This study demonstrates rapid carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis using a 150 kHz induction heating system, enabling precise temperature and pressure control in thermal chemical vapor deposition processes. CNT growth optimization at temperatures between 887 and 955 °C and pressures from 1 to 700 Torr reveals that an optimized temperature (887 °C) and pressure (100 Torr) yield enhanced field emission performance. The 150 kHz induction heating provided faster heating rates and a more consistent temperature distribution across the substrate, significantly enhancing growth efficiency. CNT grown using the induction heating system demonstrated high emission currents and outstanding stability during field emission tests. The induction heating approach reduces synthesis time, offering an efficient pathway for scalable production of field emission devices.

• Book : 15(3)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Microbial contamination of chronic wounds complicates their treatment. Traditional knowledge systems and the diversity of indigenous medicinal plants create a haven for traditional medicine practices in South Africa (SA). This systematic review aims to present a comprehensive ethnobotanical report of traditional medicines used in the documented empirical wound healing studies in SA. Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline EBSCOhost, Science Direct, and Scopus were sourced using the keywords/terminologies “South Africa”, “medicinal plants”, “traditional medicine” “indigenous”, “skin”, “wound”, “ethnobotany”, “survey”, “interview”, and “treatment” in different combinations. Relevant and unpublished records were retrieved from the Global Electronic Thesis Database. The searching process identified 32,419 records, of which 4005 studies were screened. Following the removal of 1795 duplicates, the remaining 2210 sources were screened by title and abstract, and 133 full-text reports were accessed and evaluated. Plants traditionally used for wound-healing purposes comprised 222 species belonging to 71 families, namely Asteraceae (predominantly the Helichrysum species), Asphodelaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. Plant organs used for medicinal remedies included leaves, roots, and bark prepared as poultices, infusions, decoctions, gel/ointments/lotions, and pastes. This review provides a valuable reference for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies and highlights the need for further ethnobotanical research to treat wounds in SA.

• Book : 14(5)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.818-818
• Keyword :

Abstract Background Bipartite navicular bone is a relatively uncommon pathological condition, characterized by splitting of the navicular bone into two parts. Patients with this anomaly typically present with chronic pain at the dorsomedial aspect of their foot and a flatfoot deformity. This study aimed to describe the imaging findings related to the presence of this uncommon anatomical variant. Results Magnetic resonance imaging was done for all 24 patients with bilateral involvement in four patients, yielding 28 feet. On MRI, separation of the navicular bone with unequal size of the two fragments was observed in all examined feet and secondary talonavicular degenerative osteoarthrosis identified in 16 feet. Bone marrow edema was seen at the parent navicular bone in 10 feet, while the lateral fragment showed bone marrow edema in 18 feet. Ten patients, with bilateral involvement in four of them, yielding a total of 14 feet did MDCT studies which were reviewed. Separation of the navicular bone into two parts by oblique cleft with unequal size of the two fragments in all examined feet. Comma-shaped appearance of the main navicular bone with medial translation relative to the talar head was identified in 8 feet. Secondary talonavicular degenerative osteoarthrosis was observed in 10 feet. Plain X-ray of the symptomatic foot was reviewed in eight patients yielding a total number of 12 examined feet due to bilateral involvement in four patients. On AP view, the lateral bone fragment was obscured in all examined feet. On lateral view, an irregular bone separated from the dorsal aspect of the navicular bone was identified in 10 feet, while failure of identification of the cleft between the two fragments on the lateral view in 2 feet but was nicely demonstrated on oblique view. Irregularity in the talonavicular joint space was observed in 8 feet. Conclusions Bipartite navicular bone is rare anatomic variant that causes mid-foot pain and osteoarthritic changes around the navicular bone. In cases where pathology in relation of the presence of this anatomical variant is suspected, detailed clinical correlation and careful assessment with MRI and MDCT will play an important role.

• Book : 56(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
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Construction variability and isolated defects in base layer can be limiting factors in pavement’s service life. To control construction quality and implement an efficient quality management system, this study develops a quick, accurate, and simple non-destructive method using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to determine reliable values of in-place compacted base material properties, such as suction (h_m), water content (θ), dry density (γ_d), and resilient modulus (M_R). To overcome the challenges associated with timely laboratory testing on core samples, a set of mechanistic empirical characteristics curve models were utilized and corresponding fitting parameter prediction models were proposed based simple laboratory tests like the Methylene Blue Test (MBT), Percent Size Distribution Analyzer Test, Percometer Test, and Aggregate Imaging Measurement System (AIMS) Test. The laboratory characterization results were integrated with GPR scan data and processed using two GPR signal analysis software programs, PaveCheck and LayerMAPP, to generate a strip map of the in-situ base properties along the pavement section. Finally, to validate the results from the GPR-based approach, the predicted profile of base material properties from filed test sections was compared with results from other non-destructive methods such as the Nuclear Density Gauge and Falling Weight Deflectomter.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
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Abstract Risk perceptions of energy systems, and their evolution under climate change and after accidents, affects public acceptance of generation technologies. Despite this, little is understood about how such factors impact public perception at different time scales and the drivers for perception. We use state-of-the-art natural language processing to measure temporal changes in sentiment toward energy technologies using the full twitter archive for 2009–2022. We find that perception of natural gas and wind has changed little as discussion of climate change on social media increased. However, climate-linked sentiment toward coal, solar, and hydropower has become more negative, while that for nuclear has improved. We also find that all generation technologies experience a drop in supportive discourse after definable accidents, but this typically rebounds with a half-life of less than 3 days. Yet, nuclear power is an exception in how it reacts to large scale events. After Fukushima, sentiment returned to its positive pre-accident levels with an 11.3-month relaxation half-life.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
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The rapid development of Large Language Models (LLMs) technology can offer an opportunity for end-users, but it also challenges the required power demand from data centers to meet this increase in performance. Based on trends in the growth of LLMs/data centers and symmetry/favorability of SMR techno-regulatory environments, scenario analysis yielded nine potential future scenarios. This analysis finds three sets of insights: First, SMRs offer the most promise in the “Era of Radical Innovation” scenario, where they could emerge as a key clean power supply for data centers via distributed generation systems. Second, three key factors will determine the success of SMR implementation: optimizing regulatory framework, achieving technological maturity and enhancing social acceptance. Third, adverse SMR scenario triggers the need for alternative strategies, such as renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency enhancement. It pinpointed major challenges to address: decoupling licensing processes, gaining economic competitiveness via modular fabrication and stakeholder acceptance. Against this background, the study offers a three-tiered set of policy recommendations: one for immediate action (including regulatory reforms and R&D support); another focused on medium-term infrastructure development and workforce training; and a third targeted on long-term international cooperation frameworks. A systematic evaluation of their potential to meet the rising power demands for AI while providing energy security and environmental sustainability is presented in this research.

• Book : 57(4)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.3-30
• Keyword :

AbstractThere is a global shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYN), raising concerns about patient care and workforce sustainability. Germany faces a particularly acute shortage, exacerbated by the impending retirement of many senior consultants. This study explores the career perceptions of graduate-entry medical students at the University of Bonn, focusing on their attitudes toward a career in OB/GYN.A cohort of fifth year medical students (n = 213) participated in this study. Surveys were administered directly via QR codes at two points in the 10th semester: pre-rotation (pre-clerkship) and post-rotation, at the time of the OSCE (OSCE = objective structured clinical examination) in OB/GYN. The questionnaires assessed multiple dimensions of students’ career preferences, understanding of the specialty, and the impact of clinical exposure on their perceptions. Statistical analyses, including McNemar’s test, were performed to evaluate changes in students’ perspectives.The findings revealed that prior to clinical exposure, only 32% of students expressed interest in a career in OB/GYN. After completing the rotation, this interest remained unchanged. Notably, concerns about night shifts increased significantly post-rotation, with 75% of students citing it as a key deterrent. Furthermore, financial considerations gained importance, with 54% of students highlighting future income as a critical factor post-rotation compared to 43% pre-rotation. Despite improved understanding of OB/GYN following hands-on experience, concerns about workload and stress persisted.While clinical exposure increased students’ knowledge of OB/GYN, it did not significantly affect their interest in the specialty, likely due to concerns about work-life balance and the demanding nature of the field. The study underscores the need for reforms in OB/GYN training and practice environments to address these deterrents and improve recruitment into this essential specialty.

• Book : 85(03)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.333-343
• Keyword :

Held on October 14, 2023, SPARK 2023 marked the inaugural National Conference organized by the Department of Physics at North Lakhimpur University. It also served as the inaugural conference of the SPARK conference series. SPARK 2023 represents not just an academic event but also a proud moment for our institution, recently elevated to the status of a state university by the Govt. of Assam, India, from its earlier identity as North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous). This conference showcases the academic and intellectual commitment of our nascent university as it strives to establish its position among esteemed institutions of higher learning and research in the nation. SPARK 2023 brought together participants from across India, particularly from the eastern and northeastern regions, and received an impressive 71 abstracts submitted by researchers from 28 prestigious institutions. These institutions encompass universities, colleges, and autonomous research institutes, and their submissions span seven states. The number of total registered participants was 88. The conference was organized into four broad thematic tracks, each covering a diverse range of areas within physics. These tracks are: Track 01: High Energy Physics and Cosmology Track 02: Material Science & Nanoscience, and Statistical Physics Track 03: Electronics, Spectroscopy, Photonics, and Computational Physics Track 04: Astronomy & Astrophysics, Space & Atmospheric Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Nonlinear Dynamics List of Local Organizing Committee, National Scientific Committee, Keynote Speakers, Session Chairs and Proceeding Editors are available in this pdf.

• Book : 2957(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.011001-011001
• Keyword :

We present a comprehensive NLO pQCD study on inclusive dijet photoproduction in ultraperipheral nucleus-nucleus collisions (UPCs). Our analysis takes into account the finite size of both the photon-emitting and the target nucleus, estimated using the Wood-Saxon nuclear density profile. We show that a significant part of the measured dijets at large z_\gamma in UPC Pb+Pb collisions at 5.02 TeV come from events with relatively small impact parameters of the order of a few nuclear radii, and the cross section predictions thus become sensitive to the modelling of the collision geometry and photon flux near the source nucleus. In addition, we include the modelling of electromagnetic breakup survival factor needed for a direct comparison with the experimental data and study the resolution power of this process in terms of the impact-parameter dependent nuclear parton distribution functions.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
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RhoA is a major regulator of the actin cytoskeleton. Its function in the nucleus, however, is unclear. Fusing wildtype, fast cycling, constitutively active, and dominant negative forms of RhoA with tags promoting nuclear or cytoplasmic location and allowing specific detection, we established a platform to distinguish the functions of nuclear and cytoplasmic RhoA. Our data show that nuclear but not cytoplasmic activation of RhoA regulates DNA amount and nuclear size. This is mediated by sequential nuclear activation of the RhoA effector ROCK and Erk, a major cell cycle regulating kinase. The inhibition of ROCK or Erk activation in untransfected cells reduced DNA amounts to a similar extent, suggesting that endogenous activation levels of nuclear RhoA-ROCK-Erk signaling are sufficient for regulation. We reveal, furthermore, that GDP-bound, but not activated RhoA, translocates to the nucleus, indicating relatively separated cytoplasmic and nuclear RhoA signaling. Moreover, even the massive nuclear activation of RhoA does not cause an obvious increase in nuclear F-actin, indicating that RhoA activation is not critical for nuclear F-actin formation.

• Book : 14(6)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.404-404
• Keyword :