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17 pages, 6650 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Distribution Pattern of Remaining Oil and Development Potential after Weak Gel Flooding in the Offshore LD Oilfield
by Lizhen Ge, Xiaoming Chen, Gang Wang, Guohao Zhang, Jinyi Li, Yang Liu, Lixiao Xiao, Yuchen Wen, Weifeng Yuan, Ming Qu and Mingxing Bai
Gels 2024, 10(4), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040236 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The LD oilfield is one of the representative offshore oilfields. After weak gel flooding, the recovery rate is significantly improved. However, the oilfield is then in a medium- to high-water content stage, presenting a complex distribution of the remaining oil. The measures for [...] Read more.
The LD oilfield is one of the representative offshore oilfields. After weak gel flooding, the recovery rate is significantly improved. However, the oilfield is then in a medium- to high-water content stage, presenting a complex distribution of the remaining oil. The measures for further enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are uncertain. As a result, it is necessary to clarify the distribution pattern and development potential of the remaining oil during the high-water content period after weak gel flooding. In this study, an online nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) oil displacement experiment and microscopic oil displacement experiment were conducted, and the mechanisms of weak gel flooding and the distribution pattern of the remaining oil were clarified in the LD oilfield. Additionally, high-multiple water flooding and numerical simulation experiments were conducted to analyze the development potential after weak gel flooding. The results show that the effect of weak gel flooding was more significant in the core of 1500 mD, with an increase in oil recovery of 9% compared to 500 mD. At a permeability of 500 mD, the degree of crude oil mobilization in micropores and small pores caused by weak gel flooding was improved by 29.64% and 23.48%, respectively, compared with water flooding. At 1500 mD, the degree of crude oil mobilization in small pores caused by weak gel flooding was increased by 37.79% compared to water flooding. After weak gel flooding, the remaining oil was primarily distributed in medium and large pores. Microscopically, the remaining oil was dominated by cluster residual oil, accounting for 16.49%, followed by columnar, membranous, and blind-end residual oil. High multiple water flooding experiments demonstrated that weak gel flooding could significantly reduce development time. The ultimate oil recovery efficiency of 500 mD and 1500 mD reached 71.85% and 80.69%, respectively. Numerical simulation results show that the ultimate oil recovery efficiency increased from 62.04% to 71.3% after weak gel flooding. This indicated that the LD oilfield still had certain development potential after weak gel flooding. The subsequent direction for enhanced oil recovery focuses mainly on mobilizing oil in medium pores or clustered remaining oil. This will play a crucial role in further exploring methods for utilizing the remaining oil and increasing the recovery rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Gels for Enhanced Oil Recovery)
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9 pages, 841 KiB  
Article
Evolutionary Model of Signed Edges in Online Networks Based on Infinite One-Dimensional Uniform Lattice
by Zhenpeng Li, Zhihua Yan and Xijin Tang
Mathematics 2024, 12(7), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12071026 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the evolutionary dynamic model for signed edges as observed in online signed social networks. We introduce the incremental mechanism of signed edges behind a simple random walk and explain how this relates to Brownian motion [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to study the evolutionary dynamic model for signed edges as observed in online signed social networks. We introduce the incremental mechanism of signed edges behind a simple random walk and explain how this relates to Brownian motion and the diffusive process. We prove how a one-dimensional thermal diffusion equation can be obtained to describe such edge-generating mechanism, and moreover obtain a macroscopic probability distribution of positive and negative edges. The result reveals that the signed edge growth dynamics process can be regarded as a thermodynamic diffusion process. Both empirically and theoretically, we validate that signed network links follow the classic statistic mechanism, i.e., local Brownian motion gives rise to the global emergence pattern of the Gaussian process. The investigation might discover a new and universal characteristic for signed networks, and shed light on some potential applications, such as information spreading, evolutionary games, trust transmission, and dynamic structural balance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Simulation of Social-Behavioral Phenomena)
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14 pages, 6457 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Iron-Doped TiO2 Nanotubes (Fe/TiNTs) with Photocatalytic Activity
by S. Mohd. Yonos Qattali, Jamal Nasir, Christian Pritzel, Torsten Kowald, Yilmaz Sakalli, S. M. Fuad Kabir Moni, J?rn Schmedt auf der Günne, Claudia Wickleder, Reinhard H. F. Trettin and Manuela S. Killian
Constr. Mater. 2024, 4(2), 315-328; https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater4020017 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
One of the most significant global challenges for humans is environmental pollution. The technology to control this problem is the utilization of semiconductors as photocatalysts. In the current study, iron-doped titania nanotubes (Fe/TiNTs) with increased photocatalytic effect were synthesized via a modified hydrothermal [...] Read more.
One of the most significant global challenges for humans is environmental pollution. The technology to control this problem is the utilization of semiconductors as photocatalysts. In the current study, iron-doped titania nanotubes (Fe/TiNTs) with increased photocatalytic effect were synthesized via a modified hydrothermal method. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), gas adsorption, electron spin resonance (ESR) and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). TEM results indicated that Fe/TiNTs have a tubular and uniform structure with an average outer diameter of 23–48 nm and length of 10–15 µm. ESR and DRS revealed that Fe3+ ions were successfully introduced into the TiNT structure by replacing Ti4+ ions. An enhanced light absorption in the range of 400–600 nm additionally indicated successful doping. The band gap was narrowed as iron wt% was increased. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) in the presence of Fe/TiNTs and TiTNs by monitoring the degradation of MO under UV light irradiation. An acceleration on the hydration of Portland cement was observed in the presence of 2.0 wt% Fe/TiNTs. Fe/TiNTs can be used as a nanomaterial in cement-based building materials to provide self-cleaning properties to the surface of concrete even in indoor environments. Full article
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26 pages, 16774 KiB  
Article
A New Inversion Method for Obtaining Underwater Spatial Information of Subsidence Waterlogging Based on InSAR Technology and Subsidence Prediction
by Xiaojun Zhu, Mingjian Qiu, Pengfei Zhang, Errui Ni, Jianxin Zhang, Li’ao Quan, Hui Liu and Xiaoyu Yang
Water 2024, 16(7), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16071002 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Surface waterlogging disasters due to underground mining and geological status have caused the abandonment of fertile land, seriously damaged the ecological environment, and have influenced the sustainable development of coal resource-based cities, which has become a problem that some mining areas need to [...] Read more.
Surface waterlogging disasters due to underground mining and geological status have caused the abandonment of fertile land, seriously damaged the ecological environment, and have influenced the sustainable development of coal resource-based cities, which has become a problem that some mining areas need to face. However, the traditional underwater terrain measurement method using sonar encompasses a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Thus, an inversion method for obtaining the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging in coal mining subsidence waterlogging areas is proposed, based on differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) and the probability integral prediction method. First, subsidence values are obtained in the marginal area of the subsidence basin using D-InSAR technology. Then, the subsidence prediction parameters of the probability integral method (PIM) are inverted by a genetic algorithm (GA) based on the subsidence values. Finally, the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging is calculated on the basis of the prediction parameters. The subsidence waterlogging area in the Wugou coal mine was adopted as the study area, and the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging was inverted by the proposed method. The results show that this method can effectively provide the underwater spatial information of subsidence waterlogging, including the maximum subsidence value, waterlogging volume, subsidence waterlogging area, and underwater terrain in the subsidence waterlogging area. Compared with field-measured data from the same period, the RMSE of water depth is 99 mm, and the relative error is 9.9%, which proves that this inversion method is accurate and can meet engineering precision requirements. Full article
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17 pages, 3699 KiB  
Article
Radiological Parameters for the Detection of Pulmonary Hypertension in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis and Their Influence on Mortality: Does Sex Matter?
by Joseph Kletzer, Bernhard Scharinger, Ozan Demirel, Reinhard Kaufmann, Michaela Medved, Christian Reiter, Matthias Hammerer, Clemens Steinwender, Stefan Hecht, Kristen Kopp, Uta C. Hoppe, Klaus Hergan and Elke Boxhammer
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071999 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: Echocardiography has long been established as the primary noninvasive method for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). In recent years, radiological methods for diagnosing PH have been investigated. Measurements [...] Read more.
Background: Echocardiography has long been established as the primary noninvasive method for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). In recent years, radiological methods for diagnosing PH have been investigated. Measurements such as the computed tomography angiography (CTA)-derived pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA diameter/body surface area (PA/BSA) have shown promising results regarding their diagnostic strength. However, it has yet to be determined if a patient’s sex has any impact on the effectiveness of these diagnostic measurements. Methods: In all, 271 patients (51.3% male, mean age 82.6 ± 4.8 years) with severe AS undergoing TAVR were separated into male and female groups. The cut-off values for the diagnosis of PH were calculated for the CTA-derived PA diameter and PA/BSA based on different systolic pulmonal artery pressure values (40–45–50 mmHg). Patients were then subclassified according to measurements above or below these PA diameters and PA/BSA cut-off values. A PA diameter ≥29.5 mm and PA/BSA ≥ 15.7 mm/m2 qualified for PH. The 1–5 year survival rate in these cohorts was further analyzed. Results: Patients with a PA diameter ≥29.5 mm showed a significantly higher 1 year mortality rate (p = 0.014). This observation could only be confirmed for the male sex (p = 0.018) and not for the female sex (p = 0.492). As for the PA/BSA, in patients over the cut-off value, no significant increase in mortality was noted in the overall cohort. However, the male patients showed increased 3 year (p = 0.048) and 5 year mortality rates (p = 0.033). Conclusions: The CTA-obtained PA diameter and PA/BSA are both useful in the diagnosis of PH and mortality risk stratification in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR, especially in males. Male patients with PA ≥ 29.5 mm or PA/BSA ≥ 15.7 mm/m2 seem to be at a higher risk of death during follow-up after undergoing TAVR. In females, no such correlation was observed. Full article
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56 pages, 2800 KiB  
Article
Forecasting Selected Commodities’ Prices with the Bayesian Symbolic Regression
by Krzysztof Drachal and Micha? Paw?owski
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020034 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study firstly applied a Bayesian symbolic regression (BSR) to the forecasting of numerous commodities’ prices (spot-based ones). Moreover, some features and an initial specification of the parameters of the BSR were analysed. The conventional approach to symbolic regression, based on genetic programming, [...] Read more.
This study firstly applied a Bayesian symbolic regression (BSR) to the forecasting of numerous commodities’ prices (spot-based ones). Moreover, some features and an initial specification of the parameters of the BSR were analysed. The conventional approach to symbolic regression, based on genetic programming, was also used as a benchmark tool. Secondly, various other econometric methods dealing with variable uncertainty were estimated including Bayesian Model Averaging, Dynamic Model Averaging, LASSO, ridge, elastic net, and least-angle regressions, etc. Therefore, this study reports a concise and uniform comparison of an application of several popular econometric models to forecasting the prices of numerous commodities. Robustness checks and statistical tests were performed to strengthen the obtained conclusions. Monthly data beginning from January 1988 and ending in August 2021 were analysed. Full article
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28 pages, 6848 KiB  
Article
Telecommuting and Travel Behaviour: A Survey of White-Collar Employees in Adelaide, Australia
by Gheyath Chalabi and Hussein Dia
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2871; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072871 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
COVID-19 prompted a significant number of employees to shift to remote work for the first time, potentially reshaping future work patterns. This study examines the post-COVID impacts on telecommuting, commuting behaviour, travel activities, and lifestyles in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. A [...] Read more.
COVID-19 prompted a significant number of employees to shift to remote work for the first time, potentially reshaping future work patterns. This study examines the post-COVID impacts on telecommuting, commuting behaviour, travel activities, and lifestyles in the city of Adelaide, South Australia. A multivariate nominal logistic regression analysis of 305 post-restriction survey responses revealed that home distance from the CBD, industry, occupation, and income significantly influence post-COVID telecommuting trends. Individuals living over 20 kilometres from the CBD, those in professional or managerial roles, and higher-income earners (>125k) are more prone to regular telecommuting, highlighting the impact of commute lengths, job flexibility, and financial resources on the ability to work remotely. The study revealed a higher adoption of telecommuting post-COVID, with more individuals working from home and telecommuting more often each week. This led to reduced usage of private cars and public transport, indicating a decrease in overall travel frequency. Respondents also adopted flexible work schedules, resulting in fewer peak-hour commutes, which would have resulted in lower congestion and emissions and led to more sustainable travel practices. The study also investigated future telecommuting perspectives, revealing a preference for remote work 3–4 days a week. Some respondents who initially could not telecommute have since considered it feasible and want to adopt it. Notably, about 25% of respondents would even change jobs for flexible, home-based work arrangements. The study’s results suggest that remote work frequency may influence individuals’ future house location preferences. These findings offer valuable insights for sustainable transport and urban planning considerations in the post-COVID era. Full article
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22 pages, 2925 KiB  
Review
Review of Applications of Remote Sensing towards Sustainable Agriculture in the Northern Savannah Regions of Ghana
by Abdul-Wadood Moomen, Lily Lisa Yevugah, Louvis Boakye, Jeff Dacosta Osei and Francis Muthoni
Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040546 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper assesses evidence-based applications of Remote Sensing for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture in the Northern Savanna Regions of Ghana for three decades (1990–2023). During this period, there have been several government policy intervention schemes and pragmatic support actions from development agencies towards [...] Read more.
This paper assesses evidence-based applications of Remote Sensing for Sustainable and Precision Agriculture in the Northern Savanna Regions of Ghana for three decades (1990–2023). During this period, there have been several government policy intervention schemes and pragmatic support actions from development agencies towards improving agriculture in this area with differing level of success. Over the same period, there have been dramatic advances in remote sensing (RS) technologies with tailored applications to sustainable agriculture globally. However, the extent to which intervention schemes have harnessed the incipient potential of RS for achieving sustainable agriculture in the study area is unknown. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the synergy between agriculture policy interventions and applications of RS towards optimizing results. Thus, this study used systematic literature review and desk analysis to identify previous and current projects and studies that have applied RS tools and techniques to all aspects of agriculture in the study area. Databases searched include Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, AoJ, and PubMed. To consolidate the gaps identified in the literature, ground-truthing was carried out. From the 26 focused publications found on the subject, only 13 (54%) were found employing RS in various aspects of agriculture observations in the study area. Out of the 13, 5 studies focused on mapping the extents of irrigation areas; 2 mapped the size of crop and pasturelands; 1 focused on soil water and nutrient retention; 1 study focused on crop health monitoring; and another focused on weeds/pest infestations and yield estimation in the study area. On the type of data, only 1 (7%) study used MODIS, 2 (15%) used ASTER image, 1 used Sentinel-2 data, 1 used Planetscope, 1 used IKONOS, 5 used Landsat images, 1 used Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and another 1 used RADAR for mapping and monitoring agriculture activities in the study area. There is no evidence of the use of LiDAR data in the area. These results validate the hypothesis that failing agriculture in the study area is due to a paucity of high-quality spatial data and monitoring to support informed farm decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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16 pages, 1198 KiB  
Review
From Forgotten Pathogen to Target for New Vaccines: What Clinicians Need to Know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Older Adults
by Matteo Boattini, André Almeida, Sara Comini, Gabriele Bianco, Rossana Cavallo and Cristina Costa
Viruses 2024, 16(4), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16040531 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as being implicated in acute illness in older adults, with a significant weight in hospitalizations for respiratory illness and death. By means of a best-evidence review, this paper aims to investigate whether RSV can be considered [...] Read more.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as being implicated in acute illness in older adults, with a significant weight in hospitalizations for respiratory illness and death. By means of a best-evidence review, this paper aims to investigate whether RSV can be considered a forgotten pathogen in older patients, looking at trends in the literature volume and exploring possible epidemiological and clinical features underlying the focus given to it. We then present an assessment of its disease burden and present and future strategies for its reduction, particularly in light of the recent availability of new vaccines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RSV Epidemiological Surveillance)
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13 pages, 7018 KiB  
Article
Variations in Fruit Ploidy Level and Cell Size between Small- and Large-Fruited Olive Cultivars during Fruit Ontogeny
by Maria C. Camarero, Beatriz Briegas, Jorge Corbacho, Juana Labrador, ?ngel-Carlos Román, Antía Verde, Mercedes Gallardo and Maria C. Gomez-Jimenez
Plants 2024, 13(7), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070990 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the major oil fruit tree crops worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying olive fruit growth remain poorly understood. Here, we examine questions regarding the interaction of endoreduplication, cell division, and cell expansion with olive fruit growth [...] Read more.
Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the major oil fruit tree crops worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying olive fruit growth remain poorly understood. Here, we examine questions regarding the interaction of endoreduplication, cell division, and cell expansion with olive fruit growth in relation to the final fruit size by measuring fruit diameter, pericarp thickness, cell area, and ploidy level during fruit ontogeny in three olive cultivars with different fruit sizes. The results demonstrate that differences in the fruit size are related to the maximum growth rate between olive cultivars during early fruit growth, about 50 days post-anthesis (DPA). Differences in fruit weight between olive cultivars were found from 35 DPA, while the distinctive fruit shape became detectable from 21 DPA, even though the increase in pericarp thickness became detectable from 7 DPA in the three cultivars. During early fruit growth, intense mitotic activity appeared during the first 21 DPA in the fruit, whereas the highest cell expansion rates occurred from 28 to 42 DPA during this phase, suggesting that olive fruit cell number is determined from 28 DPA in the three cultivars. Moreover, olive fruit of the large-fruited cultivars was enlarged due to relatively higher cell division and expansion rates compared with the small-fruited cultivar. The ploidy level of olive fruit pericarp between early and late growth was different, but similar among olive cultivars, revealing that ploidy levels are not associated with cell size, in terms of different 8C levels during olive fruit growth. In the three olive cultivars, the maximum endoreduplication level (8C) occurred just before strong cell expansion during early fruit growth in fruit pericarp, whereas the cell expansion during late fruit growth occurred without preceding endoreduplication. We conclude that the basis for fruit size differences between olive cultivars is determined mainly by different cell division and expansion rates during the early fruit growth phase. These data provide new findings on the contribution of fruit ploidy and cell size to fruit size in olive and ultimately on the control of olive fruit development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Formation Mechanism and Regulation of Fruit Quality)
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22 pages, 13329 KiB  
Article
County Town Comprehensive Service Functions in China: Measurement, Spatio-Temporal Divergence Evolution, and Heterogeneity of Influencing Factors
by Jian Zhang, Liuqing Wei, Ying Wang, Xiaohong Chen and Wei Pan
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2869; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072869 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Strengthening the service function of small towns, using its fundamental role in the urban system to drive rural development, is the main issue that needs to be addressed urgently in numerous developing countries. County towns are unique types of small towns in China. [...] Read more.
Strengthening the service function of small towns, using its fundamental role in the urban system to drive rural development, is the main issue that needs to be addressed urgently in numerous developing countries. County towns are unique types of small towns in China. Analyzing the spatial-temporal patterns and differentiation mechanisms of comprehensive service functions of county towns in China from a geographic point of view can not only provide a basis for the macro-control of county towns but also provide typical regional research results for the study of urban systems and urban–rural coordination in developing countries. Based on Point of Interest (POI) data of 1788 county towns in China, this study analyzes the evolution of spatial and temporal differentiation of comprehensive service functions and influencing factors by using modeling methods such as Getis-Ord Gi* analysis, the random forest model, and Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR). The obtained results show that (1) from 2012 to 2021, the average value of the comprehensive service function index (CSFI) of county towns in China shows a significant increase, and the proportion of county towns with medium–high service levels and above increases from 3.41% to 54.50%; (2) spatially, the comprehensive service function of county towns is characterized by the basic pattern of “high east, low west; high south, low north”, which keeps getting stronger. During the study period, eastern China has always been a high-level region, northwestern and southwestern China have always been low-level regions, and northeastern China has been a stagnant region, while central, northern, and southern China have been fast-growing regions; (3) county general public budget revenues, value added of secondary industry, GDP per capita, county town resident population, altitude, and GDP per capita of affiliated prefecture-level cities to which it belongs are the key factors influencing the comprehensive service function of county towns in China. The county general public budget revenue indicator, which represents the governmental capacity, has the strongest influence; and (4) the results of the MGWR analysis indicate that there is spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the intensity of the above-mentioned key influencing factors on the development of comprehensive service functions of county towns in China. Based on this finding, differentiated strategies should be proposed to policy makers and urban planners in different regions in order to effectively enhance the level of comprehensive service functions of county towns in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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13 pages, 1100 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Compounds, Fatty Acid Composition, and Antioxidant Activities of Some Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Varieties: A Comprehensive Analysis
by Mehmet Zeki Ko?ak
Processes 2024, 12(4), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040689 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Flaxseed, also known as flax or linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), is one of the oldest crops. It is used for oil and fiber production. The species displays a broad range of biological activities due to its chemical compounds. It has a widespread [...] Read more.
Flaxseed, also known as flax or linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), is one of the oldest crops. It is used for oil and fiber production. The species displays a broad range of biological activities due to its chemical compounds. It has a widespread geographical distribution, and a large number of its varieties have been evaluated for their biological efficacy and nutritional value. This study investigates fifteen varieties of the species, some of which are examined for the first time. In this regard, a series of chemical composition analyses and antioxidant assays were carried out. Accordingly, total phenolic content ranged between 613.6 (Michael) and 3164.6 (Atalanta) mg GAE/g, whilst total flavonoid content varied from 176.25 (BonnyDoon) to 689.20 (Mcduff) mg QE/g. Regarding the radical scavenging assays, the values obtained were significantly higher than those of the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid). Furthermore, the extracts exhibited chelating activity for ferrous ions and a cupric reducing capacity that was comparable to that of the standard. The oil content values of the varieties ranged from 0.82 g/100 g (Michael) to 2.14 g/100 g (McGregor). The percentage of α-linolenic acid varied between 39.21% (McGregor) and 54.13% (Nareum). Full article
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16 pages, 7819 KiB  
Article
Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Analysis of the Sealing Structure Stress of LNG Cryogenic Hose Fittings
by Liang Yang, Miaoer Liu, Yun Liu, Tao Zhang, Hailong Lu, Qingzhen Lu and Jun Yan
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(4), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12040581 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A cryogenic hose is used to transport liquefied natural gas at sea, where flexible fittings are sealed by corrugated lining and end flange welding. However, the extreme cryogenic temperatures of the conveyed fluid introduce substantial challenges to the integrity of the fitting seals’ [...] Read more.
A cryogenic hose is used to transport liquefied natural gas at sea, where flexible fittings are sealed by corrugated lining and end flange welding. However, the extreme cryogenic temperatures of the conveyed fluid introduce substantial challenges to the integrity of the fitting seals’ structure during the LNG transfer process. In order to study the sealing performance of the fitting under LNG conveying conditions, this paper was based on the general finite element software ABAQUS 6.11 to carry out a thermo-mechanical coupling analysis of the end sealing stress. This paper also established a sealing performance analysis model of the corrugated fitting welding area under the fitting action of LNG load and internal pressure load. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the influence of weld clearance, blunt edge size, and weld residual height on the weld stress of a fitting ring. The results show that, under the combined action of the medium internal pressure and cryogenic load, the size design of the weld area significantly affects the sealing performance of the fitting, among which the equivalent force of the weld clearance butt sealing area has the greatest impact. Moreover, it was found that a pressure of 5 MPa was 2 mm when the weld clearance was 2 mm, and the average stress at the weld was 53.68 MPa. Further, considering the synergistic influence of the blunt edge size, the weld clearance was 3 mm, the stress was minimal when the blunt side size was 4 mm, and the average stress was 17.42 MPa. These research results can serve as a reference for the design and analysis of the sealing structure of non-adhesive inner corrugated cryogenic hose fittings. Full article
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11 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Factors That Most Influence the Choice for Fast Food in a Sample of Higher Education Students in Portugal
by Leandro Oliveira and António Raposo
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1007; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071007 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The frequency of fast food consumption among higher education students is high, causing worrying implications for public health. This study aims to relate the factors that influence the choice for fast food with social factors, nutritional status, and fast food consumption in a [...] Read more.
The frequency of fast food consumption among higher education students is high, causing worrying implications for public health. This study aims to relate the factors that influence the choice for fast food with social factors, nutritional status, and fast food consumption in a sample of higher education students in Portugal. An online questionnaire was developed and disseminated by social networks among students during the first half of 2023. Two hundred and thirty-seven students participated, mainly female (65.4%), who were attending public higher education institutions (59.1%), with a median of age of 20.0 (19.0; 22.0) years, and about 20% of the sample had overweight. Approximately 80% consumed fast food, and almost 40% consumed it more than once or twice a week. Predominantly (78.0%), they chose hamburger meals, spending EUR 8.0 per meal. The factors that most influenced the choice of fast food were ease or convenience of preparation (59.9%), price (48.5%), and flavor (28.3%). There were also differences between sexes and between those attending public and private higher education institutions regarding whether they usually consume fast food or not. The body mass index was positively associated with age (r: 0.142; p = 0.029) and with fast food spending (r: 0.146; p = 0.024). The results have implications for public health and clinical nutrition, and can support more effective strategies to improve food choices in higher education students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Eating and Determinants of Food Choice)
14 pages, 4211 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Changes in Cisplatin-Resistant MCF-7 Cells
by Araceli Ruiz-Silvestre, Alfredo Garcia-Venzor, Gisela Ceballos-Cancino, José M. Sánchez-López, Karla Vazquez-Santillan, Gretel Mendoza-Almanza, Floria Lizarraga, Jorge Melendez-Zajgla and Vilma Maldonado
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073820 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Cisplatin is used for treatment, but the development of resistance in cancer cells is a significant concern. This study aimed to investigate changes in the transcriptomes of cisplatin-resistant MCF7 cells. We conducted [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Cisplatin is used for treatment, but the development of resistance in cancer cells is a significant concern. This study aimed to investigate changes in the transcriptomes of cisplatin-resistant MCF7 cells. We conducted RNA sequencing of cisplatin-resistant MCF7 cells, followed by differential expression analysis and bioinformatic investigations to identify changes in gene expression and modified signal transduction pathways. We examined the size and quantity of extracellular vesicles. A total of 724 genes exhibited differential expression, predominantly consisting of protein-coding RNAs. Notably, two long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), NEAT1 and MALAT, were found to be dysregulated. Bioinformatic analysis unveiled dysregulation in processes related to DNA synthesis and repair, cell cycle regulation, immune response, and cellular communication. Additionally, modifications were observed in events associated with extracellular vesicles. Conditioned media from resistant cells conferred resistance to wild-type cells in vitro. Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of vesicles in cisplatin-resistant cells. Cisplatin-resistant MCF7 cells displayed differential RNA expression, including the dysregulation of NEAT1 and MALAT long non-coding RNAs. Key processes related to DNA and extracellular vesicles were found to be altered. The increased number of extracellular vesicles in resistant cells may contribute to acquired resistance in wild-type cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Biology)
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24 pages, 3618 KiB  
Article
Acridine–Isoxazole and Acridine–Azirine Hybrids: Synthesis, Photochemical Transformations in the UV/Visible Radiation Boundary Region, and Anticancer Activity
by Ekaterina E. Galenko, Mikhail S. Novikov, Alexander S. Bunev and Alexander F. Khlebnikov
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071538 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Easy-to-handle N-hydroxyacridinecarbimidoyl chloride hydrochlorides were synthesized as convenient nitrile oxide precursors in the preparation of 3-(acridin-9/2-yl)isoxazole derivatives via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with terminal alkynes, 1,1-dichloroethene, and acrylonitrile. Azirines with an acridin-9/2-yl substituent attached directly or via the 1,2,3-triazole linker to the azirine C2 [...] Read more.
Easy-to-handle N-hydroxyacridinecarbimidoyl chloride hydrochlorides were synthesized as convenient nitrile oxide precursors in the preparation of 3-(acridin-9/2-yl)isoxazole derivatives via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with terminal alkynes, 1,1-dichloroethene, and acrylonitrile. Azirines with an acridin-9/2-yl substituent attached directly or via the 1,2,3-triazole linker to the azirine C2 were also synthesized. The three-membered rings of the acridine–azirine hybrids were found to be resistant to irradiation in the UV/visible boundary region, despite their long-wave absorption at 320–420 nm, indicating that the acridine moiety cannot be used as an antenna to transfer light energy to generate nitrile ylides from azirines for photoclick cycloaddition. The acridine–isoxazole hybrids linked at the C9–C3 or C2–C3 atoms under blue light irradiation underwent the addition of such hydrogen donor solvents, such as, toluene, o-xylene, mesitylene, 4-chlorotoluene, THF, 1,4-dioxane, or methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), to the acridine system to give the corresponding 9-substituted acridanes in good yields. The synthesized acridine–azirine, acridine–isoxazole, and acridane–isoxazole hybrids exhibited cytotoxicity toward both all tested cancer cell lines (HCT 116, MCF7, and A704) and normal cells (WI-26 VA4). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Organic Chemistry)
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21 pages, 4732 KiB  
Article
Electrodeposition of Nanostructured Co–Cu Thin Alloy Films on to Steel Substrate from an Environmentally Friendly Novel Lactate Bath under Different Operating Conditions
by Raiedhah A. Alsaiari, Medhat M. Kamel and Mervate M. Mohamed
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040407 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A new lactate bath was proposed to deposit Co–Cu thin alloy films in nanostructure form onto a steel cathode. The deposition bath contained CuSO4.5H2O, CoSO4.7H2O, CH3CHOHCOOH, and anhydrous Na2SO4 at [...] Read more.
A new lactate bath was proposed to deposit Co–Cu thin alloy films in nanostructure form onto a steel cathode. The deposition bath contained CuSO4.5H2O, CoSO4.7H2O, CH3CHOHCOOH, and anhydrous Na2SO4 at pH 10. The effects of [Co2+]/[Cu2+] molar ratios, lactate ion concentration, current density (CD), and bath temperature on cathodic polarization, cathodic current efficacy (CCE), composition, and structure of the Co–Cu alloys were investigated. The new bath had a high cathodic current efficiency of 85%, which increased with the applied CD. However, it decreased as the temperature increased. The produced coatings have an atomic percentage of Cu ranging from 19.8 to 99%. The deposition of the Co–Cu alloy belonged to regular codeposition. The Co content of the deposit increased with the amount of Co2+ ions in the bath, lactate concentration, and current density but decreased as the temperature increased. Cobalt hexagonal close-packed (HCP) and copper-rich, face-centered cubic (FCC) Co–Cu phases combine to form the polycrystalline structure of the electrodeposited Co–Cu alloy. The average crystallite size ranges between 46 and 89 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) examination confirmed that the deposit contained Cu and Co metals. The throwing power and throwing index of the alkaline lactate bath were evaluated and found to be satisfactory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thin-Film Synthesis, Characterization and Properties)
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22 pages, 1477 KiB  
Review
The Role of NRF2 in Cerebrovascular Protection: Implications for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)
by Yizhou Hu, Feng Zhang, Milos Ikonomovic and Tuo Yang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073833 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) represents a broad spectrum of cognitive decline secondary to cerebral vascular aging and injury. It is the second most common type of dementia, and the prevalence continues to increase. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is [...] Read more.
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) represents a broad spectrum of cognitive decline secondary to cerebral vascular aging and injury. It is the second most common type of dementia, and the prevalence continues to increase. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is enriched in the cerebral vasculature and has diverse roles in metabolic balance, mitochondrial stabilization, redox balance, and anti-inflammation. In this review, we first briefly introduce cerebrovascular aging in VCID and the NRF2 pathway. We then extensively discuss the effects of NRF2 activation in cerebrovascular components such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and perivascular macrophages. Finally, we summarize the clinical potential of NRF2 activators in VCID. Full article
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17 pages, 12160 KiB  
Article
The Initiation Characteristics of Corrosion Fatigue Crack in 18Ni (250) Steel
by Hongzhang Pan, Yongmei Zhu and Mingjiang Fang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(4), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12040580 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Maraging steel is the material of deep sea pressure equipment. The characteristics of corrosion fatigue crack initiation in 18Ni (250) were investigated by performing a tensile fatigue test under different loading conditions. The mechanism of corrosion fatigue crack initiation was analyzed considering the [...] Read more.
Maraging steel is the material of deep sea pressure equipment. The characteristics of corrosion fatigue crack initiation in 18Ni (250) were investigated by performing a tensile fatigue test under different loading conditions. The mechanism of corrosion fatigue crack initiation was analyzed considering the influence of welding. The results showed that the crack initiation life decreases with increasing load and increases with the stress ratio. In a corrosive seawater environment, crack initiation is affected by both mechanical damage and electrochemical corrosion. The proportion of the crack initiation life of the total sample life is approximately 71.45–99.55%, where the larger this proportion is, the smaller the fatigue zone is. Crack initiation and microcrack propagation in maraging steel correspond to the microfracture mechanism of dimple fractures. The microfracture mechanism is strongly affected by the presence of a weld but weakly affected by the weld position. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for predicting the corrosion fatigue life of deep-sea submersible pressure hulls. Full article
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25 pages, 10664 KiB  
Article
Coaxial 3D Bioprinting Process Research and Performance Tests on Vascular Scaffolds
by Jiarun Sun, Youping Gong, Manli Xu, Huipeng Chen, Huifeng Shao and Rougang Zhou
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040463 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Three-dimensionally printed vascularized tissue, which is suitable for treating human cardiovascular diseases, should possess excellent biocompatibility, mechanical performance, and the structure of complex vascular networks. In this paper, we propose a method for fabricating vascularized tissue based on coaxial 3D bioprinting technology combined [...] Read more.
Three-dimensionally printed vascularized tissue, which is suitable for treating human cardiovascular diseases, should possess excellent biocompatibility, mechanical performance, and the structure of complex vascular networks. In this paper, we propose a method for fabricating vascularized tissue based on coaxial 3D bioprinting technology combined with the mold method. Sodium alginate (SA) solution was chosen as the bioink material, while the cross-linking agent was a calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution. To obtain the optimal parameters for the fabrication of vascular scaffolds, we first formulated theoretical models of a coaxial jet and a vascular network. Subsequently, we conducted a simulation analysis to obtain preliminary process parameters. Based on the aforementioned research, experiments of vascular scaffold fabrication based on the coaxial jet model and experiments of vascular network fabrication were carried out. Finally, we optimized various parameters, such as the flow rate of internal and external solutions, bioink concentration, and cross-linking agent concentration. The performance tests showed that the fabricated vascular scaffolds had levels of satisfactory degradability, water absorption, and mechanical properties that meet the requirements for practical applications. Cellular experiments with stained samples demonstrated satisfactory proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) within the vascular scaffold over a seven-day period, observed under a fluorescent inverted microscope. The cells showed good biocompatibility with the vascular scaffold. The above results indicate that the fabricated vascular structure initially meet the requirements of vascular scaffolds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microfluidics and 3D Printing for Biomedical Applications)
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15 pages, 4451 KiB  
Article
Understanding Antidiabetic Potential of Oligosaccharides from Red Alga Dulse Devaleraea inkyuleei Xylan by Investigating α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition
by Martin Alain Mune Mune, Tadashi Hatanaka, Hideki Kishimura and Yuya Kumagai
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1536; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071536 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this study, the α-glucosidase (maltase-glucoamylase: MGAM) and α-amylase inhibitory properties elicited by xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) prepared from dulse xylan were analysed as a potential mechanism to control postprandial hyperglycaemia for type-2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Xylan was purified from red alga dulse powder [...] Read more.
In this study, the α-glucosidase (maltase-glucoamylase: MGAM) and α-amylase inhibitory properties elicited by xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) prepared from dulse xylan were analysed as a potential mechanism to control postprandial hyperglycaemia for type-2 diabetes prevention and treatment. Xylan was purified from red alga dulse powder and used for enzymatic hydrolysis using Sucrase X to produce XOSs. Fractionation of XOSs produced xylobiose (X2), β-(1→3)-xylosyl xylobiose (DX3), xylotriose (X3), β-(1→3)-xylosyl-xylotriose (DX4), and a dulse XOS mixture with n ≥ 4 xylose units (DXM). The different fractions exhibited moderate MGAM (IC50 = 11.41–23.44 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 18.07–53.04 mg/mL) inhibitory activity, which was lower than that of acarbose. Kinetics studies revealed that XOSs bound to the active site of carbohydrate digestive enzymes, limiting access to the substrate by competitive inhibition. A molecular docking analysis of XOSs with MGAM and α-amylase clearly showed moderate strength of interactions, both hydrogen bonds and non-bonded contacts, at the active site of the enzymes. Overall, XOSs from dulse could prevent postprandial hyperglycaemia as functional food by a usual and continuous consumption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Bioactives for Human Health)
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17 pages, 326 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Underlying Barriers for the Successful Transition for Women from Higher Education to Employment in Egypt: A Focus Group Study
by Muhammad Qasim Rana, Shadia Fahim, Mohammed Saad, Angela Lee, Olugbenga Timo Oladinrin and Lekan Damilola Ojo
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(4), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13040195 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Education is the foundation of culture and the engine of economies; it is an essential part of life. However, it remains inaccessible or unavailable in some parts of developing nations. Moreover, such barriers for girls and women can extend beyond education and into [...] Read more.
Education is the foundation of culture and the engine of economies; it is an essential part of life. However, it remains inaccessible or unavailable in some parts of developing nations. Moreover, such barriers for girls and women can extend beyond education and into the workplace, and this is a bone of contention based on erroneous beliefs and other factors. Barriers for girls’ and women’s education are debatable in the literature; however, there is a sparsity of literature that focuses on the bridge to the workplace. Therefore, through a focus group study, this study explores the barriers that prohibit the transition for women from higher education to employment in Egypt. Based on qualitative data from focus group participants, the barriers to girls’ and women’s education are related to cultural, economic, family, and structural–educational barriers. In addition, stereotypical thinking and discrimination are factors hindering girls and women from ‘decent’ employment in Egypt. Based on this study’s results, some practical recommendations were elicited, which centre around awareness enhancement, formulation of laws and policies, and development of employability skills and entrepreneurship skills. The managerial and societal implications of this study are illustrated. It is anticipated that the results of this study will serve to create an inherent need to undertake a larger survey to investigate the barriers from a wider number of respondents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Work, Employment and the Labor Market)
10 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Association between Preoperative C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio and Mortality after Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
by Ah Ran Oh, Ha Min Sung, Jungchan Park, Gayoung Jin, So Myung Kong, Minsu Jung and Sangmin Maria Lee
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1998; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071998 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: Prognostic markers have not been extensively studied in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR) in plastic and reconstructive surgery and to compare it with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), [...] Read more.
Background: Prognostic markers have not been extensively studied in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin ratio (CAR) in plastic and reconstructive surgery and to compare it with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS). Methods: From January 2011 to July 2019, we identified 2519 consecutive adult patients who were undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery with available preoperative CRP and albumin levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to evaluate predictability and estimate the threshold. The patients were divided according to this threshold, and the risk was compared. The primary outcome was one-year mortality, and the overall mortality was also analyzed. Results: The one-year mortality was 4.9%. The CAR showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.803, which was higher than those of NLR, PLR, and mGPS. According to the estimated threshold of 1.05, the patients were divided into two groups; 1585 (62.9%) were placed in the low group, and 934 (37.1%) were placed in the high group. After inverse probability weighting, the mortality rate during the first year after plastic and reconstructive surgery was significantly increased in the high group (1.3% vs. 10.9%; hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 2.17–3.83; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, high CAR was significantly associated with one-year mortality of patients after plastic and reconstructive surgery. Further studies are needed on prognostic markers in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Full article
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