Search Results (34,635)

The railway architectural heritage in Jilin Province, as a significant component of Northeast China’s modern railway network, demonstrates how construction techniques, cultural integration, and social transformation have evolved throughout different historical periods. In this study, we conducted a systematic survey of 474 railway heritage buildings along the province’s main line. In order to quantitatively classify the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the heritage sites, we used five key Geographic Information System (GIS) methods—kernel density estimation, nearest neighbour index, spatial autocorrelation, standard deviational ellipses, and mean centre analysis—along with information entropy, relative richness, and the Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index. We continued our binary logistic regression using four prerequisite parameters—location, structure, architecture, and function—which contribute to the prerequisite, fundamental, and driving factors of architectural heritage. We concluded that local culture shapes geopolitics, population migration triggers economic conservation, and design trends carry ideology. These three factors intertwine to influence architecture and spatial patterns. Compared with previous studies, this research fills the gap concerning the architectural characteristics of towns at various lower-and mid-level stations, as well as the construction activities during the affiliated land period. This study provides a systematic framework for analysing railway heritage corridors and supports their sustainable conservation and reuse. Full article

In light of the global energy shortage, the development of renewable energy has become increasingly vital. With China’s commitment to achieving “carbon peak and carbon neutrality,” photovoltaic power generation has emerged as a focal point in new energy development. However, DC arc faults in photovoltaic systems pose significant safety hazards, potentially leading to electrical fires. While new detection technologies for DC arc faults in photovoltaic power generation systems have advanced rapidly, the diversity of international standards—such as UL 1699 B, GB/T 39750, IEC 63027, and CGC/GF 175—limits both the construction of experimental platforms and the universality of detection technologies. Current research often relies on a single standard to establish experimental platforms, resulting in detection methods with limited applicability and an inability to validate technological effectiveness fully. To address this issue, this paper conducts an in-depth study of four international and national standards (IEC 63027; UL 1699 B, GB/T 39750, and CGC/GF 175), focusing on the discrepancies in decoupling methods, impedance parameter settings, and experimental circuit topologies, including series and parallel arc scenarios. Through comprehensive comparative analysis of multiple standards, this study integrates major international and domestic specifications to develop a multi-standard compatible experimental platform. The platform is designed to accommodate diverse topologies and parameter requirements, enabling efficient collection of arc test data and performance evaluation of arc fault detection devices. It also provides a standardized foundation for the performance testing and classification of DC arc circuit breakers in photovoltaic power generation systems. Through a comprehensive multi-standard comparative analysis, we systematically analyze the technical differences in photovoltaic DC arc detection. We construct a multi-standard compatible experimental platform by integrating mainstream international and domestic standards. This platform is designed to accommodate various topological structures and parameter requirements, facilitating the collection of arcing experimental data and assessment of the performance of arc fault detection devices. The findings from this research provide both theoretical and experimental foundations for developing unified technical guidelines for photovoltaic DC arc protection. This will aid in standardizing the development of detection devices and enhancing the electrical safety of photovoltaic systems. Ultimately, this work is significant for promoting the safe utilization of new energy within the framework of the dual carbon goals. Moving forward, it is crucial to enhance the generalization abilities of detection algorithms further and foster the integration of standards and industrial applications. Full article

Backgrounds/Objectives: Trabeculectomy is the gold standard for glaucoma drainage surgery, but it is associated with a risk of sight-threatening complications. The PreserFlo MicroShunt (PF) is a less invasive alternative that aims to reduce complications and simplify post-operative care. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of PF to trabeculectomy in the management of glaucoma. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 95 eyes (48 PF, 47 trabeculectomy) from a single-center private practice in Brisbane, Australia. Data were collected from November 2017 to January 2024. Primary outcomes included intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of medications. Secondary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and complications. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to baseline covariates, and weighted regression and Cox proportional hazards models were then used to estimate treatment effects. Results: The two groups had comparable patient characteristics, although the PF group was older with worse visual field mean deviation. At 12 months, both procedures significantly reduced IOP and medications; however, differences were not statistically significant between groups (2.9 mmHg; 95%CI: −2.0, 7.9; p = 0.303, and 0.4; 95%CI: −0.13, 0.96; p = 0.138, respectively). The estimated probabilities of qualified success were comparable (74.9% PF vs. 72.5% trabeculectomy). Intra-operative stenting in PF eyes eliminated early post-operative hypotony. The incidence of open surgical revision in the PF group vs. the trabeculectomy group was 14.6% vs. 2.1% (p = 0.059, respectively). PF was associated with faster post-operative inflammation resolution (hazard ratio: 6.3; 95%CI: 2.8, 14.5; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both PF and trabeculectomy are effective for glaucoma management. PF is a less invasive procedure with a lower rate of early hypotony when stented. Trabeculectomy has a tendency for lower IOP reduction and less requirement for open revision, although this did not reach statistical significance. This highlights the need for longer-term studies and improved techniques, such as more effective anti-fibrotic strategies. Full article

Ultrasonic treatment significantly improves the emulsifying properties of chicken egg yolk. This advancement not only provides a novel approach for enhancing the physical stability of yolk-based cryodiluents, but also holds promising implications for optimizing the cryopreservation efficacy of boar semen. This study evaluated the effects of conventional egg yolk (CON) and ultrasonicated egg yolk (UT-CEY) on boar semen cryopreservation. Semen samples were cryopreserved using standard straw freezing methods, with post-thaw sperm quality parameters assessed. Results demonstrated that UT-CEY significantly reduced yolk particle size (p < 0.01), improved emulsion stability (p < 0.01), and decreased creaming index (p < 0.05). Additionally, UT-CEY enhanced total motility, progressive motility, straight-line velocity (VSL), and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.01), along with acrosome integrity (p < 0.05) compared to CON. Furthermore, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were elevated in UT-CEY (p < 0.01), while reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity showed no significant difference (p >0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed upregulated Bcl-2, CAT (p < 0.01), and SOD₂ (p < 0.05) in UT-CEY. In conclusion, ultrasonicated egg yolk diluent improves boar semen cryopreservation efficiency and post-thaw sperm quality. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying durations of ultrasonic condensation on the formation of internal and external voids and the microhardness of apical plugs created with premixed bioceramic putty Well-Root^TM PT in standardized 3D-printed immature permanent teeth using micro-CT imaging and Vickers microhardness testing. Methods: Forty-eight 3D-printed upper incisors with simulated open apices (2 mm canal diameter) were divided into four groups (n = 12 each) based on apical plug condensation technique as follows: Group 1 (control, manual condensation), Group 2 (3-s Ultrasonic at 25 kHz), Group 3 (9-s Ultrasonic at 25 kHz), and Group 4 (15-s Ultrasonic at 25 kHz). Well-Root^TM PT was used to form 5 mm apical plugs under a microscope. Samples were stored at 37 °C and 100% humidity for one week. Micro-CT imaging was used to quantify internal, external, and total void volumes (% of total material volume), while microhardness was measured using a Vickers tester (1 kgf load, 10 s) on polished apical plug sections. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Results: Group 4 (15-s Ultrasonic) exhibited significantly higher external and total void volumes compared to Groups 1–3 (p < 0.001), with no significant differences in internal voids across groups (p > 0.05). Microhardness was highest in Group 1 (mean VHN: 76.95 ± 3.73), followed by Group 2 (73.11 ± 4.82), Group 3 (55.11 ± 5.28), and Group 4 (51.25 ± 7.73) (p < 0.05). Shorter ultrasonic durations (3-s Ultrasonic) resulted in fewer voids and higher microhardness compared to longer durations (15-s Ultrasonic). There was no statistically significant difference in void size among the groups compared (p > 0.05). Fractal dimension analysis showed that prolonged ultrasonic condensation results in less complex voids compared to shorter activation. Conclusion: Manual condensation of premixed bioceramic putty, by promoting denser particle packing without ultrasonic-induced disruptions, leads to higher microhardness. Brief ultrasonic activation (3-s Ultrasonic) optimizes the quality of Well-Root^TM PT apical plugs by minimizing voids and maintaining higher microhardness, thus enhancing the apical seal. Prolonged ultrasonic activation (15-s Ultrasonic) increases void formation and reduces microhardness, potentially compromising the long-term integrity of the apical barrier. Full article

The diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) strongyle infections in equids is still mainly performed using quantitative coprological techniques, like the McMaster (McM), but more sensitive and precise techniques, like FLOTAC (FL) and Mini-FLOTAC (MF), have been proposed over the past 20 years. The present study aimed to compare the analytical performance of these three methods in the diagnosis of strongyle infections in horses. Between October 2023 and June 2024, 32 fecal samples were processed using the McM, FL and MF techniques to identify strongyles’ eggs, estimate their shedding (eggs per gram of feces, EPG), standard errors, sensitivities, precisions, and perform Spearman’s correlation and Cohen’s kappa analyses. The McM detected a higher shedding (584 ± 179 EPG), in comparison with FL and MF, with both these differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001); FL achieved the highest precision (72%), which differed significantly from McM (p = 0.03). All techniques were positively (r_s = 0.92–0.96) and significantly (p < 0.001) correlated and shared substantial (k = 0.67–0.76) and significant (p < 0.001) agreement. The MF achieved the highest diagnostic sensitivity (93%), followed by FL (89%) and McM (85%), although not significantly (p = 0.90). These results suggest the usefulness of implementing FL or MF methods in equine medicine for precise and, in the latter case, quick parasitological diagnosis. Full article

The role of distributed energy resources in distribution networks is evolving to support system operation, facilitated by their participation in local flexibility markets. Future scenarios envision a significant share of low-power resources providing ancillary services to efficiently manage network congestions, offering a competitive alternative to conventional grid reinforcement. Additionally, the interaction between distribution and transmission systems enables the provision of flexibility services at higher voltage levels for various applications. In such cases, the aggregated flexibility of low-power resources is typically represented as a capability envelope at the interface between the distribution and transmission network, constructed by accounting for distribution grid constraints and subsequently communicated to the transmission system operator. This paper revisits this concept and introduces a novel approach for envelope construction. The proposed method is based on a surrogate model composed of a limited set of standard power flow components—loads, generators, and storage units—enhancing the integration of distribution network flexibility into transmission-level optimization frameworks. Notably, this advantage can potentially be achieved without significant modifications to the optimization tools currently available to grid operators. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated through a case study in which the adoption of distribution network surrogate models within a coordinated framework between transmission and distribution operators enables the provision of ancillary services for transmission resilience support. This results in improved resilience indicators and lower control action costs compared to conventional shedding schemes. Full article

Biobanks are essential for precision oncology, providing high-quality materials for biomedical research. Liquid biopsy has become a key tool for non-invasive detection of tumor-derived biomarkers, including circulating tumor DNA, proteins, and extracellular vesicles. However, the reliability of these assays critically depends on standardized preanalytical procedures. In this study, we evaluated the impact of two plasma isolation methods—direct centrifugation (DC) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC)—on the overall quality of breast cancer samples collected at the Bruno Boerci Biobank (Maugeri, Italy). Plasma obtained with the two methods was analyzed by spectrometry for hemolysis and lipemia, biochemical analysis for protein and lipoprotein composition, flow cytometry for cellular debris and platelet contamination. Preanalytical nonconformities due to hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia were comparable between methods. However, DGC was associated with a higher platelet contamination and reduced albumin and cholesterol levels. Inter-individual variability was preserved, supporting the robustness of patient-specific molecular signatures, despite absolute discrepancies. This study highlights the pivotal role of the isolation techniques in shaping the quality and overall composition of plasma samples. Harmonized, “fit-for-purpose” biobanking protocols are required to ensure reproducibility of downstream analyses, support biomarker discovery, and ultimately advance the identification of novel therapeutic targets in cancer. Full article

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is essential for protecting the life, health, and physical integrity of workers. In a complex and dynamic professional context, the prevention of occupational risks has become a priority for employers and decision-makers, going beyond legal compliance to create a safe and efficient work environment. This article explores the history and the main theoretical aspects of OHS and explores the implementation of the ISO 45001 standard and introduces managing workplace health and safety (WHS) risks based on the 5M Method and a weighted composite algorithm for OHS risk assessment integrating factors such as severity, probability, frequency of exposure, number of exposed employees, organizational response capacity, and incident history. Applied in a mixed industrial case study, this approach demonstrated superior risk prioritization compared to the classic severity–probability model. The findings have practical applications: organizations can use the Weighted Composite Score to prioritize interventions, allocate resources efficiently, and prevent high-risk incidents. The approach is adaptable across industries, supporting data-driven safety decisions. The integration of this method supports ISO 45001’s principles of a systematic, proactive, and continuous improvement approach to OHS management. Full article

Oculomotor dysfunction identified within the first 10 days of sport-related concussion (SRC) is a risk factor for Persisting Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS). Oculomotor rehabilitation is the recommended treatment for oculomotor dysfunction from the subacute period onwards. However, there are delays in initiating rehabilitation due to a limited number of specialized providers and associated healthcare costs. Delays in initiating treatment are associated with worse outcomes. We performed a retrospective, quasi-experimental trial to evaluate whether providing instructions for self-guided oculomotor rehabilitation in adolescents with 3 or more abnormal oculomotor findings after SRC (Experimental Arm, n = 27, mean age = 15.50 ± 1.53 years, 63.0% male, 5.74 ± 2.43 days since injury) reduced the number of persisting impairments at 4 weeks compared to a wait-and-see approach (Standard Care Arm, n = 106, mean age = 14.98 ± 1.87 years, 59.4% male, 5.69 ± 2.78 days since injury). A small difference was seen in the incidence of neck tenderness but there were no differences between groups in symptom severity or number of abnormal oculomotor findings at initial presentation. Overall, 50 out of 106 (47.2%) participants in the Standard Care Arm had PPCS compared to 7 out of 27 (25.9%) in the Experimental Arm, which was significantly different (Chi-squared = 3.966, p = 0.046). This corresponds to an absolute risk reduction of 21.3%. Results from our pilot study suggest these treatment guidelines are feasible to incorporate into a busy outpatient practice in a cost-effective manner. Prospectively designed randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate the effectiveness of this treatment. Full article

Assessing and forecasting hydrocarbon resource potential (HRP) is of great significance. However, due to the complexity and uncertainty of geological conditions during hydrocarbon accumulation, it is challenging to accurately establish HRP models. This study employs machine learning methods to construct a HRP assessment model. First, nine primary controlling factors were selected from the five key conditions for HRP: source rock, reservoir, trap, migration, and accumulation. Subsequently, three prediction models were developed based on the backpropagation (BP) neural network, BP-Bagging algorithm, and BP-AdaBoost algorithm, with hydrocarbon resources abundance as the output metric. These models were applied to the Dongpu Depression in the Bohai Bay Basin for performance evaluation and optimization. Finally, this study examined the importance of various variables in predicting HRP and analyzed model uncertainty. The results indicate that the BP-AdaBoost model outperforms the others. On the test dataset, the BP-AdaBoost model achieved an R² value of 0.77, compared to 0.73 for the BP-Bagging model and only 0.64 for the standard BP model. Variable importance analysis revealed that trap area, sandstone thickness, sedimentary facies type, and distance to faults significantly contribute to HRP. Furthermore, model accuracy is influenced by multiple factors, including the selection and quantification of geological parameters, dataset size and distribution characteristics, and the choice of machine learning algorithm models. In summary, machine learning provides a reliable method for assessing HRP, offering new insights for identifying high-quality exploration blocks and optimizing development strategies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease, and its incidence increases with age, being particularly high in people over 70 years of age. For patients with this condition, medical rehabilitation can have a profound impact, helping to improve mobility, preserve functional autonomy, and enhance quality of life. Focal vibration stimulation is a promising, well-tolerated, and easy-to-apply method with potential to facilitate motor activity and support the motor learning process, making it also useful in gait reeducation for patients with various neurological conditions. This systematic review aims to analyze the existing scientific evidence on the effectiveness of focal muscle vibration therapy in managing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Materials and Methods: This systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the protocol registration number CRD420251120737. Searches were conducted in five databases (PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Web of Science). The selection criteria targeted original clinical studies, published in English between 2010 and the present, that investigated focal muscle vibration therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease and were fully available, excluding review papers, meta-analyses, books, and articles inaccessible in full text. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: The results of the studies were interpreted individually for each study, and the main information was synthesized in a comparative table to facilitate analysis. The final analysis included five studies that investigated the effects of focal muscle vibration in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The results suggest that this form of stimulation may offer benefits for patients with gait disorders, improving balance and stability. Among the study’s limitations are the small number of included articles (n = 5) and the restriction to English-language publications, which may limit the applicability of the results. Conclusions: Given the promising results, focal muscle vibration therapy could represent a useful option in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Integrating this method into rehabilitation plans could bring significant functional benefits, but further studies are needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness and to establish standardized application protocols. No external funding was received for the conduct of this review. Full article

This study examined engine combustion characteristics of the plastic diesel produced through pyrolysis of waste plastics as an eco-friendly source of engine fuel. We extensively measured and compared the key fuel properties based on various diesel fuel standards. Distillation and hydrotreatment processes were used to improve the quality of the pyrolysis oil, resulting in distilled plastic diesel (DPD) and hydrotreated plastic diesel (HPD). DPD and HPD were blended at 10:90 and 20:80 (vol%) ratios with commercial diesel, resulting in fuel blends termed as DPD10, DPD20, HPD10, and HPD20, respectively, to analyse their engine combustion characteristics. A full-scale 4-cylinder, 4-stroke diesel engine was used in this study. There are virtually no studies available in the literature where engine combustion characteristics have been tested with both distilled and hydrotreated plastic pyrolytic oil. This study comprehensively investigated the combustion behaviours of all four fuel blends under full-load conditions and at an engine operating speed of 1500 rpm, except engine exhaust gas temperature which was measured at varying engine speeds from 1200 rpm to 2400 rpm at an interval of 300 rpm. The study found notable differences in engine combustion characteristics between the commercial diesel and plastic diesel blends under identical operating conditions. The HPD blends had higher exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) than the DPD blends, particularly at lower blend ratios, whereas the DPD10 and HPD10 blends had higher peak cylinder pressures than DPD20 and HPD20. The HPD10 blend exhibited the highest heat release rate (HRR) of 120.41 J/°CA. The engine combustion characteristics using a full-scale engine with distilled and hydrotreated plastic diesel and their comparison are not fully studied in the literature yet. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic migraines are a disabling neurological disorder with limited response to preventive pharmacological treatments. Greater occipital nerve (GON)-targeted radiofrequency (RF) procedures have emerged as promising interventions, yet long-term comparative data between pulsed RF (PRF) and continuous-lesion RF (LesionRF) remain scarce. This study evaluated the 12-month efficacy and safety of PRF versus LesionRF. Materials and Methods: A single-center cohort of 211 patients with chronic migraine diagnosed by ICHD-3 criteria (PRF = 107; LesionRF = 104) was analyzed. All patients had a positive diagnostic block and ≥12 months of follow-up. Interventions were performed under ultrasound guidance with standardized protocols (PRF: 42 °C, 4 min, 45 V; LesionRF: 80 °C, 90 s). The primary outcome was a change in monthly migraine days (MMD), while secondary outcomes included responder rates (≥50% MMD reduction), pain intensity (VAS), functional outcomes (HIT-6, MIDAS), quality of life (SF-36, EQ-5D), medication use, retreatment, and complications. Results: Both groups improved, but LesionRF showed greater benefit. At 12 months, LesionRF achieved a larger MMD reduction (−4.8 days vs. PRF, p < 0.001), higher responder rates (83% vs. 65%, p = 0.01), and greater VAS decreases (−1.6, p < 0.001). Functional and quality-of-life scores improved more with LesionRF, with MIDAS reductions surpassing MCID and responder rates meeting PASS. Retreatment was less frequent with LesionRF (8% vs. 19%; HR 2.15, p = 0.037), and two LesionRF patients (1.9%) developed hematomas that resolved conservatively. Conclusions: Compared with PRF, LesionRF provided more sustained and clinically meaningful benefits for chronic migraines. Both approaches appeared to be safe, though confirmation in larger randomized trials is warranted. Full article

Background: Cephalomedullary nails are the standard treatment of trochanteric fractures, and some implants with a perforated blade allow augmentation with bone cement to increase mechanical stability. The study compares the results of PFNA and TFNA implants (DePuy Synthes) with or without cement augmentation of the blade. Methods: A retrospective study evaluated 219 trochanteric fractures. The study included 59 men (27%) and 160 women (73%), with a mean patient age of 82 years. The most common fractures were type 31A2 (56%), followed by type 31A1 (25%) and type 31A3 (19%). The monitored parameters were evaluated from anteroposterior and axial images of the proximal femur and pelvis. TAD, blade position, lateral blade prominence, fracture varus, and cut-out were evaluated. Results: Cement-augmented blade implants (CABs) in 68 patients (31%) and cement-free implants (NCABs) in 151 patients (69%) were used. The average age difference between the groups was 7 years (CAB 86.07 ± 5.85 and NCAB 79.13 ± 8.48). CABs were used more frequently in women (60 cases) than in men (8 cases). Blade position was optimal in 68% of cases and suboptimal in 32%. The risk of varus deformities was not statistically significantly affected by the blade position. The statistical significance of CABs for reducing the risk of varus deformities in stable fractures (p = 0.396) or unstable fractures (p = 0.101) was not confirmed. The average varus angulation during treatment was 2.57° (CAB 2.53° and NCAB 2.67°). A varus deformity greater than 10° was confirmed in 8 eight patients (3.7%) and cut-out in three patients (1.4%). All patients with cut-out were in the NCAB group. Cement leakage occurred in two cases and was asymptomatic. One case of deep infection, lateral blade prominence, and avascular necrosis (AVN) were recorded. Conclusions: Cement augmentation of the blade did not significantly reduce varus deformity in this cohort, regardless of blade position of fracture stability. CABs may prevent cut-out in specific subgroups, but this requires further investigation. Full article