An Ergonomics Analysis of Archers through Motion Tracking to Prevent Injuries and Improve Performance.

Archery ranks among the sports with a high incidence of upper extremity injuries, particularly affecting the drawing shoulder and elbow, as well as inducing stress on the lower back. This study seeks to bridge the gap by integrating real-time human motion with biomechanical software to enhance the ergonomics of archers. Thirteen participants were involved in four tasks, using different bows with varied draw weights and shooting distances. Through the application of advanced integrative technology, this study highlights the distinct postures adopted by both males and females, which indicate the biomechanical differences between genders. Additionally, an analysis of the correlation between exposed spinal forces and these adopted postures provides insights into injury risk assessment during the key archery movements. The findings of this study have the potential to significantly enhance the application of training methodologies and the design of assistive devices. These improvements are geared towards mitigating injury risks and enhancing the overall performance of archers.

The Effect of Key Anthropometric and Biomechanics Variables Affecting the Lower Back Forces of Healthcare Workers.

Wearable devices are becoming ubiquitous and can be used to better estimate postures and movements to reduce the risk of injuries. Thirty-three participants were recruited in this study to perform two daily repetitive patient transfer tasks while the full body movements were acquired using a set of magneto-inertial wearable devices. The use of wearable devices allowed for the estimation of the forces provoked on the lower back during the entire task performance. In postures where the forces exceeded the warning threshold found in the literature, healthcare workers were considered to have a greater risk of injury. Additionally, the maximum force exerted by each hand to avoid injury to the spinal column was also estimated. Knowing the key anthropometric variables associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) will enable engineers and researchers to design better assistive devices and injury prevention programs in diverse workplaces.

Using Digital Human Modelling to Evaluate the Risk of Musculoskeletal Injury for Workers in the Healthcare Industry.

BACKGROUND: Hospital nurses and caregivers are reported to have the highest number of workplace injuries every year, which directly leads to missed days of work, a large amount of compensation costs, and staff shortage issues in the healthcare industry. Hence, this research study provides a new technique to evaluate the risk of injuries for healthcare workers using a combination of unobtrusive wearable devices and digital human technology. The seamless integration of JACK Siemens software and the Xsens motion tracking system was used to determine awkward postures adopted for patient transfer tasks. This technique allows for continuous monitoring of the healthcare worker's movement which can be obtained in the field. METHODS: Thirty-three participants underwent two common tasks: moving a patient manikin from a lying position to a sitting position in bed and transferring the manikin from a bed to a wheelchair. By identifying, in these daily repetitive patient-transfer tasks, potential inappropriate postures that can be conducive to excessive load on the lumbar spine, a real-time monitoring process can be devised to adjust them, accounting for the effect of fatigue. Experimental Result: From the results, we identified a significant difference in spinal forces exerted on the lower back between genders at different operational heights. Additionally, we revealed the main anthropometric variables (e.g., trunk and hip motions) that are having a large impact on potential lower back injury. CONCLUSIONS: These results will lead to implementation of training techniques and improvements in working environment design to effectively reduce the number of healthcare workers experiencing lower back pain, which can be conducive to fewer workers leaving the healthcare industry, better patient satisfaction and reduction of healthcare costs.

Double perovskite microcrystals-based white light-emitting diodes without reabsorption of multiphase phosphors.

Here, Tb3+ ions are incorporated into Cs2Ag0.6Na0.4InCl6:Bi double perovskite microcrystals via a re-crystallization method. Tb3+ ions doping not only makes the white light spectrum adjustable, but also maintains the high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The optimal value of PLQY is 95%. These are comparable to the current highest values. Noteworthy is that, intrinsic emission of Tb3+ ions is attributed to the effective energy transfer from the trapped exciton state of the double perovskite host to Tb3+ ions. Finally, mixing 30% Tb3+ alloyed Cs2Ag0.6Na0.4InCl6:Bi and Cs2NaInCl6:10%Sb phosphors, a series of double-perovskite-based white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are prepared. The color coordinates of the best WLEDs are (0.34, 0.32), the lumen efficiency is 42 lm/W, and the color rendering index is 94.3. It is worth mentioning here that there is no blue light loss caused by energy reabsorption between the two phosphors, because the excitation wavelengths of the two phosphors are concentrated in the ultraviolet band. This work provides a new strategy for preparing high-performance WLED.

Stable and Efficient Upconversion Single Red Emission from CsPbI3 Perovskite Quantum Dots Triggered by Upconversion Nanoparticles.

Here, composites including highly efficient inert shell-modified NaYF4:Yb/Tm@NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have been successfully synthesized by the assistance of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) as a precursor for a SiO2 matrix. UCNPs and CsPbI3 PQDs in this composite structure show excellent stability in ambient conditions. Importantly, the efficient UC emission of CsPbI3 PQDs was realized, which means that the single red emission of inert shell-modified UCNPs can be easily obtained by depending on these composite structures. Furthermore, the single red emission wavelength can be easily regulated from 705 to 625 nm by introducing appropriate proportion of Br- ions, which is very difficult to achieve for traditional UCNPs. Moreover, benefiting from the efficient downshifting (DS) red emission of CsPbI3 PQDs, the composites possess the dual-wavelength excitation characteristics. So, the excellent dual-mode anticounterfeiting application has been demonstrated. This work will provide a new idea for the development of perovskite-based multifunctional materials.

Synthesis of Poly-Lactic Acid by Ring Open Polymerization from Beer Spent Grain for Drug Delivery.

Poly-lactic acid (PLA) is a synthetic polymer that has gained popularity as a scaffold due to well-established manufacturing processes, predictable biomaterial properties, and sustained therapeutic release rates. However, its drawbacks include weak mechanical parameters and reduced medicinal delivery efficacy after PLA degradation. The development of synthetic polymers that can release antibiotics and other medicines remains a top research priority. This study proposes a novel approach to produce PLA by converting Brewer's spent grain (BSG) into lactic acid by bacterial fermentation followed by lactide ring polymerization with a metal catalyst. The elution properties of the PLA polymer are evaluated using modified Kirby-Bauer assays involving the antimicrobial chemotherapeutical, trimethoprim (TMP). Molded PLA polymer disks are impregnated with a known killing concentration of TMP, and the PLA is evaluated as a drug vehicle against TMP-sensitive Escherichia coli. This approach provides a practical means of assessing the polymer's ability to release antimicrobials, which could be beneficial in exploring new drug-eluting synthetic polymer strategies. Overall, this study highlights the potential of using BSG waste materials to produce valuable biomaterials of medical value with the promise of expanded versatility of synthetic PLA polymers in the field of drug-impregnated tissue grafts.

Preparation of Nanopaper for Colorimetric Food Spoilage Indication.

In this study, we are reporting the fabrication of a nanocellulose (NFC) paper-based food indicator for chicken breast spoilage detection by both visual color change observation and smartphone image analysis. The indicator consists of a nanocellulose paper (nanopaper) substrate and a pH-responsive dye, bromocresol green (BCG), that adsorbs on the nanopaper. The nanopaper is prepared through vacuum filtration and high-pressure compression. The nanopaper exhibits good optical transparency and strong mechanical strength. The color change from yellow to blue in the nanopaper indicator corresponding to an increase in the solution pH and chicken breast meat storage data were observed and analyzed, respectively. Further, we were able to use color differences determined by the RGB values from smartphone images to analyze the results, which indicates a simple, sensitive, and readily deployable approach toward the development of future smartphone-based food spoilage tests.

Facile Synthesis of Hierarchical CoSeO3‧2H2O Nanoflowers Assembled by Nanosheets as a Novel Anode Material for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.

As novel anodic materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), transitional metal selenites can transform into metal oxide/selenide heterostructures in the first cycle, which helps to enhance the Li+ storage performance, especially in terms of high discharge capacity. Herein, well-defined hierarchical CoSeO3‧2H2O nanoflowers assembled using 10 nm-thick nanosheets are successfully synthesized via a facile one-step hydrothermal method. When used as anodic materials for LIBs, the CoSeO3‧2H2O nanoflowers exhibit a considerably high discharge capacity of 1064.1 mAh g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. In addition, the obtained anode possesses good rate capability and cycling stability. Owing to the superior electrochemical properties, the CoSeO3‧2H2O nanoflowers would serve as promising anodic materials for high-performance LIBs.

Au-PEDOT/rGO nanocomposites functionalized graphene electrochemical transistor for ultra-sensitive detection of acetaminophen in human urine.

A novel graphene electrochemical transistor (GECT) sensor based on Au-poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/reduced graphene oxide (Au-PEDOT/rGO) nanocomposites functionalized the gate electrode and monolayer graphene as channel was proposed and constructed for the ultra-sensitive detection of acetaminophen (AP). Au-PEDOT/rGO nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple one-pot method to modify the gate electrode of GECT. With the high catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles, the good conductivity and stability of PEDOT, the large specific surface area and abundant adhesion sites of rGO, the sensitivity and stability of the device for AP detection could be effectively improved. The sensing mechanism of the device was that the electrochemical reactions of the AP on the surface of gate electrode causes the effective gate voltage on the GECT to change, thereby adjusting the carrier concentration and current of the graphene channel. Combined with the excellent catalytic properties of Au-PEDOT/rGO nanocomposites and the high carrier mobility of the graphene channel, the resulting device has remarkable sensing performance for AP, with a detection limit as low as 1 nM and a linear range from 1 nM to 8 mM. In addition, the device has good anti-interference ability and accuracy in the detection of AP in urine samples and tablets, which proved that it could be used to determine AP in human non-invasive and pharmaceutical products. The GECT sensor based on Au-PEDOT/rGO provides an efficient, sensitive and cost-effective sensing platform for AP detection, and is expected to realize in vitro diagnosis of diseases.

Evaluation of the vibration attenuation properties of an air-inflated cushion with two different heavy machinery seats in multi-axis vibration environments including jolts.

Seats and cushions can attenuate whole-body vibration (WBV) exposures and minimize health risks for heavy machine operators. We successfully developed neural network (NN) algorithms to identify the vibration attenuation properties for four different seating conditions (seat/cushion combinations), and implemented each of the NN models to predict the equivalent daily exposure A(8) values for various vehicles in the forestry and mining environments. We also evaluated the performance of the new prototype No-Jolt™ air-inflated cushion and the original cushion of each seat with jolt exposures. We observed that the air cushion significantly improved the vibration attenuation properties of the seat that initially had good performance, but not for the seat that had relatively poor vibration attenuation properties. In addition, operator's anthropometrics and sex influenced the performance of the air-inflated cushion when the vibration environment included jolt exposures.

Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 by ZnO Micro/nanomaterials with Different Morphologies and Ratios of {0001} Facets.

ZnO microspheres, ZnO microflowers and ZnO nanorods are successfully synthesized via a convenient solvothermal method in distilled water-ethanol mixed medium. The as-prepared ZnO micro/nanomaterials are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, BET, and UV-Vis. The morphologies and exposed facets of the ZnO micro/nanomaterials can be controlled by simply changing the volume ratio of distilled water to ethanol, and their formation mechanisms are also proposed. In addition, the photocatalytic activities of the ZnO samples are investigated towards the photoreduction of CO2 to CO. It is found that ZnO nanorods with high ratio of {0001} facets and large surface areas possess higher CO formation rate (3.814 µmol g-1 h-1) in comparison with ZnO microspheres and ZnO microflowers (3.357 and 1.627 µmol g-1 h-1, respectively). The results can not only provide an important indication about the influence of the {0001} facets on the activity of CO2 photoreduction over ZnO, but also demonstrate a strategy for tuning the CO2 photoreduction performance by tailoring the surface structures of ZnO micro/nanomaterials.

Single-indicator-based Multidimensional Sensing: Detection and Identification of Heavy Metal Ions and Understanding the Foundations from Experiment to Simulation.

Multidimensional sensing offers advantages in accuracy, diversity and capability for the simultaneous detection and discrimination of multiple analytes, however, the previous reports usually require complicated synthesis/fabrication process and/or need a variety of techniques (or instruments) to acquire signals. Therefore, to take full advantages of this concept, simple designs are highly desirable. Herein, a novel concept is conceived to construct multidimensional sensing platforms based on a single indicator that has capability of showing diverse color/fluorescence responses with the addition of different analytes. Through extracting hidden information from these responses, such as red, green and blue (RGB) alterations, a triple-channel-based multidimensional sensing platform could consequently be fabricated, and the RGB alterations are further applicable to standard statistical methods. As a proof-of-concept study, a triple-channel sensing platform is fabricated solely using dithizone with assistance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for hyperchromicity and sensitization, which demonstrates superior capabilities in detection and identification of ten common heavy metal ions at their standard concentrations of wastewater-discharge of China. Moreover, this sensing platform exhibits promising applications in semi-quantitative and even quantitative analysis individuals of these heavy metal ions with high sensitivity as well. Finally, density functional theory calculations are performed to reveal the foundations for this analysis.

Protein-directed synthesis of highly monodispersed, spherical gold nanoparticles and their applications in multidimensional sensing.

An in-situ reduction method has been reported to prepare gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of 40-110 nm by using the green reducing agents of proteins, which are activated by H2O2 and the superoxide anion (). The protein of collagen turns HAuCl4 to the aqueous Au(I) ainions, which are further reduced by other proteins to be highly monodispersed and spherical GNPs of different sizes. The GNPs reduced by different proteins are found to be with the exposed {100} facets, the distinctive UV-vis absorption spectra and various colors (See Fig. 1). By means of extracting the color responses, such as red, green and blue (RGB) alterations, an in-situ reduction method-based multidimensional sensing platform is fabricated in the process of GNPs synthesis. Without further modification of GNPs, nine common proteins are found to be well detected and discriminated at different concentrations. Moreover, this sensing platform also demonstrates great potentials in qualitative and semiquantitative analysis on the individuals of these proteins with high sensitivity. Furthermore, the validation of this multidimensional sensing platform has been carried out by analysis on the spiked proteins in human urine and the target proteins in complex matrix (e.g. lysozyme in human tear).

Reduced expression of argininosuccinate lyase is closely associated with postresectional survival in hepatocellular carcinoma: an immunohistochemistry study of 61 cases.

Argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) is an important enzyme in the hepatic urea cycle, and catalyzes the reversible reaction of argininosuccinate to arginine and fumarate. Its expression is significantly reduced in some hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation of reduced ASL expression and clinicopathologic features and prognosis in HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of ASL in HCC tissues from 61 patients who had undergone hepatic tumor resection. The correlation of ASL expression in HCC with background liver status, viral status, tumor size, portal vein invasion, histopathologic differentiation, early tumor recurrence, sex, and age were assessed with the χ(2) test. Patient survival and survival differences were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Cox regression (proportional hazard model) was used for multivariate analysis of prognostic factors. Strong positive staining was found in 39/61 HCCs and normal liver tissues, and reduced ASL staining was found in 22/61 HCCs (36.1%). Patients with low ASL expression had a significantly poorer overall survival and disease-free survival (both P<0.001). Reduced ASL expression in carcinoma tissues was also significantly associated with the tumor-node-metastasis stage and early tumor recurrence, and histopathologic differentiation and portal vein invasion (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that ASL is an independent prognostic marker for HCC. Therefore, reduced ASL expression may be a novel maker for poor prognosis in HCC patients.

Correlation of LAPTM4B polymorphisms with gallbladder carcinoma susceptibility in Chinese patients.

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis. In order to improve the survival rate, identification of new susceptibility risk factors is of importance. Here, we report findings on the novel cancer-related gene lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) that has two alleles designated LAPTM4B*1 and LAPTM4B*2. Allele *1 differs from allele *2 in that it contains one copy of a 19-bp sequence, whereas this sequence is duplicated in exon 1 of allele *2. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of LAPTM4B allelic variation and GBC susceptibility. LAPTM4B genotype was analyzed in 155 healthy individuals and 91 GBC patients by PCR, and the genotypic distribution of LAPTM4B was analyzed with the chi-squared test. The frequency of allele *2 was 37.9 and 24.8% in the GBC and the control groups, respectively, representing a significant difference between these two groups (P<0.001). LAPTM4B allele *2 may be a risk factor associated with genetic susceptibility to GBC.

LAPTM4B allele *2 is a marker of poor prognosis following hepatic tumor resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) is a gene related to hepatocellular carcinoma that has two alleles designated LAPTM4B*1 and LAPTM4B*2. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of LAPTM4B genotype with prognosis and clinicopathologic features in patients who have undergone resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The LAPTM4B genotype was analyzed by PCR in 68 patients who had undergone curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. The correlation of LAPTM4B genotype with clinicopathologic parameters was assessed with the Chi-squared test. Differences in patient survival were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was carried out with Cox regression analysis. Patients with LAPTM4B *2 had both significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (both P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that LAPTM4B genotype is an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS (both P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Allele *2 of LAPTM4B is a risk factor associated with poor prognosis in patients with resected HCC. LAPTM4B status may be useful preoperatively as an adjunct in evaluation of the operability of HCC.

Correlation of LAPTM4B polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese patients.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality in many countries. Evaluation of new susceptibility risk factors is therefore warranted in order to explore means to improve the survival rate. Here, we report on a novel HCC-related gene known as lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) that has two alleles designated LAPTM4B*1 and LAPTM4B*2. Allele *1 differs from allele *2 in that it contains one copy of a 19-bp sequence, whereas this sequence is duplicated in allele *2 in exon 1 of LAPTM4B. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between LAPTM4B allelic variation and HCC susceptibility. The LAPTM4B genotype was analyzed in the blood samples from 102 HCC patients and 135 healthy individuals by PCR. The genotypic distribution of LAPTM4B was analyzed using the chi-squared test. The frequencies of allele *2 were 38.24 and 24.07% in the HCC group and control group, respectively, representing a significant difference between these two groups (P<0.001). Thus, allele *2 of LAPTM4B appears to be associated with genetic susceptibility of HCC and may therefore be considered as a risk factor.

LAPTM4B allele *2 is a marker of poor prognosis for gallbladder carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Lysosomal protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) is a novel cancer-related gene which has two alleles designated LAPTM4B*1 and LAPTM4B*2. In this study we investigated the correlation of LAPTM4B genotype with prognosis and clinicopathologic features in patients who had undergone curative resection for gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: PCR assay was performed to determine the LAPTM4B genotype in 85 patients. The correlation of LAPTM4B genotype with clinicopathologic parameters was assessed with the Chi-squared test. Differences in patient survival were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was carried out with Cox regression analysis. Patients with LAPTM4B *2 had both significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (both P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that LAPTM4B genotype is a prognostic factor for OS and DFS (both P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: LAPTM4B allele *2 is a risk factor associated with poor prognosis in patients with resected GBC, and LAPTM4B status may be therefore be useful preoperatively as an adjunct in evaluation of the operability of GBC.

Carbon-Coated SnO(2) Nanorod Array for Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Material.

Carbon-coated SnO(2) nanorod array directly grown on the substrate has been prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method for anode material of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical measurement. When used as anodes for LIBs with high current density, as-obtained array reveals excellent cycling stability and rate capability. This straightforward approach can be extended to the synthesis of other carbon-coated metal oxides for application of LIBs.

High surface area ZnO-carbon composite tubular arrays based on the Kirkendall effect and in situ Zn evaporation.

High surface area ZnO-carbon composite tubular arrays on a ceramic substrate were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal process and a subsequent nanoscale diffusion-related reaction within the carbonaceous species-coated ZnO rod arrays during 900 degrees C annealing.