Search Results (16,640)

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is a type of rapid-hardening inorganic cementitious material, which has important application value in rapid road repair, solidification of hazardous and radioactive waste, and other fields. However, it suffers from excessively fast setting and hardening and a short working time retention, which severely restrict its engineering application. Therefore, the development of high-efficiency set retarders is of great significance for optimizing MPC performance, enhancing its construction workability, and expanding its application scope. In this study, the effect of sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) on the setting and hardening of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) was investigated by testing the setting time and fluidity at a low water-to-solid ratio (W/S = 0.18). Through pH and electrical conductivity measurements, combined with XRD, TG/DTG, and FTIR characterizations, we elucidated the retarding mechanism of PAAS on MKPC using a high water-to-solid ratio (W/S = 10). The results indicate that the setting time of MKPC is positively correlated with the PAAS dosage, whereas the fluidity and compressive strength exhibited a negative correlation with the PAAS dosage. Additionally, PAAS reduces the total heat release and the heat release rate of MKPC. The addition of PAAS increased the pH of the suspension, thereby reducing the solubility of MgO, but did not inhibit the dissolution of KH₂PO₄  The carboxylate groups in PAAS chemically reacted with Mg²⁺ on the surface of MgO to form magnesium carboxylate complexes (Mg-PAA), which remained as precipitates in the MKPC suspension system, thus reducing the amount of available Mg²⁺ participating in the hydration reaction. Furthermore, PAAS had no effect on the final precipitate composition at the end of hydration, which was composed of MgKPO₄·6H₂O  and Mg₃(PO₄)₂·22H₂O  in all cases. Full article

Soil salinity remains a major constraint to rice productivity, particularly during early developmental stages when plants are highly sensitive to osmotic and ionic stress. In this study, we evaluated 201 genetically diverse rice genotypes from the 3K Rice Diversity Panel to investigate stage-specific mechanisms of salinity tolerance and develop machine learning-based predictive models for rapid phenotypic screening. Morphological and physiological traits were measured under control and saline conditions at germination and early seedling stages to derive Stress Tolerance Indices (STIs). The average membership function value (AMFV), calculated from multi-trait STI profiles, effectively captured variation in salinity responses and enabled classification of genotypes into five tolerance categories. Genome-wide association analysis using high-density SNP markers identified 36 significant marker–trait associations, including potentially novel SNPs on chromosomes 1 and 12. Several loci co-localized with candidate genes (LTR1, LGF1, OsCPS4, OsNCX7, and OsNHX4), while functional SNPs within genes (OsDRP2C, RLCK168, and OsMed37_2) and non-synonymous variants (qSVII11.1 and qSNaK3.1) further supported their candidacy in salinity tolerance. Mining favourable SNPs of causal genes identified superior multilocus combinations consistent with STI-based phenotypic patterns, with genotype 91-382 emerging as the strongest performer, exhibiting enhanced Na⁺ exclusion, K⁺ retention, and biomass resilience across developmental stages. To address multicollinearity among STI traits, we applied cross-validated LASSO (germination) and Elastic Net (early seedling) models, achieving high predictive accuracy and revealing a developmental shift from biomass-driven tolerance at germination to ion-regulatory processes at the seedling stage. Independent validation showed strong agreement between predicted and observed AMFVs. By integrating physiological indices, GWAS-derived SNP signals, and regularized machine learning approaches, this study provides a robust framework for identifying elite donors and accelerating breeding for salt-tolerant rice. Full article

COVID-19 is increasingly recognized as a multisystemic disease with significant neurocognitive consequences. However, its specific impact on spatial memory, a cognitive domain essential for daily navigation and functional independence, remains insufficiently explored. This narrative review provides a critical synthesis of current evidence regarding spatial and visuospatial memory alterations across acute and post-acute phases, and post COVID-19 condition (PCC). Clinical findings, conventional and emerging assessment tools ranging from static tasks to immersive virtual reality environments, as well as potential neurobiological mechanisms, were considered. Results suggested that spatial memory is frequently compromised after COVID-19 disease, with deficits being most pronounced at longer retention intervals and within navigational contexts. Neuroimaging and biomarker data further reveal selective vulnerability in the medial temporal lobe, characterized by hippocampal atrophy, hypoperfusion, and disrupted functional connectivity. Importantly, traditional neuropsychological tools may underestimate these impairments due to limited ecological validity. Therefore, implementing multimodal assessment frameworks that integrate navigational paradigms is essential to enhance diagnostic sensitivity and facilitate the development of targeted rehabilitation strategies for PCC patients. Full article

Background: Auricular keloids and ear helix deformities are undesirable and aesthetically unpleasing deformities that can cause significant patient psychologic and self-esteem problems. Pressure therapy for keloids is well documented to be an effective non-invasive treatment modality. However, current devices lack comfort and aesthetic appeal to deliver the pressure forces required effectively and uniformly. This work aims to highlight some different pressure therapy approaches for the management of keloids and irregularities in the ear helix morphology. Methods: A case series of four patients presenting with auricle keloids of various sizes and at different locations secondary to ear piercing and one case of congenital helix deformity were treated successfully with pressure therapy devices. The device designs varied based on the keloids’ characteristics and patients’ preferences and involved wire-based spring-activated appliances resembling ear rings for moderate keloid lesions, modified double-spring systems for large or elongated lesions, and magnet-based devices. A pair of inert magnetic discs of different diameters was positioned on the anterior and posterior aspects of the keloid lesion. The magnets were then encapsulated in acrylic resin to improve retention and adaptation, and the external surface was masked with gold glitter to enhance aesthetics and patient acceptance. The helix-deformity case was treated following a complete digital workflow integration where the sound contralateral ear was digitally scanned, mirror-imaged and then 3D-printed in resin to produce an ear model based on which an anatomically symmetrical pressure device was constructed. Results: All devices were successfully fitted and well tolerated, with no reported discomfort or adverse reactions. The wire spring devices were effective in reducing a large keloids volume; however, frequent reactivation every two weeks was required to ensure continuous pressure application. Incorporating magnets in the customised design allowed controlled and uniform pressure application to small keloid-lesion morphology, with enhanced aesthetics and improved patient acceptance and compliance. The digitally assisted case achieved near-perfect anatomical symmetry with the contralateral ear, reducing operator dependency and fabrication guesswork. Conclusions: Customised pressure therapy devices, of magnetic and spring-based systems, alongside utilising digital technologies, offer effective, non-invasive management for auricular keloids and irregular ear helices as long as the patient is committed to wearing the device. Full article

Frozen surimi, a commonly used raw material in processed aquatic products, is vulnerable to repeated freeze–thaw fluctuations that accelerate protein denaturation and quality loss. In this study, root-derived Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) were extracted from the root-like portion of enoki mushroom, and surimi supplemented with 2% FVP and a blank control (CK) were stored at −18 °C and subjected to a total of five freeze–thaw cycles. The effects of FVP on myofibrillar protein (MP) characteristics and the storage quality of catfish surimi during the freeze–thaw cycles were analyzed. Compared with CK, FVP markedly alleviated the deterioration of water-holding capacity, gel strength, and MP solubility throughout freeze–thaw cycling. It also effectively inhibited the increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values and MP aggregation and delayed the rate of decrease in the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of surimi. Additionally, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) further showed that FVP limited the conversion of immobilized water to free water, indicating enhanced water retention under repeated freeze–thaw stress. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that FVP stabilized the secondary structure of MPs, making the microstructure of surimi more uniform and compact. The results of this study indicate that FVP exhibited significant cryoprotective effects during freeze–thaw cycles of surimi relative to the untreated control group, providing a theoretical basis for its potential application in aquatic product storage. Full article

Constructing efficient conductive networks is essential to overcome the intrinsically low electronic conductivity of LiFePO₄ cathodes. Previous studies have demonstrated that different conductive agents possess distinct electrical conduction mechanisms. The synergistic integration of multiple types of conductive agents can achieve more favorable conductive performance. Nevertheless, most relevant studies are still limited to binary conductive systems, and the synergistic mechanism among various conductive agents has not been systematically investigated and deeply analyzed. In this work, a multidimensional ternary conductive system composed of Super P carbon black (SP), graphene (GN), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was systematically optimized to regulate electron and ion transport pathways. By adjusting the relative proportions of SP, GN, and CNTs, the evolution of conductive network structure and its impact on electrochemical performance were investigated, and the optimized composition (SP/GN/CNTs = 50/15/35, denoted as S5GC37) was identified. The results reveal that the multidimensional conductive framework formed by S5GC37 effectively integrates short-range ion diffusion with long-range electron transport, leading to reduced polarization, suppressed surface oxidation, and enhanced charge transport kinetics. As a result, the LiFePO₄ electrode with S5GC37 delivers an initial discharge capacity of 164.8 mAh·g⁻¹ and maintains 151.9 mAh·g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 1C. Even at 3C, a capacity retention of 83.2% is achieved after 200 cycles, demonstrating excellent rate capability and cycling stability. These findings highlight the importance of multidimensional conductive network design for high-performance LiFePO₄ batteries. Full article

Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in freshwater fish represents a major pathway of human exposure, particularly in cascade reservoir systems where hydrological retention and legacy contamination can enhance methylmercury (MeHg) formation and trophic transfer. This study quantified total mercury (THg) concentrations in seven tissues of seven fish species from the Arda River cascade (Bulgaria). Multi-tissue measurements were integrated with morphometric predictors, multivariate statistical analyses, and combined deterministic and probabilistic human-health risk assessments. Muscle and liver contained the highest THg concentrations, whereas gills and gonads exhibited the lowest levels. Predatory species and larger individuals accumulated significantly more Hg, reflecting trophic magnification and size-dependent exposure. A longitudinal gradient across the cascade reservoirs suggests hydrological retention effects influencing mercury distribution. Species- and tissue-specific size–Hg relationships further indicate heterogeneous bioaccumulation dynamics among taxa. Risk assessment indicated acceptable exposure for adults and pregnant women at average consumption (140 g·week⁻¹), but elevated exposure for children consuming high-Hg predators. Monte Carlo simulations (N = 30,000) revealed upper-tail risks, while Safe Weekly Intake thresholds provided species-specific consumption limits. These findings highlight the value of integrating multi-tissue monitoring with probabilistic risk modelling to support evidence-based fish-consumption advisories in contaminated freshwater systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Midwifery workforce sustainability faces critical challenges including high burnout and turnover rates threating the service quality and the maternal health outcomes. While self-leadership and self-compassion represent promising psychological resources, their roles relative to organizational factors remain underexplored. This study examined associations between self-leadership, self-compassion, and workforce outcomes (job satisfaction, turnover intention, performance) among Turkish midwives. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 346 midwives working in diverse healthcare settings across Turkey from May 2021 to April 2022. Data were collected through an online self-report questionnaire using validated scales for self-leadership and self-compassion as well as measures of job satisfaction, turnover intention, and job performance, and including demographic and organizational items. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA (with Eta-squared [η²] calculated to determine effect size), and correlation analyses were conducted, followed by hierarchical multiple regression and binary logistic regression to examine predictive relationships, with organizational factors entered before psychological resources. Results: Self-leadership and self-compassion demonstrated a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.342, p < 0.01). Self-leadership strongly predicted job performance (OR = 2.497, p = 0.001), particularly through natural reward strategies emphasizing intrinsic motivation (OR = 1.970, p < 0.001). However, neither psychological resource significantly predicted job satisfaction or turnover intention when organizational factors were included. Work schedule, healthcare setting, professional position, and income emerged as primary predictors of satisfaction and retention. Work experience predicted increased psychological distress (OR = 1.073, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Psychological resources demonstrate domain-specific effects on workforce outcomes in midwifery: self-leadership strategies strongly enhance job performance, whereas job satisfaction and turnover intention are influenced primarily by organizational conditions. These findings highlight the need for multi-level strategies to support the sustainability of the midwifery workforce. Full article

Extended-solvent steam-assisted gravity drainage (ES-SAGD) has emerged as a promising advancement over conventional SAGD for improving the efficiency and sustainability of in situ heavy oil and bitumen recovery. By co-injecting light hydrocarbon or alternative solvents with steam, ES-SAGD integrates thermal and compositional mechanisms to reduce viscosity, accelerate chamber development, and reduce steam–oil ratios. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on ES-SAGD, encompassing fundamental transport mechanisms, solvent selection and phase behavior, mass transfer dynamics, laboratory and physical modeling studies, numerical simulation approaches, and field-scale operational experiences. Experimental evidence consistently demonstrates substantial mobility enhancement through solvent-induced dilution, while compositional thermal simulations highlight an improved sweep efficiency and reduced energy intensity relative to steam-only processes. Field pilots further validate accelerated early-time production and significant steam savings, though challenges related to solvent retention, asphaltene stability, and reservoir heterogeneity persist. Key research gaps are identified in solvent transport prediction, formation damage risk, long-term solvent recovery, and integrated economic–environmental optimization. Overall, ES-SAGD offers a viable pathway toward lower-emission, higher-efficiency bitumen production, provided that solvent chemistry, reservoir complexity, and operational controls are carefully managed through continued research and targeted field deployment. Full article

Phosphorus availability is extremely limited in Florida’s sandy soils due to intense sorption by aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) oxides, and fertilizer retention. Current fertilization recommendations do not account for P-fixation, a defining characteristic of Florida’s soils. Site-specific and multi-year yield-based thresholds for snap bean under these conditions have not been established. This study is among the first to derive yield-based thresholds from a multi-year linear–plateau model using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling that accounts for stochastic variability across sites and years, thereby defining a threshold range for this crop in this soil system. This work assessed snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pod yield responses to phosphorus fertilization from 2022 to 2025. Field experiments employing increasing P₂O₅ rates and fertilizer sources were conducted. Hastings and Citra were selected to represent sandy soil conditions across northeast and north-central Florida’s commercial snap bean production areas, where soil tests consistently indicated elevated extractable Al and Fe in the rhizosphere, key drivers of P fixation and fertilizer demand. At low-to-moderate P₂O₅ rates, yield increased linearly over site-years before plateauing. A breakpoint of 215.6 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅ was found in Hastings by the multi-year model. A single-year fit at Citra in 2025 revealed a breakpoint of 265.7 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅. Confidence intervals were wide due to year and plot variability, with values of 148.2–283 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅. When all site-years were pooled, the population-level breakpoint was estimated at 223.5 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅, with 90% and 95% model estimates of maximum yield obtained at about 164 and 194 kg ha⁻¹ P₂O₅, respectively. These findings provide a fertilizer range for snap bean production in Florida’s sandy soils under similar conditions, with implications for regional fertilizer guidelines. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of personality features and attitudes toward the nursing profession on job motivation and intention to quit among male nurses within the framework of the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model. In this framework, personality traits and perceptions of the profession were conceptualized as personal resources, while job motivation represents a motivational process that may influence turnover intention. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed with 303 male nurses actively working in different regions of Turkey. Data were collected via an online survey using non-probability sampling methods. The measurement tools included the Attitude Scale Toward the Nursing Profession, Job Motivation Scale, Personality Features Scale, and the Nurse Turnover Intention Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. Results: Structural equation modeling revealed that attitudes toward the nursing profession (β = −0.90, p < 0.001), personality features (β = −0.10, p < 0.001), and job motivation (β = −0.14, p < 0.001) had significant and negative effects on intention to quit. Attitudes toward the profession emerged as the strongest predictor, explaining 49% of the variance in intention to quit. Attitudes toward the nursing profession, personality features, and job motivation were found to have significant and negative effects on intention to quit among male nurses. Consistent with the JD-R model, the findings suggest that personal resources (personality and professional perception) and motivational processes (job motivation) may play an important role in shaping turnover intentions among male nurses. Accordingly, professional identity-strengthening initiatives, role model-based mentoring, and motivation-enhancing training programs may help support the retention of male nurses in the profession. Full article

Livestock production systems are considered some of the most environmentally degrading due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their contribution to poor air, soil and water quality, amongst other impacts. Advanced manure treatment technologies are required in response to intensification of dairy production worldwide, and the considerably greater volumes of manure generated that require collection and management. Similarly, in Australian dairy systems cows spend more time off pasture, with increased collection of larger manure volumes from a range of contained housing facilities. Adoption of advanced treatment is required to capture nutrients at risk of loss, and ideally to valorise manure to support uptake of these technologies. This review describes the generation of manure and the manure sources found in commercial Australian systems, including grazing-based and intensive dairy farms, supporting zero grazing. The review draws on manure data from pasture-based industries elsewhere and summarises their properties for comparison with Australian systems. Manure treatments that recover and retain nutrients, water and energy are reviewed. These include additives, mechanical/chemical/membrane separation, thermochemical and biological treatments which produce organic and inorganic soil amendments, clarified or potable water, gases (N₂, H₂), biofuels and energy. The review describes the technical and operational details of the technologies, and where there are opportunities for the Australian dairy industry. Treatment technologies need to be validated for Australian systems based on the collated data of local manure properties, as differences with international manure data have been observed. The relative costs, technological maturity, and the benefits and challenges associated with adoption are discussed. Many advanced technologies are ready for adoption, but others are experimental or at pilot stage and relative costs range from low to very high. However, to accurately assess feasibility of manure treatments, environmental, and production benefits should be balanced against capital and operating expenses and account for costs associated with current management. For large intensive farms, implementing advanced manure technologies may be required to ensure approval to operate/expand and to meet regulatory compliance. Future research for the Australian industry should investigate nutrient retention and further develop separation treatments incorporating chemical and mechanical technologies. Bioconversion of manure through insect composting as well as investigating co-digestion opportunities to enhance biogas production would support famers currently using these systems. Full article

This research examined the component structure of two child measures, the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Child Form (TEIQue-CF; 75 items) and its short form (TEIQue-CSF; 36 items), developed specifically for children aged 8 to 12 years. Study 1 analysed TEIQue-CF data using the nine facet scores from 720 UK primary school pupils in Years 3 through 6 using principal component analysis with parallel analysis for factor retention. Results supported a unifactorial solution in the total sample, with a single factor explaining 43.48% of the variance. Exploratory subgroup factor analyses (in boys and older children in Years 5 to 6) in Study 1 suggested a potentially interpretable bifactorial pattern, though parallel analysis did not support retaining the second factor. Study 2 examined the TEIQue-CSF in 1582 Year 6 pupils using parcel-level analysis. A clearer two-factor structure emerged, with Socioemotionality (Adaptability, Peer relations, Self-esteem, Emotion expression, Affective disposition, Emotion perception) and Emotion control (Impulse control, Emotion regulation, Self-motivation) explaining 53.7% of the variance. This structure replicated across gender subgroups. Taken together, the findings suggest a developmental trend in which trait EI shifts from a largely undifferentiated structure in middle childhood to a more differentiated two-factor organisation by the end of primary school. They support the use of global trait EI scores in younger children while indicating that differentiated assessment becomes appropriate as children approach adolescence. Full article

Uneven urbanization can lead to significant quantities of vacant and abandoned land while exacerbating urban heat island (UHI) effects and simultaneously adversely affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. This study examines the correlation between land surface temperature (LST) and urban vacant and abandoned land in socially vulnerable neighborhoods in Houston, TX, USA, where extreme heat can present significant environmental and public health challenges. Six critical study locations exhibiting a social vulnerability index (SVI) over 0.7 and average land surface temperature (LST) values surpassing 82 °F (27.8 °C) are analyzed through spatial analytics and drone footage. Findings indicate that vegetated vacant spaces help mitigate urban heat by decreasing land surface temperature, but abandoned structures exacerbate temperatures due to heat retention from non-permeable surfaces. Findings suggest that elevated socioeconomic vulnerability correlates with increased land surface temperature, exacerbating heat-related hazards in at-risk communities. In this six-site sample, the abandonment rate exhibited a positive correlation with the site mean land surface temperature (exploratory linear fit: +2.42 °F [0.74, 4.11]/+1.35 °C [0.41, 2.28] per +1% increase in abandonment; to be interpreted as exploratory and potentially confounded). Results provide critical insights for climate resilience planning and urban heat reduction through high-resolution thermal and geographical analysis, highlighting the impact of vacant and abandoned land on LST. Such findings endorse certain urban cooling techniques, including land reutilization and green infrastructure, to enhance environmental equality and adaptation. Full article

Sustainable fertilizer technologies are essential to address nutrient losses, environmental pollution, and inefficiencies associated with conventional urea application. In this study, humic acid–functionalized starch (St–HA) gel coatings were developed and optimized via a Wurster fluidized-bed system to produce controlled-release urea granules, with an additional carnauba wax outer layer to further extend nutrient release duration. The coating formulation was synthesized through in situ crosslinking of tapioca starch with humic acid using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide and potassium persulfate, yielding a cohesive film. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to investigate the influence of atomizing air pressure, fluidizing air flow rate, fluidized-bed temperature, and spray rate on coating performance. Comprehensive characterization; including FTIR, XRD, rheological analysis, thermogravimetric studies, water retention, biodegradability, and surface abrasion, confirmed chemical crosslinking, structural stability, and mechanical robustness of the coatings. Nitrogen release analysis in both water and soil demonstrated a substantial extension of release longevity from less than 2 days (uncoated) to 18–20 days for St–HA-coated urea, and up to 28 days with the additional wax coating. Coated granules exhibited low abrasion (8–24%), high water-retention capacity, and 68% biodegradation in 60 days, ensuring environmental compatibility. The findings establish St–HA/wax hybrid coatings as a viable, eco-friendly strategy for controlled-release fertilizers, integrating renewable feedstocks with scalable industrial processing for precision nutrient management. Full article