples and oral fluid of drivers

Clobenzorex (CBZ) is a stimulant drug, recognized for its anorectic potential, legally used in some countries for obesity treatment. However, CBZ is banned in much of the world and has been often used illegally by drivers needing to stay alert for extended periods. Therefore, the rapid identification of CBZ in forensic samples is of paramount importance for public health and safety. In this context, we introduce an innovative electroanalytical screening method for detecting CBZ in seized tablet samples and human oral fluid using voltammetry with a graphite screen-printed electrode (SPE-Gr). The electrochemical detection was optimized in phosphate buffer solution (0.1 mol L−1, pH 7.0) using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The SPE-Gr combined with SWV exhibited a good stability of the electrochemical responses for CBZ detection, with a relative standard deviation of less than 5% across different days (N = 5) and using different SPEs (N = 3). A linear detection range of 2.5–100.0 μmol/L (R2 = 0.992) was achieved, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.32 μmol L−1. Interference studies with other illicit drugs and adulterants confirmed the selectivity of the proposed method for CBZ detection. In addition, the presence of CBZ in seized tablet samples and authentic oral fluids, collected from drivers, was detected and identified using the proposed method, which results were also confirmed by HPLC-MS. Consequently, integrating SPE-Gr with SWV offers a reliable, rapid, sensitive, selective, reproducible, and direct approach for the preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis of CBZ in forensic contexts. Furthermore, the proposed method provides an efficient oral fluid test for CBZ screening in drivers under the influence of drugs.

Effectiveness of Lifetime Fitness Course Activities in Improving Movement Efficiency

University physical education courses are meant to teach the fundamentals of various sports and exercise techniques. The main purpose of this study was to determine how effective lifetime fitness (LF) courses in higher education can enhance movement efficiency (ME). Eleven participants performed the Fusionetics movement efficiency test at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic semester. Overall ME scores showed a significant effect, whereby the scores increased from the pre- to the mid-test but fell from the mid- to the post-test. Both the 1- and 2-leg squat subtests revealed a similar pattern. The second half of the semester's increased use of endurance-based class activities may have caused the ME score to decline.

PSIII-15 Feeding patterns of yearling Angus bulls based on feed efficiency metrics

Abstract The study objective was to determine how feeding behavior relates to feed efficiency in yearling Angus bulls at the Cal Poly Bull test. Bulls (n = 102) were housed in four pens sorted according to initial body weight (BW; 460 ± 35, 407 ± 15, 374 ± 20, 323 ± 30; mean kg ± SD), resulting in 24 to 28 bulls/pen. Feeding behavior was monitored using an electronic feeding system (SmartFeed, C-Lock, Inc.) during an 85-d feed efficiency test. Four feeders in each pen were filled twice daily at approximately 0630 h and 1700 h. The number of visits to the feed bunk, visit duration, total feeding time, and hourly feed intake were determined from data collected from the feeding system. These data were summarized by hour in a 24-h period, across the 85-d period. Bulls were retrospectively classified into a high feed efficiency group (HIFE) and low feed efficiency group (LOFE) based on an assessment of their summed residual feed intake rank and their feed:gain ratio rank. Within each pen, 5 HIFE and 5 LOFE bulls were selected, resulting in 20 bulls/treatment used for the final analyses. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. The model included the fixed effects of feed efficiency group (HIFE vs LOFE), hour (0 to 24), and the feed efficiency group × hour interaction. Bull within pen was considered a random effect and hour a repeated measure. LOFE bulls visited the bunk more frequently throughout the day during the entire testing period (P = 0.04). Differences between feed efficiency groups depended on hour and most differences were observed within 3 h of fresh feed delivery (P ≤ 0.02). A feed efficiency group × hour interaction (P < 0.001) indicated that LOFE bulls had longer feed bunk visit durations predominantly between fresh feed deliveries (P ≤ 0.048). LOFE bulls spent more time feeding throughout the entire day (P = 0.003) when compared with HIFE bulls. Feeding duration per hour was longer for LOFE bulls during the post-morning feeding period (7-h duration) and post-evening feeding period (4-h duration; P ≤ 0.045). More feed was consumed by LOFE bulls throughout the day (P < 0.001), particularly during the post-morning feeding period (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, bulls exhibiting decreased feed efficiency had different feeding behavior patterns in all behavioral categories than their more feed efficient counterparts, especially around feed delivery. Thus, more active bulls at the feed bunk were less feed efficient, and this behavioral pattern may be an important consideration in bull selection.

PSIX-28 Optimization of feeding trial length for evaluating feed efficiency in sheep

Abstract Feed efficiency tests are well established for beef cattle, but testing for sheep remains rare due to the lack of appropriate equipment and standardized protocols. To explore the optimum trial length for evaluating feed efficiency in sheep, freshly weaned Rideau Arcott ewe lambs [n = 80; 4to 5 mo of age and body weights (BW) of 16 to 25 kg] were enrolled in a 65-d feeding trial, following a 20-d adaptation period. A mixed ration containing barley gain and protein supplement pellets were offered twice daily, and lambs had ad libitum access to feed, water and bedding straw during the trial period. Daily feed intake of individual lambs was monitored with Vytelle SENSE feed bunks, BW was recorded biweekly, as well as on two consecutive days at the start and end of the trial. Lambs that had died or had abnormal growth patterns from sickness were removed, resulting in 62 lambs remaining in the final dataset. Optimum trial length for measuring feed intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated with R Software (v. 4.3.3) via a post-hoc analysis of constructing shortened trial lengths from the regular test. The DMI and ADG values from the shortened trial datasets were compared with those from regular trial days with correlation (Pearson and Spearman tests) and linear regression analyses. There were 64 shortened trial lengths for DMI by 1 d increments, and 15 sub-datasets for ADG consisting of trial lengths between every two BW measurements. Residual feed intake (RFI), residual average daily gain (RADG), and residual intake and BW gain (RIG) were calculated for and compared between the regular trial length (65 d) and favorable shortened trial lengths based on DMI and ADG evaluations. Correlation, regression and agreement analyses were used to determine the optimum trial lengths for RFI, RADG and RIG evaluations. Results showed that DMI and ADG measurements could be shortened to 42 (r > 0.95, R2 > 0.90, β > 0.95, P < 0.001) and 56 d (r > 0.96, R2 > 0.93, β > 0.96, P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, trial length for RFI, RADG, and RG evaluations could be reduced to 56 d (r > 0.95, R2 > 0.91, β > 0.95, CCC > 0.95, P < 0.001), primarily due to the trial length requirement for accurate ADG measurement. Reducing the duration of trials for evaluating feed efficiency in sheep not only reduces testing costs, fostering greater uptake among sheep producers, but also allows for the evaluation of more lambs annually, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and profitability of the sheep industry.

Accelerated Exosomal Metabolic Profiling Enabled by Robust On-Target Array Sintering with Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal, and survival chances improve only with early detection at a precancerous stage. However, there remains a significant gap in developing tools for large-scale, rapid screening. To this end, a high-throughput On-Target Array Extraction Platform (OTAEP) by direct sintering of a series of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for dual in situ extraction, encompassing both exosomes and their metabolic profiles, is developed. Based on the principle of geometry-dependent photothermal conversion efficiency and standard testing, the appropriate MOF functional unit is identified. This unit enables exosome enrichment within 10 min and metabolic fingerprint extraction in under 1 s of laser irradiation, with over five reuse. To further accelerate and enhance the quality of metabolic profile analysis, the application of Surrogate Variable Analysis to eliminate hidden confounding factors within the profiles is proposed, and five biomarkers demonstrated by MS/MS experiments are identified. These biomarkers enable early diagnosis, risk stratification, and staging of pancreatic cancer simultaneously, with sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 98.8%, and precision of 94.9%. This work represents a breakthrough for overcoming throughput challenges in large-scale testing and for addressing confounding factors in big data analysis.

The irtQ R package: a user-friendly tool for item response theorybased test data analysis and calibration.

Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) has become a widely adopted test design for high-stakes licensing and certification exams, particularly in the health professions in the United States, due to its ability to tailor test difficulty in real time, reducing testing time while providing precise ability estimates. A key component of CAT is item response theory (IRT), which facilitates the dynamic selection of items based on examinees' ability levels during a test. Accurate estimation of item and ability parameters is essential for successful CAT implementation, necessitating convenient and reliable software to ensure precise parameter estimation. This paper introduces the irtQ R package (http://CRAN.R-project.org/), which simplifies IRTbased analysis and item calibration under unidimensional IRT models. While it does not directly simulate CAT, it provides essential tools to support CAT development, including parameter estimation using marginal maximum likelihood estimation via the expectation-maximization algorithm, pretest item calibration through fixed item parameter calibration and fixed ability parameter calibration methods, and examinee ability estimation. The package also enables users to compute item and test characteristic curves and information functions necessary for evaluating the psychometric properties of a test. This paper illustrates the key features of the irtQ package through examples using simulated datasets, demonstrating its utility in IRT applications such as test data analysis and ability scoring. By providing a user-friendly environment for IRT analysis, irtQ significantly enhances the capacity for efficient adaptive testing research and operations. Finally, the paper highlights additional core functionalities of irtQ, emphasizing its broader applicability to the development and operation of IRT-based assessments.

Biochemical and Molecular Identification of Azospirillum brasilense Bacteria and Evaluation of Their Efficiency in Producing Hormones, Dissolving Phosphorus, and Fixing Nitrogen

The study aimed to isolate A.brasilense bacteria from the soil of the rhizosphere of different plants and different locations in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate. They were identified in two ways. The first was the routine method, which included studying the microscopic and cultural characteristics and biochemical tests of the isolates. The second method was molecular, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and using primers. It also included testing the efficiency of these isolates in dissolving tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on Pikovskaya agar medium, fixing nitrogen in the liquid nutrient medium (N.B), and measuring the amount of hormone production using an HPLC device. The results of isolation and regular and molecular identification the presence of ten isolates of bacteria bearing the characteristics of A. brasilense bacteria, out of fifteen local bacterial isolates, took the following symbols and sequences (Az2, Az3, Az5, Az6, Az7, Az9, Az11, Az12, Az13, Az14), as the results showed confirmation of the identification of the bacterial isolates identified by biochemical tests. Using a specialized primer to amplify the 462bp fragment of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, the results of testing the efficiency of the bacteria in dissolving phosphate (TCP) showed that the isolate (Az13) outperformed the highest value in its effectiveness in dissolving metallic phosphorus through the diameter of the clear zone around the colony, which was effective in dissolving phosphate of up to 3.89 mm. As for the nitrogen fixation efficiency test, the isolate (Az3) excelled in the amount of fixed nitrogen reaching 12.44 mg.L-1. As for the amount of its production of growth regulators for Auxins, Gibberellins, and Cytokinins, the isolate (Az3) recorded the highest value in the amount of Auxins production ( Indol-3-acetic acid) its concentration reached 34.4 µg.ml-1, and as for the production of the hormone Gibberellins (GA3), the isolate (Az3) recorded the highest value amounting to 34.7 µg.ml-1, as for the production of the hormone Cytokinins (CK), The isolate (Az11) recorded the highest value, amounting to 28.8 µg.ml-1.

Design and Preliminary experiment of an Off-axis aequilate-mirrors linear Fresnel concentrator with sunlight self-adaptive feature

The Off-Axis Linear Fresnel Reflector (LFR) is an innovative, compact solar concentrator designed to reduce device height and wind-load without compromising efficiency. It is crucial in applying LFR devices to applications such as building façades. To this aim, The Off-axis LFR design is introduced to addressing the inter-mirror blocking issue that diminishes the efficiency of conventional LFRs. Initially, an optimized Aequilate-mirrors design was proposed to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost. Subsequently, a crank-slider mechanism was introduced as a solution to the issue of inconsistent angle adjustment among the mirrors. Additionally, the paper details the sunlight self-adaptive feature of the Off-axis LFR concentrator, where the LFR mirrors can independently rotate to track the sun’s position, adaptively altering the mirror array’s profile and sunward aperture. This feature maximizes the device’s sunlight harvesting capacity, particularly in angled sunlight conditions. A prototype of the Off-axis LFR device was designed and built for assessment, featuring a focus length of just 78 mm and an overall 145 mm housing height. The paper then discusses how the sunlight self-adaptive features enhance the efficiency during the early morning and twilight hours. Comprehensive testing, including mechanical driving, laser focusing, and outdoor full-function verification, was conducted. Ultimately, comparative photo-thermal efficiency tests with a similarly sized conventional LFR concentrator demonstrated that the Off-axis LFR concentrator could achieve a significant increase in efficiency, with an all-day average thermal efficiency improvement of over 10 %. Based on the previous theoretical study, this study has completed the engineering prototype design and validation. And confirmed a thermal concentration efficiency of 44.36 % within a height of 145 mm in experiments.

Surge current management in Dynamic Reverse Bias reliability testing of WBG devices for automotive application

Efficient management of high-magnitude current spikes during Dynamic Reverse Bias (DRB) reliability testing is critical for early detection of potential issues such as gate oxide degradation in wide bandgap (WBG) devices. This paper addresses the challenges of DRB testing, particularly focusing on current surges caused by rapid dv/dt switching events in WBG devices. Compliance with AQG-324 guidelines, which require a dv/dt of >50 kV/µs, often results in significant current surges due to parasitic capacitance. These surges can reach tens of amperes, leading to excessive self-heating and potentially damaging sensitive measurement circuitry. This study introduces an innovative method to filter out capacitive displacement current spikes without affecting leakage current, reducing surge intensity by over 100 times and enabling efficient DRB testing of up to 1.5 kV WBG devices. The validation process includes simulating a Wolfspeed Power Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFET model in LT-Spice and conducting hardware tests on three different 1.2 kV SiC devices from Wolfspeed, Infineon, and Rohm. An optimized PCB design was employed to minimize circuit parasitics, showing good alignment between simulation and hardware testing outcomes.

Straightforward identification of flow curve and yield locus parameters from three-point bending experiments

Material testing and modeling is one of the cornerstones of virtual analysis of sheet metal forming processes. However, it is also becoming more and more relevant for incoming goods inspection, especially in view of the increasing amount of recycled material or frequent changes of suppliers, e.g. to provide workers, processes and/or process models with relevant information about a new batch of material. Efficient material testing and straight-forward test evaluation is essential for this. The flow curve and yield locus are central to describe the forming behavior of sheet metal materials. However, the parameters of the associated models are currently determined in various tests on different systems and with special sample geometries. The present work presents a methodology that allows the determination of a set of flow curve and yield locus parameters from three three-point bending tests only. The evaluation routine does not require finite element simulation and processes only the force-displacement information of the bending tests, which also places low demands on the measurement technology. The results were compared with a conventionally determined parameter set using a validation test, and the results are of reasonable quality, especially considering the minimal effort involved.

Rethinking the ‘as efficient competitor’ test: assessing the wider impact of the CJEU’s judgment in Unilever Italia and its implications in shaping the European Commission’s agenda to reform Article 102 TFEU

Recently, the European Commission published a communication indicating amendments to its Article 102 TFEU Guidance Paper in light of the latest EU Courts’ judgments on exclusionary abuses. In the Amended Guidance and the accompanying Policy Brief, the Commission provides some guidance related to changes in four main areas: the definition of anti-competitive foreclosure, the ‘as efficient competitor’ test, the assessment of loyalty rebates, and the treatment of refusals to supply and margin squeezes. The analysis in this article reflects on the evolution of the application of the ‘as efficient competitor’ test, focused on the most recent CJEU judgment in Unilever Italia. The article discusses the extent to which competition authorities must examine economic evidence submitted by the dominant company, and whether such evidence can be refuted without in-depth analysis. The article concludes that further clarification is imperative regarding outstanding ambiguities surrounding the appropriate role and use of the as efficient competitor price-cost test in assessing potentially abusive conduct under Article 102 TFEU.

Investigation of Folate-Functionalized Magnetic-Gold Nanoparticles Based Targeted Drug Delivery for Liver: In Vitro, In Vivo and Docking Studies.

Magnetic nanoparticles used for targeted drug administration present a promising approach in cancer treatment owing to its notable advantages, such as targeted and enhanced encapsulation ability and improved bio protection compared with conventional drug delivery methods. Au shell-iron core nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Au) were manufactured by a chemical process, coated with dextran to encapsulate curcumin, and functionalized for precision drug delivery using folic acid to combat liver cancer. Dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrational spectroscopy, and magnetometry were applied to assess the synthesis of the Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA compound. The mean size, zeta potential, and polydispersity of Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA were 63.3 ± 2.33 nm, -68.3 ± 1.78 mV, and 0.041 ± 0.008, respectively. Molecular docking models were created to examine the relationship between Fe3O4@Au-CU and BCL-XL, BAK, and to identify potential binding sites. The loading efficiency and release profile tests examined the medication delivery system's ability. MTT assay was subsequently utilized to determine the optimal dosage and therapeutic efficacy of Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA on cancer SNU-449 and healthy THLE-2 cell lines. Flow cytometry demonstrated that Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA effectively induced cancer cell death. Fe3O4@Au-DEX-FA showed a regulated release profile of free curcumin at 37 °C and pH values of 7.4 and 5.4. Real-time PCR revealed increased BAK expression and decreased BCL-XL expression. Nude tumor-bearing mice were used for in vivo experiments. Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA treatment dramatically reduced the swelling size compared with free CU and control treatments. It also resulted in a longer lifespan, expanded splenocyte proliferation, increased IFN-γ levels, and decreased IL-4 levels. The regular cells showed no cytotoxic effect compared with the cancer type, confirming that Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA maintained its potent anticancer actions. The data suggests that Fe3O4@Au-DEX-CU-FA possesses a promising potential as a therapeutic agent for combating tumors.

Production and characterization of bioemulsifier from local isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain JZT351: Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects

AbstractThe widespread use and circulation of industrial emulsifiers pose significant health risks, compounded by their limited availability and high cost. Consequently, there is growing interest in exploring the potential of natural sources, such as microorganisms like yeast, for emulsifier production. In this study, 25 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were isolated from 17 distinct local sources. The yeasts were characterized based on cell shape, size, and colony morphology using yeast malt agar, followed by morphological, microscopic, and biochemical analyzes. Among the isolates, AC1 from a vinegar starter demonstrated superior bioemulsifier production. Emulsification efficiency tests revealed that AC1 exhibited values of 7.1 cm, 0.71 nm, and 34.50%, outperforming other isolates. The biomass yield was approximately 4.35 g/L. This strain was registered in the gene bank as JZT351 (OR115510) after a 100% match with S. cerevisiae. Optimal bioemulsifier production conditions for JZT351 were identified using a liquid yeast extract peptone dextrose medium, with date juice replacing 75% of the glucose, at pH 5.5, 30°C, and 72 h. The resulting emulsification activity, index, and oil displacement were 8.69 cm, 0.95 nm, and 39.7%, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) compared the functional groups of the bioemulsifier with those of conventional emulsifiers. Molecular characterization was confirmed by 1H NMR. FTIR spectra revealed bioemulsifier bands at 3443.28, 2929.34, 1656.559, 1534.09, 807.06, and 1656.55 cm−1. At 0.5–5 ppm, signals and spectral frequencies corresponded to a mannoprotein structure. The bioemulsifier exhibited 58.09% antioxidant activity at 10 mg/mL, as assessed by DPPH scavenging. It showed the highest inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the least against Candida albicans.

Hybrid and on-site working: correlation between working modality and psychophysical health.

This study investigates the psychophysical health implications of hybrid and on-site working modalities among desk workers. It focuses on how hybrid work, integrating remote and on-site elements, influences physical activity, efficiency, and overall health. The research involved 57 desk workers, evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and accelerometers for physical activity, the Cubo Fitness Test for physical efficiency, and blood sample analyses for clinical parameters. Psychosocial traits were assessed through the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Psychological General Well-being Index, and the Job Content Questionnaire. We analyzed: 1) the correlation between physical activity, physical efficiency, and health parameters in the entire sample of desk workers (composed both by hybrid and on-site workers); 2) differences between hybrid and on-site workers; and 3) correlations between hybrid work composition (the percentage of remote working per week) and health-related parameters. Statistical analysis showed relationships between physical efficiency, amount of physical activity, and clinical health parameters in line with the literature. Moreover, hybrid workers engaged in significantly more intense physical activities outside work hours than on-site workers. In addition, hybrid working showed better results in some components of psychosocial well-being. Despite that, no significant differences were found in clinical health parameters. A correlation analysis between hybrid work composition and all considered health-related parameters highlighted that the higher the remote working, the higher the vigorous physical activity, but the worse the psychosocial status and clinical parameters. The findings suggest that a hybrid working model could effectively support the health of desk workers if adequately balanced.

Sound Metric Proximity Hearing App

Globally, hearing impairment affects over 466 million people, creating barriers to accessing audiometric testing and timely diagnosis. Conventional methods often prove challenging to access, especially for people with limited resources or any other disadvantages. The proposed innovative "Sound Metric Proximity Hearing App" aims to revolutionize auditory health through mobile technology. Utilizing advanced techniques such as frequency-specific sound generation, individual ear sound production, and obstacle detection, the app provides comprehensive hearing tests through a user-friendly platform. The application is developed using React Native for the frontend and Django for the backend. It integrates seamlessly with mobile devices and databases, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. With simple result export and tools for early detection, the application enhances the accessibility and efficiency in hearing assessments. It bridges gaps in traditional testing methods, empowering users to proactively manage their auditory health. The "Sound Metric Proximity Hearing App" addresses the essential need for accessible, efficient hearing tests, making a positive impact on global auditory health. Through its innovative approach, the app aims to reduce the stigma associated with hearing loss and promote early intervention. By providing a convenient tool for educators, the app supports classroom management and improves learning environments. With its potential to reach unprivileged people and enhance awareness, the proposed sound metric application is devised to contribute significantly to global auditory health.