The Technological College of Beer Sheva

Previous studies have shown a clear correlation between the value of the human ZP shear modulus and implantation potential. Nevertheless, the mechanical response of the ZP changes following fertilization due to a phenomenon termed Zona hardening were not demonstrated. The current study investigated the Zona hardening phenomenon using a computational approach based on oocyte specific clinical data taken from IVF procedures. By analysis of ZP deformation before and after fertilization the value of the ZP shear modulus was estimated. The results clearly show an increase in ZP shear modulus by an average factor of 1.768 ± 0.83 which is consistent with past studies. There is, however, great variability in the amount of Zona hardening for the different oocytes analyzed. It is shown, that while the value of the ZP shear modulus before fertilization is well correlated with embryo implantation potential, strengthening past observations, the ZP shear modulus estimated at days 2-3 after oocyte retrieval is not correlated with implantation.

Abstract Fast and easily scalable solvent-free extrusion of polymer electrolytes would represent significant progress in the development of environmentally friendly solid alkali-ion and alkali-metal batteries. In this study, we compare cast and extruded solid polymer electrolytes composed of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt of varying content dissolved in host matrix of polyurethane and polyethylene oxide. The electrolytes were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, AC impedance, broad-band spectroscopy, and one-dimensional 7Li and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance. Analysis of the FTIR spectra showed that both polymers can coordinate lithium cations by ethylene oxide (EO) and amine (NH) electron donating groups. The interactions between Li+ and each polymer affect phase transition behavior, conductivity, and ion self-diffusion coefficients. Contrary to our expectations, it was found that unidirectional annealing, which was assumed to be induced by the extrusion process, does not alter out-of-plane ionic conductivity. Moreover, the bulk conductivity of extruded blended polymer electrolyte with 1:15 Li:EO ratio is more than twice that of its cast counterpart over the entire temperature range studied.

Abstract Survival strategies of desert populations have traditionally included nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles and ensuant livelihoods. This has been the case for the semi-nomadic Bedouin of the Israeli desert, who have been undergoing sedentarisation in recent decades. This has affected both their lifestyles and their livelihoods. This paper presents the planning and design of a sustainable farming project for a Bedouin cooperative. A multi-disciplinary team conceived, planned, executed, and followed up a project comprising a site of 40 ha, located in the semi-arid part of the Negev desert, Israel. The intention was for the project to serve as a pilot integrating green principles, practices, and technologies, aimed at upgrading, improving, and modernizing traditional production processes and economic potential through soil improvement; recycling of wastewater; solar energy and co-generation; composting of solid waste; biogas production; green construction; and the re-introduction of indigenous species of vegetables, medicinal plants, herbs and spices that have been marginalised due to the availability of marketed products. With integration in mind as the main guideline, the design team aimed at utilising each activity’s waste as the resource for another activity, preferably onsite, through rigorous scientific evaluation and economic cost–benefit analysis (Meir, Int J Sustain Energy 34(3–4):154–165, 2013a). The project has been operating for approximately 17 years. This paper attempts to show the added value created through the synergetic outcomes of green technologies combined and integrated (Meir 2015). This strategic decision has created higher viability potential for the project, as well as much higher awareness of those issues among the project participants and the design team. This is vital in order to ensure that green concepts are fully integrated from the very beginning of conceptual design which, in turn, lowers their relative costs and enhances the integrative character of the project. This pilot project, Project Wadi Attir (PWA), provides a further demonstration of this claim and can thus promote such strategies and concepts not only within the Negev Bedouin community, but also among professionals and decision-makers currently still sceptical towards sustainability concepts and green technologies and practices. Furthermore, the project serves as a bridge across borders, with the cooperative sharing project developed knowhow with neighbouring communities in Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and elsewhere in the Middle East, where communities face very similar constraints. Thus, the project also promotes dialogue, understanding and peace. In the fast changing social and climatic context of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa, such projects can have a significant impact on the survivability of communities in transition (Carlucci et al. 2021; Carlucci et al., Energy Effic 17:52, 2024; Meir et al., Adv Build Energy Res 6(2):173–211, 2012). The paper also presents the discrepancies between design intentions and actual implementation, thus allowing a critical review.

This study highlights the importance of investigating the behaviour of the inner layers of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates under dynamic compression, using Synchrotron-based techniques to understand damage initiation and failure propagation at high strain rates. Open and filled hole specimens with three different CFRP architectures were tested using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). Digital image correlation (DIC) and Synchrotron-based X-ray MHz radiography were performed simultaneously with ultra high-speed cameras (two Shimadzu HPV-X2 for X-ray images and one Photron SAZ for visible light). This allowed the first observation of matching outer and inner failures with surface strain fields at a micrometer level. Results showed that, in certain conditions, failure initiated earlier in the inner layers, leading to through-thickness propagation. This correlation between strength and internal damage initiation might be overlooked if only outer visible light images are used. The proposed methodology, which emphasised post-processing of X-ray images, can serve as a baseline for future research on the behaviour of inner layers of composite materials under high strain rates. Additionally, analysis of different CFRP architectures revealed their influence on unloading time after initial failure.

Abstract Binary compounds consisting of Cu(I) and moderately electronegative elements (N, P) are attractive semiconductors for optoelectronic and electrocatalytic applications. This study investigates the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NO3RR) using copper‐based catalysts, specifically Cu3N and Cu3P. Inhibiting the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction and ensuring active hydrogen (H*) for NH3 production during NO3RR pose significant challenges. Our research demonstrates that while Cu₃P is effective in the initial reduction of nitrate to nitrite, it fails to produce NH₃ at more negative potentials due to competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In contrast, Cu₃N exhibits remarkable performance, achieving an ammonia yield rate of 48.8 mmol h−1 mmol−1cat at −0.9 VRHE, accompanied by considerable Faradaic efficiency and durability. The formation of a Cu3N/CuO interface during the catalysis is crucial for its activity, facilitating efficient NO3RR through a stepwise reduction mechanism. The study provides insights into the surface modifications and mechanistic aspects of these catalysts during NO3RR, offering guidance for strategically developing more efficient catalysts for nitrate reduction to ammonia.

Purpose This study aims to delve into the role that telehealth plays in mitigating health inequities faced by forcibly displaced Ukrainians amidst the ongoing conflict. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective cross-sectional study design was implemented, using data procured from the electronic health records of the Likarnya online project. The research approach integrated descriptive statistics, visual data representations and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests, odds ratio calculations and logistic regression tests. Findings The analysis revealed a predominance of female users (77.1%) and a high prevalence of health-care access barriers (69.7%). General practice/internal medicine consultations constituted the majority of referrals (72.93%), with a notable 78.66% of cases achieving closure. A significant prevalence rate was observed concerning chronic conditions relative to acute presentations. Statistical analyses uncovered significant associations between case severity and health-care access barriers, with moderate and severe cases demonstrating elevated odds of encountering obstacles to care. Age emerged as a crucial predictor of health-care access difficulties, highlighting the particular vulnerabilities faced by older displaced individuals. Originality/value This study highlights the potential of telemedicine in reducing health-care access disparities of displaced populations in conflict zones. Furthermore, this study brings to light pivotal insights concerning demographic and clinical variables that influence patterns associated with health-care services attainability. These findings serve as a clarion call for targeted interventions explicitly tailored for older individuals and those with severe health conditions. Hence, the findings provide a foundation upon which forthcoming academic endeavours alongside strategic policy formulation may be constructed.

Background: Various fracture-specific reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) systems exist on the market. We set out to examine whether the type of prosthesis used and the means of fixation (cemented or non-cemented) influenced the rate of tuberosity healing or the functional outcome of the operation. Methods: This retrospective cohort multicenter study included 146 patients who underwent RSA for an acute three- or four-part proximal humerus fracture and had a minimum follow-up of one year. Six fellowship-trained surgeons at two different centers performed all operations. The implants were either Tornier Aequalis or Depuy Delta Xtend, both fracture-specific Grammont-style systems. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 76 ± 7 years, and 83% of patients were female. The mean ± SD follow-up time was 30 ± 31 months. The Aequalis prosthesis was used in 82 patients (56%), and the Delta Xtend in 64 patients (44%). A total of 105 RSAs (72%) were cemented. Tuberosity healing rate was similar for the two implant systems (71% Aequalis vs. 82% Delta Xtend, p = 0.15) and for the cemented or non-cemented, respectively (73% cemented vs. 83% non-cemented, p = 0.22). There was no significant difference in the motion and functional outcomes between the two implant systems in this study. Conclusions: RSA for complex PHF in the elderly has similar short-term results, regardless of the type of fracture-specific implant or the fixation technique (cemented vs. cementless).