There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for cancer treatment due to high rates of resistance and tumor relapse. Moreover, chemotherapy and radiation weaken the immune system and leave patients susceptible to sudden death from infections and organ failure since antineoplastic drugs lack specificity. Hence, scientists worldwide continue the search for natural alternatives with anticancer activities and fewer side effects. In this regard, traditional medicine offers strategies for preventing and treating numerous diseases and nowadays scientific studies worldwide highlight some of the mechanisms underlying their potential as an effective alternative for the management of cancer. In Mexico, Mayan healers have been prescribed mainly medicinal plants for more than 2,000 years. Furthermore, their ethnomedical knowledge has led to drug discovery or the development of herbal remedies. Medicinal plants from the genus of Cissus remain an important element of all indigenous medical systems in Mexico including the Mayan tribes in Yucatan, particularly for the management of gastrointestinal illnesses, sores, cutaneous diseases, and tumors. In this review, we present the reported bioactivities against cancer cells of the extract and compounds from the species of Cissus with a particular focus on recent studies on the phytochemistry of C. trifoliata which is widely distributed in Mexican territory and used for tumor management in traditional medicine.

Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable acceleration in the evolution of smart cities and intelligent spaces, driven by breakthroughs in technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), edge-fog-cloud computing, and machine learning (ML)/Artificial Intelligence (AI). As society begins to harness the full potential of these smart environments, the horizon brightens with the promise of an immersive, interconnected 3D world. The forthcoming paradigm shift in how we live, work, and interact owes much to groundbreaking innovations in augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), extended reality (XR), Blockchain, and Digital Twins (DT). However, realizing the expansive digital vista in our daily lives is challenging. Current limitations include an incomplete integration of pivotal techniques, daunting bandwidth requirements, and the critical need for near-instantaneous data transmission, all impeding the digital VR Metaverse from fully manifesting as envisioned by its proponents. This paper seeks to delve deeply into the intricacies of the immersive, interconnected 3D realm, particularly in applications demanding high levels of intelligence. Specifically, this paper introduces Microverse, a task-oriented, edge-scale, pragmatic solution for smart cities. Unlike an all-encompassing Metaverses, each Microverse instance serves a specific task as a manageable digital twin of an individual network slice. Each Microverse enables on-site/near-site data processing, information fusion, and real-time decision-making within the edge-fog-cloud computing framework. The Microverse concept is verified using smart public safety surveillance (SPSS) for smart communities as a case study, demonstrating its feasibility in practical smart city applications. The aim is to stimulate discussions and inspire fresh ideas in our community, guiding us as we navigate the evolving digital landscape of smart cities to embrace the potential of the Metaverse.

Introduction: Flow-cytometry (FC) is a powerful tool that can assist in lymphoma diagnosis in lymph node (LN) specimens. Although lymphoma diagnosis and classification are mainly based on tumor cell characteristics, surrounding cells are less employed in this process.Methods: We retrospectively investigated alterations in the ploidy status, proliferative cell fraction (PF) and the percentages of surrounding immune cells in 62 consecutive LN specimens with B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) that were submitted for FC evaluation between 2019-2022.Results: Compared with indolent B-NHLs, aggressive B-NHLs show increased DNA aneuploidy and PF, increased monocytes, immature-granulocytes, mature granulocytes, CD8⁺ T-cells, Double-Negative-T-cells and Double-Positive-T-cells, and decreased total CD45⁺ cells, total lymphocytes, CD4⁺ T-cells and CD4/CD8 ratio. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined PF > 6.8% and immature-granulocytes > 0.9% as optimal cutoffs with highest specificity and sensitivity in differentiating aggressive and indolent B-NHLs.Conclusions: These findings further strength the diagnostic value of DNA content analysis by FC and suggest the utilization of tumor surrounding immune cells in NHL diagnosis and classification.

The Southwest Alpine Canyon Area of China was one of the regions in the world that suffered from severe soil erosion. The focus of this research was to understand the response of land use change on soil loss by water erosion in alpine canyon on Southeast Tibet, we analyzed the characteristics of temporal and spatial dynamics of land use in the Niyang River Basin from 1990 to 2020 using GIS and statistical methods, assessed the spatial and temporal change characteristics of soil erosion in the Niyang River Basin using RUSLE model. For this purpose, the meteorological, soil, topographic, remote sensing data were collected. The results showed the area of cropland and construction land in the Niyang River Basin increased to 2.4 and 6.1 times the original from 1990 to 2020, respectively, the area of forest and water continued to decrease. Grassland, unused land and forest have always been the dominant land types in the Niyang River Basin. Tolerable soil erosion was distributed in the flat areas of the valley terraces in the main stream and its tributaries, slight soil erosion was mainly distributed in the flat areas at high altitudes, and moderate, severe, very severe and destructive soil erosion was sporadically distributed in the Niyang River Basin. The areas of tolerable and slight soil erosion exceeded 82% of the total area, The area of severe, very severe and destructive soil erosion was less than 6%, but the total soil loss amount of severe, very severe and destructive erosion was more than 27%. From 1990 to 2020, the soil erosion area decreased from 9219.34 km2 to 8,090.84 km2 in Niyang River Basin, more than 85% of the soil erosion class has not changed, and the change of total soil loss amount also shows a significant reduction trend as a whole. 99% of the total soil loss amount in the Niyang River basin is generated by grassland, forest and unused land. The conversion of various land use types to cropland will cause the enhancement in soil erosion grade. We recommend that the focus of soil erosion control in the Niyang River Basin is to protect grassland, forest and carry out scientific farming.

This paper is dedicated to examining dynamic dark energy models in the context of observational constraints and their implications for the universe's future. By integrating theoretical models with various observational data, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of how dynamic dark energy influences cosmic evolution and the universe's fate. This study tests these models against the latest observational evidence, including the Cosmic Microwave Background, supernovae, and large-scale structure surveys, to refine our understanding of the universe's accelerating expansion and the mysterious nature of dark energy.

The BKL singularity inside a rotating black hole would be a neutrino star. Once its mass exceeds the limit that neutrino degeneracy pressure could support (larger than 3×10²² M_⊙), the neutrino star singularity would collapse, raising the temperature to the maximum and dropping the entropy to the minimum to initiate a Big Bang. From the cosmic microwave background, we find where the Big Bang occurred at about 0.66 times the radius of the surface of last scattering away from us and at Galactic coordinates (l, b) ≃ (286°,-43°). As it expands, the clockwise spinning universe has been veering towards the ellipsoidal. These findings are consistent with independent observations of cosmic inhomogeneities, spatial anisotropies, and time variations.

Rare earth elements (REEs) and Sc are concentrated in aluminum production byproducts. The novel REEs recovery approach, which involves leaching by acid at a pH > 3 in the presence of MgSO4, results in the formation of a pregnant leach solution (PLS) with a low concentration of iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) and a large quantity of valuable elements. The ion exchange method was acknowledged as the most favorable method used to separate the REEs from PLS. This work studies the application of chelating resin Puromet МТS9580 in the sorption recovery of Sc from sulfate solutions. To analyze the static Sc sorption data, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models were used. The Langmuir isotherm model was the best fitted to the experimental data, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.983. The dynamic adsorption experiment was conducted using a PLS and a simulate solution without contaminants. Adsorption of Sc from the simulate solution was better fitted to the Thomas model with a Sc capacity greater than 7 mg mL–1. Because Ti had a gradual decrease in C/C0, which the Thomas model was unable to simulate, the modified dose-response (MDR) model fitted better with PLS. The NaHCO3 solution (200 g L–1) effectively desorbed Sc (>98 %) from simulated and PLS solutions after 1.5 h of stirring in a batch mode.

People wore clothes for warmth, survival and necessity in modern life as well but in modern era, eco-friendliness, shorten production time, design, and intelligence also matters. The seamless bonding technology strengthen the bond between fabrics in textiles, while Grey relational analysis (GRA) can be applied to fabrics to measure the relationship between data series and determine the closeness of each data series. In this study, polyurethane prepolymer, 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate (2-HEA) as an end-capping agent, and n-octyl acrylate (ODA) as a photo-initiator were used to synthesize dual-curing polyurethane hot-melt adhesive. The Taguchi quality engineering and grey relational analysis used to discuss the influence of different mole ratio of NCO:OH, and the effect of the molar ratio of addition of octyl decyl acrylate on the mechanical strength. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed the termination of prepolymer's polymerization reaction and the C=O peak intensity at 1730 cm-1 indicating the efficient bonding to main chain. The high molecular weight polymer (20,000-30,000) described by advanced polymer chromatography (APC) confirmed the polyurethane polymer bonded with octyl decyl acrylate to achieve the photo-thermosetting effect. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed the thermal decomposition temperature of polyurethane hot melt adhesive also increased and highest pyrolysis temperature (349.89℃) for the polyhydric alcohols. The high value of shear strength (34.94 kg/cm2) as well as peel strength (1.68 kg/cm) were also observed in dual-cure photo-thermosetting polyurethane hot melt adhesive. The signal-to-noise ratio also used to generate the grey relational degree. It was observed that the best parameter ration of NCO: OH was 4:1 with 5 moles of monomer. The Taguchi quality engineering method was used to find the parameters of single quality optimization, and then the grey relation calculation was used to obtain the parameter combination of multi-quality optimization for thermosetting polyurethane hot melt adhesive. The study aims to meet the requirements of seamless bonding in textile factories and optimized experimental parameter design by setting target values can effectively increase production speed, reduce processing time and costs as well.

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is one of the most commonly administered tests in clinical and research neuropsychological settings. The two parts of the test [part A (TMT-A) and part B (TMT-B)] enable the evaluation of visuoperceptual tracking and processing speed (TMT-A), as well as divided attention, set-shifting and cognitive flexibility (TMT-B). The main cognitive processes that are assessed using TMT, i.e. processing speed, divided attention and cognitive flexibility, are often affected in patients with stroke. Considering the wide use of TMT in research and clinical settings since its introduction in neuropsychological practice, the purpose of our review was to provide a comprehensive overview on the use of TMT in stroke patients in an attempt to mainly identify its role for the evaluation of post-stroke cognitive dysfunction and progression over time, the identification of the underlying neuroanatomical pathology related to impaired TMT performance, and the association with other stroke outcomes, such motor function, driving ability and quality of life. Our comprehensive review underscores that the TMT stands as an invaluable asset in the stroke assessment toolkit, contributing nuanced insights into diverse cognitive, functional, and emotional dimensions. As research progresses, continued exploration of the TMT potential across these domains is encouraged, fostering a deeper comprehension of post-stroke dynamics, and enhancing patient-centered care across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, research institutions, and community health settings. Its integration into both research and clinical practice reaffirms TMT status as an indispensable instrument in stroke-related evaluations, enabling holistic insights that extend beyond traditional neurological assessments.

The glycoprotein hormones luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone and chorionic gonadotropin consist of a common alpha-subunit and a hormone-specific beta-subunit. The alpha-subunit is expressed in thyrotrophs, gonadotrophs, and placental cells, and its expression is regulated by extracellular signal molecules. Here, we assessed the regulation of the gene encoding the alpha-subunit in placental JEG-3 cells, using a chromatin-embedded reporter gene under the control of the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit promoter. The results show that stimulation of the cells with forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, induced transcription of a reporter gene controlled by the alpha-subunit promoter. Similarly, expression of a nuclear-targeted catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase increased reporter gene transcription. Expression experiments involving constitutively active mutants of MKK6 and MEKK-1 showed that the alpha-subunit promoter is responsive to activation of p38 protein kinase but only slightly responsive to activation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase. Finally, we show that stimulation of a Galphaq-coupled designer receptor triggers transcription of a reporter gene controlled by the glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit promoter, mediated by the transcription factor CREB. Deletion mutagenesis highlights the importance of a tandem cAMP response element within the alpha-subunit promoter that acts as a point of convergence for different signaling pathways.

We show succinctly a natural origin of the beautiful Gamma function in light of the WJ distribution, linking to quite distinct fields.

Regenerative capacity of well-preserved blood clot may be enhanced by biologics like enamel matrix derivative (EMD). This retrospective analysis compares outcomes reported by three centers using different heterografts. Center 1 (C1) treated intrabony defects combining cross-linked heavy weight hyaluronic acid (xHyA) with a xenograft, Center 2 (C2) used EMD with an allograft combination to graft residual pocket. Center 3 (C3) combined xHyA with placement of resorbable polymer membrane for defect cover. Clinical parameters, BoP reduction and radiographically observed defect fill at 12-months examination are reported. The 12-months evaluation yielded significant improvement in PPD and CAL at each center (p<0.001, respectively). Analyses of Covariance revealed significant improvement of all parameters, significantly greater CAL gain disclosed C2 vs. C1 (p=0.006). Radiographic defect fill presented with significantly higher scores for C2 and C3 vs. C1 (P=.003 and =.014; C2 vs. C3 P=1.00). Gingival recession increased in C1 and C3 (P=1.00), while C2 reported no GR after 12-months (C2:C1 P=.002; C2:C3 P=.005). BoP tendency and pocket closure rate shared similar rates. Within limitations of the study, data comparison indicated that xHyA showed similar capacity to enhance regenerative response, as known for EMD. Radiographic follow-up underlined xHyA staying alone role in new attachment formation.

Human sepsis is one of the leading cause of death worldwide and is known to be a harmful damaging host inflammatory condition, primarily caused by endotoxin released by gram-negative bacteria. Despite antibiotics administration being widely used to treat disease, effective targeted therapeutic strategies for the sepsis are still lacking. Here, we demonstrate that CM1, a derivative of natural polyphenol chrysin, exerts anti-inflammatory activity by inducing the ubiquitin-editing protein TNFAIP3 and NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). We found that CM1 attenuated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-induced the generation of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/MAPK and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. In addition, the treatment of macrophages with CM1 induced the expression of TNFAIP3 and SIRT1 in TLR4-stimulated primary macrophages, however the anti-inflammatory properties of CM1 was disappeared by siRNA silencing of TNFAPI3 or by the genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of SIRT1. Importantly, intravenously administration of CM1 resulted in the decreased susceptibility to endotoxin-induced sepsis, leading to inhibition of the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophils infiltration into lung than control mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that CM1 has the potential to be a treatment candidate for diverse inflammatory diseases including sepsis.

Telomeres – special DNA-protein structures at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes define the proliferation potential of cells. Extremely short telomeres promote DNA damage response and cell death to eliminate cells potentially accumulated mutations after multiple divisions. However, telomere elongation is associated with increased proliferative potential of special types of cells, such as stem and germ cells, permanently, and is activated temporally in processes of activation of immune response, regeneration processes. Activation of mechanisms of telomere lengthening coupled with increased proliferation and with requirements of cells in energy and building resourses. To obtain necessary nutrients cells stimulate metabolism by switching of oxidative phosphorylation program to glycolysis. In this review we focused on the interconnection of metabolism program and telomere lengthening mechanisms known for the situation of the programmed activation of proliferation such as germ cells maturation, early embryonic development program and immune response activation. Here, we propose that it is possible to reprogram metabolism in order to regulate the telomere length, proliferative activity of cells that may be important for the development of approaches to regeneration, immune response modulation and cancer therapy and further investigations in this area are necessary to improve the understanding and manipulating of molecular mechanisms used for regulation of proliferation.

A synoptic compendium of the legumes of the Mimosoideae clade in northeastern Mexico is presented for the first time, including changes in their botanical nomenclature and retypification of genera. Furthermore, based on new information recently published, the taxonomic limits of several new genera segregated from Acacia (Acaciella, Mariosousa, Senegalia and Vachellia) and Prosopis (Neltuma and Strombocarpa) are clarified and included. Based on field work, collecting botanical samples during the last 30 years, a review of botanical materials and database in national and international, we have completed the diversity of legumes of the Mimosoideae clade of northeastern Mexico. Three tribes (Acacieae, Ingeae and Mimosaeae), 22 genera and 92 species, and 19 infraspecif categories were recorded. Only the genus Painteria is endemic to Mexico. Eighty-eight species are native to Mexico, and four are exotic, Acacia salicina, Neptunia prostrata, Neltuma chilensis and Albizia lebbeck. Twenty-eight species are endemic to Mexico, nine species are endemic of northeastern Mexico, and four species endemic to only one state in Mexico. The 22 registered genera represent 44% and 65% of the generic flora of the Mimosoideae clade for Mexico and the planet respectively while the 92 species registered represent 3% and 18% of the species of the Clade Mimosoideae for the planet and Mexico respectively. According to the new nomenclature of legumes, the number of genera in the Mimosoideae clade in northern Mexico has been increased from 19 to 24.

Survival models have become popular for credit risk estimation. Most current credit risk survival models use an underlying linear model. This is beneficial in terms of interpretability but is restrictive for real-life applications since it cannot discover hidden nonlinearities and interactions within the data. This study uses discrete time survival models with embedded neural networks as estimators of time to default. This provides flexibility to express nonlinearities and interactions between variables, and hence allows for models with better overall model fit. Additionally, the neural networks are used to estimate Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models so that default risk can be decomposed into time components for loan age (maturity), origination (vintage) and environment (e.g., economic, operational and social effects). These can be built as general models, or as local APC models for specific customer segments. The local APC models reveal special conditions for different customer groups. The corresponding APC identification problem is solved by a combination of regularization and fitting the decomposed environment time risk component to macroeconomic data, since the environmental risk is expected to have a strong relationship with macroeconomic conditions. Our approach is shown to be effective when tested on a large publicly available US mortgage data set. This novel framework can be adapted by practitioners in the financial industry to improve modelling, estimation and assessment of credit risk.

Quantification of erythrocytes and leukocytes is an essential aspect of hemogram diagno- 23 sis in Veterinary Medicine. Flow cytometry analysis, laser scattering, and impedance detection are 24 standard laboratory techniques, verified by manual microscopy counting. Although single-cell scat- 25 tering is already used as a standard technology for differentiating cell counts in flow cytometry, it 26 requires capillary cell separation. The current study investigates the scattering characteristics of 27 whole blood to identify correlations with erythrocytes and leukocytes counts. The scattering infor- 28 mation present in blood samples can be classified into three types: i) geometrical scattering, which 29 occurs when non-absorbed light is reflected and scattered, ii) Mie scattering, which happens when 30 light is scattered by particles of a similar size to the wavelength, and iii) Rayleigh scattering, which occurs when light is scattered by particles that are smaller than the incident light wavelength. In 32 this study, we investigate the scattering correction coefficients of dog blood absorption spectra in 33 the visible-near infrared range, to establish direct correlations with erythrocytes and leukocytes 34 counts, using multivariate linear regression. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of using the 35 scattering properties of dog blood, which is a step towards the existence of a portable and miniatur- 36 ized hemogram diagnosis in Veterinary Clinics worldwide.

In this paper, we consider the formation of quantum black holes (QBHs) through a genuine quantum process. We treat particles at the Planck energy as QBHs. The Hawking temperature and entropy of QBHs are estimated. We also show that a QBH has a discrete energy spectrum. By analogy with supersymmetric theory, the mass of the superpartner of a QBH is estimated.

Numerous studies have shown that pesticide exposure is linked to adverse health outcomes. Nevertheless, in Bolivia, where there is an increasing use of pesticides, including those restricted or banned in industrialized nations, the literature is spare. To address knowledge gaps and guide future research in Bolivia, we conducted a scoping review crossing 22 years (January 2000 to December 2022). Our search identified 37 peer-reviewed articles and 27 reports/documents on Bolivian regulations. Most studies focused on farmers and revealed high pesticide exposure levels, assessed through biomarkers of exposure, susceptibility, and effect. Literature explored a range of health effects due to pesticide exposure, spanning acute to chronic conditions. Many studies highlighted the correlation between pesticide exposure and genotoxic damage, measured by DNA strand breaks and/or micronuclei formation, particularly in farmers without personal protection equipment (PPE), which increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer. Recent findings also showed the alarming use of banned or restricted pesticides in Bolivian crops. Despite existing Bolivian regulations, the uncontrolled use of pesticides persists, evidencing the harmful health effects on the population and increasing land and water pollution. These findings underscore the need for stringent enforcement of regulations and provide a scientific foundation for decision-making by relevant authorities.

The earth pressure acting on soilbag reinforced retaining structures subjected to surcharge loads under non-limited states, is crucial for designing these structures. In this study, the earth pressures are investigated through model tests of the soilbag reinforced retaining wall. Findings from these tests reveal a non-linear distribution of lateral earth pressure on the wall when subjected to surcharge loads in non-limited states, with an observed escalation in pressure corresponding to increased surcharge loads. Compression tests on soilbags were conducted to analyze their lateral stress-strain behavior. Insights from these tests facilitated the development of a predictive method for estimating lateral pressure on soilbag reinforced retaining walls under similar conditions. This method, rooted in the principle of force equilibrium in differential elements, has its accuracy and reliability substantiated by the alignment of its predictions with the model test outcomes.

The perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been significantly improved by utilizing inorganic hole transporting layer (HTL), such as nickel oxide. Despite the promising properties, there are still limitations due to defects. Recently, research on self-assembled monolayers (SAM) is being actively conducted, which show promise in reducing defects and enhancing device performance. In this study, we successfully engineered a p-i-n perovskite solar cell structure utilizing HC-A1 and HC-A4 molecules. These SAM molecules were found to enhance the grain morphology and uniformity of the perovskite film, which are critical factors in determining optical properties and device performance. Notably, HC-A4 demonstrated superior performance due to its distinct hydrophilic properties with a contact angle of 50.3°, attributable to its unique functional groups. Overall, the HC-A4 applied film exhibited efficient carrier extraction properties, attaining a carrier lifetime of 117.33 ns. Furthermore, HC-A4 contributed the superior device performance with its favorable band alignment, achieving the highest device efficiency of 20%.

Abstract:Background: Foot ulcers, especially dorsal foot ulcers caused by straps in footwear, can lead to discomfort, pain, and severe complications, particularly in individuals with diabetes and leprosy. While plantar foot pressure measurements have been extensively studied, research on the impact of strap-induced pressure on the dorsal foot aspect remains limited.Research question: The main research question of this prospective study is: Does the implementation of a rolled inner seam strap design (RIS) in flip-flops result in reduced pressure at the toehold area compared to traditional strap designs (Control) in healthy volunteers?Methods: We studied healthy female volunteers, with 10 feet (5 left and 5 right) per arm of the study. Two types of flip-flops, RIS and Control, were compared in a standardized 5-step walk trial on a hardwood floor. Pressure at the toehold was measured using Pressure Sensitive Switches with portable, accurate, ultra-thin pressure sensors. Paired t-tests compared the maximum pressure at the toehold between RIS and Control flip-flops (p < 0.05).Results: The study revealed a statistically significant difference in pressure at the toehold between the RIS and Control flip-flops (p = 0.0014). The mean difference of -40.90 grams (95% CI: -61.22 to -20.58) indicated that the RIS exerted significantly lower pressure than the Control flip flops. The RIS group had a mean pressure of 29.30 grams. The Control group had a mean pressure of 70.20 grams at the toehold area.Significance: The findings of this study have significant clinical implications for individuals at risk of foot ulcers, particularly those with neuropathic conditions such as diabetes and leprosy. The implementation of the RIS design in flip-flops may offer a practical and cost-effective solution to reduce strap-induced pressure and mitigate the risk of strap-related foot ulcers, especially in resource-limited settings where comprehensive foot care is lacking.

River flood routing computes changes in shape of a flood wave over time as it travels downstream along a river. Conventional flood routing models, especially hydrodynamic models require high quality and quantity of input data such as measured hydrologic time series, geometric data, hydraulic structures and hydrological parameters. Unlike physically based models, machine learning algorithms, which are data driven models, do not require much knowledge about underlying physical processes and can identify complex nonlinearity between inputs and outputs. Due to the higher performance, less complexity, and low computation cost, novel machine learning methods as a single application or hybrid application were introduced by researchers to achieve more accurate and efficient flood routing. This paper reviews the recent application of machine learning methods in river flood routing.

Education on native tree species using indigenous knowledge systems is crucial in elementary school environmental education because it sensitizes learners on the significant roles played by the native trees and their interconnections with their culture and existence. Unfortunately in Ghana, there is no pedagogical model that would aid elementary school teachers in carrying out such education.This study was aimed at developing, implementing and evaluating an indigenous knowledge inspired pedagogical model for native tree education among elementary school learners in Ghana. The convergent parallel mixed methods design that aimed at collecting quantitative and qualitative datasets on the development and evaluation of the developed pedagogical model. The results show that the pedagogical model was deemed very satisfactory in all its aspects for native tree education among elementary school learners in Ghana. The model was able to assist in developing the sustainability consciousness and competence of elementary school learners toward caring for native trees through tree planting, making of nurseries and gardens, and engaging in native tree conservation campaigns. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should adopt, improve and widely disseminate the pedagogical model and help in its broader implementation in various elementary schools across the country.

Background: Constipation is one of the chronic gastrointestinal functional diseases that affects the quality of life. While Qi Lang Formula (QLF) has demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating constipation symptoms, its precise mechanism remains elusive. Methods: QLF was analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. Targets for QLF were collected from SwissADME, Herb, ITCM databases, and FC-related targets from scRNA-seq and Genecards databases. Overlapping targets suggested potential QLF therapy targets for FC. Enrichment analysis used the KOBAS database. A "drug-ingredient-target" network was constructed with Cytoscape, and AutoDock verified active component binding. H&E staining assessed colonic mucosa changes, TEM examined ICC structural changes. ELISA measured neurotransmitter levels, and western blot verified QLF's effect on target proteins. ICC proliferation was observed through immunofluorescence. Results: We identified 89 targets of QLF associated with ICC-related FC, with c-Kit emerging as the pivotal target. Molecular docking studies revealed that Atractylenolide Ⅲ, Apigenin, Formononetin, Isorhamnetin, Naringenin, and Ononin exhibited strong binding affinities for the c-Kit structural domain. QLF significantly enhanced first stool passage time, fecal frequency, fecal moisture content, and intestinal propulsion rate. Further analysis unveiled that QLF not only restored neurotransmitter levels but also mitigated colon muscular fiber ruptures. ICC ultrastructure exhibited partial recovery, while RT-qPCR and western blot confirmed upregulated c-Kit expression and downstream targets. Immunofluorescence results indicated ICC proliferation post QLF treatment in rat colon. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that QLF may promote ICC proliferation by targeting SCF/c-Kit and its downstream signaling pathway, thereby regulating intestinal motility.

A new biodegradable paper-based film is a hot research topic in the development of green agriculture. In this paper, a black paper base film coated with cooked tung oil with excellent mechanical properties, hydrophobic surface, high heat transfer and strong weather resistance was prepared by spraying high pigment carbon black solution on the surface of base paper. The results showed that the surface solidified oil film with rough structure was made by the brush coating process of cooked tung oil, and the base film of black paper was given hydrophobic structure, and the contact angle reached 98.9 °. Cooked tung oil permeates into the inside of the paper base, and after curing, it forms a multi-dimensional network film structure. The maximum tensile stress of the black paper base film is about 123% higher than that of the original paper base film. The coloring of carbon black makes the black paper base film have heat conduction effect, and the average heat transfer rate reaches 15.12 °C/s. Cooked tung oil is combined with the paper-based fiber high-toughness layer to form a stable system. The existence of the cured film improves the basic mechanics and hydrophobicity, and the resistance to ultraviolet radiation and hot air is greatly improved. This study provides a feasible scheme for the application of a black paper base film coated with cooked tung oil.

This research aims to understand the Cambodian green economy transition and analyze its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). The research showed that Cambodia has been significantly transitioning its green economy since 2009 as evidenced by the National Green Growth Roadmap. Cambodia also established the National Council for Green Growth in 2012 and upgraded it to the National Council for Sustainable Development in 2015 in alignment with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations. The members of the Council are from all the government’s ministries and relevant inter-ministerial councils/committees, which are significant for policymaking. All governors of the capital and provincial administrations are also its members, which are significant for supporting and implementing the works at the subnational levels. Under the structure of the Council’s Secretariat, Department of Green Economy is playing an important role in promoting green economic development in Cambodia by looking at national policies and strategic plans, undertaking projects, and mobilizing resources. Through coordination between this Department and UNIDO, Cambodia in 2022 became a Member of the United Nations Partnership for Action on Green Economy. The findings showed that Cambodia is transitioning its green economy at the right time, especially the new government’s Pentagonal Strategy strongly supported this green economy transition with a clear and strong political commitment. The national inter-ministerial council for sustainable development is also very significant for cross sectoral policy-making and implementing levels, inclusively for promoting green economic development.

Diving decompression theory hypothesizes inflammatory processes as a source of micronuclei which could increase related risks. Therefore, we tested 10 healthy, male divers. They performed 6-8 dives with a maximum of two dives per day at depths ranging from 21 to 122 msw with CCR mixed gas diving. Post-dive VGE were counted by echocardiography. Saliva and urine samples were taken before and after each dive to evaluate to evaluate inflammation: ROS production, lipid peroxidation (8-iso-PGF2), DNA damage (8-OH-dG), cytokines (TNF-, IL-6, and neopterin). VGE exhibits a progressive reduction followed by an increase (p<0.0001) which parallels in-flammation responses. Indeed, ROS, 8-iso-PGF2, IL-6 and neopterin increases from 0.19 ± 0.02 to 1.13 ± 0.09 μmol.min−1 (p<0.001); 199.8 ± 55.9 to 632.7 ± 73.3 ng.mg-1 creatinine (p<0.0001); 2.35 ± 0.54 to 19.5 ± 2.96 pg.ml-1 (p<0.001); and 93.7 ± 11.2 to 299 ± 25.9 μmol·mol−1 creatinine (p=0.005), respectively. The variation after each dive was held constant around 158.3 ± 6.9% (p = 0.021); 151.4 ± 5.7% (p <0.0001); 176.3 ± 11.9% (p<0.0001); and 160.1 ± 5.6% (p<0.001), respectively. When oxy-inflammation reaches a certain level, it exceeds hormetic coping mechanisms allowing second-generation micronuclei substantiated by an increase of VGE after an initial continuous decrease consistent with a depletion of “first generation” pre-existing micronuclei.

The rise of the Internet has enabled people to express their opinions on various subjects through social media, blogs, and website comments. As a result, there has been a significant increase in research on sentiment analysis. However, most of the research efforts have focused on analyzing sentiment in English-language data, neglecting the wealth of information available in other languages. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art in multilingual sentiment analysis. The survey investigates techniques for data preprocessing, representation learning, and feature extraction in multilingual sentiment analysis. It explores cross-lingual transfer learning, domain adaptation, and data augmentation methods that enhance the performance of sentiment analysis models, particularly in low-resource languages and domains. It provides insights into the state-of-the-art approaches, challenges, and opportunities in this evolving field and encourages further advancements in multilingual sentiment analysis research.

This study evaluates the incidence and characteristics of adverse events (AEs) following the second COVID-19 booster dose, leveraging Taiwan's distinctive approach of extending booster vaccinations to all citizens, unlike the targeted high-risk group strategies in other countries. Utilizing data from Taipei Veterans General Hospital's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from October 27, 2022, to January 19, 2023, the research examines AEs in 441 out of 1711 second booster recipients, considering factors like age, vaccine brands, and booster combinations. The findings reveal incidence rates (IR) of 25.6% (95% CI: 21.1-30.8) after the first booster and 24.9% (95% CI: 20.5-30.0) after the second, mostly non-serious, with those having AEs post-first booster 5 times more likely to report them again (Incidence rat rato, 5.02, P&lt;0.001). Significantly, switching from the mRNA1273 vaccine to another brand reduced AE risk by 18%. The study underscores that AEs are more repetitive than cumulative with additional booster doses, advocating for personalized vaccination strategies based on individual medical histories and previous vaccine reactions. These insights are valuable for healthcare providers in discussing potential AEs with patients, thereby improving vaccine compliance and public trust, and for policymakers in planning future booster vaccination strategies.

Biofilm serves as the residence for bacteria, wherein bacteria attach to surfaces and produce extracellular polymeric substances, including proteins, polysaccharides, and extracellular DNA. In recent years, biofilm reactors have gained increasing significance, playing a crucial role, for instance, in immobilizing heavy metals from waterways. This paper employs a bibliographic study to analyze the most important keywords and organizations in the field of biofilm reactors, identifying recent significant papers. Additionally, the paper discusses the opportunities for the future development of biofilm reactors. Through this study, a better understanding of key factors in biofilm reactor research is achieved, providing valuable guidance for future studies and applications in this field.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pathophysiological condition characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and elevated vascular resistance, which may ultimately result in cardiovascular failure and sudden cardiac death. In recent years, the occurrence of pregnancy complicated by pulmonary arterial hypertension has witnessed a notable increase, whereas the incidence of postpartum pulmonary arterial hypertension is comparatively rare. This study presents a case involving a 39-year-old female who exhibited severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, finally diagnosed as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, within 2 days postpartum. The diagnosis was made following a thorough clinical examination. This case report emphasizes the significance of promptly initiating targeted therapy as an initial step in effectively managing patients and the criticality of conducting a thorough assessment of multidisciplinary collaboration in postpartum management. Furthermore, the report has the potential to enhance awareness and education regarding the future management of similarly intricate conditions.

The detection and analysis of small molecules, typically defined as molecules under 1000 Da, is of growing interest ranging from the development of small molecule drugs and inhibitors to the sensing of toxins and biomarkers. However, due to challenges such as their small size and low mass, many biosensing technologies struggle to have the sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of small molecules. Notably, their small size limits the usage of labeled techniques that can change the properties of small molecule analytes. Furthermore, the capability of real-time detection is highly desired for small molecule biosensors’ application in diagnostics or screening. This review highlights recent advances in label-free real-time biosensing technologies utilizing different types of transducers to meet the growing demand for small molecule detection.

This paper explores the interactions of dynamic dark energy with other components of the cosmos, such as dark matter and baryonic matter, and its wide-ranging implications in cosmology. By investigating the interplay between dynamic dark energy and the universe's large-scale structure, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of cosmic evolution and the behavior of dark energy in different cosmological epochs. We also examine the potential of dynamic dark energy to offer novel insights into long-standing cosmological puzzles and their impact on the formation and evolution of cosmic structures.

It is necessary to manage the power consumption and use fault-tolerance techniques to meet high reliability in Real-Time Embedded Systems, . Hence, in recent years, this is the main reason for providing an ideal approach to decrease power consumption through the worst-case behavior of instantaneous power management (peak-power management), while observing the Thermal Design Power (TDP). Although the multi-core chips in real-time embedded systems provide great opportunity for implementation of Two-phase Triple modular redundancy to meet high reliability, the energy overhead management of concurrently executing tasks is one of the challenges facing designers. In this article, we propose a scheme named Permanent Fault Aware, Two-Phase Peak-Power Management (PFA-TP3M), for scheduling real-time tasks in multi-core systems to eliminate peak power overlap from concurrent running tasks to maintain peak power consumption at the chip TDP. and through mapping different parts of each task on separate cores, prevents consecutive conflicts on cores, which have faced permanent faults to design the fault-tolerant system. Our simulation results show that our proposed scheme provides up to 700x fault tolerance increase (630x on average) compared to the state-of-the-art power management algorithm, an achievement costs up to 14%. (average 11%) increase the length of the task graph compared to it.

In this study, Cu/Ni and Cu/Al multilayer thin films with individual layer thickness varying from 25 nm to 200 nm were deposited at room temperature and further annealed up to 300 ℃. The mechanical and microstructural properties of the multilayers were characterized by nanoindentation, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Both systems exhibited an increase in hardness with increasing annealing temperature. However, the Cu/Ni system showed a gradual and moderate (up to 30%) hardness increase from room temperature to 300 ℃, while the Cu/Al system showed a sharp increase (~150%) between 125℃ and 200℃. This distinct strengthening behavior is attributed to solid solution formation in Cu/Ni and diffusion-activated intermetallic formation in Cu/Al.

Controlling robots in space with necessarily low material and structural stiffness is quite challenging at least in part due to the resulting very low structural resonant frequencies. The frequencies are sometimes so low, the vary act of controlling the robot with medium or high bandwidth controllers lead to excitation of resonant vibrations. Biomimetics or biomimicry emulates models, systems, and elements of nature for solving such complex problems. Recent seminal publications have re-introduced the viability of optimal command shaping, and one recent instantiation mimics baseball pitching to propose control of highly flexible space robots. The readership will find a perhaps dizzying array of thirteen decently performing alternatives in the literature but could be left bereft selecting a method(s) deemed to be best suited for a particular application. Bio–inspired control of space robotics is presented in a quite substantial (perhaps not comprehensive) comparison, and the conclusions of the study indicate the top three performing methods based on minimizing control effort (i.e., fuel) usage, tracking error mean, and tracking error deviation include.

Developmental stability (DS) is indicated by the ability of individuals to resist random environmental and/or genetic perturbations during their development. Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA) is the commonest mean of assessing DS in bilateral traits. FA is defined as small random deviations from an ideal morphological symmetry. To date, little attention has been paid to sexual differences in FA among tortoises. With this issue in mind, we assessed levels of carapace scutation symmetries in a sample of 45 wild adult red-footed tortoise, Chelonoidis carbonarius (13 males and 32 females) from Arauca plains, East Colombia. Procrustes ANOVA reflected statistically significative sex-related FA, with males tending to exhibit a more pronounced asymmetry. Although we cannot identify the potential sources responsible for detected developmental instability, our results suggest a high degree of stress and highlight that human intervention in Arauca are affecting wildlife. Similar studies in the future, correlated with an estimate of human impact, could provide irrefutable proof of causality between FA and environmental stressors. The results of this study can represent an estimate of the fitness status of the studied population at present.

Chemo-resistance is a substantial challenge in the realm of cancer treatment that requires exploring new therapeutic approaches for effective mitigation. Achieving this goal requires examination of the molecular mechanisms involved in both tumor growth and therapeutic interventions. The potential of NRF2 (Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2) in addressing resistance to chemotherapy across diverse cancer types highlights its value as a promising therapeutic approach based on cancer characteristics. Manipulating the NRF2 signaling pathway has a dual impact, offering promise for both preventing and treating cancer, as well as inhibiting carcinogenesis. The influence of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway on the progression of tumor formation and resistance to drugs has been well-documented. The interplay between the NRF2 signaling pathway and processes such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, unfolded protein response (UPR), and autophagy plays a crucial protective role. A deeper understanding of NRF2's role in the modulating these pathways is necessary to develop novel approaches for improving chemotherapeutic efficacy. This article discusses the significance of the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway in preventing/promoting cancer and resistance mechanisms to various chemotherapeutic agents, with a focus on the complementary effects of antioxidants via NRF2-mediated signaling pathways. This study aims to provide a molecular basis for targeting NRF2 via inhibitors/activators as promising therapeutic strategies to overcome chemo-resistance.

UAVs are becoming a crucial tool in modern warfare, primarily due to their cost-effectiveness, risk reduction, and ability to perform a wider range of activities. The use of autonomous UAVs to conduct strike missions against highly valuable targets is the focus of this research. Due to developments in ledger technology, smart contracts, and machine learning, such activities formerly carried out by professionals or remotely flown UAVs are now feasible. Our study provides the first in-depth analysis of challenges and potential solutions for successful implementation of an autonomous UAV mission.

Cytokinesis, as the last stage of the cell division cycle, is a tightly controlled process amongst all eukaryotes, and defective division can lead to severe cellular consequences, and is implicated in serious human diseases and conditions such as cancer. Both mammalian cells and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe use binary fission to divide into two equal sized daughter cells. Similar to mammalian cells, in S. pombe such cytokinetic division is driven by the assembly of an actin-myosin contractile ring (ACR) at the cell equator between the two cell tips. The ACR is composed of a complex network of membrane scaffold proteins, actin filaments, myosin motors, and other cytokinesis regulators. Contraction of the ACR leads to the formation of a cleavage furrow which is severed by the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins leading to the final cell separation during the last stage of cytokinesis, abscission. This review describes recent findings defining the three phases to establish cytokinesis in S. pombe: ACR assembly, ACR constriction, and its coordination with septation. Collectively, we provide an overview of current understanding of the mechanisms regulating the ACR-mediated cytokinesis in S. pombe with a potential role of ESCRT proteins in this process.

The crab’s fishery of the genus Callinectes is one of the most important fisheries in Mexico. Sonora and Sinaloa are the states in the eastern coast of the Gulf of California, the mainland coast. Sinaloa encompass the greatest production in Mexico of these species, in particular the Bahía Santa Maria La Reforma (BSMR), supply the most important catches. An administrative mandatory document for the fishery is the Management Plan of Crab. One of the main weaknesses found in it for Sonora and Sinaloa is the lack of fisheries assessment in both states. For this reason, a structured size method called CASA (Catch at Size Analysis) was applied in the BSMR, in the seasons 2000, 2011 and 2014 to C. bellicosus. The first catch size (CW50%) estimated for females were 97.5, 102.5 and 100 mm, while in males it was estimated at 117.5, 107.5 and 102.5 mm. In the specific case of fishing mortality (F), the algorithm allowed us to detect that in the larger sizes the greater fishing pressure is applied for both, females and males, yielding a weighted exploitation rate of 0.047 (2000), 0.119 (2011) and 0.426 (2014) for females and 0.045 (2000), 0.295 (2011) and 0.132 (2014) for males, all below 50% (E= 0.50), crab C. bellicosus in BSMR is not at risk of over exploitation.

The concept and policies of multiple early cancer detection (MCED) have gained significant attention from governments worldwide in recent years. In the era of burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the integration of MCED with AI has become a prevailing trend, giving rise to a plethora of MCED AI products. However, due to the heterogeneity of both the detection targets and the AI technologies, the overall diversity of MCED AI products remains considerable. The types of detection targets encompass protein biomarkers, cell-free DNA, or combinations of these biomarkers. In the development of AI models, different model training approaches are employed, including datasets of case-control researches or real-world cancer screening datasets. Various validation techniques, such as cross-validation, location-wise validation, and time-wise validation are used. All of the factors show significant impacts on the predictive efficacy of MCED AIs. After the completion of AI model development, deploying the MCED AIs in clinical practice presents numerous challenges, including presenting the predictive reports, identifying the potential locations and types of tumor, and addressing cancer-related information such as clinical follow-up and treatment. This study reviews several mature MCED AI products currently available in the market, detecting their composing factors from serum biomarkers detection, MCED AIs training/validation, and the clinical application. The review illuminates the challenges encountered by existing MCED AI products across these stages, offering insights into the continued development and obstacles within the field of MCED AI.

This research presents a comprehensive bibliometric and sentiment analysis of nanocomposite literature from 1990 to 2024. Employing cutting-edge computational methods, the study delves deep into the progression of microstructural characterization, electrical properties, and mechanical behaviors of nanocomposites. The analysis utilizes advanced Boolean search strategies from the Scopus database, ensuring a thorough extraction of thematic content. The results explore various themes and insights, shedding light on trends evident in the Scopus database, particularly the prominence of research on nanocomposite microstructure, electrical attributes, and mechanical performance. The paper also offers textual analytics and bibliometric data, showcasing critical collaborative efforts and influential studies. Significant discoveries encompass the evolution of research language, shifts in thematic focus, and global contributions, providing a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape of nanocomposite research and its dynamic evolution. Moving forward, the "State-of-the-Art and Gaps Extracted from Results and Discussions" section of the paper delves into the most recent advancements in nanocomposite research. It delves into various types of nanocomposites, with a particular emphasis on their microstructural characteristics, electrical properties, mechanical dynamics, and the application of nanocomposite films. This section identifies key research themes, traces historical progress, and highlights emerging trends while underscoring the significance of collaboration and the influence of pivotal studies that have shaped the field. Lastly, in the "Literature Review Guided by Artificial Intelligence" section, the paper introduces a revised approach for researching nanocomposites through AI-guided techniques. This approach prioritizes articles published in 2023 based on citation frequency. Here, the focus is on exploring the relationship between nanocomposites and their electrical properties, emphasizing their fundamental interactions and impact on electrical characteristics. Various nanocomposite systems are covered, highlighting their composition, structure, and functionality. Findings from recent studies are integrated to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this area. Notably, the sentiment analysis, anchored by an average sentiment score of 0.638771, underscores a positive trajectory in academic discourse, emphasizing the growing recognition of the potential of nanocomposites. The bibliometric exploration maps the intellectual domain, emphasizing pivotal research themes and the influence of crosslinking time on nanocomposite attributes. While this study is thorough, it acknowledges its limitations and advocates for broader database inclusion in future research endeavors. This work elucidates the prevailing trends in nanocomposite research, emphasizing the indispensable role of computational tools in comprehending this vast wealth of information.

Fibrosis represents a process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It often represents the evolution of pathological conditions, causes organ failure, and can, in extreme cases, compromises the functionality of the organs to the point of causing death. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic evolution and to identify possible therapeutic strategies. Great interest has been aroused by the discovery of a molecular association between epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), in particular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrogenesis, which has led to the identification of complex molecular mechanisms closely interconnected with each other, which could explain EMT-dependent fibrosis. However, the result remains unsatisfactory from a therapeutic point of view. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, which is based on chromatin remodeling through various histone modifications or through the intervention of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have provided more information on the fibrotic process, and this could represent a promising path forward for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize current research on epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis, with a focus on epigenetic regulation of EMP/EMT-dependent fibrosis.

There is a growing concern about climate change being a serious threat to insurance business sustainability. Knowing if climate warming is a cause for claims and losses increase, and how this cause-effect relationship will develop in the future are two open major questions. In this article, we answer both questions by particularizing the geographical area of Spain, and a precise risk, hailstorm in crop insurance in the line of business of wine grapes. We measure climate change thanks to the Spanish Actuarial Climate Index (SACI). We use a database containing all the claims caused by hail risk in Spain from 1990 to 2022. With homogenized data, we consider as dependent variables the monthly number of claims, monthly number of loss costs equal to one, and monthly total losses. The independent variable is the monthly Spanish Actuarial Climate Index (SACI). We try to explain the former through the latter using regression and quantile regression models. Our main finding is that climate change as measured by SACI explains these three dependent variables. We also give an estimation of the increase of the monthly total losses Value at Risk, corresponding to a future increase in climate change measured in units of SACI. Spanish crop insurance managers should carefully incorporate these conclusions into their decision-making process to keep this line of business sustainable in the future.

This paper is motivated by three main assumptions: (1) The currently dominant forms of knowledge representation (natural language text, formulas, graphics) are suboptimal to facilitate knowledge transfer between control engineering sub-fields and into potential application domains. (2) Formal knowledge representation (in general) is a promising supplementary approach, but (3) the established technologies so far have failed to be significantly adopted for formal representation of control engineering knowledge. Thus, after briefly reviewing existing representation methods, we introduce our own approach: The Python based imperative representation of knowledge (PyIRK) and its application to formulate the Ontology of Control Systems Engineering (OCSE). One of its main features is the possibility to represent the actual content of definitions and theorems as nodes and edges of a knowledge graph, which is demonstrated by selected elements from Lyapunov theory. While the approach is still experimental, the formalization already allows to apply methods of automated quality assurance and a semantic search mechanism. The current feature set of the framework is demonstrated on various examples before directions for further developments are discussed.

Heptanuclear {GdIII7} (complex 1) and tetradecanuclear {GdIII14} (complex 2) have been synthesized using a Rhodamine 6G ligand HL (Rhodamine 6G salicylaldehyde hydrazone) and characterized. Complex 1 has a rare disc-shaped structure, where the central Gd ion was connected to the peripheral six GdIII ions via CH3O-/μ3-OH- bridges. Complex 2 has an unexpected three-layer double sandwich structure with a rare μ6-O2- ion in the center of the cluster. Magnetic studies revealed that complex 1 exhibits a magnetic entropy change of 17.4 J kg−1 K−1 at 3 K and 5 T. On the other hand, complex 2 shows a higher magnetic entropy change of 22.3 J kg−1 K−1 at 2 K and 5 T.

Chen, et al., compared two modified polyurethane-based wound dressings (PUE and PUESi), both intended for use in chronic wounds, with a negative control (gauze) and a positive control (PolyMem) via a series of preliminary in vitro and rodent model tests. Future studies may find that one or both of these two new dressings are beneficial. However, the results of this first study cannot be relied upon. Although they exhibited in-depth knowledge of manufacturing techniques, the study designers seem far less familiar with the science of wound healing and with PolyMem wound dressings. This helps explain the flaws in the methods that lead to many of their tests not being translatable to real-world settings. In addition, the interpretation of some of the test results is questionable.

The study evaluated the immune response to the Janssen Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine in a Ugandan cohort, focusing on spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) protein-directed antibodies. The aim was to assess the longevity and robustness of the elicited antibodies, aligning with breakthrough infections and prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The study involved 319 specimens collected over 12 months from 60 vaccinees aged 18 to 64. Binding antibodies were quantified using a validated ELISA method to measure SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA levels against the S and N proteins. The results showed that baseline seropositivity for S-IgG was high at 67%, increasing to 98% by day 14 and consistently stayed above 95% for up to 12 months. However, S-IgM responses remained suboptimal. An increased S-IgA serpositivity rate doubled from 40% at baseline to 86% just two weeks following the initial vaccine dose, indicating sustained and robust mucosal immunity. An increase in N-IgG levels at nine months post-vaccination suggested breakthrough infections in eight cases. Baseline cross-reactivity influenced spike-directed antibody responses, with those with pre-existing S-IgG antibodies showing higher responses. The vaccine demonstrated robust and long-lasting immune responses, with significant implications for regions where administering follow-up doses is challenging.

To accurately predict the matching relationships between the various components and the engine performance in the whole aero-engine environment, this study introduces a two-dimensional throughflow simulation method for the whole aero-engine. This method is based on individual throughflow solvers for the turbo-machinery and the combustor. It establishes a throughflow simulation model for the whole engine by integrating with the compressor-turbine co-operating equations and boundary conditions. The turbo-machinery throughflow solver employs a circumferentially averaged form of the time-dependent Navier-Stokes equations (N-S) as the governing equation. The combustor solver uses the Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) method to solve flow and chemical reaction processes by constructing turbulence, combustion, and radiation models. The accuracy of the component solver is validated using Pratt &amp; Whitney’s three-stage axial compressor (P&amp;W3S1) and General Electric’s high-pressure turbine (GE-EEE HPT), and the predicted results are consistent with the experimental data. Finally, the developed throughflow method is applied to simulate the throttling characteristics of the WZ-X turboshaft engine. The results predicted by the throughflow program are consistent with the GasTurb calculations, including the trends of shaft power delivered, specific fuel consumption (SFC), inlet airflow, and total pressure ratio of the compressor. The developed method to perform throughflow simulation of the whole aero-engine eliminates the dependence on a general component map. It can quickly obtain the meridian flow field parameters and overall engine characteristics, which is expected to guide the design and modification of the engine in the future.

Climate research shows that extreme weather events and their effects are increasing in frequency, severity, and impact. Extreme wind events can cause massive societal and economic damage. High wind occurrences and their causes must be identified because they are hard to define and understand. Extreme wind modeling affects wind power plant planning, installation, and building modeling. This applies to city, vegetation, and vegetational area modeling. The scientific literature utilizes statistical, dynamic (Weather Research and Forecasting-WRF), and machine learning methods to identify extreme wind speeds. This study explores the relationship between lower-level extreme wind speeds and upper-level parameters like Z500, and T850 based on cluster analysis. The aim is to explore the correlation between upper-level atmospheric dynamics and lower-level wind behavior. K-Means cluster analysis method was employed to classify Turkish regions with similar severe wind episodes. WRF model simulation findings from NEWA (New European Wind Atlas) project (2019) were used for that purpose. The NEWA project's wind speed data at 100m a.g.l. was used for cluster analysis. We simplify the process by grid point reduction and applying the top 2% percentile as threshold value. Self-Organized Maps (SOM) clustering was also applied using the upper-level variables.

COVID-19 affected health and wellbeing globally. Graduating nursing students face a variety of stressors and entering the nursing profession during the pandemic added additional stress. Mood, perceived stress, resilience, and coping were assessed in an Australian sample of 112 graduating nursing students, who completed the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), and Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS). Mean BRUMS scores for tension, fatigue, and confusion were significantly above population norms, and vigour scores significantly below. Mean PSS-4 scores were reflective of population norms, but showed higher levels of stress for younger and on-campus students compared to those who were older or who studied externally. BRCS data showed that 82.1% of the graduating nursing students were medium or high resilient copers. Mood profiles suggested that 19.6% of participants had elevated mental health risk, 23.2% showed potential risk of burnout, and only 17.9% reported mood profiles associated with positive mental health. High mean tension scores reported by the graduating nursing students indicated apprehension about joining the profession, although stress, resilience and coping scores suggested they were adequately managing the additional stressors generated by a global pandemic.

East Lake in Wuhan, China, harbors a high number of freshwater fish species of great conservation value, concurrently serving as vital resources for local livelihoods. However, the ecosystem is threatened by an array of anthropogenic activities, thus requiring consistent monitoring of the local fish community to enable more efficacious conservation management. In place of conventional surveying methods, we undertook the first analysis of the fish distribution within East Lake via metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA). The accuracy and efficacy of eDNA metabarcoding relies heavily upon selecting an appropriate primer set for PCR amplification. Given the varying environmental conditions and taxonomic diversity across distinct study systems, it remains a challenge to propose an optimal genetic marker for universal use. Thus, it becomes necessary to select PCR primers suitable for the composition of fish in the East Lake. Here, we evaluated the performance of two primer sets, Mifish-U and Metafish, designed to amplify 12S rRNA barcoding genes in fishes. Our results detected a total of 116 taxonomic units and 51 fish species, with beta diversity analysis indicating significant differences in community structure diversity between the 6 sampling locations encompassing East Lake. While it was difficult to accurately compare the species-level discriminatory power and amplification bias of the two primers, Mifish outperformed Metafish in terms of taxonomic specificity for fish taxa and reproducibility. These findings will assist with primer selection for eDNA-based fish monitoring and biodiversity conservation in the East Lake and other freshwater ecosystems.

This work compares the multi-element analysis of human hair and nails using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with an easy, fast, cheap, non-destructive method using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDX-RF). The ICP-MS-based method was more sensitive (over 30 elements could be quantified) and costly (requiring more time, sample, and chemicals). The EDX-based method required laboratory and certified reference materials made of hair for instrument calibration. It was less sensitive (16 elements could be quantified: S, Si, Ca, Br, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg, Si, K, Mn, Ni, Zn, Se, Sr, Pb), but it allowed to replace troublesome grinding with the dissolution of keratin-based material with alkalic agent (tetramethylammonium hydroxide, TMAH) and formation of stable for days pellets. The method is simple, enables automation, and, due to the modification of wells in the autosampler of the EDX system by immersion of home-designed inserts, it requires smaller amounts of biological material and binder (down to 70 mg instead of 500 mg required by commercially available instrument) to perform analysis. It was concluded that the EDX-based method offers complementary selectivity and sensitivity to ICP-MS with the possibility of the reuse of the sample for further analysis.

This study assesses the applicability of different-resolution multispectral remote sensing images for mapping and estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB) of Carpobrotus edulis, a prominent invasive species in European coastal areas. The performance of three sets of multispectral images with different resolutions was compared: (i) 2.5 cm Ground Sample Distance (GSD), 5 cm GSD and 10 cm GSD images. The images were classified using the supervised classification algorithm Random Forest and later improved applying a sieve filter. The results show that the three tested image resolutions allow constructing reliable coverage maps of C. edulis, with Overall Accuracy values of 89%, 85% and 88% for the classification of the 2.5 cm, 5 cm and 10 cm GSD images, respectively. Samples were also collected, dried and weighed to estimate AGB using the relationship between the Dry Weight and Vegetation Indices (VI). The regressions were evaluated based on their R² and Normalised RMSE. The best-performing VI-DW regression models achieved: R² = 0.87 and NRMSE = 0.09 for the 2.5 cm resolution; R² = 0.77 and NRMSE = 0.12 for the 5 cm resolution; and, R² = 0.64 and NRMSE = 0.15 for the 10 cm resolution. C. edulis area and total AGB were: 3441.10 m² and 28,327.1 kg (with a Relative Error (RE) = 0.08), for the 2.5 cm resolution; 3070.04 m² and 29,170.8 kg (RE = 0.08), for the 5 cm resolution; and, 2305.06 m² and 22,135.7 kg (RE = 0.11), for the 10 cm resolution. Differences were analysed in detail, spatially, to determine their causes. Final analyses suggest that, for C. edulis, multispectral imagery of up to 5 cm GSD is adequate for the estimation of the species’ distribution and biomass.

Bipyridine and its related compounds are starting materials or precursors for a variety of valuable substances, such as biologically active molecules, ligands for catalysts, photosensitizers, viologens, and supramolecular architectures. Therefore, it is important to classify the synthesis methods and know their characteristics. Representative examples include the methods using homo- and heterocoupling of pyridine derivatives in the presence of catalyst. Because bipyridine compounds have a high ability to coordinate with metal centers, a decrease in catalytic activity and yield is often observed in the reaction system. To address this issue, the review provides insight into recent advances in bipyridine synthesis using metal complexes under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. Moreover, the review also sheds light on strategies for bipyridine synthesis involving sulfur and phosphorous compounds. These alternative pathways offer promising avenues for overcoming challenges associated with traditional-catalyzed methods, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the synthesis landscape.

Struts of a superconducting YBa2Cu3Oy (YBCO) foam prepared by the infiltration growth method on the base of commercial polyurethane foams were extracted from the bulk, and thoroughly characterized concerning the microstructure and the magnetoresistance, measured by the four-point technique. Optical microscopy, electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and atomic force microscopy observations indicate an unique microstructure of the foam struts which shows a large amount of tiny Y2BaCuO5 (Y-211) particles (with diameters between 50–100 nm) being enclosed in channel-like grain boundaries between the YBCO grains and an one-of-a-kind surface of the struts covered with Ba3Cu5Oy-particles. The resistance data obtained at temperatures in the range 4.2 K ≤T≤ 150 K (applied magnetic fields ranging from 0 to 7 T) were analyzed in the framework of the fluctuation-induced conductivity (FIC) approach using the Aslamazov-Larkin model. The resulting FIC curves reveal the presence of five distinct fluctuation regimes, namely, the short-wave (SWF), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), three-dimensional (3D), and critical (CR) fluctuation domains. The analysis of the FIC data enable the coherence length in the direction of the c-axis at zero-temperature (ξc(0)), the lower and upper critical magnetic fields (Bc1, Bc2), the critical current density at T= 0 K (Jc(0)) and several other parameters describing the the material’s superconducting properties to be determined. The present data reveal that the minuscule Y-211 particles found along the YBCO grain boundaries alter the excess conductivity and the fluctuation behavior as compared to conventional YBCO samples, leading to a quite high value for Jc(0) for a sample without added flux pinning centers.

The design of randomized controlled trials for low-resource settings has unique challenges. One challenge is ensuring recruitment success in the face of a lack of information about prevalence of disease in the population. What disease burden data may exist is old and from distant regions, adding guesswork into site design. This leads to a high chance that the sample size will not be recruited in any reasonable timeframe—a challenge even in high-resource settings. While cross-sectional prevalence studies could be used as a type of feasibility study informing trials by generating near real-time prevalence estimates for the future trial site, such studies take years to complete. This duration makes insertion of such a study in trial design impossible. An empirically supported combination of new approaches that sidesteps unnecessary hurdles is presented, the Pop-Up Prevalence with Private Ethics (PUPPE) design. PUPPE includes using a COVID-validated, more targeted method of data collection, use of accepted ethics review from universities or hospitals to avoid lengthy public ethics review, and—if needed—post-study in silico participant randomization. Only this design would enable clinical trial designers to insert fit-for-purpose prevalence studies within the design phase of their trials, leading to informative outcomes.

This article seeks to understand how the incorporation of new scientific articles in the field of urban studies on topics related to housing, manage to impact specialized media. In other words, it seeks to identify whether social science that publishes findings on housing has become less relevant over time, as occurs in other areas of knowledge. To do this, data is collected from the Web of Science of the urban studies categories, using as a filter that either in the title, keywords or abstract contain the word "housing". With this database, all the DOIs of the indexed articles are taken and it is reviewed whether those new DOIs incorporated into the knowledge database have impacted in relation to new citations that of said DOIs that are added in the future. More than looking for the impact of an article for the particular, it is sought to review added values. It is identified that the only disruptive moment occurred after the 2008 real estate crisis. This finding emphasizes the importance of looking for new paths for the production of knowledge on housing that is novel and original, that manages to break with an apparent trend of scarce innovation or lack of knowledge among peers of what is being published in the matter.

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a priority, with attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated. Traditional security approaches are no longer enough, requiring a more dynamic and advanced response. In this context, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) appears key to addressing this growing threat. However, despite their high effectiveness, there is a developed problem: the integration of various data sources and technologies for comprehensive protection. This article presents an in-depth review of integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in cybersecurity, focusing particularly on Open Extended Detection and Response (Open XDR) technology. The literature review in this article was meticulously conducted with specific criteria in mind. It focused on sourcing peer-reviewed journals, authoritative cybersecurity publications, and recent conferences that primarily concentrate on the advancements in AI and ML within the cybersecurity domain, particularly from 2018 to 2023. This timeframe was chosen to ensure the inclusion of the most current and relevant developments in Open XDR technology, Intrusion Detection Systems, Endpoint Detection and Response, and Security Information and Event Management systems. Additionally, the review gave special attention to studies and reports highlighting practical implementations and real-world applications of these technologies, thereby ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their impact and effectiveness in enhancing cybersecurity resilience. The methodology used is a detailed literature review, examining how various cybersecurity components interact and function. These components include Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), which monitor networks for malicious activities; Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), which focuses on detecting and investigating security incidents on endpoints; and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), systems that provide real-time analysis of security alerts. The review also considers the role of Active Directory, a directory service for Windows domain networks, and the process of log forwarding, where log files are transmitted to a central server for analysis, in the context of AI and ML. The paper delves into the development of AI and ML, underscoring their roles in cybersecurity for advanced data processing, pattern recognition, and predicting threats. It explores both supervised (where the model is trained on labeled data) and unsupervised learning (where the model learns from unlabeled data) in ML, and how these techniques bolster cybersecurity measures. The article highlights the significance of Open XDR as a critical innovation that integrates data from multiple sources for comprehensive security analysis. Further, the review discusses how the integration of AI and ML into various cybersecurity tools, such as IDS, EDR, and SIEM, augments capabilities in threat detection and response. It addresses the challenges and opportunities that AI and ML present in the cybersecurity domain, focusing on ethical issues, data privacy concerns, and the necessity for ongoing professional development in this rapidly advancing field. The paper concludes by affirming the effectiveness of merging AI and ML with these cybersecurity tools within the Open XDR framework.

In this article, we analyse the ESG determinants of the “Elderly People Treated in Integrated Home Care”-EPIHC in the Italian regions between 2004 and 2022. We used data from the ISTAT-BES database. We used different econometric techniques i.e.: Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Pooled Ordinary Least Squares-OLS and Weighted Least Squares-WLS. The results show that the EPIHC is positively associated with “Nurses, midwives, and Soil sealing by artificial cover" and negatively associated with "Museum heritage density and relevance" and "Trust in law enforcement agencies and firefighters fire". Furthermore, we have applied a k-Means algorithm with the Silhouette Coefficient and we find the presence of two clusters. Finally, we propose a confrontation among eight different machine-learning algorithms and we find that Linear Regression is the best predictive algorithm.

In the following article, it is presented an investigation of the determinants of Beds for High-Care Specialties-BHCS in the Italian regions in the context of Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG approach. Data from ISTAT-BES for 20 countries in the period 2004-2021 are been used. Different econometric techniques have been applied i.e.: Pooled Ordinary Least Squares, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Dynamic Panel at 1 stage. Furthermore, a cluster analysis performed with a k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette Coefficient indicated the presence of three clusters. Finally, eight different machine-learning algorithms are analysed to predict the future value of BHCS. The results show that the Artificial Neural Network-ANN algorithm is the best algorithm. The future value of BHSC is expected to growth on average of 4.88% for the analysed regions.

The following article presents an analysis of the impact of the Environmental, Social and Governance-ESG determinants on Hospital Emigration to Another Region-HEAR in the Italian regions in the period 2004-2021. The data are analysed using Panel Data with Random Effects, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Pooled Ordinary Least Squares-OLS, Weighted Least Squares-WLS, and Dynamic Panel at 1 Stage. Results show that HEAR is negatively associated to E, positively to S and negatively associated to the G within the ESG model. The data were subjected to clustering with a k-Means algorithm optimized with the Silhouette coefficient. The optimal clustering with k=2 is compared to the sub-optimal cluster with k=3. The results suggest a negative relationship between the resident population and hospital emigration at regional level. Finally, a prediction is proposed with machine learning algorithms classified based on statistical performance. The results show that the Artificial Neural Network-ANN algorithm is the best predictor. The ANN predictions are critically analyzed in light of health economic policy directions.

This study centers on childcare facilities catering to children with moderate cerebral palsy, exploring a four-phase process: (1) cultivating an understanding and acceptance, (2) integrating specialized resources, (3) developing strategic plans, and (4) establishing stable collaboration. The case study demonstrates the profound impact of well-rounded support systems. Children with cerebral palsy showed marked improvements in development and emotional stability. Concurrently, their peers developed greater empathy and cooperative skills, smoothly adjusting to the inclusive setting. Additionally, the childcare staff refined their methods and attitudes, enhancing their ability to meet each child's specific needs and thus elevating the standard of integrated care.Concluding with three strategic recommendations, the paper proposes measures to augment the quality of care for children with special needs. These include defining clearer guidelines and policies for special needs care in childcare environments, emphasizing professional development and the amalgamation of diverse resources to cultivate a more skilled caregiving workforce, and encouraging robust partnerships between parents and childcare facilities. These recommendations are expected to significantly influence the domain of inclusive education, providing crucial insights for those engaged in early childhood care and education..

Uchino first initiated the study of generalized Reynolds operators on associative algebras. Recently, related research has become a hot topic. In this paper, we first introduce the notion of generalized Reynolds operators on Hom-Lie triple systems associated to a representation and a 3-cocycle. Then, we develop cohomology of generalized Reynolds operators on Hom-Lie triple systems with coefficients in a suitable representation. As applications, we use the first cohomology group to classify linear deformations and we study the obstruction class of an extendable order $n$ deformation. Finally, we introduce and investigate Hom-NS-Lie triple system as the underlying structure of generalized Reynolds operators on Hom-Lie triple systems.

In this work, a ZIF-67/MWCNTs/Nafion sensor platform was constructed based on the good adsorption capacity of ZIF-67, the electrical conductivity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the excellent chemical stability of Nafion for the detection of Cu2+ in water. Meanwhile, the modified materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BET specific surface area test, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance (EIS), and square wave solvation voltammetry (SWSV) electrochemical methods were used to perform applied test studies on ZIF-67/MWCNTs/Nafion/GCE. The results show that ZIF-67/MWCNTs/Nafion/GCE has high sensitivity (57.5 μA/μM) and a low limit of detection (15.0 nM) for the electrochemical detection of Cu2+ ions in an electrochemical sensing system. It has high adsorption selectivity for Cu2+, and the recovery of Cu2+ in real water reached 98.6%-103%. The modified electrode has good repeatability, reproducibility, anti-interference, and stability, which makes this sensing platform can be practically applied to the detection of domestic water.

Given the context of global climate change, a worldwide increase in land surface temperature (LST) is anticipated, leading to the exacerbation and broadening of its impacts. This could jeopardize the environmental conditions in countries with a predominantly hot and harsh climate, such as Bahrain, one of the Cooperation Countries (GCC) nations. Conversely, Bahrain is currently experiencing significant population growth, leading to a surge in demand for land to accommodate the construction of additional residential developments. This circumstance allows investigation of the potential impact of land use and land cover alterations on the variation in Land Surface Temperature (LST). In order to accomplish this objective, a residential development project was executed within the timeframe spanning from 2013 to 2023. Four sets of Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS remote sensing datasets were selected, with each set corresponding to one of the four climate seasons. Each set consisted of two images: one capturing the study area before the commencement of the development process and the other depicting the study area after the completion of the development. The study area was analyzed by extracting the land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) on various dates. Subsequently, correlation and regression analysis were employed to examine the interrelationships among these three variables. The findings demonstrated a notable rise in the mean land surface temperature throughout the spring and autumn seasons following the conclusion of land development activities. The findings indicate a positive and robust association between LST and NDBI across all seasons. Moreover, this relationship strengthened following the completion of development activities in the area. Conversely, there was a negative correlation between LST and NDVI prior to the region's development, which transformed into a positive relationship post-development. These results provide empirical support for the notion that small-scale residential developments contribute to a notable increase in LST, primarily driven by the expansion of impervious surfaces in built-up areas. The findings can potentially contribute to the formulation of localized adaptation strategies for small-scale residential development projects.

Several criteria exist to diagnose pulmonary aspergillosis with varying degrees of certainty in specific populations, including oncohaematological patients (EORTC/MSG), ICU patients (AspICU) and Covid-19 patients (ECMM). At the beginning of the pandemic, however, the diagnosis of Covid-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) could not be performed easily, and the decision to treat (DTT) was empirical. In this cross-sectional retrospective study including patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and a suspicion of CAPA, we studied the concordance between the DTT and the three diagnostic criteria using Cohen’s coefficient, then we identified the factors associated with the DTT and we corrected by treatment to study the influence of the diagnostic criteria on survival. We showed good concordance of DTT and AspICU and ECMM criteria, with “compatible signs”, “positive culture” and “positive galattomannan” influencing the DTT. Treatment also showed a positive effect on survival once corrected for a putative, possible or probable diagnosis of CAPA using AspICU and ECMM criteria. We conclude that EORTC/MSGERC are not considered applicable in clinical practice due to lack of inclusion of signs and symptoms and do not lead to improved survival. AspICU and ECMM criteria showed a good degree of agreement with the DTT and a positive correlation with patient recovery.

Radio techniques are widely used in wildlife tracking. Currently, the most common tracking methods include radio tracking (operating on VHF and UHF frequencies), satellite tracking (e.g., Argos satellite Doppler-based positioning system), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking. One of the radio tracking systems is the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system, characterized by small dimensions and a long operational period due to energy-efficient features. The advantages of RFID make it possible to apply this technique to track oak acorns in the process of zoochoric dispersal. In our study, we explored the potential applications of RFID systems for monitoring the dispersal of oak acorns. We developed a tracking system based on a semi-passive RFID tag, which we tested under laboratory and quasi-realistic conditions. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of using our system in radio tracking small objects such as oak acorns.

Agroforestry systems with multipurpose tree species, for the double production of timber and fruit, along with the intercropping with herbaceous crops, can be fundamental land use systems for multiple ecosystems services. Research was conducted in Italy, for one growing season, in 18 years old agroforestry experimental plots with common walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees, according to the previous agroforestry management (AFM) since tree planting. The aim is i) estimating trees growth and herbaceous yield in relation to increasing tree size, especially referring to the trees basal area (G); ii) evaluating the role of nut production as additional product to timber and food crops. Observations were run on tree growth and leaf phenology, total light transmittance (TTL) below tree canopy and hay yield with and without walnut intercropping. Nut yield was estimated from available literature and associated to G. At the end of the study year, representing two third of trees rotation, their height varied between 10 and 11 m, with much larger variation for tree diameter between 17 and 22 cm, according to the previous AFM, including tree mulching with plastic film. Hay yield varied between 4.5 and 3 Mg ha year-1 outside and under tree canopy, respectively. Negative regression were determined for G and TTL, and G and hay yield, with an annual reduction of 5% per G unit. Simulations were run on hay and nut yield, using G as main input parameter. The work points out the following key findings: i) the usefulness of plastic mulching, at tree planting, to increase the long-term timber productivity of the trees intercropped with herbaceous crops; ii) the negative linear relationship between hay productivity and walnut trees G; iii) G influences, in positive way, more markedly nut than hay yield. Suggestions are given on the optimum tree planting spacing and AFM for balancing timber, nut and hay yields.

Indoor comfort is a critical determinant of the holistic educational experience, significantly influencing the well-being, concentration, and performance of students within the confines of school environments. Despite the widespread implementation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in educational institutions, achieving satisfactory thermal conditions, acceptable acoustics, and optimal daylight levels for occupants continues to pose a considerable challenge. In this review, we specifically delves into the parameters characterizing Italian school environments, recognizing their direct impact on students’learning and concentration. The primary objectives of this review are conducting a thorough examination of the current acustic conditions in Italian schools. The initial phase of our search strategy involved retrieving data from key databases, namely, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Following the elimination of duplicate articles (n = 289), a total of 135 distinct papers remained for analysis. A critical review of the existing literature is presented based on these criteria, offering guidelines and recommendations for forthcoming studies. The critical review underscores various shortcomings in the current design, deployment, and documentation of multi-domain studies, signaling the need for enhanced quality in future research efforts.

Recently, we have applied the generalized Littlewood theorem concerning contour integrals of the logarithm of analytical function to find the sums over inverse powers of zeroes for the incomplete Gamma- and Riemann zeta- functions, polygamma functions, and elliptical functions. Here, the same theorem is applied to study such sums for the zeroes of the Hurwitz zeta-function , including the sum over the inverse first power of its appropriately defined non-trivial zeroes. We also study some related properties of the Hurwitz zeta-function zeroes. In particular, we show that for any natural N and small real epsilon, when z tends to n=0, -1, -2… we can find at least N zeroes of zeta in the - vicinity of 0 for sufficiently small epsilon, as well as one simple zero tending to 1, etc.

Origanum dictamnus L. (Lamiaceae), a local endemic plant of Crete (Greece), creates polysaccharide-containing subcuticular compartments presenting biological activity against phytopathogenic fungi, and, among others, significantly affecting the fungal cell wall polysaccharides. This field study introduces a fertilization scheme for O. dictamnus, which was developed and refined to optimize yield as well as critical herbal quality aspects. Five fertilization schemes were investigated, based on a polysaccharide-based Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), a mixture of chemical fertilizers and two biostimulants (not algae) via foliar and soil application. Plant growth, together with leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and colour (SPAD meter, DA meter, Chroma Meter) were determined. The leaf content of chlorophyll, three critical antioxidant compounds (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols) and minerals were also assessed. Considering all three antioxidants together, the enhanced efficiency, non-toxic, water-soluble, polysaccharide-based INM by foliar application was the most stimulatory scheme, playing an important role in plant growth and development. The present field study provides for the first time baseline fertilization data improving key herbal quality features in O. dictamnus and unravels the attainment of high antioxidant properties. The latter may be exploited in favor of its further utilization as raw material for tea preparation, medicinal purposes, natural food flavoring and/or food preservative.

Objective: To compare the incidence of skin abrasions caused by traditional straight edge flip flop straps versus rolled inner seam (RIS) designs in a controlled laboratory setting using preserved fetal pig skin as a proxy for human skin.Methods: This study utilized a custom-built apparatus to apply friction from two flip flop strap designs to preserved fetal pig skin samples. Three trials were conducted for each strap design to determine the time to initial abrasion onset. A paired t-test was employed for statistical analysis.Results: The RIS design demonstrated a statistically significant delay in abrasion onset compared to the standard design across all trials (p < 0.05), indicating a gentler interaction with the skin.Conclusion: The RIS strap design may offer a beneficial alternative to traditional straps by reducing the friction that can lead to skin abrasions, suggesting a potential to decrease the risk of dorsal foot ulcers. Further studies involving human subjects are warranted to validate these findings in a real-world context.Keywords: Flip flop strap design, skin abrasions, dorsal foot ulcers, footwear design, developing countries, diabetic foot care.

The use of artificial intelligence technologies may help companies obtain the optimal use of resources and accomplish more activities with an increase in productivity by 40%. With access to real-time data and the ability to learn from patterns and behaviors, AI can perform these routine tasks more efficiently. Ambient intelligence, Ami, is one of the applications of artificial intelligence, which is called artificial environmental intelligence, which is a concept that focuses on using technology to create an environment that is intelligent and responsive to the needs of its users. This technology has the potential to revolutionize disaster response and management, which in turn facilitates access to necessary information and resources. necessary vitality in the event of a crisis. It may use ambient intelligence to create a network of sensors that can detect and respond to changes in the environment. So that this network can be used to monitor the environment for potential disasters, such as floods, fires and earthquakes. Sensors can also be used to detect changes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors that may indicate a potential disaster. This information can then be used to alert emergency responders and provide them with the information needed to respond quickly and effectively. Ambient intelligence can also be used to create a comprehensive database of resources and information that can be accessed in times of crisis. This database may include information about the location of shelters, medical facilities, and other resources that can be used to assist those affected by a disaster. It may also provide information about the condition of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that may be affected by a disaster. This information can be used to inform response and management decisions, helping to ensure that resources are used in the most efficient way possible. Ambient intelligence can be used to create a communication platform between emergency responders and those affected by a disaster. This platform can also be used to provide updates on the emergency situation, in addition to providing information about available resources to those affected. This can help ensure that those affected by a disaster can access the resources they need in a timely manner.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the RNA virus SARS-CoV-2, has had a significant impact not only on bodily metabolism but also at the genomic level. This study utilizes a bibliometric approach to map and identify the relationship between COVID-19 and DNA damage, genomic instability, and cell cycle deregulation. The research began with the development of in-depth research questions and conducted two rounds of literature search in the Scopus database with stringent filters to ensure relevance and accuracy. From an initial 1098 documents, 576 relevant documents were selected for further analysis. The collected data was then visualized using bibliometric methods, enabling the identification of important patterns, trends, and relationships among the research variables. Key findings indicate that DNA damage, which can induce apoptosis, is the worst impact of the infection on cells. Term frequency analysis and science mapping revealed a close relationship between "DNA damage" and "apoptosis". Furthermore, discussions on genomic instability highlight telomere regulation issues, while cell cycle deregulation during virus replication in mammalian cells indicates the importance of maintaining cell membrane integrity.This study confirms the importance of bibliometric analysis in detecting and understanding the impact of COVID-19 at the genomic level, proposing several potential research targets and enhancing our understanding of the biological response to viral infection.

In recent years, the exploration of space has expanded beyond the confines of our home planet, Earth, and has ignited a fervor for understanding the potential of sustaining life in extraterrestrial environments. One critical aspect of this endeavor is the cultivation of plants in microgravity—a unique environment that challenges traditional notions of plant growth and development. The Microgravity Plant Habitat, a cutting-edge apparatus designed to facilitate plant growth in space, stands at the forefront of scientific innovation in the quest for sustainable life beyond Earth.This research paper aims to explore into the complexities of the Microgravity Plant Habitat, exploring its design, functionality, and the profound implications it holds for future space exploration and colonization efforts. As humanity sets its sights on venturing further into the cosmos, the ability to cultivate plants in microgravity becomes paramount, not only for nutrition but also for the profound role plants play in maintaining life support systems and contributing to the psychological well-being of space travelers. Development of such plant habitat module will result in a bioregenerative life support system that will help in future deep space exploration and colonization of extraterrestrial planets. These modules can also cut the cost of space missions. The challenge of establishing outposts on the Moon or Mars requires thoughtful consideration of nourishment strategies. Space-based agriculture faces significant hurdles due to harsh conditions and limited resources. Researchers explore innovative solutions like hydroponics and aeroponics to meet nutritional needs and enhance well-being in extraterrestrial settlements. Beyond technological prowess, creating space bases demands a holistic approach, addressing biological and psychological aspects. Navigating deep space exploration emphasizes that food isn't just a logistical challenge but a symbol of our resilience and determination to thrive beyond Earth's confines.

The energy transition to wind and solar opens opportunities for green hydrogen as the wind and solar generation tends to bring electricity prices down to very low levels. This paper evaluates whether green hydrogen can integrate well with wind and solar PV to help with improved management of the South Australian electricity grid. Green hydrogen can use membrane electrolysis plants during surplus renewable energy periods. This hydrogen can then be electrified or used in industry. The green hydrogen system was analysed to understand the financial viability and technical impact of integrating green hydrogen. We also used systems engineering techniques to understand the system holistically, including the technical, social, environmental, and economic impacts. The results show opportunities for the system to provide seasonal storage, grid firming, and reliability services. Financially, it would need changes to electricity rules to be viable, but without those changes, our modelling suggested it would be financially viable within this decade

Oncostatin M (OSM), an inflammatory cytokine belonging to interleukin-6 superfamily, is recognized as an essential factor secreted by osteal macrophages to orchestrate bone remodelling. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) produced by osteoblasts regulates osteoclastogenesis. We previously demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) stimulates OPG synthesis in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that SMAD1/5/8(9), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p70 S6 kinase positively regulates the OPG synthesis. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of OSM on BMP-4-stimulated OPG synthesis in osteoblasts. OSM suppressed the release and the mRNA expression of OPG upregulated by BMP-4 in MC3T3-E1 cells.  Neither the BMP-4-induced phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/9 nor that of p38 MAPK affected by OSM. On the other hand, the BMP-4-stimulated phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase was considerably suppressed by OSM. These results strongly suggest that OSM suppresses the BMP-4-stimulated OPG synthesis via inhibition of the p70 S6 kinase-mediated pathway in osteoblasts.

This study investigated how positive (e.g., incentives) and negative (e.g., restrictions) reinforcement used in vaccination promotional messages and trust in government impact parental vaccine perceptions and decisions on vaccinating their children during a large-scale infectious disease crisis. Two hundred and eighty-six parents of unvaccinated teens participated in a 2 (reinforcement: positive vs. negative) × 2 (trust in government: high vs. low) between-subjects experimental survey. Positive reinforcement (e.g., gift cards for the vaccinated) was more effective for parents with low trust in the government to improve their attitudes and intentions toward child vaccination, while parents with high trust in the government were unaffected by reinforcement types. To the best of our knowledge, this study is among the first to examine the effects of both positive and negative reinforcement on vaccination perceptions and behavioral intentions through a controlled experiment and is the first study to do so in a large-scale infectious disease crisis setting. This research is expected to help public health professionals better prepare for and manage virus-induced public health crises in the future.

The research introduces the concept of Strong Energy (SE) as a force that encompasses all the different forms of energy in the universe. The study aims to create a mathematical framework that can describe the relationship between these different types of energy and how they can be converted from one form to another. The paper explores the theoretical implications of this model and investigates how it aligns with established physics principles like the conservation of energy and fundamental forces. The paper also discusses potential experiments and the impact this research could have on cosmology, particle physics, and our understanding of energy. This work sets the stage for future research in this area of study.

Although the behavioral mechanism studying is a difficult and complex task, it can produce an important systems optimization impact. In this work, we use, in this paper, inference system approach to represent reasoning mechanism and the operations of dynamic systems to extract mental representations from traveling salesman and convert them into cognitive structures. For this we develop an extraction automatic method to create knowledge bases and, later, data are stocked into structure based on transition maps and the performances of these created maps get improved through combining the reinforcement learning thus augment traveller's deciding capacity from historical data. These transition maps help to find best actions for obtaining useful new policies. Generated intermediate transition maps are gathered to give a global map called main map whose advantage is to improve the learning process. The main idea of this approach is to improve learning capability by using a reinforcement learning technique as exploration and exploitation strategy of the metaheuristique GRASP method and the use of the fuzze logical rules mechanism allowing concepts model to have more variability of states. The results obtained after simulation as presented in this paper are very encouraging.

This study explores the innovative use of CO2 laser technology in frenuloplasty, a significant shift from traditional methods like scalpel surgery or electrocautery, towards a minimally invasive approach. The research involved 15 patients aged 25 to 50, undergoing frenuloplasty with a CO2 laser system equipped with a 7-inch defocused handpiece, set at 20Hz and 0.3W. This method diverges from conventional laser techniques, focusing on controlled laser passes combined with manual traction to elongate the fibrous tissue of the frenulum. The results demonstrated that the CO2 laser technique allowed for a precise and progressive modification of the frenulum, significantly reducing the risks of hemorrhage and secondary in-tention fibrosis. The healing process was notably expedited, with patients reporting satisfactory outcomes within a two-week period. Statistically significant improvements were observed in pa-tient-reported outcomes, as evidenced by the increases in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) scores, with the mean Physical Component Summary (PCS) score rising from 32.5 to 47.5 and the mean Mental Component Summary (MCS) score from 39.3 to 52.3 (p < 0.001 for both). The study concludes that CO2 laser frenuloplasty is an effective and safe technique, offering sub-stantial benefits in terms of reduced healing time and enhanced patient satisfaction. The signifi-cant improvements in SF-12 scores underscore the positive impact on patient quality of life, ad-vocating for the broader application of this technique in clinical practice. Further research is warranted to explore its potential in a wider clinical context.

The current communication presents the application of a consolidated model combination strategy to analyze the medium-term carbon fluxes in two Mediterranean pine wood ecosystems. The modelling strategy is based on the use of a NDVI-driven parametric model, Modified C-Fix, and of a bio-geochemical model, BIOME-BGC, the outputs of which are combined taking into account the actual development phase of each ecosystem. The two pine ecosystems examined correspond to an old-growth forest and to a secondary succession after clearcuts, which differently respond to the same climatic condition during a ten-year period (2013-2022). Increasing dryness, in fact, exerts a fundamental role in controlling the gross primary and net ecosystem production of the mature stand, while the effect of forest regeneration is prevalent for the uprising of the same variables in the other stand. In particular, the simulated net carbon exchange fluctuates around 200 g C m-2 year-1 in the first stand and rises to over 600 g C m-2 year-1 in the second stand; correspondingly, the accumulation of new biomass is nearly undetectable in the former case while becomes notable in the latter. The study therefore supports the potential of the applied strategy for predicting the forest carbon balances consequent on diversified natural and human-induced factors.

: Inflammation may mediate the association of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) with ventricular scarring and arrhythmia. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of neutrophil- and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR, PLR) with ventricular arrhythmia in MVP. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records for all patients aged 18-90 years with MVP on echocardiography between 2016-19 at our institution. We studied 65 patients who had a differential blood count within six months prior to ambulatory ECG (A- ECG) (medi-an age [IQR] 70 [61-77] years; 62% female; 12% African American). Patients with surgery or in-fection within six months prior to CBC were excluded. Complex or frequent ventricular ectopy (cfVE) was defined as the presence of two or more premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) on a 10-second ECG tracing or greater than 1% PVC burden or NSVT on ambulatory ECG monitoring. Logistic and bivariate regression was used to analyze clinical, electrocardiographic and echo-cardiographic factors associated with NLR and PLR. Factors associated with higher NLR were congestive heart failure (p=0.005), male sex (p=0.01), age (p=0.003), and bileaflet MVP (p=0.04). NLR was associated with higher absolute PVC burden (rs=0.28, p=0.03) and cfVE (median NLR [IQR] 3.0 [1.6 – 6.3]) with cfVE versus (2.4 [1.4-3.4], p=0.04) without cfVE. An NLR of 5.6 yielded 50% sensitivity and 90% specificity for PVC burden >1% (AUC 0.69). No significant association was found between PLR and PVC burden or cfVE. NLR is associated with PVC burden and com-plex ventricular ectopy in MVP, suggesting that inflammation is a significant factor in the patho-genesis of ventricular arrhythmia in this condition.

The results of numerical experiments with the chemistry-climate model of the Institute of Numerical Mathematics of the Russian Academy of Sciences - Russian State Hydro-Meteorological University (INM-RSHU CCM) in comparison with the MERRA2 reanalysis data are presented. To assess the impact of sea surface temperature (SST) on stratospheric processes and the ozone layer, numerical experiments were carried out for scenarios corresponding to the El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation phases. It is shown that the El Niño phase contributes to the enhancement of heat and mass transfer to the polar stratosphere, which strengthen the Brewer-Dobson circulation and the flux of wave activity that affect the zonal wind. As a result, during El Niño, the probability of sudden stratospheric warming increases and the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV) weakens, re-sulting in an increase in total polar stratospheric ozone. The La Niña phase, on the contrary, is accompanied by a weakening of heat and mass transfer from the troposphere to the stratosphere, as a result of which the stratospheric polar vortex strengthens and the total column ozone decreases. It is shown that the effect associated with the Southern Oscillation is more pronounced in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. Numerical experiments were also carried out for scenarios in which the sea surface temperature was set corresponding to the early 1980s, and the results were compared with calculations in which the SST was set corresponding to the late 2010s. This allowed us to assess the influence of the multiyear trend in the SST increase on stra-tospheric processes and the ozone layer. It was shown that the SST increase is most pronounced in the Arctic, which corresponds to the phenomenon of "Arctic amplification", and therefore, the heat and mass transfer to the stratosphere increases in the Northern Hemisphere, which contributes to some weakening of the SPV and increase of the total column ozone. But, compared to the Southern Oscillation, the influence of the SST trend on the SPV and total column ozone is much weaker and is observed mainly in the Northern Hemisphere.

This study focusses on the geological formations of the Alfallé massif located approximately 75km east of the town of N'Goura, in the Hadjer-Lamis Province of Chad (13°N, 17°E), and their ability to provide good quality aggregates in an area with poor hard rock ressources. We investigated the petrographic and mechanical characteristics of these formations in a resource perspective. The massif is made up of three lithologies: alkali feldspar megacrystalline granite, biotite-rich fine grained quartz monzonite and biotite-rich fine grained gneiss. Alkali feldspar megacrystalline granite is composed of quartz (30%), orthoclase (30%), plagioclase (20%), biotite (15%) and opaque minerals (≈5%). Micro-monzonite is composed of quartz (15-20%), orthoclase (20-25%), plagioclase (18-25%), biotite (20-25%) and opaque minerals (≈4%). The biotite gneiss is composed of quartz (25-30%), alkali feldspars (25-27%), plagioclase (17%), biotite (25-27%) and opaque minerals (≈5%). The mechanical characteristics of the aggregates show that the aggregates studied have specific density values of between 2.58 and 2.75g/cm3 with an average value of 2.66g/cm3, a Los-Angeles coefficient of 11.2% to 28.9% with an average value of 20.1% and a wet Micro-Deval coefficient of 5.2% to 10.8% with an average value of 7.6%. The values obtained indicate that the materials studied have excellent to satisfactory properties, and that Alfallé massif provide the best characteristics among six different quarrying area in Central Chad. We propose that such rare residual reliefs within the mega-Chad paleolake area reach optimal mechanical properties through a natural selection process, specific of the paleolake erosional conditions.

The incidence of chronic enteropathies (CE), in particular food-responsive enteropathies (FRE) in dogs, is on the rise in veterinary practice. The symptoms of these digestive disorders cannot be alleviated with the use of commercial hypoallergenic feeds. The applicability of novel substrates in hypoallergenic dog feeds is limited, and edible insects could pose a viable alternative. Insects have a high nutritional value, and their potential can be harnessed to design personalized nutrition strategies. However, the use of insects in animal feeds should be rigorously tested. The aim of this study was to analyze the applicability of edible insects as a source of dietary protein for companion animals, including the current and future prospects. Canine food formulas should be evaluated in a clinical setting. The role edible insects in pet diets and the efficacy of this substrate in animal nutrition should be examined in advanced clinical trials in gastroenterology, histology, immunology, and microbiology. These efforts are required to guarantee the safety and efficacy of innovative insect-based feeds and to increase their popularity among veterinary practitioners, pet food producers, and animal owners.

Alginate, a biopolymer promising in food, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and electronic materials industries, is characterized by its biodegradability, biocompatibility, low toxicity, and gel-forming properties. It is most abundantly found in brown algae. However, conventional dilute acid and alkali extraction methods face limitations in commercialization due to their long processing time, low throughput, and high solvent requirements. In this study, a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process for sodium alginate was designed to improve extraction efficiency. Solid/liquid ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction solvent concentration were major variables affecting sodium alginate extraction from Undaria pinnatifida(sea mustard). They were then statistically optimized using response surface methodology. Under optimal conditions (13.27 g/L, 91.86 ℃, 2.51 %(w/v), and 15 min), the yield was 38.41 %, which was 93.43 % of the theoretical content of sodium alginate in Undaria pinnatifida. Our work has confirmed the productivity and industrial feasibility of efficient extraction of sodium alginate from marine biomass, and we hope that it will serve as an encouraging case for the application of biopolymers as one of the desirable options for alternative petrochemicals to construct a sustainable society.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide is a cause for global concern. Recent evidence suggests that the interaction between one’s diet and the gut microbiome are key modifiers of diabetes, highlighting the potential role of microbiome-modulating nutraceuticals. This bibliometric analysis examines literature published between 2012 and 2022 to explore trends in the latest research, with additional discussion on major takeaways and future directions. We selected and analyzed 640 articles from an initial pool of 4,099 from the Web of Science using Microsoft Excel 2016 and VOSviewer software (version 1.6.19). Our exploration covered the most common journals, countries, study designs, experimental subjects, types of DM, organisms and nutraceuticals studied, and the most cited articles. We also evaluated the most cited publications in terms of journals, organizations, and countries, along with the collaborative networks among authors, organizations and countries, and the co-occurrence of author keywords from the selection. It is evident from the increasing number of publications each year that this field has attracted growing attention over the last decade. Nonetheless, continued research is essential to sustain this trend. Our overarching study of diabetes research marks steady progress in understanding the role of—and potentially discovering applications of—microbiome modulation to enhance metabolic pathways and health outcomes. Advancements in this field may lead to potential therapeutic applications for specific diets and nutraceuticals that modulate the gut microbiota in DM.

Exosomes are small subtypes of extracellular vesicles (EVs) naturally released by different types of cells into their environment. Their physiological roles appear to be multiple, and many aspects of their biological activities remain to be understood. These vesicles can transport and deliver a variety of cargoes, including proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, and lipids. Consequently, it is argued that exosomes may serve as unconventional secretory vesicles, playing a crucial role as important vectors for intercellular communication and the maintenance of homeostasis. Exosome production and content can vary under several stresses or modifications in the cell microenvironment, influencing cellular responses both qualitatively and quantitatively. Thus, the analysis of EVs from multiple biofluids, due to its ease of implementation, has become a booming tool for monitoring various pathologies, particularly cancer, as we shall outline further on. During infectious processes, exosomes are described as double-edged swords, displaying both beneficial and detrimental effects. Indeed, during a viral infection, the production of EVs and circulating exosomes is often enhanced to signal danger, stimulate immunity, and possibly serve as pathological biomarkers. Conversely, viruses can disrupt or hijack the exosome content and production. In this review, we discuss the particular and ambiguous functions of exosomes in infectious contexts. Furthermore, we explore the vectoring capacity of exosomes in light of the extensive literature examining their function in mounting adaptive immune responses. Exosomes provide an interesting platform for antigen presentation and could therefore serve as novel therapeutic targets or be used in vaccine strategies.

Background: Perioperative treatment is a gold standard in locally advanced gastric cancer or GEJ cancer in western population. Unfortunately, the response rate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains limited. Moreover, there are currently no biomarkers enabling an individual prediction of therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study was identification of serum biomarkers of early response to NAC. Methods: We conducted this prospective study in the MSCNRIO, in Warsaw, Poland. A total of 71 patients and 15 healthy volunteers signed informed consent. Complete blood count, blood chemical tests, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) carcinoma antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoma an-tigen 19.9 (CA19.9), d-dimer, fibrinogen (F) were measured at baseline and before every cycle. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured in a pilot group of 40 patients at baseline and before cycle two (C2) and cycle three (C3). Results: Of all the measured parameters, only IL-6 serum level was statistically significant. The IL-6 level before C2 of chemotherapy was significantly decreased in complete pathological re-sponse (pCR) vs non-pCR group (3.71 pg/mL vs 7.63 pg/mL, p=0,004). In all patients with IL-6 levels below 5.0 pg/mL in C2, tumour regression TRG1a/1b according to Becker classification and ypN0 were detected in postoperative histopathological specimens. The IL-6 level before C1 of chemotherapy was significantly elevated in ypN+ vs ypN0 (7.69 pg/mL vs 2.89 pg/mL, p=0.022). Conclusions: The trial showed that elevated level of IL-6 prior to treatment and C2 might be a predictor of pathologic response to NAC.

Gamification is the use of game mechanics in non-game situations. It is a solution to which businesses are turning more and more, since, among other things, it also responds to the individual's need for fun. What are the prevailing trends and to what extent can it be exploited in the period we are going through? This paper tries to contribute to a better understanding of gamification with main aim to help employees in their work, and businesses to achieve goals and be more competitive.

Spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect, presents a complex set of challenges, particularly in motor function, for individuals across the lifespan. The condition is characterized by incomplete closure of the spinal column during embryonic development, leading to a spectrum of motor impairments such as gait abnormalities, muscle weakness, and compromised functional mobility. The prevalence of spina bifida remains a global concern, affecting approximately 1 in 1000 live births. This research investigates the potential impact of virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation on motor function in individuals with spina bifida in Tanzania. A randomized controlled trial involving 120 participants is designed, with one group undergoing traditional rehabilitation and another engaging in a six-week VR rehabilitation program. Motor function assessments, including gait analysis, muscle strength measurements, and functional mobility tests, were conducted at baseline, midpoint, and post-intervention. Preliminary analysis suggests that VR rehabilitation may offer unique benefits, leading to improvements in motor function. The study aims to contribute valuable insights into the efficacy of VR-based interventions for enhancing the motor capabilities of individuals with spina bifida, providing a foundation for future rehabilitation strategies in this population.

Accurate medical image segmentation is paramount for precise diagnosis and treatment in modern healthcare. This research presents a comprehensive study on the efficacy of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) combined with Histogram Equalization (HE) preprocessing for medical image segmentation, focusing on Lung CT-Scan and Chest X-ray datasets. Best Cost values reveal the PSO algorithm’s performance, with HE preprocessing demonstrating significant stabilization and enhanced convergence, particularly in complex Lung CT-Scan images. Evaluation metrics, including Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F-Score, Specificity, Dice, and Jaccard, show substantial improvements with HE preprocessing, emphasizing its impact on segmentation accuracy. Comparative analyses against alternative methods, such as Otsu, Watershed, and K-means, confirm the competitiveness of the PSO-HE approach, especially in Chest X-ray images. The study also underscores the positive influence of preprocessing on image clarity and precision. These findings highlight the promise of the PSO-HE approach in advancing the accuracy and reliability of medical image segmentation, paving the way for further research and method integration to enhance this critical healthcare application.

The elevated or depressed transition temperatures observed in cuprate and pnictide superconductors and other exotic superconductors pose a challenge in the context of explaining them through the traditional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) models of superconductivity. A significant obstacle in understanding this phenomenon can be addressed by considering an alternative electron distribution. Our investigation has identified an anyonic distribution, where the occupancy of a site created by removing a hole is filled by an electron. In heavy fermion superconductors (HFSs) block spins must be included in the distribution. The interplay, that is, resonance between superconducting electrons within the conventional BCS framework and independent charge density waves (CDWs) might contribute to driving the high-transition-temperature superconductors (HTSCs).

Climate change is one of the most concerning global issues and has the potential to influence every aspect of human life. Like different components of society, it can impose significant adverse impacts on pavement infrastructure. Although several research efforts have focused on studying the effects of climate change on natural and built systems, its impact on pavement performance has not been studied extensively. Due to the weather effect the lifetime of pavement is getting lower on the other hand maintenance cost is getting higher and higher. The data has been collected from LTTP website and as a site The State of Texas has been considered. The primary objective of this project is to quantify the effect of temperature as well as precipitation changes on pavement response and performance prediction using the ARIMA model and develop a logistic regression model to analyze the forecast data.

In this article, you will get acquainted with ancient settlements in the Bukhara region and settlements found at the foot of the Zarafshan River. In addition, the settlements of urbanized peasant and artisan families belonging to the ancient Sugdian culture are also covered. Just as Egypt was called "the gift of the Nile" in ancient times, Buhoro oasis can also be called the gift of the Zarafshan river. Because this land on the banks of the river itself, first of all, as a result of thousands of years of Zarafshan was created due to the turbidity that flowed. The innumerable streams, lakes and ponds formed by its floods played a major role in the formation of the nature of the oasis and its development. It is known that when the ice age ended and the weather started to warm, the thick glaciers and eternal snows that covered the mountain ranges of Turkestan, Khisor and Zarafshan melted, and huge floods formed from them, roared down the Zarafshan river. His depicted floods of those times reminded of the legendary "Noah's flood". At that time, Zarafshan flowed over a very wide area in its valley. Its right bank washes the Payarik and Khatirchi hills in the present Samarkand region, and the left bank washes the Pastdargom and Kattakurgan hills. Not a single drop of this large stream was wasted in the upper and middle parts of the Zarafshan valley and was used for farming and agriculture, it broke through the narrow Khazora dar band near the present city of Navoi and flowed into the cone-shaped Bukhoro oasis. Ancient Khitfar (Vobkent-Darya), Rudnzor (Shakhrud) in Bukhara oasis. Korakuldaryo, Mokhondaryo and Taikir formed several branches and flowed along the entire voka. At that time, the valley part of Bukhoro region was formed from the lakes and swamps formed by the flood waters of Zarafshan.They are covered with thick bushes, thickets and orchards. A wealth of information has been collected on the history of the ancient nature of the people of the country and the development of its unique culture, as well as the formation of self-interested cattle breeding and farming farms, as well as the emergence of large and small villages and cities. The data serve as the main source not only for the history of the emergence of the city of Bukhara, but also for the study of the emergence of the process of urbanization in the Zara Valley and its specific characteristics.

Climate change is one of the widely acknowledged challenges faced by international communities in the 21^st century. It poses challenges to fundamental elements of our understanding of appropriate goals for socioeconomic policies, such as the connection of prosperity, growth, equity and sustainable development. Human activities-induced climatic changes have been widely perceived as threatening criteria for the long-term resilience of societies and communities throughout the world. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UNIPCC) reported that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy generation, is changing the climate of Earth. Despite contributing less towards the causes, poor citizens of developing countries bear a lot of its impacts. In particular, women and girls face a major impact and finally, they migrate due to the social gender division and scarcity of food. Studies on gender and climate change-induced migration are scarce. This study provides an overview of the induced impact of climate change on the livelihood, health and migration of women and girls. The aim of this study would significantly advance our understanding of the current inter-linkages between migration, displacement patterns and climate change impacts.