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Ranked Set Sampling (RSS) is known for its efficiency in parameter estimation, especially when ranking is more feasible than actual measurement. This study introduces a novel memory type estimator for RSS based on Hybrid Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages (HEWMA), using two auxiliary variables. The estimator aims to enhance efficiency by integrating current and past information along with secondary auxiliary data. Analytical expressions for the bias and mean square error (MSE) are derived, and the corresponding sample coefficients are obtained to simplify HEWMA weight calculations. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the estimator under various conditions, including different sample sizes, distributional shapes (normal and skewed Weibull), and varying correlation levels among study and auxiliary variables. Results indicate that the proposed estimator consistently yields the highest relative efficiency (RE) compared to conventional and memory estimators using one or multiple auxiliary variables. Additionally, the estimator is applied to two real-world mortality datasets from the USA, involving deaths from tobacco- and alcohol-related cancers. Despite challenges such as zero values and small sample sizes, the estimator maintains superior performance. Overall, the proposed estimator offers an improvement in estimation performance for RSS, particularly in settings where auxiliary variables are available and memory type estimators are applicable.
The challenges of conventional chemotherapy's side effects highlight the need for new treatments. Phytochemicals like myricetin show promise in cancer therapy, but their bioavailability is limited due to poor solubility and rapid clearance, requiring nanocarriers for improved delivery. This study focused on synthesizing and characterizing myricetin-encapsulated casein nanoparticles (M-CNPs) and evaluating their effects on angiogenesis and pro-apoptotic activities in human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells. M-CNPs were characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT assay, and cell cycle and apoptosis studies were conducted using flow cytometry and AO/PI staining. Key gene expression, including Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and MMP-2, was analyzed by real-time PCR. The anti-angiogenic effects of M-CNPs were evaluated using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The results showed that M-CNPs are spherical, averaging 75.38 nm in size with a polydispersity index of 0.31, indicating uniformity in particle distribution. MTT analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in AGS cell viability, while AO/PI staining and flow cytometry confirmed that M-CNPs induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Gene expression analysis indicated upregulation of Caspase 3 (p > 0.05) and downregulation of MMP-2 (p ≤ 0.05). The CAM assay demonstrated significant anti-angiogenic effects and downregulated VEGFR expression (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that M-CNPs could be an effective cancer treatment by enhancing myricetin bioavailability and targeting multiple pathways.
Karst aquifers provide essential freshwater worldwide, yet their hydrogeochemical functioning under perturbations remains difficult to resolve, especially using steady-state or time-averaged approaches. Here, we investigated hydrogeochemical dynamics in a karst aquifer affected by persistent acid mine drainage, using rainstorms as natural event-based diagnostics. Uneven rainfall over the four-month monitoring period reorganized the system into four hydrological stages. High-frequency monitoring of discharge and water temperature revealed heterogeneous hydrological responses across functionally distinct drainage outlets, attributable to contrasting connectivity to fast- and slow-flow domains. Despite a common meteoric origin, discharged waters exhibited outlet-specific isotopic variability, reflecting dynamic mixing among event water, epikarst storage, and goaf-affected deep reservoir. Hydrochemical time series showed redox-pH oscillations and episodic mobilization of reactive solutes including toxic metals. Stage-dependent concentration-discharge relationships captured shifting dominance among event-water dilution, reaction driven solute generation, and hydrologically induced colloidal transport. Event-integrated mass-volume analysis further showed first-flush metal pulses from epikarst, diluted transmission through conduits, and hydraulically forced, chemically selective release from goafs. Moreover, peak-envelop analysis revealed tight coupling between discharge and alkalinity flux at epikarst and conduit-dominated outlets but pronounced decoupling at goaf-affected outlets, demonstrating that carbonate buffering is a dynamic emergent response dictated by flow-path organization. These findings underscore the strong flow-storage-reaction interplay in disturbed karst aquifers and provide critical insights for evaluating and strengthening hydrogeochemical resilience.
The study presents experience in using a wound protector device named lap-protector during costal cartilage harvest in auricular reconstruction in order to improve outcomes, particularly final scar quality and length. The present study retrospectively comprised fifty-five patients who underwent costal cartilage harvesting for auricular reconstruction were admitted between June to August 2022. The author divided the patients into 2 groups according to whether the lap-protector was used or not: group 1 underwent costal cartilage with the minimal invasive conventional technique by using the lap-protector, while group 2 underwent the same procedure without. Patients were followed-up for a 6-months period. The time of surgery, the amount of blood loss during surgery, postoperative pain, donor-site scar quality and length were recorded and measured for both groups. Twenty-five patients with lap-protector were compared to thirty without. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the demographic of patient characteristics (P > 0.05). The score of pain dropped steadily over the 5 days in both groups, and patients in group 1 reported a lower level of pain in the following days compared with group 2 (P < 0.05), except the fifth day. In those without, the length of the scar on average was 5.43 ± 0.44 cm, which was longer than the average 3.61 ± 0.29 cm in group 1 (P < 0.05). Analysis of VSS results showed a better formation of the scar in the group1 (P < 0.05). The differences in postoperative pain, scar length and quality between the two groups were statistically significant(P < 0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of the operation time and the amount of bleeding during the operation (P > 0.05). The application of lap-protector in costal cartilage harvest can optimize the scar formation and reduce postoperative pain without prolonging the operative time, which is a convenient and effective technique for achieving satisfactory results.
To culturally adapt the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for San Martín Quechua and to evaluate its structural validity, reliability, and measurement invariance in Peruvian adults. A psychometric study was conducted on a non-probabilistic sample of 309 Quechua-speaking adults from the San Martín region of Peru, including both men and women aged 18 to 59 years. The study was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved the translation and cultural adaptation of the original English PHQ-9 into the Quechua variant spoken in San Martín. The second phase tested how well the adapted PHQ-9 worked by using different methods: confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine its internal structure, multi-group CFA to assess measurement invariance across groups, the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) to evaluate construct representation, and reliability estimation. Convergent validity was also examined through correlations with related measures. A unidimensional model of the PHQ-9 Quechua San Martín showed adequate fit (CFI = 0.996, TLI = 0.994, SRMR = 0.048, RMSEA = 0.051) and high reliability (α = 0.86; Ω = 0.87). Measurement invariance was supported across sociodemographic groups (ΔCFI and/or ΔRMSEA < 0.01). Convergent validity was supported by an adequate AVE (0.53). Additionally, PHQ-9 scores correlated moderately with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and weakly and negatively with the Well-Being Index, supporting convergent validity based on relations with other variables. The San Martín Quechua PHQ-9 is a valid, reliable, and at least partially invariant single-factor instrument for assessing depressive symptoms in Quechua-speaking adults. It may be useful as a screening tool in similar populations.
The Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas; honu) subpopulation is listed as a Distinct Population Segment in the Central North Pacific Ocean under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which mandates monitoring to understand population viability of threatened species. The honu population abundance has largely been determined by a census of nesting females at the main nesting site, Lalo (French Frigate Shoals), an atoll located approximately 1,000 km northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) within the Papah[Formula: see text]naumoku[Formula: see text]kea Marine National Monument. Researchers and later the National Marine Fisheries Service within NOAA (NOAA Fisheries) have monitored honu at Lalo since 1973. One monitoring method used includes etching an alpha-numeric identifier temporarily (6-12 months) onto the shell with a rotary tool and sealing it with non-toxic white paint. In 2017, NOAA Fisheries launched the Honu Count Participatory Science Project, facilitating public reporting on sightings of honu with shell etchings around the MHI. Honu Count evolved in the way it collected sightings data from the public, from employing a hotline (2017-2018), to an email address (2018-2022), and most recently, an online survey via ArcGIS Survey123 (2023-present). Within the first year of the new online survey, data collection from the public increased from an average of 435 sightings per year to a total of 1,227. The project's new format has increased the breadth of invaluable honu population data, including a greater understanding of sea turtle behavior, survivorship, habitat use and migration routes, all while improving NOAA Fisheries' engagement with the public.
To evaluate the validity and reliability of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) for quantifying proximal muscle strength in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated myopathy (SSc-AM), and to compare HHD with the validated manual muscle testing-8 (MMT-8) and modified three-muscle proximal MMT (MMT-3). In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 36 patients with SSc-AM underwent strength testing using MMT-8, a proximal MMT-3 (neck flexors, shoulder abductors, hip abductors) and a quantitative hand-held dynamometry (MicroFET-2). For each muscle group, three HHD trials were averaged, and composite HHD scores were calculated. Eight participants underwent repeat testing by a second examiner to assess inter-rater reliability. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the association between HHD and MMT scores. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) derived from two-way mixed effects model with absolute agreement. Composite HHD scores showed strong correlations with MMT-8 total scores (r = 0.695, p < 0.0001) and with the proximal MMT-3 (r = 0.736, p < 0.0001). Intra-rater reliability was excellent across all proximal muscle groups (ICC range 0.885-0.985). Inter-rater reliability was acceptable for neck flexors and shoulder abductors (ICC 0.60-0.75) but lower for hip abductors (ICC 0.06-0.13), reflecting higher stabilization requirements and small sample size (n = 8). Hand-held dynamometry provides a quantitative assessment of proximal isometric strength in SSc-AM and demonstrated excellent intra-rater reproducibility in this study. Correlation with MMT-8 and MMT-3 demonstrates alignment with commonly used strength measures. Given known limitations of MMT-based assessment and variable inter-rater reproducibility, further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate responsiveness and define its clinical utility.
The functional properties and application performance of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) are strongly dependent on its molecular weight (MW). However, the precise control of MW remains challenging, significantly hindering its high-value applications in the food, agricultural, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. Heterologous enzyme expression has emerged as a powerful and specific strategy for regulating the MW of γ-PGA. In this study, γ-DL-glutamyl hydrolase (BvPgdS45) from Bacillus velezensis CAU263 was heterologously expressed in Komagataella phaffii, achieving an activity of 102.7 IU/mL following high-cell-density fermentation. BvPgdS45 exhibited optimal activity at a pH of 7.0 and temperature of 50 ℃. Subsequently, its effects on γ-PGA degradation property were evaluated. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of γ-PGA decreased from 3.3×106Da to 1.1×105Da after 3h of enzymatic hydrolysis at enzyme dosages ranging from 0 IU/mL to 10 IU/mL. Furthermore, γ-PGA with different MW was produced using B. velezensis CAU263 via in situ enzymatic hydrolysis. Products with Mw ranging from 5.1×105 Da to 2.1×106 Da were generated, while the γ-PGA yield increased from 62.6g/L to 73.7g/L in a 5L fermenter. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of BvPgdS45 expressed in K. phaffii for degrading γ-PGA and provides an efficient in situ hydrolysis strategy for the precise regulation of its MW.
The China-ASEAN regional medical procurement platform was launched in early 2025. However, the scope and operational mechanisms of the platform remain unclear. This study aims to assess medicine prices and affordability in China and ASEAN countries, explore potential implementation challenges of the platform, provide policy suggestions. We selected commonly used medicines from four ATC categories (alimentary tract and metabolism, cardiovascular system, anti-infective for systemic use, nervous system). Prices were standardized to WHO defined-daily-dose (DDD) prices and converted into median price ratio (MPR) using Management Sciences for Health (MSH) international reference prices (IRP). All prices data were collected from official public sources and converted to US dollars using the official 2024 annual average exchange rate. Affordability was estimated the number of days' statutory gross daily minimum wages required to purchase one DDD, with wage data obtained from the International Labor Organization (ILO). Descriptive statistics were performed. A total of 68 medicines were included, with 68, 68, 60, and 59 available in China, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, respectively. Median MPRs were 0.88 (IQR:0.46-3.49), 0.97 (IQR:0.50-2.20), 1.69 (IQR:0.77-3.16), 1.86(IQR:0.72-5.03), respectively, and 45.6%, 45.6%, 61.7%, and 67.8% of medicines were priced above the IRPs. Prices varied widely across and within countries. For cardiovascular medicines, median MPRs exceeded the IRPs in China 1.72(IQR:0.53-6.30), Indonesia 1.79(IQR:0.78-2.80), the Philippines 2.85(IQR:1.31-6.43), while Thailand achieved a lower price of 0.78(IQR:0.31-1.37). The overall affordability was higher in China, Indonesia and Thailand, where one DDD of medicine required less than 6% of a day's wage, with median values of 4.8% (IQR:2.5%-19.3%), 5.1% (IQR:2.3%-9.6%), and 3.6% (IQR:1.8%-8.1%), respectively, compared with 14.0% (IQR:5.4%-37.7%) in the Philippines. Sensitivity analysis excluding extreme affordability values yielded similar results. Our findings suggest that understanding cross-country disparities in medicine prices and affordability may help inform the design of future regional purchasing strategies. Realizing the benefits of such joint procurement will require strong political commitment to establish a legal framework, enhance price transparency, harmonize regulations, and strengthen supply chains to ensure the platform's effectiveness and sustainability.
Prostate cancer mortality trends and spatial clustering in Kazakhstan over the last two decades require detailed national and regional assessment using time-trend and spatial statistics.​ METHODS: A nationwide population-based observational study evaluated prostate cancer deaths (ICD-10 C61) among men in Kazakhstan from 2005 to 2024, calculating crude and age-standardized mortality rates, assessing temporal changes using joinpoint regression, and identifying spatial hot spots/cold spots using Getis-Ord Gi* across five predefined periods (2005-2012, 2013-2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021, 2022-2024). A total of 7,411 deaths were recorded; the overall crude mortality rate (CMR) was 4.44 per 100,000 men and the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) was 6.54 per 100,000 men, with deaths concentrated in ages 65-79 (65-69: 19.2%; 70-74: 22.3%; 75-79: 18.9%) and age-specific mortality peaking at 103.04 per 100,000 in ages 80-84. National joinpoint analysis identified a statistically non-significant, essentially stable trend from 2005 to 2019 (annual percent change [APC] 0.7%, p = 0.397), followed by a statistically significant accelerated decline from 2019 to 2024 (APC =-8.4%, p < 0.001), with an overall average annual percent change (AAPC) of -2.8% (p=0.004) for 2005-2024. Regional ASMR varied substantially (3.1 per 100,000 in Kyzylorda to 10.5 per 100,000 in Almaty city), and mean regional ASMR decreased from 6.57 (2005-2012) to 4.30 (2022-2024) with shifting hot spot/cold spot patterns across periods. Prostate cancer mortality in Kazakhstan declined significantly over 2005-2024, but substantial and evolving geographic disparities persisted, supporting the need for continued surveillance and targeted regional cancer-control actions.
Long-term intensive tillage has reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) and threatened sustainable maize production in Northeast China. Yet how tillage regulates SOC-yield relationship across climatic gradients remains unclear, limiting climate-smart cropland management. Here, we combined field observations with the DSSAT model to simulate long-term effects of conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) on SOC and maize yield (MY) across the maize belt of Jilin Province, and qualified SOC-MY synergy/trade-off along aridity gradients. NT consistently increased SOC region-wide and improve MY on average, but yield benefits showed clear climatic thresholds. Yield gains were concentrated in moderately dry environments with intermediate water-heat availability (aridity index, AI ≈ 0.28-0.40). In humid zones (AI > 0.67), NT still promoted SOC accumulation but often failed to sustain MY, indicating a shift from co-benefit to trade-off. The area exhibiting simultaneous SOC and MY increases expanded rapidly during early adoption, stabilized in years 5-20, and gradually decline thereafter. These results demonstrate that NT co-benefit depend jointly on climate suitability and adoption stage, providing transferable thresholds for climate-informed promotion of conservation agriculture in temperate maize system.
Total Pelvic Clearance (TPC) is an aggressive surgical procedure developed to manage recurrent or advanced neoplastic disease in the pelvic area. Although it provides definitive treatment, it has been associated with a high rate of urological complications. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted at a referral oncological centre involving 92 patients who underwent total pelvic clearance (TPC) between 2019 and 2023. Data were extracted from institutional electronic medical records. Demographic, clinical, and surgical parameters were documented. Urological complications, including hydronephrosis, anastomotic leak, anastomotic stenosis, urostomy stenosis, parastomal hernia, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and their association with various demographic, clinical, and surgical factors were evaluated. The decline in renal function was determined by the percentage reduction in postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a one-year period. The management of complications was also reported. Out of 92 patients who had Total Pelvic Clearance (TPC), urological complications occurred in 43 (47.1%). The most common issues were hydronephrosis in 19 patients (20.7%) and anastomotic stenosis in 13 patients (14.1%). Anastomotic leaks and recurrent urinary tract infections each affected 6 patients (6.5%). Parastomal hernias and urostomy stenoses were less common, occurring in 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively. There was no significant association between complications and radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or disease recurrence, although hydronephrosis was more common in recurrent cases (84.2% vs. 63%, p = 0.079). The average decline in renal function was 12.9% ± 17.0% at one year. Most complications were managed conservatively or with minimally invasive procedures; only two patients required surgical revision. Hydronephrosis and anastomotic stenosis remain the most common urological complications after TPC, often leading to a decline in renal function. Most cases were successfully managed conservatively or through image-guided intervention, supporting a stepwise, minimally invasive approach that protects renal function and avoids unnecessary reoperations.
Light pollution has been implicated in liver health. This study aimed to investigate the association between bedroom nighttime light pollution and the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 454 HCC patients were enrolled from communities. Bedroom nighttime light intensity was measured using an illuminometer (lux) at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. Sleep quality was assessed at these three time points using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. These data at different time points were averaged separately for subsequent analyses. All patients were followed up for 12 months from baseline (unless death occurred), and HCC-related adverse outcomes were recorded. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression were adopted for statistical analysis. The results indicated that higher mean bedroom nighttime light intensity (> 50 lx) was significantly associated with an increased risk of both overt HE and minimal HE. Furthermore, it was associated with impaired liver function, esophagogastric variceal bleeding, and elevated HCC-related mortality. Notably, interaction analysis revealed that age and TNM stage may modify the aforementioned associations to some extent. In conclusion, bedroom nighttime light pollution is linked to an elevated risk of HE and may represent a potential risk factor warranting future validation.
Previous studies have explored the relationships between dengue fever (DF) and its impact factors, using various models. However, few have considered the spatial heterogeneity of these relationships in simulating DF variations. This study analyzed monthly DF incidence and rate data across 34 provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) in China from 2004 to 2019, along with climatic and socioeconomic variables. Nine impact factors were included: six climatic variables - minimum temperature (Tmin), mean temperature (Tmean), maximum temperature (Tmax), relative humidity (RH), precipitation (PRCP), and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) - and three socioeconomic variables - population density (PD), per capita regional gross domestic product (pcGDP) and number of foreign visitor arrivals (NFVAs). We introduced a modeling system that incorporates the spatial heterogeneity of these factors and integrates four artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms: support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting machine (GBM). This system was implemented under a novel framework - grid-by-grid, multi-algorithms, optimal combination (GGMAOC) - to explore the spatial heterogeneity of both algorithms and impact factors. From 2004 to 2019, DF in China showed a significant upward trend, an average annual increase of 1,618 cases. Among the impact factors, socioeconomic variables exhibited stronger associations, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.77. In Yunnan, the ANN model performed best (DISO=0.18), with PDLag3 contributing over 31%. In Guangdong, the RF model was optimal (DISO=0.26), with TmaxLag2 contributing over 67%. Performance varied across PLADs, which highlights the spatial heterogeneity of both impact factors and algorithmic responses. Importantly, the proposed GGMAOC framework substantially outperformed the traditional stepwise regression approach. Our findings reveal that impact factor patterns vary across PLADs, emphasizing spatial heterogeneity and the need for PLAD-specific modeling. The GGMAOC framework identifies key impact factors and optimal models for DF dynamics, offering high predictive confidence and broad applicability to other diseases with spatially heterogeneous impact factors. Furthermore, the successful model construction in GD and YN and the identification of challenges in TW modeling further support the necessity and innovation of adopting a spatially heterogeneous modeling framework in infectious disease modeling as proposed in this study.
The use of large diameter metal-on-metal (LDMOM) heads and dual mobility articulations (DM) has reduced the risk of dislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Furthermore, the monoblock cup versions eliminate the risks associated with modularity, such as corrosion. The purpose of this study was to determine the average 10-year outcomes and survivorship of modern uncemented monoblock cups (UMCs) in primary THA. Between 2005 and 2022, 2,292 primary THAs were performed using UMCs. There were 1,288 LDMOM articulations (56%), and 1,004 were DM (44%). The mean age at operation was 64 years (range, 29 to 92), and 57% of the patients were men. Patients were routinely followed with Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and serial radiographs. Kaplan-Meier survival was determined for cup revision and aseptic loosening. All patients were followed for a minimum of two years. The mean follow-up was 10.8 years (range, two to 20). At the final follow-up, HHS and pain scores averaged 89 and 42, respectively. There were three dislocations (0.1%), all of which underwent successful closed reduction, and 10 deep postoperative infections (0.4%), all of which underwent staged revisions. There were 14 loose cups (0.6%) identified, nine associated with LDMOM metallosis and two with DM articulations, of which 13 were revised. All of the other cups were deemed radiographically stable. There were five additional cups revised secondary to metallosis. The 10-year survivorship was 98.8% for any cup revision, 99.2% for aseptic cup loosening, and 99.3% for aseptic cup revision. Using UMCs in primary THA has provided excellent clinical results and survivorship at mid-term follow-up, with a very low dislocation rate. Although LDMOM use has fallen out of favor, UMCs still afford durable implant fixation, negating the concern over modular cup corrosion when coupled with DM articulations.
Membrane-aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) incorporating partial nitritation and anammox (PN/A) can potentially intensify treatment capacity and achieve sustainable nitrogen removal in mainstream wastewater treatment. However, the undesired proliferation of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) within biofilms remains a critical challenge for maintaining stable PN/A performance. Herein, a lab-scale MABR was operated for 280 days to achieve stable PN/A through a multi-pronged strategy combining preliminary inoculum selection, membrane aeration mode optimization and effective oxygen control safeguards. This strategy enabled stable and efficient PN/A performance, achieving an average total nitrogen removal efficiency of 91% and a high nitrogen removal rate of 180 mg N L-1 d-1. In-situ batch tests together with microbial community characterization revealed that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (Nitrosomonas) and anammox bacteria ('Candidatus Brocadia') were enriched within the mature biofilm and cooperatively achieved efficient nitrogen removal, while the activity and abundance of NOB were effectively suppressed at low levels. Collectively, the findings provide insights into the application of PN/A in MABRs for intensifying mainstream wastewater treatment.
The pre-weaning period is critical because early-life nutrition and management influence growth, metabolic function and Rumen development, thereby affecting subsequent productivity in dairy calves. Zinc (Zn) supplementation plays a key role in supporting these processes through its involvement in enzymatic activity, antioxidant defense systems, and metabolic regulation, but conventional sources often have bioavailability limitations due to the formation of insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract. This study addresses this challenge by evaluating three Zn forms (ZnO, Zn-lysine, and nano-ZnO) to identify the most effective source for enhancing growth rates, nutrient utilization, and metabolic health. Twenty-four newborn Holstein calves, each with an initial body weight of 40.5 ± 4.24 kg, were selected and randomly allocated to receive one of three treatments: ZnO, Zn-lysine, and nano-ZnO supplementation. Each calf received 80 mg of Zn daily. Supplementation with nano-ZnO increased dry matter intake (P < 0.01), average daily gain (P < 0.01), and hip width (P < 0.01) compared to Zn-lysine and ZnO. However, there were no differences in feed conversion ratio. The treatments did not affect apparent digestibility or rumen fermentation, except for a lower rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration in the nano-ZnO group compared to the other two treatments (P < 0.01). Regarding blood parameters, calves receiving Nano-ZnO showed higher blood triglyceride concentration (P = 0.04) and superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.01), while blood D-lactate concentration was lower in the nano-ZnO and Zn-lysine groups than in the ZnO group (P = 0.01). Additionally, both fecal consistency (P = 0.02) and nasal discharge (P < 0.01) scores were significantly reduced in the nano-ZnO group. In summary, the study suggests that nano-ZnO is a more effective Zn source and an efficient additive for improving dairy calf performance.
Aiming at the control problems of strong nonlinearity, multi-channel coupling and complex aerodynamic disturbance of flapping-wing aircraft, this study proposes an environment-adaptive cascade control switching method based on the PID architecture. A physical control closed-loop is established using MWORKS.Sysplorer, with classical PID as the outer main loop and PID, nonlinear compensation PID, and SMC as the inner loop to form a nested structure, which is cross-validated via MATLAB/Simulink. Through the disturbance quantization parameter k, operating conditions are classified into high, medium, and low disturbances for strategy switching. At the classical flapping frequency of 15 Hz, the proposed method converges the attitude error to within 0.06 rad, improves the anti-disturbance performance under high disturbance by 46.2% compared with traditional PID, constrains the phase lag to the stable interval corresponding to the natural frequency of 50 rad/s, and optimizes computational efficiency with the average single-step simulation time ≤ 0.02 s. This method addresses the insufficient full-working-condition adaptability of traditional single control strategies, and provides a highly robust implementation approach for the control of flapping-wing aircraft under complex disturbances.
The increasing penetration of photovoltaic distributed generation (PV-DG) in Radial Distribution Systems (RDSs) plays a vital role in achieving sustainable energy transition objectives; however, the inherent uncertainty associated with solar irradiance and load demand poses significant challenges to optimal planning and operation. This paper presents a stochastic optimization framework for PV-DG allocation in RDSs using the Barrel Theory-Based Optimizer (BTO). Uncertainties in solar irradiance and load demand are explicitly modeled using appropriate probability density functions and efficiently represented through a higher-order Point Estimate Method (PEM), which captures the essential statistical characteristics with a limited number of representative scenarios. The proposed framework simultaneously optimizes the location and capacity of PV-DG units to minimize real power losses and enhance voltage profile performance while ensuring system operational constraints are satisfied. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated on the 85-bus and the IEEE 118-bus RDSs, where the BTO exhibits superior convergence characteristics and enhanced solution robustness when compared with several benchmark optimization techniques, including the well-established Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA), the recent Crocodile Ambush Optimization (CAO, 2025), and the Schrödinger Optimizer Algorithm (SOA, 2025). For the 85-bus RDS, the impact of integrating different numbers of PV units is systematically investigated. Simulation results confirm that the proposed BTO-based stochastic planning strategy significantly improves energy efficiency, voltage regulation, and loss reduction, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of the RDS. For the 85-node RDS, the BTO achieves a noticeable reduction in average real power losses, outperforming DEA, CAO, and SOA by 2.55%, 4.10%, and 6.74%, respectively, when three PV units are installed. Additionally, for the case of four PV units, the proposed BTO yields even greater improvements, with loss reductions of 5.12%, 7.50%, and 14.12%, respectively, compared with the same benchmark algorithms. Furthermore, for five PV units, the BTO achieves much greater reduction, outperforming DEA, CAO, and SOA by 13.05%, 6.45%, and 32.31%, respectively, when three PV units are installed.
This study examined the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses among pregnant women who delivered in hospitals in the United States between 2016 and 2020, and explored associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes, hospital length of stay, and hospital costs. This cross-sectional study utilised survey-weighted data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to estimate sample characteristics and prevalence trends. Logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between PTSD and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Length of hospital stay and hospital costs were examined using negative binomial and generalised linear models with log link and gamma distribution, respectively. PTSD prevalence increased from 236.3 to 545.8 per 100,000 delivery hospitalisations between 2016 and 2020 (p < 0.001; average annual percentage change [AAPC] 23.0%). PTSD was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidity, increased odds of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.13; 95% CI 1.08-1.18), and increased odds of fetal growth restriction (aOR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.17, p = 0.03). Longer hospital stays and higher costs were also observed among women with PTSD. These findings highlight a rising prevalence of PTSD among pregnant women who delivered in hospitals in the United States over the study period. PTSD was associated with higher prevalence of comorbidity, and increased length of stay and hospital cost. Further research is warranted to investigate the reasons behind the trend, and to clarify the temporal relationship between prenatal PTSD and adverse pregnancy outcomes.