Natural fibres from renewable resources offer a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic reinforcements. This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of Borassus husk fibre/epoxy composites, fabricated via the hand layup process using untreated and alkali-treated fibres. The fibres were treated with 5% NaOH for varying durations (0.25-2 hours), and their thermal stability was assessed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) following ASTM E2550. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed according to ASTM D5418-01 to evaluate their mechanical performance at elevated temperatures. Results indicate that alkali treatment significantly enhances the thermal stability of the composites, as evidenced by increased char content (up to 11.5%) and higher integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT), with the 0.75-hr treated fibre/epoxy (0.75TBHFE) achieving the highest IPDT (580°C). The composites also demonstrated superior energy dissipation and mechanical stiffness compared to neat epoxy (NE) and other bio-fibres based composites. The glass transition temperature (Tg) increased from 83.9°C (NE) to 94.6°C (0.5TBHFE), outperforming composites reinforced with other natural fibres. Additionally, storage modulus and damping factor (tan δ) improved significantly, with 0.5TBHFE exhibiting the best balance between stiffness and damping. The total mass loss (TML) was reduced by approximately 34% compared to NE, further confirming the enhanced thermal stability. These findings suggest that alkali-treated Borassus husk fibre/epoxy composites offer excellent thermal resistance, mechanical strength and impact resistance, making them promising materials for high-performance applications in the aerospace and automotive industries, which would also promote sustainable development. However, variations in properties of biofibres require further research, along with the development of an efficient supply chain for industrialscale production.

A document by Hannah Dawson. Click on the document to view its contents.

A document by Sri Lakshmi. Click on the document to view its contents.

Background: Recently, multiple pulsed field ablation (PFA)-system were introduced for catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data comparing procedural performance, acute antral lesion size, and myocardial injury between different PFA-systems in a real-world setting remain scarce. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing CA for AF were enrolled. PFA was performed using either a Pentaspline catheter-system (PCS) or a loop catheter-system (LCS). The extent of acute antral lesion size was assessed using a 3D-electroanatomical mapping system. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) was measured the day after the procedure to assess myocardial injury. Results: A total of 120 patients (median age 67 [59-73] years, 29% female) underwent de novo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The PCS-group included 90 patients, while the LCS-group included 30 patients. Acute PVI was achieved in all patients (100%). Procedural times were significantly shorter in the PCS compared to the LCS-group, including total procedure duration (57 [48-67] vs 66 [52–83] min, p=0.016), left atrial dwell time (38 [32–48] vs 54 [38–65] min, p<0.001), and ablation duration (17 [12–23] vs 24 [20–33] min, p<0.001). Acute antral lesion size and myocardial injury were significantly lower in the PCS compared to the LCS-group (6.6 [5.0–8.9] vs. 19.2 [16.8–25.4] cm 2, p<0.001 and hs-cTnT of 1282 [892-1894] vs 1588 [1281-2110] ng/L, p=0.029. Conclusion: Significant differences were observed between two commercially available PFA-systems. While PCS was associated with significantly shorter procedural time, LCS resulted in a greater extent of acute antral lesion size and myocardial injury levels.

How steeply metabolic rate and growth rate change (scale) with body mass, and their causal relationship, has been hotly debated for over a century. Prevailing theory argues that metabolic and growth rates are physically constrained to scale in the same way for all organisms, with body mass0.75. Rivalling life-history optimisation theory suggests that scaling can vary and is shaped by evolutionary optimisation of energy allocation among metabolic rate, growth, and reproduction. However, past research has almost exclusively investigated metabolic scaling across individuals or species, not within individuals as they grow through ontogeny. This is critical oversight, as body mass is gained through growth, and bodily growth occurs within individuals. Here, we longitudinally measured body mass and both standard (maintenance) and maximum metabolic rates (and thus metabolic scope) on average 6.6 times within the same 389 individuals from seven fish species. We uncover previously unrecognized co-variation in the within-individual (ontogenetic) scaling of metabolic and growth rates: scaling of standard metabolic rate correlates positively with scaling of growth rate, while scaling of metabolic scope corelates negatively with scaling of growth rate. This indicates a trade-off whereby accelerating ontogenetic growth comes at a cost of reduced metabolic scope to support functions beyond maintenance. Our results challenge traditional 0.75-power scaling and new life-history optimisation theory that predicts a negative correlation between ontogenetic scaling of metabolic rate and growth. Our findings also suggest that unaccounted variation in growth is a likely explanation for the century-long debate about whether, and to what extent, metabolic scaling varies.

Identifying ecologically important traits that drive adaptation to different climatic conditions and how these vary across environments is fundamental to understand how species cope and respond to current and future climate change. Yet, knowledge of such traits remains scarce. In the Mediterranean region, plant species from the Lamiaceae family produce essential oils rich in monoterpenes. Monoterpenes protect against climatic stress, and many plants are polymorphic for monoterpene compounds in the oils. In Thymus vulgaris, different chemical types (chemotypes) have previously been documented to form two ecotypes: a phenolic ecotype adapted to warm and dry summers, and a non-phenolic ecotype adapted to tolerate winters with severe freezing. Here, we report on a large-scale mapping of natural chemical variation within and across four widespread aromatic Mediterranean species (T. vulgaris, T. zygis, Oreganum vulgare, and Satureja montana). Covering a large gradient of climatic variation, we combined our own data of chemical variation in T. vulgaris collected at different altitudes across Southern France with a comprehensive literature review of studies from the entire the Western Mediterranean region. By integrating this data with historic climatic variable records, we reveal that phenolic and non-phenolic ecotypes of T. vulgaris across its native distribution in the Mediterranean region. Moreover, we found that the ecotypic variation extends across all four species, suggesting a broader pattern of climate-driven convergent phenotypic differentiation within Lamiaceae family.

Immune cells are crucial in the body’s defence mechanisms. γδT cells are a non-traditional subpopulation of T cells with distinct structures and functions. γδT cells exhibit unique immune functions, contribute to both innate and adaptive immunity, and are implicated in several immune disorders. An increasing number of studies have identified changes in γδT cell numbers, types, and secreted cytokines in IBD. However, whether γδT cells in IBD are beneficial or detrimental remains controversial. Several studies have explored γδT cell-based therapies for immune disorders, and γδT cell-based therapy for IBD has emerged as a promising research direction. There are numerous reviews of γδT cells and autoimmune diseases, but few reviews focus on γδT and IBD. Therefore, this article briefly summarizes the current understanding of γδT cells in IBD.

Iranian-Soviet relations have experienced significant historical turning points, beginning in the 19th century. The relationship was marked by considerable complexity and tension across political, economic, and social fields, including during the Constitutional Movement (1905-1911) when Tsarist Russia opposed constitutional trends and individual freedoms, and later during the reigns of Reza Shah Pahlavi and his son, Mohammad Reza.

A document by Kamal Acharya. Click on the document to view its contents.

In this paper, we study a canonical mass-spring electrostatically actuated Micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) model. We investigate the Ambrosetti-Prodi bifurcation phenomena of periodic solutions and analyze the dynamical behavior as the parameter varies continuously. The main results partially address the open problem posed by Torres and provide theoretical support for the stability analysis and design of MEMS devices. Further, through numerical bifurcation analysis, we provide bifurcation diagrams, time series and phase diagrams to reveal the key results.

Let µ be a positive Borel measure on the interval [0 ,1) and µ n denote the n-th moment of the measure µ, that is, µ n = ∫ [ 0 , 1 ) t n d µ ( t ) . For 0 ∞, the generalized Ces a ̀ ro-type operator C µ , γ is defined by C µ , γ ( f ) ( z ) = ∑ n = 0 ∞ ( µ n ∑ k = 0 n Γ ( n − k + γ ) Γ ( γ )( n − k )! a k ) z n , z ∈ D where f ( z ) = ∑ n = 0 ∞ a n z n is an analytic function in D. This article is devote to study the measures µ for which C µ , γ is a bounded (resp., compact) operator from the Bloch type space B α ( 0 < α < ∞ ) into B β .

In this paper, the averaging principle for Conformable fractional stochastic differential equations with Lévy noise was investigated. Firstly, the averaging principle of the classical Itô type Conformable fractional stochastic differential equations is given. Secondly, the averaging principle with Lévy noise is also given. Different from the approach of integration by parts or decomposing integral interval to deal with the estimation of integral involving singular kernel in the existing literature, we use a new method to estimate the error of the solution between the averaged stochastic equation and the conformable fractional stochastic differential equations, and overcome the integral involving singular kernel. Finally, a simulation example is given to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis.

A case report of fibrosing mediastinitis with intervention for pulmonary veins stenoses

Dispersal is a complex process that affects all living organisms, with the settlement phase being particularly critical. This phase depends on the interaction between the environmental conditions of the new habitat and the biological traits of both resident and immigrant populations. While these factors have been studied individually, their combined effects remain poorly understood. To address this gap, we conducted an invasibility experiment using the facultatively sexual rotifer Brachionus plicatilis as a model organism. We examined how the combination of migration rates, genetic diversity in the resident population, and the propensity for sexual reproduction in immigrants influence settlement success. Using whole-genome sequencing, we tracked immigrant private alleles to assess settlement. Our results indicate that all three factors –both individually and interactively–, significantly affect settlement success. Specifically, higher migration rates, lower genetic diversity in the resident population, and earlier sexual reproduction in immigrants were all associated with greater settlement success. Notably, high migration rates had the strongest impact when combined with early sexual reproduction in immigrants, while low genetic diversity in the resident population facilitated the settlement of immigrants with delayed sexual reproduction. These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple interacting factors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of dispersal dynamics. They also provide valuable insights into the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms governing the settlement in new habitats with pre-existing populations.

Understanding how environmental gradients shape genetic variation is fundamental to evolutionary ecology. Isophya rizeensis, an endemic bush cricket distributed along the Fırtına Valley of Türkiye, exhibits striking altitudinal color polymorphism, making it an ideal system for studying local adaptation. Using genome-wide RAD-seq data from 71 individuals across and altitudinal gradient (450–2300 m elevation), we identified $92,048$ polymorphic loci, including 1,113 putatively adaptive SNPs. Despite low genome-wide differentiation (Fst < 0.05), adaptive loci exhibited greater divergence, suggesting selection-driven genetic structuring. Genome-wide association analyses identified 101 SNPs significantly correlated with altitude, with bidirectional allele frequency shifts indicating disruptive selection. Discriminant analysis further revealed three major-effect loci differentiating color morphs, which were also significantly associated with elevation. Our findings illustrate the interplay between selection, gene flow, and local adaptation, highlighting how environmental heterogeneity structures genomic variation in montane ecosystems. These results provide insights into the genetic basis of phenotypic divergence and contribute to understanding biodiversity persistence under changing environmental conditions.

Many animals exploit anthropogenic food sources, like agricultural crops and bird feeders, and it is likely that the distribution of these resources can determine the size and composition of species’ home ranges. Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) use anthropogenic food sources across their range, particularly during the winter. As such, access to anthropogenic food sources may shape their seasonal movement patterns. We estimated home range size and core use areas for 65 wild turkeys in south-central Ontario from 2017 to 2019. We used satellite and aerial imagery to evaluate the composition of anthropogenic food sources within turkey utilization distributions (UDs) and found that, for females during the summer, crop was positively associated with home range size, whereas livestock exhibited a strong negative relationship. For males, the opposite relationships were detected with crop and livestock, and pasture was also a significant predictor of space use. Understanding the anthropogenic factors that affect wild turkey home range size and composition is important for making informed management decisions for the

The issue of air pollution management in Apapa Port, Lagos State, Nigeria, is the focus of this research, and the key drivers of pollution and challenges of environmental policy implementation and adoption of cleaner technologies are to be identified. Institutional theory is applied in these researches to provide a rigorous framework for understanding the issue of air pollution management in Apapa Port, Lagos State, Nigeria.Methodologically, the study employs both primary and secondary data source with 153 stakeholders' sample drawn on the basis of Taro Yamane from a sample frame of 250 stakeholders based on half population of 500 stakeholders made up of harbor workers (NPA), dockworkers (NN), regulatory institutions (NIMASA), and adjoining local residents.The findings show that vehicle emissions, specifically diesel trucks, are the most prominent source of air pollution in Apapa Port, contributing 33%. Emissions from marine vessels rank second at 21%, once more pointing to introducing cleaner fuel policies. Emissions from outdated cargo-handling equipment contribute 17% and regulatory and governance matters contribute 19%, a sign of enforcement challenge and multi-agency responsibilities. Inadequacies in infrastructure and technology explain 10% of determinants, suggesting systemic issues in the port to manage pollution. Issues with regulation and governance combined with technological limitations have a significant bearing on air quality regulation enforcement according to the regression analysis. The findings indicate the requirement for an integrated approach, i.e., cleaner fuel policy, modernization of equipment, and increased regulatory capacity to promote air quality management at the port.

When placed in front of a button and instructed to press it only when they “feel the urge” to do so, humans typically make a “spontaneous” decision to act at seemingly random times, usually between 5 and 30sec from trial start. In such a situation, how does our brain make a decision that the time to act has come? To investigate this question, we used a 6-area brain-constrained neural-network model that accounts for neurophysiological and anatomical features of relevant areas of the cortex.To replicate the experimental settings under which volitional button-presses are performed, we analysed the network activity in absence of any “sensory” input: we observed spontaneous ignitions of previously-learned “perception-action” circuits (linking “visual” information to corresponding “hand/finger movement”) caused by the accumulation of noise within them, which we took as model correlates of self-generated decisions to act. The time to first spontaneous circuit ignition was then used to build a simulated waiting-time histogram.We found that, for select values of the parameters, the network autonomously “decided” to act (or to wait) in a way that accurately reflected participant behaviour under such conditions. Additionally, we found that when the model’s macroscopic behaviour matched that of participants, its microscopic activity prior to a spontaneous ignition event also reproduced the pre-movement slow ramping neural signal (readiness potential, RP) experimentally recorded using electroencephalography.Reproducing both behavioural and brain indexes of spontaneous voluntary movements, the present brain-constrained architecture offers a neuro-mechanistic explanation for the emergence of endogenous action decisions in the human brain in the form of memory traces’ spontaneous ignitions. Our results also speak to the ongoing debate over the interpretation of the RP, suggesting that, rather than reflecting motor preparation (a decision outcome), the emerging RP is pre-decisional, with overt movement being the result of a distributed perception-action circuit spontaneous ignition.

The mechanisms of ammonia toxicity are still poorly understood, although hyperammonemia can cause symptoms similar to those observed in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Understanding the molecular pathways involved in ammonia neurotoxicity may possibly explain the reasons for the formation of brain abnormalities in ASD, and also open prospects for reducing ammonia exposure. In the first part of this review, we consider the mechanisms of ammonia toxicity, including the effects on the developing nervous system. We focus on the role of hyperammonemia in the modulation of neurotransmission systems and the development of neuroinflammation. In the second part of the review, we highlight the link between hyperammonemia and autism. We discuss changes in ammonia metabolism in animals with autism models and in patients with ASD, and possible causes of such abnormalities.

Objective: This report summarizes key discussions from the meeting “Current Standards and Future Directions of Respiratory Assessment and Management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD),” organized by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) Italy and U.S. to address current challenges and opportunities in DMD respiratory care. Methods: The meeting brought together researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates who shared experiences, discussed advancements in DMD respiratory management, and identified areas of debate that require further research. Results: The speakers emphasized routine assessment of pulmonary function and of breathing during sleep to achieve timely diagnosis of respiratory complications. Therapeutic discussions focused on airway clearance and assisted ventilation, highlighting non-invasive ventilation (NIV) as the preferred modality, even for advanced respiratory failure. The respiratory implications of new pharmacological therapies were discussed. The speakers endorsed the importance of cardiorespiratory outcomes in assessments of drug efficacy. To assess a drug’s clinical impact and to define current respiratory phenotypes, the trajectory of the absolute value of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) was proposed as a potentially better parameter than FVC percent predicted, which is favored in current drug studies. In regard to management of acute respiratory failure and perioperative situations, standards of care and areas needing future research were identified. Conclusion: In this meeting, many points of consensus emerged, as well areas requiring further research. The necessity to involve patients and their families in all aspects of respiratory care was emphasized, as well as the need for patient centered outcomes in medical decision making and research.

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is related to several clinical diseases, including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. Intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 is rarely reported in Brazil and worldwide. Objective: identify HTLV-1 polymorphisms in family transmissions in Belem, Para, Amazon region of Brazil. Methods: Nested PCR of the pX gene, followed by Restrict Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) to identify HTLV-1. Nested PCR of the 5’LTR region was used for nucleotide sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were analyzed using GENEIOUS 4.8.5 and MAFFT v.7. Results: The study investigated 72 individuals (14 index cases and 58 relatives) from 14 families, identifying HTLV-1 infection in 47% (27/58) of the relatives. Vertical transmission occurred in 14 (39%) of the 36 mother/child relationships investigated, and sexual transmission was observed in 14 (74%) of the 19 marital relationships. Both transmission routes were identified only in families with the highest average number of relatives investigated. Conclusion: Nucleotide analysis demonstrated HTLV-1 stability in intrafamilial transmission. High rate of HTLV-1 intrafamilial transmission was identified in this study, indicating infection perpetuation and virus stability.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly becoming integral in various sectors like transportation and healthcare, driving the development of new services. This paper proposes an innovative security approach for IoT, utilizing feature selection, dynamic learning with statistical change detection, and Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) for ongoing model refinement. Applied to a comprehensive IoT dataset, this method effectively tackles feature drift in dynamic environments, underscoring the need for flexible cybersecurity tactics. It demonstrates the proposed framework’s role in transforming attack detection and classification in IoT. The testing involved 33 attacks on an IoT network with 105 devices. The results indicate that our methodology significantly improves classification performance by 8% to 67%, depending on the drift percentage.

IntroductionLIG4 syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the LIG4 gene, which encodes a key enzyme in the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway [1.2]. The syndrome is characterized by microcephaly, developmental delay, immunodeficiency, radiosensitivity, and increased susceptibility to malignancies. Due to its diverse clinical manifestations, diagnosing LIG4 syndrome, especially in neonates, poses significant challenges. Early diagnosis and comprehensive management are essential for improving outcomes in affected patients.

Radiotherapy-based comprehensive management for bronchial metastasis from ovarian cancer: a case report and literature reviewKey Clinical Message ：Comprehensive management based on radiotherapy can achieve long-term survival in ovarian cancer with bronchial metastasis.