Sexual vs asexual reproduction—unisexual vs bisexual populations—diploid vs polyploid biotypes—genetic vs environmental sex determination: all these natural phenomena are associated with the genus of teleost fish, Carassius. Two Carassius entities with completely different biological characteristics exist: one globally widespread and invasive Carassius gibelio, and the other C. carassius with decreasing trend of natural occurrence. Comprehensive biological and cytogenetic knowledge of both entities, including the physical interactions between them, can help to balance advantages of highly invasive and disadvantages of threatened species. For example, benefits of a wide-ranged colonization can lead toward extinction of native species or be compensated by parasitic enemies and lead to equilibrium. This review emphasizes the comprehensive biology and cytogenetic knowledge and importance of the Carassius genus as one of the most useful experimental vertebrate models for evolutionary biology and genetics. Secondly, the review points out that effective molecular cytogenetics should be used for identification of various species, ploidy levels, and hybrids. The proposed investigation of these hallmark characteristics in Carassius may be applied in conservation efforts to sustain threatened populations in their native ranges. Also, the review focuses on consequences of co-occurrence of native and non-native species and outlines future perspectives of Carassius research.

Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) images with dual polarization modes have great potential to map FSV by excellent penetration capabilities and distinct microwave scattering processes. However, the response of these SAR data to FSV is still uncertain at non-growing season. To further interpret the response of forest FSV to these dual-polarization SAR images, three types of dual polarization SAR images (GF-3, Sentinel-1, and ALOS-2) were initially acquired in coniferous planted forest at non-growing season. Then, sensitivity between FSV and all alternative features extracted from each type of SAR images were analyzed to express the difference of bands and polarization modes in deciduous (Larch) and evergreen (Chinese pine) forests. Finally, mapped FSVs using single and combined dual polarization images were derived by optimal feature sets and four machine learning models, respectively. The combined effects were also analyzed to clarify the response of FSV to dual polarization SAR images with bands and polarization modes at non-growing season. The results demonstrated that the difference of backscattering energy from different sensors is significant in Chinese pine forests, and the difference is gradually reduced in Larch forests. it is also implied that polarization mode is more important than penetration capability in mapping forest FSV in deciduous forest at non-growing season. By comparing the accuracy of mapped FSV using single and combined images, combined images have more capability to improve the accuracy and reliability of mapped FSV. Meanwhile, it is also confirmed that compensation effect with bands and polarization modes not only have great potential to delay the saturation phenomenon, but also have capability to reduce errors caused by over-estimation.

This paper is aimed at studying the temporal evolution of the surface displacements occurred over the past few years in the ocean-reclaimed platforms of the Shanghai megacity (China), which are mainly ascribable to consolidation processes of large dredger fills and alluvial deposits. With respect to previous analyses carried out over the same area, this work provides a joint multi-platform differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR) analysis, based on the application of the advanced Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) algorithm. This led us to retrieve long-term deformation time-series that are helpful for a better understanding of the on-going deformation phenomena. To this aim, we have exploited two sequences of SAR data collected by the ASAR/ENVISAT and by the COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) sensors, respectively, spanning the whole time period from 2007 to 2016. Unfortunately, the large time gap (of about three years) existing between the available ASAR/ENVISAT and CSK datasets gave rise to additional difficulties for their combination. Nevertheless, this problem has been faced by benefiting from the knowledge of a time-dependent model describing the temporal evolution of the expected deformations affecting the Shanghai ocean-reclaimed platforms.

The aim of this work is research dedicated to the search for new bactericidal systems for use in cosmetic formulations, dermocosmetics, or the production of wound dressings. Over the last two decades chitosan due to its special biological activity, has become a highly indispensable biopolymer with very wide application possibilities. Literature reports on the antibacterial effects of chitosan are very diverse, but our research has shown that they can be successfully improved through chemical modification. Therefore, in this study, results on the synthesis of new Schiff bases chitosan – dCsSB-SFD and dCsSB-PCA obtained using two aldehydes: sodium 4-formylbenzene-1,3-disulfonate (SFD) and 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde (PCA) respectively. Chitosan derivatives synthesized in this way demonstrate stronger antimicrobial activity. Carrying out the procedure of grafting chitosan with a caproyl chain allowed obtaining compatible blends of chitosan derivatives with κ-carrageenan, which are stable hydrogels with a high swelling coefficient. Furthermore, covalently bounded PCL improved the solubility of obtained polymers in organic solvents. With this respect, the Schiff base-containing polymers obtained in this study, with special hydrogel and antimicrobial properties are very promising materials for the potential use as a controlled-release formulation of both, hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs in cosmetic products for skin health.

To clarify the relationships among critical temperature, critical magnetic field, and critical current density, this paper describes many-body interactions of quantum magnetic fluxes (i.e., vortices) and calculates pinning-related critical current density. All calculations are analytically derived, without numerical or fitting methods. Afteralculating a magnetic flux quantum mass, we theoretically obtain the critical temperature in a many-body interaction scenario (which can be handled by our established method). We also derive the critical magnetic field and inherent critical current density at each critical temperature. Finally, we determine the pinning-related critical current density with self-fields. The relationships between the critical magnetic field and critical temperature, inherent critical current density and critical temperature, and pinning critical current density and temperature were consistent with experimental observations. From the critical current density and critical magnetic field, we clarified the magnetic field transition. It appears that a magnetic flux quantum collapses when the lattice of magnetic flux quanta melts. Our results, combined with our previously published papers, provide a comprehensive understanding of the transition points in high-T_c cuprates.

Soft-Core architecture for Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) sampling is useful for mixed signal applications. Soft-core architecture for cutting edge odd or even ADC sampling with interface to block RAM memory has not been found. Soft-core architecture as a concept has become popular due to the advantage of customization for different applications as compared to general-core architecture suited for single application. The latest generation of piece wise sampling is odd sampling and was introduced in the second decade of the 20th century. Odd and even order sampling techniques are analogue in nature driven by a tuned (tuned for odd or even) mixer. This paper proposes a third-generation piece wise sampling with soft-core architecture that enables an option to select both odd and even while interfacing to memory mapping. The proposed odd/even has superior SNR performance of 6 dB as compared to existing architecture such as Mod-∆ which recorded worst performance of 18 dB. Advances in soft-core technology have allowed a niche odd/even switching field to be identified and studied, the study has also been extended to include memory architecture.

Given the AdS/CFT relationship, the study of higher-dimensional AdS black holes is extremely important. Furthermore, since the restriction derived from $f(Q)$'s field equations which prevents it from deriving spherically symmetric black hole solutions, the result is either $Q'=0$ or $f_{QQ}=0$. We derive static anti-de-Sitter black holes in $D$-dimensions using the cylindrical coordinate in the framework of the cubic form of $f(Q)$ gravity, where the coincident gauge condition is imposed \cite{Heisenberg:2023lru,Maurya:2023muz}. Within this study we are going to use the power-law ansatz which is the most viable according to observations where $f(Q)=Q+\frac{1}2\gamma Q^2+\frac{1}3\gamma Q^3-2\Lambda$, and the condition $D \geq 4$ is satisfied. Since these solutions lack a general relativity limit, they belong to a brand-new solution class, the characteristics of which are derived only from the non-metricity $Q$ modification. We investigate the singularities of the solutions by computing the values of different curvature and non-metricity invariants. We discover that the solutions indeed have a central singularity, but because of the f(Q) impact, it is softer than in the typical general relativity case. In conclusion, we compute thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy, Hawking temperature, and entropy. These thermodynamic calculations confirm that our model is stable.

The numerical simulation of entropy generation at mixed natural free and forced convection flow in a square lid-driven cavity filled with an eletrically conducting binary fluids saturated porous media in the presence of a magnetic field is performed in this investigation. Both the top and bottom horizontal walls of the cavity are kept at constant and different temperatures while the left and right vertical walls are adiabatic and insulated. The magnetic field is applied in normal direction to the cavity. The Darcy model, including Brinkman term relative to viscous effects and Forchheimer term due to inertial forces, is used for the momentum equations, and the SIMPLER algorithm, based on the control volume finite-element method approach is used to solve the pressure –velocity coupling. The flow pattern and the heat transfer characteristics inside the cavity are presented in the form of isotherms, streamlines and isentropic lines and average Nusselt number trend. The entropy generation rate is determined for various values of Darcy number (10^-3 ≤ Da ≤ 1) and for a range of Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 10²). This study is limited to Pr = 7 which corresponds to water. It is observed that entropy generation is very affected by the variations of dimensionless control parameters considered.

Dalbergia sissoo (shisham), an important timber yielding multipurpose tree species of the Indian subcontinent, has been afflicted with large scale mortality due to wilt in natural forests and plantations, causing huge economic losses. Fusarium solani f. sp. dalbergiae (Fsd) has been identified as one of the causal organisms for wilt disease in D. sissoo. Present study comprises in vitro screening of ten selected genotypes of D. sissoo against two strains of Fsd in a dual culture set up under axenic condition. Callus and plantlets of ten genotypes of host plant were multiplied in vitro and were inoculated with conidial suspension of two strains of Fsd at three concentrations; 1× 10¹, 1× 10³, and 1× 10⁵ conidia/ml. Gnotobiotic evaluation of dual culture set up shows variations among D. sissoo genotypes in their response towards in vitro Fsd infection; and two genotypes (14 and 66) exhibited resistance against the pathogen strains. Callus of genotypes 14 and 66 significantly restricted the fungal mycelium growth whereas callus of remaining eight genotypes were completely infested by Fsd mycelium within 9 days. Similarly, plantlets of genotype 14 and 66, had lesser disease severity and remained green, and had fewer necrotic lesions in the roots whereas plantlets of remaining eight genotypes died within 15 days.

Resource Description Framework(RDF) is a data representation format of the Semantic Web, and its data volume is growing rapidly. Cloud-based systems provide a rich platform for managing RDF data. However, the distributed environment has performance challenges when it is processing with RDF queries that contain multiple join operations, such as network reshuffle, memory overhead. To get over these challenges, this paper proposed a spark-based RDF query architecture, which is based on Semantic Connection Set (SCS). First of all, this spark-based query architecture adopts the mechanism of re-partitioning class data based on vertical partitioning, which can reduce memory overhead and fast index data. Secondly, a method for generating query plans based on semantic connection sets is proposed in this paper. In addition, statistics and broadcast variable optimization strategies are used to reduce shuffling and data communication costs. The experiment of this paper is based on the latest SPARQLGX on the spark platform RDF system, two synthetic benchmarks are used to evaluate the query. The experiment result illustrates that the proposed approach in this paper is more efficient in data search than SPARQLGX.

This paper introduces an approach that chooses the fault detection by calculating probabilities using probability mass function (pmf) and cumulative distribution function (CDF). This work used a method for multiple stuck-at faults by producing a new test pattern in combinational circuits. We assumed that existence of all multiple faults is only because of one single component that is faulty. A complete test set can be created by all possible single stuck-at faults in a combinational circuit using some combination of gates. The test set generation fault detection method is applied on two different 3-bit input variable and 4-bit input variable circuits. The probability of error occurrence is calculated at both 3-bit and 4-bit input variable circuits. The resulting feature is used to obtain maximum error occurrence probability to detect faults by the logic used that the complexity of the circuit is inversely proportional to the fault occurrence probability. Then again, undetectability is directly proportional to the complexity of the circuit. Therefore, finest feasible circuit should have large input variable components with less complexity to reduce the fault occurrence probability.

The paper investigates some similarity measures in interval bipolar neutrosophic environment for multi-attribute decision making problems. At first, we define Hamming and Euclidean distances measures between interval bipolar neutrosophic sets and establish their basic properties. We also propose two similarity measures based on the Hamming and Euclidean distance functions. Using maximum and minimum operators, we define new similarity measures and prove their basic properties. Using the proposed similarity measures, we propose a novel multi attribute decision making strategy in interval bipolar neutrosophic set environment. Lastly, we solve an illustrative example of multi attribute decision making and present comparison analysis to show the feasibility, applicability and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

Serum biochemical indicators serve as vital proxies that reflect the physiological state and functions of different organs. The genetic parameters and molecular mechanisms underlying serum biochemical indicators of sheep (Ovis aries) have not been well understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify genetic architecture and genomic loci underlying ten serum biochemical indicators in sheep, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, glucose, phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, urea concentrations and total protein levels. We implemented genetic parameter estimations and GWAS for each trait in 422 Akkaraman lambs. Overall, low to moderate heritability estimates were found, in the range 0.14–0.55. Additionally, low to high genetic correlations were observed among traits. In total, 23 SNP loci were associated with serum biochemical indicators leading to 19 genes . These are SPTA1, MGST2, CACUL1, IGFBP7, PARD3, PHB1, SLC15A5, TRIM35, RGS6, NUP93, CNTNAP2, SLC7A11, B3GALT5, DPP10, HST2ST1, NRP1, LRP1B, MAP3K9, ENSOARG00020040484.1 as well as LOC101103187, LOC101117162, LOC105611309 and LOC101118029. To our knowledge, these data provide the first association between SPTA1 and serum cholesterol and between ENSOARG00020040484.1 and serum glucose. The current findings provide a comprehensive inventory of the relationships between serum biochemical parameters, genetic variants, and disease-relevant characteristics. This information may facilitate the identification of therapeutic targets and fluid biomarkers and establish a strong framework for comprehending the pathobiology of complex diseases as well as providing targets for sheep genetic improvement programmes.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty procedure is of major importance, given the significant increasing aging population and higher number of orthopedic procedures related to vertebral compression fractures. Vertebroplasty is a complex technique involving injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the compressed vertebral body for mechanical stabilization of the fracture. Our understanding and ability to modify these mechanisms through alterations in cement material is rapidly evolving. However, the rate of cardiac complications secondary to PMMA injection and subsequent cement leakage has increased with time. The following review considers the main features of PMMA bone cement on the heart, and the extent of influence of materials on cardiac embolism. Clinically, cement leakage results in life-threatening cardiac injury. The convolution of this outcome through an appropriate balance of complex material properties is highlighted via clinical case report.

The fitting and modeling of skewed, complex, symmetric, and asymmetric datasets is an exciting research topic in many fields of applied sciences, notably lifetime, medical, and financial sciences. The Heavy tailed Nadarajah Haghighi model is introduced by compounding the heavy tailed family and Nadarajah Haghighi distribution in this paper. The so obtained model has three parameters accounting for the scale and shape of the distribution. The proposed distribution's fundamental characteristics such as probability density, cumulative distribution, hazard rate, and survival functions are provided, and several key statistical properties are established, and several entropy information measures are proposed. The estimation of model parameter is performed via the ML procedure. Further, different simulation experiments are conducted to demonstrate the performance of proposed estimator’s using some measure, like the average estimate, the average bias, and associated mean square error. Finally, we are applied our proposed model to analyze three different real datasets. In our illustration, we are compared the practicality of the recommended model with several well-known competing models.

The ErbB/HER family of protein-tyrosine kinases (ErbB) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) represent crucial targets in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We previously reported that a combination therapy using Afatinib (ErbB inhibitor) and Copanlisib (PI3K inhibitor), both FDA-approved kinase inhibitors, suppressed the growth of HPV-positive HNSCC. In our current study, we further evaluated the efficacy and clinical potential of this combination therapy for treating HPV-negative HNSCC in vitro and in animal model. We found that the combination treatment of Afatinib and Copanlisib dramatically enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation and reduced cell survival when compared to treatment with either inhibitor in two HPV negative HNSCC cell lines. Notably, this combination led to significant inhibition of xenograft tumor growth in mice, without any apparent effects on body weight. Copanlisib alone effectively blocked PI3K/Akt signaling, but caused up-regulation of HER2 and HER3 phosphorylation as previously reported in other types of cancer. However, the combination treatment with Copanlisib and Afatinib completely blocked phosphorylation of the ErbB family (including HER3) and Akt, while also remarkedly increasing apoptosis. These results suggest that co-targeting the ErbB family and PI3K kinases by a combination treatment of Afatinib and Copanlisib can have clinical potential for patients.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic central sensitivity syndrome characterized by augmented pain processing at diffuse body sites and presents as a multimorbid clinical condition. Long COVID (LC) is a heterogenous clinical syndrome that affects 10-20% of individuals following COVID-19 infection. FM and LC shares similarities with regards to the pain and other clinical symptoms experienced, thereby posing a challenge for accurate diagnosis. This research explores the feasibility of using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) combined with soft independent modelling of class analogies (SIMCA) to develop classification models differentiating LC and FM. Venous blood samples were collected using two supports, dried bloodspot cards (DBS, n= 48 FM and n= 46 LC) and volumetric absorptive micro sampling tips (VAMS, n= 39 FM and n= 39 LC). A semi-permeable membrane (10 kDa) was used to extract low molecular fraction (LMF) from the blood samples, and Raman spectra was acquired using SERS with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) models developed with spectral data of blood samples collected in VAMS tips showed superior performance with a validation performance of 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity achieving an excellent classification accuracy of 0.86 area under the curve (AUC). Amide groups, aromatic and acidic amino acids were responsible for the discrimination patterns among FM and LC syndromes, emphasizing the findings from our previous studies. Overall, our results demonstrate the ability of AuNPs SERS to identify unique metabolites that can be potentially used as spectral biomarkers to differentiate FM and LC.

The electronic properties of calcium intercalated graphite (CaC6) as a function of pressure are revisited using density functional theory (DFT). The electronic band structures of CaC6, like many other layered superconducting materials, display cosine-shaped bands at or near the Fermi level (FL). Such bands encompass bonding/antibonding information with a strong connection to superconducting properties. Using an hexagonal cell representation for CaC6, construction of a double supercell in the c-direction effects six-folding in reciprocal space of the full cosine function, explicitly revealing the bonding/antibonding relationship divide at the cosine midpoint. Similarly, folding of the Fermi surface (FS) reveals physical phenomena relevant to electronic topological transitions (ETT) with application of pressure. For CaC6, the peak value for the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, occurs at about 7.5 GPa, near to the observed pressure of the calculated ETT. At this pressure, the radius of the nearly spherical Ca 4s-orbital FS coincides with three times the distance from the G centre point to the Brillouin zone (BZ) boundary of the 2c supercell (which is equal to half the identically defined distance for the primitive rhombohedral BZ). In addition, the ETT coincides with alignment of the non-bonding (inflection) point of the cosine band (the point at which the sign of the cosine amplitude modulation is reversed) with the FL. At other calculated pressure conditions, the Ca 4s-orbital FS undergoes topological changes that correspond and can be correlated to experimentally determined changes in Tc. The ETT is a key mechanism that circumscribes the known significant drop in Tc for CaC6 as a function of increasing pressure.

To characterize the fecal microbiota of lactating Bactrian camels, this study employed a random selection of camels, assigning them to three groups: the first parity group, the third parity group, and the fifth parity group. The fecal microbial community of lactating camels was assessed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and the resulting library was sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq platform. The first parity group was characterized by Verrucomicrobiaceae as a distinctive bi-omarker, whereas Clostridiaceae exhibited a similar role to the third parity group. In terms of functional analysis, the relative abundance of the Steroid biosynthesis pathway was highest in the first parity group, whereas the fifth parity group demonstrated a higher relative abundance of the Tuberculosis pathway compared to the other groups. The first parity group exhibited the greatest presence of seven types of enzymes, whereas the fifth parity group displayed the highest levels of two specific enzymes. Additionally, a positive association was observed between the relative abundance of the Steroid biosynthesis pathway and Verrucomicrobiaceae. Furthermore, the relative abundance of the Tuberculosis pathway displayed positive correlations with 14 enzymes. In conclusion, this study revealed that different parity was associated with distinct fecal microbial ecologies in lactating Bactrian camels.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for respiratory failure in the intensive care unit continues to have an expanded role in select patients. While acute respiratory distress syndrome remains the most common indication, ECMO may be used in other causes of refractory hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia. The most common configuration is veno-venous (V-V) ECMO, however in specific cases of refractory hypoxemia or right ventricular failure, some patients may benefit from veno-pulmonary (V-P) ECMO or veno-venoarterial (V-VA) ECMO. Patient selection and extracorporeal circuit management are essential to successful outcomes. This narrative review explores the physiology of ECMO, indications and contraindications, ventilator management, extracorporeal circuit management, troubleshooting hypoxemia, complications, and ECMO weaning in patients with respiratory failure. As the footprint of ECMO continues to expand it is essential that clinicians understand the underlying physiology and management of these complex patients.

It is urgent to find new antibiotic classes to replenish the empty development pipeline of antibiotics. Recently, pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs) with a C8-linked aliphatic-heterocycle have been identified as a new broad spectrum antibiotic class with activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The active imine moiety of the reported lead pyrrolobenzodiazepine compounds was replaced with amide to obtain the non-DNA binding and non-cytotoxic dilactam analogues to further understand the structure activity relationship and improve the safety potential of this class. The synthesized compounds were tested against panels of multidrug resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including WHO priority pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for the dilactam analogues ranged from 4 – 32 mg/L for MDR Gram-positive bacteria, compared to 0.03 to 2 mg/L for the corresponding imine analogues while they were found to be inactive against MDR Gram-negative bacteria, with an MIC >32 mg/L, compared to an MIC of 0.5 to 32 mg/L. A molecular modelling study suggests the lack of imine functionality also affects the interaction of PBDs with DNA gyrase. This study suggests the presence of N10-C11 imine moiety is crucial for broad spectrum activity of pyrrolobenzodiazepines.

Monte Carlo Filtering (MCF) is one of the methods of Experimental Statistical Energy Analysis (E-SEA), which allows the correction of a negative LF (Loss Factor). In this article, a modification of the MCF method, called DESA (Diagonal Extension of the Search Area), is proposed. The technique applies a non-uniform extension of the search area when generating a population of normalized energy matrices. The degree of expansion of the search area is controlled by the Diagonal Penalty Factor (DPF). The authors demonstrated the method's effectiveness on a system that could not be identified in several frequency bands by the classical MCF method. After applying DESA, it was possible to fill in the problematic bands that were missing CLF and DLF values. The paper also proposes a way to minimize the errors introduced by using overly high DPF values.

The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer that has poor clinical outcome and still remains as an unmet clinical challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that intratumoral heterogeneity or the presence of phenotypically heterogeneous cell populations within a tumor plays a crucial role in chemoresistance, tumor progression and metastasis. Increased understanding of the molecular regulators of intratumoral heterogeneity will enable the development of effective therapeutic strategies in TNBC. We have identified a molecular mediator involved in intratumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer using an unbiased approach. We isolated two heterogeneous tumor cell populations from the 4T1 TNBC tumor model and phenotypic characterization revealed that the cells are distinct in terms of their morphology, proliferation and self-renewal ability in vitro; as well as primary tumor formation and metastatic potential in vivo. Further, RNA sequencing on both cell populations was performed to identify the molecular mediators underlying this heterogeneity. Bioinformatic analysis performed on the differentially expressed genes along with the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis in TNBC patients identified Metastasis associated colon cancer 1 (Macc1) as the top candidate gene mediating the aggressive phenotype. The role of Macc1 in regulating the proliferative phenotype was validated using siRNA mediated gene knockdown. The role of Macc1 in the aggressive cancer cell phenotypes and disease progression is being studied further using a small molecule transcriptional inhibitor of Macc1 in cell line and animal models, thus increasing our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of intratumoral heterogeneity in breast cancer that is critical to the improvement in the treatment of women currently living with the highly aggressive TNBC subtype.

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.

In this paper, carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode (CNTs/SPE) was prepared and the CNTs/SPE was employed for the electrochemical determination of antioxidant substance Chlorogenic acids (CGAs). A pair of well-defined redox peak of CGA was observed at the CNTs/SPE in 0.10 mol∙L^-1 acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.2) and electrode process is adsorption-controlled. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method for the determination of CGA were proposed based on the CNTs/SPE. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method exhibited linear ranges from 4.73×10^-7 to 4.45×10^-5 mol∙L^-1, the linear regression equation was Ipa(µA) = 4.1993 C (mol∙L^-1)+1.1039 (r = 0.9976) and the detection limit for CGA could reach 3.25×10^-6 mol∙L^-1. The recovery of matrine was 94.74~106.65% (RSD = 2.92%) in coffe beans. The proposed method is quick, sensitive, reliable, and can be used for the determination of CGA.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical sensing technique that can be used for neurochemical sensing with high spatiotemporal resolution. Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are traditionally used as FSCV sensors. However, CFMEs are prone to electrochemical fouling caused by oxidative byproducts of repeated serotonin (5-HT) exposure, which makes them less suitable as a chronic 5-HT sensor. Our team is developing a boron-doped diamond microelectrode (BDDME) that has previously been shown to be relatively resistant to fouling caused by protein adsorption (biofouling). We sought to determine if the BDDME exhibits resistance to electrochemical fouling, which we explored on electrodes fabricated with either femtosecond laser cutting or physical cleaving. We recorded the oxidation current response after 25 repeated injections of 5-HT in a flow-injection-cell and compared the current drop from the first to the last injection. The 5-HT responses were compared to dopamine (DA), a neurochemical that is known to produce minimal fouling oxidative byproducts and have a stable repeated response. Physical cleaving of the BDDME yielded a reduction in fouling due to 5-HT compared to the CFME and the femtosecond laser cut BDDME. However, the femtosecond laser cut BDDME exhibited a large increase in sensitivity over the cleaved BDDME. An extended stability analysis was conducted for all device types following 5-HT fouling tests. This analysis demonstrated an improvement in the long-term stability of boron doped diamond over CFMEs, as well as a diminishing sensitivity of the laser cut BDDME over time. This work reports the electrochemical fouling performance of the BDDME when it is repeatedly exposed to DA or 5-HT, which informs the development of a chronic, diamond-based electrochemical sensor for long-term neurotransmitter measurements in vivo.

Abstract Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a range of clinical problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), chewing muscles, and surrounding facial structures. Functional magnetic resonance studies suggest that these disorders affect over 5% of the population. The relationship between dental occlusion and TMD has been a topic of debate in dentistry; some researchers suggest using lateral cephalograms and cephalometric data to identify which morphological profiles and types of malocclusion are most likely to cause TMD. The aim of this study is to identify the morphological profiles and associated skeletal malocclusions that have the greatest influence on the development of TMD. This will be accomplished through the analysis of cephalometric data obtained from cephalograms and condylar section images of patients from the Orthognathodontics Department of Chieti, who underwent low-dose cbct during their initial visit. Matherial and methods: This study, conducted at the Orthognathodontics Department of Gabriele D’Annunzio University in Chieti, examined a group of 67 patients (both males and females) presenting with signs of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). The inclusion criteria for the study were first-time TMD diagnosis, age 18 and above, and accessible medical records, wide field of view cone beam low dosage, and photographs. Patients with a history of tumor, trauma, surgical interventions in the jaw and facial area, fractures, and other craniofacial anomalies were excluded from the study. The aim of the study is to further understand the morphological profiles and associated skeletal malocclusions that contribute to TMD. Results: male patients: sagittal profile: 56% exhibited a skeletal Class II profile due to mandibular retrognathia. Vertical Profile: 73% were brachyfacial with a hypodivergent pattern. Dental Relationships: Increased overjet and a tendency towards deep bite were observed. 23% exhibited deep bite, 20% were normodivergent, and 8% were dolichofacial. The soft tissue profile tended towards flatness. Condyle Position: in Class II hypodivergent males, the condyle was non-concentric and positioned more posteriorly. In mesiodivergent males, the condyle was concentric, while in hyperdivergent males, it was slightly anterior. Female Patients: Sagittal Profile: 79% had a skeletal Class II profile with mandibular retrognathia. Vertical Profile: 47% were hypodivergent with reduced anterior facial height (105°). Dental Relationships: 17% exhibited deep bite, and 48% of those with a Class II profile had increased overjet. 43% were mesofacial, and 10% were dolichofacial. Condyle Position: In Class II hypodivergent and normodivergent females, the condyle was non-concentric and positioned more posteriorly. In hyperdivergent females, the condyle was positioned more anteriorly and higher in the fossa. Conclusion: The study highlighted significant differences in cephalometric parameters and condyle positions between male and female patients with TMD. A posteriorly positioned condyle was associated with a flattened condylar head, particularly in Class II hypodivergent profiles. These findings underscore the importance of individualized diagnostic and treatment approaches based on detailed cephalometric and condylar assessments. Further research is needed to explore the implications of these variations for TMD management and outcomes.

Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a considerable delay between initial symptoms and diagnosis through surgery. The pressing need for a timely, non-invasive diagnostic solution underscores the focus of current research efforts. This study examines the diagnostic potential of the menstrual blood lipidome. The lipid profile of 39 samples (23 women with endometriosis and 16 patient of control group) was acquired using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with LipidMatch processing and identification. Profiles were normalized based on total ion counts. Significant differences in lipids were determined using the Mann-Whitney test. Lipids for the diagnostic model, based on logistic regression, were selected using a combination of variance importance projection filters and Akaike information criteria. Levels of ceramides, sphingomyelins, cardiolipins, triacylglycerols, acyl- and alkenyl-phosphatidylethanolamines, and alkenyl-phosphatidylcholines increased, while acyl- and alkyl-phosphatidylcholines decreased in cases of endometriosis. PE P-16:0/18:1 and CL 16:0_18:0_22:5_22:6 serve as marker lipids in the diagnostic model, exhibiting a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 85%. The diagnostic approach based on dried spots of menstrual blood holds promise as an alternative to traditional non-invasive methods for endometriosis screening.

This paper presents computer and color vision research focusing on human color perception in VR environments. A VR art gallery with digital twins of original artworks is created for this experiment. In this research, the field of colorimetry and the application of CMYK and RGB color models are applied. The interrelationships of the two colors models are applied to create a color modification of the VR art gallery environment using C# Script procedures. This color-edited VR environment works with a smooth change of color tone in a given time interval. At the same time, a sudden change in the color of the RGB environment is defined in this interval. This experiment aims to record a user's reaction embedded in a VR environment and the effect of color changes on human perception in a VR environment. The research uses lie detector sensors that record the physiological changes of the user embedded in VR. Five sensors are used to record the signal. An experiment on the influence of the user's color perception in a VR environment using lie detector sensors has never been conducted. This research defines the basic methodology for analyzing and evaluating the recorded signals from the lie detector. The presented text thus provides a basis for further research in the field of colors and human color vision in a VR environment and lays an objective basis for use in many scientific and commercial areas.

Abstract: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major microbial metabolites produced in the gut through the fermentation of non-digestible fibers. SCFAs act through free fatty acid receptor 2 and 3 (FFAR2 and 3), which are known to be expressed on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-secreting L-cells. This pathway is suggested to protect the intestinal mucosa. We aimed to investigate how lack of fiber affects the production of SCFAs and the vulnerability of the co-lon. Additionally, the involvement of FFAR2 and 3 in GLP-1 secretion and intestinal protection. SCFA concentrations in luminal contents from chow- or fiber-free diet-fed mice were analysed by LC‒MS. SCFAs were applied to isolated perfused colons from FFAR2/3 double KO and WT mice, and the secretion of GLP-1 was measured. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis was induced in chow- or fiber-free diet-fed mice as well as in FFAR2/3 KO and WT mice. The removal of die-tary fiber significantly decreased total colonic SCFA concentrations, with specific decreases in acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs significantly increased colonic GLP-1 secretion but not in FFAR2/3 KO mice. In the DSS model, the removal of dietary fiber increased the severity and delayed recovery. Colitis severity was independent of FFAR2 and FFAR3 signaling.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a significant public health challenge due to its irreversible and progressive nature while lack of a cure. As a potential strategy to combat AD, its prevention becomes increasingly attractive. Mild Cognitive Impairment due to AD (MCI-AD) represents a critical transitional stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and more severe AD conditions, occurring just before dementia onset. Unfortunately, there is currently no established animal model that accurately recapitulates MCI-AD characteristics. While many laboratories have traditionally used normally aged wild-type animals as experimental models, this approach falls short in representing the inherently worse state of MCI-AD compared to normal aging. To address this gap, we introduce an animal model—a transgenic mouse line with genetic inactivation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-5 (GRK5), commonly known as the GRK5 knockout (GRK5KO) mouse. These GRK5KO mice exhibit amnesia, cognitive deficits, increased β-amyloid levels, neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) immunopositive axonopathy, and hippocampal neurodegenerative changes. Importantly, these pathological alterations predominantly impact the entorhinal, transentorhinal, and hippocampal cortices, aligning with human MCI-AD criteria and Braak stage II of human AD progression. Notably, female GRK5KO mice show approximately 2.5 times more NFT-positive axonopathy than males, mirroring the higher prevalence of AD cases in women. Collectively, existing data strongly supports the GRK5KO mouse as a qualified animal model for studying MCI-AD.

This paper introduces a novel method for accurately calculating the upper biomass of single trees using Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data. The proposed algorithm involves classifying the tree point cloud into two distinct ones: the trunk point cloud and the crown point cloud. Each part is then processed using specific techniques to create a 3D model and determine its volume. The trunk point cloud is segmented based on individual stems, with each stem further divided into slices that are modeled as cylinders. On the other hand, the crown point cloud is analyzed by calculating its footprint and gravity center. The footprint is further divided into angular sectors, with each being used to create a rotating surface around the vertical line passing through the gravity center. All models are represented in a matrix format, simplifying the process of minimizing and calculating the tree’s upper biomass, consisting of crown biomass and trunk biomass. To validate the proposed approach, both terrestrial and airborne datasets are utilized. A comparison with existing algorithms in the literature confirms the effectiveness of the new method. The study shows that the proposed algorithm achieves an average fit between 0.01 m and 0.49 m for individual trees.

In this paper, we develop the theory of the multiple q-analogue of the Heine’s binomial formula, chain rule and Leibnitz’s rule. We also derive many useful definitions and results involving multiple q-antiderivative and multiple q-Jackson’s integral. Finally, we list here multiple q-analogue of some elementary functions including trigonometric functions and hyperbolic functions. This may be a good consideration in developing the multiple q-calculus in combinatorics, number theory and other fields of mathematics.

In this paper, we introduce a new generalization of the r-Stirling numbers of the second kind based on the q-numbers via an exponential generating function. We investigate their some properties and derive several relations among q-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials, and newly de…ned (q, r, w)-Stirling numbers of the second kind. We also obtain q-Bernstein polynomials as a linear combination of (q, r, w)-Stirling numbers of the second kind and q-Bernoulli polynomials in w.

A class of semi-linear elliptic equations with critical Hardy-Sobolev exponent has been considered. This model is widely used in hydrodynamics and glaciology, gas combustion in thermodynamics, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics, as well as gravity balance problems in galaxies. The $\left( PS\right) _{c}$ sequence of energy functional has been investigated, and then the mountain pass lemma was used to prove the existence of at least one nontrivial solution. Also a multiplicity result has been obtained. Some known results have been generalized.

In this paper, a class of semi-linear elliptic equations involving Hardy-Sobolev critical exponents has been investigated. This problem comes from the consideration of standing waves in the anisotropic Schr\"{o}dinger equation, also it is very important in the field of hydrodynamics, glaciology, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics. By a detailed estimation for the extremum function and using Mountain Pass Lemma with $\left( PS\right) _{c}$ conditions, the existence of positive solutions has been obtained. On the other hand, by establishing Pohozaev-type identity and using the properties of Bessel function, the nonexistence of positive solution also has been obtained. These results are extensions of E. Jannelli's research (\cite[Theorem 1.A-1.C]{EJ}).

Climate change is the long-term shift in global weather patterns, largely caused by anthropogenic activity of greenhouse gas emissions. Global climate temperatures have unmistakably risen and naturally-occurring climate variability alone cannot account for this trend. Human activities are estimated to have caused about 1.0 °C of global warming above the pre-industrial baseline and if left unchecked, will continue to drastically damage the Earth and its inhabitants. Globally, natural disasters and subsequent economic losses have become increasingly impactful as a result of climate change. Both wildlife ecosystems and human habitats have been negatively impacted, from rising sea levels to alarming frequency of severe weather events around the world. Attempts towards alleviating the effects of global warming have often been at odds and remain divided among a multitude of strategies, reducing the overall effectiveness of these efforts. It is evident that collaborative action is required for avoiding the most severe consequences of climate change. This paper evaluates the main strategies (industrial/energy, political, economic, agricultural, atmospheric, geological, coastal, and social) towards both mitigating and adapting to climate change. As well, it provides an optimal combination of seven solutions which can be implemented simultaneously, working in tandem to limit and otherwise accommodate the harmful effects of climate change. Previous legislation and deployment techniques are also discussed as guides for future endeavors.

The $k$-set tree connectivity, as a natural extension of classical connectivity, is a very important index to evaluate the fault-tolerance of interconnection networks. Let $G=(V, E)$ be a connected graph and a subset $S\subseteq V$, an $S$-tree of graph $G$ is a tree $T=(V',E')$ that contains all the vertices of $S$. Two $S$-trees $T$ and $T'$ are internally disjoint if and only if $E(T)\cap E(T')=\varnothing$ and $V(T)\cap V(T')=S$. The cardinality of maximum internally disjoint $S$-trees is defined as $\kappa_{G}(S)$, and the $k$-set tree connectivity is defined by $\kappa_{k}(G)=\min\{\kappa_{G}(S)|S\subseteq V(G)\ \text{and} \ |S|=k\}$. In this paper, we show that the $k$-set tree connectivity of hierarchical folded hypercube when $k=4$, that is, $\kappa_{4}(HFQ_{n})=n+1$, where $HFQ_{n}$ is hierarchical folded hypercube for $n\geq 7$.

Neutrosophic cubic set is the hybridization of the concept of neutrosophic set and interval neutrosophic set. Neutrosophic cubic set has the capacity to express the hybrid information of both the interval neutrosophic set and the single valued neutrosophic set simultaneously. As newly defined, little research on the operations and applications of neutrosophic cubic sets appear in the current literature. In the present paper we propose the score, accuracy functions for neutrosophic cubic sets and prove their basic properties. We firstly develop TODIM method to solve multi attribute group decision making in neutrosophic cubic set environment, which we call NC-TODIM. Also, we solve a MAGDM problem using the proposed NC-TODIM method to show the applicability and effectiveness of the developed method. We also conduct sensitivity analysis to show the impact of ranking order of the alternatives for different values of attenuation factor of losses for multi-attribute group decision making problem.

We present a case report of a 26-years-old female suffering from Coffin Siris Syndrome, who underwent orthodontic treatment and surgery to solve her malocclusion and improve her aes-thetics and functional occlusion. Methods: The presurgical phase involved multibracket self-ligating attachments, Damon prescription. The patient underwent maxillofacial surgery to correct the severe skeletal malocclusion and relocate the bone bases in the right relationship. The post-surgical orthodontic treatment was performed to complete the alignment. Results: The pa-tient improved her aesthetics and functional abilities. Conclusions: Syndromic patients can un-dergo orthodontictreatment if comorbidities and collaboration allow it. Support and collaboration of families and psychotherapists must be considered, but clinical cases of syndromic patients can be faced and solved. Obviously, each syndromic patient is considered unique, and the risk-benefit ratio must be correctly assessed for each one.

Soot combustion experiments with 5%O2/He were conducted using model soot, and four distinct compositions of CexPr1-xO2-δ oxides were prepared, varying nominal cerium com-positions (x=0, 0.2, 0.3, and 1). The catalyst samples were comprehensively characterized using techniques such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, HR-TEM, N2 adsorption at −196 °C, XPS, O2-TPD, H2-TPR, and work function measurements. The Pr-rich compositions, rang-ing from Ce0.3Pr0.7O2-δ to PrO2-δ, resulted in a significant increase in the total evolved O2 amounts and enhanced catalyst reducibility. However, a decrease in textural properties of the catalysts was noted, being particularly important for the pure praseodymia under the synthesis route conducted. The catalytic activity was investigated under two contact modes of mixing between soot and catalyst: loose and tight. The results revealed that the catalytic performance is associated with the surface contact in tight contact mode and with the combination of surface/subsurface/bulk oxygen mobility and the BET surface ar-ea in loose contact mode. Notably, the T10 and T50 parameters were achieved at much lower temperatures than the uncatalyzed soot combustion, even under loose contact conditions. Specifically, the 50% conversion was achieved at 511℃ and 538℃ for Ce0.3Pr0.7O2 and Ce0.2Pr0.8O2, respectively. While no direct correlation between catalytic activity and work function was observed a significant relationship emerges between work function values and the formation of oxy-gen vacancies, whatever the conditions used for these measurements. On the other hand, the ability to generate a high population of oxygen vacancies at low temperatures, rather than the direct activation of gas-phase O2, influences the catalytic performance of Pr-doped ceria catalysts, highlighting the importance of surface/subsurface oxygen vacancy generation, which was the parameter which showed better correlation with the catalytic activity, whatever the soot conversion value or the mode of contact considered.

The work presents the results of studying dilute aqueous solutions of commercial Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O salts with Ln=Ce-Lu using X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS: EXAFS/XANES) and pH measurements. As a reference point, XRD and XAS measurements for characterized Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O microcrystalline powder samples were performed. The local structure of Ln-nitrate complexes in 20 mM Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O aqueous solution was studied under total external reflection conditions and EXAFS geometry was applied to obtain high-quality EXAFS data for solutions with low concentrations of Ln3+ ions. Results obtained by EXAFS spectroscopy showed significant contraction of the first coordination sphere during the dissolution process for metal ions located in the middle of the lanthanide series. It was established that in Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O solutions with Ln=Ce, Sm, Gd, Yb (c=134, 100, 50 and 20 mM) there are coordinated and, to a greater extent, non-coordinated nitrate groups with bidentate and predominantly monodentate bonds with Ln ions, the number of which increases upon transition from cerium to ytterbium. Cross-relationships between the concentration of solutions, pH value and antimicrobial activity with the type of Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Yb were established, as well as the absence of biocidal properties of solutions with a concentration of 20 mM, except for Ln = Yb. The important role of experimental conditions in obtaining and interpreting the results was noted.

Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands a reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs, delve into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.

Legislation and interest to protect and restore freshwater and marine ecosystems from aquaculture's environmental impact is global. However, aquaculture induced eutrophication continues to be a major environmental issue. Open freshwater fish farms in particular, providing fish with phosphorus-rich feeds pollute aquatic ecosystems since water soluble phosphorus, uneaten feed, feces, and metabolic waste from farmed fish increase phosphorus concentration in the adjacent waters. Several intestinal enzymes, transporters, and regulating factors are implicated in dietary phosphorus retention of farmed fish. For example, alkaline phosphatase and other transporters help the anterior intestine absorb phosphorus, while pH, calcium, and vitamin D affect these enzymes and transporters. Intestinal morphology and gut microbiome may also affect this process. Reducing phosphorus pollution from open-flow fish farms requires a thorough understanding of processes that affect nutrient retention and absorption as well as of the impact of dietary factors, anti-nutritional substances, and intestinal morphology. Optimizing feed composition, adding functional feed ingredients, and managing gut health can reduce phosphorus release and improve aquaculture sustainability. Processing and functional feed additives can mitigate anti-nutritional factors and, addressing these issues will reduce aquaculture's environmental impact, ensuring aquatic ecosystem health and global food security

The history of saline nasal irrigation (SNI) is indeed a long one, beginning from the ancient Ayurvedic practices and starting to gain a foothold in the west at the beginning of 20th century. Today, there is a growing number of papers covering effects of SNI from in vitro studies to randomized clinical trials and literature overviews. Based on the recommendations of most of the European and American professional associations, seawater, alone or in combination with other preparations, has its place in treatment of numerous conditions of the upper respiratory tract (URT), primarily in chronic (rhino)sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, acute URT infections and postoperative recovery. Additionally, taking into account its multiple mechanisms of action and mounting evidence from recent studies, locally applied seawater preparations may have an important role in prevention of viral and bacterial infections of the URT. Therefore, in this review we discuss results published in the past years focused on the seawater preparations and their use in clinical and everyday conditions, since such products are superior to saline, have an excellent safety profile and are recommended by most professional associations in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

Rural clean heating project (RCHP) in China aims to increase flexibility in the rural energy system, enhance the integration of renewable energy and distributed generation, and reduce environmental impact. While RCHP-enabling routes have been studied from a technical perspective, the economic, ecological, regulatory, and policy dimensions of RCHP are yet to be analysed in depth, especially in the underdeveloped areas in China. This paper discusses RCHP in rural Gansu in a multi-dimension approach. We firstly focus on the current issues and challenges of RCHP in rural Gansu. Then the RCHP-enabling areas are briefly zoned into six typical regions based on the resource distribution in Gansu Province, and a matching framework of RCHP is recommended. Then we focus on the economics and sustainability of RCHP-enabling technologies. Based on the medium-term assessment of RCHP in the demonstration provinces, various technical schemes and routes are analysed and compared so as to be adopted in rural Gansu. In addition to technical and economic effects of those schemes, the corresponding ecology, policy, finance, and market implications are also concerned. We briefly discuss how the national regulators incentivise the implementation of RCHP in rural Gansu. Major barriers to RCHP are identified as the sustainability of technology, economy, ecology, policy, finance, and market. Subsequently, some policy solutions to overcome these barriers are proposed.

Deep learning has achieved remarkable success in diverse computer science applications, however, its use in other traditional engineering fields has emerged only recently. In this project, we solved several mechanics problems governed by differential equations, using physics informed neural networks (PINN). The PINN embeds the differential equations into the loss of the neural network using automatic differentiation. We present our developments in the context of solving two main classes of problems: data-driven solutions and data-driven discoveries, and we compare the results with either analytical solutions or numerical solutions using the finite element method. The remarkable achievements of the PINN model shown in this report suggest the bright prospect of the physics-informed surrogate models that are fully differentiable with respect to all input coordinates and free parameters. More broadly, this study shows that PINN provides an attractive alternative to solve traditional engineering problems.

Decision sciences (DSC) involve studying complex dynamic systems and processes to aid informed choices subject to constraints in uncertain conditions. It integrates multidisciplinary methods, techniques, and strategies to evaluate decision engineering processes, identifying alternatives and providing insights towards enhancing prudent decision-making. This study analyzes the evolutionary trends and innovation in DSC education and research to uncover the transformations over the years. We employ the science mapping method, text analytics, and metadata from bibliographic databases to evaluate thematic and social structures. The results highlight data science methods, including data mining and business/learning analytics as essential components. The evolutionary trends in DSC education and research mirror the development in practice, including technological transformation, computer science advances, and engineering processes. Sustainable education through virtual/online learning also constitutes a significant component of scientific production. The evolutionary trends in DSC education and research highlight innovative pedagogical approaches and strategies, including computer simulation and games ('play and learn'). The current era witnessed generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) adoption (e.g., ChatGPT) in teaching, learning, and scholarly activities amidst challenges (academic integrity, plagiarism, intellectual property violations, and other ethical and legal issues). Future research will implement and integrate AI automatic detection systems to address some GenAI adoption challenges.

The relationship between metabolic changes occurring in the developing internodes of sugarcane and the final yield and sugar characteristics is poorly understood. This is due to the lack of integration between phenotypic and metabolic data. To address this issue, a study was conducted where sugarcane metabolism was modelled based on the measurement of cellular components in the top internodes at two stages of crop development. The study also looked at the effects of Trinexapac-ethyl (Moddus®) on growth inhibition. The metabolome was measured using GC-analysis while LC-MS/MS was used to measure proteome changes in the developing internodes. The data was then integrated with the metabolic rates. The study revealed that the duration of internode growth is independent of the growth rate and is probably controlled by the accumulation of heat units (degree days). In contrast, sucrose and lignin accumulation is sensitive to the growth rate. Sucrose accumulation only occurs once the cell wall synthesis slow down. The data suggest that sucrose accumulation is controlled a reduction in sucrose breakdown for metabolic activity and a reduction in demand for carbon for cell wall polysaccharide synthesis. This study also found that nucleotide sugar metabolism appears to be a key regulator in regulating carbon flow during internode development.

Air pollution has created a lot of problems in the developed and developing countries. To avoid or reduce these problems, constant monitoring of the air should be ensured. The conventional techniques is costly because it requires a lot of money and time consuming. Biomonitoring has been the alternative method. Moss, lichens and plants are biomonitors available to entrap air pollutants. The aim of this paper is to discuss one of the ways of monitoring air pollution – Moss bag technique. To do this, types, choice, preparation, handling of bags after preparation of moss were discussed. From the literatures consulted, it was discovered that there were differences in the techniques used by the researchers. In all, the use of mosses with emphasis on the employment of moss bag have proved to be a powerful tool in airborne particulate and toxic elements. To conclude, developing countries should focus more on this technique because it will reduce cost of air monitoring.

Scanning underwater areas, using magnetometers, in search of unexploded ordnance is a difficult challenge, where machine learning methods can find a significant application. However, this requires the creation of a set enabling the training of prediction models. Such a task is difficult and costly due to the limited availability of relevant data. To meet this challenge in the article, we propose the use of numerical modeling to solve this task. The conducted experiments allow us to conclude that it is possible to obtain high compliance of the numerical model with the results of physical tests. In addition, the paper discusses the methodology of simplifying the computational model, allowing for almost three times reduction of the calculation time. In addition, in the work we present the methodology of creating an appropriate data set, enabling the generation of any number of training samples.

French Guiana, located in the Guiana Shield, is a natural reservoir for many zoonotic pathogens that are of considerable medical or veterinary importance. Until now, there are few data available on the description of parasites circulating in this area, especially on protozoan belonging to the phy-lum Apicomplexa; conversely, the neighbouring countries describe a high parasitic prevalence in animals and humans. Epidemiological surveillance is necessary, as new potentially virulent strains may emerge from these forest ecosystems, such as Amazonian toxoplasmosis. However, there is no standard tool for detecting protozoa in wildlife. In this study, we developed Meat-Borne-Parasite, a high-throughput meta-barcoding workflow for detecting Apicomplexa based on Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platform using the 18S gene of fourteen Apicomplexa-positive samples collected in French Guiana. Sequencing reads were then analysed with MetONTIIME pipeline. Thanks to a scoring rule, we were able to classify as Apicom-plexa-positive 10 samples out of 14 and reveal the presence of co-carriages. The same samples were also sequenced with Illumina platform, for validation purposes. On samples identified as Apicomplexa-positive by both platforms, a strong positive correlation at up to genus level was reported. Overall, the presented workflow represents a reliable method for Apicomplexa detec-tion, which may pave the way for more comprehensive biomonitoring of zoonotic pathogens.

The present work is concerned with the study of the generalized Langevin equation and its link to the physical theories of statistical mechanics and scale relativity. It is demonstrated that the form of the coefficients of Langevin equation depend critically on the assumption of continuity of the reconstructed trajectory. This in turn demands for the fluctuations of the diffusion term to be discontinuous in time. This paper further investigates the connection between the scale-relativistic and stochastic mechanics approaches, respectively, with the study of the Burgers equation, which in this case appears as a stochastic geodesic equation. By further demanding time reversibility of the drift the Langevin equation can also describe equivalent quantum-mechanical systems in a path-wise manner. The resulting statistical description obeys the Fokker-Plank equation of the probability density of the differential system, which can be readily estimated from Monte Carlo simulations of the random paths. Based on the Fokker-Plank formalism a new derivation of the transient probability densities is presented. Finally, stochastic simulations are compared to the theoretical results.

In this article, we first present and discuss eighteenth-century descriptions of minerals that contributed decisively to the development of crystallography. Remarkably, these old crystallographic descriptions included morphologies with symmetries incompatible with an internal periodic order of atoms, which, however, have been recognised to be characteristics of quasicrystals. Moreover, we also review a number of studies of minerals with aperiodic crystal structures, including recently reported natural quasicrystals of extra-terrestrial origin. Finally, we discuss the current investigations addressing the search for new quasicrystalline minerals in nature.

The Atmospheric Dynamics Mission ADM-Aeolus was successfully launched in August 2018 by the European Space Agency (ESA). The Aeolus mission carried a single instrument, the first-ever Doppler Wind Lidar (DWL) in space, called Atmospheric LAser Doppler INstrument (ALADIN). Aeolus circled the Earth in a polar sun-synchronous orbit at about 320 km altitude with a repeat cycle of 7 days, providing vertical profiles of horizontal line-of-sight (HLOS) winds on a global scale. Exceeding scientific expectations, Aeolus, initially designed for a 3-year lifetime, provided global coverage of wind profiles for almost five years. In this long-term validation study, we assessed the accuracy of the Level 2B (L2B) Rayleigh-clear and Mie-cloudy wind products by collecting radiosonde data from three stations in the Brazilian Amazon: Cruzeiro do Sul (7.62° S, 72.67° W), Porto Velho (8.76° S, 63.91° W), and Rio Branco (10.00° S, 67.80° W). Statistical validation was conducted by comparing Aeolus L2B wind products and radiosonde data, launched daily at 12:00 UTC from October 2018 to March 2023. Considering all data collected during the mission period, Pearson’s coefficient (R) of 0.73 was observed in Rayleigh-clear and 0.85 in Mie-cloudy, revealing a strong correlation between Aeolus and radiosonde winds. No significant biases were detected, with values of -0.14 m/s for Rayleigh-clear and -0.40 m/s for Mie-cloud, fulfilling the mission requirement of having absolute biases below 0.7 m/s. However, when analyzed annually, in 2022, the bias for Rayleigh-clear was -0.95 m/s, exceeding the mission requirements.

The synthesis of new collagen, chitosan and chitosan-collagen coated magnetic nanoparticles have been done. Two types of cross-linkers for polymer shell stabilization were used: glutaraldehyde (Gla) as a standard cross-linker and new one – squaric acid (SqA). Structure and morphology of prepared nanoparticles were characterized by ATR-FT IR, XRD and TEM analysis. The immobilization of lipase from Candida rugosa was performed on the nanoparticles surface. The amount of immobilized enzyme was quantified by the Bradford method. All of lipase-biopolymers coated nanoparticles were characterized with good activity recovery. A little hyperactivation of lipase immobilized on nanoparticles with SqA was observed. All of prepared lipase-immobilized nanoparticles were characterized with very good reusability.

Background: The cumulative exposure of UV radiation can result in dangerous consequences such as skin burns, photoaging, and skin cancer, hence the importance of using photoprotective formulations. Currently, the formulations seek to be more efficient, innovative and reach a wider audience. Many sunscreens are vegan, and have antioxidant substances to ensure additional photochemoprotective action. To evaluate biological, functional, and mechanical characteristics of them on the skin, biometric and rheologic methods can be used. Objective: Evaluate biophysical, rheological and sensorial parameters of Face Care Facial Moisturizing Cream® (P1) and a vegan formulation (P2) by in vitro and in vivo tests. Methods: A UV scan experiment was performed covering the range of 250 to 400 nm. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was evaluated by Mansur method. Rheological profiles were obtained using a MARS II (Haake®) controlled shear stress and gradient rheometer. Biophysical parameters were analyzed: skin sebum content, hydration level, transepidermal water loss, erythema and melanin level, skin color, and skin pH. The acceptance profile of the formulations by the volunteers was determined using a 9-point hedonic scale and a 5-point purchase intention test. Results: The formulations effectively absorbed light covering the UV radiation spectrum from UVA to UVB. The SPF of P1 was 25.21 and of P2 was 12.10 by in vitro tests. They had also pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior, it can contribute to better spreadability and to form a protective film. Biometric tests showed an increase in hydration and skin sebum, decreased erythema, and maintenance of skin pH after application of both formulations. The products also had similarly good acceptance and purchase intention by the volunteers. Conclusion: The comparation of a commercialized product and a vegan test version showed very similar rheological and great acceptance profiles. Therefore, the vegan formulation is a good alternative to reach a different market.

Wind energy is a kind of renewable energy with great potential for development. This study mainly investigated the application of shock waves generated by high-pressure gases (wind energy) for generating energy. In this study, we designed a new supersonic shock wave generator that can be reused without disassembling and assembling bolts and developed a supersonic shock wave monitoring system. This system monitored the velocity of the generated shock waves, which was Mach 3-5, and the output pressure was more than 100 times higher than the input pressure of the shock wave generator tank.Then, we developed a power generation system driven by supersonic shock waves based on the characteristics of the new shock wave generator, which can generate high-pressure and high-speed blast waves and can be reused. The shock wave generator can repeatedly generate high-pressure waves to drive the Tesla turbine and then the magnetic energy generator for power generation. We established a complete control process for power generation driven by shock waves by controlling the valve stem. The system can detect the tank pressure, output pressure, gas flow, rotation speed, voltage, and current during the control process for the performance analysis of power generation.

Effective oral care is important to maintain a high quality of life. Therefore, plaque control can prevent the development and recurrence of periodontitis. Brushing with a toothbrush and toothpaste is a common way to remove plaque; however, excessive brushing or brushing with abrasive toothpaste can cause wear and tear on the dental crown. Hence, we aimed to quantitatively compare the plaque-removal efficiency and tooth wear of toothbrushes using bioelectric effect (BE) with those of mechanical electric toothbrushes. To generate the BE signal, an electronic circuit was developed and embedded in a toothbrush. Further, typodonts were coated with cultured artificial plaques and placed in a brushing simulator. A toothpaste slurry was applied, and the typodonts were eluted with tap water after brushing. The plaques of the typodonts were captured, and the images were quantified. For the tooth wear experiment, polymethyl methacrylate disk resin blocks were brushed twice a day, and the thickness of the samples was measured. Subsequently, statistical differences between the experimental toothbrushes and typical toothbrushes were analyzed. The BE toothbrush had a higher plaque-removal efficiency and could minimize tooth wear. This study suggests that the application of BE may be a new solution for oral care.

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.

: Background: Vaccine-related death is one of the leading causes of death among African Children. Vaccine coverage is a very important measure to decrease infant mortality. Covid-19 Pandemic has affected the healthcare system and may have disrupted vaccine coverage. Methods: DTP third doses (DTP3) Vaccine Coverage was extracted from UNICEF databases from 2012 to 2021( the last available date). Joinpoint regression was performed to detect the point where the trend changed. The annual percentage change (APC) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) was calculated for Africa and the regions. We compared DTP3 vaccination coverage in 2019 with 2021 in each country to verify compliance with WHO targets. Result: During the whole period, the vaccine coverage in Africa has increased with an Annual Percent change of 1.2% (IC 95% 0.9-1.5): We detected one Joint point in 2019. In 2019-2021, there was a decrease in DTP3 coverage with an APC of -3.5(95% -6.0;-0,9). (P< 0.001). Vaccination rates have decreased in many regions and countries during the last two years. Conclusions. COVID-19 has disrupted vaccine coverage, decreasing it all over Africa.

Background: Health-related knowledge is among the essential factors to enable women to be aware of their rights to seek health services. However, little is known about knowledge of safe abortion care services among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. The main purpose of the study was to assess knowledge of safe abortion care services and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April-June 2019 among 432 respondents. Bivariate statistics including correlation coefficients, student t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regressions, and multiple linear regression analyses were used. A significant statistical test was determined at a 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05. Results: About 65.5% had heard about safe abortion care services; media being the main source of information for 79.5%. The finding from an independent-sample t-test shows that the place where the respondents grew up (p< 0.006), history of past miscarriage, and previous information of abortion care service were significantly associated with the knowledge about safe abortion care services (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Women without prior health experiences and those with rural origin could be targeted for reproductive health information interventions including safe abortion care provision.

Abstract: Due to sever land degradation throughout Ethiopia, the government has been implementing massive soil and water conservation works at the watershed scale since 2010 to conserve soil and water resources. However, most of the rivers in Ethiopia carry huge amount of sediment in rainy season and streams dried up in the dry period. Planned research was conducted on two paired micro-catchments Mt.Yewel with the main objective of evaluating the impact of soil and water conservation measures on base flow modification. Stream flow and rainfall data were collected from 22/11/2020 to 8/11/2022 on both micro-catchments at their outlets and center respectively. Base flow separation was done using Sp. Hydro base flow separation tool and SPSS Ver.21 statistical software was employed for data analysis. Flow duration curve (FDC) for both watersheds were developed. The FDC indicated that the base flow from treated micro-catchment ishigher and sustained in the dry season while it is low and un-sustained in untreated micro-catchment. From statistical analysis, there is a significant difference in base flow enhancement between the treated and untreated micro-catchment (P<0.001). Hence, catchment treatment contributed to improve groundwater recharge and sustain base flow in the dry season by reduce surface runoff during rainy season.

Background: Schistosome egg deposition in pregnant women may affect the placenta of infected mothers and cause Placental Schistosomiasis (PS). Histopathological examination of placental tissue is an inadequate detection method due to low sensitivity. So far, there has not been any sys-tematic review on PS. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed and in-cluded relevant secondary literature found in the citations of the primarily included publications. Results: We found a total of 8 publications describing PS with a total of 92 cases, describing egg deposition of dead and/or viable eggs and worms of S. haematobium and S. mansoni in placental tissue. One cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence of PS and its association to adverse birth outcomes, found 22% of placentas to be infested using a maceration technique but only < 1% using histologic examination. Additionally, no direct link to deleterious pregnancy outcomes could be shown. Conclusions: PS is a highly unattended and underdiagnosed condition in en-demic populations, due to a lack of awareness as well as low sensitivity of histopathological examinations. However, PS may play an important role in mediating or reinforcing adverse birth outcomes (ABO) such as fetal growth restriction (FGR) in maternal schistosomiasis, possibly by placental inflammation.

A method is proposed for describing the dynamics of systems of interacting particles in terms of an auxiliary field, which in the static mode is equivalent to given interatomic potentials, and in the dynamic mode is a classical relativistic composite field. It is established that for interatomic potentials, the Fourier transform of which is a rational algebraic function of the wave vector, the auxiliary field is a composition of elementary fields that satisfy the Klein-Gordon equation with complex masses. The interaction between particles carried by the auxiliary field is nonlocal both in space variables and in time. The temporal non-locality is due to the dynamic nature of the auxiliary field and can be described in terms of functional-differential equations of retarded type. Due to the finiteness mass of the auxiliary field, the delay in interactions between particles can be arbitrarily large. A qualitative analysis of the dynamics of few-body and many-body systems with retarded interactions has been carried out, and a non-statistical mechanisms for both the thermodynamic behavior of systems and synergistic effects has been established.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles contribute significantly to the global warming through their immense quantity of CO2 emissions and are on the way to be replaced by zero emission alternative solutions. Several replacement techniques with scientifically sound performances are proposed for the propulsion equipment including the related supply chains from renewable sources, but they often cannot fulfill the huge demand quantitatively. The paper discusses the quantitative aspects of the real demand with the example of the actual automotive park in Switzerland and analyses different alternatives like conventional EV’s, fuel-cell vehicles or energetic chains based on sustainable fuels like e-methanol or synthetic solar fuels. The analysis comprises energy efficiency considerations.

This review article is devoted to the colloidal properties of fullerene solutions. According to generally accepted understanding, all solvents in relations to fullerenes are divided into “good” (or “strong” or “high-solubility” ones), “poor” (usually polar) and “reactive”. Water occupies a special place, close to “poor” solvents. We have consistently considered and discussed the state of fullerenes in these systems. In "good", predominantly non-polar aromatic solvents and CS2, nonequilibrium dissolution methods lead to the formation of colloidal aggregates, whereas utilization of equilibrium methods results in the formation of molecular solutions. The latter, however, have some unusual properties; new results confirm previously expressed ideas about colloidal properties of these solutions. Both experimental and theoretical methods devoted to such systems are considered. In “poor” (polar) solvents, typical lyophobic colloidal systems appear. Both “bottom-up” and “top-down” methods of preparation are now well documented in the literature. However, some of these polar solvents dissolve fullerenes rather easily and with less energy consumption. In addition to N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one, which has been well studied for fullerenes, DMSO and DMF have now been described. These solvents can be considered a subset of poor solvents that have some features of being “reactive” at the expense of basic (“cationophilic”) properties. Room temperature ionic liquids are also used to dissolve fullerenes, but there is little experimental research. Hydrosols and aqueous suspensions of fullerenes are typical hydrophobic colloids that obey the Schulze–Hardy rule and other regularities in the presence of electrolytes. New experimental data confirm the previously obtained results. Organosols in acetonitrile and methanol are much less stable with respect to electrolytes; the difference in critical coagulation concentrations of electrolytes reaches two to three orders of magnitude. This allows us to conclude that there is an additional, so-called non-DLVO, stabilizing factor in the hydrosols. Accordingly, the value of the Hamaker constant of fullerene-fullerene interaction may be higher than that derived from coagulation data in water. Contrary to the mentioned “poor” polar solvents, the stability of fullerene sols in DMSO is even higher than in water. These results, as well as data obtained with DMF demonstrate strong solvation of fullerenes with basic solvents.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the implications of using virtual private networks (VPNs) as home-working is now common. Establishing the current state of knowledge on VPNs and their processes is vital. This corroborates an up to date understanding on the fundamentals of VPNs and their usage in today’s society; it informs on how to better use VPNs too. Insight into the security issues VPNs face and possible solutions to these allows for the identification of gaps for potential future research. Addressing these gaps would then indicate how to further improve VPNs, making sure VPNs are indeed beneficial to users.

The dynamic equilibrium of iron homeostasis has an important role in sustaining metabolic and neurological functions during human life. Iron excretion is modest and unregulated hence this overall equilibrium is tightly regulated in normal conditions by increasing deficient or limiting excessive iron assimilation. Here we focus on neural tissue overload, dyshomeostasis that is preceded by excessive assimilation, disturbances in internal homeostasis or both. Normal steps in iron homeostasis include its uptake across the apical membrane of the enterocytes in a mildly acidic duodenal milieu by the major importer of ferrous iron, Divalent Metal Transporter 1 (DMT1) (Nramp2/DCT1/SLC11A2, solute carrier family 11 member 2) [1, 2], responsible for the uptake of Non-Transferrin Bound Iron (NTBI) and divalent metals [3], passage through enterocytes bound to a chaperone and crossing the basal membrane via the only known cellular ferrous iron exporter, ferroportin [4] with the iron bound to transferrin (Tf) as it exits. Cells in peripheral tissues largely utilize circulating iron after uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis of Tf-bound Iron [5]. Derangement of duodenal NTBI absorption of iron and heavy metals is influenced by systemic iron metabolism associated with inflammation that leads to iron accumulation into peripheral tissues and potential development of neurodegenerative diseases, involving distribution and fine regulation of DMT1 also in the central nervous system, where inflammatory-related acidosis influences DMT1 uptake, via its action as a proton cotransporter. Pharmacological strategies to inhibit NTBI transport selectively will be illustrated in relationship to protection, particularly neuroprotection, against iron overload associated with acidosis, inflammation, neuroinflammation and subsequent neurodegeneration.

: The performance of the students in academics depends on many different factors. One of these factors is the economic status of their families. Education in public schools, though it is free, some parents cannot afford to send their children to school due to financial constraints. Education as a free is every individual's right in society, but it becomes a privilege because of a lack of financial support. This research work is a comparative study of students' or learners' performance in mathematics among students from working and non-working. This research article's ultimate objective is to investigate and compare a significant difference in their performance in the subject mathematics. The research methodology utilizes a t-test to analyze and synthesize primary data sources collected via interview and academic records, and diverse literature on the study area. However, the research findings revealed no significant difference in the two groups (the working and non-working group of learners). Therefore, it is recommended that secondary schools should be provided with adequate books and facilities and faculty school interventions and programs and promote the usage of SIM or Strategic Intervention Materials for learning and memory enhancement among learners.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) networks are essential in acquiring the drug resistance and cancer malignant features in cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this regard, gene expression profiles in diffuse- and intestinal-type gastric cancer (GC) have been analyzed to reveal the network pathways in EMT and CSCs, since the diffuse-type GC has much more mesenchymal features than intestinal-type GC that has the intestinal features. The study results revealed that the activation state of several canonical pathways related to cell cycle regulation was altered. The canonical pathway on Cell cycle: G1/S checkpoint regulation was activated in diffuse-type GC, and canonical pathways on Cell cycle control of chromosomal replication and Cyclins and cell cycle regulation were activated in intestinal-type GC. Canonical pathway related to Role of BRCA1 in DNA damage response was activated in intestinal-type GC, where BRCA1, which is related to G1/S phase transition was up-regulated in intestinal-type GC. Several microRNAs (miRNAs), including mir-10, mir-17, mir-19, mir-194, mir-224, mir-25, mir-34, mir-451, and mir-605, were identified to have direct relationships of RNA-RNA interaction in Cell cycle: G1/S checkpoint regulation pathway. Additionally, cell cycle regulation may be altered in EMT conditions. The alterations in activation states of the pathways related to cell cycle regulation in diffuse- and intestinal-type GC would indicate the significance of cell cycle regulation in EMT.

We still do not have satisfactory answers about the inflationary and accelerating expansions of the universe, the missing mass problem, and the origins of the four fundamental forces and the quantum phenomena. Here, we introduce a new model of matter and space and a postulate on a constant of motion, and then show that an equation of motion derived from the constant of motion could provide new understandings of the above problems. For example, we show that there is a natural inflation scenario and that the co-moving distance to the closest accelerating supernova is clearly given as $c/(\sqrt{3} H)$ ($\sim$8.1 billion ly). In addition, we show that, in a system including a proton and an electron, the equation of motion has eight acceleration terms, some of which are suspected to be responsible for the four fundamental forces and the galaxy rotation anomaly. From further discussion, we conjecture that in order to understand the gravitational and strong interactions and the quantum phenomena, it is necessary to consider the expansion of the universe. The lensing mass distribution is explained, based on another postulate on a method of representing superposition.

Rough volatility models are popularized by \cite{gatheral2018volatility}, where they have shown that the empirical volatility in the financial market is extremely consistent with rough volatility. Fractional Riccati equation as a part of computation for the characteristic function of rough Heston model is not known in explicit form as of now and therefore, we must rely on numerical methods to obtain a solution. In this paper, we give a short introduction to option pricing theory and an overview of the current advancements on the rough Heston model.

This article aims to discuss, the stability and boundedness character of the solutions of the rational equation of the form \begin{equation}\label{eql21.1} y_{t+1}=\frac{\nu\epsilon^{-y_t}+\delta\epsilon^{-y_{t-1}}}{\mu+\nu y_t+\delta y_{t-1}},\quad t\in N(0). \end{equation} Here, $\epsilon>1, \nu,\delta,\mu\in (0,\infty)$ and $y_0, y_1$ are taken as arbitrary non-negative reals and $N(a)=\{a,a+1,a+2,\cdots \}$. Relevant examples are provided to validate our results. The exactness is tested using MATLAB.

This study delves into the intricate interplay between cosmology and gravity in dilaton-based models, enhancing our understanding. Exploring boundary theories coupled to gravity, we derive a four-dimensional effective theory from the cosmological constant. Dilaton gravity is then scrutinized, revealing elegant solutions and insights into brane embedding. The analysis extends to probe scalar fields, employing the WKB approximation in both conformal and non-conformal cases. In summary, this work contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between cosmology and gravity in dilaton-based frameworks.

In the recent years, tubular nanostructures have been related with immense advances in various fields of science and technology. Considerable research efforts have been centered on the theoretical prediction and manufacturing of non-carbon nanotubes (NTs), which meet modern requirements for the developing of novel devices and systems. In this context, diatomic inorganic nanotubes formed by atoms of elements from the 13th group of the periodic table (B, Al, Ga, In, Tl) and nitrogen (N), have received much research attention. In the present work, the elastic properties of single-walled boron nitride, aluminium nitride, gallium nitride, indium nitride and thallium nitride nanotubes were numerically evaluated using the nanoscale continuum modelling approach (also called molecular structural mechanics). The elastic properties (rigidities, surface Young´s and shear moduli, and Poisson´s ratio) of nitride nanotubes are discussed with respect to the bond length of the corresponding diatomic hexagonal lattice. The results obtained contribute to a better understanding of the mechanical response of nitride compound-based nanotubes, covering a broad range from the well-studied boron nitride NTs to the hypothetical thallium nitride NTs.

Patients with a psychotic disorder frequently report oral health problems, while mental health nurses (MHNs) seem not to be fully aware of these problems and the risk factors. Therefore, this study aims to develop supportive tools for MHNs regarding oral health to increase sensitization among MHNs and to provide MHNs with knowledge to recognize (potential) oral health problems in patients with a psychotic disorder. We used a human-centered design in which the user, MHNs as well as experts by experience, were placed in the centre of the research process. Problems and needs in MHNs working with patients with a psychotic disorder were addressed. To identify key issues of problem as well as the needs in terms of resources, we started with focus groups (n = 9). We analysed the data thematically based on context of patients and MHNs in practice regarding oral health, preferred oral health tools focused on MHN, and intended outcomes of tools. A Multi Criteria Decision Matrix was developed and analysed (n = 9) to identify the most optimal and viable solution based on established criteria and issues that are prevalent in the work of MHNs. Most promising result was the development of a brochure with an awareness screener. The brochure with awareness screener was developed as a low-fidelity prototype for MHNs regarding oral health in patients with a psychotic disorder, based on the latest scientific evidence. After testing it, the feasibility was tested through semi-structured interviews (n=19). MHNs and experts by experience were satisfied with the tool and provided recommendations for adjustments to the content. Significant augmentations to the brochure include a clinical lesson and a toothbrush with toothpaste for patients. We can conclude that a brochure with an awareness screener is feasible for MHNs. Future steps aiming to further refine and optimize care processes for oral health tools in MHNs, should take refining eligibility criteria for psychiatric populations and the language level of the target group of a tool into account.

The introduction of innovative digital tools for supporting manufacturing processes has far-reaching effects on an organizational and an individual level due to the development of Industry 4.0. The FACTS4WORKERS project funded by H2020, i.e. Worker-Centric Workplaces in Smart Factories, aims to develop user-centered assistance systems in order to demonstrate their impact and applicability at the shop floor. To do so it is important to understand how to develop such tools and how to assess if advantages can be derived from the created ICT system. This study introduces the technology of a workplace solution that is linked to a specific industrial challenge. Subsequently, a 2-stepped approach to evaluate the presented system is discussed. Heuristics, which are an output of project “Heuristics for Industry 4.0”, are used to test if the developed solution covers critical aspects of socio-technical system design. Insights into the design, development and holistic evaluation of digital tools at the shop floor should be shown.

Given the importance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma in epidermal inflammation and carcinogenesis, we analyzed transcriptomic changes observed in epidermal PPARγ deficient mice (Pparg-/-epi). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed a close association with epithelial malignancy, inflammatory cell chemotaxis and cell survival. Single cell sequencing of Pparg-/-epi mice verified changes to the stromal compartment, including increased inflammatory cell infiltrates, particularly neutrophils and an increase in fibroblasts expressing myofibroblast marker genes. A comparison of transcriptomic data from Pparg-/-epi and publicly available human and or mouse actinic keratoses (AK) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) revealed strong correlation between the datasets. Importantly, PPAR signaling was the top common inhibited canonical pathway in AK and SCC. Both AKs and SCCs also had significantly reduced PPARG expression and PPARγ activity z-scores. Smaller reductions in PPARA expression and PPARα activity and increased PPARD expression but reduced PPARδ activation were also observed. Reduced PPAR activity was also associated with reduced PPARα/RXRα activity while LPS/IL1-mediated inhibition of RXR activity was significantly activated in the tumor datasets. Notably. these changes are not observed in normal sun-exposed skin relative to non-exposed skin. Finally, Ppara and Pparg were heavily expressed in sebocytes while Ppard was highly expressed in myofibroblasts, suggesting a role for PPARδ in myofibroblast differentiation. In conclusion, these data indicate PPARγ and possibly PPARα represent key tumor suppressors by acting as master inhibitors of the inflammatory changes found in AKs and SCCs.

The present study evaluates ratcheting response of notched and press-fitted Al 7075-T6 specimens under stress-controlled asymmetric cycles. The degree of interference fit (DIF) directly influenced progressive plastic strain magnitude and rate at notch root region. Local ratcheting at the hole-pin interference region was analyzed by means of two kinematic hardening rules of Ahmadzadeh-Varvani (A-V) and Chaboche coupled with the Neuber rule. Ratcheting strains at notch root of aluminum samples with DIF=0 (non-press-fitting samples) were measured to be highest in magnitude. For the press-fitted samples, however ratcheting strains dropped noticeably as DIF increased from 1% to 2%. Press-fitted samples plastically deformed the perimeter edge of notches and improved materials locally at the notch edge, resulting in a better resistance against ratcheting progress. Local ratcheting at different distances of 0.5, 1.3 and 3.0 mm from the notch root were evaluated for both pinned and unpinned samples through the hardening rules and compared with those of measured values. The predicted ratcheting curves by means of the A-V and Chaboche hardening rules closely agreed with experimental data and respectively positioned above and below the measured data.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), lacking specific receptors found in other breast cancer subtypes, poses significant treatment challenges due to limited therapeutic options. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel treatment approaches for TNBC. In the last few decades, many attempts have been reported for alternative tools for TNBC treatment: immunotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, combination therapy, and nanotechnology-based therapy. Among them, combination therapy and nanotechnology-based therapy show the most promise for TNBC treatment. This review outlines recent advancements in these areas, highlighting the efficacy of combination therapy (immunotherapy paired with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy) in both preclinical and clinical stages and nanotechnology-based therapies utilizing various nanoparticles loaded with anticancer agents, nucleic acids, immunotherapeutics, or CRISPRs in preclinical stages for TNBC treatment.

This study was conducted to evaluate the yield and quality parameters of milk from 60 indigenous South African goats of different genotypes namely Nguni, Boer and Non- descript reared under a free ranging system. Milk yield and quality parameters (milk fat, protein, lactose, solid non-fat and minerals) from Nguni (10), Boer (10) and Non-descript (10) goats was measured and analysed per week at each stage of lactation. Result showed that, Nguni goats produced (1.2±0.09, 1.3±0.11 and 1.2±0.07 litres per day) more milk (P ˂ 0.05) at early, mid and late stages of lactation than Boer (0.6±0.10, 1.0±0.17 and 0.6±0.09 litres per day) and Non-descript (0.3±0.10, 0.3±0.12 and 0.3±0.09 litres per day) goats, respectively. The mean value of milk fat, protein and lactose content from Nguni goat was (3.98, 3.54 and 5.31); Boer goat (2.9, 3.59 and 5.04) and Non-descript goat (4.05, 3.39 and 5.02), respectively. There was significant effect (P ˂ 0.05) of genotypes on milk fat, milk magnesium and sodium contents of Nguni, Boer and Non-descript goats. It could be concluded that, Nguni goat produced more milk than Boer and Non-descript goats, but the Non-descript goat had higher mean percentage of milk fat compared to Nguni and Boer goats.

The human landscape transforming activity contributes to the global change of vegetation in different forms. Hunting is one of the most ancient human landscape-shaping activities. Feeders for hunting are particularly disruptive to vegetation. In the present study, we conducted a vegetation survey in these highly disturbed places. We are investigating the vegetation dynamics over several years in in the turkey oak–sessile oak zone, in two areas with different moisture and shade conditions (forest and clearing). One important background factor is changes in precipitation and temperature. The novelty of our present study lies in the fact that the observation takes place with continuous disturbance, where the human influence is very large. Our results confirm that the weed infestation be detectable at bait sites over a long period, and the interannual changes were typical in every year, according to the fact that in August, more weed species are usually present with a greater cover at the bait sites. The main meteorological factors played a role in the degree of weed infestation in each year. There was a higher proportion of vegetation regeneration in wetter years, while dry periods do not favor successional processes. With the drying of the climate, the disturbed areas are constantly losing their natural value, but wetter weather is not an automatic solution either. A more precise understanding of vulnerable systems and careful planning of treatment interventions is necessary.

Ultra-wide field optical coherence tomography (UWF-OCT) has been recently introduced into clinical ophthalmological practice. To date, there is little data on the reference values of retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal thickness (CT) measured with this technique. This study aimed to analyze the variance of RT and CT in healthy eyes with UWF-OCT tests performed with the largest available scan size of 23 x 20 mm. The data were analyzed with reference to the patients' age, gender, and the axial length of the eyeball. The results of UWF-OCT scanning enabled us to picture the shape of the retina and choroid in a large portion of the eyeball. Both anatomical entities become significantly thinner at the periphery. The peripheral CT is greater in the upper and temporal sectors; the RT is higher in the nasal compared to the temporal sectors. Both choroid and retina lose thickness with age, however, CT and RT do not show a statistically significant correlation with the axial length after adjusting for age and gender. Age-related variations in thickness are especially prominent in the choroid. The CT in UWF-OCT testing is significantly greater in females while the RT is greater in males. UWF-OCT testing provides additional information on the anatomical structure of the retina and choroid compared to standard-field OCT

The levels of informatization, automation, and intelligence are continuously improving; however, the risks due to the increased design and operational complexity of ship systems are increasing. Large-scale ship accidents occur for various reasons. Existing accident analysis methods that examine marine accidents from the perspective of causal one-to-one correspondence have limitations in systematically analyzing complex marine risks when identifying their causes for the prevention of similar accidents. This study focuses on a systematic causality analysis of the factors related to human errors in marine accidents that may occur during the arrival and departure of mega container ships. In particular, a representative case of the Milano Bridge crane contact accident at Busan New Port is considered. To explore the complex organizational–technical, human–technical, and organizational–human relationships relevant to this case, human factors (seafarer, pilot, etc) that are closely related to the linked causes were analyzed using the functional resonance analysis method. This study aims to reduce human error and prevent marine accidents including pilotage.

The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with hydrophilic poly-sodium-acrylate ligands (PSA) was studied to assess PSA-MNP complexes as draw solution (DS) solutes in forward osmosis (FO). For MNP-based DS, the surface modification and the size of the MNPs are two crucial factors to achieve a high osmolality. Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NP) with functional groups attached may represent the ideal DS where chemical modifications of the NPs can be used in optimizing the DS osmolality and the magnetic properties allows for efficient recovery (DS re-concentration) using an external magnetic field. In this study MNPs with diameters of 4 nm have been prepared by controlled chemical co-precipitation of magnetite phase from aqueous solutions containing suitable salts of Fe2+ and Fe3+ under inert atmosphere and a pure magnetite phase could be verified by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic colloid suspensions containing PSA coated MNPs with three different molar ratios of PSA : MNP = 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 were prepared and assessed in terms of osmotic pressure, aggregation propensity and magnetization. FTIR confirmed the presence of PSA on coated MNPs and pristine PSA-MNPs with a molar ratio PSA : MNP = 1:1 exhibited an osmotic pressure of 30 bar. Molar ratios of PSA : MNP = 1:2 and 1:3 lead to formation of less stabile magnetic colloid solutions which led to formation of aggregates with larger average hydrodynamic sizes and modest osmotic pressures (5.5 bar and 0.2 bar respectively). After purification with ultrafiltration, the 1:1 nanoparticles exhibited an osmotic pressure of 9 bar with no aggregation and a sufficient magnetization of 25 emu/g to allow for DS regeneration using an external magnetic field. However, it was observed that the amount of PSA molecules attached to the MNPs decreased during DS recycling steps leaving only strong chelate bonded core-shell PSA as coating on the MNPs. This demonstrates the crucial role of MNP coating robustness in designing an efficient MNP-based DS for FO.

[Research Objective] In the context of the rapid development of digital governance, understanding and analyzing the burden level of digital tools in the process of serving digital governance from multiple perspectives is an important prerequisite for improving the capacity and accuracy of government digital governance, promoting sustainable public participation, and maximizing digital value in the new era. [Research Method] By constructing a model of the burden of digital tools caused by technical, organizational and environmental factors on the public based on the TOE framework, using SPSS for data testing based on 275 research questionnaires, and using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the linkage ways and paths of the burden-increasing effect of digital tools in a holistic perspective. [Research findings] does not constitute a necessary condition for high levels of digital tool affordances under a single condition, but improving users' digital literacy plays a more general role in optimising the efficiency of digital tool use. According to the results, there are five dominant patterns that have a significant impact, i.e. the driving paths that lead to high levels of digital tool affordability are characterised by a "homogeneous approach". In the cross-group study, significant differences were found in the driving paths of high digital tool affordability by group, depending on the level of digital tool mastery. This paper suggests that the government should continue to pay attention to affordability levels, rationalise the use of financial resources, improve the level of digital tool adaptation, and innovate the existing performance evaluation system for digital governance indicators.

Progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been associated with an escape of tumor cells from the host immune surveillance due to an increased knowledge of its underlying molecular mechanisms and its modulation by the tumor microenvironment and immune cell repertoire. In this study the expression of HLA class I (HLA-I) antigens and of components of the antigen processing machinery (APM) was analyzed in 160 pathologically classified human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative OSCC lesions and correlated to the intra-tumoral immune cell response, IFN- signaling and to the patients outcome. A heterogeneous, but predominantly lower constitutive protein expression of HLA-I APM components was found in OSCC sections when compared to non-neoplastic cells. Tumoral HLA-I APM component expression was further categorized into the three major phenotypes HLA-Ihigh/APMhigh, HLA-Ilow/APMlow and HLA-Idiscordant high/low/APMhigh. In the HLA-Ihigh/APMhigh group, the highest frequency of intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells and lowest number of CD8+ T cells close to FoxP3+ cells was found. Patients within this group presented the most unfavorable survival, which was significantly evident in stage T2 tumors. Despite a correlation with the number of intra-tumoral CD8+ T cells, tumoral JAK1 expression as a surrogate marker for IFN- signaling was not associated with HLA-I/APM expression. Thus, the presented findings strongly indicate the presence of additional factors involved in the immunomodulatory process of HPV-negative OSCC with a possible tumor-burden-dependent complex network of immune escape mechanisms beyond HLA-I/APM components and T cell infiltration in this tumor entity.

This paper examines the use of multisensory virtual reality (VR) as a novel approach in psychological therapy for autobiographical memory retrieval with benefits for cognitive enhancement, stress reduction etc. The research in this paper was done under Romanian Arut Research Grant no. 27/09/10/2023 ”Intelligent VR system for treating autobiographical/episodic memory deficits".  By simulating realistic multisensory experiences, VR technology offers an immersive environment that surpasses traditional therapeutic methods in effectiveness. Previous studies demonstrate improved outcomes in treating various psychological conditions (affective disorders and PTSD, specific phobias and age-related cognitive decline). Technological advancements in VR, such as olfactory integration cand contribute to the realism and therapeutic potential of these environments, the integration of various physical stimuli with VR holds promising potential psychological therapies and highlighting the need for further interdisciplinary research. In this pilot study we tested the efficacy of a new system for triggering autobiographical memory retrieval. For this we used images combined with odors in a congruent manner and offering participants the chance to interact with the VR environment by using 2 virtual hands. We evaluated the efficacy of this system using qualitative methods with emphasis on the evaluation of the emotions associated with memory recollection and the ease of triggering memories. All participants in our pilot study experienced intense emotions related to childhood or adolescence and the pleasant feelings they had during the experiment persisted even after it ended. This is an advancement to what exists currently and original research elements for our paper.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most lethal genitourinary malignancies owing to its propensity for recurrence and poor survival. The biochemical pathway, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), has gained significance as a molecular pathway that promotes proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance. In this study, we explored the targeting of STAT3 with TTI-101 and SH5-07 in bladder cancer (BCa) and elucidated the mechanisms in three-dimensional (3D) spheroid and tumoroid models. We optimized the growth of spheroids from human, rat, and mouse BCa cell lines (J82, NBT-II, and MB49, respectively), and tumoroids from BBN (N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine) induced rat bladder tumors. Cell viability was assessed using MTT and trypan blue assays. ATP production, ROS production, and calcium AM (CA)/EtBr staining were used to measure the spheroid and organoid inhibition and mitochondrial function. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the pharmacodynamic markers involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and STAT3 signaling in BCa. We found that targeting STAT3 (using TTI-101 and SH5-07) significantly reduced the proliferation of BCa spheroids, and tumoroids, which was accompanied by decreased expression of pSTAT3, Cyclin D1, and PCNA. Our data also demonstrated that treatment with STAT3 inhibitors induced ROS production and cell death in BCa spheroids and organoids. STAT3 inhibition induced cell death was associated with the activation of caspase 3/7 and PARP cleavage. Moreover, TTI-101 and SH5-07 targets cancer stem cells by downregulating the expression of CD44 and CD133 in 3D models. This study provides the first evidence for the prevention of bladder cancer with small-molecule inhibitors TTI101 and SH5-07 via suppression of CSCs and STAT3 signaling.

The detection, characterization, and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant variants is a challenge to public health authorities worldwide. Recombinant variants, composed of two or more SARS-CoV-2 lineages, often have unknown impacts on transmission, immune escape, and virulence in the early stages of emergence. We examined 4,213 SARS-CoV-2 recombinant SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected between 2020 and 2022 from California to describe regional and statewide trends in prevalence. Many of these recombinant genomes, such as those belonging to the XZ lineage, or novel recombinant lineages, likely originated within the state of California. We discuss the challenges and limitations surrounding Pango lineage assignments, the use of publicly available sequence data, and adequate sample sizes for epidemiologic analyses. Although these challenges will continue as SARS-CoV-2 sequencing volumes decrease globally, this study enhances our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 recombinant genomes to date while providing a foundation for future insights into emerging recombinant lineages.

Escherichia coli is an indicator microorganism in One Health antibiotic resistance surveillance programmes. The purpose of the study was to describe and compare E. coli isolates obtained from pigs and human contacts from a commercial farm in South Africa using conventional methods and whole genome sequencing (WGS). Porcine E. coli isolates were proportionally more resistant phenotypically and harboured a richer diversity of antibiotic resistance genes, as compared to human E. coli isolates. Different pathovars, namely ExPEC (12.43%, 21/169), ETEC (4.14%; 7/169), EPEC (2.96%, 5/169), EAEC (2.96%, 5/169) and STEC (1.18%, 2/169) were detected at low frequencies. Sequence type complex (STc) 10 were the most prevalent (85.51%, 59/169) among human and porcine isolates. Six STcs (STc10, STc86, STc168, STc206, STc278 and STc469) were shared at the human-livestock interface according to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Core genome MLST and hierarchical clustering (HC) showed that human and porcine isolates were overall genetically diverse, but some clustering at HC2 to HC200 were observed. In conclusion, even though the isolates shared a spatio-temporal relationship, there were still differences in the virulence potential, antibiotic resistance profiles, and cgMLST and HC according to the source of isolation.

The exponential growth of the agricultural industry in the Amazon region has brought about notable economic advancements. However, this growth has substantially cost the region’s ecosystems, manifesting in increased deforestation and biodiversity degradation within the Amazon forest. This article is dedicated to assessing the eco-efficiency of agricultural production in Amazon biome municipalities. It places particular emphasis on identifying critical determinants through the utilization of the classic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model for efficiency computation, super-efficiency models for distinctive characterization, bootstrap computational techniques for robust resampling, and the Malmquist index for calculating annual eco-efficiency indices of each Decision-Making Unit (DMU). An exploration of the correlation between efficiency and meteorological attributes of the municipalities is conducted. The findings of this study reveal several significant points: 1) Eco-efficient municipalities within the Amazon Biome can serve as benchmarks for other DMUs striving to attain optimal input-output levels. 2) Most municipalities in the Amazon Biome operate closely to the productive frontier due to the prevalent technology employed in their agricultural activities. 2) The nature of the technological frontier’s return suggests that small and large DMUs possess eco-efficiency potential. 4) The current dataset does not yield conclusive evidence regarding a direct correlation between the variables. Leveraging this information, strategic pathways can be formulated to drive economic development in tandem with the sustainability of Amazon Biome municipalities. These strategies promise to foster social, economic, and environmental benefits for the populace while providing valuable insights to inform future research within this thematic domain.

The effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJ) on growth and taxoid formation in the cell culture of Himalayan yew was investigated for elucidate the specifics of the action of phytohormones on dedifferentiated plant cells in vitro. The characteristics of the same suspension culture of Taxus wallichiana was compared in 2017 ("young culture") and in 2022 ("old culture") - 1.5 or 6 years after culture induction, respectively. Cells were grown in flasks and bioreactors, MeJ (100 µM) was added at the exponential growth phase. It was found that cell culture demonstrated good growth (dry weight (DW) accumulation 10–18 g/l, specific growth rate µ = 0.15–0.35 day-1) regardless of "age", cultivation system and MeJ addition. UPLC–ESI-MS analysis showed the presence of C14-hydroxylated taxoids (yunnanxane, taxuyunnanine C, sinenxane C, sinenxane B) in cell biomass in the amounts comparable to plants. The content of C14-OH taxoids during 5 years of cultivation increased by 3-5 times. It was 0.2–1.6 mg/g DW for "young culture” and 0.6-10.1 mg/g for “old culture” depending on cultivation conditions. The ratio of individual compounds changed also: in the "young culture" was predominant yunnanxane, in the "old culture" - sinenxane C. Important that C13-hydroxylated taxoids were found in trace amounts only in the "young culture” (below 0.05 mg/g DW) and were not detected in the "old culture”. The response to MeJ was radically different depending on culture’s «age». In the “young culture”, exogenous MeJ had no effect on the content of C14-OH com-pounds, but significantly (almost 10 times) increased the content of C13-OH compounds. In particular, paclitaxel concentration was elevated up to 0.12–0.19 mg/g DW, which is comparable to its content in the bark of yew trees. By contrast, MeJ added to the "old culture” had minor effect on the synthesis of C13-OH toxoids that appeared in trace amounts only (below 3.5 µg/g DW for paclitaxel) but notably increased the content of C14-OH compounds (1.5–2.0 times in flasks and 5–8 times in bioreactors). These findings suggest that hormonal signaling in dedifferentiated yew cells grown in vitro is different from that in plants and change with culture age. This might be a result of the high level of heterogeneity of cells in vitro and their constant auto-selection for proliferate intensity which leads to predominant formation of C14-OH taxoids versus C13-OH taxoids and modified cell response to exogenous MeJ treatment. These results have both fundamental and practical biotechnological application.

In this paper we evaluate the effects of hard and soft constraints on the Iterative Data Snooping (IDS), an iterative outlier elimination procedure. Here, the measurements of a levelling geodetic network were classified according to the local redundancy and maximum absolute correlation between the outlier test statistics, referred to as clusters. We highlight that the larger the relaxation of the constraints, the higher the sensitivity indicators MDB (Minimal Detectable Bias) and MIB (Minimal Identifiable Bias) for both the clustering of measurements and the clustering of constraints. There are circumstances that increase the family-wise error rate (FWE) of the test statistics, increase the performance of the IDS. Under a scenario of soft constraints, one should set out at least three soft constraints in order to identify an outlier in the constraints. In general, hard constraints should be used in the stage of pre-processing data for the purpose of identifying and removing possible outlying measurements. In that process, one should opt to set out the redundant hard constraints. After identifying and removing possible outliers, the soft constraints should be employed to propagate their uncertainties to the model parameters during the process of least-squares estimation.

Silver ion (Ag+) are recognized for their potent antibacterial properties; however, their utilization in food preservation is restricted by factors such as inadequate stability, a transient antibacterial impact, and the potential for human absorption. Hydrogel-based antibacterial agents are capable of exerting their antibacterial effects by establishing appropriate microenvironments, which facilitate the efficient delivery of antimicrobial molecules to the contaminated regions of food. In previous studies, we observed that chitosan (CS) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were able to reduce Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with enhanced antibacterial properties. This not only significantly extended the stability of the antibacterial agent but also demonstrated exceptional inhibitory capabilities against pathogenic bacteria, including common grape contaminants such as P. expansum, A. niger, and B. cinerea. Utilizing ultrasound-induced complexation technology, this study has successfully synthesized a chitosan-silver (CS-AgNPs) hydrogel. The efficacy of this hydrogel against the pathogenic fungus responsible for jujube black spot disease has been thoroughly investigated. The morphology structures of CS-AgNPs hydrogels were characterized by TEM, FTIR and UV-vis. The results indicated that AgNPs ranging from 80 to 110 nm were uniformly dispersed within the gel matrix and remained stable for extended periods at room temperature. In vitro antibacterial assays and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) studies revealed that the pronounced antibacterial efficacy of the CS-AgNPs hydrogel was primarily attributed to the additive antibacterial effect of CS and AgNPs. These insights underscore the significant potential of CS-AgNPs hydrogels in combating fungal diseases of jujube, offering innovative strategies and materials for the management of agricultural pathogens.

The central reason behind emergence of clinically-detectable tumors is evasion from immune surveillance due to lack of cancer cells surface membrane expression of tumor-specific peptides in association with MHC class I molecules, concealment of natural killer cells-activating molecules, and absence of inflammation resulting from inefficient stimulation of innate immunity receptors and co-stimulatory molecules. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also contributes to tumor initiation, progression and resistance to therapeutic interventions because of its dense, fibrogenic, barrier-like composition, aberrant vasculature, and production of cytokines and chemokines responsible for recruitment of immune suppressive cells, notably myeloid-derived suppressor cells, M2 macrophages, regulatory T cells, extracellular trap-forming neutrophils, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. We herein show that the relentless efforts and strategies to overcome the TME elusive tumor-promoting impact produced contrasting, opposed, controversial effects, characterized by limited efficacy and proven adversity, and most importantly deterred from attempts to discover and counteract the fundamental inherent mechanisms initiating, and not consequent to, carcinogenesis.

With the advances in industry and commerce, passengers have become more accepting of environmental sustainability issues; thus, more people now choose to travel by bus. Government administration constitutes an important part of bus transportation services as the government gives the right-of-way to transportation companies allowing them to provide services. When these services are of poor quality, passengers may lodge complaints. The increase in consumer awareness and developments in wireless communication technologies have made it possible for passengers to easily and immediately submit complaints about transportation companies to government institutions, which has brought drastic changes to the supply-demand chain comprised of the public sector, transportation companies, and passengers. This study proposed the use of big data analysis technology including systematized case assignment and data visualization to improve management processes in the public sector and optimize customer complaint services. Taichung City, Taiwan was selected as the research area. There, the customer complaint management process in public sector was improved, effectively solving such issues as station-skipping, allowing the public sector to fully grasp the service level of transportation companies, improving the sustainability of bus operations, and supporting the sustainable development of the public sector-transportation company-passenger supply chain.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that poses a significant long-term health risk due to its debilitating complications. While the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes are well-established, the monitoring of its numerous complications presents a challenge, which can compromise patients' prognosis and quality of life. We analyzed the proteome of ten saliva samples, five from healthy individuals and five from patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The aim was to identify potential biomarkers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its complications. We used PANTHER and FUNRICH tools to conduct a functional analysis and enrichment approach. Our findings revealed 622 proteins involved in 16 disrupted biological processes, which are linked to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Metabolic processes, response to stimuli, processes of the immune system, and signaling are notable due to their known relation with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Enrichment analysis has revealed that there are eleven biological processes that have been deregulated. These processes involve twenty different salivary proteins that are associated with multiple complications in diabetes. Our findings demonstrate that saliva is a dependable source of possible biomarkers that can be used to monitor diabetes and its complications.

This case report examines the impact of a novel Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (Comb-NMES) regimen on muscle glucose signaling, fiber type distribution, and metabolic function in a patient with acute spinal cord injury (SCI) and lower motor neuron lesions (LMNLs). A 32-year-old male with complete T9 SCI underwent a ten-session Comb-NMES intervention targeting the quadriceps. Muscle biopsies and blood samples were analyzed pre- and post-intervention to evaluate changes in muscle fiber types, key metabolic proteins, fasting insulin, glucose, and lipid profiles. The intervention led to a 74.7%, and 28.2% reduction in fasting insulin and glucose, respectively. Muscle analysis showed significant increases in CaMK II, Hexokinase II, and IRS-1, indicating improved glucose metabolism. Comb-NMES training markedly improved metabolic control and muscle glucose metabolism in a patient with acute SCI and LMNLs. Enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization were evidenced by upregulated metabolic proteins which suggests Comb-NMES is a promising intervention for improving muscle and metabolic health in SCI patients with LMNLs. Further studies are needed to confirm these benefits and explore long-term effects.