After reviewing the history of the struggle between human beings and plant diseases, insects and weeds, especially reviewing the thoughts of plant protection in ancient Chinese agricultural books, the target recognition of plant pests and the six types of plant protection methods and 36 subdi-vision measures were summarized. Then the development overview of pesticide application technology was focused and reviewed systematically by combining the development timeline of pesticide application and the key technologies including the performance measurement and the simulation and modeling of pesticide spraying system. And three suggestions for further research were proposed from the perspectives of human-being and environmental health, the sustainable and eco-friendly application medium, and the efficiently application equipment system in plant protection.

This study aims to comprehensively compare and evaluate the toughening effects of different nanocarbon materials on vinyl ester resin composites. The incorporation of nanocarbon materials has gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance the mechanical properties of polymers. In this research, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were chosen as nanocarbon additives. The mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength, were systematically investigated and compared for each nanocomposite. Additionally, microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the dispersion of nanocarbon materials within the vinyl ester matrix. The results indicated that all three nanocarbon materials contributed to the toughening of the vinyl ester resin, with varying degrees of improvement in mechanical properties. This study provides valuable insights into the selection of nanocarbon additives for enhancing the toughness of vinyl ester resin and offers guidance for designing advanced polymer composites.

Background: Neonatal transportation of sick newborns is a major predictor of outcome. Prompt identification of the sickest newborns allows immediate corrective intervention and outcome optimization. Multiple severity scores were developed, however an optimal score has not yet been identified. Aim: To identify a rapid, accurate, and easy to perform score predictive for neonatal mortality in outborn neonates. Material and methods: All neonates, irrespective of gestational age, admitted by transfer in our level III regional neonatal unit between 01.01.2015 and 31.12.2021 were included. Infants with congenital critical abnormalities were excluded. Sick neonatal score (SNS) was calculated and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), gender, Apgar score, place of birth, time between delivery and admission (AT), early onset sepsis were collected from medical records and compared between study groups. Subgroup analysis was performed based on gestational age (preterm versus term infants). A new score was elaborated, including GA, BW, and AT, namely MSNS-AT score, to further improve mortality prediction. The main outcomes were mortality prediction using SNS and MSNS-AT score. Univariable and multivariable analysis, including Cox regression, were performed using SPSS Statistic 22.0. P-value was considered statistically significant if <0.05, 95% confidence intervals, odds ratio and hazard ratios were calculated were appropriate. Results: A total of 418 outborn infants were admitted during study period; 15 infants were excluded due to critical congenital defects. Out of 403 outborn infants, 217 born prematurely (53.8%), 224 males (55.6%), 20 died (4.96%). Compared to the survivors, the non-survivor neonates had significantly lower GA, BW, and SNS score (p<0.05), although only SNS score remained significantly lower in all subgroups (preterm vs term infants). A SNS score ≤8 was associated with mortality both in the whole study group and in subgroups (p<0.001). Time to admission was significantly associated with increased mortality rate in the whole group (p<0.05) and in preterm infants but not in term ones (p>0.05). In univariable and multivariable Cox regression models, MSNS-AT score, with a cut-off optimal value of ≤10 was more precise in predicting mortality compared to SNS (AUC 0.735 vs. 0.775) when applied to the entire group, had a lower accuracy in the term infants (AUC 0.765 vs 0.809) and a better accuracy the preterm infants group (AUC 0.885 vs. 0.810). Conclusions: The MSNS-AT score – calculated by adding GA, BW, and AT to the SNS score - significantly improved mortality prediction at admission in the whole study group as compared to SNS score. The best accuracy prediction of MSNS-AT score was observed in preterm infants suggesting that, besides GA and BW, TA may be decisive for the outcome of outborn preterm infants. Further studies are necessary to confirm the predictive value of MSNS-AT score and to identify variables that can improve its value in term infants without affecting the simplicity, ease, and rapidity of the scoring system.

AISI 1050 steel circular pocket milling under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) surroundings including nozzle elevation angle, lubricant flow rate, air pressure and cutting speed was studied. The machined surface quality (Ra) was evaluated for Up-milling side and Down-milling side. In this study, to obtain an manifest explanation on the pivotal effective parameters of MQL surroundings and cutting speed on the machined surface quality (Ra) through analyzing Taguchi L9 (34-2) approach and ANOVA calculation to identify those parameters, by utilizing the experimental outcomes to interpret three-dimensional (3D) surface plots and the diagrams of Signal-to-Noise ratios and major impact plots of Mean. The obtained outcomes of optimal operating parameters indicated that the pivotal effective parameters of MQL surroundings are nozzle elevation angle and lubricant flow rate on the machined surface quality. Simultaneously, a quadratic mathematical paradigm generated by using response surface design (RSD) and desirableness function evaluation were utilized to forecast the optimal values of the machined surface quality compared to Taguchi method. The results unveiled that the optimal values of the machined surface quality are adjacent to experimental attained values. The machined surface quality has been significantly improved using MQL surroundings.

Abstract: Panfacial fractures are complex injuries involving multiple regions of the facial skele-ton simultaneously, which may necessitate multiple surgeries over a relatively short period. They are often associated with polytrauma and other injuries including brain trauma, which re-quire either immediate airway management, prolonged intubation, or repeated intubations for staged surgeries. Given the frequent need for intermaxillary fixation and the potential involve-ment of the central nasal complex or skull base, conventional oro-tracheal or nasotracheal intu-bation often presents challenges. Submental intubation is the most reported method of airway management with the aim to avoid tracheostomy and its related complications. A review of the different techniques of airway management in the elective treatment of panfacial fractures was performed focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Most of the literature consisted of retrospective studies, with only one prospective study comparing submental intu-bation to tracheostomy in panfacial fractures. There is abundant literature that favours the sub-mental intubation for its rapid establishment and low complication rate. Other techniques less reported were retromolar intubation, nasotracheal to orotracheal switch, tracheostomy or crico-thyroidotomy. An algorithm for the management of the airway in panfacial fractures is pre-sented.

Self-compacting concrete is essential for vertical structures due to high reinforcement and usage of pumps for transporting the concrete at the working site. SCC is mainly influenced by self-curing for arid areas. To explore the SCC (Self-Compacting Concrete) mixture and condition influencing the self-curing condition were determined using the experimental procedure. Determination of various parameters was done using T50 slump flow, V-funnel, L-box-box, J ring test, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength test. After the experimental investigation, it shows that if the dose if the dosage of superplasticizer (SNF%) increases, it will improve the concrete mixture's different properties, such as flowability and ability to pass. Higher water-to-cement ratios (w/c) generally result in enhanced flowability and stability. Mixture 9 (SNF 0.35, w/c 0.5) demonstrates favourable results across all parameters, indicating excellent flowability and stability. Mixture 9 (SNF 0.35, w/c 0.5) also shows favourable flowability and stability characteristics. Lower concentrations, such as 0.5%, may have a positive effect up to a certain point but might not provide sustained improvement over the curing period. On the other hand, concentrations of 1% and 2% demonstrated consistent and significant enhancement in strength throughout the 28 days. It is found that the higher concentrations of PEG 4000 may be more effective in improving the material strength.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has been proving suitable to support or even replace traditional manufacturing in several industries, offering many advantages such as delivery time and reduction in terms of material waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to carry out a comparative assessment of the life cycle, from gate to gate, in the production of a low alloy carbon steel flange part using ER-90 wire. The methods utilized were Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and conventional manufacturing (CM) by forging, and comparative factors were energy demands, GHG emissions and generated solid waste. The total energy consumption in WAAM was 10,239.40 MJ, total carbon footprint in CO2 equivalent (CO2e) was 714.1 kgCO2e kg-1, and generated solid waste was 68.6 kg, respectively, 90%, 95% and 76% lower than consumption calculated in conventional manufacturing.

Early spaceborne laser altimetry mission development starts in pre-phase A design, where diverse ideas are evaluated against mission science requirements. A key challenge is predicting realistic instrument performance through forward modeling at arbitrary spatial scale. Analytical evaluations compromise accuracy for speed, while radiative transfer modeling is not applicable at global scale due to computational expense. Instead of predicting arbitrary properties of a lidar measurement, we develop a baseline theory to predict only the distribution of uncertainty specifically for the terrain elevation retrieval based on terrain slope and fractional canopy cover features through a deep neural network gaussian mixture model, also known as a mixture density network (MDN). Training data was created from differencing geocorrected GEDI L2B elevation measurements with 32 independent reference lidar datasets in the contiguous U.S. from the National Ecological Observatory Network. We trained the MDN and selected hyperparameters based on regional distribution predictive capability. On average, the relative error of equivalent standard deviation of predicted regional distributions was 15.9%, with some anomalies in accuracy due to generalization and insufficient feature diversity and correlation. As an application, we predict the percent of elevation residuals of a GEDI-like lidar within a given mission threshold from 60°S to 78.25°N, which correlate to qualitative understanding of prediction accuracy and instrument performance.

In this paper, we give all non splitting bi-unitary superperfect polynomials divisible by one or two irreducible polynomials over the prime field of two elements. We prove the nonexistence of odd bi-unitary superperfect polynomials over F2.

A structure based analysis of the pion’s decay path reveals that neutrinos can show up in three eigenstates. It requires a proper understanding of the nature of charged leptons, such as why the loss of binding energy stops the lepton generation at the tauon level. The analysis quantifies this binding energy in terms of the weak interaction strength as embodied by the weak interaction boson and the strength of the energetic background field as embodied by the Higgs boson. Next to this it is shown that a reconstruction of Fermi’s neutrino theory allows a quantitative assessment of the Fermi constant straightforwardly from the weak interaction strength. The article ends with the conclusion that neutrino oscillation is not a physical phenomenon, but, instead, a measurement interpretation induced from projecting the statistical behaviour of a multi-particle ensemble onto a single particle.

Several mathematicians and physicists are working all over the globe to get a unified theory. However, most of them are discarding Einstein’s view at the very first step of their theories. This article provides a brief description about this. Also, on the basis of Koga’s theory we point out two reasons which might have caused Einstein’s failure to get a unified theory.

Food insecurity is an economic and social condition involving limited or uncertain access to food. The problem of food insecurity in communities is influenced by economic conditions, food deserts, and barriers to accessing healthy food. Individuals experiencing food insecurity often endure concurrent problems of financial instability, hunger, and poor mental and physical health. Public and non-profit services in the U.S., such as the federally supported Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and community food banks, provide food-related assistance to individuals who are at a high risk of experiencing food insecurity. Unfortunately, many individuals who qualify for these services still experience food insecurity due to barriers preventing them from accessing food. Effective approaches for removing barriers that prevent individuals from accessing food are needed to mitigate the increased risk of chronic disease among vulnerable populations. This study tested a novel food insecurity intervention called FINDING-Food, which stands for Frequent Informational Nudges Directing Individuals to Needed Goods. Informational nudges in the intervention promoted food security through the elimination of information barriers to accessing food. The intervention used in this mixed-methods feasibility study consisted of informational nudges in the form of weekly text messages that were sent to food pantry clients experiencing food insecurity. The study aims were to test the efficacy and acceptability of the intervention by examining whether the informational nudges could enhance food pantry utilization, increase SNAP registration, and promote food security. Quantitative study results showed a lower prevalence of food insecurity in the intervention group than the control group at the end of the study. Qualitative findings revealed how the intervention group found the text messages to be helpful and informative. These study findings can enhance future food insecurity interventions aiming to eliminate barriers that prevent individuals who are food insecure from accessing healthy food.

Patients with sAID are a population at high risk of severe COVID outcomes but evidence on the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this group of patients is scarce. To investigate the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with systemic autoinflammatory diseases (sAID) receiving interleukin-1 inhibition is important. Vaccination responses from 100 sAID patients most of whom were treated with IL-1inhibitors (N=96) and 100 healthy controls (HC) were ana-lyzed. After 2nd SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, sAID patients showed similar anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-body responses (mean (SD): 6.7 (2.7)) compared to HC (5.7 (2.4)) as well as similar neutralizing antibodies (85.1 ±22.9% vs. 82.5 ±19.7%). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses and neutralizing antibodies were similar in sAID patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection and double vaccination. Furthermore, while antibodies increased after 1st and 2nd vaccination in sAID patients they did not further increase after 3rd and 4th vaccination. No difference was found in antibody responses between anakinra and anti-IL-1 antibody treatments and also the additional use of colchicine or other drugs did not impair vaccination responses. Primary and booster SARS-CoV-2 vaccination lead to protective antibody responses in sAID patients, which are at the same level of vaccination responses in HC and in sAID patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immunomodulatory treatments used in sAID do not seem to affect antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

This study examines the wind shear coefficient (WSC) values at three coastal wind sites located in the southern region of Balochistan, Pakistan: Pasni, Ormara, and Jiwani. These WSC values were obtained using 10-minute measured wind speed data at heights of 20, 40, and 60 meters above ground level (AGL). Since wind measurements are typically recorded at lower heights due to cost and resource constraints, extrapolation techniques were employed to estimate wind speeds at higher altitudes. However, using a constant WSC value for extrapolation may lead to significant errors between extrapolated and actual wind speed measurements, impacting the energy output of wind turbines. To evaluate the effect of WSC on energy yield, the study employed power curves and frequency distributions for 2MW and 1.5MW wind turbines. Additionally, wind power density was calculated using air density derived from measured air temperature and surface pressure data, covering two years period from November 2016 to August 2018. The overall mean WSC values were found to be 0.076 at Pasni, 0.094 at Jiwani, and 0.053 at Ormara. The study further investigated the seasonal, monthly, and diurnal variations of WSC. For assessing wind resources at a height of 60m, the study utilized Wind Roses, wind power density, and Weibull parameters. Comparing the actual WSC values presented in this paper with those obtained using the 1/7 power law and measured data at 60m AGL, the energy yield from the wind turbines showed reduced output and capacity factor.

The crisis of mining-industrial activities in Western Europe since the middle of the 20th century caused the cessation of mining, triggering a structural crisis. It is necessary to look for alternatives, among which tourist activities based on mining heritage stand out. However, there are unattractive peripheral spaces in which new activities encounter obstacles to their development, facing the post-industrial and rural crises. The Riotinto Mining Basin (Huelva, Andalusia) represents an example of such spaces with an enormous cultural heritage. A central agent, the Río Tinto Foundation, has opted to enhance tourism value, while the mine has recently been reactivated. The objective of this research is to analyze the contribution of mining tourism to sustainable rural development. The methodology applied has been mixed based on conducting interviews and analyzing secondary data. The results are (a) achievement of the tourism value of the mining heritage; (b) difficulties for tourism to overcome its peripheral condition; (c) relative contribution of tourism to the improvement of the territorial image; (d) lack of coordination among stakeholders; (e) limited contribution of tourism to sustainable rural development, moving to a secondary economic role after the reopening of the mine.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women worldwide between 14 and 49 years of age including Nigeria. Figures have greatly reduced in developed countries after the introduction and implementation of effective screening and vaccination programs which is greatly undeveloped and inefficient in Nigeria and other developing countries at large. OBJECTIVES: The study assessed the knowledge and attitude of reproductive age women towards cervical cancer prevention in selected tertiary institutions in Osun State. METHODOLOGY: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among reproductive age women in selected tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria. A probability based multistage sampling technique was adopted as the sampling technique for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured, self-administered and interviewer guided questionnaire. RESULTS: Age of respondents was 25.305±8.195. 313(79.0%) of the total respondents were Christians, and 83(21.0%) of the respondents were Muslims. For the overall knowledge score, only 52.0% of the respondents had good knowledge while 48.0% of the respondents had poor knowledge. 52.0% exhibited negative attitude towards cervical cancer prevention while 48% exhibited positive attitude towards cervical cancer prevention. Only 23% of the respondents had taken part in screening and vaccination towards cervical cancer prevention while 77% of the respondents had not. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of reproductive age women towards cervical cancer prevention was above average while their attitude towards cervical cancer prevention was low. This issue could be addressed by increasing the awareness of the effects of cervical cancer among reproductive age women in the country.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a non-AIDS-defining cancer closely tied to the chronic HIV infection and associated with the release of inflammatory cytokines, immune system dysfunction, and genetic alterations within mitochondria. However, our understanding of how these factors contribute to HCC risk in PLWH is limited. The objective of the study was to ascertain the differential secretion of cytokines and mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) deletion in PLWH, and individuals diagnosed with HCC without HIV. A cross-sectional study was conducted with PLWH and HCC participants from the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood. The plasma samples were used to measure cytokines using ELISA and Luminex techniques. We determined mtDNA deletions from PBMCs. We found that the secretion of the cytokines TGF-β, FGF-2, IL-8, TNF-α, VEGF, and RANTES implicated in the pre-cancer, initiation, and early stages of HCC were similar in PLWH compared to HCC participants without HIV. PBMCs of PLWH exhibited high mtDNA deletion (60%) comparable to HCC participants without HIV (64%). These findings underscore the underlying risks associated with HCC development in PLWH. There is a need for HCC surveillance among PLWH and these cytokines could be used as biomarkers.

This study investigates the microstructures and deformation mechanism of hetero-structured pure titanium under different high strain rates (500 s-1，1000 s-1，2000 s-1). The influence of strain rate on the deformation mechanism is examined. As the strain rate increases, the dominance of dislocation slip decreases while deformation twinning becomes more prominent. Notably, at a strain rate of 2000s-1, nanoscale twin lamellae are activated within grain with a size of 500nm, which is a rarely observed phenomenon in pure Ti. Additionally, martensitic phase transformation is also identified. These findings can greatly enhance our understanding of the mechanical responses of Ti and broaden the potential applications of Ti in dynamic deformation scenarios.

Anomaly detection in equipment processes plays an important role in the oil and gas sector. Algorithms for detecting anomalies in measured data are best understood in computer science and mathematics. Therefore, a possible transfer of knowledge from the latter knowledge area to the former can play a significant role. This paper addresses such a task by analyzing bibliometric data of Computer Science and Mathematics papers published in MDPI journals and publications found on the SPE search platform. It is shown that the main algorithms both extensively studied in MDPI publications and found in SPE publications and reflecting the anomaly detection problem are Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Long-term Memory Method and Recurrent Neural Network. The main advantages and disadvantages of these methods are briefly described. Examples of classical, highly cited publications describing the work of these algorithms are given. Examples of papers describing their application in the oil and gas industry are given. The sections of SPE disciplines with the largest number of publications using the above algorithms that are frequently used for anomaly detection are presented.

In view of the limitations of the existing eccentricity error separation method of the rotary table, an eccentricity error separation method based on the phase feature of the moiré signal of single reading head is proposed herein. A grating pair transmission model is established based on the analysis of the principle of the rotary table, thereby the influence of eccentricity error on the phase feature of the moiré signal in the rotation course of the rotary table is clarified, and the corresponding model between the phase feature spectral components and the eccentricity error is established. The verification experiments of the proposed method are carried out based on the laboratory-made circuit system. After verifying the accuracy of the data acquisition of the laboratory-made circuit board, the verification experiments of the eccentricity error separation effect of the proposed method are carried out. The experimental data are compared with those of the traditional method and the results show that the error between the two methods is 2.34μm and the relative error is 2.3%.

This study delves into heterosexual identity-behavior discordance, exploring the interaction between sexual identification and behavior in U.K. Analyzing representative 2010 data from the British population (N=12,472), the research categorizes participants into different groups: nonheterosexual, concordant heterosexual, and three discordant heterosexual categories (closeted, experimenters, and desisters). These groups were compared in terms of sociodemographics, attitudes towards sexuality, risk behaviors and health indicators. Discordance was associated with permissive social attitudes, including behaviors such as adultery and one-night stands, and with increased substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors, especially among the closeted. Surprisingly, physical and mental health of discordant heterosexuals was similar to concordant heterosexuals, in contrast to the poorer health of nonheterosexuals. Due to the significant variations in lifestyles and health indicators among different groups, this study highlights the importance of providing targeted services and interventions.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used for the management of severe respiratory and cardiac failure, as well as bridge to definite treatment or transplantation. ECMO associated coagulopathy (EAC) is a frequent complication leading to high rates of thrombosis or severe haemorrhage, contributing to morbidity and mortality of patients. Understanding the pathophysiology of EAC is substantial for effectively managing patients on ECMO. We analyse the underlying mechanism of EAC and discuss the monitoring of coagulation profile, combining the viscoelastic point of care assays with the conventional coagulation laboratory tests.

Peptide-based opioid ligands are important candidates for the development of novel, safer, and more effective analgesics to treat pain. To develop peptide-based safer analgesics, we synthesized a mixture-based cyclic pentapeptide library containing a total of 24,624 pentapeptides and screened the mixture-based library samples using a 55 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Using this phenotypic screening approach, we deconvoluted the mixture-based samples to identify a novel cyclic peptide Tyr-[D-Lys-Dap(Ant)-Thr-Gly] (CycloAnt), which produced dose- and time-dependent antinociception with an ED50 (and 95% confidence interval) of 0.70 (0.52-0.97) mg/kg i.p. mediated by the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Additionally, higher doses (≥ 3 mg/kg, i.p.) of CycloAnt antagonized delta-opioid receptors (DOR) at least 3 hours. Pharmacological characterization of CycloAnt showed the cyclic peptide did not reduce breathing rate in mice at doses up to 15 times the analgesic ED50 value, and dramatically less hyperlocomotion than the MOR agonist, morphine. While chronic administration of CycloAnt resulted in antinociceptive tolerance, it was without opioid-induced hyperalgesia and significantly reduced signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal suggestive of reduced physical dependence as compared to morphine. Collectively, the results suggest this dual MOR/DOR multifunctional ligand is an excellent lead for the development of peptide-based safer analgesics.

Background: We aimed to determine the splenic stiffness (SS) values in healthy individuals as measured by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance elastography (3T MRE) and to investigate the possible effects of parameters such as age, sex, spleen volume, diameter, and parenchyma thickness on SS.Methods: A total of 54 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants' age and sex information were recorded, in addition to spleen craniocaudal and anteroposterior diameter, cortical thickness, spleen volume, and SS, which were measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging and MRE. Results: Twenty-nine male and 25 female subjects with a mean age of 54.78±15.40 years were included in the study. Mean cradiocaudal diameter was 10.46±1.16 cm, anteroposterior diameter was 9.88±1.29 cm, parenchyma thickness was 4.08±0.67 cm, SS was 3721.94±709.69 Pascal (Pa), and median spleen volume was 292.54 (239.40-311.00) cm³. A significant positive correlation was observed between age and SS (r=0.779, p<0.001). The SS values were not associated with sex, craniocaudal diameter, anteroposterior diameter, parenchymal thickness, or volume.Conclusion:Age should be considered when using SS in the diagnosis and staging of relevant diseases such as portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Our results should be confirmed by future studies using 3T MRE in larger populations.

Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention to neutralise the effects of venom toxins. Each year up to 138,000 people die from snakebite and 3-fold more victims suffer life-altering disabilities. Current treatment of snakebite relies solely on antivenom – polyclonal antibodies isolated from the plasma of hyperimmunised animals – which is associated with numerous deficiencies. The ADDovenom project seeks to deliver a novel snakebite therapy, through use of an innovative protein-based scaffold as a next-generation antivenom. The ADDomer is a megadalton-sized, thermostable synthetic nanoparticle derived from the adenovirus penton base protein with 60 high-avidity binding sites to neutralise venom toxins. Here, we outline our experimental strategies to achieve this goal using state-of-the-art protein engineering, expression technology, mass spectrometry, as well as in vitro and in vivo venom neutralisation assays. We anticipate that the approaches described here will produce antivenom with unparalleled efficacy, safety and affordability.

Recent technological advances have significantly increased the data volume obtained from deep space exploration missions, making the downlink rate a primary limiting factor. Particularly, JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission encounters this problem when identifying safe and scientifically valuable landing sites on Phobos using high-resolution images. A strategic approach in which we effectively reduce image data volumes without compromising essential scientific information is thus required. In this work, we investigate the influence of image data compression, especially as it concerns the accuracy of generating the local Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) that will be used to determine MMX’s landing sites. We obtain simulated images of Phobos that are compressed using the CCSDS-120 with integer/float-point discrete wavelet transform (DWT), candidate algorithms for the MMX mission. Accordingly, we show that, if the compression ratio is 70% or lower, the effect of image compression remains constrained, and local DTMs can be generated within altitude errors of 40 cm on the surface of Phobos, which is ideal for selecting safe landing spots. We conclude that the compression ratio can be increased as high as 70%, and such compression enables us to facilitate critical phases in the MMX mission even with the limited downlink rate.

Background: We aimed to determine the splenic stiffness (SS) values in healthy individuals as measured by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance elastography (3T MRE) and to investigate the possible effects of parameters such as age, sex, spleen volume, diameter, and parenchyma thickness on SS. Methods: A total of 54 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants' age and sex information were recorded, in addition to spleen craniocaudal and anteroposterior diameter, cortical thickness, spleen volume, and SS, which were measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging and MRE. Results: Twenty-nine male and 25 female subjects with a mean age of 54.78±15.40 years were included in the study. Mean cradiocaudal diameter was 10.46±1.16 cm, anteroposterior diameter was 9.88±1.29 cm, parenchyma thickness was 4.08±0.67 cm, SS was 3721.94±709.69 Pascal (Pa), and median spleen volume was 292.54 (239.40-311.00) cm3. A significant positive correlation was observed between age and SS (r=0.779, p<0.001). The SS values were not associated with sex, craniocaudal diameter, anteroposterior diameter, parenchymal thickness, or volume Conclusion:Age should be considered when using SS in the diagnosis and staging of relevant diseases such as portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Our results should be confirmed by future studies using 3T MRE in larger populations.

(1) Background: Patella and achilles tendon injuries have become increasingly prevalent due to an increasingly active population. These injuries can cause significant dysfunction which is especially true for elite athletes. Standard B-Mode ultrasound has been useful in the diagnosis of these injuries, however, only to a limited extent. Shear wave elastography (SWE) can aid in evaluation by objectively measuring tissue stiffness. Prior studies have proven shear wave values can be used to evaluate tendon tissue noting differences in healthy versus pathologic tendons. One main limitation remains a lack of normative data for specific tendon tissues which we aim to address in this study; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study of healthy volunteers aged 18-65 without lower extremity injury was evaluated using A Samsung RS85 Prestige ultrasound machine with a 14L-2 MHz transducer. Shear wave values were collected in a standardized manner for the patellar tendon at one location, as well as the achilles tendon at the midportion and insertional areas; (3) Results: Data for 54 healthy adult patellar and achilles tendons was collected bilaterally. The mean SWE average of the patellar tendon (P1-P3) for all subjects was 96.3 +/- 10.9 kPA. A higher BMI was correlated with a decrease in patella tendon kPA and the mean PT1 was higher for males compared to females (adjusted mean 96.4 kPA for males and 88.5 kPA for females, mean difference = 7.9 kPA; P = 0.009). The mean SWE average of the insertional Achilles (AT1-AT3) for all subjects was 101.7 +/-16.2 kPA and for the midportion achilles (MTP1-MTP5) was 145.6 +/- 18.8 kPA. There was a decrease in kPA for insertional Achilles measurements in those with a higher BMI, but this did not reach statistical significance (p=.12); (4) Conclusion: This study provides normative SWE values for the patella and achilles tendon using the Samsung RS85. These values can be used for comparison to pathological tissue by means of the same examination protocol to better understand tendon degeneration. Further studies are warranted as to how SWE can be applied to the diagnosis of tendinopathy, partial and full-thickness tears, and response to treatment.

The algorithm now known as Kadane’s algorithm for the maximum subarray problem uses many of the ideas that Kadane proposed, but it is not the algorithm that Kadane intended. This paper compares the two algorithms in question. They are both linear in time, employ just a few words of memory, and use a dynamic programming structure. The upshot is two light-weight algorithms for the maximum subarray problem.

Mouse wild-derived strains (WDS) combine the advantages of classical laboratory stocks and wild animals, and thus appear as promising tools for diverse biomedical and evolutionary studies. We employed 18 WDS representing three non-synanthropic species (Mus spretus, M. spicilegus, and M. macedonicus) and three house mouse subspecies (M. musculus musculus, M. m. domesticus, M. m. castaneus) which are all important human commensals to explore whether the number of major urinary protein (MUP) genes and their final protein levels in the urine are correlated with the level of commensalism. Contrary to expectations, MUP copy number (CN) and protein excretion in the strains derived from M. m. castaneus, which is supposed to be the strongest commensal, were not significantly different from the non-commensal species. Regardless of an overall tendency for higher MUP amounts in taxa with higher CN, there is no significant correlation at the strain level. Our study thus suggests that the expansion of the Mup cluster, which appeared before the house mouse diversification, is unlikely to facilitate commensalism with humans in the three house mouse subspecies. Finally, we found considerable variation among con(sub)specific WDS, warning against generalisations of results based on a few strains.

Injured peripheral nerves regenerate their axons in contrast to those in the central nervous system. However, functional recovery after surgical repair is often disappointing. The basis for the poor recovery is the progressive deterioration with time and distance, of the growth capacity of the neurons that lose their contact with targets (chronic axotomy) and the growth support of the chronically denervated Schwann cells (SC) in the distal nerve stumps. This is despite the retained capacity of chronically denervated and atrophic muscle to accept reinnervation. Progressive decline in regeneration associated genes in both axotomized neurons and denervated SCs accounts for the decline in regenerative success in association with silencing of neural activity in sensory neurons due to their disconnection from their sense organs and, in motoneurons due to loss of their synaptic contacts in the spinal cord. Whilst exogenous neurotrophic factors promote nerve regeneration, the profuse axonal outgrowth and difficulties in delivery are avoided by promoting their endogenous expression with brief (1 hour) low frequency (20Hz) electrical stimulation (ES) proximal to the injury site. ES accelerates axon outgrowth and in turn, target reinnervation in both animals and human subjects. Applying ES to intact nerve days prior to nerve injury, conditional ES (CES) increases axonal outgrowth and regeneration rate with the potential for application in nerve transfer surgeries and end-to-side neurorrhaphies. However, the additional surgery for applying CES electrodes may be a hurdle. ES is applicable in all surgeries with excellent outcomes.

There are no theorems (proven theories) in the biological sciences. We propose that the 3 31 nt minihelix tRNA evolution theorem be universally accepted as one. The 3 31 nt minihelix theorem completely describes evolution of type I and type II tRNAs from ordered precursors (RNA repeats and inverted repeats). Despite diversification of tRNAome sequences, statistical tests overwhelmingly support the theorem. Furthermore, the theorem relates the dominant pathway for the origin of life on Earth, specifically, how tRNAomes and the genetic code may have coevolved. Alternate models for tRNA evolution (i.e., 2 minihelix, convergent and accretion models) are falsified. In the context of the pre-life world, tRNA was a molecule that via mutation could modify anticodon sequences and teach itself to code. We relate the clearest history to date of the chemical evolution of life on Earth. From analysis of tRNA evolution, ribozyme-mediated RNA ligation was a primary driving force in evolution of complexity during the pre-life to life transition on Earth.

Based upon 30-years of research by the author a new approach to hospital bed planning and international benchmarking is proposed. The number of hospital beds per 1000 population is commonly used to compare international bed numbers. This method is flawed because it does not consider population age structure or the effect of nearness-to-death on hospital utilization. Deaths are also serving as a proxy for wider bed demand arising from undetected outbreaks of 3000 species of human pathogens. To remedy this problem a new approach to bed modelling has been developed which plots beds per 1000 deaths against deaths per 1000 population. Lines of equivalence can be drawn on the plot to delineate countries with higher or lower bed supply. This method is extended to attempt to define the optimum region for bed supply in an effective health care system. England is used as an example of a health system descending into operational chaos due to too few beds and manpower. The former Soviet bloc countries represent a health system overly dependent on hospital beds. Several countries also show evidence for over-utilization of hospital beds. The new method is used to define a potential range for bed supply and manpower where the current most effective health systems currently reside. The method is applied to total curative beds, medical beds, psychiatric beds, critical care, geriatric care, etc., and can also be used to compare different types of healthcare staff, i.e., nurses, physicians, surgeons. Issues surrounding the optimum hospital size and the optimum average occupancy will also be discussed. The role of poor policy in the English NHS is used to show how the NHS has been led into a bed crisis. The method is also extended beyond international benchmarking to illustrate how it can be applied at a local or regional level in the process of long-term bed planning. Issues regarding the volatility in hospital admissions are also addressed to explain the need for surge capacity and why an adequate average bed occupancy margin is required for an optimally functioning hospital.

The aim of the paper is to analyze the experimental results of the influence of elevated temperatures and strain rate on the mechanical and structural properties of steel 42CrMo4. The experiments were based on uniaxial tension and compression tests at high temperatures between 700 °C and 1000 °C and strain rates range 0.0018 - 0.1 s^-1. The influence of temperature and strain rate on yield stress, strain to fracture, hardness, structural changes, and fracture characteristics were analyzed. Due to the dynamic recrystallization phenomenon present during the hot tensile tests, an increase in the flow stress is observed at the beginning of the deformation, after which it decreases until the fracture. By increasing the deformation temperature from 700 °C to 1000 °C, the tensile stress decreases significantly for all strain rates. The increase in the strain rate leads to the increase in the tensile stress. In compression tests by increasing the strain rate, the true strain is slightly increasing, but this depends on the temperature. The non-uniformity of deformations obtained at different values of the strain rate and temperature were also analyzed. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed the ductile behavior of the material. The degree of damage of the material caused by the presence of cavities increases by increasing the deformation temperature. For all the presented deformation conditions, the presence of the fracture through the ductile fracture mechanism was produced by the localized of necking and the coalescence of microvoids. By increasing the deformation temperature and reducing the strain rate, the fracture behavior of 42CrMo4 steel can be improved.

Background and Objectives: A 62-year-old patient presented with significant visual reduction in the last three months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the right eye (RE) dropped from 20/20 on both eyes to 20/200 on the RE and counting fingers (CF) on the left eye (LE); respectfully. She was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer 1 month ago. Materials and Methods: Examination revealed significant progression of cataracts and subretinal fluid on the posterior pole with choroidal thickening. Multifocal, orange-pigmented elevated choroidal lesions were observed in the RE, while the view of the left eye fundus was obstructed by cataracts. OCT revealed bilateral choroidal thickening with overlying folds and subretinal fluid and ultrasound of the choroidal lesions showed moderate homogenous internal reflectivity. Results: The patient was diagnosed with BDUMP (bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation), a paraneoplastic syndrome characterised by simultaneous, bilateral, painless vision loss and rapidly acquired bilateral cataracts with serous retinal detachments. Cataract extraction had not obtained the expected visual recovery (RE: CF; LE 2/200, respectfully). Plasmapheresis demonstrated some success by stabilizing vision loss obtained by serous retinal detachments. Conclusion: The focus of treating BDUMP is aimed at the underlying malignancy. Vision typically deteriorates to near blindness within a year from presentation. Overall prognosis is generally poor and mean survival is reported at 12-15.7 months from the time of ocular diagnosis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to a quarter of the adult population in many developed and developing countries. This spectrum of liver disease ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The incidence of NASH is projected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. There is growing epidemiological evidence that NAFLD has become the fastest growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in industrialized countries. The annual incidence of HCC varies between patients with NASH cirrhosis and patients with noncirrhotic NAFLD. In this review, NAFLD/NASH-associated HCC will be described, including its epidemiology, risk factors promoting hepatocarcinogenesis, and management of HCC in patients with obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities, including preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches to address this growing problem.

Migraine is a neurovascular disorder that can be debilitating for individuals and society. Current research focuses on finding effective analgesics and management strategies for migraines by targeting specific receptors and neuropeptides. Nevertheless, the responder rates of recently approved calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and receptor inhibitors remain around 50 percent. To address the need for novel therapeutic targets, researchers are exploring the potential of another secretin family peptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), as a ground-breaking treatment avenue for migraine. Preclinical models have revealed how PACAP affects the trigeminal system, which is implicated in headache disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated the significance of PACAP in migraine pathophysiology; however, a few clinical trials remain inconclusive: the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide 1 receptor mAb, AMG 301 showed no benefit for migraine prevention, while the PACAP ligand mAb, Lu AG09222 significantly reduced the number of monthly migraine days over placebo in a phase 2 clinical trial. Meanwhile, another secretin family peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is gaining interest as a potential new target. In light of recent advances in PACAP research, we emphasize the potential of PACAP as a promising target for migraine treatment, highlighting the significance of exploring PACAP as a member of the antimigraine armamentarium, especially for patients who do not respond to or contraindicated to anti-CGRP therapies. By updating our knowledge on PACAP and its unique contribution to migraine pathophysiology, we can pave the way for reinforcing PACAP and other secretin peptides, including VIP, as a novel treatment option for migraines.

Nowadays, more than 180 million people believe that the Holy Qur'an was sent by the Almighty Allah through Prophet Muhammad in 610-632 A.D in Mecca and Medina. However, the word Mecca (Q: 48:24) is mentioned only once in the entire Holy Qur'an, which is not related to the birth of the Prophet or any worship. Conventional Islam is mostly based on the hearsay of some Islamic narrators published in the eighth and ninth centuries. To think deeply and conduct research on the verses of the Holy Quran has been mentioned (special urge) directly and indirectly by this Holy Scripture itself many times but it would not be wrong to say that there is no scholarship on the verses of the Quran based on the research method described in the Holy Quran until the present century. Therefore, this paper has been dared to carry out by combining the methods of research followed in the Holy Quran and the academically accepted research methodology. The analysis shows that the results of almost fourteen hundred years of mythological history of conventional Islamic narrators are opposites. First of all, the proper name of the Prophet revealed by the Holy Quran is Ahmed, but Muhammad is an adjective and there are many such names. Secondly, this prophet was not born in Mecca, KSA, nor in 570/571 A.D, but in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, between the third and fourth centuries. Thirdly, the Muslim Hajj (pilgrimage) of Mecca is celebrated entirely according to the Lahwal Hadith (idle tales) (Q: 31:6) in the language of the Holy Quran. Originally the place designated for pilgrimage was in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon. This article will have a double influence on the Muslim world, that is, Islamic scholars will think again deeply and research new ways of scholarship of the Holy Quran, instead of based on the hearsay of idle tales (Lahwal Hadith). On the contrary, those who are stubborn Islamic narrators, since they have already rejected the Holy Quran, will not hesitate to violently attack the researchers and they will not be positively motivated by this paper. This article specifically urges Islamic scholars to conduct in-depth studies on the most important issues of Islam using the Holy Quranic research method.

Introduction and objectives Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as a cause of daytime sleepiness, as well as a clinical manifestation of sleep-disordered breathing. In the literature, there are numerous controversial studies regarding the etiology of this condition, but it is universally accepted that a significant role in its onset is played by the reduced activity of the upper airway muscles. Additionally, OSA has been associated with a series of comorbidities, such as type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, as well as head and neck tumors, especially oropharyngeal and laryngeal tumors. The purpose of this review is to examine and demonstrate the prevalence of OSA in patients with associated pathologies, especially in patients with head and neck tumors, as well as the role of surgical and non-surgical therapeutic methods in improving the quality of life. Material and methods Taking into consideration the stated objective, a systematic analysis of the available literature was conducted, encompassing PubMed, Medline and Scopus databases. The evaluation was based on several keywords, including head and neck cancer, diabetes, diabetic, overlap syndrome, cardiovascular conditions, laryngeal neoplasm, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, as well as the concept of quality of life in laryngectomized patients and patients with OSA. Results Our results demonstrate the involvement of OSA in the presence of comorbidities and also, an increased incidence of OSA in patients with laryngeal cancer. It is important to note that surgical and post-surgical treatment can play a significant role in triggering OSA in these patients. Conclusions The clinician must recognize the increased prevalence of OSA in patients with head and neck cancer, as well as the coexistence of OSA with certain comorbidities. They should actively engage in early diagnosis and establish optimal treatment methods to improve the quality of life for patients with associated conditions such as head and neck tumors or cardiovascular pathology.

Wind energy is becoming increasingly important as a renewable energy source due to its environmental and economic benefits. Wind turbines are key components in wind energy systems, and their performance is critical for efficient power generation. Wind turbine blades are the most critical components as they interact with the wind, and their design has a significant impact on the overall system performance. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the design of wind turbine blades to enhance their efficiency and reduce their costs. This paper presents an aero-structural optimization approach for wind turbine blade design. The optimization aims to maximize the torque generated by the blade while minimizing its mass. The optimization is implemented using DAFoam software for CFD simulation, TACS for FEM simulation, and Mphys under the OpenMDAO framework for fluid-structure interaction between the CFD and FEM. The optimization results show a 6.78% increase in torque and a 4.22% decrease in mass, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Aerodynamic optimization focuses on maximizing the blade's torque by modifying the blade's shape. The optimization results show that the optimized blade generates more torque than the original blade design. Additionally, structural optimization aims to minimize the blade's mass while maintaining its structural integrity. This is achieved by adjusting the thickness of the blade's cross-section. The proposed aero-structural optimization approach presents an effective solution for the design optimization of wind turbine blades. The approach considers the interaction between the aerodynamic and structural aspects of the blade and optimizes them simultaneously. This leads to an optimized design that is efficient and cost-effective, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of wind energy systems. The results of this study highlight the importance of considering the interaction between the aerodynamic and structural aspects of wind turbine blades and the effectiveness of the proposed optimization approach in enhancing their performance.

Brown-Spotted Pit viper (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus), also known as the Chinese habu, is a widespread and highly venomous snake distributed from from northeastern India to eastern China. Genomics research can help provide much insight in understanding venom components and natural selection in vipers. Here, we collected, sequenced and assembled the genome of a male P. mucrosquamatus individual from China, producing a highly continuous reference genome, with the length of 1.53 Gb and 41.18% repeat element content. From this 24,799 genes were identified, and 97.97% genes could be annotated. Nuclear genome single-copy genes phylogenetic tree including 6 species verified the validity of our genome assembly and annotation process. This research will contribute to further study on Protobothrops biology and the genetic basis of the snake venom.

This Article demonstrates how an eigendecomposition problem is inputted into a quantum circuit, how gates are applied in the quantum circuit, and how the output measurements are the correct eigenvalues. This process is known as quantum phase estimation (QPE). A quantum harmonic oscillator example, a foundational quantum physical chemistry problem, is demonstrated within the context of QPE. A particle in a box example, another quantum physical chemistry problem, may be solved by QPE with a caveat. These examples are of the limiting cases of diagonal matrices. Future advances in taking matrix inverses for solving linear sets of equations or finding ground state energies in the Schrödinger equation will use the principles implemented in this Article.

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of novel per-fluorinated organic polymers with azo- and azomethine-based linkers using nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The polymers reveal variations in the fluorine content via the incorporation of decafluorobiphenyl and hexafluorobenzene linkers, which enhanced their hydrophobic nature. The rich fluorine polymers were slightly soluble in THF and have shown molecular weights between 4886 to 11948 g/mol. All polymers exhibit thermal stability in the range of 350-500°C, with varying thermal stability depending on the fluorine and nitrogen content. Conjugation of the polymers was confirmed through changes in the UV-Vis spectra, with a hypsochromic shift observed in all cases, more pronounced in azo-based fluorinated chains due to H-bonding on the nitrogen sites, chain conformations, and planarity. The optical band gap (Eg) of the polymers was determined from the UV-Vis data, with the Eg values of the azo-based fluorinated polymers being 1 eV higher than those of their corresponding linkers. The cross-linking formation was characterized by porosity measurements, with the azo-based polymer exhibiting the highest surface area of 770 m²/g with a pore volume of 0.35 cm³/g, while the open-chain azomethine-based polymer exhibited the lowest surface area of 285 m²/g with a pore volume of 0.0872 cm³/g. Porous structures with varied hydrophobicities were investigated as adsorbents for separating water-benzene and water-phenol mixtures and selectively binding methane/carbon dioxide gases from the air. The most hydrophobic polymers containing the decafluorbiphenyl linker were suitable for benzene separation, while the best methane uptake values were 6.14 and 3.46 mg/g for DAB-Z-1O and DAB-A-1O, respectively. DAB-Z-1h, with the highest surface area and rich in nitrogen sites, exhibited the highest CO₂ uptake at 298 K (17.25).

In this paper, we introduced a comprehensive study, based on both numerical and experimental analyses, of side polished (SP) single mode fibers (SMF) to investigate their evanescent field interaction with air and liquid analytes. In particular, the finite element method (FEM) and the beam propagation method (BPM) are employed to predict the optical properties of the SP-SMF. An ad-hoc experimental setup has been designed and built to characterize the side polished single mode fiber when air, water, and isopropanol are set in the side polished region. The sensitivity of the analytes is obtained as 1.207 V/RIU. The performance in terms of effective refractive index and transmittance are reported to show how these SP-SMF can be efficiently used for calculating the liquid refractive index. The simulation and experimental results display the significant performance of the SP-SMF as a sensing element.

This academic paper explores the synergistic potential of Agroforestry systems and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in enhancing climate change adaptation strategies. Focusing on Australia and Pacific Island Countries, the study delves into the pivotal role of these approaches in mitigating the impacts of changing climate variables on agricultural production. By analysing important climate variables, their potential alterations, and their subsequent effects on crop production, the paper advocates for a holistic and forward-thinking approach to sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.

Backround Cochlear implant is the first approved cranial nerve stimulator that works by directly stimulating the cochlear nerve. Various attempts have been made to evaluate the dimensions of the cochlea related to cochlear implantationThe preoperative computed tomographic examination is essential in assessing the anatomical aspect of the cochlea, but also in determining its dimensions, in order to choose an appropriate electrode, in order to obtain the best possible audiological performance. Method In the present paper, we aimed to carry out an observational study, regarding the role of cochlear measurements in the preoperative evaluation of patients proposed for cochlear implant. The purpose of the study was to measure the cochlea and to establish the existence of a correlation between the size of the cochlea and the age and gender of the patients. Results From the group of 35 examined patients, 54% (n= 19) were male and 46% (n=16) female. The average length of the cochlea in the age group 0-4 years is 7.82 mm in the left ear and 7.86 in the right ear, in the age group 4-7 years it is 7.82 mm and 7.94 mm respectively, for the age group 7-14 years the dimensions increase to 8.48 and 8.77 mm respectively, and after 14 years these dimensions reach 9.12, respectively 9.18 mm. Comparative measurements of the length of the cochlea by age groups show an increase in length with the patient's age, but this increase does not exceed 1.5 mm for both the right and left ears. The measurements of the width of the cochlea, by age group, start from 6.84 mm left ear and 6.81 mm right ear at 0-4 years, 6.94 mm and respective 6.97 mm at the group 4-7 years, 7.71 mm and respective 7.55 mm at 7-14 years , and reaching 8.19 mmm and 8.12 mm at the age of over 14 years. Conclusions From the study carried out it can be concluded that the evaluation of the dimensions of the cochlea is important for cochlear implantation, the size variables, although small, are still an element to be considered in correlation with the age of the patient and the implanted ear. This increase is statistically insignificant, but it still exists, even if from a theoretical point of view, it is considered that the dimensions of the cochlea remain constant.

In this study, we investigate the behavior of randomly moving particles with a defined average energy, focusing on their biased motion around a specific point. These particles' velocity magnitudes follow a Maxwell distribution with a specific scale parameter. Our analysis derives the stochastic rotation rules for these particles and introduces the Ito equation conditions for biased stochastic rotation at a given curl value. We also consider the special relativistic-like effects in this context. The findings are validated through a representative example.

The increase in carbon dioxide emissions has a significant impact on human society and the global environment. As the most abundant and cheap C1 resource, the conversion and utilization of carbon dioxide has received extensive attention from researchers. In many methods of carbon dioxide conversion and utilization, the reverse water gas conversion reaction is considered to be one of the most effective ways. In this paper, the research progress of reverse water gas conversion reaction in recent years is introduced.

In this paper we demonstrate first ever dual-period diffraction gratings that do not require electrical tuning to obtain the effect of period change. Our method allows for multiplication of the base period by proper modification of the subsequent slits of the grating. The proposed elements are fabricated by selective photopolymerization of a composite based on nematic liquid crystal. The gratings are formed by polymer stabilization of liquid crystal in different orientations of the molecules in selected grating slits to allow for period manipulation. The operating principle is based on changing the phase delay introduced by the slits depending on polarization direction of incident light with respect to the director in each type of slit, which allows to change the grating’s period. The proposed technique was successfully utilized to obtain diffraction gratings with either doubling or tripling of the period.

Based on the panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2012 to 2020, this paper uses the TOPSIS method to measure the development level of the digital economy and environmental quality. Then, a coupled coordination degree model is used to analyse the relationship between the digital economy and environmental quality. Kernel density estimation and the Dagum Gini coefficient method were used to reveal the dynamic evolution trend of the coupled coordination level between the digital economy and environmental quality and the regional trends of coupled indicators. Finally, the dynamics of the above relations were explored with an econometric model. The results show that the coupled coordination degree of the digital economy and environmental quality displays obvious regional heterogeneity, and the national coordination level exhibits dynamic convergence characteristics. The heterogeneity of the coupled coordination degree of the two systems in the eastern region has decreased year by year, except in the western region, the central region and the northeast region, where an upwards trend is observed. Overall, the Gini coefficient of the coupled coordination degree between the digital economy and environmental quality displays a certain downwards trend. The level of economic development, technological innovation level, industrial structure, degree of opening to the outside world, degree of environmental regulation, marketization index and financial development level have a positive influence on the coupled coordination of the digital economy and environmental quality. Environmental regulation is the core driver of the coupling of the two systems, and the economic development level, technological innovation level, industrial structure and degree of openness are the other major drivers. Therefore, in the processes of digital economy transformation and environmental governance, all regions should focus on balanced development between regions to optimize the overall efficiency of the two systems, consider external influence, enhance internal capabilities, and promote the coordination and co-development of the two systems.

This study adapted and assessed a shortened version of the IAT (Internet Addiction Test) scale completed by young people aged 12 years and older regarding their online behaviors and risk of online addiction. The psychometric qualities of the reduced version - Screening IAT - youth are presented in order to validate its use in the early detection of online addiction. The total sample is composed of 3021 participants being 55.9% female and 44.1% male, with a mean age of x ̅=15 years (σ=3.028), attending junior high school (56.2%), high school (37.8%) and college (5.9%). The procedure included a factorial analysis, in which the total sample was randomly divided into three samples. An exploratory factor analysis was performed with one part of the sample, and a confirmatory factor analysis was performed with the others parts, assessing internal consistency, construct reliability, and discriminant validity. The results indicate that this reduced version of the IAT for young people has good psychometric qualities and can be applied in research and clinical settings. With this version and the parent-teacher version there is a direct contribution to a tripartite assessment of internet addiction risk.

The integration of automation and process optimization within the context of AI-powered digital transformation has emerged as a pivotal strategy for organizations aiming to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and competitiveness. This paper is devoted to present innovative contribution by providing a comprehensive structured roadmap that outlines the foundational principles necessary for the successful integration of automation and optimizing processes within the con-text of emerging AI technologies. The paper introduce a cohesive framework consisting of es-sential key pillars: Data-Driven Insights, Seamless Automation, Adaptive Learning and Contin-uous Improvement, Human-Centric Collaboration, Ethical and Responsible AI, Strategic Align-ment, Scalability, and Innovation. These pillars function as guiding principles to navigate the in-tricate landscape of automation-driven initiatives within AI-powered digital transformation. By embracing these pillars, organizations can embark on a transformative journey that maximizes the potential of automation, fosters innovation, and positions them as leaders in the ever-evolving landscape of AI-driven business operations.

Women's attitudes towards domestic violence play an important role in shaping the social acceptance of domestic violence, acting as both a known predictor of victimization and an indicator of disclosure and help-seeking behavior. Therefore, the study objectives were 1) to conduct a nationwide analysis to explore the factors associated with the acceptance of domestic violence among Iraqi women according to the social-ecological framework, and 2) to identify the most vulnerable women according to the spatial distribution of Iraqi governorates. This cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data analysis from the 2018 Iraq Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 6), which included 19,443 married Iraqi women. Logistic regression was employed to examine the factors associated with acceptance of domestic violence. In this study, the analyses were performed according to the Social Ecological Model (SEM). This study revealed that 48.4% of married Iraqi women accepted domestic violence. Yet, women living in South/Central regions of Iraq showed a higher prevalence of domestic violence acceptance namely Anbar, Salahaddin Thiqar, and Misan where the prevalence was (62%-73%). Several factors across the social-ecological model were associated with a higher likelihood of women accepting such behavior, including experiencing functional difficulty, having lower educational attainment, being married to a blood-related husband, and being married to a husband who has multiple wives/partners, living in poverty, residing in rural areas, living in the south and central regions of Iraq, and feeling unsafe in the neighborhood. Conversely, factors that were associated with a lower likelihood of women accepting such behavior were owning a mobile phone and using a computer or tablet. This study provides policymakers with valuable insights to comprehensively assess indicators of attitudes toward domestic violence against women. It also addresses the scarcity of information on the acceptance of domestic violence in Iraq on national and governorate levels, emphasizing the need for urgent national-level policy discussions to achieve key Sustainable Development Goals related to gender equity and good health and well-being.

Tantalum oxide thin films are deposited by DC reactive magnetron sputtering from a tantalum metallic target and oxygen as reactive gas. The reactive gas pulsing process (RGPP) is implemented to produce TaOx compounds with tunable chemical compositions. The argon mass flow rate is maintained constant whereas that of the oxygen gas is pulsed during the deposition. A constant pulsing period T = 10 s is used and the introduction time of the oxygen gas, namely the tON injection time, is systematically changed from 0 to 100 % of the pulsing period T. As the tON injection time increases, the chemical composition of as-deposited TaOx films is continuously changed from pure metallic tantalum to the over-stoichiometric Ta2O5 material. Analysis of the crystallographic structure by X-ray diffraction shows that the films adopt the body-centered cubic structure (metallic Ta) for the lowest tON injection time values (oxygen stoichiometry x &lt; 1.0) and become amorphous for the longest tON injection times. It is shown that the tON injection time is a key parameter to produce either homogeneous tantalum oxides, or periodic Ta/TaOx multilayers with alternations close to 3 nm. Similarly, optical transmittance spectra of the film/glass substrate system are recorded in the visible region and the electrical conductivity of the films is measured vs. temperature. Both exhibit a gradual evolution from metallic (300K = 8.17105 S m-1 with a null optical transmittance in the visible range) to semi-conducting (300K = 1.97103 S m-1 with a semi-transparent behavior) and finally to dielectric properties (300K &lt; 10-5 S m-1 for interferential films) as a function of the oxygen concentration in the films.

In this study, a simple approach to solving the Riemann Hypothesis, one of the most prominent unsolved problems in the field of Number Theory in mathematics and one of the “Millenium Prize Problems”, is presented. The Riemann Hypothesis, a conjecture about distribution of prime numbers, has remained unsolved since it was first proposed by German mathematician, Bernhard Riemann in 1859. This paper introduces an analytic continuation of the Zeta Function as well as symmetric approach through integration by parts to address this hypothesis. The proposed solution is obtained through analytical continuation in the critical strip 0<Re(s)<1 to establish that Re(s)=1/2.

The black soldier larvae meal (BSFLM) has been the most extensively studied insect protein source in shrimp nutrition. However, both the availability and prices of BSFLM are still a constraint for its widespread use as an ingredient in animal feeds. The present study investigated the growth and economic performance of post-larval (PL) P. vannamei fed nursery diets with a progressive replacement of fish meal (FML) for BSFLM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. These replacements corresponded to a dietary inclusion (% of the diet, as-is) of FML and BSFLM of 16.50 and 6.33%, 11.00 and 13.04%, 5.50 and 19.74%, and 0 and 26.46%, respectively. A total of 102,647 shrimp at the age of PL15 with 2.7 ± 0.2 mg body weight (BW) were stocked in fifty 1.5-m3 tanks under 1,369 PLs/m3 (2,053 ± 33 PLs/tank) and reared for 42 days. Final shrimp survival (90.5 ± 7.6%), daily weight gain (14.7 ± 1.1 mg/day), and apparent feed intake (0.67 ± 0.03 g of feed per stocked shrimp) were unaffected by dietary treatment. The highest gained yield (791 ± 52 and 776 ± 38 g/m3) and final BW (621 ± 7.2 and 632 ± 7.2 mg) were attained when FML was replaced for BSFLM at 50 and 75% with the lowest at 0% (726 ± 34 g/m3 and 598 ± 8.1 mg, respectively). Shrimp fed diets with 0 and 100% replacement of FML exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (1.25 ± 0.04 and 1.24 ± 0.08) compared to those fed a diet with 50% (1.16 ± 0.06). At a price of USD 2.00/kg, BSFLM demonstrated a favorable ROI (Return of Investment) when compared to FML, irrespective of the replacement level. With 25 and 50% replacement, BSFLM remained cost-competitive up to 3.50 USD/kg. At 75% FML replacement, there were no significant differences in ROI with a price range of 2.00 up to 3.04 USD/kg. At full replacement, ROI dropped significantly at a BSFLM price of 2.50 USD/kg and beyond. It can be concluded that FML can be fully replaced for BSFLM in well-balanced nursery diets for P. vannamei. While the full replacement of FML for BSFLM was successfully accomplished, the competitive ROI was sustained only when the price of BSFLM did not exceed 3.04 USD/kg at its dietary highest inclusion of 19.74%. Further research may be necessary to fine-tune cost-effective inclusion levels of BSFLM to optimize the economic outcomes while considering the fluctuating prices of FML.

Objective To observe the effect of roxadustat on blood pressure and micro-inflammatory response in patients with hemodialysis anemia, and to provide a viable technique for the treatment of hemodialysis anemia patients. Methods A total of 100 hemodialysis anemia patients admitted to the Nephrology Department of our hospital from July 2020 to July 2021 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group (roxadustat) and a control group (human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO). The clinical efficacy, blood lipid metabolism, inflammatory factor levels, iron metabolism-related indicators, blood biochemical indicators, anemia indicators, adverse reactions and blood pressure were recorded and compared. Results There was no significant difference in baseline data and serum indicators (P>0.05). The study group demonstrated superior performance to the control group in terms of clinical efficacy, blood lipid metabolism, inflammatory factor levels, iron metabolism-related indicators, blood biochemical indicators, anemia indicators, adverse reactions and blood pressure (all P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with rhEPO treatment, roxadustat exhibits a promising outcome in treating anemia and has slight impact on blood pressure of patients.

Intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) (M||P) significantly enhances crop yield. In a long-term M||P field experiment with two P fertilizer levels, we examined how long-term M||P affects topsoil aggregate fractions and stability, organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (AP), and total phosphorus (TP) in each aggregate fraction, along with crop yields. Compared to their respective monocultures, long-term M||P substantially increased the proportion of topsoil mechanical macroaggregates (7.6–16.3%) and water-stable macroaggregates (>1 mm) (13.8–36.1%), while reducing the unstable aggregate index (ELT) and the percentage of aggregation destruction (PAD). M||P significantly boosted the concentration (12.9–39.9%) and contribution rate (4.1–47.9%) of SOC in macroaggregates compared to single crops. Moreover, the concentration of TP in macroaggregates (>1 mm) and AP in each aggregate fraction of M||P exceeded that of the respective single crops (P<0.05). Furthermore, M||P significantly increased the Ca2-P, Ca8-P, Al-P, and Fe-P concentrations of intercropped maize (IM) and the Ca8-P, O-P, and Ca10-P concentrations of intercropped peanuts (IP). The land equivalent ratio (LER) of M||P was higher than one, and M||P stubble improved the yield of subsequent winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) compared with sole-crop maize stubble. P application augmented the concentration of SOC, TP, and AP in macroaggregates, resulting in improved crop yields. In conclusion, our findings suggest that long-term M||P combined with P application, sustains farmland productivity in the North China Plain by increasing SOC and macroaggregate fractions, improving aggregate stability, and enhancing soil P availability.

BiFeO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (BFO/LSMO) epitaxial heterostructures were successfully synthesized by pulsed laser deposition on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 single crystal substrates with Au top electrodes. Stable bipolar resistive switching characteristics regulated by ferroelectric polarization reversal was observed in the Au/BFO/LSMO heterostructures. The conduction mechanism was revealed to follow the Schottky emission model, and the Schottky barriers in high resistance and low resistance states were estimated based on temperature-dependent current–voltage curves. Further, the observed memristive behavior was interpreted via the modulation effect on the depletion region width and the Schottky barrier height caused by ferroelectric polarization reversal, combining with the oxygen vacancies migration near the BFO/LSMO interface.

Tropical cyclones (TC) are dangerous weather events and accurate monitoring and forecasting can provide significant early warning to reduce loss of life and property. However, the study of tropical cyclone intensity remains challenging, both in terms of theory and forecasting. ERA5 reanalysis is benchmark data set for tropical cyclone studies, yet the maximum wind speed error is very large (68 kts) and still 19 kts after simple linear correction even in the better sampled North Atlantic. Here, we develop an adaptive learning approach to correct the intensity in the ERA5 reanalysis, by optimising the inputs to overcome the problems because of the poor data quality and updating the features to improve the generalisability of the deep learning-based model. Specifically, we use TC knowledge to increase the representativeness of the inputs so that the general features can be learned with deep neural networks in the sample space, and then use domain adaptation to update the general features from the known domain with historical storms to the specific features for the unknown domain of new storms. This approach can reduce the error to only 6 kts which is within the uncertainty of the best track data in IBTrACS in the North Atlantic. The method may have wide applicability, such as extending it to the correction of intensity estimation from satellite imagery and intensity prediction from dynamical models.

Human activity recognition (HAR) using wearable sensors is gaining popularity in the healthcare domain, enabling continuous monitoring and timely interventions. The conventional HAR systems are centralised and need data sharing with a server for processing and model training. However, this data sharing leads to various challenges, such as privacy concerns, increased communication and storage costs, inefficient computational algorithms, data scarcity due to unwillingness to share, and difficulty achieving high accuracy and personalised models simultaneously. To overcome these challenges, this paper introduces a privacy and energy-aware federated learning (FL) framework for model training without data sharing. The proposed scheme incorporates spiking neural networks (SNNs), which are particularly suited for resource-constrained devices due to their event-driven information processing. The key idea is to synergise the strengths of SNNs and long short-term memory (LSTM) to create a hybrid model for robust HAR. The proposed hybrid spiking LSTM (S-LSTM) model uses the LSTM as an input layer to capture temporal dependencies efficiently, followed by spiking layers that replace the typical activation using leaky integrate-and-fire neurons. We employ the combination of surrogate gradient learning and backpropagation through time (BPTT) to update the weights of SNN layers in a supervised manner. The performance of the proposed model is evaluated using two publicly available datasets for both indoor and outdoor scenarios. The results show that the proposed S-LSTM performs much better than spike convolutional neural networks (S-CNN) and simple CNN, achieving the accuracy of 97% and 87% for indoor and outdoor datasets, respectively. Personalisation, also known as fine-tuning the global model using local data, is crucial in HAR. It allows the model to adapt to individual behaviour and preferences, making predictions more accurate. The results also show that personalisation improves the performance of participants up to 9% on average. Additionally, analysis with 50% random client participation reduces communication costs by 50% with minimal impact on accuracy.

In the current situation, the world is busy with technological advances, including Indonesia. Since its arrival, many business fields have competed with each other to take part as technology users. One business sector that cannot be separated from technological support is cooperatives. On the other hand, some cooperatives in the developing phase experience technological lag. At the same time, East Kutai Regency, which is the agricultural center in East Kalimantan Province, tends to rely on the cooperative sector to encourage small and medium-scale economies. This research aims to investigate the causality between access to computers (AC), internet networks (IN), digital administration skills (DAS), and financial literacy (FL) on profits (PFT). The objectivity of the study compares agricultural cooperatives that adopt technology with adopt non-technology. Using panel data regression from eighteen sub-districts in East Kutai, it is proven that technology adopting agricultural cooperatives were more prominent than non-technology adopting agricultural cooperatives during 2017–2022. However, there is a harmony in the statistical findings from both observations, where access to computers and financial literacy both have a significant effect on profits. Other analysis results show that internet networks and digital administration skills have an insignificant impact on profits. The study's implications provide valuable output for the future sustainability of agricultural cooperatives. The success of agricultural cooperatives depends greatly on the effectiveness of the application of technology.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), comprising aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor, is the cornerstone of post-percutaneous coronary intervention treatment to prevent stent thrombosis and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The selection of an optimal DAPT regimen, considering the interplay of various antiplatelet agents, patient profiles, and procedural characteristics, remains an evolving challenge. Traditionally, a standard duration of 12 months has been recommended for DAPT in most patients. While contemporary guidelines provide general frameworks, DAPT modulation with longer or shorter treatment courses followed by aspirin or P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy are evolving towards an individualized strategy to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety. This review comprehensively examines the current landscape of DAPT strategies after coronary stenting, with a focus on emerging evidence for treatment individualization.

The plant Allium hookeri, belonging to the Allium genus, has a history of being used both as a common food ingredient and in herbal medicine. It has recently been reported to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A. hookeri has been also shown to exhibit neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities, but the active compounds responsible for these effects have not been identified in previous studies. This study aimed to perform a metabolite profiling using an HRESI-qTOF MS/MS-based molecular networking approach and identify the active compounds from A. hookeri that target senescent cell-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) inhibitory effects, which contribute to neuroprotective activities. As a result, ten compounds, including one new flavonoid (2) and nine known compounds (1 and 3–10), were identified, and their biological activity was tested. The most potent compound was N-trans-feruloyltyramine (7), which inhibited SASP markers and contributed to the senomorphic activities of A. hookeri. These findings suggest that the phenolamides from A. hookeri could be a promising source of bioactive compounds for preventing senescence-associated diseases.

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a non-REM parasomnia with potentially significant negative effects on general health (dangerous activities during night eating episodes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, for example). Although the history of SRED encompasses more than six decades, public awareness and even the awareness of the mental health specialists of this disorder is very limited, a phenomenon that hinders the development of research in this field. Therefore, an updated review, based on a narrative methodology, explored the available evidence for SRED found in four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration, Google Scholar, and Clarivate/Web of Science). A number of 94 primary and secondary reports were retrieved, investigating aspects regarding the risk factors, epidemiology, clinical data and differential diagnosis, epidemiology, structured evaluation, and treatment of SRED. Based on the results of these reports, Z-drugs, but also certain benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychostimulants may trigger the onset of SRED. Psychiatric and neurologic disorders have also been associated with SRED, either as risk factors or comorbid conditions. Cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunctions, neurotransmitter dysfunctions, and genetic factors have been invoked as pathogenetic contributors. Structured assessment of SRED is possible, but there is a dearth of instruments dedicated to this purpose. Data on the prevalence and treatment of SRED exist, but good-quality epidemiological studies and clinical trials are still missing. In conclusion, future research is expected to address the shortcomings of SRED exploration by creating the conditions for better quality and larger group clinical research. The need for such investigation is granted by the importance of this pathology and its negative functional consequences.

Tourism carrying capacity remains pivotal for ensuring sustainable development within protected terrains, accentuating the balance between conservation, socio-economic benefits, and visitor satisfaction. This study delves into the intricate dimensions of this balance, focusing on the Katon-Karagay National Park (KKNP). Merging comprehensive empirical data accrued from fieldwork within the park, calculations surrounding recreational loads, and a synthesis of relevant literature, the study designed a methodology. This included calculated techniques incorporating ecological and tourist social capacities, the psychocomfort approach, and an ongoing monitoring approach, supplemented by exclusive data from the park's administration. Key findings underscored the significance of an adaptive balance, revealing specific permissible recreational loads for different park zones. For instance, zones of quiet recreation evidenced up to 5 people/ha, while active recreation zones fluctuated between 20 to 100 people/ha. Monitoring evidenced critical environmental changes, shaping recommendations for effective tourism flow regulation, ensuring alignment with established norms and ecological preservation. The exploration substantiates the indispensability of a meticulously structured approach to ascertain tourism carrying capacity, emphasizing the harmony achievable between environmental sanctity and human pursuits. KKNP's empirical data serves as a paradigm, guiding sustainable tourism frameworks for similar ecologically sensitive regions.

A geopark as a modern product of geotourism and territorial management currently represents a new way of protecting and preserving geoheritage, which is closely related to knowledge and education, increases general awareness of the value of the Earth and, on the other hand, represents the support and development of the territory. The fulfilment of geopark goals, together with the purpose and activities, emphasizes the need for an effective management structure and function of the whole. The contribution is aimed at clarifying the management issues of geoparks, presenting the specifics affecting management in the conditions of the Slovak Republic, and defining management areas derived from the essential geopark functions. Based on determining management areas and their specifics, the task is to define a suitable management structure applicable in geoparks, representing a supporting link in creating plans and management methods.

Acerola (Malpighia spp.) is a tropical plant genus of shrubs and trees whose fruit is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, its production generates significant waste that could pose an environmental issue. This review aims to summarize recent research on the potential uses of acerola wastes, including the extraction of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and pectins, as well as the development of materials such as nanomaterials, chitosan, and biofuels. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential medical applications of acerola wastes, such as wound healing, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Finally, the paper explores the challenges and opportunities of using acerola waste as a sustainable source of raw materials and energy. The findings suggest that acerola waste could be a valuable resource for developing high-value products and promoting sustainable production practices in the fruit industry.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin (IL)-6 family of cytokines, is known to elicit pathogenic effects involving disruption of the epithelial barrier function as a part of immunological response networks. It is not yet known how these integrated cytokine signals influence inflammation and other physiological processes in the pathology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). We investigated the expression and distribution of OSM and OSM receptor (OSMR) in sinonasal specimens of CRS patients, and we compared the results with a panel of inflammatory cytokine levels and clinical features. Materials and Methods: We classified CRS patients as eosinophilic (ECRS, n=36) or non-eosinophilic (non-ECRS, n=35) based on the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC) phenotypic criteria, and we compared their cases with those of 68 non-CRS subjects. We also examined stimulatory effects of OSM on the expression levels of cytokine receptors by using the human bronchial epithelium cell line BEAS-2B. Results: An RT-PCR showed that the OSM mRNA levels were significantly increased in the ethmoid sinus mucosa of the CRS patients. The OSM mRNA levels were positively correlated with those of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-13, and OSMR-β. In BEAS-2B cells, OSM treatment induced significant increases in the OSMR-β, IL-1R1, and IL-13Ra mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that OSM is involved in the pathogenesis of CRS in both type 1 and type 2 inflammation, suggesting the OSM signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for modulating epithelial stromal interactions.

A novel high-speed directly modulated two-section distributed feedback (TS-DFB) semiconductor laser based on the detuned-loading effect is proposed and simulated. Grating structure is designed by reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique. A π phase-shift is introduced into the reflection grating, which can provide a narrow-band reflection region with a sharp falling slope on both sides of the reflection spectrum, thus enhancing the detuned-loading effect. Owing to its unique dual-falling-edges structure the bandwidth can be improved even when the lasing wavelength shifts beyond the left falling edge due to thermal effect in actual test, in which condition the detuned-loading effect can be used twice, which greatly improves the yield. The modulation bandwidth is increased from 17.5 GHz for a single DFB laser to around 24 GHz when the lasing wavelength is located on the left falling edge of the TS-DFB laser based on detuned-loading effect, and can be increased to 22 GHz for the right side. An eight-channel laser array with precise wavelength spacing is investigated, with side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) > 36dB. Besides, TS-DFB lasers with uniform reflection grating are studied and simulated result shows that modulation characteristic is far inferior to the laser with a phase-shifted grating reflector.

We discuss the issues with tentative generalisations of the process matrix formalism from finite-dimensional mechanical systems all the way to quantum field theory. We present a detailed overview of possible open problems that arise when one attempts to move from particle ontology into the realm of field ontology, i.e., when one transitions from mechanics to field theory framework. These issues need to be addressed, and problems solved, if one aims to expand the scope of applicability of the process matrix formalism, and therefore its usefulness. This is far from a trivial and straightforward endeavour, but rather a task for a whole future research programme.

Let $m$ and $n$ be the fixed positive integers. Suppose $\mathcal{A}$ is a von Neuman algebra with no central summands of type $I_{1}$ and $L_{m}$ be a Lie type higher derivation i.e., an additive (linear) map $L_{m} :\mathcal{A}\to \mathcal{A}$ such that \begin{equation}\label{def2} \[L_{m}(p_{n}(\mathfrak{S}_{1},\mathfrak{S}_{2},\cdots,\mathfrak{S}_{n}))=\sum_{l_1+l_2+\cdots+l_n=m}p_{n}\big(L_{l_1}(\mathfrak{S}_{1}),L_{l_2}(\mathfrak{S}_{2}),\cdots,L_{l_n}(\mathfrak{S}_{n})\big)\] %L_{m}(p_{n}(\mathfrak{S}_{1},\mathfrak{S}_{2},\cdots,\mathfrak{S}_{n}))=\sum_{l_1+l_2+\cdots+l_n=m}p_{n}\big(L_{l_1}(\mathfrak{S}_{1}),L_{l_2}(\mathfrak{S}_{2}),\cdots,L_{l_n}(\mathfrak{S}_{n})\big)\nonumber \end{equation} for all $\mathfrak{S}_{1},\mathfrak{S}_{2},\cdots,\mathfrak{S}_{n}\in \mathcal{A}$. In the present paper, we study Lie type higher derivations on von Neuman algebras and prove that every additive Lie type higher derivation on $\mathcal{A}$ has a standard form at zero product as well as at projection product. Further, we discuss some more related results.

(1) Background: The Gárdos channel (KCNN4) and Piezo1 are the best-known ion channels in the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. Nevertheless, the quantitative electrophysiological behavior of RBCs and its heterogeneity are still not completely understood.; (2) Methods: Here we use state-of-the-art biochemical methods to probe for the abundance of the channels in RBCs. Furthermore, we utilize automated patch-clamp, based on planar chips, to compare the activity of the two channels in reticulocytes and mature RBCs. Besides this characterization, we performed membrane potential measurements to demonstrate the effect of channel activity and interplay on the RBC properties.; (3) Results: Both, Gárdos channel and Piezo1, albeit their average copy number of activatable channels per cell is in the single digit range, can be detected by transcriptome analysis of reticulocytes. Proteomics analysis of RBCs could only detect Piezo1 but not the Gárdos channel. Furthermore, they can be reliably measured in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp method. While for the Gárdos channel the activity is higher in reticulocytes compared to mature RBCs, for Piezo1 the tendency is the opposite. While the interplay between Piezo1 and Gárdos channel cannot be followed using the patch-clamp measurements, it could be proved based on membrane potential measurements in populations of intact RBCs.; (4) Conclusions: We discuss the Gárdos channel and Piezo1 abundance, interdependencies and interactions in the context of their proposed physiological and pathophysiological functions, which are the passing of small constrictions, e.g., in the spleen, and their active participation in blood clot formation and thrombosis.

By developing the previously proposed method of combining continuum mechanics with Einstein Field Equations, it has been shown that the classic relativistic description, curvilinear description, and quantum description of the physical system may be reconciled using the proposed Alena Tensor. For a system with an electromagnetic field, the Lagrangian density equal to the invariant of the electromagnetic field was obtained, vanishing four-divergence of canonical four-momentum appears to be consequence of the Poyinting theorem, and explicit form of one of gauges of the electromagnetic four-potential was introduced. The proposed method allows for further development with additional fields.

The effect of ferromagnetic CaMnO3 (CMO) addition on structural, magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelec-tric properties of BiFeO3 are presented. X ray diffraction and Raman investigation allowed the identifi-cation of single pseudo cubic perovskite structure. The magnetic measurement showed that the pre-pared films exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior at low temperature with both coercive field and remnant magnetization increased with increasing CMO content. However, a deterioration of magnetization was observed at room temperature. Ferroelectric study revealed an antiferroelectric like behavior with a pinched P-E hysteresis loop for 5%CMO doping BFO resulting in low remnant polarization and double hysteresis loops. Whereas, high remnant polarization and coercive field with a likely square hysteresis loop are obtained for 10 % CMO addition. Furthermore, a bipolar resistive switching behavior with a threshold voltage of about 1.8V is observed for high doped film that can be linked to the ferroelectric polarization switching.

We report on the study of the temperature dependence of the response of a BSO crystal based polarimetric current sensor with spectral interrogation. Two possible interrogation schemes are discussed. The spectral dependence of the optical rotation along the crystal caused by temperature and current changes has been investigated and approximate dependences for the sensitivities to current SI and temperature ST have been derived. A mixed term in the response with spectral interrogation has been revealed, the elimination of which is done by tracking wavelength shifts of two distinct extrema in the polarimetric response. A temperature independent second degree equation for the current changes as a function of the spectral shifts has been derived and tested.

The majority of current methods for measuring the angular deflection of a laser beam enable measurement only in one selected plane. However, there are tasks in which measurements of laser beam deflections in 3D are required. In this paper, we present a way of enabling two-axial measurements of the deflection of a beam based on a single-axis sensor. The key idea is to direct a laser beam alternately into one of two arms of a measurement system. In the first arm, the beam is transmitted directly to the angular sensor, while in the second, the beam is directed to the sensor via a special optical element that rotates the plane of the beam deflection; in other words, this element changes the deflection in the horizontal plane into a deflection in the vertical plane, and vice versa. To alternate the path of the beam, a variable phase retarder and a polarising beamsplitter are used. The proposed technique is experimentally verified, and the results confirm its effectiveness.

We studied the performance of a quantum magnetic Stirling cycle that uses a working substance composed of two entangled antiferromagnetic qubits (J) under the influence of an external magnetic field (Bz) and an uniaxial anisotropy field (K) along the total spin in the y-direction. The efficiency and work were calculated as a function of Bz and for different values of the anisotropy constant K given hot and cold reservoir temperatures. The anisotropy has been shown to extend the region of the external magnetic field in which the Stirling cycle is more efficient compared to the ideal case.

Drone imagery has the potential to enrich urban planning and preservation, especially where it converges with the growing creation and use of 3D models. The authors have conducted a systematic literature review of articles published between 2002 and 2022, drawing from reputable academic repositories including Science Direct, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), to identify current gaps in existing research in the application of UAVs to the creation of 3D models in urban planning and preservation. Findings indicate five research shortcomings: limited participation of planning experts, research focus imbalance, lack of usage for special scenarios, lack of integration with smart city planning, and limited interdisciplinary collaboration. The study also acknowledges current limitations with UAV applications and discusses possible countermeasures as well as future prospects.

The information technology has brought in a revolution in the area of digital agriculture and hydrological modeling . With the advent of IOT and AI such as machine learning is now capable of Predicating flood forecast , drought forecast and farms based water predications. In this article various machine learning algorithms , multiple sensors for environmental and agricultural has been proposed and used . The purpose is to acquire data of soil moisture , temperature , crop stages, irrigation and precipitation on a region constitute of two farms and then performed machine learning predications for total discharge predications at farms outlets so that in case of excessive rainfall or an irrigation event the water is adjusted in the second nearby farm or reroute to a reservoir for future use to avoid flooding. The focus is mostly to work on the concept and building of an andriod -ardiuno based mobile application for the endusers (agricultural system analyst, farmers) to provide an ease. The whole system of smart agricultural based on two farms and reservoir will provide an efficient ,fully automatic, proactive and decision support system to save water waste and reuse. In future the work is also in progress for developing a desktop based application .

Introduction: Dengue is a mosquito transmitted arboviral infection. In dengue fever spontaneous bleeding in different parts of body occurs; but spontaneous bleeding into rectus muscle leading to haematoma formation is rare. Case Presentation: A 72-year-old hypertensive female presented with high grade intermittent fever with chills and rigors for last four days. She was diagnosed to have dengue fever (NS1Ag -Reactive) on the day before admission. At admission, on examination she was found to be have dehydration. Immediately she was put on IV fluids, antiemetics and other supportive therapy. At admission she had low platelets, low haemoglobin, total leucocyte counts, with raised liver enzymes. On day 3 of illness, she had significant drop of haematocrit with low blood pressure and subsequently she managed with packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion. But on 9th day of illness, she has severe right iliac fossa pain mimicking acute appendicitis. CECT of abdomen showed soft tissue lesion in right lower abdomen (Inflammatory/ hematoma along rectus sheath) which was managed conservatively as per surgical opinion. 10 days past discharge she had no pain in right iliac fossa and size of hematoma was significantly reduced. Discussion: In dengue fever, hematoma can be formed any vulnerable part in the but there are only a few cases reported to be having rectus sheath hematoma. Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) has been mistaken for many acute abdominal diseases like- acute appendicitis. Our case mimicked acute appendicitis and managed conservatively with IV fluids, analgesics, Blood transfusion as it fits into RSH type II. Conclusion: It is important to be vigilant in the patients who presents with abdominal pain in severe dengue cases. Prompt imaging in relevant areas could make the diagnosis and father treatment possible.

Once discovered, cancer stem cells have become a hot topic in the research of cancer therapy. These cells possess stem cell-like self-renewal and differentiation capacities and are important factors that dominate cancer metastasis, therapy- resistance and recurrence. What's worse, their own characteristics make them difficult to be eliminated. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Targeting colorectal cancer stem cells (CRCSCs) can inhibit colorectal cancer metastasis, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and reduce recurrence. Here, we introduced the origin, marker proteins, identification, cultivation and research techniques of CRCSCs, summarized the signaling pathways that regulate the stemness of CRCSCs, such as Wnt, JAK/STAT3, Notch, and Hh signaling pathway. In addition to these, we also reviewed anti-CRCSC drugs targeting signaling pathways，markers，and other regulators in recent years. These will help researchers gain insight into the current agents targeting to CRCSCs, explore new cancer drugs, and propose potential therapy.

It’s been reported that Mori Folium (MF) and Eucommiae Cortex (EC) exhibit pharmacological effects on the treatment of immunosuppression. However, the mechanism of MF and EC against immunosuppression remains unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of action of MF and EC for the treatment of immunosuppression through network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and animal experiments. As a result, 11 critical components, 9 hub targets, and related-signaling pathways of treatment of immunosuppression were obtained based on network pharmacology. The molecular docking suggested that 11 critical components exhibited great binding affinity to 9 hub targets of immunosuppression. The molecular dynamics simulations results showed that (-)-Tabernemontanine-AR, beta-sitosterol-AR and Dehydrodieugenol-HSP90AA1 complexes are stably bound. Additionally, in the animal experiments, the treated group results compared to the control group suggest that MF and EC have a significant effect on the treatment of immunosuppression. Therefore, the MF and EC treatment for immunosuppression may take effects in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway manner. The results would provide novel insights into the treatment of immunosuppression in humans.

This study presents a comprehensive ecological evaluation of avian species based on 5,322 photographs obtained through camera-trap sampling. We identified 1,427 independent bird sightings, encompassing 26 families and 49 species. The study focused on temporal activity patterns, nesting behaviors, habitat preferences, and the overlap coefficient of activity patterns among 22 species of Passeriformes. Two species exhibited predominant morning activity, while five species were active in the afternoon, and 15 exhibited cathemeral activity (activity throughout the day). A cross-analysis revealed varying degrees of overlap in the activity patterns of pairs of species with similar behavioral ecology. Our findings indicate that despite exhibiting similar ecological behavior, these species display unique activity patterns, likely influenced by factors such as resource availability, competition avoidance, and thermoregulation strategies. The results highlight the richness and complexity of avian temporal niches and emphasize the need for further research into their correlation with environmental factors. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of niche separation within Passeriformes and expands our knowledge of avian behavioral ecology.

(1) Background: In Eugenia Stipitata Mac Vaugh (Arazá), there is an abundance of flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiulcer, and cardiovascular disease prevention benefits. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile the compounds that have been identified in the fruit and gather information about secondary metabolites to establish their potential preventive and therapeutic effects; (2) Methods: a literature search was conducted in repositories and databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Agriculture Collection Gale, SAGE, OXFORD University, DOAJ, among others. Articles identifying and quantifying bioactive compounds present in Arazá were included; (3) Results: Five studies meeting the inclusion criteria were incorporated, resulting in the compilation of 82 compounds, of which 24 were identified and quantified, while 58 were solely identified. This review was able to identify and report the concentration, and in some cases, the quantity, of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities present in Arazá; (4) Conclusions: With this scope, it was possible to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the fruit's potential to potentially enhance health aspects, thereby providing greater prominence and added value to this product, allowing for more frequent inclusion in the diets of consumers, and even enabling exportation.

Calcium and magnesium are important not only for human health, but also for reducing problems related to the corrosive and aggressive effects of soft water on drinking water distribution materials. Experimental and mathematical modeling of the recarbonization process aimed at increasing the content of these biogenic elements in water was carried out using the novelty of a continuous laboratory and pilot scale fluidized bed reactors. Water remineralization using half-calcined dolomite (HCD) and carbon dioxide was used. The influence of operating conditions Q(CO2), freshwater inflow and HCD dose on quality indicators of treated drinking water (c(Ca2+), c(Mg2+), c(Ca2++Mg2+) and Ca/Mg) was studied. The results show that the concentration of Mg2+ is more significantly affected by the amount of HCD in the system and the flow of CO2. The influence of freshwater inflow on the Mg2+content is to a lesser extent. At a constant CO2 flow, therefore, as the tap water inflow increases, the Ca2+ content decreases and the Mg2+ content increases, which has results in a decrease in the Ca/Mg molar ratio. However, the Ca/Mg ratio can be effectively controlled by adding an appropriate amount of HCD at certain time intervals. Overproduction of ions is easily controlled by CO2 flow.

The agamid lizard Phrynocephalus melanurus, is restricted to the Northwest China (Dzungar Basin) and adjacent Eastern Kazakhstan (Zaisan and Alakol basins). To elucidate the phylogeography of P. melanurus, we obtained the mitochondrial DNA COI segments of 175 sampled lizards from 44 localities across the whole distribution range. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two main clades comprising six geographically structured lineages (I, IIa, IIb, IIc1, IIc2, and IIc3) that fits an isola-tion by distance (IBD) model. The divergence from the most recent ancestor was dated to ~1.86 million years ago (Ma). Demographic analyses demonstrated lineage-specific response to past climate change: stable population for Clade I, IIb and IIc2; while past population expansion for IIc1 and IIc3 since 0.02 Ma and 0.18 Ma, respectively. Bayesian phylogeographic diffusion anal-yses detected initial spreading at the Saur Mount vicinity approximately 1.8 Ma. Historical species distribution modeling (SDM) projected expansion of the suitable habitat in the last interglacial period and stepwise contraction in the Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene epochs. The SDM predicts a shrinkage and shift of suitable area eastward as a response to future climate change. Our findings suggest that the evolution of P. melanurus followed a parapatric divergence with subsequent dispersal and adaptation to cold and dry environments during the Quaternary. Moreover, future conservation strategies need to be taken to maintain the population of lineage IIc1.

This review will deal with the most relevant unmet needs and clinical questions concerning scintigraphy with bone tracers in ATTR-CA, providing expert opinions on possible future developments in the clinical application of these radiotracers, in order to offer practical information for interpretation of nuclear images to physicians involved in the care of patients with this ATTR-CA.

The involved components of formulated blending, CNF and CuO NPs, were individually obtained by using a biorefinery strategy for agricultural waste valorization together with an optimized chemical precipitation, assisted by ultrasounds. The optimization of synthesis parameters for CuO NPs have avoided the presence of undesirable species which usually requires of later thermal treatment with associated costs. The aerogels-based structure, obtained by conventional freeze-drying, acted as 3D support for CuO NPs providing a good dispersion within the cross-linked structure of the nanocellulose and facilitating direct contact of the antibacterial phase against undesirable microorganisms. All samples showed a positive response against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. An increase of the antibacterial response of the aerogels, measured by agar disk diffusion test, has been observed with the increase of CuO NPs incorporated, obtaining width of the antimicrobial “halo” (nwhalo) from 0 to 0.6 and 0.35 for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, the aerogels have been able to deactivate S. aureus and E. coli in less than 5 hours when the antibacterial assays have been analyzed by broth dilution method. From CNF-50CuO samples, an overlap nanoparticles effect produced a decrease of the antimicrobial kinetic.

The aim of this study is to prepare redox-sensitive nanophotosensitizers for targeted delivery of chlorin e6 (Ce6) against cervical cancer. For this purpose, Ce6 was conjugated with β-cyclodextrin (bCD) via disulfide bond creating nanophotosensitizers that were fabricated for redox-sensitive delivery of Ce6 against cancer cells. bCD was treated with succinic anhydride to synthesize suc-cinylated bCD (bCDsu). After that, cystamine was attached to the carboxylic end of bCDsu (bCDsu-ss) and the amine end group of bCDsu-ss was conjugated with Ce6 (bCDsu-ss-Ce6). Chemical composition of bCDsu-ss-Ce6 was confirmed with 1H and 13C NMR spectra. bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers were fabricated by dialysis procedure. They formed small particles with an average particle size of 152.0±23.2 nm and they showed improved singlet oxygen (SO) generation in the aqueous solution under light irradiation and was significantly higher than that of Ce6 alone. Ce6 release rate from bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers was accelerated by addition of glutathione (GSH), indicating that bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers have re-dox-sensitive photosensitizer delivery capacity. bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers have low in-trinsic cytotoxicity against CCD986Sk human skin fibroblast cells as well as Ce6 alone. However, bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers showed improved Ce6 uptake ratio, higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and phototoxicity compared to those of Ce6 alone. GSH addition resulted in higher Ce6 uptake ratio, ROS generation and phototoxicity than those of Ce6 alone, indicating that bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers have redox-sensitive biological activity in vitro against HeLa human cervical cancer cells. At tumor xenograft model using HeLa cells, bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers efficiently accumulated in the tumor rather than normal organs, i.e. fluores-cence intensity in tumor tissues was significantly higher than those of other organs while Ce6 alone did not specifically target tumor tissue. These results indicated higher anticancer activity of bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers, by efficiently inhibiting growth of tumor in in vivo animal tumor xenograft study.

We presents results obtained from the numerical simulation of the gas-phase chemical kinetics in atmospheric pressure air non-equilibrium plasmas. In particular we have addressed the effect of pulsed operation mode of a planar dielectric barrier discharge. As it was conjectured, the large difference in the time scales involved in the fast dissociation of molecules in plasmas and their subsequent reactions to produce stable chemical species, makes the presence of a continuously repeated plasma production stage unnecessary and a waste of electrical power and efficiency. Results on NOx remediation, ozone production, water vapor and ammonia dissociation are discussed. A few comparisons with experimental findings in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor already used for applications is briefly addressed too. Our results clearly indicate a pattern for the optimization of the discharge using a carefully designed repetition rate and duty-cycle.

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ETS homologous factor (EHF) in malignant breast cancer cells. (2) Methods: Overexpression and knockdown of the EHF gene in human and mouse breast cancer cells were performed, and the TCGA dataset and Q-omics were analyzed. (3) Results: We found that the tumor suppressor NDRG2 is correlated with EHF gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells, that EHF overexpression results in reduced cell proliferation and that apoptosis is promoted by chemotherapeutic reagent treatment of EHF-overexpressing cells. By EHF overexpression, senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and p21WAF1/CIP1 expression were increased, suggesting that EHF may induce cellular senescence. In addition, overexpression of EHF reduced the migratory ability and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, EHF inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3. Overexpression of EHF also reduced tumor size, and lung metastasis in vivo. At the tumor site, β-galactosidase activity was increased by EHF. Finally, Kaplan-Meier-plotter analysis showed that TNBC patients with high expression of EHF had a longer relapse-free survival rate. (4) Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that EHF inhibits breast tumor progression by inducing senescence and regulating EMT in TNBC cells.

The flower of Syringa pubescens Turcz. is a Chinese folk medicine and also used as flower tea for healthcare. The effects of five drying methods on the active compound contents, the antioxidant abilities, anti-inflammatory properties and enzyme inhibitory activities were evaluated. The plant materials were treated using shade-drying, microwave drying, sun-drying, infrared drying and oven drying. The seven active compounds were simultaneously determined by an HPLC method. Furthermore, the chemicals differences were assessed using Scanning electron microscopy, UV spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The antioxidant capacities and protective effects on L02 cells induced by hydrogen peroxide were measured. The anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells were investigated. The enzyme inhibitory activities were determined against α-amylase, α-glucosidase cholinesterases and tyrosinase. The results indicated that drying methods had significantly influences on the active compound contents and biological properties. In consideration of the contents of bioactive compound, the suitable drying methods were SHD, SD, OD and MD. The SHD sample exhibited stronger radical scavenging ability on DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl and superoxide anions and higher reducing power compared with other samples prepared by SD, OD, MD and IRD. Moreover, SHD sample had strong protective effects against L02 cells damage induced by H2O2. SPF samples, especially SHD sample, significantly inhibited inflammatory factor secretion in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell. All studied SPF sample exhibited evidently inhibitory effects on the four enzymes. SHD sample possessed the highest inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. While SHD and SD samples had the potential inhibitory effects on cholinesterases and tyrosinase. In consideration of active compound contents and biological activities, it was recommended that SHD and SD were applied for drying SPF at an industrial scale.

This paper is the third application-oriented paper based on the "unified theory of forces" and also addresses the shortcomings of previous research in fully explaining the origin and nature of the weak force. The main conclusions of this paper are as follows: (1) It is argued that neutrinos are generated by the gravitational field, and their generation mechanism is similar to the radiation of photons from electron orbital transitions. Particles undergoing orbital transitions in a gravitational field will emit neutrinos. (2) We rigorously derive the energy formula for neutrinos and demonstrate that the energy formula for neutrinos does not comply with the Planck energy formula. Neutrinos with higher energy have longer wavelengths and are more easily observed in experiments.

Portugal, in line with the European Union, is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 (Net 1 Zero), which implies a transition to sustainable energy sources. Climate change is all too evident, extreme weather periods are occurring in a cyclical manner, with greater brevity to such an extent that the grid operator must deal with production scenarios where it can no longer rely on hydroelectric production given the recurring drought situation. This situation increases dependence on thermal production using natural gas and imports. This has significant economic implications. Portugal has exploited its onshore wind potential, reaching an installed capacity of 5.671 MW by 2022. However, the expansion of onshore wind energy is limited to reinforcing existing infrastructure. To overcome these challenges, it is necessary to expand the exploitation of offshore wind potential that is already underway. This article proposes the location of offshore wind production platforms along the Portuguese coast. This allows for an analysis of offshore production and its optimization according to the minimum cost per MWh in the face of extreme scenarios, i.e., in periods of extreme drought where hydroelectric production capacity is practically non-existent. The model is fed by using market price indications and the amount of energy needed for the following day. Using forecast data, the model adapts offshore wind production for the following day according to the minimization of the average market price. The results of the simulations allow us to conclude that despite the high cost of offshore technology (in deep waters), in extreme climate scenarios, it enables cost reduction and a clear decrease in imports.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a marker of vascular damage and the precursor of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, which involve inflammation and organ damage. Nitric oxide (NO) produced by eNOS, which is induced by pAKT, plays a crucial role in the function of a healthy endothelium. Methods: A combination of the subfractions SF1 and SF3 (C4) of the aqueous fraction from Cucumis sativus (Cs-Aq) was evaluated to control endothelial dysfunction in vivo, and on HMEC-1 cells to assess the involvement of pAkt in vitro. C57BL/6J mice were daily injected with Ang-II for 10 weeks. Once hypertension was established, Cs-AqC4 or losartan were orally administered along with Ang-II for another 10 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at weeks 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. Serum creatinine was quantified; the inflammatory status was evaluated in kidney, and tissue damage and vascular remodeling were studied in liver and aorta. Cs-AqC4 was also evaluated in vitro on HMEC-1 cells stimulated by angiotensin II (Ang-II) to assess the involvement of Akt phosphorylation. Results: Cs-AqC4 decreased systolic and diastolic BP, reversed vascular remodeling, decreased IL-1β and TGF-β and increased IL-10 and decreased kidney and liver damage. In HMEC-1 cells, AKT phosphorylation and NO production were increased. Conclusions: Cs-AqC4 controlled inflammation and vascular remodeling, resulting in BP regulation; it also improved tissue damage associated with ED, probably via Akt activation.

BACKGROUND: Pre-marital sex is a sexual interest practiced by people who are yet to get married and has ended up being accepted specifically in western countries. Sex before marriage is sexual behavior engaged in by single people. In the past, having sex before getting married is seen as a moral dilemma that many cultures forbade and that many people regarded to be sin in many religions, although it has gained wider acceptance across the board. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine the perception, practices, and factors associated with pre-marital sex, courtship, and its influences among Osun State University Undergraduates, Osogbo, Osun State. METHODOLOGY: The study was a descriptive study, and respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Students of Osun State University, Osogbo main campus form the population of the study and its sample size was calculated using Leslie Kish’s formula. A total of 387 responses were validated from the survey. The instrument for data collection was a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire consisting of four sections. The data obtained were collated, examined for completion, coded, imputed, and analyzed using SPSS v21. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was between 19.19±2.17, and the majority were between 18 – 24 years. About 52% of the respondents show a positive perception of premarital sex and courtship. Also, in the practice of courtship majority (88.3%) of the respondents think those that go around together are courting and from the responses obtained and analyzed from the factors leading to pre-marital sex, the findings revealed that peer pressure (90.4%), Internet (86.7%), pornography (83.9%) and drugs (82.9%) are the leading factors which contribute to pre-marital sex among undergraduates. CONCLUSION: The study hereby recommends that Parents should as a matter of responsibility monitor and pays regular visits to their children in the universities and provide them with materials that will make them stay comfortable for them not to fall victim to peer pressure.Pre-marital sex is a practice that should be avoided by undergraduate students, though most students consider courtship as a normal practice, it is still used as a normal factor that leads them to practice pre-marital sex.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have initiated a new era in the treatment of malignant melanoma. ICIs can be used in various settings, including as first-line, adjuvant, and neoadjuvant therapy. In the scope of this review, we examined clinical studies utilizing ICIs in the context of treating oral mucosal melanoma, a rare disease albeit with an extremely poor prognosis, with a specific focus on unraveling the intricate web of resistance mechanisms. The absence of a comprehensive review focusing on ICIs in oral mucosal melanoma is notable. Therefore, this review seeks to address this deficiency by offering a novel and thorough analysis of the current status, potential resistance mechanisms, and future prospects of applying ICIs specifically to oral malignant melanoma. Clarifying and thoroughly understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the advancement of effective therapeutic approaches and enhance the prospects for patients suffering from oral mucosal melanoma.

Sustainable food systems imply the re-use of biowastes and water. In this paper we characterize 30 top soil improvers of anthropogenic, animal and green waste origin, and 11 irrigation waters from rivers, channels, and civil wastewater treatment plants (cWWTPs) for the presence of antimicrobials. Liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS) was applied to determine 50 different drugs belonging to the classes of sulfonamides (11), tetracyclines (7), fluoroquinolones (10), macrolides (12), amphenicols (3), pleuromutilins (2), diaminopyrimidines (1), rifamycines (1) and lincosamides (1). Biowastes from cWWTPs and animal manure, slurry and litter revealed the highest loads for sulfonamides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides (80, 470, 885, and 4,487 ng/g wet weight, respectively) with nor- and cipro-floxacin as marker of anthropogenic sources. In composts and digestates antimicrobials were almost below the determination limits. Re-used waters for irrigation in open field lettuce production resulted contaminated in the range of 12-221 ng/L for sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, against very few detects in channels and surface waters. Antimicrobials Hazard Index (HI) based on Predicted No Effect Concentration for Antimicrobial Resistance (PNEC_AMR) was largely >100 in contaminated top soil improvers from urban and animal sources. Accounting for worst-case inputs from top soil improvers and irrigation water and dilution factors of amended soil, fluoroquinolones only showed a HI around 1 in open fields for lettuce production. The origin of top soil improvers plays a pivotal role for safe and sustainable leafy vegetable productions, to abate the risk of AMR onset in food-borne diseases, as well the transfer of AMR elements to human gut flora.

With the rise of internet technology and the growth of mobile communications, the global economy has undergone a significant transformation, shifting towards digital and soft markets. As a result, great efforts have been made to establish virtual marketplaces that provide customers with an exceptional shopping experience. One crucial aspect of this new paradigm is marketing, which has led to the emergence of a new stage known as E-marketing. In E-marketing, understanding customer behavior is of utmost importance. Marketing teams and companies are eager to gain insights into how different customer segments react to their products. Marketing strategies are now developed based on customer information such as financial status, location, age, gender, and more. As a result, the abundance of customer data generated by these new commerce technologies has surpassed the capabilities of traditional data analysis methods. To extract valuable knowledge from this vast amount of data, data mining technologies have come into play. Techniques such as clustering, classification, and prediction are utilized to mine marketing data and uncover hidden patterns and trends. The impact of data mining on E-marketing has been the subject of analysis in this study. A questionnaire-based review was conducted to collect the necessary data, which was then analyzed using SPSS 23 software. The study's results demonstrate that data mining can significantly enhance the performance of E-marketing by providing intelligent and efficient predictions of customer behaviour. Moreover, this technology offers similar advantages for end-customers as well. By leveraging the power of data mining, companies can gain valuable insights, tailor their marketing efforts, and ultimately provide better products and services to their customers in the digital marketplace.