Anti-aging performance improvement and enhanced combustion efficiency of boron via the coating of PDA

Boron is an ambitious fuel in energetic materials since its high heat release values,but its application is prohibited by low combustion efficiency and oxidization during storage.The polydopamine(PDA)was introduced into boron particles,investigating the impact of PDA content on the energetic behavior of boron.The results indicated that the PDA coating formed a fishing net structure on the surface of boron particles.The heat release results showed that the combustion calorific value of B@PDA was higher than that of the raw boron.Specifically,the actual combustion heat of boron powder in B@10%PDA increased by 38.08%.Meanwhile,the DSC peak temperature decreased by 100.65℃under similar oxidation rate compared to raw boron.Simultaneously,the B@PDA@AP and B@AP composites were prepared,and their combustion properties were evaluated.It was demonstrated that B@10%PDA@AP exhibited superior performance in terms of peak pressure and burning time,respectively.The peak pressure is 12.43 kPa more than B@AP and burning time is 2.22 times higher than B@AP.Therefore,the coating of PDA effectively inhibits the oxidization of boron during storage and enhances the energetic behavior of boron and corresponding composites.

Deterioration Reason and Improvement Measure of the Retarding Effect of Protein Retarder on Phosphorus Building Gypsum

The retarding effect of protein retarder on phosphorus building gypsum(PBG)and desulfurization building gypsum(DBG)was investigated,and the results show that protein retarder for DBG can effectively prolong the setting time and displays a better retarding effect,but for PBG shows a poor retarding effect.Furthermore,the deterioration reason of the retarding effect of protein retarder on PBG was investigated by measuring the pH value and the retarder concentration of the liquid phase from vacuum filtration of PBG slurry at different hydration time,and the measure to improve the retarding effect of protein retarding on PBG was suggested.The pH value of PBG slurry(<5.0)is lower than that of DBG slurry(7.8-8.5).After hydration for 5 min,the concentration of retarder in liquid phase of DBG slurry gradually decreases,but in liquid phase of PBG slurry continually increases,which results in the worse retarding effect of protein retarder on PBG.The liquid phase pH value of PBG slurry can be adjusted higher by sodium silicate,which is beneficial to improvement in the retarding effect of the retarder.By adding 1.0%of sodium silicate,the initial setting time of PBG was efficiently prolonged from 17 to 210 min,but little effect on the absolute dry flexural strength was observed.

A spatiotemporal evolution model of a short-circuit arc to a secondary arc based on the improved charge simulation method

The initial shape of the secondary arc considerably influences its subsequent shape.To establish the model for the arcing time of the secondary arc and modify the single-phase reclosing sequence,theoretical and experimental analysis of the evolution process of the short-circuit arc to the secondary arc is critical.In this study,an improved charge simulation method was used to develop the internal-space electric-field model of the short-circuit arc.The intensity of the electric field was used as an independent variable to describe the initial shape of the secondary arc.A secondary arc evolution model was developed based on this model.Moreover,the accuracy of the model was evaluated by comparison with physical experimental results.When the secondary arc current increased,the arcing time and dispersion increased.There is an overall trend of increasing arc length with increasing arcing time.Nevertheless,there is a reduction in arc length during arc ignition due to short circuits between the arc columns.Furthermore,the arcing time decreased in the range of 0°-90°as the angle between the wind direction and the x-axis increased.This work investigated the method by which short-circuit arcs evolve into secondary arcs.The results can be used to develop the secondary arc evolution model and to provide both a technical and theoretical basis for secondary arc suppression.

Selection criteria of MPOB-Angola germplasm collection for yield improvement of the oil palm

Oil palm germplasm collected from Angola,Africa in 1991 were subjected to genetic variability potential studies.The collection was planted in the form of open-pollinated families as trials at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board(MPOB)Kluang Research Station,Johor,Malaysia,in 1994.Dura palms from 52 families and tenera palms from 44 families of MPOB-Angola were evaluated for their bunch yield and bunch quality components.The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the families and performance of MPOB-Angola germplasm for yield improvement.The analysis of variance(ANOVA)revealed highly significant differences between the dura and tenera families for most of the traits,suggesting the presence of high genetic variability,which is essential for breeding programmes.Among the duras,family AGO 02.02 displayed the best yield performance,with a high fresh fruit bunch,oil yield and total economic product at 240.40,29.46 and 37.93 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.As for the teneras,family AGO 03.04 recorded the highest FFB yield and oil yield at 249.25 and 45.22 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.Besides that,several families with big fruit sizes or producing a mean fruit weight of 14-17 g were also identified.Both dura and tenera from AGO 01.01 recorded the highest oil to bunch(O/B)of 17.76%and 28.65%,respectively.These findings will facilitate the selection of palms from the MPOB-Angola germplasm for future breeding programmes.

Treatment of bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip joint with an improved technique:A case report

BACKGROUND Developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH)is a common osteoarticular deformity in pediatric orthopedics.A patient with bilateral DDH was diagnosed and treated using our improved technique"(powerful overturning acetabuloplasty)"combined with femoral rotational shortening osteotomy.CASE SUMMARY A 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed with bilateral DDH could not stand normally,and sought surgical treatment to solve the problem of double hip extension and standing.As this child had high dislocation of the hip joint and the acetabular index was high,we changed the traditional acetabuloplasty to"powerful turnover acetabuloplasty"combined with femoral rotation shortening osteotomy.During the short-term postoperative follow-up(1,3,6,9,12,and 15 months),the child had no discomfort in her lower limbs.After the braces and internal fixation plates were removed,formal rehabilitation training was actively carried out.CONCLUSION Our"powerful overturning acetabuloplasty"combined with femoral rotational shortening osteotomy is feasible in the treatment of DDH in children.This technology may be widely used in the clinic.

Effect of Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis as an Improver on the Rheological Properties of Wheat Flour Dough

Dough improvers are substances with functional characteristics used in baking industry to enhance dough properties. Currently, the baking industry is faced with increasing demand for natural ingredients owing to increasing consumer awareness, thus contributing to the rising demand for natural hydrocolloids. Gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis is a natural gum exhibiting excellent water binding and emulsification capacity. However, very little is reported on how it affects the rheological properties of wheat dough. The aim of this study was therefore, to determine the rheological properties of wheat dough with partial additions of gum Arabic as an improver. Six treatments were analyzed comprising of: flour-gum blends prepared by adding gum Arabic to wheat flour at different levels (1%, 2% and 3%), plain wheat flour (negative control), commercial bread flour and commercial chapati flour (positive controls). The rheological properties were determined using Brabender Farinograph, Brabender Extensograph and Brabender Viscograph. Results showed that addition of gum Arabic significantly (p chapati. These findings support the need to utilize gum Arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis as a dough improver.

Post-operative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection for gallbladder cancer: A national surgical quality improvement program analysis

BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract.Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy(NACT)has improved overall survival by enabling R0 resection.Currently,there is no consensus of guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy in gallbladder cancer.As investigations continue to analyze the regimen and benefit of NACT for ongoing care of gallbladder cancer patients,we examined American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(NSQIP)database to determine if there was higher morbidity among the neo-adjuvant group within the 30-day post-operative period.We hypothesized patients who underwent NACT were more likely to have higher post-operative morbidity.AIM To investigate the 30-day post-operative morbidity outcomes between patients who received NACT and underwent surgery and patients who only had surgery.METHODS A retrospective analysis of the targeted hepatectomy NSQIP data between 2015 and 2019 was performed to determine if NACT in gallbladder cancer increased the risk for post-operative morbidity(bile leak,infection rate,rate of converting to open surgery,etc.)compared to the group who only had surgery.To calculate the odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes,a crude logistic regression was performed.RESULTS Of the 452 patients,52 patients received NACT prior to surgery.There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of morbidity between the two groups,including bile leak[odds ratio(OR),0.69;95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.16-2.10;P=0.55],superficial wound infection(OR,0.58;95%CI:0.03-3.02;P=0.61),and organ space wound infection(OR,0.63;95%CI:0.18-1.63;P=0.61).CONCLUSION There was no significant difference in the risk of 30-day post-operative morbidity between the NACT and surgery group and the surgery only group.

Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery

Background: Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth, economic intricacies, and complex healthcare challenges, particularly in Lagos State, the economic hub and most populous state, faces the challenge of ensuring quality healthcare access. The overview of the effect of quality improvement initiatives in this paper focuses on private healthcare providers in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study assesses the impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects on these private healthcare facilities. It explores the level of participation, perceived support, and tangible effects of the initiatives on healthcare delivery within private healthcare facilities. It also examines how these initiatives influence patient inflow and facility ratings, and bring about additional benefits and improvements, provides insights into the challenges faced by private healthcare providers in implementing quality improvement projects and elicits recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such initiatives. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed for in-depth exploration, utilizing semi-structured interviews. Private healthcare providers in Lagos involved in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project were purposively sampled for diversity. Face-to-face interviews elicited insights into participation, perceived support, and project effects. Questions covered participation levels, support perception, changes observed, challenges faced, and recommendations. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes from interview transcripts. Adherence to ethical guidelines ensured participant confidentiality and informed consent. Results: Respondents affirmed active involvement in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, echoing literature emphasizing private-sector collaboration with the public sector. While acknowledging positive influences on facility ratings, respondents highlighted challenges within the broader Nigerian healthcare landscape affecting patient numbers. Respondents cited tangible improvements, particularly in staff management and patient care processes, validating the positive influence of quality improvement projects. Financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge, aligning with existing literature emphasizing the pragmatic difficulties faced by private healthcare providers. Conclusions: This study illuminates the complex landscape of private healthcare provision in Lagos State, emphasizing the positive impact of donor-funded quality improvement projects. The findings provide nuanced insights, guiding policymakers, healthcare managers, and practitioners toward collaborative, sustainable improvements. As Nigeria progresses, these lessons will be crucial in shaping healthcare policies prioritizing population well-being.

Research on the Status Quo and Improvement Needs of Foreign Language Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Curriculum-Based Ideological Education in Xinjiang Colleges and Universities

This study investigated the status quo and further improvement needs of foreign language teachers’teaching competence in curriculum-based ideological education(CIE)in Xinjiang colleges and universities.The results show that the teachers’teaching competence in CIE is generally good,with the“cultivating quality”being the highest and the“scientific research quality”the lowest;there still exist several problems,such as teachers’lack of theoretical knowledge in CIE,lack of teaching resources,and insufficient abilities in teaching design and research.It is hoped that with the support and efforts from university administrations,teachers can improve their teaching competence in CIE through various approaches adopted and multiple measures taken,thus optimizing their teaching effectiveness,promoting the construction of CIE in Xinjiang colleges and universities in the new era,and contributing to Xinjiang’s high-quality development.

Discussion on the Status Quo of Vocational College Students’Self-Image and its Improvement Strategies

An individual’s self-image is a multi-dimensional and multi-structural concept.Its internal dimensions include ability,knowledge,values,personality,and temperament,and its external dimensions are physical appearance,behavior,and clothing.A good image will have a positive impact both in life and at work.We will choose appropriate clothing and makeup to modify the external image and cultivate positive qualities such as correct values and an optimistic attitude towards life to enhance internal dimensions.Among them,“personality”and“ability”mostly belong to the research category of mental health education,and“values”fit in the research field of ideological and political education.Ideological and political education and mental health education are both important components of higher education,which show similarities between them.Ideological and political education and mental health education can complement each other in many ways to enhance students’self-image.

Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle

Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle,and its quality can be influenced by both epi-genetic modification and epigenetic inheritance.The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming,while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring’s development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline.Therefore,the selec-tion of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers.We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.

Classification and Net Primary Productivity of the Southern China's Grasslands Ecosystem Based on Improved Comprehensive and Sequential Classification System(CSCS) Approach

This research classified vegetation types and evaluated net primary productivity （NPP） of southern China＇s grasslands based on the improved comprehensive and sequential classification system （CSCS）, and proposed 5 thermal grades and 6 humidity grades. Four classes of grasslands vegetation were recognized by improved CSCS, namely, tundra grassland class, typical grassland class, mixed grassland class and alpine grassland class. At the type level, 14 types of vegetations （9 grasslands and 5 forests） were classified. The NPP had a trend to decrease from east to west and south to north, and the annual mean NPP was estimated to be 656.3 g C m-2 yr-1. The NPP value of alpine grassland class was relatively high, generally more than 1200 g C m2 yr-1. The NPP value of mixed grassland class was in a range from 1 000 to 1200 g C m-2 yr-1. Tundra grassland class was located in southeastern Tibet with high elevation, and its NPP value was the lowest （〈600 g C m＇2yrl）. The typical grassland class distributed in most of the area, and its NPP value was generally from 600 to 1000 g C m-2 yr-1. The total NPP value in the study area was 68.46 Tg C. The NPP value of typical grassland class was the highest （48.44 Tg C）, and mixed grassland class was the second （16.54 Tg C）, followed by alpine grassland class （3.22 Tg C）, with tundra grassland class being the lowest （0.25 Tg C）. For all the grasslands types, the total NPP of forest meadow was the highest （34.81 Tg C）, followed by sparse forest brush （16.54 Tg C）, and montane meadow was the lowest （0.01 Tg C）.

Targeted mutagenesis of amino acid transporter genes for rice quality improvement using the CRISPR/Cas9 system

High grain protein content(GPC) reduces rice eating and cooking quality(ECQ). We generated OsAAP6 and OsAAP10 knockout mutants in three high-yielding japonica varieties and one japonica line using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Mutation efficiency varied with genetic background in the T_0 generation, and GPC in the T_1 generation decreased significantly,owing mainly to a reduction in glutelin content. Amylose content was down-regulated significantly in some Osaap6 and all Osaap10 mutants. The increased taste value of these mutants was supported by Rapid Visco Analysis(RVA) profiles, which showed higher peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity and lower setback viscosity than the wild type. There were no significant deficiencies in agronomic traits of the mutants. Targeted mutagenesis of OsAAP6 and OsAAP10, especially OsAAP10, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can rapidly reduce GPC and improve ECQ of rice, providing a new strategy for the breeding cultivars with desired ECQ.

THE RIEMANN PROBLEM WITH DELTA INITIAL DATA FOR THE NON-ISENTROPIC IMPROVED AW-RASCLE-ZHANG MODEL

In this paper,we study the Radon measure initial value problem for the nonisentropic improved Aw-Rascle-Zhang model.For arbitrary convex F(u)in this model we construct the Riemann solutions by elementary waves andδ-shock waves using the method of generalized characteristic analysis.We obtain the solutions constructively for initial data containing the Dirac measure by taking the limit of the solutions for that with three piecewise constants.Moreover,we analyze different kinds of wave interactions,including the interactions of theδ-shock waves with elementary waves.

A method for predicting the water-flowing fractured zone height based on an improved key stratum theory

In the process of using the original key stratum theory to predict the height of a water-flowing fractured zone(WFZ),the influence of rock strata outside the calculation range on the rock strata within the calculation range as well as the fact that the shape of the overburden deformation area will change with the excavation length are ignored.In this paper,an improved key stratum theory(IKS theory)was proposed by fixing these two shortcomings.Then,a WFZ height prediction method based on IKS theory was established and applied.First,the range of overburden involved in the analysis was determined according to the tensile stress distribution range above the goaf.Second,the key stratum in the overburden involved in the analysis was identified through IKS theory.Finally,the tendency of the WFZ to develop upward was determined by judging whether or not the identified key stratum will break.The proposed method was applied and verified in a mining case study,and the reasons for the differences in the development patterns between the WFZs in coalfields in Northwest and East China were also fully explained by this method.

Adoption of Improved Rice Varieties in the Global South:A Review

Improved rice varieties(IRVs)play a significant role in establishing food security and improving livelihood in the Global South since its introduction in the 1960s.However,the adoption of new IRVs has remained relatively low.This low adoption poses a challenge to rice-producing and consuming countries as they are increasingly threatened by production shortages,malnutrition,and poor rice quality.Many empirical studies have attempted to identify the determinants influencing the adoption of IRVs by distinguishing the characteristics between adopters and non-adopters.This review showed a consensus on the important determinants influencing the adoption of IRVs in the Global South.Findings synthesized from 99 studies suggested that variables(farm size,education,information access and farm location)examined extensively are not necessarily the most important determinants of adoption when undertaking a weighted analysis.Terrain,source of seed and technology-related attributes(perceived yield,maturity,ease of use,marketability and technical efficiency)are more important determinants of adoption,with determinants changing according to adoption type(probability or intensity of adoption),variety type and region.The recommendations for future adoption studies include:incorporating more technology-specific variables,increasing research for overlooked regions and variety types,shifting away from predominant static analysis by capturing the dynamics of the adoption process,and considering the potential biases in analyses.This review will facilitate the development of targeted interventions and policies that promote IRV adoption in the Global South.

Study on an improved rotating microchannel separator in the intensification for demulsification and separation process

An improved rotating microchannel(IRM) separator was further explored in the intensification for demulsification and separation process. Oil-in-water(O/W) emulsion system of 2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid-2-ethylhexyl ester(P507)–water without emulsifier was employed to evaluate the performance of the new equipment. In this experiment, the influence on demulsification separation process was explored by changing the geometrical structure and channel height of the microchannel and combining the liquid–liquid two-phase flow pattern, and the correlation general graph between demulsification efficiency and dimensionless parameters was established. The total demulsification effect of the IRM and the separation capacity of the clear organic phase recovered from demulsification are significantly improved. In addition, the liquid–liquid two-phase flow pattern of the clear organic phase after demulsification and the remaining emulsion in the IRM are observed and recorded by high-speed photography. The separation ability of organic phase from the upper outlet can be significantly improved when the total demulsification rate of IRM is up to 90%. There are 3 types and 6 kinds of flow patterns observed. The results demonstrated that the suitable demulsification performance is obtained when the liquid–liquid two-phase inside the IRM is in a parallel pattern. Finally, the relation map between total demulsification efficiency and the universal flow is drawn, which provides a basis for the accurate control of the IRM device.

Structural plane recognition from three-dimensional laser scanning points using an improved region-growing algorithm based on the robust randomized Hough transform

The staggered distribution of joints and fissures in space constitutes the weak part of any rock mass.The identification of rock mass structural planes and the extraction of characteristic parameters are the basis of rock-mass integrity evaluation,which is very important for analysis of slope stability.The laser scanning technique can be used to acquire the coordinate information pertaining to each point of the structural plane,but large amount of point cloud data,uneven density distribution,and noise point interference make the identification efficiency and accuracy of different types of structural planes limited by point cloud data analysis technology.A new point cloud identification and segmentation algorithm for rock mass structural surfaces is proposed.Based on the distribution states of the original point cloud in different neighborhoods in space,the point clouds are characterized by multi-dimensional eigenvalues and calculated by the robust randomized Hough transform(RRHT).The normal vector difference and the final eigenvalue are proposed for characteristic distinction,and the identification of rock mass structural surfaces is completed through regional growth,which strengthens the difference expression of point clouds.In addition,nearest Voxel downsampling is also introduced in the RRHT calculation,which further reduces the number of sources of neighborhood noises,thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the calculation.The advantages of the method have been verified by laboratory models.The results showed that the proposed method can better achieve the segmentation and statistics of structural planes with interfaces and sharp boundaries.The method works well in the identification of joints,fissures,and other structural planes on Mangshezhai slope in the Three Gorges Reservoir area,China.It can provide a stable and effective technique for the identification and segmentation of rock mass structural planes,which is beneficial in engineering practice.

Seasonal variability of the mixed layer depth determined using an improved maximum angle method in the Arctic basins

To investigate the spatiotemporal variations in the mixed layer depth(MLD)in the Arctic basins,a new criterion to determine the MLD,called the improved maximum angle method(IMAM),was developed.A total of 45123 potential density profiles collected using Ice-Tethered Profilers(ITPs)in the Arctic basins during 2005-2021 were used to demonstrate the method’s effectiveness.By comparing the results obtained by the fixed threshold method(FTM),percentage threshold method(PTM),and maximum gradient method(MGM)for profiles in the Canada Basin,Makarov Basin,and Eurasian Basin,we determined that the quality index(1.0 for perfect identification of the MLD)of the IMAM regarding the assessment of the MLD determination method reached 0.94,which is much greater than those of other criteria.Moreover,two types of the density profiles were identified based on the mixed layer development stage.The MLDs of the typical profiles determined using the IMAM were found to have better consistency with the original definition.By utilizing the new mixed layer criterion,the seasonal variations and regional differences in the MLD in the Arctic basins were analyzed.Spatially,the summer and winter MLDs in the Canada Basin were the shallowest(13.55 m in summer,26.76 m in winter)than those in the Makarov(29.51 m in summer,49.08 m in winter)and Eurasian(20.36 m in summer,46.81 m in winter)basins due to the stable stratification in the upper ocean and the subsequent small effects of dynamic and thermodynamic processes(wind-driven stirring and brine rejection)in the Canada Basin.Seasonally,in the three Arctic basins,the average MLD was shallowest(22.77 m)in summer;it deepened through autumn and reached a winter maximum(41.12 m).

Reflections on,and Improvements of,the Mediation Functions of People's Assessors

Legislatively,the people’s assessors are defined as individuals who share judicial power.However,in the context of dispute resolutions,their role is restricted by the courts,which affects the extent of their assessorial activities.It is imperative to reconsider the implications of the people’s assessors’deep involvement in mediation from the standpoint of societal division of labor.To enhance this division of labor,it is advisable that the people’s assessors relinquish their mediation roles.It is necessary to redefine the distinctions between people’s assessors,judges,and people’s mediators,including specially invited mediators.This would not only make up the deficiencies in the role of professional judges but also relieve the tension between judicial professionalism and popular accountability.