Variations In Characteristics Research Articles

Factors to Describe the Outcome Characteristics of a CI Recipient.

Background: In cochlear implant (CI) treatment, there is a large variability in outcome. The aim of our study was to identify the independent audiometric measures that are most directly relevant for describing this variability in outcome characteristics of CI recipients. An extended audiometric test battery was used with selected adult patients in order to characterize the full range of CI outcomes. Methods: CI users were recruited for this study on the basis of their postoperative results and divided into three groups: low (1st quartile), moderate (medium decentile), and high hearing performance (4th quartile). Speech recognition was measured in quiet by using (i) monosyllabic words (40-80 dB SPL), (ii) speech reception threshold (SRT) for numbers, and (iii) the German matrix test in noise. In order to reconstruct demanding everyday listening situations in the clinic, the temporal characteristics of the background noise and the spatial arrangements of the signal sources were varied for tests in noise. In addition, a survey was conducted using the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities (SSQ) questionnaire and the Listening Effort (LE) questionnaire. Results: Fifteen subjects per group were examined (total N = 45), who did not differ significantly in terms of age, time after CI surgery, or CI use behavior. The groups differed mainly in the results of speech audiometry. For speech recognition, significant differences were found between the three groups for the monosyllabic tests in quiet and for the sentences in stationary (S0°N0°) and fluctuating (S0°NCI) noise. Word comprehension and sentence comprehension in quiet were both strongly correlated with the SRT in noise. This observation was also confirmed by a factor analysis. No significant differences were found between the three groups for the SSQ questionnaire and the LE questionnaire results. The results of the factor analysis indicate that speech recognition in noise provides information highly comparable to information from speech intelligibility in quiet. Conclusions: The factor analysis highlighted three components describing the postoperative outcome of CI patients. These were (i) the audiometrically measured supra-threshold speech recognition and (ii) near-threshold audibility, as well as (iii) the subjective assessment of the relationship to real life as determined by the questionnaires. These parameters appear well suited to setting up a framework for a test battery to assess CI outcomes.

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter traces seasonally changing coastal processes in a river-influenced region of the western Bay of Bengal.

The optical characteristics of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) serve as a convenient tool for evaluating coastal processes, e.g., river runoff, anthropogenic inputs, primary production, and bacterial/photochemical processes. We conducted a study on the seasonal and spatial variability of absorbance and fluorescence characteristics of CDOM and nutrients in the coastal waters near the Gauthami estuary of River Godavari, the largest peninsular river of India, for a year. The surface aCDOM(350) showed a significant inverse relation with salinity in the coastal region, indicating a conservative mixing of marine and terrestrial end members. The aCDOM(350) was not conservative in the offshore (100m isobath) waters due to enrichment by secondary sources. Seasonal variability in optical properties indicated diverse sources for CDOM, as revealed by principal component analysis. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra followed by parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) revealed four distinct fluorophores. The tyrosine (B) fluorophore showed a predominant increase in the post-monsoon season (October to January), while tryptophan (T) was relatively more enriched, coincident with nutrient enrichment and transparency increase during the early monsoon phase (July). The biological index (BIX), which reflects recent photosynthetic activity, also displayed relatively higher values during the early monsoon. The humic fluorophores A and M, and humification index (HIX) were relatively enriched during the later phase of monsoon (July-October). HIX was > 4 in a few samples of the offshore region (100-m isobath) and indicated a probable contamination from drill-mud (bentonite) used in hydrocarbon exploration. During the monsoon, the relationship between T and B with CDOM was not evident due to the masking of B fluorescence in intact protein. However, during the post-monsoon (POM) and pre-monsoon (PRM) periods, this masking effect was not observed, likely due to protein degradation via bacterial and photochemical processes, respectively. Temporal variability in nutrients indicated that high ammonium levels were produced during POM (OM bacterial degradation), and high nitrite levels were observed during PRM (due to primary production). This study provides foundational insights into the use of CDOM for understanding the impact of diverse environmental, river discharge, and anthropogenic factors on coastal ecosystems.

Resistive random-access memories using quasi-2D halide perovskites for wafer-scale reliable switching behaviors

In this study, we propose the (PEA)2MA3Pb4I13, a quasi-two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskite, in the realm of resistive switching memory devices. A quasi-2D perovskite film (PEA)2MA3Pb4I13, with a thickness measuring 450 nm, has been effectively fabricated on a silicon substrate coated with platinum through an all-solution process conducted at low temperatures. The constructed resistive switching memory devices, incorporating an Ag/(PEA)2MA3Pb4I13/Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si configuration, display dependable and consistent bipolar switching attributes. The device shows an ultra-low operating voltage of less than +0.1 V, an impressive high ON/OFF ratio exceeding 108, reversible resistive switching via pulse voltage operation, and the capability for multilevel data storage. In addition, there is little variation in device characteristics depending on the location on a wafer or device size.

Digital identification of Aucklandiae radix, Vladimiriae radix, and Inulae radix based on multivariate algorithms and UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis.

The identification of Aucklandiae Radix (AR), Vladimiriae Radix (VR), and Inulae Radix (IR) based on traits and microscopic features is susceptible to the state of samples and the subjective awareness of personnel, and the identification based on a few or single chemical compositions is a cumbersome and time-consuming procedure and fails to rationally and effectively utilize the information of unknown components and is not specificity enough. This study aimed to improve the identification efficiency, strengthen supervision, and realize digital identification of three Chinese medicines. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) combined with multivariate algorithms was used to explore the digital identification of AR, VR, and IR. UHPLC-QTOF-MS was used to analyze AR, VR, and IR. The MS data combined with multivariate algorithms such as partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) was used to filter important variables and data modeling. Finally, the optimal model was selected for the digital identification of three herbs. The results showed that three herbs can be distinguished on the whole level, and through feature screening, 591 characteristic variables combined with multivariate algorithms to construct data models. The ANN model was the best with accuracy = 0.983, precision = 0.984, and external verification showed the reliability and practicability of ANN model. ANN model combined with MS data is of great significance for tdigital identification of AR, VR, and IR. It is an important reference for developing the digital identification of traditional Chinese medicines at the individual level based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS and multivariate algorithms.

Considerations for vertical jump testing in collegiate basketball players: The impact of immediate individual versus social comparison feedback and team leaderboard engagement

Recent literature has shown that the provision of feedback can enhance vertical jump performance acutely, as well as chronically when implemented during phases of training. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of two types of visual feedback on performance and variability of countermovement jump-derived force-time characteristics in a cohort of male and female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 basketball players. Specifically, individual visual feedback (IVF) was compared to a form of social comparison feedback (SCF), and authors hypothesized there to be performance increases and more stable measures in the SCF condition. In line with this hypothesis, findings suggested significantly enhanced performance in the SCF condition for seven out of eight force-time metrics (e.g. jump height and reactive strength index modified). However, given the small between-condition effect sizes, differences between conditions may lack practical significance. Furthermore, findings suggested less between-jump variability in the SCF condition, compared to the IVF condition, making for a more stable assessment. This in particular makes for more reliable measures, for which when studied over time, more subtle changes in performance may be observed. In summary, our findings highlight acutely enhanced vertical jump performance, and more stable measures, when athletes are exposed to an SCF condition, compared to a normal IVF condition. Practitioners are encouraged to consider these findings when planning vertical jump assessments and are discouraged from implementing different types of feedback at random, especially when measuring performance over time.

Variation in Flow Characteristics of Molten Baths at Different Blowing Stages in the Converter

The metallurgical tasks at different stages of converter blowing are different. The process operation and physical properties of molten baths are also different. It is very important to determine the flow characteristics of molten baths at different blowing stages for optimizing process operation. In this paper, a three-dimensional, full-scale model of a 120 t top–bottom combined blowing converter is established. Based on the parameters of oxygen lance position, bath temperature, bottom blowing intensity, and bath physical properties at different blowing stages, the changes in bath flow field, turbulent kinetic energy, impact depth, impact area, and wall shear force with blowing process are studied. The results show that at the initial stage of blowing, the lance position is high, the impact depth of the molten bath is 0.23 m, the impact area is 5.06 m2, the dead zone area of the longitudinal section is 0.40 m2, and the high-speed zone area is 2.73 m2. As the blowing time increases, the lance position decreases, the impact depth of the molten bath increases, the impact area decreases, and the internal velocity of the molten bath increases. In the later stage of tuyere blowing, the lance level decreases to its lowest, the impact depth increases to 0.42 m, the impact area decreases to 2.83 m2, the dead zone area of longitudinal section decreases to 0.18 m2, and the high-speed area increases to 3.34 m2. The area with the highest wall shear stress is situated within the gas–slag–metal three-phase region, where the lining experiences the most significant erosion. The fluctuation in the slag–metal interface is small, and the wall shear force is 2.80 Pa at the initial stage of blowing. From the early to late stages of blowing, the lance position decreases, the fluctuation range of the slag–metal interface increases, and the erosion of the furnace lining increases. In the later stage of blowing, the maximum wall shear force is 3.81 Pa.

Association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and stroke risk in Chinese normal-weight adults: a population-based study

BackgroundIdentifying high-risk populations and promoting stroke prevention measures can be achieved through studies on stroke and its risk factors. As a new alternative indicator of insulin resistance (IR), the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index may potentially increase stroke risk. However, the evidence confirming this association is inadequate and inconsistent, possibly due to variations in stroke assessment criteria or characteristics of the study populations. This study aims to evaluate the association between the TyG index and stroke risk level among individuals with normal-weight.MethodsA total of 30,895 participants aged ≥ 40 years with normal-weight were enrolled in this study. The TyG index was calculated as Ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Normal-weight was described as a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-<24.0 kg/m2. Stroke risk was assessed by the Stroke Risk Assessment Scale, developed by the China National Stroke Screening and Prevention Project. To evaluate the associations between the TyG index and stroke risk level, multivariate logistic regression models were employed.ResultsResults showed that when the TyG index was considered as a continuous variable, each one unit increase in the TyG index was associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke [Moderate-risk (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 2.03–2.28; P<0.001); High-risk (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 3.57–4.10; P<0.001)]. Compared with Q1 of the TyG index, Q4 was significantly associated with moderate stroke risk (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 2.50–2.99; P<0.001) and high stroke risk (OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 4.83–6.01; P<0.001). The continuous TyG index was an important risk factor for high stroke risk in the metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals (OR, 3.44;95% CI, 2.92–4.06; P < 0.001). In the MONW individuals, when Q1 was used as a reference, participants in Q4 (OR, 5.33; 95% CI, 4.19–6.78; P < 0.001) was significantly associated with high stroke risk. Subgroup analysis showed significant interaction in the age and sex subgroups in the overall population (Pinteraction <0.001).ConclusionThe risk of stroke is increased with the TyG index among Chinese adults of normal weight; hence, the index may be an important indicator for identifying high-risk stroke populations among individuals with normal body weight.

Rumen microbiota helps Tibetan sheep obtain energy more efficiently to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

T-sheep and H-sheep exhibit different environmental adaptability and production performance. The rumen microbiome has co-evolved with hosts and plays a vital role in nutrient digestion and energy metabolism. In our previous study, we found that T-sheep have a higher efficiency in energy metabolism than H-sheep, but the rumen microbial community remains unclear. In this study, we determined the rumen bacterial profile and rumen fermentation parameters to reveal the bacterial profiles and predictive functions among breeds and diets with four different energy levels, as well as the correlation between bacterial profiles and rumen fermentation characteristics. The results showed that the rumen total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetate, butyrate, total branched-chain VFAs, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate were higher in T-sheep than H-sheep. The alpha diversity of ruminal bacteria is not affected by dietary energy, but it shows a distinction between the sheep breeds. Specifically, T-sheep rumen bacteria exhibit higher alpha diversity than H-sheep. The beta diversity of ruminal bacteria is not influenced by dietary energy or sheep breeds, indicating similar communities of ruminal bacteria between different diets and sheep breeds. The phyla of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes predominate in the rumen, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes observed in T-sheep than H-sheep. The two most abundant genera in the rumen were Prevotella 1 and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Prevotella 1 is the predominant bacterial genus in the rumen of H-sheep, while the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group dominates in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial co-occurrence network analysis reveals that variations in rumen fermentation characteristics result from differences in module abundance, with a higher abundance of VFA-producing modules observed in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial function prediction analysis showed that dietary energy rarely alters the functional composition of rumen bacteria. However, there were differences in the functions of rumen bacteria between sheep breeds, with T-sheep showing a greater emphasis on energy metabolism-related functions, while H-sheep showed a greater emphasis on protein metabolism-related functions. These findings provide evidence of the special rumen microbial community that helps T-sheep efficiently obtain energy from low-protein and low-energy diets, enabling them to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Discrimination of tea seed oil adulteration based on near-infrared spectroscopy and combined preprocessing method

Near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics was used to qualitatively distinguish the types of adulterated oils in binary adulteration of tea seed oil in this study. To address the limitations of a single preprocessing method, nine preprocessing methods from four categories were combined, and the impact of preprocessing method order on model accuracy was assessed. Additionally, variable iterative space shrinkage approach (VISSA), interval combinatorial optimization (ICO), and uninformative variables elimination (UVE) were used to screen characteristic wavelengths. Subsequently, a discriminative model for tea seed oil adulteration was constructed using two strategies. The results indicate that the order of preprocessing methods significantly influences model accuracy, and combining preprocessing methods can effectively enhance model accuracy. All three characteristic wavelength selection methods effectively screened characteristic variables. Both two strategies demonstrate good discriminant capabilities for binary adulteration in tea seed oil. In strategy 1, identification accuracies for the calibration, prediction and external datasets are 98.67 %, 100 % and 94.44 %, respectively. In strategy 2, identification accuracies for the calibration, prediction and external datasets are 100 %, 98 % and 94.44 %, respectively. Therefore, integrating NIRS with combined preprocessing and variable screening can effectively discern the types of adulterated oils in tea seed oil, serving as a potent detection tool.

Rehabilitation Is Associated With Improvements in Post-COVID-19 Sequelae.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome has affected millions of people, with rehabilitation being at the center of non-pharmacologic care. However, numerous published studies show conflicting results due to, among other factors, considerable variation in subject characteristics. Currently, the effects of age, sex, time of implementation, and prior disease severity on the outcomes of a supervised rehabilitation program after COVID-19 remain unknown. This was a non-randomized case-control study. Subjects with post-COVID-19 sequelae were enrolled. Among study participants, those who could attend an 8-week, supervised rehabilitation program composed the intervention group, whereas those who couldn't the control group. Measurements were collected at baseline and 8 weeks thereafter. Study groups (N = 119) had similar baseline measurements. Participation in rehabilitation (n = 47) was associated with clinically important improvements in the 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, adjusted (for potential confounders) odds ratio (AOR) 4.56 (95% CI 1.95-10.66); 1-min sit-to-stand test, AOR 4.64 (1.88-11.48); Short Physical Performance Battery, AOR 7.93 (2.82-22.26); health-related quality of life (HRQOL) 5-level EuroQol-5D (Visual Analog Scale), AOR 3.12 (1.37-7.08); Montreal Cognitive Assessment, AOR 6.25 (2.16-18.04); International Physical Activity Questionnaire, AOR 3.63 (1.53-8.59); Fatigue Severity Scale, AOR 4.07 (1.51-10.98); Chalder Fatigue Scale (bimodal score), AOR 3.33 (1.45-7.67); Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), AOR 4.43 (1.83-10.74); Post-COVID-19 Functional Scale (PCFS), AOR 3.46 (1.51-7.95); and COPD Assessment Test, AOR 7.40 (2.92-18.75). Time from disease onset was marginally associated only with 6MWT distance, AOR 0.99 (0.99-1.00). Prior hospitalization was associated with clinically important improvements in the mMRC dyspnea scale, AOR 3.50 (1.06-11.51); and PCFS, AOR 3.42 (1.16-10.06). Age, sex, and ICU admission were not associated with the results of any of the aforementioned tests/grading scales. In this non-randomized, case-control study, post-COVID-19 rehabilitation was associated with improvements in physical function, activity, HRQOL, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. These associations were observed independently of timing of rehabilitation, age, sex, prior hospitalization, and ICU admission.

Strategic Workforce Analysis: Identifying Skills and Gaps Among Frontline Public Health Workers Amidst Transformation.

Recent shifts in public health (PH) include consistent budget cuts, workforce attrition, and loss of vital skills and institutional knowledge followed by heightened pandemic-driven attention, new responsibilities, and renewed funding. This study investigates whether frontline employees working in different types of public health departments have different educational characteristics and whether these characteristics are associated with differentials in skill gaps toward informing targeted interventions to nurture a competitive workforce. Utilizing 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) data, we document variations in educational qualifications, skill gaps, and workforce characteristics among frontline workers in different sizes of health departments and examine attributes associated with skill gaps: level and field of education, years of experience, program areas, and job classifications using a negative binomial model. Skill gaps in resource management, systems and strategic thinking, and change management persist across all local health departments (LHDs), but the extent of these gaps is greater in small LHDs. Small LHDs also have few employees with graduate and public health degrees. Additionally, whereas public health degrees were not associated with fewer skill gaps, tenure in public health was, suggesting people learn on the job. The results highlight the role regional training centers can play in emphasizing the need for strategic skills and foundational public health concepts, as well as customizing training content by agency size and educational levels to improve accessibility, particularly for small LHDs with resource constraints.

Scale Characteristics of Six Fish Species of the Genus Cyprinion (Teleostei: Cypriniformes): A Microscopic Analysis.

This study investigated the morphological characteristics of scales in six Cyprinion species, using light and scanning electron microscopy focusing on key features such as scale type, key scales, lateral line scales, radius/radii, rostral margin, focus, circuli, lepidonts, tubercles, and scale indices. The research analyzed the scales using ultramicroscopy and light microscopy imaging, categorizing them based on size classes and body regions. The morphological variations in scale characteristics were examined across different species, regions, and size classes. Notable findings included the tetra-sectioned form of scales, representing a unique characteristic of the Cyprinion genus. Morphological changes in scale features were observed with fish growth, particularly in the overall shape, focus shape, and size. Quantitative analysis revealed variations in average relative scale length and width among different species, regions, and size classes. The study utilized canonical discriminant analysis for multivariate assessment, classifying the species into distinct groups based on morphometric indices. The findings contribute to the understanding of scale morphology in Cyprinion species and exploring morphological variation between the examined species.

Longitudinal and transversal intramuscular variation of muscle fiber and meat quality characteristics in bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum

This study evaluates longitudinal and transversal intramuscular variations in muscle fiber and meat quality characteristics in bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL). The LTL muscles (n = 5) from the left side of the beef carcass were cut at intervertebral segment intervals (between 1st thoracic vertebra (TV) and 6th lumbar vertebra (LV)). The pennation angle demonstrated an increasing trend from the anterior to posterior regions regardless of the medial (M-zone) and lateral (L-zone) regions (P < 0.05). The M -zone had a higher pennation angle than the L-zone in the TV and 1st LV (P < 0.05). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers, excluding type I, was larger in the posterior region than the anterior region (P < 0.05). A larger CSA of type I/IIA, IIA, IIAX, and IIX was observed on the lateral side than on the medial side of the 13th TV (P < 0.05). Fiber types were more oxidative (types I and IIA) in the anterior region and more glycolytic (types IIA/IIX and IIX) in the posterior region. Fat content was higher in the anterior region than in the posterior region (P < 0.05). The lowest redness, yellowness, and Warner-Bratzler shear force values were observed in the middle of the muscle, whereas the lightness value was lower in the posterior region regardless of the transversal region (P < 0.05). Therefore, bovine LTL muscles exhibit unique morphological properties and contribute to understanding meat quality associated with morphological and muscle fiber characteristics in relation to their intramuscular variations.

In vitro fecal fermentation characteristics and dynamic changes in physicochemical and structural properties of oat β-glucan

Oat β-glucan (OG) is a common food in many diets, but the relationship between the structural changes of dietary fibre and the dynamic shifts in gut microbiota composition remains unclear. In this study, the dynamic variations of physicochemical and structural characteristics of OG at different fermentation stages were studied using an in vitro porcine colonic digestion model. lMeanwhile, the correlation between the molecular structure changes of OG and its regulation of gut microorganisms during fermentation was studied. The molecular weight of OG decreased with the prolongation of fermentation time due to the decomposition of the glucoside bond by gut microorganisms. Methylation analysis showed that the sugar residues in OG mainly included T-Glcp, 3-Glcp and 4-Glcp, while the proportions of 3-Glcp and 4-Glcp did not change significantly during the process of fermentation, demonstrating that gut microorganisms could equally decompose β-(1, 3) and β-(1, 4) glucoside bonds. During the fermentation process, OG inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, especially Lactobacillus. Compared with gum arabic, hawthorn pectin, arabinoxylan, guar gum and dendrobium officinale polysaccharide, OG showed the fastest fermentation rate and highest Lactobacillus abundance. This study's results offer a scientific foundation for enhancing the conversion of oat β-glucan (OG) into prebiotics within the functional food industry. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the reciprocal regulation between other structural polysaccharides and gut microorganisms.

Conceptualizing burnout from the perspective of parents of children with complex care needs

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate how parents of children with complex care needs conceptualize burnout from the perspective of parents themselves. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 38 parents, selected for maximal variation in parental, child, and family characteristics. Inductive thematic analysis was employed. ResultsBurnout was conceptualized as encompassing three themes: having a reoccurring long-term nature, commencing with symptoms of stress progressing into exhaustion, and ending in a survival mode wherein parents worked hard to project an image of everything being well and under control (fighting) while distancing physically and emotionally from others and themselves (fleeing). ConclusionBurnout involves specific aspects of caregiving and parenting, such as long-term responsibility for the child, which cannot be relinquished. Furthermore, burnout may also be ‘hidden’: not always showing to the outside world, which requires extra attention and vigilance among parent's informal and formal networks. Awareness of the various interpretations of the term may foster constructive communication. InnovationFocusing on parents’ individual experiences has illuminated new aspects of burnout. By purposively sampling a variety of parents of children with complex care needs, a broader understanding of the meaning of the term ‘burnout’ from the perspective of parents was achieved.

Computer Simulation for Determination of Critical Buckling Temperatures of Sandwich Microplates with Cellular Core and CNT-RC Piezoelectric Patches via MSGT

This study introduces a computational simulation which leads to obtaining the critical buckling temperatures of a sandwich microplate which is modeled based on the modified strain gradient theory. This theory includes three material length scale parameters. The core of the microstructure is made from cellular materials which is treated with piezoelectric carbon nanotubes-reinforced composite patches. An advanced trigonometric hyperbolic shear deformation theory, eliminating the need for shear correction factors, is employed to analyze the microstructure. Thickness-dependent variations in structural characteristics are observed based on predefined functions. The equilibrium equations are derived using the virtual displacement principle. Fourier series functions provide an analytical way of solving these equations. The findings are verified by comparison with earlier research that was published and used fewer complex combinations. The study looks at how several important factors affect the structure’s reaction to thermal buckling.

Identification of fermented soy sauce and blended soy sauce based on dielectric spectra

A new method based on dielectric properties has been developed to distinguish blended soy sauce from fermented soy sauce. Fifty samples of pure fermented soy sauce and blended soy sauce with different contents of hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) were prepared. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor of all soy sauce samples in the 30 MHz–3000 MHz frequency range were measured using an impedance analyzer. The sample set was divided into a correction set and a prediction set using the joint x-y distances (SPXY) algorithm, and the partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM) models were adopted to distinguish the different samples. The effects of selecting characteristic variables on model prediction using the full spectra (FS), principal component analysis (PCA), and successive projection algorithm (SPA) were compared. Results indicate that the discriminant effect of the PLS model was better than that of the SVM model overall. The SPA–PLS model had the best predictive performance among the six developmental models. The correlation coefficients of the correction set and prediction set were 0.9205 and 0.9096, respectively. The root mean square error of the calibration set was 1.3699 and that of the prediction set was 1.5950. The study demonstrated that the combination of dielectric spectra and stoichiometry can be utilized to determine whether soy sauce has been adulterated.

Assessing catchment-scale groundwater discharge: Optimal tracers and factors analysis

Identifying streamwater-groundwater interactions (SGI) is crucial for effective water resource management, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Despite the effectiveness of tracers in detecting these interactions, their large-scale application is challenged by the variability in tracer characteristics and natural conditions. This study addresses these challenges through extensive research across seven watersheds (7636−60,916 km2) in China's Loess Plateau (CLP). We utilized multiple physicochemical and stable isotope tracers (δ2H and δ18O) to elucidate the spatiotemporal variations and controlling factors of SGI, and to estimate uncertainties in quantifying SGI using various indicators during unidirectional water exchange periods. Our findings indicated that groundwater discharge into streamwater dominates SGI in the CLP, with mean discharge ratios (the percentage of river flow that originates from groundwater discharge) varying from 10% to 57%. Significant spatial variability was observed both across and within watersheds. The central watersheds exhibited lower discharge ratios (23 ± 11%) compared to the northern (29 ± 12%) and southern (25 ± 13%) watersheds. The upper reaches showed higher discharge ratios (28 ± 12%) compared to the middle and lower reaches (22 ± 8%). Loess thickness and vegetation primarily limit groundwater discharge by affecting groundwater storage and water flow velocity. The utilization of individual isotopic or hydrochemical indicators introduces large uncertainties in quantifying groundwater discharge ratios due to isotope fractionation or water-rock interaction, while the combination of these two indicators can reduce uncertainties in quantifying SGI. This study provides valuable insights for selecting environmental tracers to quantify SGI, contributing to sustainable water resource management in arid and semi-arid regions.

Emergency department 30-Day emergency department revisits among people with sickle cell disease: Variations in characteristics.

People with sickle cell disease (SCD) often have emergency department (ED) revisits. The characteristics of people with SCD with ED revisits were assessed in this study using Medicaid administrative claims data from California and Georgia, representing 2794 and 3641 individuals with SCD, respectively. In both states, those with 6+ primary care provider (PCP) encounters had the highest percentage of ED revisits. In California, those with 6+ hematology encounters had the lowest percentage of individuals with an ED revisit; in Georgia, those with 1-2 hematology encounters. Increasing access to hematologic care may reduce ED revisits among people with SCD.

Statistical analysis of vertically stacked nanosheet complementary FET based on polycrystalline silicon with multiple grain boundaries

In this study, a complementary field-effect transistor (CFET) based on a polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) stacked-nanosheet (NS) structure with a grain boundary (GB) is designed and analyzed using a technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulation. The advantage of the CFET using a poly-Si is that the active cell region can be reduced by 50 % because the p-type transistors are vertically stacked on the n-type transistors. In addition, it is possible to replace the conventional CMOS process and fabricate a three-dimensional vertically stacked structure at a low cost. To consider the effect of the GB in poly-Si, we assumed that there is a single GB at the center of the body region. By optimizing the geometrical parameters of the proposed CFET, the transfer characteristics of the NMOS and PMOS transistors, such as the threshold voltage (Vth), on current (Ion), off current (Ioff), and subthreshold swing (SS), are symmetrical. The proposed CFET demonstrated a superior logic performance of NML = 0.299 V and NMH = 0.297 V at an operation voltage of VDD = 0.65 V. To consider random GBs in the poly-Si, we assumed that five GBs existed in the proposed CFET, and the variation in CMOS logic inverter characteristics are statistically analyzed. As a result, the RSDs for Vm of the NMOS and PMOS transistors are 2.067 % and 0.293 %, and the RSDs of the pull-down delay time (tpHL) and pull-up delay time (tpLH) are 5.320 % and 3.244 %, respectively. An acceptor-like traps with high trap density are dominant in the proposed CFET, and this trend is similar across the 1024 samples. Nevertheless, most of the differences are within 5 % and the proposed CFET exhibited stability against GBs and the potential to replace the conventional CMOS logic inverters.