This review highlights the potential and limitations of mRNA vaccines with a particular focus on mucosal delivery as an alternative to parenteral administration. The strengths of mRNA vaccines are: a) Versatility: they can be adapted to target a wide range of pathogens; b) Faster development: designed and produced more quickly than traditional vaccines; c) High efficacy: effective in preventing severe disease, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current challenges: a) Delivery: current methods (mainly intramuscular injection) may not be optimal for inducing mucosal immunity; b) Stability: mRNA is fragile and needs to be protected from degradation; c) Safety: potential side effects, including myocarditis, blood clotting, allergic reactions need further investigation. Mucosal delivery could be more effective in preventing the transmission of pathogens and is generally better accepted by the population. Pros: offers the potential to induce local immunity at the site of pathogen entry, potentially providing broader protection; Cons: developing effective delivery systems and adjuvants for mucosal delivery is difficult. Extracellular vesicles as a mucosal delivery system are promising and offer a potentially safe, scalable, and needle-free approach. Future directions: a) Optimizing mRNA constructs: strategies like codon optimization and self-amplifying RNA can improve stability and translation efficiency; b) Rigorous pre-clinical studies are essential before human trials.

Multi-cropping can solve the energy and GHG balance problems, but the emergence, development and productivity of such mixed crops are at risk due to increasing drought periods. For this reason, single maize crops with inter-row mellowing and weed-mulching practices were compared with faba bean, crimson and Persian clover, and alfalfa intercropped maize cultivations. Tests were performed at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania. Results showed that by the 30% higher energy inputs were calculated in technologies with intercropped crimson, Persian clover, and alfalfa than in monocropped maize. Single maize crops produced by the 23-40% higher biomass yields compare to clover and alfalfa intercropped maize because, due to the drought periods, intercrops weakly sprouted and developed. Lower harvests reduced the energy output by up to 38%, energy efficiency ratio - by up to 2.5 times and net energy - by up to 42%. All tested technologies were environmentally friendly and similar according to the CO2 equivalent. Long-term drought periods during vegetative season due to climate change make us think about the improvement of intercropping technologies. Sowing intercrops at the same time with maize could solve the problem of its germination but highlight the problem of abundant weed spread. Therefore, this takes us to another sphere of agrotechnologies - the effective non-chemical weed control.

In the present work, the interactions between hydrocortisone and cyclodextrins were investigated. The cyclodextrins selected for this study were hydroxypropyl-α-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin. The study was carried out using density measurements, 1H-NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Preliminary studies show that hydroxypropyl-α-cyclodextrin has a low affinity for hydrocortisone, while hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin have a good affinity for hydrocortisone in both solid state and solution. The study was carried out at two temperatures: 298.15 K and 310.15 K. The results suggest that at both temperatures, the system 2-HP-β-CD + HC induces an increase in the solvent structure, with increasing the solute concentration in the solution, while on the contrary the system 2-HP-γ-CD + HC induces a decrease in the solvent structure when the concentration of the solute in the system increases.

Intense climate change and rapid urbanization have increased the risk of urban flooding, seriously affecting urban economic and social stability. Enhancing the urban flood resilience (UFR) has required a new solution to cope with urban flood disasters. In this study, taking Yingtan city as an example, a system of indicators for evaluating UFR was constructed, with 17 representative indicators, comprising three subsystems: socio-economic, ecological and infrastructural. A hybrid (FAHP-EWM)-TOPSIS model was applied, to develop an index-based measurement to compare and evaluate UFR, and Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) was used to discover the main factors affecting UFR. In addition, the natural discontinuous method was innovatively used to divide the UFR grade interval into levels, and the grade change was evaluated based on the TOPSIS method. The results showed that (1) from 2010 to 2022, the UFR in Yingtan City increased by 80.69%, and the factors affecting UFR are highly correlated with urban infrastructure development. However, the ecological resilience in the subsystem showed a fluctuating downward trend, because of the influence of the surface area of lakes and rivers. (2) The grades of UFR for Yingtan City increased from Level III (2010 and 2016) to Level IV (2022), with local financial expenditures and the age structure of the population being the main factors currently limiting the development of UFR. The study provides a theoretical basis for the construction of an indicator system for assessing the UFR of Yingtan and proposes practical improvement directions for UFR.

Here, satellite images from 2006 to 2022 were collected to assess changes in the sandbar topography of the Nakdong River Estuary region, southeast of South Korea. The employed method of satellite image acquisition involves capturing images at the same time each year to facilitate a comparison of topographical changes over time. The shorelines of the islands in the study area, including Jinwoo Island, Shinja Island, and Doyo Sandbar, were analyzed. Shoreline analysis was performed using the digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS) package in ArcGIS. The results indicate that Jinwoo Island is expanding at 6.46 m/year in the direction of Nulcha Island. The western side of Shinja Island is expanding at 4.76 m/year, whereas the eastern side is retreating at a rate of 24.41 m/year. In the case of the Doyo Sandbar, the southern shoreline is retreating at a rate of 14.69 m/year; however, the speed is gradually decreasing. Marked topographical changes are evident in the Nakdong River Estuary, and the interlinked barrier islands undergo deposition and erosion, leading to alterations in the shoreline. These findings serve as foundational data for predicting and addressing environmental and social issues arising in the Nakdong River Estuary region due to climate change.

The per capita availability of freshwater resources on a global scale is gradually decreasing due to population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and modern lifestyles. In this situation, wastewater management becomes a major concern. Conventional treatment processes used to treat wastewater discharges are not adequate for the advanced removal of pollutants, especially refractory organic pollutants, which are mainly organic compounds that are not easily biodegradable in the environment. The use of photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) for tertiary wastewater treatment has attracted much interest in recent periods, and various configurations have been investigated. The performance of a PMR using an iron doped titanium photo catalyst and Polysulfone-based polymeric membrane for municipal wastewater treatment was evaluated under natural and simulated solar light. Obtained results proved that solar driven PMRs can remove organic loading (COD) with high efficiencies and may represent a suitable alternative for the tertiary treatment step of municipal wastewater.

Liver is structurally organized into zonation where LSECs endothelial cells play a crucial role during chronic liver injury and early stages of fibrosis. Fibrosis can be reversed if diagnosed early at molecular level in zonation before progressing to advanced stages like bridging fibrosis. This study identified zonation marker genes using scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics molecular profiling technologies in normal and diseased fibrotic human liver. DGE analysis is performed over LSECs and identified the top 20 expressed genes in periportal, perivenous, and intermediate acinar zones. Multi-omics and scRNA-seq analysis over Visium images and ECs liver cells figured out OIT3, DNASE1L3, CLEC4G, LYVE1, FCN2, CRHBP as commonly expressed mid-lobular zonation-specific genes. Also, this study detected STAB2, F8, AQP1, TEK, TIMP3, TIE1, CTSL genes as expressed in DILI and NASH ECs populations. The connection between LSECs marker genes in zone 2 and liver fibrosis holds significant promise for advancing our understanding in developing new therapeutic strategies for fibrosis reversal and designing computational molecular biomarkers in NASH and DILI fibrotic liver diseases.

Accurate estimations of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) are fundamental for various environmental issues. Artificial Intelligence-based models are considered a promising alternative to the most common direct ETa estimation techniques and indirect methods by remote sensing (RS)-based surface energy balance models. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) are proven to be suitable for predicting reference evapotranspiration and ETa based on RS data. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology based on ANNs for estimating daily ETa values using NDVI and land surface temperature, coupled with limited site-specific climatic variables at a large irrigation catchment. Two scenarios were implemented by the ANN model. Data from only the 38 days of satellite overpass dates was selected in Scenario-I, while the 769-day data included the satellite overpass dates and other days located between two satellite overpass acquisitions in Scenario-II. An irrigation scheme in the Mediterranean region of Turkiye was selected, and a total of 38 Landsat images, and local climatic data were used in 2021 and 2022. Results showed that R2 values in Scenario-I and II were acknowledgeably high for training (0.79 and 0.86), testing (0.75 and 0.81), and the entire dataset (0.76 and 0.84), respectively. Results of the new model in two scenarios showed acceptable agreement with ETa-METRIC values. The proposed ANN model demonstrated the potential of obtaining daily ETa using limited climatic data and RS imagery.

The study investigated the usage of open data in public organizations, focusing on the motives, preferences, and governance ideals that determine their quality. The study shed light on how open data platforms are created and improved, as well as their influence on government operations. The primary goal was to understand the motivations behind the usage of open data, evaluate gov-ernance ideals, and examine institutions' efforts to standardize data formats. Hierarchical regres-sion analysis divides variables into core reasons and different preferences, demonstrating a need for "diversification" in order to use open data effectively. Efficiency, accountability, community impact, knowledge, and high-quality service delivery are all emphasized in governance value analysis. The institution's dedication to standardizing open data formats is evidenced by legislative measures and the integration of many technologies. The findings illustrate the institution's dual strategy of em-ploying traditional techniques and new technologies for effective data management. The report suggests increasing data openness and standardization, investing in ongoing training, upgrading alerting and awareness systems, and adopting specific regulations for open data use. Monitoring and feedback techniques are critical for adjusting and refining open data services to satisfy de-velopment needs. This study adds to the scientific knowledge of open data use by highlighting important motives, preferences, and governance ideals. The offered guidelines provide practical insights for public organizations looking to improve their open data platforms by promoting openness, efficiency, and community participation.

Styryl dyes are generally poor fluorescent molecules inherited from their flexible molecular structures. However, their emissive properties can be boosted by restricting their molecular motions. A tight confinement into inorganic molecular sieves is a good strategy to yield highly fluorescent hybrid systems. In this work, two Mg-aluminophosphate zeotypes (AEL framework, a one-dimensional channeled structure with elliptical pores of 6.5 Å x 4.0 Å; and CHA framework, composed by large cavities of 6.7 Å x 10.0 Å connected by 8-ring narrower windows) were selected for the encapsulation of 4-DASPI dye (trans-4-[4-(Dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide). The synthesis and photophysical properties of 4-DASPI styryl dye occluded within these two types of confinements, AEL and CHA, are optimized and analyzed. The resultant hybrid systems display significantly improved photophysical features compared to 4-DASPI in solution. Molecular simulations reveal a tighter confinement of 4-DASPI in the elliptical channels of AEL, whilst a particular orientation is found within the CHA framework, where one 4-DASPI molecule spans along two adjacent cavities. In the latter scenario, each aromatic ring is positioned on these adjacent cavities and the polymethine chain resides within the 8-ring window, being this confinement slightly less tight than for AEL.

This study delves into the intricate social dynamics beneath South Kalimantan's traditional diamond mines, revealing a potential for conflict amidst the promise of economic uplift. Going beyond conventional economic and environmental perspectives, the research employs Galtung's Conflict Theory, examining the interplay of attitudes, behaviours, norms, values, and political influences. By adopting this nuanced approach, the study unveils hidden fault lines within these communities, providing a comprehensive understanding of how diverse factors converge to create discord. The consequences of unaddressed conflict include shattered livelihoods, environmental degradation, and fractured communities. The study employs rigorous quantitative methods to empower stakeholders in proactive conflict management, including questionnaires and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with data from 400 respondents. The findings underscore the significant roles of behaviours, attitudes, norms, and politics in fueling tension, with values demonstrating surprisingly less direct influence. This insight is a roadmap for conflict prevention and sustainable development, allowing stakeholders to tailor interventions based on specific conflict-driving factors. The study urges a shift from reactive to proactive measures, envisioning a future where prosperity continues to glimmer and communities thrive in harmony, free from conflict.

This study delves into the realm of potential therapeutics for breast cancer by conducting a comprehensive docking simulation and virtual screening analysis using Autodock Vina Algorithm. The focus based on the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a key protein associated with various cancers, particularly in the context of breast cancer.The results reveal compelling insights into the binding interactions of several natural compounds and drugs with HER2. Notably, Acebilustat, Bemcentinib, and Amentoflavone exhibit outstanding binding energies, averaging around -10 kcal/mol, suggesting strong and favorable interactions with the HER2 target.These encouraging findings not only emphasize the potential biological significance of these compounds but also hint at their potential usefulness in fighting breast cancer.Their promising binding affinities with HER2 position them as potential candidates for further investigation and development as therapeutic agents against breast cancer.

Background: Despite their generally favorable prognosis, hepatic fibrosis remains a possible complication for hepatitis B virus (HBV) inactive carriers. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of significant fibrosis and associated risk factors among Omani HBV inactive carriers. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 200 Omani HBV inactive carriers visiting a tertiary hospital in Muscat, Oman, between January 2017 and December 2018. Significant fibrosis (stage F2 or higher) was identified using two-dimensional shear-wave elastography. Baseline clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were analyzed to determine associations. Results: Of the total sample, 106 patients (53%) were male, and the mean age was 44.6 ± 9.3 years. The prevalence of significant fibrosis was 20% (n = 40). Male gender (p = 0.007), age ≥60 years (p = 0.024), and fatty changes in liver ultrasound (p = 0.044) were found to be independent factors for significant fibrosis. Conclusion: the prevalence of significant fibrosis was relatively high among a sample of Omani HBV inactive carriers, with several sociodemographic and clinical risk factors identified. Periodic assessment of liver function is needed for patients with these risk factors; moreover, routine biochemical parameters could be useful predictors of disease prognosis. Further research is recommended to substantiate these findings.

Developing effective trend estimators is a main method to solve the online portfolio selection problem. Although the existing portfolio strategies have demonstrated good performance through the development of various trend estimators, it is still challenging to determine in advance which estimator will yield the maximum final cumulative wealth in online portfolio selection tasks. This paper studies an online ensemble approach for online portfolio selection by leveraging the strengths of multiple trend estimators. Specifically, a return-based loss function and a cross-entropy-based loss function are first designed to evaluate the adaptiveness of different trend estimators in a financial environment. On this basis, a passive aggressive ensemble model is proposed to weigh these trend estimators within a unit simplex according to their adaptiveness. Extensive experiments are conducted on benchmark datasets from various real-world stock markets to evaluate the performance. The results show that the proposed strategy achieves the state-of-the-art performance including efficiency and cumulative return.

Indigenous Peoples in Canada have shown great strength and resilience in maintaining their cultures and ways of life to date in the face of settler colonialism. Centering the water crises within Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, we explore the impacts these crises are having on community members. Particularly, the continuous failure of the Canadian government to end the water crises in remote Indigenous communities, Star Blanket Cree Nation, is investigated in this paper. What implications have these water governance gaps had on Indigenous Peoples’ sovereignty and self-determination? We adopted an Indigenist theoretical framework to guide the study. Additionally, a community-based participatory research approach was adopted. To achieve our research goals of investigating the implications of the current water crises for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, specific methods of sharing circles were used to gather knowledge from community members, Elders, and knowledge keepers. The research findings strongly highlight the strength and resilience shown by remote Indigenous communities in the face of the current water crises and continuous government failure. Solving the current water crises will involve remote Indigenous communities taking charge of their own water governance through Indigenous-led water governance systems. Additionally, taking steps to rebuild trust through genuine reconciliation will be key. Therefore, listening to remote Indigenous communities and taking collaborative action is fundamental.

Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a common condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although patients with heart failure (HF) are known to have an increased risk of PE, there is limited evidence regarding its specific impact on patients with acute PE, both in presentation and outcomes, and its relationship with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Material and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals, including patients with symptomatic acute PE between January 2012 and December 2022. The primary objective of the study was the development of a composite outcome (mortality, major bleeding, and recurrence) within the first 30 days. The secondary objective was the development of early complications in patients with HF and reduced LVEF. Results: Out of 1991 patients included with symptomatic acute PE, 7.13% had a history of HF. Patients with HF were older and had more comorbidities. The HF group showed higher mortality (11.27% vs. 4.33%, p<0.001) and major bleeding (9.86% vs. 4.54%, p=0.005). In multivariate analysis, HF was an independent risk factor for the development of the composite outcome (HR 1.93; 95% CI: 1.35-2.76). Reduced LVEF was independently associated with a higher risk of bleeding (HR 3.44; 95% CI: 1.34-8.81). Conclusion: In patients with symptomatic acute pulmonary embolism, heart failure is independently associated with a higher risk of early complications. Additionally, heart failure with reduced LVEF is an independent risk factor for major bleeding.

Chromosomal instability (CIN), defined by variations in the number or structure of chromosomes from cell to cell, is recognized as a distinctive characteristic of cancer, associated with the ability of tumors to adapt to challenging environments. CIN has been recognized as a source of genetic variation that leads to clonal heterogeneity (CH). Recent findings suggest a potential association between CIN and CH with the prognosis of BC patients, particularly in tumors expressing the epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+). In fact, information on the role of CIN in other BC subtypes, including luminal B BC, is limited. Additionally, it remains unknown whether CIN in luminal B BC tumors, above a specific threshold, could have a detrimental effect on the growth of human tumors, or if low or intermediate CIN levels could be linked to a more favorable BC patient prognosis when contrasted with elevated levels. Clarifying these relationships could have a substantial impact on risk stratification and the development of future therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting CIN in BC. This study aimed to assess CIN and CH in tumor tissue samples from ten patients with luminal B BC, and compared them with established clinicopathological parameters. The results of our study show that luminal B BC patients exhibit intermediate CIN and stable aneuploidy, both of which correlated with lymphovascular invasion. These findings suggest that evaluating CIN, CH and aneuploidy could improve risk stratification, the prediction of clinical outcomes and future therapeutic approaches in luminal B BC patients.

The industrial sector plays a crucial role in driving global economic growth by creating employ-ment opportunities, generating local income, and significantly contributing to each country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the manufacturing industry is responsible for produc-ing a substantial amount of polluting effluents, which can harm the environment and compromise the life quality of future generations if not appropriately treated. Various methods, including physical, chemical, and biological processes, have been employed in the treatment of industrial ef-fluents. Filamentous fungi, in particular, have garnered attention as effective bioremediation agents due to their ability to produce enzymes capable of degrading recalcitrant compounds and adsorb different pollutant molecules. This study aimed to assess the collective body of research on using white and brown rot fungi to remove phenolic compounds from industrial effluents. The research employed a systematic review, incorporating scientometric analysis, with the primary goal of constructing a comprehensive overview of the evolution of this technology over time. The analysis also aimed to scrutinize its geographical distribution and identify gaps and trends within these research inquiries. Data for the study were obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) data-base using specific search terms (("white rot fung*" OR "brown rot fung*") AND (phenol* OR phenoloxidase OR "polyphenol oxidase*") AND (wastewater OR effluent* OR bioremediation)). The time frame considered ranged from 1945 to 2023, resulting in 464 publications. After refine-ment, 109 studies were selected for further analysis, focusing on using filamentous fungi in the bi-oremediation of industrial effluents. The findings revealed that white rot fungi were the most studied in industrial effluent remediation processes, accounting for 96.3% of the studies assessed, followed by brown rot fungi at 2.7%. Filamentous fungi demonstrate significant potential for treating industrial effluents due to their high capacity to degrade phenolic compounds, especially in wastewater from olive mills, paper production industries, and distilleries. Among the investi-gated species, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Lentinula edodes have been the most extensively researched for this application. Notably, cultures with free cells (64.15%) stood out compared to cultures with immobilized cells, and cultures with isolated fungi surpassed microbial consortia. Geographically, Italy, Spain, Greece, India, and Brazil emerged as the most prominent countries in publications related to this area during the evaluated period.

ITRF input data which are integrated by GNSS, SLR, VLBI, DORIS combination centers are considered to be relatively high-quality and accurate solutions. However, when utilizing these inputs, one still needs to identify outliers, rescale inaccurate covariance matrix and evaluate the precision of the observed datum information. To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, we propose a terrestrial reference frame (TRF) stacking approach to establish the single technical reference frameworks for the ITRF2014 and ITRF2020 datasets of all four technologies. As a result, roughly 0.5% or less of the SLR observations are identified as outliers, while the ratio of DORIS, GNSS, and VLBI observations are below 1%, around 2%, and ranging from 1% to 1.2%, respectively. The post-rescaling covariance scale factors are 25.07, 27.25, 18.84, 6.98 for GNSS, SLR, VLBI, and DORIS in ITRF2014 datasets, and 8.95, 14.9, 16.8, 7.78 in ITRF2020 datasets, respectively. It is shown that the consistency between the SLR scale and ITRF has improved, increasing from around -5mm in ITRF2014 datasets to approximately -1mm in ITRF2020 datasets. The scale velocity derived from fitting the VLBI scale parameter series with all epochs in ITRF2020 datasets differs by approximately 0.21mm/year from the velocity obtained by fitting the data up to 2013.75 because of the scale drift of VLBI at around 2013. The decreasing standard deviations of the Polar motion parameter (XPO, YPO) offsets between Stacking TRFs and 14C04 (20C04) indicating an improvement in the precision of polar motion observations for all of the four techniques. From the perspective of the Weighted Root Mean Square in station coordinates, the measurement precision of GNSS, SLR, and DORIS techniques has improved, while VLBI shows no significant change.

An irreparable rotator cuff tear is a challenging condition to treat, and various treatment modalities are being introduced. Medialization in the partial repair method has the limitation of exposing the tuberosity, while tension-free biologic interpositioning tuberoplasty using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has the limitation of exposing the humeral head. The authors believe that by combining these two techniques, it is possible to complement each other's limitations. Therefore, they propose a surgical method that combines medialization and biologic interpositioning tuberoplasty for addressing these constraints.

Variability is the predisposition of phenomena to assume different values over time. Variability is higher when the differences of cases from each other are larger or diverge from a specific value, such as arithmetic mean. This study focuses on the variability of research topics within and between research fields to explain, whenever possible, how the variability shapes the structure and dynamics of technological trajectories. Analysis of variability here applies the entropy and variance decomposition on main research fields in quantum technologies. Empirical evidence shows that variability in research topics is inversely proportional to the age of research fields. Inductive implications are that higher variability in research topics of recent scientific fields is due to uncertain dynamics that generates a heterogeneity of different technological trajectories some of them can growth and develop towards fruitful directions others can be dismissed. Hence the variability seems to be one of the drivers that shapes technological evolution and can provide policy and managerial implications to improve the scientific and technological forecasting that may support appropriate decisions of R&D investments towards promising research fields and technologies.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in adopting novel sensing technologies for the continuous monitoring of structural systems. In this respect, Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors are widely used in several applications, including Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Thanks to their significantly lower cost, ease of installation on the structure, and lower power consumption, they enable extensive, pervasive, and battery-less monitoring systems. This paper presents an innovative high-performance device for SHM applications, based on a low-noise triaxial MEMS accelerometer, providing a guideline and insightful results about the opportunities and capabilities of these devices. Sensor nodes have been designed, developed, and calibrated to meet structural vibration monitoring and modal identification requirements. These components include a protocol for reliable command dissemination through the network and data collection, and improvements to software components for data pipelining, jitter control, and high-frequency sampling. Devices were tested in the lab using shaker excitation. Results demonstrate that MEMS-based accelerometers are a feasible solution to replace expensive piezo-based accelerometers. Deploying MEMS is promising to minimize sensor node energy consumption. Time and frequency domain analysis show that MEMS can correctly detect modal frequencies, useful parameters for damage detection. The acquired data from the test bed were used to examine the functioning of the network, data transmission, and data quality. The proposed architecture has been successfully deployed in a real case study to monitor the structural health of the Marcus Aurelius Exedra Hall within the Capitoline Museum of Rome. The performance robustness was demonstrated and the results showed that the wired sensor network provides dense and accurate vibration data for structural continuous monitoring.

Advances in gastric cancer screening and endoscopic technology have made it possible to detect and treat gastric cancer at an early stage. As a result, about 40% of all gastric cancers have now been resected by endoscopic treatment in Japan. In endoscopic diagnosis, magnifying endoscopic observation using band-limited light such as narrow band imaging (NBI) has significantly improved the accuracy of gastric cancer diagnosis. At the same time, in endoscopic treatment, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has contributed to increase explosively the number of gastric cancers which could be resected endoscopically. In recent years, the construction of algorism for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment with a view to personalized medicine has been explored, and endoscopic use for gastric cancer managements is expected to develop further in the future. Keywords (5 words):

For 80 years high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been a significant area for medical research. It is a non-invasive procedure which causes cell death in a highly localised area at a defined distance from the transducer. Since 2000, the clinical indications have broadened considerable as the technology has improved. This review looks back at the history of HIFU and the current clinical indications.

Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) describe compounds that bind to and induce degradation of a target by simultaneously binding to a ubiquitin ligase. More generally referred to as bifunctional degraders, PROTACs have led the way in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) with several compounds currently undergoing clinical testing. Alongside bifunctional degraders, single-moiety compounds, or molecular glue degraders (MGDs), are increasingly being considered as a viable approach for development of therapeutics, driven by advances in rational discovery approaches. This review focusses on drug discovery with respect to bifunctional and molecular glue degraders within the ubiquitin proteasome system, including analysis of mechanistic concepts and discovery approaches, with an overview of current clinical and pre-clinical degrader status in oncology, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disease.

There is a growing trend among consumers to seek out natural foods and products with natural ingredients. This shift in consumer preferences had a direct impact on both food and pharmaceutical industries, leading to a focus of scientific research and commercial efforts to meet these new demands. The aim of this work is to review recent available scientific data on foods of interest, such as artichoke, gooseberry, and polygonoideae plants, as well as olive oil and red raspberries. Interestingly, the urgency of solutions to the climate change emergency has brought new attention to by-products of grapevine bunch stem and cane, which have been found to contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. There is a pressing need for a faster process of translating scientific knowledge from the laboratory to real-world applications, especially in the face of the increasing societal burden associated to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), environmental crises, the post-pandemic world, and ongoing violent conflicts around the world.

The dynamic global automotive sector is characterized by an ever-evolving demand for high-quality vehicles and accessible prices. This research tackles the issue of scrap reduction in electric motor manufacturing for the automotive industry, specifically in a Chinese company, by employing the PDCA methodology. The paper delves into the company's background and current landscape, while pinpointing the problem: specific production lines segments experiencing hi-pot issues are the primary source of scrap. The overarching goal is to design and implement a strategy that, leveraging the PDCA approach, reduces scrap generated during the eight-months subassembly (armature) manufacturing process, from its current average of 2.92% to 0.7%, ultimately enabling the company to eliminate hi-pot defects.

Simulated (sim) racing is an emerging esport that has garnered much interest in recent years and has been a relatively under-researched field in terms of expertise and performance. When examining expertise, visual attention has been of particular interest to researchers, with eye tracking technology commonly used to assess visual attention. In this study, we examined the visual attention allocation of high and low skilled sim racers during a time trial task using Tobii 3 glasses. Participants were allocated to either group according to their fastest lap times. Our results indicate that when eye tracking metrics were normalised to lap time, there was no difference in the relative length of attention allocation (fixation behaviour), although lower skilled racers did have significantly greater fixation counts and durations across laps overall. Interestingly, high and low skilled sim racers differed in where they allocated their attention during the task, with high skilled sim racers allocating significantly less attention to the track relative to other areas of the display. This would allow higher skilled racers to obtain relatively more information from heads-up display elements in-game, all whilst driving at faster speeds. This study provides evidence that high and low skilled sim racers show similar lap time-corrected fixation behaviour, but how they allocate attention while driving differs.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. This study employed molecular docking simulations to investigate potential interactions between natural molecules and the Fe(3+) ions import ATP-binding protein fbpC in Neisseria gonorrhoeae FA 1090. Among the screened molecules, Hypericin exhibited a remarkable binding energy of approximately -13.2 kcal/mol, indicating a robust and favorable binding affinity with the target protein. This promising outcome suggests that Hypericin could serve as a potential candidate for further exploration as a therapeutic agent against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. However, it is imperative to emphasize that these in silico findings necessitate experimental validation through in vitro and in vivo studies to ascertain the actual efficacy and safety of Hypericin as a treatment option.

Drug repurposing, rebranding an existing drug for a new therapeutic indication, is deemed a beneficial approach for a quick and cost-effective drug discovery process by skipping preclinical, Phase 1 trials and pharmacokinetic studies. Several psychotropic drugs including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antide-pressants (TCAs) were studied for their potential application in different diseases es-pecially in cancer therapy. Fluoxetine (FLX) is one of the most prescribed psychotropic agents from SSRIs class for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders with a favourable safety profile. FLX exhibited different oncolytic effects via mechanisms dis-tinct from its main serotonergic activity. Taking advantage of its ability to rapidly pen-etrate the blood-brain barrier, FLX could be particularly useful in brain tumors. This was proved by different in vitro and in vivo experiments using FLX as a monotherapy or combination with temozolomide (TMZ) or radiotherapy. In this review of literature, we summarize the potential pleiotropic oncolytic roles of FLX against different cancers highlighting the multifaceted activities of FLX and its ability to interrupt cancer prolif-eration via several molecular mechanisms and even surmount multidrug resistance (MDR). We elaborated on the successful synergistic combinations such as FXR/temozolomide and FXR/raloxifene for the treatment of glioblastoma and breast cancer, respectively. We showcased beneficial pharmaceutical trials to load FLX on car-riers to enhance its safety and efficacy on cancer cells. This is the first review article ex-tensively summarizing all previous FLX repurposing studies for the management of cancer.

Ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, coupled with behavior change education in schools, is fundamental for fostering a conducive learning environment and promoting principles of inclusion, dignity, and equality. This study focuses on 12 primary schools in Anápolis, Brazil, encompassing 4,394 students and 248 teachers. WASH assessments were conducted through a questionnaire, observation of water and sanitation facilities and structures, and microbiological analysis. Over the period 2018 to 2020, the proportion of schools with safely managed drinking water surged from 42% to 92%. However, sanitation conditions in the schools were categorized as a basic level, with hygiene services rated as limited in 92% of the schools due to the absence of soap. While this study reveals that Anápolis schools generally align with WASH guidelines for basic/advanced drinking water services, there is a crucial need for enhancements in both hardware and software facilities to address sanitation and hygiene challenges.

Applying the iterative methodology for dimensionality reduction/feature selection using categorical gradient boosted trees, as it has been defined in and has been successfully applied on similar datasets in and , on a dataset consisted of 12708 gene expressions coming from 5052 individuals from 105 studies, we classify whether a person has acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or is healthy. A CatBoost model on a dataset with reduced dimensions of 72 genes reached a ROC-AUC score of 0.9973 using ten fold cross validation (10CV) and ROC-AUC: 0.9988 on an inference dataset. We further investigate the options of using less genes that potentially could be used in clinical practise and genes than have not been associated to AML yet, or to blood cancer in general. On the same folds of the 10CV and on the same inference dataset the performance of the tuned CatBoost models show that it could be the case that not all genes with an association to AML have been found yet and 19 genes could be enough to predict AML: CatBoost63 (ROC-AUC: 0.9941, Test: 0.9942), CatBoost19: (ROC-AUC: 0.9946, Test: 0.9941) and CatBoost15: (ROC-AUC: 0.9922, Test: 0.9900). In addition, our results verify that a gene diagnostic test for AML could be possible in the future as well as further research is needed on these 15 genes that it could lead to new and better drugs.

Despite ample warning and significant lead time, global society has not acted sufficiently to combat climate change, and global carbon dioxide emissions are now about 60% higher today than in 1990 [1]. This paper uses marine fisheries as an analog model to compare with the many similar management issues faced with global climate change. Both marine fisheries and global climate change are complex systems that have similar properties that make management very difficult. A simple fishery prototype model is used to educate citizens about similar issues of dynamic complexity found in climate change models. We highlight how our slow reaction time to global climate change can be thought of as a mismatch between our cognitive abilities and the nature of global collective problems. Understanding the history and system structure of marine fisheries can provide insight into managing global climate change. We suggest ways to improve communication between science and citizens for updating mental models and changing climate policy.

Conventional monitoring relies on "in vivo" (non-destructive) measurements of aboveground organ traits (such as stems, branches, and leaves) to analyze plantation growth trends and assess the effectiveness of management practices like watering and fertilization. This study reveals the necessity of “ex vivo” (destructive) approaches, post-excavation, to ensure fully reliable monitoring of plantation performance, including belowground organ growth and development trends. We showcase the effectiveness of dendrometric analysis, which measures the annual ring width in the secondary xylem (wood) of the taproot and stem. Monitoring above- and belowground organ growth trends allow for the exploration of similarities and differences in how different tree organs respond to internal and external factors. Such monitoring is especially crucial for assessing plantation performance in challenging climates, such as those found in arid and semi-arid lands.

Polyelectrolyte-drug complexes are interesting alternatives to improve unfavourable drugs properties. Vancomycin (VAN) is an antimicrobial used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. It is generally administered intravenously with high incidence of adverse side effects, which could be reduced by intrapulmonary administration. Currently, there are no commercially available inhalable formulations containing VAN. Thus, the present work focuses on the preparation and characterization of an ionic complex between hyaluronic acid (HA) and VAN with potential use as inhalable formulations. Particulate-solid HA-VAN25 complex by spray drying from an aqueous dispersion was obtained. FTIR spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed the ionic interaction between HA and VAN, while an amorphous diffraction pattern by X-ray was observed. The powder density, geometric size and morphology showed a suitable aerosolization and aerodynamic performance of the powder, indicating the capability of reaching the deep lung. An in vitro extended-release profile of VAN from the complex was obtained, exceeding 24 hours. Microbiological assays against methicillin-resistant and -sensitive reference strains of Staphylococcus aureus, showed that VAN preserves its antibacterial efficacy. In conclusion, HA-VAN25 exhibited interesting properties for the development of inhalable formulations with potential efficacy and safety advantages over conventional treatment.

Purpose: The study investigates soil pores' impact on carbon dynamics and sequestration processes, examining their physical and chemical characteristics and their mechanisms for carbon sequestration.Research Method: Existing literature and research on soil pores, carbon dynamics, and carbon sequestration are analyzed. The interrelationships between soil pore structure, water movement, microbial activity, root penetration, carbon input, soil aggregation, and gas exchange are examined. Traditional techniques and advanced imaging methods are used to quantify and characterize soil pores.Findings: Soil pores play a critical role in facilitating carbon sequestration through various mechanisms. They affect water movement, microbial activity, root penetration, carbon input, soil aggregation, and gas exchange. Understanding these relationships is crucial for sustainable soil management.Research Limitations: This study relies on existing literature and research, which may have limitations and uncertainties. Further research is needed to address these gaps and enhance understanding.Originality Value: This research enhances the existing knowledge by comprehensively examining the significance of soil pores in carbon dynamics and sequestration. It incorporates both traditional and advanced methods, providing insights for soil management and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

This study aimed to investigate the appearance and frequencies of the booroola polymorphism of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1b (BMPR1B) gene (FecB) and the embrapa polymorphism of the growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene (FecGE) in sheep in Thailand. A total of 454 cross-bred sheep blood samples were collected from four provinces in Thailand during August 2022 to July 2023. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to identify the FecB and FecGE genotype. The history of ewe birth types was collected from the owners to analyze the association between Fecundity (Fec) genotypes and the history of birth types. The genotypic frequencies of FecB for homozygous genotype (B/B), heterozygous genotype (+/B) and wild-type (+/+) were 0.22%, 1.54%, and 98.24%, respectively. Meanwhile, the genotypic frequencies of FecGE for homozygous genotype (E/E), heterozygous genotype (+/E), and wildtype (+/+) were 0.00%, 2.42%, and 97.58%, respectively. Furthermore, three ewes exhibited both FecB and FecGE genotypes. Fisher’s exact test revealed that the possessor of FecB genotype was associated with multiple births (p&lt;0.01). Both FecB and FecGE mutations were identified in crossbred sheep in Thailand. Sheep containing FecB allele is a better candidate to be selected to improve the prolificacy of crossbred sheep in Thailand.

With the aim to develop novel scaffolds for sustained release of drugs, we initially developed an easy approach for the synthesis of α,ω-homobifunctional mercaptoacyl poly(alkyl oxide)s. This was based on the esterification of the terminal hydroxyl groups of poly(alkyl oxide)s with suitably S-4-methoxytrityl (Mmt) protected mercapto acids, followed by removal of the acid labile S-Mmt group. This method allowed the efficient synthesis of the title compounds in high yield and purity, which were further used in the development a thioether cross-linked liposome scaffold, by thia-Michael reaction of the terminal thiol groups with preformed nano-sized liposomes bearing maleimide groups on their surface. The reaction process was followed by 1H-NMR, using a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) relaxation dispersion NMR experiment (1H-NMR CPMG), which allowed real-time monitoring and optimization of the reaction process. The thioether cross-linked liposomal scaffold that was synthesized was proven to preserve the nanosized characteristics of the initial liposomes and allowed sustained release of calcein (which was used as a chromophore), providing evidence for the efficient synthesis of a novel drug release scaffold consisted of nanoliposome building blocks.

Promoting organic foods production and consumption contributes to accomplishing United Nations sustainable development goals. Social commerce provides a promising opportunity to develop the organic food industry. However, there is limited knowledge regarding customer behaviors in relation to purchasing organic foods via social commerce platforms. Therefore, this study expanded upon the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT-2) to develop a comprehensive model that explains how customers' social commerce trust and behavioral intentions to purchase organic foods using Instagram social commerce affect their purchasing behaviors. The research model was analyzed by employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for the data collected from a quantitative survey of 410 customers who used Instagram to purchase organic foods in Iran. The results revealed that facilitated purchasing conditions, hedonic motivations, social influence, rating and reviews, and influencers’ endorsements increase customers' purchase intentions. Moreover, Instagram’s recommendations and referrals, influencers’ endorsements, as well as social influence boost customers' trust in the social commerce platform. Eventually, it was determined that influencers’ endorsements, social commerce trust, and purchase intention determine a customer’s organic foods purchasing behaviors. This research provides valuable insights for organic food marketers to optimize their social commerce strategies.

Abstract: Social media has become a vital tool in ensuring productivity among Undergraduates, as studies have shown an increased number of users globally. This study assessed the impact of social media usage on undergraduates’ academic performance and working memory. Participants from three different universities such as the University of Georgia (UG), Eastern European University (EEU), and Batumi State University (BSU) completed this study using online google forms. UG and EEU are in the capital city, and BSU is in Batumi City. The study questionnaires were approved by the institutional review board before the data collection. Descriptive analyses were assessed for all study populations, characteristics, frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, version 25.0 for Windows) software. 41.3% were male students, as most of the participants were foreign students living and studying in Georgia. Male students had the risk of ‘conflict’ with families and friends because of social media. Female students are at increased risk of using social media as an ‘escape’ from negative feelings. 89.7% of students that perform physical activities, considering their academic workload had the risk of preoccupation complaints. 87.9% felt dissatisfied regularly because they wanted to spend more time on social media. Utilization of social media differed based on the characteristics of the participants such as age, gender, and geography. We observed the increase in prevalence of social media addiction, its effect on academic performance and working memory among undergraduate students.

The Cohen-Macaulay vertex splittable ideals are characterized. As a consequence, we recover several Cohen-Macaulay classifications of families of monomial ideals known in the literature by new simpler combinatorial proofs.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 12% of the global population posing a significant health threat. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the uremic phenotype of CKD contributing to elevated cardiovascular and overall mortality in affected individuals. This study aimed to explore novel metabolic pathways in non-dialysis dependent stage 5 CKD patients using semitargeted metabolomics. In a prospective observational design involving 50 patients, blood samples collected before the initial hemodialysis session underwent liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometer analysis. Univariate (Mann-Whitney test) and multivariate (logistic regression with LASSO regularization) methods identified metabolomic variables associated with inflammation. Notably, adenosine-5’-phosphosulfate (APS), dimethylglycine, pyruvate, lactate, and 2-ketobutyric acid exhibited significant differences in the presence of inflammation. Cholic acid, homogentisic acid, and 2-phenylpropionic acid displayed opposing patterns. Multivariate analysis indicated increased inflammation risk with certain metabolites (N-Butyrylglycine, dimethylglycine, 2-Oxoisopentanoic acid, and pyruvate), while others (homogentisic acid, 2-Phenylpropionic acid, and 2-Methylglutaric acid) suggested decreased probability. These findings unveil potential inflammation-associated biomarkers related to defective mitochondrial fatty acid beta oxidation and branched-chain amino acid breakdown in CKD, shedding light on cellular energy production and offering insights for further clinical validation.

Tick-borne diseases are among the most common vector-borne diseases. These include various infections caused by viruses, bacteria, rickettsiae, spirochetes and protozoa. The aim of our review is to present the relationship between the clinico-epidemiological aspect of some of the emergency tick-borne diseases and their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We will review three diseases- anaplasmosis, babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are caused by small gram-negative obligate intracellular alphaproteobacteria in the order Rickettsiales, family Anaplasmataceae. The prognosis of disease depends on early diagnosis and proper treatment. The symptoms of anaplasmosis largely overlap with those of ehrlichiosis. Babesiosis is a malaria-like disease that is caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa. Like malaria, the disease proceeds with hemolysis and its severity is determined by the parasitemia. Treatment of babesiosis involves the use of antimalarial agents and antibiotics, most commonly in a combination. Understanding the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of tick-borne diseases is crucial for their prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Recent studies have elucidated the diversity of genes encoding venom in sea anemones. However, most of those genes are yet to be explored in an evolutionary context. Insulin is a common peptide across metazoans and has been coopted into a predatory venom in many venomous lineages. In this study, we focus on the diversity of insulin-derived venoms in sea anemones and on elucidating their evolutionary history. We sourced data for 34 species of sea anemones and found sequences belonging to two venom families that have Insulin PFAM annotations (Cono-Insulin, VP302). Our findings show that both families have undergone duplication events. Members of each of the independently evolving clades have consistent predicted protein structures and distinct dN/dS values. Our work also shows that VP302 is part of a multidomain venom contig and has experienced a secondary gain into the venom system of cuticulate sea anemones.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pain and inflammatory response in soft tissues using healing and prosthetic abutments of different diameters and lengths. Methods: The study population was rehabilitated with Astra tech EV single implants (Dentsply Sirona, Atlantis, Dentsply Sirona S.A., Barcelona, Spain), 4.2 and 4.8 millimetres in diameter in upper and lower maxilla and loaded with custom abutments digitally designed with the software of the company Dentsply Sirona (Atlantis WebOrder, Dentsply Sirona S.A., Barcelona, Spain), version 4.6.5, with a larger diameter than the healing abutment, to account for biomarkers through ELISA. Results: Rehabilitations in mandible and with healing abutments below 4.29 millimetres and rehabilitators below 2.18 millimetres elicited higher pain and inflammatory responses, and in turn higher interleukin 1β values. Conclusions: Greater inflammation was evident in cases in which healing abutments with reduced diameter were used in relation to the same subsequent rehabilitation with prosthetic abutments of larger diameter.

Remote video imagery using shoreline edge detection is widely used in coastal monitoring in order to acquire measurements of nearshore and swash processes. Some of these systems have very limited flexibility due to their rigid structures and require considerable investment in hardware. As such, there is a need for an autonomous low-cost system (~€500) that can be rapidly deployed in the field, while still producing the outcomes required for coastal monitoring. This research presents a sensitivity analysis of time-lapse intervals for two low-cost cameras located in a remote coastal area, overlooking a dissipative beach-dune system. The analysis shows that RMSD in the detected shoreline is similar to other studies for intervals ranging between 1 second and 30 seconds (i.e., RMSDmax for Camera 1 = 2.8 m and Camera 2 = 1.3 m). The increase of the sampling interval from 1 s to 30 s is shown to have no significant adverse effect on the precision of shoreline detection. The research found that the limitations of battery life and memory storage substantially decrease when sampling intervals increase without an effect on the data quality. This also has a positive effect for low-cost systems and removes the requirement for external battery and memory storage. On the systems used, the battery life increased from ~10 days to ~100 days when the sampling interval was increased from 1 to 5 s., As such, the current standard of producing Timex images from 1 s sampling intervals over 10 minutes can be changed depending on the application and requirements needed for analysis.

An exposition of entropy applications to highlight some potential entropic applications to artificial intelligence and knowledge transfer. Entropy is a basic idea in artificial intelligence that is applied to many different tasks, such as reinforcement learning, data compression, and decision-making. By quantifying uncertainty and information content, it helps artificial intelligence models provide predictions and decisions that are well-informed. Therefore, this paper shines on spotlighting the significance of entropy to attract the attention of artificial intelligence research community to entropy as a powerful tool to advance artificial intelligence.The significance of knowledge transfer (KT), particularly intergenerational knowledge transfer (IGT), in knowledge management is also covered in this paper. To quantify the complexity of knowledge distribution inside an organisation and assess the efficacy of knowledge transfer (KT) initiatives, the notion of knowledge entropy (KE) is presented. Additionally, the KT model—which is based on the conceptions of tacitness and information content—is introduced. It combines personalisation and codification methodologies. Future research directions are offered alongside a few difficult open problems.

This research paper examines a cosmological model in flat space-time via $f(R,G)$ gravity where $R$ and $G$ are respectively the Ricci scalar and Gauss-Bonnet invariant. Our model assumes that $f(R,G)$ is an exponential function of $G$ combined with a linear combination of $R$. We scrutinize the observational limitations under a power law cosmology that relies on two parameters - $H_0$, the Hubble constant, and $q$, the deceleration parameter, utilizing the 57-point $H(z)$ data, 8-point BAO data, 1048-point Pantheon data, joint data of $H(z)$ + Pantheon, and joint data of $H(z)$ + BAO + Pantheon. The outcomes for $H_0$ and $q$ are realistic within observational ranges. We have also addressed Energy Conditions, $Om(z)$ analysis and cosmographical parameters like Jerk, Lerk and Snap. Our estimate of $H_0$ is remarkably consistent with various recent Planck Collaboration studies that utilize the $\Lambda$CDM model. According to our study, the power law cosmology within the context of $f(R,G)$ gravity provides the most comprehensive explanation for the important aspects of cosmic evolution.

This review article discusses the involvement of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the control of pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its essential role in neuronal survival and plasticity, has garnered significant attention for its potential implications as a modulator of nociception and pain. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted interactions between BDNF and pain pathways, encompassing both physiological and pathological pain conditions. I delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF's involvement in pain processing and discuss potential therapeutic applications of BDNF and its mimetics in managing pain. Furthermore, I highlight recent advancements and challenges in translating BDNF-related research into clinical practice.

(1) Background: As part of the Scottish Governments five-year recovery plan to address the backlog in NHS care following the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in Scotland are planned to provide a Hospital Discharge Medicines Supply and Medicines Reconciliation Service. We aimed to qualitatively explore patients’ experience of this new service; (2) Method: Adult patients (≥18yrs age) who consented to participate in the Community Pharmacy Hospital Dis-charge and Medicines Reconciliation Service were invited for interview within 21 days of dis-charge from hospital. Qualitative, one-to-one, semi-structured, patient interviews were conducted by telephone and audio-recorded using Microsoft Teams®. The interview audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis; (3) Results: 12 patients were inter-viewed, evenly split by sex and with a median age of 62 years (range; 36 to 88 years). Analysis generated main five themes; Patient Engagement, Stakeholder Communication, Practical Factors, Human Factors, and Comparative Experiences. Many of these were interdependent; (4) Con-clusions: Patients appreciated that the service ensured a quicker discharge from hospital. Good stakeholder communication, practical factors (including choice, location, and the realities of ob-taining their medication from the community pharmacy), and a pre-existing and trusted rela-tionship in their usual community pharmacy were the key factors that regulated the patient ex-perience. In the main, patients were positive about the introduction of this new service. However, a lack of previous relationship or trust with a community pharmacy, and previous experiences with medication supply problems were factors which had the potential to negatively impact on patient experiences.

In this study on volume determination in waste sorting facilities, we evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonic sensors and address waste-material-specific challenges. Although ultrasonic sensors offer a cost-effective automation solution, their accuracy is affected by irregular waste shapes, varied compositions, and environmental factors. Notable inconsistencies in volume measurements between storage bunkers and conveyor belts underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to standardize bale production. With prediction reliability being constrained by limited data sets, undocumented modifications to machine-settings and sensor failures, this task renders a challenging application area for Machine Learning. We explore related research and present dataset analyses from three distinct waste sorting facilities in Europe, addressing issues as sensor usability, data quality and material specifics. Our analysis suggests promising strategies and future directions for enhancing waste volume measurement accuracy, ultimately aiming to advance sustainable waste management.

Occupational accidents, despite continuous safety updates, are still a scourge in the occupational and forensic spheres, constituting, among other things, the subject of a large share of litigation. Demographic data can help to understand the areas where the application of health surveillance is lacking. This meta-analysis sets out to analyze data from studies on accidents at work, focusing on the correlation between the areas in which accidents occur and whether or not personal safety equipment is used, about the different regulations in force. For the selection of the data, a systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines, with the primary objective of identifying the trend of occupational accidents in specific geographical areas, which differ in terms of the attention paid to preventive aspects. The data we highlighted showed, regarding the type of accident, substantial differences between low-income countries and industrialized countries (stratified according to the Human Development Index) and, an overall indifference as to whether or not individual safety devices were used, revealing that, despite the continuous normative evolution in the field of safety at work, even today, the investigative data on the actual application of the regulations, during accidents at work, is underestimated and little researched.

This work is concerned with studying the change of some Optical and Electrical Properties of Ba_xFe_(1-x)TiO₄ thin films due to the change of the nano crystal size. Simple theoretical explanation based on the string theory was developed. The empirical results obtained indicated that the absorption coefficient, electrical conductivity, and the magnetic permeability increase upon decreasing the nano crystal size. However, the transmission coefficient, and the refractive index increase upon increasing the nano crystal size. All these changes are explained using a simple string model with the aid of Newton's laws. The capability of the string theory to explain this nano quantum behavior comes from the fact that the string theory recognize both the particle and the wave nature of the nano system. This is similar of course to the quantum approach which is based mainly on the dual wave particle nature of atomic systems and entities.

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the Permanent Denial of Service (PDoS) attacks have emerged as a particularly damaging form of cyber aggression. Unlike the more well-known Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, which disrupt services temporarily, PDoS attacks aim to inflict irreversible damage to systems, often resulting in significant system overhauls and requiring hardware replacement. To enable the development of effective security measures, but also to address the knowledge gaps, this paper offers an in-depth exploration of PDoS attacks, emphasizing their distinguishing characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and potential further development. Through a comprehensive case study, the research highlights diverse tactics and strategies employed by attackers, from targeting IoT devices to manipulating boot processes and exploiting firmware vulnerabilities. A novel classification of PDoS attack vectors is proposed, that also explains the ways in which the systems can be compromised. The findings confirm the pressing need for adaptive and robust defense mechanisms to mitigate the threats posed by PDoS attacks in our interconnected digital world.

Prolonged ethanol (EtOH) consumption is associated with male infertility with a decreased spermatogenesis rate as one cause. Defective maturation and development of sperm during their storage in the cauda epididymis and transit in the seminal vesicle can be another cause, possibly occurring before the drastic spermatogenesis disruption. Herein, we demonstrated that the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle of rats, orally fed with EtOH under a regimen that spermatogenesis was still ongoing, showed histological damage, including lesion and decreased height of the epithelial cells, and increased collagen fibers in the muscle layer, which implicated fibrosis. Lipid peroxidation (shown by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels) was observed, indicating that reactive oxygen species (ROS) was produced along with acetaldehyde during EtOH metabolism by CYP2E1. MDA, acetaldehyde and other lipid peroxidation products could further damage cellular components of the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle and this was supported by increased apoptosis (shown by TUNEL assay and caspase 9/caspase 3 expression) in these two tissues of EtOH-treated rats. Consequently, functionality of the cauda epididymis and seminal vesicle in EtOH-treated rats was impaired, as demonstrated by decreases in 1H NMR-analyzed metabolites (e.g., carnitine, fructose), which were important for sperm development, metabolism and survival in their lumen.

In the paper, a study of the performance of unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), establishes numerical simulation model of the chassis system by three-dimensional software and finite element analysis software. Based on the numerical modelling and analysis, the work focuses on study of the strength and stiffness of the vehicle's chassis and researched the distribution of stress and deformation under the extremal condition. The paper also presents an autopilot design with new cascade control system for an autonomous motion of an unmanned ground vehicle based on Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) and Feed-Forward (FF) control. The PID-FF controller is a part of dedicated for presented UGV used in a hybrid control system for precise control and stabilization, necessary to increase the vehicle motion stability and maneuvers precision. The hybrid PID-FF control system proposed for the ground vehicle model gives a satisfactory quality of control, while maintaining the simplicity of the control system. Presented tests performed in area of mechanical design and control analysis gives good results and proves usefulness of designed unmanned device.

I had previously developed an approach called Gocgen approach, which claimed to prove twin prime conjecture. In this paper, I processed the previously developed Gocgen approach with the zeta function and explained the relationship between the zeta function with some formulas to offer another perspective on the zeta function, and also created a new function that explains the Gocgen approach using the zeta function. Understanding the new function created will provide insight into the frequency of prime numbers.

Object detection is complex and involved diverse requirements for different applications. In critical application such as visual impaired navigation guide and real-time surveillance for instance, identifying a particular object of instance is required and this involved a complex approach for realization. Literatures were reviewed, starting with the application of deep learning techniques for object detection; their gaps were identified and addressed using real-time object detection models literature review. From the review gaps were also detected and addressed using literature review on occlusion detection techniques. Object of instance detection in clustered scene with similar object of interest was identified as an open gap not addressed in the existing literature; even through it is vital for many applications. This research recommended an Occlusion Based Object of Instance Detection (OBOID) technique which used the spatial information to identify instant object of interest in clustered scene with many similarly object of interest. Limitation of the recommended OBOID is that it requires only system where position and distance of object is necessary to inform other decision.

Food composition data in the EMR countries are often lacking, obsolete or unreliable. The study aims to provide reliable and up-to-date nutrient data of selected food products consumed in Oman in order to evaluate consistency of nutrition labelling and update the current used food composition database. Contents of total fat, fatty acids, carbohydrates, total nitrogen, sugars and sodium were chemically analyzed in 221 foods and beverages purchased in 2022 and label and corresponding laboratory values were compared using the tolerance levels of the European Union. Food items were classified according their nutritional composition, the extent of processing and coded according FoodEx2 system. Results indicate that the nutrient values stated on a label align with the values obtained in the laboratory with the exception of a 6.3% discrepancy in TFAs content, where the reported values are higher than the appropriate reference values. The category with the highest frequency (71.5%) consisted of ultra-processed foods. In terms of inconsistencies in the nutrition claims, 5.1% of food products with claims did not comply with the statement “sugar free” or “low salt”. These findings underscore the significance of vigilant monitoring of nutritional labels as a means to implement measures that promote the well-being of consumers.

Despite the successful introduction of oral cholera vaccines, Zambia continues to experience multiple, sporadic, and protracted cholera outbreaks in various parts of the country. While vaccines have been useful in staying the cholera outbreaks, the ideal window for re-vaccinating individual’s resident in cholera hotspot areas remains unclear. Using a prospective cohort study design, 225 individuals were enrolled, re-vaccinated with two doses of Shanchol™ regardless of previous vaccination and followed-up for 90 days. Bloods collected at baseline before re-vaccination, at day 14 prior to second dosing and subsequently on days 28, 60, and 90. Vibriocidal assay was performed on samples collected at all five time points. Our results showed that anti-LPS and vibriocidal antibody titers increased at day 14 after re-vaccination and decreased gradually at 28, 60 and 90 across all the groups. Seroconversion rates were generally comparable in all treatment arms. We therefore conclude that vibriocidal antibody titers generated in response to re-vaccination still wane quickly irrespective of previous vaccination status. However, despite the observed decline, the levels of vibriocidal antibodies remained elevated over baseline values across all groups, an important aspect for Zambia where there is no empirical evidence as to the ideal time for re-vaccination.

17-4PH steel is a widely used grade for precipitation hardening. The growing demand for modern materials with high corrosion and tribological resistance has led to its increased use for the production of medical devices. With additive manufacturing (AM), complex functional shapes can be achieved for medical applications. Direct laser metal sintering (DMLS) technology makes it possible to obtain products with complex architectures, but it also faces various challenges, including imperfections in the surface layer of products due to the use of 3D printing technology itself. This study analyzed the abrasive wear resistance in 0.9% NaCl solution of 17-4PH steel produced by DMLS technology. In order to improve the properties of the surface layer after 3D printing and to improve the tribological wear resistance of the steel, a shot peening (SP) process using CrNi shot and ceramic beads (based on ZrO2) was applied. The chemical and phase composition of the materials obtained, Vickers hardness, surface roughness, and microscopic and SEM imaging were investigated. Tribological tests were carried out using the ball-on-disc method, and the surfaces that showed traces of abrasion to identify wear mechanisms were subjected to SEM analysis. The chemical composition was in accordance with the EOS manufacturer's declarations, and the presence of austenite and martensite was found in the post-production state, while a higher content of martensitic phase was found in the case of peened samples due to phase transformations. The surface hardness of the peened samples increased more than twice, and the post-treatment roughness increased by 12.8% after peening CrNi steels and decreased by 7.8% after peening ZrO2 relative to reference surfaces. Roughness has an identifiable effect on sliding wear resistance. Higher roughness promotes material loss. After the SP process, the coefficient of friction increased by 15.5% and 20.7%, while the wear factor (K) decreased by 25.9% and 32.7% for the samples peened with CrNi steels and ZrO2, respectively. Abrasive and adhesive mechanism were dominant featured with slight fatigue. The investigation showed a positive effect of SP on the tribological properties of DMSL 17-4PH.

The recently explored synergistic combination of graphene-based materials and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) is opening novel and effective avenues for developing sensing devices with optimized features. In more detail, remarkable potential in terms of simplicity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness have been demonstrated for sensors, resulting in the creation of hybrid devices with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, linearity, and selectivity. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the currently available scientific literature discussing investigations and applications of sensors that integrate graphene-based materials and deep eutectic solvents, with an outlook for the most promising developments of this approach.

The influence of growth temperature on the crystalline quality and optical properties of AlGaN at 325 nm, grown using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), was investigated. The growth temperature exhibited a significant impact on the growth mode and surface morphology. Specifically, at a growth temperature of 750 degrees Celsius, when appropriate Al and Ga flow rates were employed, the AlGaN layer exhibited exceptional surface morphology and favorable optical properties. The optical properties of the AlGaN material were explored, revealing the presence of two distinct non-radiative recombination centers characterized by different activation energies. The minority carrier lifetimes were measured as 560 ps at 10 K and 64 ps at room temperature. The underlying mechanism was analyzed from the perspective of carrier dynamics, shedding light on the observed phenomena.

Population growth, climate change, changes to land use, and the advent of emerging infectious disease agents has put our abilities to feed the growing global population at risk, which is of particular concern in low- or middle-income countries. Research to improve the profitability and sustainability of common livestock production systems is key to tackling this issue. However, despite considerable research investment to address this concern, there has been no attention to development of robust methodologies for the synthesis of existing research evidence and its re-use. Syntheses of evidence are critical for fostering best practices, minimising wastage of valuable research resources, and enabling informed decision and policy making. Whilst the use of evidence syntheses is well entrenched in human healthcare, their use within animal sciences is limited and specific methodologies for performing them are underdeveloped. In this call to action, we propose some methodological development activities that should be undertaken within this field of research to increase the potential of evidence syntheses to contribute to tackling pressing societal issues relating to livestock agriculture.

Burn patients still represent an important challenge in critical care medicine today. These patients can develop significant neurological conditions up to intracranial hypertension, but as they find themselves hospitalized outside of neurocritical care and are often subjected to sedation for the complex management, they are sometimes underestimated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of non-invasive methods for the early diagnosis of intracranial hypertension in these patients. In this prospective observational study, adult burn patients admitted to intensive care within the first 8 hours of the event were enrolled. These patients were studied through ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter and intracranial vessel velocimetry with transcranial Doppler. In the 20 patients studied, no frankly pathological values were identified in the 3 different measurement stages (within 8 hours of the burn, then at 48 and 96 hours) and no correlations were identified between the measured values and the extension of the burn with the related risk of mortality. However, this study, one of a kind, demonstrates that these non-invasive methods are applicable to this specific patient population, and can represent an effective method for reducing the incidence of complications that are dangerous for survival.

Expression of miR-21 has been found to be altered in almost all types of cancers and it has been classified as an oncogenic microRNA. In addition, expression of tumor suppressor gene RECK is associated with miR-21 overexpression in high-grade cervical lesions. In the present study we analyze the role of miR-21 in RECK gene regulation in cervical cancer cells. To identify the downstream cellular target genes of upstream miR-21, we silenced endogenous miR-21 expression using siRNAs. We analyzed the expression of miR-21 and RECK, as well as functional effects on cell proliferation and migration. We found that in cervical cancer cells there was an inverse correlation between miR-21 expression and RECK mRNA and protein expression. SiRNAs to miR-21 increased luciferase reporter activity in construct plasmids containing the RECK-3′-UTR microRNA response elements MRE21-1, MRE21-2, and MRE21-3. The role of miR-21 in cell proliferation was also analyzed and cancer cells transfected with siRNAs exhibited a markedly reduced cell proliferation and migration. Our findings indicate that miR-21 post-transcriptionally down-regulates the expression of RECK to promote cell proliferation and cell migration inhibition in cervical cancer cell survival. Therefore, miR-21 and RECK may be potential therapeutic targets in gene therapy for cervical cancer.

Biotechnological potential of Thermoanaerobacter strain AK15 to produce ethanol and valuable alcohols from carbohydrates and amino acids were evaluated in present study. The strain is highly ethanologenic, producing a maximum of 1.57 mol ethanol per mol of glucose degraded at high liquid-gas phase ratios. The strain degrades most of the sugars tested as well as starch and pretreated hydrolysates of biopolymers (Whatman paper, newspaper, Timothy grass, Rhubarb leaves, and several macroalgae species) to ethanol mainly. The strains degraded serine and threonine when used as a single substrate, producing mainly acetate and ethanol as end products, and the branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) when cultivated in the presence of thiosulfate. The main end products from branched-chain amino acids were a mixture of their corresponding branched-chain fatty acids and alcohols. Finally, the strain was also shown to use butyrate as an electron sink during glucose degradation resulting in the reduced product butanol in addition to end products produced from glucose. Thus, strain AK15 is a promising candidate for ethanol and fine chemical production from a range of lignocellulosic and algal biomass.

Hyperlipidemia is an identified risk factor for metabolic syndrome, obesity and cardiovascular complications characterized by elevated levels of lipids in blood. The present study aimed to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase with 15-oxoursolic acid through in-vivo and in-silico assessments. HFD-induced hyperlipidemia in rats was developed with a marked increase in total cholesterol (58.34 ± 0.21 mg/dl), triglycerides (45.45 ± 0.39 mg/dl), LDL-c (66.12 ± 0.10 mg/dl), VLDL-c (19.34 ± 0.16 mg/dl), and a decrease in HDL-c (10.34 ± 0.18 mg/dl). The oral administration of 15-oxoursolic acid at a concentration of 30 mg/Kg b.w significantly reduced the serum concentration of total cholesterol (42.65 ± 0.54 mg/dl), triglycerides (32.33 ± 0.16 mg/dl), LDL-c (50.34 ± 0.15 mg/dl) and VLDL-c (13.15 ± 0.45 mg/dl) respectively and an increased in the serum HDL-c (18.56 ± 0.34 mg/dl). 15-oxo ursolic acid also caused a decrease in the coronary risk index and atherogenic risk index. In-silico studies of 15-oxoursolic acid with HMG-CoA reductase showed significant interaction capability with binding energy (-9.26805 Kcal/mol). It is concluded that 15-oxoursolic acid could significantly reduce the total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels in HFD-induced hyperlipidemia rats which might lead to new medication with significant hypolipidemic potential.

Children—Dependents in Social Construction Theory—are assessed within democracies regarding their ability to self-direct their behavior concerning their associated society. In this regard, childhood represents a lack of self-direction, a life period when people require the guidance and protection of adults. The assumed necessity of adults supervising children in democracies requires substantial social resources, reducing the self-direction of those charged with overseeing children. Given that self-direction defines the optimal experience of people within democratic society, finding ways to increase the self-direction of children is an individual and a social benefit. In this regard, smartphones have improved self-direction in children. How children have become empowered to self-direct their lives with smartphone use considering Social Construction Theory—as Advantaged, Contenders, or Deviants—is the focus of a scoping review conducted on “children, empowerment, smartphones” of the following databases: OVID, JSTOR, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The result is that children permitted to self-direct their activities aided by smartphone technology have comparable social behavior to adults positioned as Advantaged, Contenders, or Deviants and, as such they should be encouraged to utilize smartphone technology to improve their self-direction, as doing so will augment individual and caregiver self-direction, providing increased social benefit.

The present research aimed to identify if consumption values influence the attitudes of Millennials who intend to purchase organic products. The research was quantitative, with a correlational scope and a cross-sectional design, and it was conducted on 509 Peruvian millennials. A questionnaire consisting of 23 questions was administered, and responses were quantified using a five-point Likert scale. The results were processed through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 24 and AMOS 24. The study identified that environmental attitudes of Millennials do influence their intentions to purchase organic products, and the antecedents of these attitudes are functional and social values, whereas emotional, conditional, and epistemic values do not. The study confirmed that consumption values, either as a second-order variable or as a single construct, do not influence the attitudes of Millennials who intend to purchase organic products, thus confirming that these dimensions should be measured independently.

This paper proposes an electric vehicle routing problem with considering states of charging stations and suggests solution strategies. Charging of electric vehicles is a main issue in the field of electric vehicle routing problem. There are many studies to find locations of charging stations, recharging functions for batteries of vehicles, and so on. However, states of charging stations significantly affect the routes of electric vehicles, which is not much explored. The states may include open or close of charging stations, occupied or empty of charging slots, and so on. This paper investigates how the states of charging stations are estimated and routing strategies are determined. We formulate a mixed integer programming model and suggest how to solve the problem with exact method. Numerical examples provide the optimal routing strategies of electric vehicles in the changing environments of the states of charging stations.

Background: A challenge in locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer treatment is to achieve both survival benefits and a safe margin-negative resection. There is no robust evidence regarding the treatment of patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-arm, phase II trial in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer using the FOLFIRINOX regimen. After completing 4–8 cycles, patients underwent surgical resection when feasible. The primary endpoint was the R0 resection rate. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled in this study. This study was terminated without reaching the prespecified accrual target due to low accrual rate. A median of six courses of FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy was administered, and a partial response or R0 resection was achieved in 26.7% or 33% of the patients, respectively. Se-vere adverse events due to chemotherapy and major surgical complications were observed in 33.3% and 6.7% of patients, respectively. The median overall survival rate of patients who un-derwent R0 resection or with R1 or unresectable disease was 47.8 months (95% CI, 22.5–73.1) or 14.5 months (95% CI, 11.8–17.2), respectively (P=0.031). Conclusions: Well-selected patients with URLA-PC treated with FOLFIRINOX achieved a relatively high rate of R0 resection and had pro-longed survival. Therefore, induction FOLFIRINOX is feasible and well-tolerated for locally ad-vanced, initially unresectable pancreatic cancer, and may be effective in facilitating R0 resection and prolonging survival. This should be further assessed in future randomized multicenter trials.

This work is devoted to consideration and analysis of the application of molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) methods to the study of nanosized polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thin ferroelectric films (two-dimensional ferroelectrics) and their composites with graphene layers: 1) to study and calculations of the polarization switching time depending on the electric field and PVDF film thickness; 2) to study and calculations of the polarization switching time depending changes of the PVDF on PVDF-TrFE film; 3) to study the polarization switching time in PVDF under influence of graphene layers. All calculations at each MDS step were carried out using quantum semi-empirical methods PM3. A comparison and analysis of the results of these calculations and the kinetics of polarization switching within the framework of the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory for homogeneous switching in ferroelectric polymer films is carried out. The study of the composite heterostructures of the “graphene-PVDF” type and calculations of their polarization switching times were presented too. It is shown that replacing PVDF with PVDF-TrFE significantly changes the polarization switching times in these thin polymer films, and that introducing various graphene layers into the PVDF layered structure leads to both an increase and a decrease in the polarization switching time. Here everything also depends on the position and displacement of the ferroelectric coercive field depending on the system damping parameters.

Predictive numerical models in the study of ground-borne vibrations generated by railway sys-tems have traditionally relied on the segmented approach of subsystems. In this approach, loads are individually applied, and the cumulative effect of rolling stock is obtained through superposi-tion. While this method serves to mitigate computational costs, it may not fully capture the com-plex interactions involved in ground-borne vibrations. Recent advancements in computational and software tools have enabled the development of more sophisticated vibrational pollution models. These advanced models encompass the entire dynamic system, from the rolling stock to the terrain, allowing for continuous simulations with a defined time step. Furthermore, the incorporation of computational contact tools between various ele-ments not only ensures temporal accuracy but also extends the analysis to the frequency domain. This paper explores the evolution of predictive numerical models in the context of ground-borne vibrations generated by trains on ballasted tracks. It highlights the shift from segmented models to continuous simulations, demonstrating the progressive advancement towards more comprehen-sive and accurate representations of railway-induced and generated vibrations in the track sur-roundings as an additional way of evaluate sustainability of infrastructures. In particular, this development of a numerical model from its inception aimed to expand upon ex-isting emission - prediction models by enriching the data with frequency-domain information. This approach has been driven by the aspiration to bridge the gap between numerical predictions and measured signals, striving for a higher level of accuracy in our obtained results. This model can predict the impact of a high-speed rail (HSR) vehicle passing on its own track. It possesses sufficient information in both the time and frequency domains to precisely characterize vibrations. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement, enabling us to more effectively capture the intricacies of ground-borne vibrations and their impact on the surrounding environment due to a deeper comprehension of the occurrences in the frequency domain, there's a heightened ca-pability to accurately characterize vibrations.

People are increasingly encouraged to reduce animal food consumption and shift towards plant-based diets, however the implications for children’s health are unclear. In this narrative review of research in high-income settings, we summarize evidence on the increasing consump-tion of plant-based diets in children, and update an earlier systematic review regarding their associations with children’s health outcomes. The evidence indicates that vegan but not vege-tarian diets can restrict growth relative to omnivorous children, and increase the risk of being stunted and underweight although the percentage affected is relatively small. Bone mineral content is reduced in vegetarian and especially vegan children, compared to omnivores. Both vegetarian and vegan children who do not use vitamin B12 supplements manifest with B12 defi-ciency, however supplementation rectifies this problem. Both vegetarians and vegans have lower concentrations of 25 (OH)D if unsupplemented, and lower body iron stores, but usually have normal iron metabolism markers. Both groups are at risk of iodine deficiency and this might affect thyroid health. Children consuming a vegan diet have more favorable lipid profile than omniv-orous children, however the results for vegetarian diet are inconsistent and vary by outcome. Based on the same scientific evidence, national and international dietary recommendations are heterogeneous, with some countries supporting plant-based diets among infants, children and adolescents, and others discouraging them. We offer a research roadmap, highlighting what is needed to provide adequate evidence to harmonize dietary recommendations for plant-based diets in children. A number of measures should urgently be introduced at international and na-tional levels to improve the safety of their use in children.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have experienced a significant surge in both civilian and military applications, owing to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. However, a negligent use or the operation with harmful intent of these aircraft poses a potential risk to public safety and the privacy of individuals. In response to this threat, counter-drone systems have been developed in recent years, including technologies to detect, position, and neutralize these aircraft. This paper presents a review of different existing commercial counter-drone systems, the technologies behind detection, tracking, and classification, as well as soft and hard kill mitigation.

Neurological involvement following COronaVIrus Disease 19 (COVID-19) is thought to have a neuroinflammatory etiology. Co-ultraPEALut (an antiinflammatory molecule) and luteolin (an antioxidant) yielded promising results as neuroinflammation antagonists. This study aimed at describing cognitive impairment in post-COVID patient treated with co-ultraPEALut. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Prospective-Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and a subjective evaluation were administered at baseline and after 10 months. Co-ultraPEALut-treated patients were retrospectively compared with controls. 26 co-ultraPEALut-treated patients showed significant improvement in PRMQ (T0: 51.94±10.55, T1: 39.67±13.02, p

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis are two chronic diseases that are interconnected. The coexistence of these conditions leads to increased severity of periodontitis and challenges in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate both the influence of periodontal disease and its treatment in patients with DM in terms of a reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin levels at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Methods: A sequential, nonprobabilistic, controlled, prospective and longitudinal case−control study was carried out at the University Dental Clinic of the Morales Meseguer Hospital in Murcia, Spain. Thirty diabetic patients were divided into two groups: patients with periodontitis (test group) and patients without periodontitis (control group). The periodontal and endocrine-metabolic variables were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment for both groups. Results: Statistically significant differences were found at 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment with respect to HbA1c levels in the group of periodontal patients. However, these differences were not observed in the control group. Conclusion: The presence of periodontal disease increased HbA1c levels in patients with DM. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment significantly decreased the degree of periodontal inflammation and the HbA1c level at 3 and 6 months after treatment.

The nephrite belt in Altun Mountain-Western Kunlun Mountain region spanning approximately 1300 km in Xinjiang, NW China, constituting the world's largest preeminent nephrite deposit. The Qiemo region in the Altun Mountain is a crucial nephrite-producing area in China with demonstrating substantial prospects for future explorationl. While extant research has extensively study on secondary deposits in the Karakash River and native black nephrite deposits in Guangxi Dahua, a lacuna exists in the comprehensive investigation of black nephrite from original deposits in Xinjiang. Margou nephrite represents a recent discovery of black-toned nephrite deposits in Qiemo County, Xinjiang, warranting a comprehensive investigation into this primary source of black nephrite within the region. This scholarly inquiry deploys a suite of sophisticated analytical techniques, encompassing Polarizing microscope, electric microprobe, Backscattered Electron Image, X-ray Fluorescence, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The rigorous experimental test is dedicated to elucidating the chemical and mineralogical composition, and further clarify the type of its genetic types of black-black cyan nephrite from Margou deposit in Qiemo, Xinjiang. Results delineate the mainly composed of tremolite-actinolite, characterized by Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) ratios ranging from 0.86 to 1.0. Minor minerals include diopside, epidote, pargasite, apatite, zircon, pyrite and iron hydroxide. Bulk-rock rare earth element patterns exhibit distinctive features such as negative Eu anomalies (δEu=0.00~0.17), decreasing light rare earth elements, a relatively flat distribution of heavy rare earth elements, and low with total REE concentrations (1.64~38.9 μg/g), concurrently, the Cr (6~21 μg/g) and Ni (2.5~4.5 μg/g) contents are conspicuously low. The magmatic influence of granite emerges as pivotal factor in the genesis of magnesia skarn hosting the Margou nephrite. The distinctive black-black cyan colour is attributed to heightened iron content, mainly associated with FeO (0.08~6.29%). The discerned chemical composition characteristics posit the Margou nephrite as an exemplar of the magnesia skarn-type nephrite deposit.

The TROPOMI XCH4 data product requires rigorous cloud filtering to achieve a product accuracy of &lt;1%. To this end, the operational XCH4 data processing has been based on SUOMI-NPP VIIRS cloud observations. However, SUOMI-NPP is nearing at the end of its operational life and has encountered malfunctions in 2022 and 2023. In this study, we introduce a novel machine learning cloud clearing approach based on a random forest classifier (RFC). The RFC is trained on collocated TROPOMI and SUOMI-NPP VIIRS data to emulate VIIRS-like cloud clearing. After training, cloud masking requires only TROPOMI data, and so becomes operationally independent of SUOMI-NPP. We demonstrate the RFC approach by applying cloud clearing to operational TROPOMI XCH4 data for August 2022, a period in which VIIRS was not operational. For validation, we analyze the TROPOMI XCH4 data at 12 TCCON stations. Comparison of cloud clearing using the RFC and the original VIIRS method reveals excellent agreement with a similar station-to-station bias (-7.4 ppb versus -5.6 ppb), a similar standard deviation of the station-to-station bias (11.6 ppb versus 12 ppb), and the same Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.9. Remarkably, the RFC cloud clearing provides a slightly higher volume of data (2182 versus 2035 daily means) and appears to have fewer outliers. Since November 21, 2023, the RFC approach is part of ESA’s operational processing chain. For now the default practice is to utilize SNPP-VIIRS when accessible. Only in cases where VIIRS data is unavailable do we resort to the RFC cloud mask.

A new generalized definition of Mersenne numbers is proposed of the form (a^n - (a-1)^n), called Global Generalized Mersenne numbers, or simply Generalized Mersenne numbers and noted GM_{a,n} where a is the base and n is the exponent, both being positive integers. The properties are investigated for prime exponents n and several theorems on Mersenne numbers regarding their congruence properties are generalized and demonstrated. In particular, it is found that, for any base a, Generalized Mersenne numbers are in general such that (GM_{a,n} - 1) are even and divisible by n, a and (a-1) for any odd prime exponent n and by (a(a-1)+1) for any prime exponent n > 5. The remaining factor is a function of triangular numbers of (a-1), specific to each prime exponent n. Four theorems on Mersenne numbers are generalized and four new theorems are demonstrated, allowing to show first, that (GM_{a,n} - 1) are divisible by 6, and more precisely GM_{a,n} are congruent to 1(mod 12) or 7(mod 12) depending on the congruence of the base a(mod 4); second, that (GM_{a,n} - 1) are divisible by 10 if n == 1(mod 4) and, if n == 3(mod 4), GM_{a,n} == 1(mod 10), or 7(mod 10) or 9(mod 10) depending on the congruence of the base a(mod 5); third, that all factors c_{i} of GM_{a,n} are of the form (2nf_{i}+1) with f_{i} natural integers such that c_{i} is prime itself or the product of primes of the form (2nj+1) with j natural integer; fourth, that for odd prime exponents n, all GM_{a,n} are periodically congruent to either +/-1\(mod 8) or +/-3(mod 8) depending on the congruence of the base a(mod 8); and fifth, that the factors of a composite GM_{a,n} is of the form (2nf_{i}+1) with f_{i} == u(mod 4) and u being either 0, 1, 2 or 3 depending on the congruence of the exponent n(mod 4) and on the congruence of the base a(mod 8). The potential use of Generalized Mersenne primes in cryptography is shortly addressed.

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) within the cerebral parenchyma and vasculature, the latter termed cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). This study utilized confocal imaging to investigate heparan sulfate (HS) within the cerebrovasculature and its potential associations with CAA, gender, and ApoE4 genotype. Our investigation revealed elevated levels of HS in the cerebrovasculature of AD patients with severe CAA. Additionally, these patients exhibited higher colocalization of HS with Aβ in the cerebrovasculature, including both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell compartments. Intriguingly, a reversal in the polarized expression of HS within the cerebral vasculature was detected in AD patients with severe CAA, suggesting a potential role in CAA development. Furthermore, male patients exhibited lower levels of both parenchymal and cerebrovascular HS. Additionally, ApoE4 carriers displayed heightened cerebrovascular Aβ expression and a tendency of elevated cerebrovascular HS levels in AD patients with severe CAA. Overall, these findings shed light on the intricate interplay between HS, Aβ, ApoE, and vascular pathology in AD, underscoring the potential roles of cerebrovascular HS in CAA development and AD pathology. Further exploring the underlying mechanisms may present novel therapeutic avenues for AD treatment.

We investigate and discuss in detail the structure of the restricted singular value decomposition for a tensor triplet under t-product (T-RSVD). The algorithm is provided with a numerical example illustrating the main result. For applications, we consider color image watermarking processing with T-RSVD.

Snakebite envenomations (SBE) are a significant global public health threat due to their morbidi-ty and mortality. It is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries. Brazil is in the top ten countries affected by SBE, with 32,160 cases reported in Brazil only in 2020, posing a high burden for this population. We describe the data structure of the Snakebite data on Notifiable Disease Information System (SINAN) made available by the Brazilian Minis-try of Health from 2007 to 2020. In addition, we also provide R scripts that allow a quick and automatic updating of data from the SINAN according to its availability. The data presented in this work is related to clinical and demographic information of SBE cases. Also, data on out-comes, laboratory results, and treatment is available. The database is available and freely acces-sible; however, preprocessing, adjustments, and standardization are necessary due to incom-pleteness and inconsistencies. Regardless of these limitations, it provides a solid basis for as-sessing different aspects and the national burden of envenoming.

The current study was formulated with the aim of assessing the impact of the Extent of Drug addiction on the Family environment and interventions for drug-addicted youth in rural areas of Dir Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study comprised a dependent variable (Extent of Drug addiction) and an independent variable (Family Environment). A sample size of 266 was randomly selected for primary data collection through structured interviews. The collected information was evaluated through descriptive analysis (frequency and percentage distribution) and inferential analysis, specifically utilizing the Chi-square Statistical Test. The study concluded that drug addiction among youth has an adverse impact on the family environment, leading to instability and violent behavior. Further, families of drug-addicted youth experience a high level of dissatisfaction in relationships, often culminating in divorce. Similarly, the families of drug-addicted are characterized by low cohesion, role conflict, and tolerance. Thus, the government should formulate polices and strategies for the prevention of drug addiction, with speedy implementation across all institutional dynamics, including family. Moreover, It is also crucial to rehabilitate the lifeblood of a nation (youth) in terms of socio-economic, emotional and psychological growth. These recommendations were put forward in the light of the current study.

Implementing digital technologies, such augmented reality and 3D models, to various cultural sectors is an ongoing procedure, especially favorable after COVID-19 pandemic. Even though such technologies are familiar to museums, galleries and archaeological places all over the world, little research or practical cases have been developed when it comes to theaters and theatrical costumes. Proposed research article describes the methodology of both reference material collection and applications development, while an analysis of functions and aesthetic results are described, especially when it comes to 3D models. The paper’s aim to reveal that theatrical operations (as part of cultural sector) as well as structured parts (such as acts, performances and costumes) can be preserved and served to larger audiences via technological means, such as an augmented reality application.

Heterometallic rare-earth clusters have garnered much attention because of their interest-ing solid-state structures and versatile applications in catalysis and material and polymer chemistry over the last four decades. Particular interest is rare earth–transition metal co-ordination compounds that behave as single-molecule magnets (SMMs) because of their potential use in information storage, spintronic devices, and magnetic refrigeration sys-tems. Another implementation involves using lanthanide clusters in luminescent-based sensing for environmental protection and security screening or in photocatalytic energy conversion reactions. Heterometallic rare earth complexes offer the promise of catalytic performance of many organic reactions due to their high oxygenophilicity, Lewis acidity, high coordination numbers, and ability to change the coordination environment quickly. Therefore, they are commonly applied as catalysts in asymmetric synthesis, oxidation re-actions, and CO2 conversions or as initiators in ring-opening polymerization and copoly-merization of cyclic monomers. They are also attractive single-source molecular precur-sors for functional inorganic materials. This review focused on the unique features and properties of the heterometallic rare earth complexes, which are closely correlated with their molecular structure. Our summary is a valuable resource, providing researchers with an insightful exploration of the heterometallic rare-earth complexes that demonstrated multimetallic synergy and cooperativity effects in various applications.

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its sublineages continue to cause COVID-19—associated pediatric hospitalizations, severe disease, and death globally. BNT162b2 and CoronaVac are among the top most widely used COVID-19 vaccines. Much less is known on the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain based vaccines in the pediatric population compared to adults. Given the worldwide need for booster vaccinations to stimulate the immune response against new Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, we characterized the humoral and cellular immune response against Omicron variant BA.1 in a pediatric population aged 10 to 16 years who received heterologous vaccination based on two doses CoronaVac, two doses CoronaVac (2x) plus one booster doses BNT162b2 [CoronaVac(2x) + BNT162b2 (1x)], two doses CoronaVac plus two booster doses BNT162b2 [CoronaVac(2x) + BNT162b2 (2x)], and three doses BNT162b2. We observed that [CoronaVac(2x) + BNT162b2 (2x)] vaccination showed higher anti-S1 and neutralizing antibody titers and CD4 and CD8 T cell immunity specific to the Omicron variant compared to immunization with two doses CoronaVac alone. Furthermore, from all groups tested, immunity against Omicron was highest in individuals who received three doses BNT162b2. We conclude that booster vaccination with BNT162b2 promotes greater immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in the pediatric population compared to two doses CoronaVac alone.

Reconstructing the Tree of Life remains a central goal in biology. Early methods, relying on small numbers of morphological or genetic characters, often yielded conflicting evolutionary histories, undermining confidence in the results. Investigations based on phylogenomics, which use hundreds to thousands of loci for phylogenetic inquiry, have provided a clearer picture of life's history, but certain branches remain problematic. To resolve difficult nodes on the Tree of Life, two recent studies tested the utility of synteny, the conserved collinearity of orthologous genetic loci in two or more organisms, for phylogenetics. Synteny exhibits compelling phylogenomic potential while also raising new challenges. We identify and discuss specific opportunities and challenges that bear on the value of synteny data and other rare genomic changes for phylogenomic studies. Synteny-based analyses of highly contiguous genome assemblies mark a new chapter in the phylogenomic era and the quest to reconstruct the Tree of Life.

Thymomas (TH) are a unique group of heterogeneous tumors of the thymic epithelium. In particular, the subtypes B2 and B3 tend to be aggressive and metastatic. Radical tumor resection remains the only curative option for localized tumors, while more advanced TH require multimodal treatment. Deep sequencing analyses have failed to identify known oncogenic driver mutations in TH, with the notable exception of the GTF2I mutation, which occurs predominantly in type A and AB TH. However, there are multiple alternative non-mutational mechanisms (e.g., perturbed thymic developmental programs, metabolism, non-coding RNA networks) that control cellular behavior and tumorigenesis through deregulation of critical molecular pathways. Here, we attempted to show how the results of studies investigating such alternative mechanisms could be integrated into a current model of TH biology. This model could be used to focus ongoing research and therapeutic strategies.

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are gaining traction in the realm of network communication, renowned for their adaptability, configuration, and flexibility. The forthcoming network traffic within WSNs can be forecasted through temporal sequence models. In this correspondence, We present a method (TSENet) that can accurately predict the traffic in the cellular network. TSENet is composed of transformers and self-attention network. We have designed a temporal transformer module specifically for extracting temporal features. This module accomplishes this by modeling the traffic flow within each grid of the communication network at both near-term and periodical intervals. Simultaneously, we amalgamate the spacial features of each grid with information from its correlated grids, generating spacial predictions within the spacial transformer. Furthermore, we employ self-attention aggregation to capture dependencies between external factor features and celluar data features. Empirical assessments performed on a genuine cellular traffic dataset offer compelling evidence substantiating the efficacy of TSENet.

The Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS), featured by an exceptionally intense compression orogeny and an extremely rapid surface erosion rate, stands out as a prime area for investigating surface processes and landscape evolution. Understanding the formation of the EHS holds significant importance in advancing our comprehension of the evolutionary dynamics within the Tibetan Plateau and the complex interplay between endogenic and exogenic geological processes. Currently, two models, namely the tectonic aneurysm and the syntaxis expansion model, have been proposed to explain the formation and evolution of this syntaxis. In this study, we employ a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating geomorphic indices such as slope, relief, Hypsometric Integral (HI), Normalized Channel Steepness (Ksn), River Slope-Basin Area Integration (χ), combined with erosion rates on long-medium-short term timescales obtained from thermochronology, cosmogenic nuclides 10Be and landslide disaster probability data. Our findings suggest a relatively high tectonic activity in the confluence of the Yigong and Parlung Rivers in the northern end of the syntaxis. Moreover, our data reveals that spatial variability of tectonic activity is the primary driver of regional geomorphologic features and the spatial-temporal characteristics of erosion observed in the EHS, with lithology and climatic precipitation playing a lesser role. Furthermore, the northwards migration of the EHS appears to elucidate the shift of tectonic activity and rapid erosion from the core of the syntaxis near the Namche Barwa towards the confluence of the Yigong and Parlung Rivers. This northwards migration of the EHS underscores the need for increased attention to the high geological hazard risk in the northern part of the EHS.

Effective communication in English is crucial for marketing professionals in the highly competitive global business landscape. This article emphasizes the importance of English language proficiency and the need for a tailored needs analysis for marketing professionals in the field of Business English. The comprehensive exploration of the needs analysis process outlines its methods and steps, highlighting its relevance in designing targeted language programs. By utilizing surveys, interviews, and observations, trainers and language instructors gain valuable insights into the specific challenges faced by marketing professionals, enabling them to develop customized skill-building approaches. The article also underscores the pedagogical implications of the needs analysis, stressing the significance of a personalized training program that addresses identified language gaps. Recognizing the collaborative nature of the process, the article concludes by discussing the implementation of the training program and the importance of tracking progress, ultimately displaying the tangible benefits of conducting a needs analysis in Business English for marketing professionals in terms of enhancing competitiveness and driving business growth.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by debilitating symptoms including skin and visceral fibrosis, systemic skin hardening, Raynaud's phenomenon and other vascular dysfunctions, and immune abnormalities. The disease poses a significant medical challenge with no cure currently available. As such, SSc is designated as an intractable disease in Japan, with patients receiving government subsidies for medical expenses. Oxidative stress (OS) is implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc and the antioxidant combination Tweendee X®︎ (TwX) has shown promising results in mitigating OS-related conditions. HOCl-induced SSc-mice are known to exhibit similar skin and visceral fibrosis, vascular disorders, and autoimmunity observed in human. In a study done using these mice, Twx demonstrated a significant reduction in lung and skin fibrosis compared to untreated HOCl-induced SSc mice. TwX also significantly reduced advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP) in serum, Col-1 gene expression and the activation of B cells involved in autoimmunity. SSc is a disease state in which autoimmune abnormalities, fibrosis, and vascular disorders are intertwined, and therefore for a treatment to be effective it needs to address multiple issues. Thus the efficacy of TwX may stem from its strong antioxidant capacity to regulate OS, which cannot be achieved by a single antioxidant on its own. In other studies, targeting other OS-related conditions, TwX was safe and proved to be effective at prevent dementia in humans with mild cognitive impairment and to significantly improve cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's (AD) mouse models. TwX may offer a new approach to antioxidant treatment for SSc, to address multiple abnormalities that are characteristic of the disease.

Despite significant milestones in armed conflict research generally and climate security research specifically, methodologically tight explanation of naturally caused armed conflict still leaves much to be desired. In this article we unpack the black box of the climate-security nexus and advance causal modelling of armed conflict. To infer effects of natural causes on armed conflict outcomes, we apply recent advances in causal methods to conflict outcomes that have been non-experimentally observed across Iraqi municipalities. Retrieval of an entire empirical causal structure of climate-conflict pathways allows us to corroborate the existence of a cause-and-effect relationship between climatological, environmental, and demographic variables and armed conflict. We confirm that soil temperature, population density, and variability of latent energy cause an increase in fatalities, while rice production decreases fatalities. We discuss our findings, their limitations, and future research directions, and reflect on their relevance for policy interventions.

Agriculture is the main economic activity of Mozambique and there is lack of information about the quality of agricultural soils. In this paper, five soils from the Manica and Sussudenga districts (Manica province) were sampled in the years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 (before and after the rainy seasons), were subjected to an agronomical and environmental chemical analysis to assess its quality, either from the fertility and environmental contamination point of view. Standard analytical methodologies from external certified laboratories and local X-ray fluorescence measurements were used. All the studied soils are acidic (pH ranging from 4.5 and 5.4), have no salinity problems (conductivity ranging from 4.2 to 11.8 mS/m), have low amount of soil organic matter (0.90% to 1.81%), and soils from the Sussudenga district have a very low cation exchange capacity (CEC) (average of 3.33 cmolc/kg), while those from Manica district ranges from very low to average CEC (3.59 to 13.11 cmolc/kg). Also, Sussudenga soils have a phosphorous deficiency (values ranging from &lt;20 to 38.5 mg/kg) and there are deficiencies and/or excesses of some macro and micronutrients in all soil samples. Manica soils are contaminated, apparently from geogenic origin, with Cr (280 to 1400 mg/kg), Co (80 mg/kg), Ni (78 to 680 mg/kg) and V (86 mg/kg). Agricultural soils monitoring must be fostered in Mozambique in order to improve food quality and quantity to assure economic and environmental sustainability.

Remote Photoplethysmography (rPPG) has emerged as a non-intrusive and promising physiological sensing capability in HCI research, gradually extending its applications in health-monitoring and clinical care contexts. With advanced machine learning models, recent datasets collected in real-world conditions have gradually enhanced the performance of rPPG methods in recovering heart-rate and heart-rate variability metrics. However, the signal quality of reference ground-truth PPG data in existing datasets is by and large neglected, while poor quality references negatively influence models. Here, this work introduces a new imaging blood volume pulse (iBVP) dataset of synchronized RGB and thermal infrared videos with PPG ground-truth signals from the ear and its high resolution signal quality labels, for the first time. Participants perform rhythmic breathing, head-movement, and stress-inducing tasks, which help reflect real-world variations in psycho-physiological states. This work conducts dense (per sample) signal quality assessment to discard noisy segments of ground-truth and corresponding video frames. We further present a novel end-to-end machine learning framework, iBVPNet that features an efficient and effective spatio-temporal feature aggregation for reliable estimation of BVP signals. Finally, this work examines the feasibility of extracting BVP signals from thermal video frames, which is underexplored. The iBVP dataset and source codes are publicly available for research use.

The Black population, often treated as ethnically homogenous, faces a constant challenge in accessing and utilizing healthcare services. This study examines the intragroup differences in health-seeking behavior among the multiple ethnic subgroups that comprise the Black community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 adults ≥18 years who self-identified as Black in the United States and Canada. A multiple logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the relationship between health-seeking behaviors and ethnic origin controlling for selected social and health related factors. The mean age of participants was 38.6 years, 31% were male, and 20% were unemployed. Sixty-one percent reported very good or excellent health status, and 59.7% reported not being treated for chronic disease at the time of the survey. Aging (OR=1.05, CI:1.01–1.09) and being female (OR= 0.30, CI: 0.14–0.65) were associated with favorable health-seeking behaviors. Compared with participants who had earned high school diplomas only, those who reported having earned graduate degrees were 75% less likely to have engaged in favorable health-seeking behavior (OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.86). In the Black community of our sample, regardless of ethnic origins or country of birth, the factors associated with health-seeking behavior were age, gender, and educational attainment. Keywords: African American; African; Caribbean; Healthcare Utilization; Ethnic Disparities; Health-seeking behavior; intragroup difference, black populations, ethnic subgroups

In this paper, the experimental results of the thermal sub-system of a reliable and cost-effective polygeneration solar system are presented. This polygeneration system produces heating, cooling and electricity from solar energy, which are used in an existing test-building. Heat is generated in four evacuated tube solar collectors (ETC). The heat may be used for space cooling, through a variable geometry ejector (VGE) heat pump. In order to reduce the mismatches between generation and consumption, two thermal storage tanks were added. The performance of a new thermal storage, with 400 l, able to storage both sensible and latent heat, was tested. Heating performances of the test-building were assessed. Ejector cycle tests were also performed.

For many engineering applications it is sufficient to use the concept of simple materials. However, higher gradients of the kinematic variables are taken into account to model materials with internal length scales as well as to describe localization effects using gradient theories in finite plasticity or fluid mechanics. In many approaches length scale parameter have been introduced that are related to a specific micro structure. An alternative approach is possible, if a thermodynamically consistent framework is used for material modelling as shown in the present contribution. However, even if sophisticated and thermodynamically consistent material models can be established there are still not yet standard experiments to determine higher order material constants. In order to contribute to this ongoing discussion system identification based on the method of self-adaptive filtering is proposed in this paper. To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach it has been applied to second-order gradient materials considering longitudinal vibrations. Based on thermodynamically consistent models that have been solved numerically it has been possible to prove that system identification based on self-adaptive filtering can be used effectively for both narrow-band and broadband signals in the field of second-order gradient materials. It has also been found that the differences identified for simple materials and gradient materials allow for condition monitoring and detection of gradient effects in the material behavior.