Search Results (1,527)

A scalable synthesis of two-dimensional titanium nitride chloride (TiNCl) via flash Joule heating (FJH) using titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) precursor has been developed. This single-step method overcomes traditional synthesis challenges, including high energy consumption, multi-step procedures, and hazardous reagent requirements. The structural and chemical properties of the synthesized TiNCl were characterized through multiple analytical techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the presence of TiNCl phase, while Raman spectroscopy data showed no detectable oxide impurities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed characteristic Ti–N stretching vibrations, further confirming successful titanium nitride synthesis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging revealed thin, plate-like nanostructures with high electron transparency. These analyses confirmed the formation of highly crystalline TiNCl flakes with nanoscale dimensions and minimal structural defects. The material exhibits excellent structural integrity and phase purity, demonstrating potential for applications in photocatalysis, electronics, and energy storage. This work establishes FJH as a sustainable and scalable approach for producing MXenes with controlled properties, facilitating their integration into emerging technologies. Unlike conventional methods, FJH enables rapid, energy-efficient synthesis while maintaining material quality, providing a viable route for industrial-scale production of two-dimensional materials. Full article

Drought is one of the most complex natural hazards, characterized by its slow onset, persistent nature, diverse sectoral impacts (e.g., agriculture, water resources, ecosystems), and dependence on meteorological, hydrological, and socioeconomic factors. Over the years, significant scientific effort has been devoted to developing methodologies that address its multifaceted nature, reflecting the interdisciplinary challenges of drought analysis. However, previous reviews have typically focused on individual methods, while this study presents a unified, multidisciplinary framework that integrates multiple drought analysis methods and links them to key factors guiding method selection. To address this gap, five widely used methods—index-based, remote sensing, threshold-level methods (TLM), impact-based methods, and the storyline approach—are critically evaluated from a multidisciplinary perspective. In addition, the study examines spatial and temporal trends in scientific publications, illustrating how the application of these methods has evolved over time and across regions. The primary objective of this review is twofold: (1) to provide a holistic, state-of-the-art synthesis of these methods, their applications, and their limitations; and (2) to evaluate and prioritize the critical decision-making factors, including drought type, data type/availability, study scale, and management objectives that influence method selection. By bridging this gap, the paper offers a conceptual decision-support framework for selecting context-appropriate drought analysis methods. However, challenges remain, including the vast diversity of methods beyond the scope of this review and the limited consideration of less influential factors such as user expertise, computational resources, and policy context. The paper concludes with insights and recommendations for optimizing method selection under varying circumstances, aiming to support both drought research and effective policy implementation. Full article

A novel unified progressive hybrid censoring is introduced to combine both progressive and hybrid censoring plans to allow flexible test termination either after a prespecified number of failures or at a fixed time. This work develops both frequentist and Bayesian inferential procedures for estimating the parameters, reliability, and hazard rates of the inverted Nadarajah–Haghighi lifespan model when a sample is produced from such a censoring plan. Maximum likelihood estimators are obtained through the Newton–Raphson iterative technique. The delta method, based on the Fisher information matrix, is utilized to build the asymptotic confidence intervals for each unknown quantity. In the Bayesian methodology, Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques with independent gamma priors are implemented to generate posterior summaries and credible intervals, addressing computational intractability through the Metropolis—Hastings algorithm. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations compare the efficiency and utility of frequentist and Bayesian estimates across multiple censoring designs, highlighting the superiority of Bayesian inference using informative prior information. Two real-world applications utilizing rare minerals from gold and diamond durability studies are examined to demonstrate the adaptability of the proposed estimators to the analysis of rare events in precious materials science. By applying four different optimality criteria to multiple competing plans, an analysis of various progressive censoring strategies that yield the best performance is conducted. The proposed censoring framework is effectively applied to real-world datasets involving diamonds and gold, demonstrating its practical utility in modeling the reliability and failure behavior of rare and high-value minerals. Full article

The demand for rapid, portable, and cost-effective analytical tools has driven advances in smartphone-based microfluidic sensors. By combining microfluidic precision with the accessibility and processing power of smartphones, these devices offer real-time and on-site diagnostic capabilities. This review explores recent developments in smartphone-integrated microfluidic sensors, focusing on their design, fabrication, smartphone integration, and analytical functions with the applications in forensic science, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. In forensic science, these sensors provide fast, field-based alternatives to traditional lab methods for detecting substances like DNA, drugs, and explosives, improving investigation efficiency. In agriculture, they support precision farming by enabling on-demand analysis of soil nutrients, water quality, and plant health, enhancing crop management. In environmental monitoring, these sensors allow the timely detection of pollutants in air, water, and soil, enabling quicker responses to hazards. Their portability and user-friendliness make them particularly valuable in resource-limited settings. Overall, this review highlights the transformative potential of smartphone-based microfluidic sensors in enabling accessible, real-time diagnostics across multiple disciplines. Full article

(1) Background: Occupational exposure to asbestos remains a significant public health concern due to its association with pleural cancer and other cancers. This cohort study examines the incidence of asbestos-related diseases among railway carriage maintenance workers exposed to asbestos between 1960 and 1979 in Bologna, Italy. (2) Methods: A cohort of 2197 male workers was followed from 1960 onwards, with data collected on asbestos exposure, smoking habits, and mortality outcomes. The association of asbestos exposure and smoking with the risk of pleural cancer and lung cancer was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. (3) Results: This study identified a substantial burden of asbestos-related pleural cancer, with an exponential increase in risk over time since the beginning of exposure. Our results suggest the lack of a multiplicative effect of asbestos exposure and smoking on lung cancer risk. The Cox models showed a significant association between smoking and lung cancer risk, with a hazard ratio of 3.26 (95% CI: 1.10–9.64, p = 0.03), less significant for asbestos exposure, with a hazard ratio of 1.42 (95% CI: 0.66–3.06). (4) Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the long-term health effects of occupational asbestos exposure and underscores the complex interaction between asbestos exposure and smoking in the development of lung cancer. Full article

Background: Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has shown promising nephroprotective effects in clinical trials, though real-world data on its long-term impact on renal function in high-risk diabetic nephropathy patients remain scarce. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective observational study involving 156 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with subcutaneous semaglutide between 2019 and 2023. Inclusion required an eGFR > 15 mL/min/1.73 m² or albuminuria > 30 mg/g and at least two years of follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in eGFR slope after semaglutide initiation. Subgroup analyses were performed based on baseline eGFR, albuminuria, and SGLT2i co-treatment. Results: In the whole study population, the median eGFR slope significantly improved from −3.29 (IQR 7.54) to −0.79 (IQR 6.01) mL/min/1.73 m²/year post-treatment (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression showed a hazard ratio for the effect of semaglutide on the eGFR slope of 4.06 (2.43–5.68), p < 0.001. In patients with baseline eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m², the slope improved from −3.77 to −1.01 (p < 0.0001), while patients on concurrent SGLT2i therapy saw slope changes from −2.96 to −0.37 (p < 0.0001). Patients with albuminuria 30–1000 mg/g also improved from −2.96 to −0.04 (p < 0.0001); however, those > 1000 mg/g did not show a significant change (p = 0.184). Semaglutide also reduced BMI (p = 0.04), HbA1c (p = 0.002), triglycerides (p = 0.001), CRP (p = 0.003), and GGT values (p = 0.004). Conclusions: In real-world practice, semaglutide significantly attenuated renal function decline in high-risk diabetic patients, particularly those with advanced CKD or concurrent SGLT2i therapy. These findings support its nephroprotective role beyond glycemic control. Full article

This study investigates a lithium-ion battery failure in heating insoles that ignited during normal walking while powered off. Through comprehensive material characterization, electrical testing, thermal analysis, and mechanical gait simulation, we systematically excluded electrical or thermal abuse as failure causes. X-ray/CT imaging localized the ignition source to the lateral heel edge of the pouch cell, correlating precisely with peak mechanical stress identified through gait analysis. Remarkably, the cyclic load was less than 10% of the single crush load threshold specified in safety standards. Key findings reveal multiple contributing factors as follows: the uncoated polyethylene separator’s inability to prevent stress-induced internal short circuits, the circuit design’s lack of battery health monitoring functionality that permitted undetected degradation, and the hazardous placement inside clothing that exacerbated burn injuries. These findings necessitate a multi-level safety framework for lithium-ion battery products, encompassing enhanced cell design to prevent internal short circuit, improved circuit protection with health monitoring capabilities, optimized product integration to mitigate mechanical and environmental impact, and effective post-failure containment measures. This case study exposes a critical need for product-specific safety standards that address the unique demands of wearable lithium-ion batteries, where existing certification requirements fail to prevent real-use failure scenarios. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality. The AST/ALT ratio may serve as a valuable marker for prediction in patients with various diseases. This study analyzed the prognostic value of this ratio in patients with sepsis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on data from a prospective registry of septic shock patients, collected across multiple centers from October 2015 to December 2022. The main outcome of interest was mortality within 28 days. We evaluated the predictive accuracy of 28-day mortality for variables with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, aspartate transaminase (AST) levels, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, the AST/ALT ratio, and the combination of the SOFA + AST/ALT ratio using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC). A Kaplan–Meier curve was used to compare the 28-day mortality between the AST/ALT subgroups (≥1.84 and <1.84). Stepwise multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to determine the association between 28-day mortality and an AST/ALT ratio ≥ 1.84. Results: The AST/ALT ratio had a significantly higher discriminatory ability for predicting 28-day mortality compared to either AST or ALT. In addition, combining the AST/ALT ratio with the SOFA score improved the predictive accuracy compared to the SOFA alone. A multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that an AST/ALT ratio ≥ 1.84 was associated with a higher risk of death within 28 days. Conclusions: The AST/ALT ratio at emergency department admission in sepsis patients is associated with 28-day mortality and, when combined with the SOFA score, provides additional prognostic information with moderate accuracy. Full article

Introduction: Delirium is a common and debilitating clinical complication among ICU patients. Despite the prevalence of this condition, there are insufficient data to support or refute the routine use of atypical antipsychotics since the existing evidence remains sparse and inconclusive. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether pre-ICU administration of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine is associated with a differential time to delirium resolution relative to the control condition. Methods: In this emulated clinical trial, we utilized the MIMIC-IV v3.1 database, which contains deidentified health records from approximately 65,000 ICU patients, to derive a cohort of patients with a positive delirium screening within 24 h of ICU admission. We exluded patients who received any antipsychotic other than olanzapine prior to ICU admission. We performed propensity score matching using logistic regression and nearest-neighbor matching (1:1, caliper = 0.2) to balance covariates between the olanzapine and control groups. The primary outcome was time to delirium resolution, defined as the first negative delirium assessment. A Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for multiple covariates and incorporating age as a time-dependent variable, was used to examine the association between olanzapine use and delirium resolution. Interaction terms were included to evaluate effect modification by age and gender. Results: A total of 5070 patients with a positive delirium screening within 24 h and no exposure to other antipsychotics met the eligibility criteria; 421 olanzapine users were matched to 421 controls using propensity score matching. Covariate balance was achieved (all standardized mean differences < 0.1), and no multicollinearity was detected (all VIFs < 2). Pre-ICU olanzapine use was associated with a 27% decrease in the likelihood of delirium resolution (HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.63–0.86; p < 0.001). A significant interaction with age indicated that the negative impact of olanzapine on delirium resolution increased with advancing age (HR = 1.0024 per unit of age × log(time), p = 0.023), translating to a 2.4% increase in the risk of prolonged delirium resolution for every 10-year increase in age per log(time). There was no modification of the association according to gender. Discussion: The negative effect of olanzapine on ICU delirium resolution, particularly among the elderly, presented in this study is in line with the results of our earlier study showing a negative effect (i.e., prolonged ICU stay) among patients receiving quetiapine relative to both control and haloperidol conditions. Distinctly strong anticholinergic effects of both olanzapine and quetiapine relative to the other antipsychotic agents may be driving the identified negative outcomes. Conclusions: Results of this emulated clinical trial do not support the use of olanzapine for the treatment of ICU delirium because the agent prolongs time to resolution of the condition. Full article

Backgrounds/Objectives: This study aims to comprehensively characterize the prevalence and severity of antiepileptic drug (AED)-induced adverse drug events (ADEs) and to identify predictors strongly associated with serious adverse events (SAEs) in both general and geriatric populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated AED-related ADEs reported to the KIDS KAERS DB from January 2014 to December 2023. Disproportionality analysis was performed to detect the association between reported SAEs, and multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors associated with SAEs. Cox’s proportional hazard model was utilized to assess ADE duration in elderly patients aged 60 years and older. Results: More than 50% of 36,809 AED-related ADEs were reported in elderly patients aged 60 years and older, and the prevalence of SAEs was 3.78%. ADEs associated with endocrine disorders had the highest likelihood of SAEs being reported (ROR 15.30), followed by hematological disorders. The predictors associated with elevated SAE risks in the elderly were male sex (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.62–2.27), aging (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04–1.31), and certain AEDs. However, the concomitant administration of acid-suppressive therapy (AST) and opioids was associated with a lower risk of SAEs in the elderly population. Elderly patients not receiving concomitant AST were less likely to experience prolonged ADE duration (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.07–1.15); however, no substantial differences in ADE duration were observed with the concomitant use of opioids. Conclusions: This study implies significant variability in the frequency, severity, and duration of ADEs depending on the type of AEDs, patient demographics, and concomitant medication use. Full article

Background: Scapular body fractures, when significantly displaced or malunited, can cause glenohumeral discomfort and functional disability. This study compares single- and dual-plating techniques in terms of pain, function, and active range of motion (aROM) in patients with scapular body fractures. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with scapular fractures were retrospectively analyzed, with sixteen undergoing single plating treatment and twelve dual plating treatment. The mean age was 44.9 years, and the mean follow-up was 14 months for single plating and 13.8 months for dual plating. Outcomes included Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, aROM measurements, and the time to return to work. Functional outcomes were assessed using two-way ANOVA with Šidák’s multiple comparisons test at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The time to return to work was analyzed with survival analysis and a log-rank test. Results: The single plating group had higher DASH scores than the dual plating group at 2 weeks (44.88 ± 10.81 vs. 32.75 ± 6.05, p = 0.005), 4 weeks (28.50 ± 5.91 vs. 22.83 ± 4.24, p = 0.033), and 3 months (19.63 ± 2.45 vs. 16.00 ± 2.45, p = 0.004), indicating greater disability. VAS scores were also higher in the single plating group at 2 weeks (4.00 ± 1.21 vs. 2.33 ± 0.88, p = 0.002) and 4 weeks (2.50 ± 1.03 vs. 1.17 ± 0.94, p = 0.008), suggesting faster pain relief in the dual plating group. However, differences were no longer significant after 3 months. At 1 year, the dual plating group demonstrated better external rotation (73 ± 3° vs. 63 ± 5°, p = 0.032), with no significant differences in internal rotation, abduction, or forward flexion. Dual plating patients returned to work earlier (Hazard Ratio = 3.346, 95% CI: 1.208 to 9.269, p = 0.020). Conclusions: In the current cohort, dual plating for scapular fractures offers superior early pain relief and functional outcomes compared to single plating, along with better external rotation at 1 year and an earlier return to work. These findings suggest that dual plating may facilitate faster recovery and enhanced active range of motion in selected patients, a hypothesis that warrants further investigation through future randomized trials. Full article

Investigating avalanche hazards is a fundamental preliminary task in avalanche research. This work is critically important for establishing avalanche warning systems and designing mitigation measures. Primary research data originated from field investigations and UAV aerial surveys, with avalanche counts and timing identified through image interpretation. Snowpack properties were primarily acquired via in situ field testing within the study area. Methodologically, statistical modeling and RAMMS::AVALANCHE simulations revealed spatiotemporal and dynamic characteristics of avalanches. Subsequent application of the Certainty Factor (CF) model and sensitivity analysis determined dominant controlling factors and quantified zonal influence intensity for each parameter. This study, utilizing field reconnaissance and drone aerial photography, identified 86 avalanche points in the study area. We used field tests and weather data to run the RAMMS::AVALANCHE model. Then, we categorized and summarized regional avalanche characteristics using both field surveys and simulation results. Furthermore, the Certainty Factor Model (CFM) and the parameter Sensitivity Index (Sa) were applied to assess the influence of elevation, slope gradient, aspect, and maximum snow depth on the severity of avalanche disasters. The results indicate the following: (1) Avalanches exhibit pronounced spatiotemporal concentration: temporally, they cluster between February and March and during 13:00–18:00 daily; spatially, they concentrate within the 2100–3000 m elevation zone. Chute-confined avalanches dominate the region, comprising 73.26% of total events; most chute-confined avalanches feature multiple release areas; therefore the number of release areas exceeds avalanche points; in terms of scale, medium-to-large-scale avalanches dominate, accounting for 86.5% of total avalanches. (2) RAMMS::AVALANCHE simulations yielded the following maximum values for the region: flow height = 15.43 m, flow velocity = 47.6 m/s, flow pressure = 679.79 kPa, and deposition height = 10.3 m. Compared to chute-confined avalanches, unconfined slope avalanches exhibit higher flow velocities and pressures, posing greater hazard potential. (3) The Certainty Factor Model and Sensitivity Index identify elevation, slope gradient, and maximum snow depth as the key drivers of avalanches in the study area. Their relative impact ranks as follows: maximum snow depth > elevation > slope gradient > aspect. The sensitivity index values were 1.536, 1.476, 1.362, and 0.996, respectively. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for further research on avalanche hazards, the development of avalanche warning systems, and the design of avalanche mitigation projects in the study area. Full article

Background/Objectives: Due to limited current evidence, this post-marketing database surveillance study aimed to investigate the occurrence of hospitalization due to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Japan who received single-inhaler triple therapy (fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol; FF/UMEC/VI) or multiple-inhaler triple therapy (MITT). Methods: This retrospective cohort study used health insurance claims data from the Medical Data Vision Co., Ltd. database (November 2017–April 2023) to identify overall and incident users of FF/UMEC/VI or MITT. Index date was the start of FF/UMEC/VI or MITT. Hazard ratios (HRs) for CAP hospitalization were assessed using inverse probability of treatment weighting based on propensity scores (PS). Incidence rates and time to occurrence of CAP hospitalization were also assessed. Adjustments were made to the PS model to address missing body mass index data. Results: In total, 8790 and 10,881 patients were included in the overall FF/UMEC/VI and MITT cohorts, and 3939 and 4017 patients were included in the incident FF/UMEC/VI and MITT cohorts, respectively. HR for CAP hospitalization among incident users ranged from 1.05 to 1.15 across all PS adjustments. Similar incidence rates of CAP hospitalization were reported among both cohorts and across all PS adjustments. The cumulative adjusted incidence rates of first CAP hospitalization at 360 days post-index among incident users was 0.060 and 0.054 in the FF/UMEC/VI and MITT cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: There was no difference in the risk of CAP between patients treated with FF/UMEC/VI and MITT. This safety information may help healthcare providers select appropriate treatments. Full article

For a long time, drought disasters have brought about a wide range of negative impacts on human socio-economics. Especially in large basins with many tributaries, once hydrological drought occurs synchronously in several tributaries, the hydrological drought condition in the mainstream will be aggravated, which will lead to more serious losses. However, there is still a lack of research on the probabilistic risk of simultaneous hydrologic droughts in various areas of large watersheds. In this study, the Standardized Runoff Index was used to characterize hydrological drought, and the Standardized Runoff Index (SRI) sequence characteristics of each region were analyzed. Subsequently, a multiregional hazard encounter probability distribution model with an R-vine structure was constructed with the help of the vine copula function to study the risk pattern of simultaneous hydrological drought in multiple tributaries under environmental changes. The model results showed that the probability of the four basins gradually decreased from 7.5% to 0.16% when the SRI changed from ≤−0.5 to ≤−2.0, indicating that the likelihood of the joint distribution of the compound disaster decreases with increase in the drought extremes. Meanwhile, the probability of hydrological drought in the three major basins showed significant spatial differences, and the risk ranking was Dongting Lake Basin > Poyang Lake Basin > Han River Basin. The model constructed in this study reveals the disaster risk law, provides theoretical support for the measurement of hydrological drought risk in multiple regions at the same time, and is of great significance for the prediction of compound drought disaster risk. Full article

Escherichia coli (E. coli) remains a major concern in poultry production due to its ability to incite foodborne illness and public health crisis, zoonotic potential, and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains. The contamination of poultry products with pathogenic E. coli, including avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), presents risks at multiple stages of the poultry production cycle. The stages affected by E. coli range from, but are not limited to, the hatcheries to grow-out operations, slaughterhouses, and retail markets. While traditional detection methods such as culture-based assays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are well-established for E. coli detection in the food supply chain, their time, cost, and high infrastructure demands limit their suitability for rapid and field-based surveillance—hindering the ability for effective cessation and handling of outbreaks. Biosensors have emerged as powerful diagnostic tools that offer rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective alternatives for E. coli detection across various stages of poultry development and processing where detection is needed. This review examines current biosensor technologies designed to detect bacterial biomarkers, toxins, antibiotic resistance genes, and host immune response indicators for E. coli. Emphasis is placed on field-deployable and point-of-care (POC) platforms capable of integrating into poultry production environments. In addition to enhancing early pathogen detection, biosensors support antimicrobial resistance monitoring, facilitate integration into Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, and align with the One Health framework by improving both animal and public health outcomes. Their strategic implementation in slaughterhouse quality control and marketplace testing can significantly reduce contamination risk and strengthen traceability in the poultry value chain. As biosensor technology continues to evolve, its application in E. coli surveillance is poised to play a transformative role in sustainable poultry production and global food safety. Full article