A multi-reference source spanning the whole composites science field, this text covers such topics as: fibre reinforcements and general theory of composites; polymer matrix composites; metal matrix composites; test methods, nondestructive evaluation and smart composites; and design and application.
L. A. Kolahalam, I. K. Viswanath, B. S. Diwakar
et al.
Abstract The recent past in the technological development evidenced that evolution in Nanotechnology and nanoscience is the key factor. Nanotechnology is multidisciplinary science which deals with physics, chemistry, materials science and other engineering sciences. The applications of Nanotechnology are spreading in almost all the branches of science and technology. The present review article highlighted the types of nanoparticles and their synthesis methods, characterization techniques. There are many techniques and applications are reported in the last five years but here we strictly focused on the general synthetic approaches and applications of the nanomaterials which provide a general idea to the young researchers.
The factor structure of the Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ; a continuous, quantitative measure of autistic traits) was evaluated with confirmatory factor analyses in a large general population and student sample. The criterion validity of the AQ was examined in three matched patient groups (autism spectrum conditions (ASC), social anxiety disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder). A two factor model, consisting of a “Social interaction” factor and “Attention to detail” factor could be identified. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the AQ were satisfactory. High total AQ and factor scores were specific to ASC patients. Men scored higher than women and science students higher than non-science students. The Dutch translation of the AQ is a reliable instrument to assess autism spectrum conditions.
There are difficult problems in materials science where the general concepts might be understood but which are not as yet amenable to scientific treatment. We are at the same time told that good engineering has the responsibility to reach objectives in a cost and time-effective way. Any model which deals with only a small part of the required technology is therefore unlikely to be treated with respect. Neural network analysis is a form of regression or classification modelling which can help resolve these difficulties whilst striving for longer term solutions. This paper begins with an introduction to neural networks and contains a review of some applications of the technique in the context of materials science.
ABSTRACT Background Although surgical treatment is the primary measure for patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU), nonoperative management (NOM) has become a common alternative. However, risk score models predicting the success of NOM based on the analysis of a large number of patients remain scarce. We developed a clinically applicable scoring system to predict the success of NOM in patients with PPU using data from a large cohort. Method We analyzed data of the Perforated Peptic ulcer Analyzing Project (PPAP), which was a retrospective survey of adult patients with PPU between January 2011 to December 2022. The successful NOM case was defined as patients who survived until hospital discharge without requiring surgery. Factors associated with NOM were identified using a multivariable logistic regression analysis, and a scoring system to predict NOM was developed by weighting these factors based on the regression coefficients. Result Of 702 potentially eligible patients, 584 were treated with NOM, of which 130 patients (22.2%) were treated successfully. Age, sex, body temperature, heart rate, the extent of peritoneal irritation signs, C reactive protein, spread of ascites, and sepsis were included in the final model. Using these variables, we developed the scoring system named PPAP score, which had favorable discriminating ability with the area under receiving operating characteristic curve of 0.799. When the cut‐off was set to 56, the sensitivity and the specificity were 0.738 and 0.722, respectively. Conclusion A predictive scoring model was developed. However, external validation of the model is required to confirm its clinical applicability.
Surgery, Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology
This article proposes an improved algorithm for the parameter identification of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). An enhanced raccoon optimization algorithm (EROA) was formed by combining the raccoon optimization algorithm (ROA) with the adaptive exploration radius, raccoon-washing-food-inspired, and escaping-predator strategies. First, using some of the functions in IEEE CEC2015, the EROA solution has a large improvement in convergence speed and solution accuracy compared with other algorithms. Second, the EROA solution is more stable under the same conditions, as demonstrated by MATLAB parameter identification simulation. Finally, EROA is applied to motor parameter identification through motor control experiments.
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are a class of systemic insecticides widely used in agriculture owing to their high efficacy and selectivity. As one of the most globally consumed beverages, tea may represent a potential dietary source of pesticide residues. However, limited research has examined NEO contamination in tea and its implications for human exposure, highlighting the need for further investigation. Therefore, this study comprehensively evaluated the residue characteristics, processing effects, and human exposure risks of six NEOs—dinotefuran (DIN), imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), thiamethoxam (THM), clothianidin (CLO), and thiacloprid (THI)—in Chinese tea products. According to the findings, the primary pollutants, ACE, DIN, and IMI, accounted for 95.65% of the total NEO residues in 137 tea samples, including green, oolong, white, black, dark, and herbal teas. The highest total target NEO (∑6NEOs) residue level was detected in oolong tea (mean: 57.86 ng/g). Meanwhile, IMI exhibited the highest residue level (78.88 ng/g) in herbal tea due to the absence of high-temperature fixation procedures. Concentrations of DIN in 61 samples (44.5%) exceeded the European Union’s maximum residue limit of 10 ng/g. Health risk assessment indicated that both the chronic hazard quotient (cHQ) and acute hazard quotient (aHQ) for adults and children were below the safety threshold (<1). However, children required special attention, as their exposure risk was 1.28 times higher than that of adults. The distribution of NEO residues was significantly influenced by tea processing techniques, such as full fermentation in black tea. Optimizing processing methods (e.g., using infrared enzyme deactivation) and implementing targeted pesticide application strategies may help mitigate risk. These results provide a scientific foundation for enhancing tea safety regulations and protecting consumer health.
Streptomycetes are vital microbial resources used in agriculture and biotechnology and are diverse secondary metabolites. The <i>Streptomyces olivoreticuli</i> YNK-FS0020 strain was isolated from the rhizosphere soil in Yunnan’s Wuliangshan Forest; its functions were explored via a series of experiments and genomic analysis. Indoor assays showed that this strain inhibits seven plant pathogens (including <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f. sp. <i>cubense</i> Tropical Race 4) and exhibits phosphorus solubilization, siderophore production, and plant-growth promotion. Genomic analysis revealed 47 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters: 12 shared over 60% similarity with known clusters (4 exhibited 100% similarity, involving antimycin and ectoine), while 19 showed low similarity or unknown functions, indicating the strain’s potential in the development of novel compounds. Genes related to tryptophan-IAA synthesis, phosphate metabolism, and siderophore systems were annotated, while metabolomics detected indole-3-acetic acid and kitasamycin, revealing mechanisms like hormonal regulation and antimicrobial secretion. In summary, YNK-FS0020 has potential for use in plant-growth promotion and disease control, aiding agricultural microbial resource utilization.
The development of Internet information technology has given digital agricultural technology extension services advantages over earlier agricultural technology extension models, rendering them more conducive to the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural development. This study leveraged survey data from 1167 farmers in Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces and used the propensity score matching method to elucidate the impact and mechanism of the digital agricultural technology extension service on the adoption of organomineral fertilizer. The results indicate that farmers who had used digital agricultural technology extension services had a 7.2% to 10.2% increase in the probability of adopting organomineral fertilizer compared with their non-user counterparts. In addition, adoption intensity increased from 7.0% to 9.9%. Secondly, digital agricultural technology extension services indirectly influence farmer adoption behavior by shaping their perceptions of benefits and reducing transaction costs. Also, this study examined the heterogeneity in the adoption of organomineral fertilizer facilitated by digital agricultural technology extension services. The findings of this study provide policy recommendations for advancing the use of digital agricultural technology extension services and enhancing organomineral fertilize adoption rates of farmers.
Abstract Background The emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance, primarily driven by the mcr-1 gene, represents a major global health threat. IncI2 plasmids, one of the leading carriers of mcr-1, have been frequently recovered from clinical and agricultural settings. However, their persistence in the absence of antibiotic pressure and adaptive responses to colistin exposure remain poorly understood. Methods We conducted 60-day laboratory evolution experiments using Escherichia coli C600 carrying the mcr-1-harboring IncI2 plasmid pBD110 under three colistin concentrations (0, 2, and 4 mg/L). Stability was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bacterial fitness was assessed using growth curve analysis and competition assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method. Conjugation potential was examined using conjugation experiments. Genomic alterations were investigated using whole-genome sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis. Results pBD110 was stably maintained for 120 passages under all conditions, with no significant loss observed in the absence of colistin. Under strong selection (4 mg/L), plasmid abundance increased, whereas moderate pressure (2 mg/L) led to fitness costs and reduced plasmid copy number. Whole-genome sequencing revealed distinct adaptive strategies: plasmids under non-selective conditions accumulated mutations in conjugation-related genes, enhancing transfer frequency, whereas those under colistin exposure retained structural stability but acquired shufflon inversions that impaired conjugation. Host genomes accumulated numerous chromosomal mutations, particularly in metabolic and stress response pathways, to compensate for resistance-associated burdens. Conclusions IncI2 plasmids exhibit dual evolutionary strategies. In the absence of colistin, they optimized horizontal transfer, whereas under selective pressure, they prioritized the stability and vertical inheritance of mcr-1. These findings provide new insights into the persistence and dissemination of colistin resistance and highlight evolutionary trade-offs that shape plasmid-host coadaptation.