Search Results (18,274)

Faced with the hegemony of racial superiority, the oppression of gender dominance, and the demands of religious homogeneity, Mexican American Gloria E. Anzaldúa proposes a New Mestiza Consciousness that seeks to achieve a multifaceted transcendence of La Frontera (Borderlands). Using Krsiteva’s semiotics and mythology-based feminism as a theoretical guide, this paper will analyze the cultural, gender, ethnic, and religious manifestations of New Mestiza Consciousness and the logic behind this consciousness in terms of women’s writing in the Chicana women’s literary community and the re-shaping of the maternal mythological archetype in indigenous culture. Full article

The lack of in-depth analysis on the reservoir characteristics and the paleoenvironmental conditions of the Niutitang Formation in the study area has led to an unclear understanding of its geological background. In this study, core samples from well SZY1 were selected, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quantitative elemental analysis were employed to systematically investigate the reservoir properties and paleoenvironment of the shales. The results indicate that the Niutitang Formation shales form a low-porosity, low-permeability reservoir. By utilizing indicators such as the chemical index of alteration (CIA) and elemental ratios, the study delves into the paleoclimate and paleoproductivity of the region. The (La/Yb)_n ratio is approximately 1, indicating a rapid deposition rate that is beneficial for the accumulation and preservation of organic matter. The chondrite-normalized and North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns of the shales show consistent trends with minimal variation, reflecting the presence of mixed sources for the sediments in the study area. Analysis reveals that the Niutitang Formation shales are enriched in light rare-earth elements (LREEs) with a negative europium anomaly, and the primary source rocks are sedimentary and granitic, located far from areas of seafloor hydrothermal activity. The Ni_EF and Cu_EF values suggest high paleoproductivity, and the shales were deposited in an anoxic-reducing environment. The depositional environments of the Marcellus and Utica shales in the United States, the Wufeng-Longmaxi black shales in the Changning area of the Sichuan Basin, and the shales in the study area are similar, characterized by anoxic reducing conditions and well-developed fractures. The thermal evolution degree of the study area is relatively moderate, currently in the peak gas generation stage, with the reservoir quality rated as medium to high, indicating good potential for hydrocarbon accumulation and promising exploration prospects. Full article

Load-side peak shaving is an effective measure to alleviate power supply–demand imbalance. As a key link between a vast array of small- and medium-sized adjustable resources and the bulk power system, load aggregators (LAs) typically allocate peak shaving budgets using fixed pricing methods based on peak shaving demand forecasts. However, due to the randomness of supply and demand, fluctuations in peak shaving demand occur, making it a significant technical challenge to meet peak shaving needs under limited budget allocations. To address this issue, this paper first conducts a clustering analysis of various adjustable load characteristics to derive typical electricity consumption curves, and then proposes a differentiated calculation method for the value of multi-time-segment peak shaving. Subsequently, an optimization model for LA scheduling and compensation pricing is established based on the limited peak shaving budget and time-segment peak shaving value. While ensuring the economic benefits of LAs, the model also analyzes the impact of different peak shaving budget allocations on the scale of peak shaving that can be achieved. Finally, case studies demonstrate that, compared to traditional fixed compensation pricing, the proposed pricing method reduces scheduling costs by an average of 16.5%, while significantly improving the overall satisfaction of adjustable users. Full article

The current study focused on the synthesis of doped silver nanoparticles (doped AgNPs) with yttrium (Y), gadolinium (Gd), and chromium (Cr) from pine needle leaf extract (PNLE). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to assess the phase formation, detecting 61.83% from Ag and 38.17% for secondary phases of AgCl, AgO, Y, Cr-, and Gd phases. The size and shape of the NPs were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing a spherical shape with an average particle size of 26.43 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) detected the oxidation state of the presented elements. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) determined the morphology and elemental composition of the NPs, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) determined the different functional groups indicating the presence of Ag, Y, Gd, Cr, and other groups. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy showed the optical properties of the NPs. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed the ferromagnetic behavior of the doped AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of the doped AgNPs was tested against six uro-pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) microdilution assays, agar well diffusion assay, time–kill test, and antibiofilm screening assays, revealing significant activity, with MICs ranging between 0.0625 and 0.5 mg/mL and antibiofilm activity between 40 and 85%. The antioxidant activity was determined by the 1,1, diphenyl 1-2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay with a potential of 61.3%. The docking studies showed that the doped AgNPs had the potential to predict the inhibition of crucial enzymes such as penicillin-binding proteins, LasR-binding proteins, carbapenemase, DNA gyrase, and dihydropteroate synthase. The results suggest that the doped AgNPs can be applied in different medical domains. Full article

Background: Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the endometrium and is more common in developed countries and its incidence is increasing day by day in developing countries. The most commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic drugs limit their use due to serious side effects and the development of drug resistance. For this reason, interest in new active ingredients obtained from natural products is increasing. This study aimed to reveal the apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of gallic acid and doxorubicin combination therapy against the HeLa cell line. Methods: We investigated the anti-cancer effects of doxorubicin and gallic acid in the human HeLa cervical cell line by using the MTT test, Nucblue staining for the identification of apoptotic cells due to nuclear condensation using fluorescent substance, and apoptotic markers P53 and Bax for the RT-PCR test. Results: The highest cytotoxic effect obtained in the study, the highest increase in apoptotic induction, and a significant difference in P53/Bax levels were seen in the gallic acid/doxorubicin combination. Additionally, it was determined that gallic acid exhibited an effective cytotoxic effect on HeLa and HaCat cells within 48 and 72 h of application. Conclusions: The obtained findings show that the gallic acid/doxorubicin combination applied to HeLa cells may be an alternative treatment against both the cytotoxic effect size and the side effects of the chemotherapy agent. Full article

Antarctica has attracted increasing interest in understanding its microbial communities, metabolic potential, and as a source of microbial hydrolytic enzymes with industrial applications, for which advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have greatly facilitated the study of unculturable microorganisms. In this work, soils from seven sub-Antarctic islands and Union Glacier were studied using a whole-genome shotgun metagenomic approach. The main findings were that the microbial community at all sites was predominantly composed of the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria, and the families Streptomycetaceae and Pseudonocardiaceae. Regarding the xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism pathway, genes associated with benzoate, chloroalkane, chloroalkene, and styrene degradation were predominant. In addition, putative genes encoding industrial enzymes with predicted structural properties associated with improved activity at low temperatures were found, with catalases and malto-oligosyltrehalose trehalohydrolase being the most abundant. Overall, our results show similarities between soils from different Antarctic sites with respect to more abundant bacteria and metabolic pathways, especially at higher classification levels, regardless of their geographic location. Furthermore, our results strengthen the potential of Antarctic soils as a source of industrially relevant enzymes. Full article

Increasing water demand driven by population growth and climate change strains water resources, especially in arid regions. The effectiveness of rainwater harvesting (RWH) as a viable solution is contingent upon the meticulous selection of appropriate sites. Contemporary efforts have increasingly utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to optimize the identification of ideal locations for implementing RWH infrastructure. However, inconsistencies in rainfall classification methodologies can compromise the accuracy of the resulted suitability maps. Consequently, a standardized approach to grading rainfall depth for mapping RWH sites becomes imperative. This study presents an innovative rainfall classification method tailored for both micro and macro catchment areas, offering a reliable and adaptable approach to rainfall analysis. By refining classification criteria, this method aims to improve the consistency and precision of RWH mapping, addressing a gap in existing methodologies and providing a more standardized approach. Through the application of FAHP and Fuzzy overlay techniques in ArcGIS 10.4, the study compares traditional rainfall classification with the proposed new classification method to assess RWH suitability in Kalar. The comparison highlights that the new rainfall classification-based map yielded higher accuracy and realism compared to traditional methods. Full article

The growing interest in products of natural origin has led to the implementation of products such as propolis because they possess biological properties that are useful in the treatment of various ailments, so it is relevant to know the botanical origin of the physicochemical compounds that provide propolis with its biological properties. To identify the floral sources that provide resources to bees for the manufacture of propolis, several methodologies have been implemented, such as palynological analysis, which, through pollen content, has made it possible to identify the plant species that provide resources to bees. On the other hand, analysis of the physicochemical components of propolis has revealed that phenols and flavonoids are mainly responsible for the biological activity of propolis. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal potential of propolis revealed the inhibitory potential of both Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria, as well as Candida albicans. However, all these investigations have been carried out individually and not always with the same sample. Therefore, the objective of this research was to design a methodology that allows the use of a single sample of propolis and uses sufficient resources for different research areas to evaluate most of the physical and chemical properties of propolis, as well as its botanical origin. With the implemented methodology, it was possible to obtain sufficient resources that provided results for each of the research areas, taking advantage of the propolis sample. Full article

Several studies have shown that force application is influenced by different neuromuscular mechanisms depending on the time of force application analysis in isometric knee extension test (IKE), and a countermovement jump (CMJ) has contributions from knee extension, so some CMJ variables could be indicators of such mechanisms. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the level of relationship of variables of IKE and bilateral CMJ tests. Methods: Male college soccer players (n = 25; corporal mass = 72 ± 8 kg; height = 171 ± 5 cm; age = 22 ± 2 years) performed the IKE at two angles (60° and 75°) on an isokinetic machine and the CMJ on two uniaxial force platforms. To determine the level of relationship, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was analyzed between the test variables. Results: Trivial to moderate correlations (r = −0.45 to 0.62; p < 0.05) were found between CMJ variables and IKE in both knee angles (60° and 75°); Conclusions: The variables of IKE have a trivial to moderate correlation with the variables of CMJ, so the variables of CMJ could not be considered interchangeably with those of IKE and therefore considered indicators of neuromuscular mechanisms isolated from the knee extensor function. Longitudinal design (fatigue or training protocols) should be realized to corroborate these results. Full article

This study addresses the challenges associated with conventional plywood shear testing by introducing a novel miniaturized shear test method. This approach utilizes a controlled router toolpath for precise sample fabrication, enabling efficient material use and data acquisition. Miniaturized samples, designed with double shear zones, were tested for τ_xy, τ_xz, and τ_yz configurations using a universal testing machine. Results revealed a mean ultimate shear strength ranging from 5.6 MPa to 7.3 MPa and a mean shear modulus ranging from 0.039 GPa to 0.095 GPa, confirming the orthotropic nature of plywood. The resulting shear behavior was determined with stress–strain curves correlated with failure patterns. The miniaturized tests effectively captured the material’s heterogeneous behavior, particularly at smaller scales, and demonstrated consistent load-bearing capacity even after substantial stress reduction, suggesting suitability for bracing applications. This method allows for increased sample sizes, facilitating robust data collection for developing and validating finite element models. Future work will focus on evaluating the scalability of the observed orthotropic behavior and data scatter at larger scales and assessing the potential for this method to replace conventional full-scale plywood shear testing. Full article

Acanthotomicus suncei is a newly discovered bark beetle in China that significantly threatens the American sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua. In recent years, this pest has spread from its original habitat to many surrounding cities, causing substantial economic and ecological losses. Considering the wide global distribution of its host, Liquidambar styraciflua, this pest is likely to continue to spread and expand. Once the pest colonizes a new climatically suitable area, the consequences could be severe. Therefore, we employed the CLIMEX and Random Forests model to predict the potential suitable distribution of A. suncei globally. The results showed that A. suncei was mainly distributed in Southern China, in South Hokkaido in Japan, Southern USA, the La Plata Plain in South America, southeastern Australia, and the northern Mediterranean; these areas are located in subtropical monsoon, monsoonal humid climates, or Mediterranean climate zones. Seasonal rainfall, especially in winter, is a key environmental factor that affects the suitable distribution of A. suncei. Under future climates, the total suitable area of A. suncei is projected to decrease to a certain extent. However, changes in its original habitat require serious attention. We found that A. suncei exhibited a spreading trend in Southwest, Central, and Northeast China. Suitable areas in some countries in Southeast and South Asia bordering China are also expected to show an increased distribution. The outward spread of this pest via sea transportation cannot be ignored. Hence, quarantine efforts should be concentrated in high-suitability regions determined in this study to protect against the occurrence of hosts that may contain A. suncei, thereby avoiding its long-distance spread. Long-term sentinel surveillance and control measures should be carried out as soon as A. suncei is detected, especially in regions with high suitability. Thus, our findings establish a theoretical foundation for quarantine and control measures targeting A. suncei. Full article

This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impoverished residents in the urban area of La Candelaria, Bogotá, and the rural area of La Macarena, Meta. The participants were recruited using Colombia’s SISBÉN classification system by approaching individuals in public spaces such as bakeries, markets, and restaurants. After confirming their residency, only those classified in categories A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), or C (vulnerable population) were included in the study. Data collection took place in May 2017, resulting in 307 surveys from the participants across both locations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that economic benefits are the most influential factor, significantly enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. While cultural and environmental benefits are acknowledged, they are less directly linked to personal well-being. The study highlights tourism’s complex role in promoting economic growth and shaping the social, cultural, and environmental aspects of community life. However, it also identifies potential risks, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, particularly in different spatial contexts. The research underscores the need for tourism development to provide tangible, personal benefits that align with residents’ economic and emotional priorities, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes, especially considering the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas that influence tourism’s effectiveness in improving well-being and alleviating poverty. Full article

The Xiaorequanzi Cu deposit is located in the western part of the Dananhu–Tousuquan Island arc in eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang. It includes stratiform and epithermal-related veinlet mineralization. However, the genesis of this deposit remains controversial. Therefore, fluid inclusions, H–O isotopes, in situ S, and trace elements in pyrite were employed in this study to constrain the origins of the deposit. The Xiaorequanzi Cu deposit’s mineralization stages can be categorized into the following three phases: I. volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) mineralization; II. quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite; and III. quartz–chalcopyrite–sphalerite stages. Fluid inclusion studies suggest that Stage I is distinguished by high-temperature (peak: 320–360 °C) and moderate-salinity (peak: 7–9 wt%) fluids belonging to the H₂O–NaCl ± CO₂ system. Stages II–III only exhibit vapor–liquid inclusions, with mineralizing fluids belonging to the medium-to-low-temperature (Stage II peak: 160–180 °C; Stage III peak: 120–130 °C) and medium-to-low-salinity (Stage II peak: 5–7 wt%; Atage III peak: 4–6 wt%) H₂O–NaCl system. The H–O isotopic data suggest that mineralizing fluid in Stage I is a blend of magmatic and paleo-seawater sources, while in Stages II–III, meteoric water predominates, accompanied by low mineralizing temperatures. In situ S isotope results indicate that the source of mineralizing materials in Stage I (2.52–4.48‰) were magmatic rocks, whereas the markedly higher δ³⁴S values in stages II–III (4.68–6.60‰) suggest sulfur isotope leaching from sedimentary rocks by meteoric water as the main source. The LA–ICP–MS data of pyrite in the Xiaorequanzi Cu deposit suggest that Py₁ was formed through volcanic processes, whereas Py₂ and Py₃ exhibited epithermal characteristics. Throughout the mineralization process, a trend in increasing oxygen and decreasing sulfur fugacity occurred, accompanied by a decreased mineralization temperature. This observation corresponds with the temperature data derived from the fluid inclusions. Additionally, the principal components of different generations of pyrite segregated as two clusters representing the VMS (Stage I) and epithermal mineralization (stages II–III). In summary, based on comprehensive research and previous geochronological studies, it is suggested that the Xiaorequanzi Cu deposit experienced two mineralization stages. The early stage is related to the volcanic activity of the Early Carboniferous (354 Ma), whereas the later stage is associated with Carboniferous–Permian (266–264 Ma) volcanic intrusions. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted much attention as sustainable electrolytes for redox flow batteries. Despite the tremendous advantages of DES-based electrolytes, their high viscosity property has a negative effect on their mass transfer, limiting current density and power density. The ultrasonic effect has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy to improve mass transfer characteristics. Incorporating ultrasonic waves into a deep eutectic solvent (DES) electrolyte enhances the mobility of redox-active ions, thereby accelerating the reaction dynamics of the Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox pair. This enhancement makes it suitable for use in non-aqueous electrolyte-based redox flow batteries. However, it is necessary to consider the loss of ultrasonic on the internal structure of the battery, as well as the loss of battery component materials and ultrasonic energy consumption in practical applications. Moreover, the continuous extension of the duration of ultrasonic action not only hardly leads to a more significant improvement of the battery performance, but is also detrimental to the energy and economic savings. Herein, intermittent ultrasound is used to overcome the quality transfer problem and reduce the operating cost. Good electrochemical performance enhancement is maintained with a roughly 50% reduction in energy consumption values. The mechanism as well as the visualization of the pulsed ultrasonic field on each half cell has been envisaged through fundamental characterization. Finally, the feasibility of interrupted ultrasonic activation applied to Fe/V RFB using DES electrolytes has been demonstrated, demonstrating similar behavior with continuous ultrasonic operation. Therefore, the interrupted ultrasonic field has been found to be a more effective operation mode in terms of energy cost, avoiding alternative undesirable effects like overheating or corrosion of materials. Full article

Visual object tracking is a fundamental task in computer vision, with applications ranging from video surveillance to autonomous driving. Despite recent advances in transformer-based one-stream trackers, unrestricted feature interactions between the template and the search region often introduce background noise into the template, degrading the tracking performance. To address this issue, we propose FETrack, a feature-enhanced transformer-based network for visual object tracking. Specifically, we incorporate an independent template stream in the encoder of the one-stream tracker to acquire the high-quality template features while suppressing the harmful background noise effectively. Then, we employ a sequence-learning-based causal transformer in the decoder to generate the bounding box autoregressively, simplifying the prediction head network. Further, we present a dynamic threshold-based online template-updating strategy and a template-filtering approach to boost tracking robustness and reduce redundant computations. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our FETrack achieves a superior performance over state-of-the-art trackers. Specifically, the proposed FETrack achieves a 75.1% AO on GOT-10k, 81.2% AUC on LaSOT, and 89.3% Pnorm on TrackingNet. Full article