Total Weight Research Articles

A practical main frame for convex-deformable mobile devices

In the existing mobile devices, such as iPads, the touchscreen & display assembly and the rear cover account for at least 60% of the total device weight. Therefore, device weight can be reduced significantly only by replacing these glass and metallic components with non-glass and polymeric equivalents. Recently, the authors’ research group demonstrated a monolithically polymeric sandwich plate that is convex-deformable, even with solid chips embedded in its cores. In this study, a new design of this sandwich plate is proposed to facilitate its use as a practical main frame of a mobile device. This design is validated by conducting finite element analyses and experiments involving three-dimensionally printed prototype of the proposed sandwich plate design. The plate is fabricated as two separate halves that are then assembled using snap-fits to form a single body. A flexible printed-circuit board with regularly arranged elliptical holes and many solid chips embedded on its upper and lower surfaces is accommodated within the core of the proposed plate. In addition, rib-like side covers and an overall latex coating are used to protect all four sides and the entire outer surface, respectively, without adversely affecting the overall convex deformation of the proposed plate design.

Acute Response to Training after Returning from the Off-Season in Elite Rugby League Athletes.

The purposes of this study were to quantify the physiological response to the initial two-week preseason period in elite male rugby league (RL) athletes, and to determine if a repeated bout effect (RBE) occurs. Eighteen RL players were monitored for the initial two-week preseason period. Blood samples were collected on days (D)1, D2, D4, D5, D8, D9, D11 and D12 to measure creatine kinase (CK). Neuromuscular power was assessed on D1, D5, D8 and D12. During field-based sessions, the external training load was quantified using global positioning system technology, whilst the internal load was quantified using the training impulse and the session rating of perceived exertion. Resistance-based gym session volume was quantified by total repetitions x weight lifted. Perceived measures of fatigue and muscle soreness were assessed on all training days. Two-way (day x week) repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni's corrected post-hoc tests identified significant changes. There were no significant changes in CK activity (649.2 ± 255.0 vs. 673.8 ± 299.1 µL; p = 0.63) or internal training load measures from week 1 to week 2. External training load measures including total distance (4138.1 ± 198.4 vs. 4525.0 ± 169.2 m; p < 0.001) and repeated high-intensity efforts (12.6 ± 1.8 vs. 17.5 ± 1.8 au; p < 0.001) significantly increased in week 2 compared to week 1. Internal training loads and CK activity did not change in response to an increase in external training loads during the initial preseason. The current results provide support for a 'real world' perspective of the RBE phenomenon that may be more applicable for team sport practitioners.

Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures with Four-Point Bending Beam and Uniaxial Fatigue Tests

This study aimed to evaluate the fatigue cracking potential of aramid fiber–reinforced asphalt mixtures. Three fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures (FRAMs) were prepared employing a singular aggregate type (diabase stone), one binder type (PG76-22), and two distinct combinations of aramid fibers at varying dosages. Two types of fiber were used at different dosages by weight of mix: polyolefin/aramid (PFA) fibers at a dosage 0.05% and sasobit-coated aramid (SCA) fibers at dosages of 0.01% and 0.02%. Additionally, an unreinforced (control) mix was also produced for comparison purposes. Each of the mixtures was produced at a batch plant, adhering to the fiber manufacturer’s recommended mixing methods, while maintaining a constant binder content of 5.5% based on the total mix weight. Four-point beam (4PB) fatigue, uniaxial fatigue (UF), and Texas overlay tests (OT) were performed to characterize the fatigue and reflective cracking behavior of FRAM. The 4PB test results suggest that FRAM improved the fatigue life at lower strain levels (400 µε and 600 µε); however, at higher microstrain (800 µε) level, FRAM exhibited lower fatigue life than the control mix. Damage characteristic curves obtained from the UF tests showed better fatigue tolerance for reinforced mixtures, regardless of microstrain level. For cycles to failure under tensile loading, UF and OT test results indicated lower fatigue life of reinforced mixtures compared with the control mix. Therefore, under flexural loading the fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures tend to improve the fatigue life. However, for direct tension load, reinforced mixtures tend to deteriorate the fatigue life when comparing cycles to failure at constant strain amplitude.

EVALUATION OF SELECTED MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PARTICLEBOARDS CONTAINING WASTE PLASTICS

This article is focused on the research of particleboards (PB) composed of wood particles from spruce logs and recycled crushed plastic granulates. Crushed plastic granulates sized from 1.0 to 4.0 mm were obtained from worn automobiles by recycling, specifically painted and unpainted bumpers. The proportion of plastic granulate in the particleboards represented 10%, 15%, and 20% of the total weight of the composites. In the production of PB, urea-formaldehyde resin and paraffin emulsion were used as a binder and ammonium nitrate was used as a hardener. The aim of the article was to compare the selected properties of PB containing plastic filler with pure PB. Mechanical properties (tensile and bending strength), and physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) were evaluated according to EN 319, EN 310 and EN 317. Based on the results, it can be stated that the bending strength and physical properties of PB containing plastic filler were significantly better compared to pure PB. On the contrary, the tensile strength values were lower in most cases.

Pengaruh Konsentrasi Oksida Logam CuO Sebagai Superkapasitor Berbasis Karbon Aktif

Supercapacitors are promising energy storage devices in future energy technology. In this research, the primary and applied aspects of supercapacitors are developed. Various techniques have been developed specifically to estimate specific capacitances. Various attempts have been made in the literature to increase the specific capacitance value of the electrode materials. Electrode materials with unique structural and electrochemical properties, such as high capacity and cyclic stability, exhibit good supercapacitor performance. Many new electrode materials have been developed to play an essential role in capacitance behavior. This research focuses on the highly efficient application of nanostructured electrode materials such as nanoporous carbon and metal oxide CuO for supercapacitors. Nanopore carbon is made from coconut shell, which is synthesized using a simple heating method. Next, carbon nanopore and CuO nanoparticle composites were carried out with composition variations of 0.5,10,15, and 20% of the total weight. The results of cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and charge-discharge tests, maximum results were obtained on a composition of 5% CuO nanoparticles with a capacitance of 280 F/gr and a conductivity of 1.14 X 10-2 S/cm. This result is due to an increase in the surface area between the pore surfaces, so more ions are trapped, causing the filling process to take place quickly.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Sulfate Alleviate Boron Toxicity in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Boron toxicity significantly hinders the growth and development of cotton plants, therefore affecting the yield and quality of this important cash crop worldwide. Limited studies have explored the efficacy of ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in alleviating boron toxicity. Nanoparticles have emerged as a novel strategy to reduce abiotic stress directly. The precise mechanism underlying the alleviation of boron toxicity by ZnO NPs in cotton remains unclear. In this study, ZnO NPs demonstrated superior potential for alleviating boron toxicity compared to ZnSO4 in hydroponically cultivated cotton seedlings. Under boron stress, plants supplemented with ZnO NPs exhibited significant increases in total fresh weight (75.97%), root fresh weight (39.64%), and leaf fresh weight (69.91%). ZnO NPs positively affected photosynthetic parameters and SPAD values. ZnO NPs substantially reduced H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) by 27.87% and 32.26%, MDA (malondialdehyde) by 27.01% and 34.26%, and O2- (superoxide anion) by 41.64% and 48.70% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. The application of ZnO NPs increased the antioxidant activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) by 82.09% and 76.52%, CAT (catalase) by 16.79% and 16.33%, and POD (peroxidase) by 23.77% and 21.66% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. ZnO NP and ZnSO4 application demonstrated remarkable efficiency in improving plant biomass, mineral nutrient content, and reducing boron levels in cotton seedlings under boron toxicity. A transcriptome analysis and corresponding verification revealed a significant up-regulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis pathway, and ABC transporter genes with the application of ZnO NPs. These findings provide valuable insights for the mechanism of boron stress tolerance in cotton and provide a theoretical basis for applying ZnO NPs and ZnSO4 to reduce boron toxicity in cotton production.

Structural Optimization of 60T Electric Mining Vehicle Frame: Finite Element Simulation Model and Analysis

Based on the research under the ore loading condition of the electric mine vehicle, this paper measures the physical frame of the 60T electric mine vehicle by means of rangefinder, ruler and drawings, and uses the software CATIA to complete the three-dimensional model of the frame and carriage of the electric mine vehicle, combined with the characteristics of ANSYS workbench software. The structure of the model is simplified. By comprehensively applying relevant knowledge of automobile dynamics, the frame load under full load condition is calculated, and the electric mine vehicle frame is applied by using ANSYS workbench software to simulate and optimize the three conditions of stationary, high-speed driving and turning before the mine car, and the position where the stress concentration and deformation of the frame structure are greatest. By increasing the thickness of the support plate and increasing its stress area, the overall weight was increased by 90.35kg, accounting for 0.9% of the total weight, and the weight increase was very small. Mechanical analysis was carried out on the three working conditions of the optimized frame of the mine car, and the stress was reduced by 25%, 24.1% and 39.2% respectively, effectively eliminating the stress concentration. The actual use of the vehicle can extend the service life of the frame, while improving the economy and stability of the vehicle.

Topology optimization of gradient lattice structure filling with damping material under harmonic frequency band excitation

With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, lattice structures have been widely utilized in structural designs aimed at vibration resistance due to their excellent performance. In this study, considering the moderate improvement of vibration suppression property of existing graded lattice, we introduce high-damping material into the optimization framework and further enhance the vibration resistance ability of gradient lattices. This framework extends the existing framework of stiffness and mass distribution to incorporate the distribution of stiffness, mass, and damping, which allows us to consider the damping changes with the cell configuration. Initially, the lattice cells are assigned with two different constitutive materials, one with high stiffness and the other with excellent damping properties. Different from traditional lattice units, we can obtain a series of lattice units with adjustable stiffness , mass and damping in a certain range. Via the homogenization method on the frequency domain, the complex elastic matrices about distribution of these lattice cells controlled by three parameters are obtained. In the meantime, the loss factor of these lattice cells is also obtained. A polynomial-based interpolation technique is employed to characterize the graded lattice units, which is integrated into an optimization process aimed at minimizing the lattice structures’ vibration responses. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate this framework’s effectiveness, and experimental tests on 3D printed specimens are conducted to validate the numerical results. It’s worth noting that under the condition that the total weight of the structure remains unchanged, this weakens the overall stiffness of the structure (the reduction of first-order natural frequency), but greatly increases the damping of the structure (with a widened resonance peak) to resist the vibration of the structure. For the lattice structures induced by damping materials, the average loss factor is 0.114, which is almost doubled to the average value of those not including the damping material. When comparing the results of the mean displacement amplitude with and without damping materials, the reduction of displacement amplitude of lattice structures is above 25 %. The methodology expands the scope of optimization design for lattice structures, moving beyond stiffness maximization to include vibration mitigation by determining the appropriate distribution of stiff and damping materials, showcasing the practical applicability of the presented methods in engineering practice.

Preparation and Characterization of SPEEK–PVA Blend Membrane Additives with Colloidal Silica for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

AbstractAn inexpensive membrane with high proton conductivity and high fuel cell performance, which can be an alternative to Nafion for PEMFC (Proton exchange membrane fuel cell), will overcome the obstacle to widespread commercialization of fuel cells due to high cost. For this purpose, SPEEK (sulfonated polyether ether ketone)-PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) blend membranes with colloidal silica additives were synthesized in this study. Ludox AS-40 was used as the colloidal silica source and the blend membrane was prepared by solution casting method. Water uptake capacity, swelling property, size change, dynamic mechanical analysis, ion exchange capacity, AC impedance analysis, hydrolytic and oxidative stability experiments of the synthesized Ludox additives blend membranes for fuel cell application were carried out, and the membranes were also characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis. While the water uptake capacities of SPEEK/PVA membranes containing 1% Ludox, 5% Ludox, and 10% Ludox at room temperature were found to be 14.08%, 14.84%, and 16.6%, respectively, the water uptake capacities at 80oC increased to 14.73%, 15.17%, and 17.11%. The proton conductivities of 1% Ludox, 5% Ludox and 10% Ludox doped SPEEK/PVA membranes at 80oC were 0.25 S/cm, 0.56 S/cm, and 0.65 S/cm, respectively. Similarly, ion exchange capacities were determined to be 1.41 meq/g, 1.63 meq/g, and 1.71 meq/g, respectively. All Ludox-added membranes exhibited excellent hydrolytic stability, retaining approximately 88% of their mass after 650 h. In addition, in oxidative stability experiments carried out in 4 ppm Fe+ 2 at 80oC, the 10% Ludox-added membrane exhibited the highest weight loss of 88.8% at the end of 24 h, while the 5% Ludox-additive membrane retained 91.6% of its total weight. Considering the proton conductivity and longevity tests of the synthesized membranes, they are thought to be promising structures. Graphical Abstract

Effect of Different Shading Color on Growth and Yield Performance of (Black Ginger) Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker

A study was conducted to investigate the impact of different shading colors on the growth and yield performance of (black ginger) Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker. The experiment was conducted in a glasshouse at MARDI Jerangau, Terengganu, from September 2022 to May 2023. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The shade treatments consisted of non-shade (T1), green shade (T2), yellow shade (T3), and red shade (T4). The results revealed that the application of colored shading significantly enhanced both the growth and yield of K. parviflora. Notably, the growth performance at the 5-month after planting (MAP) stage was crucial for rhizome yield, with any decrease in plant height potentially leading to diminished rhizome weight measurements. Among the shading colors, green shade emerged as the most effective, boosting total rhizome weight compared to non-shaded conditions. Correlation analysis between yield components demonstrated a strong positive relationship between rhizome length and rhizome weight (0.894), followed by rhizome weight and root weight (0.835). In conclusion, the study highlights the beneficial effects of colored shading on the yield components of K. parviflora, emphasizing the potential for optimized cultivation practices to enhance crop productivity.

Adding Short to Left Gastric Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Obesity: Safety and Effectiveness.

This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a technical modification that involves adding short gastric artery (SGA) embolization to left gastric artery (LGA) embolization. This retrospective single-center study analyzed twenty obese patients (median age of 53.5 (30-73)) who were not eligible for bariatric surgery and underwent bariatric embolization with 300-500-µm microspheres in addition to a lifestyle counseling program between March 2021 and July 2022. Eight patients had LGA + SGA embolization, and twelve had LGA embolization alone. The primary outcome measure was total body weight loss (TBWL) at 6months in the SGA + LGA and the LGA-only cohorts. Safety was assessed, defined as the 30-day adverse events rate according to the SIR classification. The mean 6-month post-embolization TBWL in the SGA + LGA cohort was 7.3kg (95%CI 2.1-12.4; p = .01) and 4.1kg (95%CI 0.4-8.6; p = 0.034) in the LGA-only cohort (mean difference - 3.1kg ± 2.8; 95%CI (- 9.1-2.8); p = .28). The mean 6-month post-embolization TBWL in the entire cohort was 5.3kg (p < .01). The rate of complications was similar between the two groups. Combined SGA and LGA embolization is safe and effective to treat obesity. Larger studies are needed to determine whether SGA + LGA embolization results in more significant weight loss than LGA embolization alone.

Halotolerant Endophytic Bacteria Regulate Growth and Field Performance of Two Durum Wheat Genotypes with Contrasting Salinity Tolerance Potential.

Soil salinity hampers durum wheat plant growth and development at various stages. The detrimental effects of salinity on plant cellular and physiological processes necessitate strategies to alleviate its negative impact and improve overall crop yield. This study investigates the efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) bacteria inoculation in mitigating salinity stress on two durum wheat genotypes with contrasting degrees of salinity tolerance (Tamaroi, salt-sensitive and Line 5004, salt-tolerant) under greenhouse and field conditions. For this purpose, two halotolerant-PGPR strains, Pseudomonas jordanii strain G34 and Oceanobacillus jordanicus strain GSFE11, were utilized for the inoculation. For the greenhouse experiment, the two selected genotypes were subjected to salinity at the flag leaf stage with continuous irrigation with a Hoagland solution supplemented with 50 mM NaCl. Field experiments were conducted across two locations with contrasting salinity levels over two growing seasons. At the end of both experiments, various parameters including total weight, spike weight, grain weight, spike number, spikelet number, grains per spike and thousand kernel weight were measured. The halotolerant PGPRs, P. jordanii strain G34 and O. jordanicus strain GSFE11, proved effective in alleviating salinity-induced adverse effects and enhancing growth under greenhouse and field conditions. However, bacterial inoculation significantly improved growth in the salt-sensitive genotype and such effects were not observed in the tolerant genotype, emphasizing genotype-specific responses. Notably, inoculation with O. jordanicus increased Na+ and Ca2+ uptake in the salt-tolerant "Line 5004" without hindering growth, suggesting one of its potential mechanisms for salt tolerance. This research demonstrates the potential of halotolerant-PGPR inoculation in enhancing durum wheat production in saline environments, but also underscores the importance of understanding genotype-specific responses for tailored interventions.

One pot synthesis of furan-modified lignin from agricultural waste via lignin-first approach

This study investigated a lignin-first approach to produce furan-modified lignin from sugarcane bagasse (SB), rice hull (RH), and sunn hemp biomass (SHB) using 5 methylfurfural (MF) and 5 methul-2-furanmethanol (MFM). The reaction time (5 h) was selected based on the delignification of SB using methanol and Ru/C catalyst which yielded the highest hydroxyl content. Delignification of SB with various MF weight ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 3:1) revealed that 1:1 and 2:1 ratios produced the highest hydroxyl content (7.7 mmol/g) and bio-oil yield (23.2 % wt% total weight). Further exploration identified that RH and MF at 1:1 ratio and SHB and MF at a 2:1 ratio produced the highest hydroxyl content (13.0 mmol/g) and bio-oil yield (31.6 % wt% tot. weight). This study developed a one-step method to extract and modify lignin with furan compounds simultaneously while opening new avenues for developing value-added products.

Through-polymer, via technology-enabled, flexible, lightweight, and integrated devices for implantable neural probes

In implantable electrophysiological recording systems, the headstage typically comprises neural probes that interface with brain tissue and integrated circuit chips for signal processing. While advancements in MEMS and CMOS technology have significantly improved these components, their interconnection still relies on conventional printed circuit boards and sophisticated adapters. This conventional approach adds considerable weight and volume to the package, especially for high channel count systems. To address this issue, we developed a through-polymer via (TPV) method inspired by the through-silicon via (TSV) technique in advanced three-dimensional packaging. This innovation enables the vertical integration of flexible probes, amplifier chips, and PCBs, realizing a flexible, lightweight, and integrated device (FLID). The total weight of the FLIDis only 25% that of its conventional counterparts relying on adapters, which significantly increased the activity levels of animals wearing the FLIDs to nearly match the levels of control animals without implants. Furthermore, by incorporating a platinum-iridium alloy as the top layer material for electrical contact, the FLID realizes exceptional electrical performance, enabling in vivo measurements of both local field potentials and individual neuron action potentials. These findings showcase the potential of FLIDs in scaling up implantable neural recording systems and mark a significant advancement in the field of neurotechnology.

COST ANALYSIS OF SUSPENSION BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION IN KALIMANTAN BARAT PROVINCE

The successful implementation of a job begins with the determination of a reliable estimation value. One of the models used in determining the estimated value of a job, using data from the cost budget plan (RAB) on work that has been carried out, is the Cost Significant Model. In this study, the data used were five suspension bridge construction jobs starting from 2018 to 2022. the data obtained from the RAB is processed into independent variables and dependent variables, which are then tested using multiple linear regression methods using the SPSS application. Based on the results of the analysis, the influential variables are X2, namely Bridge Oprit Work; X4, namely Upper Building Work (Transportation and Installation of Truss Bridges); and X5, namely Lower Building Work (Angkur Block Work, Pyilon Foundations, Wind Ties) with a total weight of 85.30%. By using the equation Y = -21,640,343,680,000 + (1,856,843,372 x X2) + (453,953,095 x X4) + (41,965,201,370 x X5), the maximum value of 62.21% and minimum value of -98.05% are obtained, so it falls into the Class 5 category. Class 5 has an accuracy value ranging from +30% to +100%, so it is estimated that it is feasible to use it to carry out the initial concept screening estimation.

Effectiveness and Safety of Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Obesity.

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown sustained and clinically significant weight loss in the general population. There are limited data on outcomes of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A retrospective cohort study was conducted between June 4, 2021, and December 11, 2023, using TriNetX, a U.S. multi-institutional database in patients with obesity who had IBD compared with patients without IBD. The primary aim was to assess the mean total body weight (TBW) change between 6 and 15 months from initiation of semaglutide compared with baseline between the 2 cohorts. One-to-one (1:1) propensity score matching was performed for demographics, comorbid conditions, smoking status, and mean body mass index. A 2-sample t test was performed to assess mean TBW change from baseline, with a P value <.05 considered to be statistically significant. We also compared the risk of IBD-specific outcomes with and without semaglutide use in patients with IBD. Out of 47 424 patients with IBD and obesity, 150 (0.3%) patients were prescribed semaglutide (mean age 47.4 ± 12.2 years; mean TBW 237 ± 54.8 pounds; mean body mass index 36.9 ± 6.5kg/m2; 66% Crohn's disease). There was no difference in mean TBW change after initiation of semaglutide in the IBD and non-IBD cohorts (-16±13.4 pounds vs -18±12.7 pounds; P = .24). There was no difference in mean TBW change between 6 and 12 months (-16±13 pounds vs -15±11.2 pounds; P = .24) and 12 and 15 months (-20±13.2 pounds vs -21±15.3 pounds; P = .49) between the 2 cohorts. There was no difference in the risk of oral or intravenous steroid use and any-cause hospitalization in the semaglutide group compared with the group without semaglutide use in patients with IBD. Semaglutide use is effective in patients with IBD and obesity similar to patients without IBD, with >5% mean weight loss. There was no increased risk of IBD-specific adverse events with semaglutide use.

Fabrication and load test of ITER assembly tools for lifting heavy components

Korea Domestic Agency (ITER Korea, KODA) has procured 44 kind's assembly tools for ITER project. The assembly tools are classified by the steel structure, lifting table and lifting accessory. ‘PF 1, 6 and Central Solenoid Lifting Frame’ (CS Lifting Frame) and ‘Sector Lifting Tool’ (SLT) are the representative assembly tool classified the lifting accessory. The assembly tools handle the heavy component which over 1,000 tones for payload. In this reason, the verification of the strength of the tools is very important and the integrity of lifting accessory tools was verified by not only structural analysis but also load test at factory under 1.5 times the payload for minimum 15 min. It is the requirements of the technical specification. The main role of PF 1, 6 and CS Lifting Frame is to lift and transfer the ITER components (PF1 coil, PF6 coil and CS coil) from the assembly hall to the tokamak fit and their temporary support positions. The CS coil is heaviest component in payloads handled by CS Lifting Frame. The weight is about 1,000 tones and CS Lifting Frame was verified by 1,500 tones load test. Sector Lifting Frame is to lift and transfer the 40° sector module from Sector Sub-Assembly Tool (SSAT) to tokamak fit. The sector module consists of Vacuum Vessel (VV), VV Thermal Shield and Two Toroidal Flied Coils. The total weight of the sector module is about 1,300 tones and Sector Lifting Frame was verified by 2,000 tones load test. The load test was carried out according to test procedure approved by IO. This paper describes the overall test method, customized test JIG and result of the lifting tools for handling heavy components of ITER.

Newer Pharmacologic Treatments in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Clinical Guideline From the American College of Physicians.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this clinical guideline to update recommendations on newer pharmacologic treatments of type 2 diabetes. This clinical guideline is based on the best available evidence for effectiveness, comparative benefits and harms, consideration of patients' values and preferences, and costs. This clinical guideline is based on a systematic review of the effectiveness and harms of newer pharmacologic treatments of type 2 diabetes, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, a GLP-1 agonist and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonist, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and long-acting insulins, used either as monotherapy or in combination with other medications. The Clinical Guidelines Committee prioritized the following outcomes, which were evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach: all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, progression of chronic kidney disease, serious adverse events, and severe hypoglycemia. Weight loss, as measured by percentage of participants who achieved at least 10% total body weight loss, was a prioritized outcome, but data were insufficient for network meta-analysis and were not rated with GRADE. The audience for this clinical guideline is physicians and other clinicians. The population is nonpregnant adults with type 2 diabetes. ACP recommends adding a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist to metformin and lifestyle modifications in adults with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control (strong recommendation; high-certainty evidence). ACP recommends against adding a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to metformin and lifestyle modifications in adults with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control to reduce morbidity and all-cause mortality (strong recommendation; high-certainty evidence).

Mycorrhizae enhance minituber weight and nutrient content in potatoes transferred from in vitro to hydroponic culture under different phosphorus levels

The survival and productivity of potato plantlets transplanted from in vitro to commercial hydroponic minituber culture are crucial. Mycorrhizal fungi are an efficient tool to enhance potato nutrient uptake, survival, and productivity under these conditions. This study aimed to assess the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on improving the yield of minitubers and nutrient uptake in potatoes transferred from the in vitro environment to the greenhouse. This study was conducted in a greenhouse in Hamadan province, I.R. Iran, in 2013. The experimental design was factorial, including treatments with and without inoculation with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and varying phosphorus (P) concentrations in Hoagland’s solution (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of its maximum content, i.e. 0.965, 0.482, 0.241, and 0.12 mM H2PO4 -) with three replications on potato plantlets transferred from in vitro to pots. The results indicated that the highest colonization percentage was achieved with 25% P and inoculation. The highest number of minitubers (8.9), total minituber weight per plant (53.2 grams), plant height (54.6 cm), minituber (0.38%) and leaf (0.363%) P content, minituber (33 mg/kg) and leaf (65 mg/kg) manganese (Mn) content, and minituber (38 mg/kg) and leaf (65 mg/kg) zinc (Zn) content were obtained with inoculation and 75% P of Hoagland nutrient solution, which was statistically comparable to the inoculation with 100% P treatment. In summary, inoculating potato plantlets with mycorrhiza can enhance minituber yield and nutrient uptake and potentially replace approximately 50% of the P requirement in hydroponic solutions.

A Laboratory Machine Verifying the Operation of a Hydraulic Rope Equalizer with Tensometric Sensors.

In mining machines with friction discs, but also in multi-rope traction elevators, it is necessary to distribute the applied tensile load, generated by the weight of the cage and counterweight, evenly in all cross-sections of the load-bearing ropes. Hydraulic devices used for this purpose can operate on the principle of Pascal's law. This article presents a structural design, a 3D model and an implemented solution of a laboratory device capable of simulating a practical method of evenly distributing the total weight of the load into partial tensile forces of the same size acting on a selected number of load-bearing ropes. The laboratory equipment uses two pairs of three steel cables of finite length for the simulations. During the experimental measurements, tensile forces derived from the tractive force of the piston rods, pushed into the bodies of the hydraulic cylinders by the pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied through the pipeline under the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders, were detected. The resulting amount of hydraulic oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit influenced by different values of the hydraulic oil pressures in the hydraulic cylinders and by the pressure in the supply pipe was experimentally studied on the laboratory equipment. Simulations were also carried out in order to detect the hydraulic oil pressure in the hydraulic circuit caused by the change in the different magnitudes of the tensile forces in the ropes. From the experiments carried out, it follows that with the appropriate choice of hydraulic elements and the design of the hydraulic circuit, the weight of the load, acting as the total pulling force in the ropes, can be evenly distributed (with a deviation of up to 5%) to all cross-sections of the load-bearing ropes. If the exact values of the hydraulic oil volumes under the pistons of all hydraulic cylinders are not known, it is not possible to calculate the pressure values in the hydraulic circuit when the valves of the hydraulic pipes are gradually opened.