Search Results (194)

This study evaluates the competency-based performance of Initial Incident Commander (IIC) candidates—fire officers who serve as first-arriving, on-scene incident commanders—in South Korea and identifies sub-competency deficits to inform training improvements. Using evaluation data from 92 candidates tested between 2022 and 2024—of whom 67 achieved certification and 25 did not—we analyzed counts and mean scores for each sub-competency and integrated transcribed radio communications to contextualize deficiencies. Results show that while a majority (72.8%) passed, a significant proportion (27.2%) failed, with recurrent weaknesses in crisis response, progress management, and decision-making. For example, “Responding to Unexpected or Crisis Situations 3-3” recorded 27 unsuccessful cases with a mean score of 68.8. Candidates also struggled with resource allocation, situational awareness and radio communications. The study extends recognition-primed decision-making theory by operationalizing behavioral marker frameworks and underscores the need for predetermined internal alignment, scalability and teamwork synergy. Practical implications recommend incorporating high-fidelity simulation and VR scenarios, competency frameworks and reflective debriefs in training programs. Limitations include the single-country sample, reliance on predetermined scoring rubrics and absence of team-level analysis. Future research is indispensable to adopt multi-jurisdictional longitudinal designs, evaluate varied training interventions, assess skill retention and explore the interplay between physical and cognitive training over time. Full article

High-permeability emulsified asphalt has emerged as a promising prime coat for enhancing interlayer bonding in semi-rigid pavement structures. However, its widespread adoption remains limited by insufficient permeability and inconsistent mechanical properties. This study systematically investigated the effects of emulsifier ionic type (cationic or anionic), kerosene dosage (0–20%), and diluted asphalt content (corresponding to oil-water ratios of 5:5 and 4:6) on the comprehensive performance of high-permeability emulsified asphalt. Fundamental physical tests (sieve residue, evaporation residue, penetration, softening point, ductility), permeability evaluation, rotational viscosity measurements, and adhesion performance tests were conducted. Grey relational analysis (GRA) was employed to quantify the influence of each factor and their interactions on key performance metrics. The results reveal that anionic emulsifiers significantly improved low-temperature ductility and permeability. A low kerosene dosage (<10%) enhanced permeability and viscosity but compromised thermal stability at higher levels. Reducing the diluted asphalt content partially offset these adverse effects. GRA identified kerosene dosage as the dominant factor influencing permeability, softening point, and adhesion performance while emulsifier ionic type primarily affected ductility, and oil-water ratio strongly governed emulsification quality and viscosity. These findings provide quantitative insights for optimizing the composition of high-permeability emulsified asphalt and serve as a theoretical foundation for its engineering application in durable prime coats. Full article

In the context of exponential global population growth, climate change, and increasingly stringent regulations limiting the use of agrochemical inputs, it is essential to explore sustainable alternatives that can enhance crop productivity. This study contributes to the search for innovative solutions to address these challenges by evaluating more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Among such alternatives, seed priming has emerged as a promising and cost-effective technique to improve crop performance. In this work, the responses of wheat and barley seeds to treatments involving low-dose ultraviolet (UV) radiation, ozone, and nutripriming—a technique based on soaking seeds in nutrient solutions containing boron (B), iron (Fe), and/or zinc (Zn), were evaluated. All treatments were initially assessed under in vitro conditions using a Petri dish assay, followed by a tray cell experiment to evaluate their impact on various seedling biometric parameters. For nutripriming, an additional experiment was conducted under deficit irrigation to examine its effectiveness under water stress. A field trial was subsequently performed to evaluate the transferability of the results to real-world conditions. Seed priming with UV and ozone significantly enhanced root development in the in vitro assay for both crops, but these effects were not consistently observed in the tray experiment. In the field trial, the UV treatment increased thousand grain weight (TGW) in wheat, although no improvements in final yield were detected. Nutripriming treatments produced positive effects in both the Petri dish and tray experiments. Individual nutrient treatments mitigated early water stress in wheat and enhanced root development in barley. Combined nutrient treatments generally showed no significant effects, with the exception of the Zn+B combination, which improved shoot development in barley. Although no statistically significant differences were observed in the field trial, positive trends were identified, supporting the need for further research under diverse field conditions. Full article

The Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process has demonstrated high efficiency in manufacturing steel parts with complex geometries and superior capabilities. Understanding the complex interplays of alloy compositions, cooling rates, grain sizes, thermal histories, and mechanical properties remains a significant challenge during DED processing. Interpretable and data-driven modeling has proven effective in tackling this challenge, as machine learning (ML) algorithms continue to advance in capturing complex property structural relationships. However, accurately predicting the prime mechanical properties, including ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and hardness value (HV), remains a challenging task due to the complex and non-linear relationships among process parameters, material constituents, grain size, cooling rates, and thermal history. This study introduces an ML model capable of accurately predicting the UTS, YS, and HV of a material dataset comprising 4900 simulation analyses generated using the “JMatPro” software, with input parameters including material compositions, grain size, cooling rates, and temperature, all of which are relevant to DED-processed low-alloy steels. Subsequently, an ML model is developed using the generated dataset. The proposed framework incorporates a physics-based DED-specific feature that leverages “JMatPro” simulations to extract key input parameters such as material composition, grain size, cooling rate, and thermal properties relevant to mechanical behavior. This approach integrates a suite of flexible ML algorithms along with customized evaluation metrics to form a robust foundation to predict mechanical properties. In parallel, explicit data-driven models are constructed using Multivariable Linear Regression (MVLR), Polynomial Regression (PR), Multi-Layer Perceptron Regressor (MLPR), XGBoost, and classification models to provide transparent and analytical insight into the mechanical property predictions of DED-processed low-alloy steels. Full article

Analysis of the EPR of dilute transition-ion complexes and metalloproteins in random phases, such as frozen solutions, powders, glasses, and gels, requires a model for the spectral ‘powder’ shape. Such a model comprises a description of the line shape and the linewidth of individual molecules as well as a notion of their physical origin. Spectral features sharpen up with decreasing temperature until the limit of constant linewidth of inhomogeneous broadening. At and below this temperature limit, each molecule has a linewidth that slightly differs from those of its congeners, and which is not related in a simple way to lifetime broadening. Choice of the model not only affects precise assignment of g-values, but also concentration determination (‘spin counting’), and therefore, calculation of stoichiometries in multi-center complexes. Forty years ago, the theoretically and experimentally well-founded statistical theory of g-strain was developed as a prime model for EPR powder patterns. In the intervening years until today, this model was universally ignored in favor of models that are incompatible with physical reality, resulting in many mistakes in EPR spectral interpretation. The purpose of this review is to outline the differences between the models, to reveal where analyses went astray, and thus to turn a very long standstill in EPR powder shape understanding into a new start towards proper methodology. Full article

Aflatoxin contamination, primarily caused by Aspergillus flavus, poses a significant threat to peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, food safety, and global trade. Despite extensive efforts, breeding for durable resistance remains difficult due to the polygenic and environmentally sensitive nature of resistance. Although germplasm such as J11 have shown partial resistance, none of the identified lines demonstrated stable or comprehensive protection across diverse environments. Resistance involves physical barriers, biochemical defenses, and suppression of toxin biosynthesis. However, these traits typically exhibit modest effects and are strongly influenced by genotype–environment interactions. A paradigm shift is underway with increasing focus on host susceptibility (S) genes, native peanut genes exploited by A. flavus to facilitate colonization or toxin production. Recent studies have identified promising S gene candidates such as AhS5H1/2, which suppress salicylic acid-mediated defense, and ABR1, a negative regulator of ABA signaling. Disrupting such genes through gene editing holds potential for broad-spectrum resistance. To advance resistance breeding, an integrated pipeline is essential. This includes phenotyping diverse germplasm under stress conditions, mapping resistance loci using QTL and GWAS, and applying multi-omics platforms to identify candidate genes. Functional validation using CRISPR/Cas9, Cas12a, base editors, and prime editing allows precise gene targeting. Validated genes can be introgressed into elite lines through breeding by marker-assisted and genomic selection, accelerating the breeding of aflatoxin-resistant peanut varieties. This review highlights recent advances in peanut aflatoxin resistance research, emphasizing susceptibility gene targeting and genome editing. Integrating conventional breeding with multi-omics and precision biotechnology offers a promising path toward developing aflatoxin-free peanut cultivars. Full article

Seeds in soil are often exposed to cycles of hydration and dehydration, which can prime them by triggering physiological activation without leading to germination. While this phenomenon has been scarcely studied in wild species, it may play a critical role in enhancing drought resilience and maintaining seed viability under the warmer conditions predicted by climate change. In this study, I investigated the effects of hydration–dehydration cycles on germination response under water stress in eight Cistus species typical of Mediterranean shrublands. First, seeds were exposed to a heat shock to break physical dormancy, simulating fire conditions. Subsequently, they underwent one of two hydration–dehydration treatments (24 or 48 h) and were germinated under a range of water potentials (0, –0.2, –0.4, –0.6, and –0.8 MPa). Six out of eight species showed enhanced germination responses following hydration–dehydration treatments, including higher final germination percentages, earlier germination onset (T₀), or increased tolerance to water stress. These findings highlight the role of water availability as a key factor regulating germination in Cistus species and evidence a hydration memory mechanism that may contribute in different ways to post-fire regeneration in Mediterranean ecosystems. Full article

This research paper employed the recently developed Elium thermoplastic resin and basalt fabrics as an alternative to thermoset/synthetic fibre composites to reduce their environmental impact. Elium^® 191 XO/SA and Epoxy Prime^TM 37 resin were reinforced with mineral-based semi-unidirectional basalt fibre (BF). Physical, chemical, tensile, and flexural performance was investigated under the effect of hydrothermal seawater ageing at 45 °C for 45 and 90 days. The results show that the BF/Elium composite exhibited superior tensile and flexural strength, as well as good stiffness, compared with the BF/Epoxy composite. Digital images and scanning electron microscope images were used to describe the fracture and failure mechanisms. The tensile and flexural strength values of the BF/Elium composite were 1165 MPa and 1128 MPa, greater than those of the BF/Epoxy composite by 33% and 71%, respectively. The tensile and flexural modulus values of the BF/Elium composite were 44.1 GPa and 38.2 GPa, which are 30% and 12% greater than those of the BF/Epoxy composite. The result values for both composites were normalised with respect to the density of each composite laminate. Both composites exhibited signs of resin decomposition and fibre surface degradation under the influence of seawater ageing, resulting in a more recognisable reduction in flexural properties than in tensile properties. Full article

We present novel proofs of the Riemann hypothesis by extending the standard complex Riemann zeta function into a quaternionic algebraic framework. Utilizing λ-regularization, we construct a symmetrized form that ensures analytic continuation and restores critical-line reflection symmetry, a key structural property of the Riemann ξ(s) function. This formulation reveals that all nontrivial zeros of the zeta function must lie along the critical line Re(s) = 1/2, offering a constructive and algebraic resolution to this fundamental conjecture. Our method is built on convexity and symmetrical principles that generalize naturally to higher-dimensional hypercomplex spaces. We also explore the broader implications of this framework in quantum statistical physics. In particular, the λ-regularized quaternionic zeta function governs thermodynamic properties and phase transitions in Bose–Einstein condensates. This quaternionic extension of the zeta function encodes oscillatory behavior and introduces critical hypersurfaces that serve as higher-dimensional analogues of the classical critical line. By linking the spectral features of the zeta function to measurable physical phenomena, our work uncovers a profound connection between analytic number theory, hypercomplex geometry, and quantum field theory, suggesting a unified structure underlying prime distributions and quantum coherence. Full article

Long- or post-COVID-19 syndrome, which is also designated by WHO as Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC), is characterized by the persistent symptoms that remain after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. A worldwide consortium of Long COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (Long COVID-19 HGI) identified an SNP rs9367106 (G>C; chr6:41,515,652, GRCh38, p = 1.76 × 10⁻¹⁰, OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.40–1.89) that is associated with PCC. Unraveling the functional significance of this SNP is of prime importance to understanding the development of the PCC phenotypes and their therapy. Here, in Silico, I explored how the risk allele of this SNP alters the functional mechanisms and molecular pathways leading to the development of PCC phenotypes. Bioinformatic methods include physical interactions using HI-C and Chia-PET analysis, Transcription Factors (TFs) binding ability, RNA structure modeling, epigenetic, and pathway analysis. This SNP resides within two long RNA genes, LINC01276 and FOXP4-AS1, and is located at ~31 kb upstream of a transcription factor FOXP4. This DNA region, including this SNP, physically interacts with FOXP4-AS1 and FOXP4, implying that this regulatory SNP could alter the normal cellular function of FOXP4-AS1 and FOXP4. Furthermore, rs9367106 is in eQTL with the FOXP4 gene in lung tissue. rs9367106 carrying DNA sequences act as distant enhancers and bind with several transcription factors (TFs) including YY1, PPAR-α, IK-1, GR-α, and AP2αA. The G>C transition extensively modifies the RNA structure that may affect the TF bindings and enhancer functions to alter the interactions and functions of these RNA molecules. This SNP also includes an ALU/SINE sequence and alteration of which by the G>C transition may prevent IFIH1/MDA5 activation, leading to suppression of host innate immune responses. LINC01276 targets the MED20 gene that expresses mostly in brain tissues, associated with sleep disorders and basal ganglia abnormalities similar to some of the symptoms of PCC phenotypes. Taken together, G>C transition of rs9367601 may likely alter the function of all three genes to explain the molecular basis of developing the long-term symptomatic abnormalities in the lungs and brain observed after COVID-19 recovery. Full article

The hard-seed coat of Ormosia henryi significantly impedes germination efficiency in massive propagation, while conventional physical dormancy-breaking methods often result in compromised seed vigor, asynchronous seedling emergence, and diminished stress tolerance. Seed biopriming, an innovative technique involving the inoculation of beneficial microorganisms onto seed surfaces or into germination substrates, enhances germination kinetics and emergence uniformity through microbial metabolic functions and synergistic interactions with seed exudates. Notably, spermosphere-derived functional bacteria isolated from native spermosphere soil demonstrate superior colonization capacity and sustained bioactivity. This investigation employed selective inoculation of these indigenous functional strains to systematically analyze dynamic changes in endogenous phytohormones, enzymatic activities, and storage substances during critical germination phases, thereby elucidating the physiological mechanisms underlying biopriming-enhanced germination. The experimental results demonstrated significant improvements in germination parameters through biopriming. Inoculation with the Bacillus sp. strain achieved a peak germination rate (76.19%), representing a 16.19% increase over the control (p < 0.05). The biopriming treatment effectively improved the seed vigor, broke the impermeability of the seed coat, accelerated the germination speed, and positively regulated physiological indicators, especially amylase activity and the ratio of gibberellic acid to abscisic acid. This study establishes a theoretical framework for microbial chemotaxis and rhizocompetence in seed priming applications while providing an eco-technological solution for overcoming germination constraints in O. henryi cultivation. The optimized biopriming protocol addresses both low germination rates and post-germination growth limitations, providing technical support for the seedling cultivation of O. henryi. Full article

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) storage is essential for improving soil fertility and mitigating climate change. The priming effect, which is regulated by physical, chemical and microbial interactions, plays a pivotal role in SOC turnover. However, the fate of both native and newly added carbon under different tillage regimes remains unclear. To address this gap, a ¹³C-glucose labelling incubation experiment was conducted to assess SOC mineralization and priming effects under long-term tillage practices, including subsoiling with straw mulching (ST), no tillage with straw mulching (NT), and conventional tillage with straw removal (CT). The results demonstrated that conservation tillage (NT and ST) significantly reduced total SOC mineralization and glucose-derived CO₂ release compared to CT. Notably, the priming effect under CT was 19.5% and 24.7% higher than under NT and ST, respectively. In the early incubation stage, positive priming was primarily driven by microbial co-metabolism, while during days 1–31, microbial stoichiometric decomposition dominated the process. In addition, NT and ST treatments significantly increased the proportion of >250 μm aggregates and their associated carbon and nitrogen contents, thereby enhancing aggregate stability and physical protection of SOC. The priming effect observed under conservation tillage was strongly negatively related to aggregate stability and aggregate associated carbon content, whereas it was positively related to the β-glucosidase/Peroxidase ratio (BG/PER) and the subtraction value between carbon/nitrogen (R_C:N) and the carbon–nitrogen imbalance of the available resources (TER_C:N). Overall, our findings highlight that conservation tillage enhances SOC stability not only by improving soil physical structure but also by alleviating microbial stoichiometric constraints, offering a synergistic pathway for carbon retention and climate-resilient soil management. Full article

Obesity and its related comorbidities continue to be a primary public health concern, especially in the United States (US). Such comorbidities include the top two causes of death in the US: cardiovascular disease and cancer. Obesity is also associated with several other chronic conditions that affect millions of adults and children, including diabetes, kidney, and liver disease. Weight loss has long been considered the front-line treatment and prevention strategy for these conditions. Lifestyle approaches, including dietary modification and increasing physical activity, are typically recommended for individuals with obesity, although rates of achieving and maintaining clinically meaningful weight loss remain low. Understanding the root causes of minimal weight loss and weight regain has been a prime focus among many researchers over the past several decades. The present review addresses several advantages of prioritizing exercise as an obesity and chronic disease treatment. We discuss current challenges when exercise is the primary treatment strategy, including physiological parameters that may influence the efficacy of exercise in addition to behavioral and environmental factors that play a role in exercise adherence and adoption. We also explore strategies and principles that, although not commonly utilized in an obesity/chronic disease treatment setting, may be applied and adapted to fit this model. Full article

Background: Lower limb motor output contributes to determining functional performance in many motor tasks. This study investigated the effects of non-invasive spinal cord transcutaneous stimulation (scTS) applied during an exercise-based priming protocol on lower limb muscle force and power generation. Methods: Twelve young, physically active male volunteers (age: 22.7 ± 2.1 years) participated in this randomized crossover, sham-controlled study. The maximal voluntary contraction and low-level torque steadiness of knee extensors, as well as the maximal explosive extension of lower limbs, were assessed before and after the priming protocol with scTS or sham stimulation over a total of four experimental sessions. Further, characteristics of evoked potentials to scTS related to spinal circuitry excitability were assessed in the supine position before and after the scTS priming protocol. The exercise component of the ~25 min priming protocol consisted of low-volume, low- and high-intensity lower limb motor tasks. Results: scTS priming protocol tended to increase or maintain maximum isometric torque during knee extension (4.7%) as well as peak force (0.2%) and rate of force development (6.0%) during explosive lower limb extensions, whereas sham priming protocol tended to decrease them (−4.3%, −3.3%, and −15.1%, respectively). This resulted in significant interactions (p = 0.001 to 0.018) and medium–large differences between scTS and sham protocols. These findings were associated with meaningful trends of some neurophysiological variables. Conversely, priming protocols did not affect low-level torque steadiness. Conclusions: scTS counteracted the unexpected fatigue induced by the exercise-based priming protocol, supporting lower limb performance during maximal efforts. Future studies are warranted to assess the implementation of scTS with optimized exercise-based priming protocols during training and rehabilitation programmes that include high-intensity neuromuscular efforts. Full article

Although the benefits of regular physical activity are widely recognized, many university students fail to sustain consistent exercise behaviors. This phenomenon may be attributed to cognitive and motivational barriers, particularly perceptions of goal attainability and attribution styles, which are believed to significantly influence students’ health beliefs and intentions to engage in physical activity. This research aimed to examine the independent and combined effects of goal attainability and attribution style on Chinese university students’ health beliefs and willingness to exercise. The study also investigated how shifts in attribution style may influence these outcomes under different levels of goal attainability. Two between-subjects experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1 (N = 146), a 2 (goal attainability: high vs. low) × 2 (attribution style: internal vs. external) design was used. Participants were exposed to tailored exercise advertisements and completed standardized questionnaires measuring health beliefs and exercise intentions. Experiment 2 (N = 130) adopted a 2 (goal attainability: high vs. low) × 2 (attributional shift: external-to-internal vs. internal-to-external) design, utilizing visual priming and short video interventions to manipulate attributional orientation. In Experiment 1, both high goal attainability and internal attribution independently enhanced participants’ health beliefs and exercise willingness. A significant interaction effect was observed only for exercise willingness, with the highest intentions found in the high attainability × internal attribution group. In Experiment 2, shifting attribution from external to internal significantly increased both health beliefs and exercise willingness, while shifting from internal to external resulted in substantial decreases. An interaction effect was again found only for exercise willingness, suggesting that the effectiveness of attributional shift depended on goal attainability. By integrating the Health Belief Model with Attribution Theory, this study offers a deeper understanding of how cognitive and motivational factors influence exercise behavior, and provides a theoretical foundation for developing adaptive interventions. Full article