The Baihetan reservoir region is characterized by complex geomorphology, significant altitude differences, and rugged terrain. Geological hazards in such areas are often characterized by high concealment, wide distribution, and difficulty in field investigation. Traditional identification techniques are unable to detect and monitor geological hazards on a large scale with high efficiency and accuracy. In recent decades, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) techniques, such as small baseline subset InSAR (SBAS-InSAR), have been widely applied to landslide identification. However, due to factors such as vegetation and the degree of landslide deformation, single-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) still has certain limitations in detecting landslides. In this study, SBAS-InSAR was conducted based on ALOS-2 and Sentinel-1 ascending-descending images covering the Baihetan reservoir region. Deformation identification results were utilized to conduct a statistical analysis of the SAR detection performance and landslide characteristics, and the effect of vegetation on the detection effectiveness of different SAR bands was discussed. The study revealed that when surface vegetation coverage reaches a high degree, the percentage of areas with coverage greater than 0.6 is greater than 95%, the SAR coherence is mainly affected by vegetation thickness; the comparison of the difference change in the average coherence of the C/L bands among the four vegetation types shows that the ratio of the average coherence of the L-bands to the C-bands increases by a factor of three with the increase in thickness and the transition from crops to shrubs and trees. The results showed that the L-band has better detectability than the C-band in alpine-canyon terrain with vegetation coverage and complex vegetation composition. However, considering the high temporal resolution and accessibility of Sentinel-1 SAR data, it is still the main data choice for wide-area identification of landslides in the reservoir area, while other satellite-borne SAR data with different wavelengths and resolutions, such as ALOS, can be used to assist in the identification and monitoring of landslide hazards with significant magnitude of deformations and dense vegetation coverage. Therefore, the combined utilization of multi-band SAR data has the potential to enhance the dependability of landslide identification and monitoring, resulting in more accurate detection results. Full article

Ernst Faber’s 34 years of literary missionary works reveal his commitment to refining his approach to indigenizing Christianity in China. Employing three linguistic and cultural adaptation strategies—translation and commentary of the Bible, examination and analysis of missionary practical outcomes in Western society, and the revision and reinterpretation of Chinese classics incorporating Christian insights—Faber adapted his methods gradually into China’s specific conditions, indicating a prolonged path of indigenization. Despite expressing appreciation for Chinese culture, a critical examination reveals the preservation of his cultural biases and an unwavering commitment to Christianity as a means of purifying and enriching the spirit of the Chinese people. Rooted in the political context of his time and confidence in European historical world missions, Faber’s indigenization strategy in his Chinese literary works represents an interplay of cultural adaptation and resistance. Full article

Background: Cortisol levels, oxidative stress, and lower cerebral performance seem to be closely related. This study aimed to evaluate the question of whether exam stress affected oxidative stress and endothelial function parameters in the salivary samples of students. Methods: A total of 114 healthy students were recruited. All students were subjected to a 21-item DASS questionnaire to assess perceived stress. Cortisol levels, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and endothelial function were evaluated at T0, during the semester, and T1, in the morning before the exam, in saliva samples. In vitro, HUVECs were stimulated with cortisol, and oxidative stress and endothelial function parameters were evaluated. Results: At T1, cortisol levels were significantly increased compared with the levels during the semester. Moreover, exam results correlated inversely with the DASS score at T1. In addition, NOX2, H₂O₂ and endothelin-1 significantly increased, while NO bioavailability decreased. In vitro, HUVECs treatment with human cortisol determined the increase of oxidative stress and the decrease of endothelial function, in association with impaired eNOS phosphorylation. Conclusion: NOX2-mediated oxidative stress is a mechanism that could mediate cortisol-induced transient endothelial dysfunction during academic examination. Therefore, strategies to monitor or modulate oxidative stress could help students to reduce the impact of examination-related stress. Full article

For most patients admitted to a hospital, it is a requirement to continuously monitor their vital signs. Among these are the waveforms from ECG and the pulmonary arterial pulse. At present, there are several electronic devices that can measure the arterial pulse waveform. However, they can be affected by electromagnetic wave radiation, and the fabrication of electronic sensors is complicated and contributes to the e-waste, among other problems. In this paper, we propose an optical method to measure arterial pulse based on a Fabry-Perot interferometer composed of two mirrors. A pulse sensor formed by an acrylic cell with a thin membrane is used to gather the vasodilatation of the wrist, forming an air pulse that is enacted by means of a tube to a metallic cell containing a mirror that is glued to a thin silicone membrane. When the air pulse arrives, a displacement of the mirror takes place and produces a shift of the interference pattern fringes given by the Fabry-Perot. A detector samples the fringe intensity. With this method, an arterial pulse waveform is obtained. We characterize this optical device as a test of concept, and its application to measuring artery pulse is presented. The optical device is compared to other electronic devices. Full article

Under rural revitalization and rapid construction in China, the mismatch between contemporary rural communities and villagers’ space behavior habits has attracted widespread attention. This study proposes and practices a design methodology for a newly built rural community based on spatial elements and their relationship with the behavior of local ancient villages. We explore the relationship between the two by applying drone-tech aerial photos, GPS, and ArcGIS. The results indicate that: (1) Ancient villages have abundant external spatial elements different from urban communities. Each space element of the ancient village has a specific function corresponding to the villagers’ daily life needs. (2) Village space elements are outcomes of the sociocultural process, and their topological structure is not random but follows their use based on hours of the day. (3) About 94.6% of space use behavior in the case of ancient village residents is associated with five space elements. (4) Updating the external spatial elements of ancient villages under the demands of contemporary life makes the application of spatial elements not only continue the villagers’ natural life process, but also satisfy the demands of the contemporary way of life on the external space. This study proposes the characteristics of the relationship between ancient village spatial behavior and external spatial elements through scientific analysis methods, which can provide references for contemporary rural planning and help to solve the mismatch problem between contemporary rural communities and villagers’ behavior habits. Full article

Multiple liquefaction events may occur if a seabed is subjected to repeated but intermittent wave loadings. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the wave-loading history on the evolution of residual liquefaction in a silty seabed through a series of wave flume tests. The flume observations reveal that the preceding wave-loading history results in the densification of the silt bed and a noticeable settlement of the mudline. Meanwhile, the ultimate liquefaction depth, maximum amplitude of interfacial waves, and mudline settlement decrease due to prior wave actions. Both the maximum residual pore pressure ratio and the amplification ratio of transient pore pressure exhibit a declining trend with an increasing number of wave exposures, indicating that the liquefaction resistance of the soil is obviously enhanced. Throughout the continuous liquefaction stage, the residual pore pressure in liquefied soil regions maintains its maximum value. In contrast, the pore pressure in the un-liquefied soil layer experiences slight dissipation after reaching its peak during wave activity. Moreover, the reshaped topography of the silt bed following liquefaction-densification cycles may serve as an indicator of prior liquefaction events, transforming from mud volcanoes into ripples as the liquefaction depth decreases. Full article

The scientific literature supports that practicing positive coparenting leads to the healthy development of children. Consequently, professional interest in parenting and coparenting has experienced significant growth, and evaluating coparenting is crucial in family psychology for establishing action protocols in clinical practice. An instrument highly regarded within the scientific community for evaluating coparenting dynamics is The Coparenting Relationship Scale (CRS). This research aims to achieve two objectives: first, to adapt the CRS for the Spanish population of both engaged and separated/divorced parents and to ascertain its reliability, validity, and factorial invariance psychometric properties; second, to assess the effectiveness of the total coparenting measure in categorizing sample participants. A cross-sectional non-experimental investigation was conducted to address these objectives. The first objective was answered by conducting an instrumental study, and the second by an exploratory study using classification techniques and a causal-comparative study using multivariate inferential methods. It was concluded that the model comprising 20 items across two factors, Positive Coparenting and Negative Perception of Coparenting, is the simplest and best fit for the Spanish parent sample; it is invariant regarding gender and marital status, and the measures derived from each factor demonstrate reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. The resulting questionnaire for Spanish parents is named CRS-S_Eg-S&D. The Coparental Vitality measure calculated using the total weighted measure of CRS-S_Eg-S&D allows the sample of participants to be divided into three differentiated clusters called Coparental Robustness, Moderate Coparenting, and Coparenting Rickets. Full article

In the present study, we conducted a scoping review to provide an overview of the existing literature on the carbocyanine dye DiI, in human neuroanatomical tract tracing. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. We identified 61 studies published during the last three decades. While studies incorporated specimens across human life from the embryonic stage onwards, the majority of studies focused on adult human tissue. Studies that utilized peripheral nervous system (PNS) tissue were a minority, with the majority of studies focusing on the central nervous system (CNS). The most common topic of interest in previous tract tracing investigations was the connectivity of the visual pathway. DiI crystals were more commonly applied. Nevertheless, several studies utilized DiI in a paste or dissolved form. The maximum tracing distance and tracing speed achieved was, respectively, 70 mm and 1 mm/h. We identified studies that focused on optimizing tracing efficacy by varying parameters such as fixation, incubation temperature, dye re-application, or the application of electric fields. Additional studies aimed at broadening the scope of DiI use by assessing the utility of archival tissue and compatibility of tissue clearing in DiI applications. A combination of DiI tracing and immunohistochemistry in double-labeling studies have been shown to provide the means for assessing connectivity of phenotypically defined human CNS and PNS neuronal populations. Full article

Chronic Hepatitis B and D Virus (HBV and HDV) co-infection is responsible for the most severe form of viral Hepatitis, the Hepatitis Delta. Despite an efficient vaccine against HBV, the HBV/HDV infection remains a global health burden. Notably, no efficient curative treatment exists against any of these viruses. While physiologically distinct, HBV and HDV life cycles are closely linked. HDV is a deficient virus that relies on HBV to fulfil is viral cycle. As a result, the cellular response to HDV also influences HBV replication. In vitro studying of HBV and HDV infection and co-infection rely on various cell culture models that differ greatly in terms of biological relevance and amenability to classical virology experiments. Here, we review the various cell culture models available to scientists to decipher HBV and HDV virology and host–pathogen interactions. We discuss their relevance and how they may help address the remaining questions, with one objective in mind: the development of new therapeutic approaches allowing viral clearance in patients. Full article

The influence of chloride ion (Cl⁻) concentration on the corrosion mechanism of WC–MgO composites has been studied in this work. The results suggest that the corrosion resistance of WC–MgO composite decreases first and then increases with the increase in Cl⁻ concentration. Solution conductivity and dissolved oxygen content are the main influence factors. The solution conductivity determines the charge transfer process, and the dissolved oxygen determines the cathodic oxygen absorption reaction. The corrosion characteristic is typical pitting corrosion. Meanwhile, the corrosion mechanism contains an oxidation process of the WC matrix and the dissolution destruction of the MgO toughening phase. The formation of the WO₃ corrosion layer hinders the general corrosion to protect the inner material. However, the dissolution of MgO induces the initiation of pitting. The local alkaline caused by MgO dissolution promotes the dissolution of the WC matrix, which leads to the expansion of pitting. Full article

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common but often self-limiting disease in the majority of patients. However, in the minority, who may progress to moderately severe or severe AP, high mortality risk has been reported. Infected pancreatitis necrosis (IPN) in necrotising pancreatitis has been shown to result in more than twice the mortality rate compared with in sterile pancreatic necrosis. This raises the question on whether prophylactic antibiotics (PABs) should be given in subgroups of AP to prevent superimposed infection to improve survival outcomes. Despite numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and guidelines on the management of AP, there is a lack of strong evidence to suggest the use of PABs in AP. Additionally, use of PABs is associated with antimicrobial resistance. Considerable heterogeneity exists and limits the interpretation of results—subgroup of AP benefitting from PAB use, choice/class of PAB, and timing of administration from symptom onset and duration of PAB use. Only a minority of existing meta-analyses suggest mortality benefits and reduction in IPN. The majority of existing guidelines do not recommend the use of PABs in AP. More research is required to make more definitive conclusions. Currently, PAB should only be administered after multidisciplinary discussions led by pancreatology experts. Full article

Deriving from the growing cultural and religious diversity in Germany and the need for educational professionals to be able to deal with heterogeneous groups and communicate to children about how to coexist peacefully with others, this essay focuses on the relationship between common sense and tolerance, particularly in places of inescapable dense coexistence characterised by religious and cultural diversity. Using institutions of preschool and primary education as an example, the extent to which peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution is borne by common sense and supported by practices of tolerance is discussed. Subsequently, the significance of a common-sense approach to practices of tolerance for conceptualising ethical judgement in intercultural and inter-religious education is explored. The article closes with thoughts on the contribution of religious ethics to questions of human coexistence in highly dense and conflict-ridden contexts and briefly addresses aspects of Protestant social ethics. Full article

The pricing behavior of agricultural processing firms in input markets has large impacts on farmers’ and processors’ prosperity as well as the overall market structure. Despite analytical approaches to food processors’ pricing in agricultural input markets, the need for models to represent complex market features is urgent. Agent-based models (ABMs) serve as computational laboratories to understand complex markets emerging from autonomously interacting agents. Yet, individual agents within ABMs must be equipped with intelligent learning algorithms. In this paper, we propose supervised and unsupervised learning agents to simulate the pricing behavior of firms in agricultural markets’ ABMs. Supervised learning firms are pre-trained to accurately best respond to their competitors and are deemed to result in the market Nash equilibria. Unsupervised learning firms play a course of pricing interaction with their competitors without any pre-knowledge but based on deep reinforcement learning. The simulation results show that unsupervised deep learning firms are capable of approximating the pricing equilibria obtained by the supervised firms in different spatial market settings. Optimal discriminatory and uniform delivery pricing emerges in agricultural input markets with the high and intermediary importance placed on space. Free on board pricing emerges in agricultural input markets with small importance placed on space. Full article

Mission statement components are crucial for the sustainability of social enterprises. Based on content analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we investigate the link between mission statement components and sustainability in a sample of 148 Chinese social enterprises. Our findings indicate that social enterprises’ mission statements are both socially and commercially focused. An individual mission statement component does not constitute a necessary condition for the high sustainability of social enterprises, but products or services and enterprise philosophy play a universal role in this regard. There are four configurations of mission statement components that lead to high social enterprise sustainability. This study helps to reveal the complexity of the impact of mission statement components on social enterprise sustainability. Full article

We introduce a compact core model for double-gate (DGFET) and surrounding-gate (SGFET) MOSFETs designed for circuit simulations. Despite its high precision, the model is crafted to retain the same analytic formulation of the industry standard Pennsylvania State and Philips (PSP). Instead of linearizing the drain current as in the PSP model, we employ a quadratic symmetric polynomial interpolation of the charge in the channel. This eliminates the need for cumbersome derivatives, simplifications, and intricate coding when integrating into a circuit simulator, thereby preventing singularities during numerical iterations. Moreover, thanks to its mathematical formulation equivalent to PSP, this model simplifies the coding of terminal charges, capacitances, potentials, and electric fields in the channel within circuit simulators. We validate the accuracy of the model through comparisons with numerical solutions and experiments from the literature. Full article

The demand for affordable prostheses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is significant. Currently, the majority of prosthetic sockets are manufactured using monolithic thermoplastic polymers such as PP (polypropylene), which lack durability, strength, and exhibit creep. Alternatively, they are reinforced with consumptive thermoset resin and expensive composite fillers such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar fibres. However, there are unmet needs that amputees face in obtaining affordable prosthetic sockets, demanding a solution. This study utilises self-reinforced PET (polyethylene terephthalate), an affordable and sustainable composite material, to produce custom-made sockets. Advancing the development of a unique socket manufacturing technique employing a reusable vacuum bag and a purpose-built curing oven, we tested fabricated sockets for maximum strength. Subsequently, a prosthetic device was created and assessed for its performance during ambulation. The mechanical and structural strength of PET materials for sockets reached a maximum strength of 132 MPa and 5686 N. Findings indicate that the material has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for manufacturing functional sockets. Additionally, TOPSIS analysis was conducted to compare the performance index of sockets, considering decision criteria such as material cost, socket weight, and strength. The results showed that PET sockets outperformed other materials in affordability, durability, and strength. The methodology successfully fabricated complex-shaped patient sockets in under two hours. Additionally, walking tests demonstrated that amputees could perform daily activities without interruptions. This research makes significant progress towards realising affordable prostheses for LMICs, aiming to provide patient-specific affordable prostheses tailored for LMICs. Full article

To reduce pesticide pollution and promote sustainable agricultural development in China, we designed a pilot-scale biofilter system to treat residual imidacloprid wastewater in an orchard. The biofilter system demonstrated a high rate of removal of imidacloprid from the biodegradation wastewater, with removal rates from the outlet exceeding 99% at different concentrations of pesticides. Among environmental factors, imidacloprid concentration at the inlet and biomixture significantly affected the activity of imidacloprid-degrading bacteria. The dominant microbial communities during the stable operation of the biofilter system included Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Bacillus, Methylobacter, and unclassified_f__Microbacteriaceae at the genus level. In future initiatives to improve biofilter performance and applicability, increasing attention should be paid to the dominant microbial communities, the number of biofilter units, and important environmental factors. Orchard workers in China should improve the existing treatment of residual pesticide wastewater to mitigate agricultural non-point source pollution. Full article

2, 6-diisopropylaniline (2, 6-DIPA) is a crucial non-intentionally organic additive that allows the assessment of the production processes, formulation qualities, and performance variations in biodegradable mulching film. Moreover, its release into the environment may have certain effects on human health. Hence, this study developed simultaneous heating hydrolysis–extraction and amine switchable hydrophilic solvent vortex-assisted homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction for the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the 2, 6-DIPA additive and its corresponding isocyanates in poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) biodegradable agricultural mulching films. The heating hydrolysis–extraction conditions and factors influencing the efficiency of homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction, such as the type and volume of amine, homogeneous-phase and phase separation transition pH, and extraction time were investigated and optimized. The optimum heating hydrolysis–extraction conditions were found to be a H₂SO₄ concentration of 2.5 M, heating temperature of 87.8 °C, and hydrolysis–extraction time of 3.0 h. As a switchable hydrophilic solvent, dipropylamine does not require a dispersant. Vortex assistance is helpful to speed up the extraction. Under the optimum experimental conditions, this method exhibits a better linearity (0.0144~7.200 μg mL⁻¹ with R = 0.9986), low limit of detection and quantification (0.0033 μg g⁻¹ and 0.0103 μg g⁻¹), high extraction recovery (92.5~105.4%), desirable intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation less than 4.1% and 4.7%), and high enrichment factor (90.9). Finally, this method was successfully applied to detect the content of the additive 2, 6-DIPA in PBAT biodegradable agricultural mulching films, thus facilitating production process monitoring or safety assessments. Full article

This paper proposes an asymmetric hybrid tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester for rotational motion (RHTPEH). The device features an asymmetric tri-stable piezoelectric cantilever beam positioned at the edge of a rotating disk. This beam is uniquely configured with an asymmetric arrangement of magnets. Additionally, an elastic amplifier composed of a vertical and a rotating spring connects the beam’s fixed end and the disk. This setup enhances both the rotational amplitude and vertical displacement of the beam during motion. A comprehensive dynamical model of the RHTPEH was developed using Lagrange’s equations. This model facilitated an in-depth analysis of the system’s behavior under various conditions, focusing on the influence of key parameters such as the asymmetry in the potential well, the stiffness ratio of the amplifier springs, the radius of the disk, and the disk’s rotational speed on the nonlinear dynamic response of the system. The results show that the asymmetric hybrid tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester makes it easier to harvest the vibration energy in rotational motion and has excellent power output performance compared with the symmetric tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester. The output power magnitude of the system at higher rotational speeds increases as the radius of rotation expands, but when the rotational speed is low, the steady-state output power magnitude of the system is not sensitive to changes in the radius of rotation. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed asymmetric RHTPEH for energy harvesting in low-frequency rotating environments. Full article

Frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of vibration and shock can cause neck and back pain and discomfort for many wheelchair users. Current methods to attenuate the vibration have shown to be ineffective and, in some cases, detrimental to health. Novel in-wheel suspension systems claim to offer a solution by replacing traditional spokes of the rear wheels with dampening elements or springs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of in-wheel suspension on reducing vibration and shock and improving comfort in manual wheelchair users. Twenty-four manual wheelchair users were propelled over nine different surfaces using a standard spoked wheel, a Spinergy CLX, and Loopwheels while accelerometry data was collected at the footrest, seat, and backrest. Loopwheels lowered vibrations by 10% at the backrest compared to the standard and CLX wheels (p-value < 0.001) and by 7% at the footrest compared to the CLX (p-value < 0.05). They also reduced shocks by 7% at the backrest compared to the standard wheel and CLX (p-value < 0.001). No significant differences were found in comfort between the wheels. Results indicate that Loopwheels is effective at reducing vibration and shock, but more long-term testing is required to determine effects on health. Full article

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a growing public health concern worldwide. Although numerous systematic reviews have been published regarding the association between breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC), the results remain inconclusive and equivocal. This systematic review synthesises the evidence on the association between breastfeeding and ECC. Five electronic databases and backward citation chasing were performed from inception until May 2023. A total of 31 studies (22 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included in this review. The meta-analysis of the case-control studies showed statistically significant fewer dental caries in children who were breastfed for < 6 months compared to those who were breastfed for ≥6 months (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.41–0.67, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in dental caries between children who were breastfed for <12 months and those who were breastfed for ≥12 months (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.50–0.86, p < 0.002). Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference in dental caries in children who were breastfed for < 18 months compared to those who were breastfed for ≥18 months (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.92, p = 0.030). Nocturnal breastfeeding increases the risk of ECC compared with no nocturnal breastfeeding (RR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.42–3.89, p < 0.001). The findings suggest breastfeeding for more than 12 months and nocturnal breastfeeding increase the risk of ECC. Full article

As a recently developed high-strength aluminium alloy used specifically for laser additive manufacturing, AlMgMnSc alloy possesses superior mechanical properties and excellent processability. Extreme high-speed laser deposition (EHLD) is a novel surface-modification technique, which is characterised by high depositing speed, rapid cooling, rate and minimal dilution rate. To offer a new method for surface repairing high-strength aluminium alloys, an AlMgMnSc alloy coating, containing two deposition layers, is prepared on a 6061 aluminium-alloy axle using the EHLD technique. Meanwhile, the microstructure, composition distribution, and microhardness variation of the fabricated coating are studied. The results reveal that the coating is dense and crack-free, which is well-bonded with the substrate. Additionally, layer 1 is mainly composed of large columnar and equiaxed grains, while layer 2 consists of a fully equiaxed grain structure with an average grain size of about 4.5 μm. Moreover, the microhardness of the coating (about 104~118 HV) is similar to the substrate (about 105 HV), proving the feasibility of repairing high-strength aluminium alloys using AlMgMnSc alloy powders through the EHLD technique. Full article