Search Results (79)

Background/Objectives: Global warming and rising CO₂ concentrations pose significant challenges to plant systems. Amid these pressures, this study contributes to understanding how tropical species respond by simultaneously evaluating reproductive and genetic traits. It specifically investigates the effects of maternal exposure to warming and elevated CO₂ on progeny physiology, genetic diversity, and population structure in Stylosanthes capitata, a resilient forage legume native to Brazil. Methods: Maternal plants were cultivated under controlled treatments, including ambient conditions (control), elevated CO₂ at 600 ppm (eCO₂), elevated temperature at +2 °C (eTE), and their combined exposure (eTEeCO₂), within a Trop-T-FACE field facility (Temperature Free-Air Controlled Enhancement and Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment). Seed traits (seeds per inflorescence, hundred-seed mass, abortion, non-viable seeds, coat color, germination at 32, 40, 71 weeks) and abnormal seedling rates were quantified. Genetic diversity metrics included the average (A) and effective (Ae) number of alleles, observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficient (Fis). Population structure was assessed using Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA), number of migrants per generation (Nm), and genetic differentiation index (Fst). Two- and three-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate factor effects. Results: Compared to control conditions, warming increased seeds per inflorescence (+46%), reduced abortion (−42.9%), non-viable seeds (−57%), and altered coat color. The germination speed index (GSI +23.5%) and germination rate (Gr +11%) improved with warming; combined treatments decreased germination time (GT −9.6%). Storage preserved germination traits, with warming enhancing performance over time and reducing abnormal seedlings (−54.5%). Conversely, elevated CO₂ shortened GSI in late stages, impairing germination efficiency. Warming reduced Ae (−35%), He (−20%), and raised Fis (maternal 0.50, progeny 0.58), consistent with the species’ mixed mating system; A and Ho were unaffected. Allele frequency shifts suggested selective pressure under eTE. Warming induced slight structure in PCoA, and AMOVA detected 1% (maternal) and 9% (progeny) variation. Fst = 0.06 and Nm = 3.8 imply environmental influence without isolation. Conclusions: Warming significantly shapes seed quality, reproductive success, and genetic diversity in S. capitata. Improved reproduction and germination suggest adaptive advantages, but higher inbreeding and reduced diversity may constrain long-term resilience. The findings underscore the need for genetic monitoring and broader genetic bases in cultivars confronting environmental stressors. Full article

Background: The Tendyne™ transcatheter heart valve (THV) system is a promising option for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who are ineligible for surgery or transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER). As most fatal complications occur within the first 90 days, this study aimed to identify anatomical predictors of in-hospital mortality after transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Methods: In this subanalysis of the TENDER registry, data from 110 patients who underwent TMVR across 26 centers between January 2020 and June 2022 were evaluated. Preprocedural imaging parameters were analyzed, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac 4D computed tomography (CT). Results: We identified LVEDDi as a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (p = 0.022), with lower values in non-survivors (26.42 ± 3.76 mm/m²) than in survivors (30.37 ± 5.58 mm/m²). Both indexed and absolute LVEDDi predicted in-hospital complications (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, LVEDDi (p = 0.048; OR = 0.856) and STS score (p = 0.038; OR = 1.114) remained independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. In an extended model, only LVEDDi persisted as a significant predictor (p = 0.007), highlighting its robustness. Conclusions: This analysis identified a small LVEDDi as a novel, clinically relevant risk factor in TMVR and showed its added value alongside conventional markers. Its easy calculation supports incorporating LVEDDi thresholds into screening to improve patient selection and outcomes. Full article

Transseptal puncture (TSP) is an essential step for left heart procedures that allows access to the left atrium (LA) through the fossa ovalis (FO) of the interatrial septum (IS). Initially developed for diagnostic purposes, today, it is performed for procedures that require large-bore device delivery systems and complex three-dimensional navigation in the left atrium. TSP supports various interventions, including atrial fibrillation ablation, left atrial appendage closure, and transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement. While traditionally performed with Brockenbrough needles under fluoroscopic guidance, the integration of transesophageal and intracardiac echocardiography (TEE/ICE) has significantly improved its safety and precision. Despite its generally high success rate, TSP poses challenges in complex anatomies or for less experienced operators, with complications such as cardiac tamponade, aortic root puncture, and embolic events. Anatomical variations, such as thickened or floppy septa, further complicate the procedure. Technological advancements, including radiofrequency-based systems and specialized guidewires, have enhanced safety in difficult cases. Effective training, including echocardiography and complication management, is vital for operator proficiency. This review outlines the procedural steps for safe TSP, emphasizing proper equipment selection, anatomical considerations, and vascular access techniques. Common complications are discussed alongside management strategies. Advanced tools and techniques for addressing challenging scenarios are highlighted. Full article

Emotional exhaustion in schoolteachers is a critical issue due to its detrimental effects on teachers’ mental health and its potential negative impact on students’ academic outcomes. This study aimed to develop and validate the Teachers’ Emotional Exhaustion Scale (TEES). The research was conducted in three phases. First, the scale items were developed and evaluated by expert judges using Aiken’s V for content validation. Second, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on a sample of 153 teachers to identify the scale’s factor structure. Finally, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with a sample of 473 Chilean teachers to validate the factor structure. The EFA revealed a two-factor structure comprising Emotional Fatigue (EF) and Emotional Hopelessness (EH), which was subsequently confirmed in the CFA. The model demonstrated a satisfactory fit to the data: χ²(32) = 142.383, p < 0.001; CMIN/DF = 1.651. The goodness-of-fit indices were robust (GFI = 0.933, NFI = 0.952, IFI = 0.981, TLI = 0.974, CFI = 0.980), and the RMSEA was 0.065, indicating an acceptable model fit. The TEES is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing emotional exhaustion in teachers. These findings are particularly relevant in the Chilean educational context, where teachers’ mental health and its implications for the education system are of increasing concern. The TEES can serve as a valuable tool for the early identification of emotional exhaustion, ultimately contributing to teacher retention and the improvement of educational quality. Full article

With increasing global energy transition and environmental awareness, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is rapidly developing as an efficient and clean energy source. LNG pumps are widely used in industrial applications. This study focuses on the LNG pump and pipeline system, and it innovatively establishes a computational model based on weak compressible fluid in order to better reflect the characteristics of pressure pulsation and the flow situation. Through numerical simulations, the flow characteristics of the pump were analyzed. In addition, the flow conditions at the pipe tee were analyzed, and the attenuation patterns of pressure waves at different frequencies within the pipe were also investigated. The internal flow field of the pump was analyzed at three specific time points. The results indicate that, during the initial start-up phase, the internal flow state of the pump is complex, with significant vortices and pressure fluctuations. As the flow rate and rotational speed increase, the flow gradually stabilizes. Moreover, the pressure pulsation coefficient within the pipeline varies significantly with position. Full article

Electrospinning techniques have been widely applied in diverse applications, such as biocompatible membranes, energy storage systems, and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), with the capability to incorporate other functional materials to achieve specific purposes. Recently, gas sensors incorporating doped semiconducting materials fabricated by electrospinning have been extensively investigated. TENGs, functioning as self-powered energy sources, have been utilized to drive gas sensors without external power supplies. Herein, a self-powered triboelectric ethanol sensor (TEES) is fabricated by integrating a TENG and an ethanol gas sensor into a single device. The proposed TEES exhibits a significantly improved response time and lower detection limit compared to published integrated triboelectric sensors. The device achieves an open-circuit voltage of 51.24 V at 800 rpm and a maximum short-circuit current of 7.94 μA at 800 rpm. Owing to the non-contact freestanding operating mode, the TEES shows no significant degradation after 240,000 operational cycles. Compared with previous studies that integrated TENGs and ethanol sensors, the proposed TEES demonstrated a marked improvement in sensing performance, with a faster response time (6 s at 1000 ppm) and a lower limit of detection (10 ppm). Furthermore, ethanol detection is enabled by modulating the gate terminal of an IRF840 metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), which controls the illumination of a light-emitting diode (LED). The LED is extinguished when the electrical output decreases below the setting value, allowing for the discrimination of intoxicated states. These results suggest that the TEES provides a promising platform for self-powered, high-performance ethanol sensing. Full article

Ensuring the safe, reliable, and energy-efficient provision of electricity is a complex task for smart grid (SG) management applications. Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing-based SG applications have been proposed for time-responsive monitoring and controlling tasks related to power systems. Recent studies have provided valuable insights into the potential of machine learning algorithms in SGs, covering areas such as generation, distribution, microgrids, consumer energy market, and cyber security. Integrated IoT devices directly exchange data with the SG cloud, which increases the vulnerability and security threats to the energy system. The review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of privacy-preserving machine learning (PPML) applications in IoT-Integrated SGs, focusing on non-intrusive load monitoring, fault detection, demand forecasting, generation forecasting, energy-management systems, anomaly detection, and energy trading. The study also highlights the importance of data privacy and security when integrating these applications to enable intelligent decision-making in smart grid domains. Furthermore, the review addresses performance issues (e.g., accuracy, latency, and resource constraints) associated with PPML techniques, which may impact the security and overall performance of IoT-integrated SGs. The insights of this study will provide essential guidelines for in-depth research in the field of IoT-integrated smart grid privacy and security in the future. Full article

The Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) is crucial for safeguarding the ecosystem of embedded systems. It uses isolation to minimize the TCB (Trusted Computing Base) and protect sensitive software. It is vital because devices handle vast, potentially sensitive data. Leveraging ARM TrustZone, widely used in mobile and IoT for TEEs, it ensures hardware protection via security extensions, though needing firmware and software stack support. Despite the reputation of TEEs for high security, TrustZone-aided ones have vulnerabilities. Fuzzing, as a practical bug-finding technique, has seen limited research in the context of TEE. The unique software architecture of TrustZone-assisted TEE complicates the direct application of traditional fuzzing methods. Moreover, simplistic approaches, such as feeding random input values into TEE through the API functions of the rich operating system, fail to uncover deeper, latent bugs within the TEE code. In this paper, we present a fuzzing strategy for TrustZone-assisted TEE that utilizes inferred dependencies between Trusted Kernel system calls to uncover deep-seated TEE bugs. We implemented our approach on OP-TEE, where it successfully identified 17 crashes, including one previously undetected kernel bug. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fluoroscopy has traditionally supported three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomical mapping (EAM)-guided left atrial (LA) electrophysiological procedures (EPs), but the associated ionizing radiation poses long-term health risks for patients and healthcare professionals. Advances in 3D EAM systems now enable nearly or entirely radiation-free ablations. Imaging techniques such as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are increasingly used for precise and safe LA access. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of TEE-guided, zero-fluoroscopy/near-zero-fluoroscopy LA EPs in routine clinical practice. Methods: 142 consecutive patients undergoing LA EAM-guided radiofrequency ablation at the Ulm University Heart Center between October 2023 and November 2024 were analyzed. In total, 73 patients underwent zero-fluoroscopy/near-zero-fluoroscopy ablation guided solely by TEE, while another 69 patients received fluoroscopy-guided ablation using TEE and fluoroscopy guidance. Results: Of the 142 patients, 58.0 (40.8%) were female, and the median age was 73.0 (64.0; 79.0) years. A total of 53 (37.3%) underwent zero-fluoroscopy EP, 20 (14.1%) underwent near-zero-fluoroscopy EP, and 69 (48.6%) underwent fluoroscopy-guided EP. Procedure duration was without significantly relevant difference between both groups (132.0 vs. 133.0 min; p = 0.52). Median radiation exposure in the zero-fluoroscopy/near-zero-fluoroscopy group was 0 (0.0; 0.0) minutes, compared to significantly higher values in the fluoroscopy group (9.7 (5.9; 15.3) minutes; p < 0.001). No significant differences in complications were observed (p = 0.09). Conclusions: TEE-guided, radiation-free LA EP offers a safe and effective approach, significantly reducing radiation exposure and its associated risks while maintaining high procedural efficacy without increasing the risk of complications. Full article

Blind tees are widely used in offshore oil systems. To enhance their rectification performance, an indoor experimental platform was established to study the flow field behavior within blind tees and bend pipes. Fluent2021 analyzed the significant effects of various structural parameters and operating conditions on the oil–water rectification performance of blind tees. The study evaluates the device’s effectiveness by establishing a rectification coefficient S, investigating the impacts of blind end length, vertical pipe diameter, inlet flow velocity, and inlet oil content. Results indicate that internal vortices within the blind tee primarily cause disturbances leading to uniform distribution of oil–water phases. The size and intensity of the vortices determine the oil–water rectification efficiency of the blind tee. Blind tees of different lengths correspond to a specific velocity at which the blind end becomes filled with vortices, causing fluid stagnation. This velocity is defined as the blind end closure velocity. Avoiding this closure velocity, shorter blind ends, smaller vertical pipe diameters, and higher inlet velocities significantly enhance the oil–water flow straightening effectiveness. The rectification efficiency of the blind tee was improved by up to76.68% compared to the bend. Full article

This study evaluates the performance of continuous flow and drop-based microfluidic devices for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) under identical hydrodynamic and chemical conditions. Flows at low values of Dean number (De < 1) were investigated, where the contribution of the vortices forming inside the drop to the additional mixing inside the reactor should be most noticeable. In the drop-based microfluidic device, discrete aqueous drops serving as reactors were generated by flow focusing using silicone oil as the continuous phase. Aqueous solutions of reagents were supplied through two different channels merging just before the drops were formed. In the continuous flow device, the reagents merged at a Tee junction, and the reaction was carried out in the outlet tube. Although continuous flow systems may face challenges such as particle concentration reduction due to deposition on the channel wall or fouling, they are often more practical for research due to their operational simplicity, primarily through the elimination of the need to separate the aqueous nanoparticle dispersion from the oil phase. The results demonstrate that both microfluidic approaches produced AgNPs of similar sizes when the hydrodynamic conditions defined by the values of De and the residence time within the reactor were similar. Full article

(1) Background: Carbohydrate mouth rinsing (CMR) stimulates the central nervous system and improves motor control. However, no studies have examined the effects of CMR on softball batting performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CMR on softball batting performance. (2) Methods: Fifteen trained female collegiate softball players (age: 20.6 ± 0.9 years; height: 159.5 ± 5.2 cm; body weight: 58.1 ± 6.9 kg) completed two trials in a randomization crossover trail, in which they rinsed their mouths for 20 s with 25 mL of either 6.4% maltodextrin (CMR) or a placebo (PLA). After rinsing, the Posner cueing task and grip force, counter-movement jump (CMJ) and batting tests were performed in sequence. A tanner tee was utilized to hit five sets of five balls at a time, with a minimum 3 min rest between sets. The batting test recorded the average exit velocity, maximum exit velocity and launch angle consistency. The standardized standard deviation (SD) for launch angle represents the standardized variability. (3) Results: The consistency of the launch angle of the CMR trial was significantly greater (p = 0.025; Cohen’s d = 0.69) than that of the PLA trial. There were no significant differences in the Posner cueing task, grip strength, vertical jump, or exit velocity. (4) Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that CMR enhances the launch angle consistency of all-out-effort batting, but does not influence the exit velocity of softball hitting. Full article

In plasticulture production systems, the conventional practice involves broadcasting pre-emergent herbicides over the entire surface of raised beds before laying plastic mulch. However, weed emergence predominantly occurs through the transplant punch-holes in the mulch, leaving most of the applied herbicide beneath the plastic, where weeds cannot grow. To address this issue, we developed and evaluated a precision spraying system designed to target herbicide application to the transplant punch-holes. A dataset of 3378 images was manually collected and annotated during a tomato experimental trial at the University of Florida. A YOLOv8x model with a p2 output layer was trained, converted to TensorRT^® to improve the inference time, and deployed on a custom-built computer. A Python-based graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to facilitate user interaction and the control of the smart sprayer system. The sprayer utilized a global shutter camera to capture real-time video input for the YOLOv8x model, which activates or disactivates a TeeJet solenoid for precise herbicide application upon detecting a punch-hole. The model demonstrated excellent performance, achieving precision, recall, mean average precision (mAP), and F1score exceeding 0.90. Field tests showed that the smart sprayer reduced herbicide use by up to 69% compared to conventional broadcast methods. The system achieved an 86% punch-hole recognition rate, with a 14% miss rate due to challenges such as plant occlusion and variable lighting conditions, indicating that the dataset needs to be improved. Despite these limitations, the smart sprayer effectively minimized off-target herbicide application without causing crop damage. This precision approach reduces chemical inputs and minimizes the potential environmental impact, representing a significant advancement in sustainable plasticulture weed management. Full article

The widespread reliance on paper-based currency poses significant drawbacks, such as counterfeiting, lack of transparency, and environmental impacts. While Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) address many of these issues, their dependence on continuous internet connectivity limits their usability in scenarios with poor or no network access. To overcome such limitations, this paper introduces ElasticPay, a novel Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Offline Digital Payment System that leverages advanced hardware security measures realised through Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs), Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), and Secure Elements (SEs). ElasticPay ensures transaction privacy, unforgeability, and immediate settlement while preventing double spending. Our approach integrates robust recovery mechanisms and provides a scalable solution for diverse environments. Extensive experimentation validates the system’s reliability and practicality, highlighting its potential to advance secure and inclusive CBDC ecosystems. We demonstrate the proposed solution implementation on the iPhone mobilephone because it has an inbuilt Secure Enclave, which is an integrated implementation of the necessary TPM, TEE, and SE functionalities. Full article

Background and Objectives: In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on pump, achieving optimal visualization is critical for surgical precision and safety. The use of blowers to clear the CABG anastomosis poses risks, including the formation of micro-embolic gas bubbles, which can be insidious and increase the risk of cerebral or myocardial complications. This retrospective study compares the effectiveness of the use of irrigation mist and CO₂ versus a direct CO₂ blower without irrigation in terms of visualization, postoperative fibrillation, and micro-embolic gas activity. Materials and Methods: The study involved 40 patients who underwent on-pump CABG, with 20 patients assigned to the irrigation mist and CO₂ group (ClearView™) and 20 to the direct CO₂ blower group. Primary outcomes included the quality of intraoperative visualization, the incidence of fibrillation at aortic de-clamping, and the presence of micro-embolic gas activity detected via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the cardiac chambers. Results: Patients in the irrigation mist and CO₂ group experienced superior visualization and reduced tissue desiccation. Fibrillation at the time of aortic de-clamping occurred in two patients (10%) using the irrigation mist and CO₂, compared to eight patients (40%) using the direct CO₂ blower. Additionally, TEE monitoring revealed lower levels of micro-embolic gas activity in the irrigation mist and CO₂ group, indicating a potential reduction in gas embolization risk. Conclusions: The irrigation mist and CO₂ system not only provides enhanced visualization during CABG but also significantly reduces the incidence of fibrillation during aortic de-clamping and micro-embolic gas activity. These findings suggest improved patient safety and outcomes, highlighting the irrigation mist and CO₂ system as a potentially safer alternative to direct CO₂ blowing in the context of myocardial revascularization. Full article