Search Results (847)

In the context where the surrounding rock of deep coal mine roadways is in a complex mechanical environment of “three highs and one disturbance”, mining disturbances are prone to cause instability and damage to the roadways, and the severe deformation of the south wing main roadway caused by mining disturbances in the 2404 working face of a certain mine in the Jiaoping Mining Area restricts safe production. In order to reduce the deformation and damage of the south wing main roadway affected by long-term dynamic pressure, this study proposes a determination method of key rock strata for top cutting pressure relief and the pressure-relief method along the stress transmission path of the south wing main roadway. It completes the design and field test of the hydraulic fracturing scheme for the hard roof of the 2404 transportation roadway, and evaluates the pressure-relief effect through means such as pressure curves, mine pressure manifestation laws, and borehole observation. The results show that hydraulic fracturing significantly weakens the strength of the roof rock strata, forms through cracks between the pressure-relief holes, reduces the average working resistance of the support by 18% after fracturing, and reduces the average pressure step distance of the roof by 34%. During the mining process, the stress variation range of the coal pillar is small, and there is no obvious deformation or damage to the surrounding rock and support structure of the south wing main roadway. It effectively cuts off the stress transmission path of the hard roof and controls the deformation of the roadway, providing technical support for the control of surrounding rock in deep dynamic pressure roadways. Full article

This research presents a fully automated two-step method for segmenting rice seedlings and assessing their health by integrating spectral, morphological, and textural features. Driven by the global need for increased food production, the proposed method enhances monitoring and control in agricultural processes. Seedling locations are first identified by the excess green minus excess red index, which enables automated point-prompt inputs for the segment anything model to achieve precise segmentation and masking. Morphological features are extracted from the generated masks, while spectral and textural features are derived from corresponding red–green–blue imagery. Health assessment is conducted through anomaly detection using a one-class support vector machine, which identifies seedlings exhibiting abnormal morphology or spectral signatures suggesting stress. The proposed method is validated by visual inspection and Silhouette score, confirming effective separation of anomalies. For segmentation, the proposed method achieved mean dice scores ranging from 72.6 to 94.7. For plant health assessment, silhouette scores ranged from 0.31 to 0.44 across both datasets and various growth stages. Applied across three consecutive rice growth stages, the framework facilitates temporal monitoring of seedling health. The findings highlight the potential of advanced segmentation and anomaly detection techniques to support timely interventions, such as pruning or replacing unhealthy seedlings, to optimize crop yield. Full article

The accuracy of modal superposition methods for determining displacement or strain field of structures largely depends on the selection of modes relevant to its deformation. Analytical methods for modal selection have been developed to minimise errors in reconstructing deformation through a linear combination of modal shapes. This study constitutes an initial step towards the development of structural health-monitoring algorithms for large engineering machines, where continuous monitoring of strain and stress, assuming a linear elastic field, is critical. The focus is on selecting modes that significantly contribute to the reconstruction of static deformation of structures. A detailed analytical approach, derived from established structural dynamics principles, leads to the formulation of modal selection criteria. These criteria are based on two fundamental quantities from dynamic and elastic theory: the modal participation factor and internal strain potential energy. Three criteria are introduced: the directional participation factor criterion (DPFC), the global participation factor criterion (GPFC), and the internal strain potential energy criterion (ISPEC). While DPFC and GPFC rely on displacements, ISPEC uses strains. The methods are validated through a case study involving a rectangular plate subjected to various loads, demonstrating their applicability to complex deformation scenarios, which require the combination of multiple modes to fully describe the static deformation. The proposed criteria are formulated for linear elastic systems and are therefore applicable, in principle, to plate-like components, machine casings, thin structural panels, and certain civil and aerospace panels, under the assumptions of small strains, linear constitutive behaviour, and validity of modal superposition. The approach also represents a first step towards the integration of modal selection with machine learning for structural health-monitoring applications and presents a computational cost significantly lower than that of full finite element analyses. Full article

Background: Problematic Internet gaming (PIG), considered an early stage of Internet gaming addiction (IGA), has become increasingly prevalent among adolescents. This study focused on deviant peer affiliation (DPA) and hedonic gaming experience (HGE) as key mediators and examined four psychosocial risk factors closely related to them: interpersonal incompetence (II), perceived stress (PS), frustration (FR), and emotional loneliness (EL). Specifically, the study investigated how these four psychosocial risk factors influence adolescents’ DPA, HGE, and PIG, and whether DPA and HGE mediate these relationships. Methods: Based on existing validated scales, we developed a questionnaire to measure these seven constructs (II, PS, FR, IC, DPA, HGE, and PIG), proposed 14 hypotheses, and collected 214 valid responses from adolescents. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings: The results showed that all 14 hypotheses were supported. Specifically, interpersonal incompetence significantly predicted perceived stress; stress led to frustration; and frustration, in turn, contributed to emotional loneliness. Furthermore, all four psychosocial risk factors significantly predicted deviant peer affiliation, hedonic gaming experience, and ultimately, problematic Internet gaming among adolescents. Both DPA and HGE mediated the effects of psychosocial risk factors on adolescent problematic Internet gaming (PIG), with the model explaining moderate-to-high variance. This study highlights the importance of segmenting adolescents into more specific subgroups based on the distinct developmental pathways leading to PIG. Implications: Understanding the step-by-step mechanisms and psychological drivers of different adolescent subtypes can provide a more solid foundation for early identification and targeted intervention efforts. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently coexist, exacerbating systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation. This study evaluates the effects of dietary and probiotic interventions, compared to a non-intervention control group, on metabolic, hemodynamic, and neurochemical parameters, with a specific focus on the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamate. Methods: In a prospective randomized study (2020–2023), 120 patients with coexisting MS and OSA were assigned to three groups: control (n = 36), diet therapy (n = 42), and diet therapy combined with probiotics (n = 42). Interventions lasted six months and included personalized dietary plans and probiotic supplementation. Outcome measures included BMI, visceral fat, HOMA index, lipid profile, oxygen saturation, and urinary GABA and glutamate levels. Unsupervised K-means clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to identify phenotypic response patterns based on delta values. Results: Diet therapy led to significant reductions in BMI (−15.7%, p = 0.001), visceral fat (−17.3%, p = 0.001), triglycerides (−14.6%, p = 0.003), uric acid (−9.5%, p = 0.011), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (−21.4%, p = 0.007). The combined intervention group exhibited further improvements in visceral fat (−22.8%, p = 0.001), glutamate (−18.2%, p = 0.002), and GABA levels (+19.5%, p = 0.001). Oxygen saturation improved across all groups, with the greatest increase in the probiotics group (+2.3%). Clustering analysis revealed three distinct response phenotypes—strong, moderate, and non-responders—highlighting inter-individual variability in treatment efficacy. Conclusions: Personalized dietary interventions, especially when paired with probiotics, effectively improve metabolic, inflammatory, and neurochemical profiles in patients with MS and OSA. Integrating clustering algorithms enables phenotype-specific stratification, offering a step toward precision lifestyle medicine. Future studies should explore long-term outcomes and refine microbiota-targeted approaches to optimize intervention efficacy. Full article

In the paper, the inverse solution of the heat conduction problem is analysed, which is applied to calculate transient thermal stresses on the internal surface of a thick-walled pipe weakened by a hole. The analysis considered a one-dimensional heat transfer problem when heat is transferred in a radial direction. In the inverse marching method, the measurement of the wall temperature at one point of a thermally insulated pipeline is used. The technique was verified regarding the distance between the point where the wall temperature is measured and the internal surface, the number of finite volumes in the inverse region, and the time step size are selected. The influence of these parameters on the accuracy of the calculated temperature, thermal stresses, heat transfer coefficient on the internal surface of the pipeline and thermal stresses at the hole edge was assessed. The reference values used to verify the technique were those calculated using the analytical method and the direct solution of the heat conduction problem, and the generated ‘measurement data’ were disturbed by random errors. Full article

The cushion curves of cushioning materials play crucial roles in scientific and reliable cushioning designs and in reducing damage losses for fragile products during distributions. The construction methods of cushion curves of closed-cell foam materials (CFMs) mainly include the Janssen factor, Rusch curve, cushion factor, and energy absorption diagram. The construction principle of these methods is reviewed in detail, and their disadvantages are mainly discussed. According to relevant ASTM and GB/T experimental standards, the peak acceleration–static stress cushion curve is based on dynamic impacts, which are most consistent with the dropping situation of product packages, so this kind of cushion curve is the standard and most widely applied for product cushioning designs. However, when generating the peak acceleration–static stress cushion curves, the experimental work is extremely huge. Three methods, namely the dynamic factor method, dynamic stress–dynamic energy method, and dynamic cushion factor–dynamic energy method, can significantly reduce the experimental workload and simplify constructing cushion curves. The novel dynamic cushion factor–dynamic stress method is proposed to simplify constructing the cushion curves. The practical generation steps of constructing cushion curves based on the four simplified methods are created and presented in detail. Full article

Urine pH serves as an indicator of systemic acid–base balance and helps detect early-stage urinary and renal disorders. However, conventional monitoring methods rely on instruments or manual procedures, limiting their use among vulnerable groups such as infants and bedridden elderly individuals. In this study, a pH-responsive smart hydrogel was developed and integrated into diapers to enable real-time, equipment-free, and visually interpretable urine pH monitoring. An optimised degumming process enabled one-step preparation of a silk fibroin–sericin aqueous solution. We employed a visible light-induced photo-crosslinking strategy to fabricate a dual-network hydrogel with enhanced strength and stability. Increasing sericin content accelerated gelation (≤15 min) and improved performance, achieving a maximum stress of 54 kPa, strain of 168%, and water absorption of 566%. We incorporated natural anthocyanins and fine-tuned them to produce four distinct colour changes in response to urine pH, with significantly improved colour differentiation (ΔE). Upon contact with urine, the hydrogel displays green within the normal pH range, indicating a healthy state. At the same time, a reddish-purple or blue colour serves as a visual warning of abnormal acidity or alkalinity. This intelligent hydrogel system combines rapid gelation, excellent mechanical properties, and a sensitive visual response, offering a promising platform for body fluid monitoring. Full article

Seedling cultivation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a critical initial step in rice production. This study investigated the effects of sowing methods and strigolactone (GR24) on rice seedlings under salt stress. Results showed that drill-sown seedlings exhibited superior quality under normal conditions compared to broadcast-sown seedlings. Salt stress significantly increased the contents of Cl⁻, Na⁺, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA), disrupted chloroplast structure and hormonal balance, and reduced gas exchange parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Notably, drill-sowing conferred stronger salt tolerance than broadcast-sowing. Exogenous application of GR24 enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes—including superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)—and elevated non-enzymatic antioxidant contents such as ascorbic acid (ASA), glutathione (GSH), total phenolics, and flavonoids, alongside related enzyme activities. Concurrently, GR24 reduced Na⁺ and Cl⁻ accumulation, lowered the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, and increased the contents of K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and hormones. Consequently, GR24 decreased MDA and ROS levels, protected membrane integrity, reduced electrolyte leakage, repaired chloroplast structure, and improved gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Due to their superior spatial distribution and photosynthetic efficiency, drill-sown seedlings synergized with GR24 to enhance antioxidant capacity under salt stress, enabling more effective scavenging of peroxidative radicals, stabilization of the photosynthetic system, and mitigation of salt-induced growth inhibition. Ultimately, this combination demonstrated greater stress alleviation than broadcast-sown seedlings. Full article

Cardiac physiology and pathology have been extensively explored at the transcriptional level. Still, they are less understood at the translational level, including three major knowledge gaps: pathophysiological impact, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications of translational control in cardiac biology and heart disease. This review aims to provide a summary of the most recent key findings in this emerging field of translational control in heart health and disease, covering the physiological functions, disease pathogenesis, biochemical mechanisms, and development of potential RNA-based, translation-manipulating drugs. Translation of mRNA to protein is the final step in the central dogma for protein synthesis. Translation machinery includes a family of essential “housekeeping” factors and enzymes required for mRNA translation. These translation factors ensure the accurate processing of mRNA to protein according to the genetic code and maintain the optimal quality and quantity of cellular proteins for normal cardiac function. Translation factors also regulate the efficiency, speed, and fidelity of protein production and play a role in cardiac pathological remodeling under stress conditions. This review first introduces the techniques and methods used to study the translational regulation of gene expression in the cardiac system. We then summarize discoveries of a variety of pathophysiological functions and molecular mechanisms of translational control in cardiac health and disease, focusing on two primary symptoms, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In these sessions, we discuss the translational regulation directed by specific regulatory factors in cardiac physiology and how their genetic mutations, expression dysregulation, or functional alterations contribute to the etiology of heart disease. Notably, translational control exhibits extensive crosstalk with other processes, including transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial metabolism, and sarcomere homeostasis. Furthermore, recent findings have revealed the role of translational regulation in cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration, providing new approaches for creating regenerative medicine. Because transcript-specific translational regulation of both pathological and protective proteins occurs in heart disease, target-selective translation inhibitors and enhancers can be developed. These inhibitors and enhancers offer valuable insights into novel therapeutic targets and the development of RNA-based drugs for heart disease treatment. Full article

Introduction: The current study proposed the best model to explain relationship sabotage by comparing three competing conceptual models, using attachment and goal-orientation frameworks. Up until now, the literature had not comprehensively defined and modelled which defensive strategies commonly lead to relationship sabotage. Methods: A sample of 436 participants was recruited for the current study. Analyses were conducted using structural equation modelling over two analytical steps. First, a series of confirmatory analyses were conducted to test how the predicted latent variables fit in one-congeneric models. Secondly, three full models were tested. Results: Results showed the best model for relationship sabotage is non-recursive, and it does involve reciprocal effects between insecure attachment styles, relationship factors (i.e., perceived relationship quality and perceived relationship stress), and defensive strategies commonly observed in relationship sabotage (i.e., defensiveness, trust difficulty, and lack of relationship skills). Conclusions: The best model for relationship sabotage is not linear. While insecure attachment can lead to relationship sabotage, sabotaging relationships can reinforce existing insecure attachment styles and/or establish new vulnerable styles. Further, defensive strategies can influence how people perceive quality and stress in their relationship, which means that individuals’ own attitudes and behaviours might be preventing them from starting and maintaining fulfilling intimate relationships. Full article

Background: Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) type A is a major cause of enteritis in farmed and wild deer populations, leading to significant economic losses in the deer industry. This bacterium produces toxins that damage the intestine. Methods: In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis by establishing an intestinal circulation model of the intestines of fallow deer (Dama Dama) inoculated with C. perfringens type A versus those not inoculated with C. perfringens type A. In a further step, we determined the protein content of immunoinflammation-related molecules by ELISA and the antioxidant capacity of the intestine to investigate the molecular mechanisms of C. perfringens type A-induced enteritis. Results: Transcriptome analysis revealed significant enrichment of pathways related to the haematopoietic system, oxidative stress, the immune system and intestinal tight junctions. Additionally, C. perfringens α-toxin enters the intestine and may be recognized by TLR6, activating the immune system, increasing the secretion of various cytokines and inflammasome components, inducing oxidative stress and damaging the intestine. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic basis for understanding the selective differential expression of genes in deer enteritis induced by C. perfringens type A and provides a broader guide for finding therapeutic approaches to deer enteritis. Full article

With the increasing complexity and integration density of System-in-Package (SiP) technologies, the demand for selective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is growing. Conventional sputtering processes, while effective for conformal EMI shielding, lack selectivity and often require additional masking or post-processing steps. In this study, we propose a novel, laser-based approach for the selective removal of EMI shielding layers without physical masking. Numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the thermal and mechanical behavior of multilayer EMI shielding structures under two irradiation modes: full-area and laser scanning. The results showed that the laser scanning method induced higher interfacial shear stress, reaching up to 38.6 MPa, compared to full-area irradiation (12.5 MPa), effectively promoting delamination while maintaining the integrity of the underlying epoxy mold compound (EMC). Experimental validation using a nanosecond pulsed fiber laser confirmed that complete removal of the EMI shielding layer could be achieved at optimized laser powers (~6 W) without damaging the EMC, whereas excessive power (8 W) caused material degradation. The laser scanning speed was 50 mm/s, and the total laser irradiation time of the package was 0.14 s, which was very fast. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a non-contact, damage-free, and selective EMI shielding removal technique, offering a promising solution for next-generation semiconductor packaging. Full article

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in regenerative medicine, yet clinical outcomes remain inconsistent. While traditional strategies have focused on platelet concentration and activation methods, emerging evidence suggests that the biological age of platelets, especially platelet senescence, may be a critical but overlooked factor influencing therapeutic efficacy. Senescent platelets display reduced granule content, impaired responsiveness, and heightened pro-inflammatory behavior, all of which can compromise tissue repair and regeneration. This review explores the mechanisms underlying platelet aging, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation, and examines how these factors influence PRP performance across diverse clinical contexts. We discuss the functional consequences of platelet senescence, the impact of comorbidities and aging on PRP quality, and current tools to assess platelet functionality, such as HLA-I–based flow cytometry. In addition, we present strategies for pre-procedural optimization, advanced processing techniques, and adjunctive therapies aimed at enhancing platelet quality. Finally, we challenge the prevailing emphasis on high-volume blood collection, highlighting the limitations of quantity-focused protocols and advocating for a shift toward biologically precise, function-driven regenerative interventions. Recognizing and addressing platelet senescence is a key step toward unlocking the full therapeutic potential of PRP-based interventions. Full article

To study and quantify the impact of water storage on lake slope stability after the closure of an open-pit mine, we targeted slope control measures by large-scale parallel computing methods and strength reduction theory. This was based on a three-dimensional refined numerical model to simulate the evolution of slope stability under different water storage levels and backfilling management conditions, and to quantitatively assess the risk of slope instability through the spatial distribution of stability coefficients. This study shows that during the impoundment process, the slope stability has a nonlinear decreasing trend due to the decrease in effective stress caused by the increase in pore water pressure. When the water storage was at 0 m, the instability range is the largest, and the surface range is nearly 200 m from the edge of the pit; when the water level continued to rise to 50 m, the hydrostatic pressure of the pit lake water on the slope support effect began to appear, and the stability was improved, but there is still a wide range of unstable areas at the bottom. In view of the unstable area of the steep slope with soft rock in the north slope during the process of water storage, the management scheme of backfilling the whole bottom to −150 m was proposed, and the slope protection and pressure footing were formed by discharging the soil to −40 m in steps to improve the anti-slip ability of the slope. Full article