(1) Background: This study evaluated the spatial position and anatomical characteristics related to impacted third molars by map-reading strategy using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). (2) Methods: To determine the positioning of impacted third molars on CBCT it was used Winter's and Pell & Gregory's classifications, and the presence of external root resorption in mandibular second molars were based on Herman´s classification. The relationship between the mandibular third molar root apex and the mandibular canal was also analyzed. Fisher’s exact test was used to comparative statistical analysis. The significance level considered was 5%. (3) Results: The results showed that according to Winter's classification, 48.06 % of impacted teeth were in the mesioangular position. Using Pell & Gregory's classification, 43.22% of the impacted molars were in the position B and C, and 54.2% of the teeth were class II. 69.7% of teeth showed an absence of contact between the root apex and the mandibular canal and there was no occurrence of external root resorption in the distal of second molar in 88.7%. (4) Conclusions: The map-reading strategy using CBCT scans for anatomical positions and characteristics of impacted third molars increases professional confidence and establishes a parameter of quality and safety in the surgical procedure for the patient.

Juvenile hormones (JH) play crucial roles in insect development, reproduction, and other physi-ological functions. Because JH is specific to arthropods, including insects, it has long been stud-ied for use in pest control. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the substances that act as JH disruptors from edible plants. Curcuminoids generally exhibit a wide range of biological ac-tivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties, and they exhibit insect growth inhibitory effects. Demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, two curcuminoids from the turmeric plant Curcuma longa L. inhibit the formation of a metho-prene-tolerant (Met)–Taiman (Tai) heterodimer complex as shown through in vitro yeast two-hybrid assays. An artificial diet containing 1% (w/v) demethoxycurcumin or bisdemethox-ycurcumin reduced the number of larvae, leading to no pupal development. Building on our re-sults regarding curcuminoids, researchers can use our study as a reference to develop eco-friendly pesticides.

Nonlinear properties of zinc germanium diphosphide (ZGP) crystals enable their ap-plications in powerful mid-IR optical parametric oscillators and second-harmonic generators. This paper summarizes mechanisms of the laser induced damage (LID) in high-purity ZGP crystals under periodically pulsed nanosecond irradiation by a Ho3+:YAG laser at 2.1 μm. The ZGP samples were manufactured by “LOC” Ent., Tomsk, Russia, or Harbin Institute of Technology, China. The impact of processing techniques and the post-growing methods for polishing and anti-reflection coating on the LID threshold are discussed. The importance of the defect structure of the crystal lattice and the parameters of transparent coatings for increasing the LID threshold is discussed. The impact of the test laser parameters on the LID threshold is analyzed. The transient area near the LID threshold obtained using digital holography is ana-lyzed. Influence of the pre-damage processes on the optical parametric oscillations is reported. Prospects for improving ZGP crystals to further increase the LID threshold are discussed.

In the Lubumbashi charcoal production basin (LCPB) in south-eastern DR Congo, agricultural and charcoal production activities regularly give rise to fires that lead to considerable degradation of the miombo open forest. This study analyzes the drivers of the spatio-temporal distribution of active fires and burnt areas in the LCPB by processing MODIS and Landsat data. In addition, a Kernel density analysis method (KDE) was used to estimate fire risk, while the effect of the road network and dwellings on vegetation fires was highlighted in areas between 0-3000m radius. Obtained results revealed that fires in the LCPB generally occur between April and November mainly during the day, between 11am and 12pm. These fires are concentrated in the central and south-western part of the LCPB, more specifically in the savannahs and near roads. From 2002 to 2022, an average of 11,237 active fires and an average of 6,337 km2 of burnt areas were recorded in the LCPB. Each year, these fires peak in August, and despite their steady decline, the few fires that have affected the forests have caused more devastation (more than 2790 km2 / year) than those observed in the fields and savannah. These figures highlight the imperative need to put in place fire prevention and management measures in the LCPB, with particular emphasis on awareness, monitoring and fire-fighting measures.

Laportea bulbifera (Sieb. et Zucc.) Wedd. (L. bulbifera) is a significant plant belonging to the Laportea genus. It has been traditionally used in ethnomedicine to treat various conditions such as rheumatic arthralgia, fractures, falling injuries, nephritis dropsy, limb numbness, pruritus, fatigue-induced internal imbalances, and irregular menstruation. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed its therapeutic potential, as it exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, analgesic, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis properties. In order to gather in-depth information on L. bulbifera, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, and CNKI. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of L. bulbifera by covering various aspects, including ethnomedicinal uses, geographical distribution, botanical description, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. By doing so, this review intends to lay a strong foundation and propose new research avenues for the exploration and development of potential applications of L. bulbifera. Thus far, a total of 189 compounds have been isolated and identified from L. bulbifera. These compounds include flavonoids, phenolics, nitrogen compounds, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids, fatty acids and their derivatives, and other compounds. Notably, flavonoids and fatty acids in L. bulbifera have demonstrated remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, these compounds show promising potential in activities such as analgesia, hypoglycemia, and hypolipidemia, as well as toxicity. Despite the extensive fundamental studies conducted on L. bulbifera, further research is still needed to enhance our understanding of its credible mechanism of action and improve its quality control. This necessitates more comprehensive investigations to explore the specific material basis, uncover new mechanisms of action, and refine the quality control methods related to L. bulbifera. By doing so, we could contribute to the further development and utilization of this plant.

Tropical sea surface temperature (SST) variability, mainly driven by the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), influences the atmospheric circulation and hence the transport of heat and chemical species in both the troposphere and stratosphere. This paper uses Met Office, ERA5 and MERRA2 reanalysis data to examine the impact of SST variability on the dynamics of the polar stratosphere and ozone layer over the period 1980 to 2020. Particular attention is paid to studying the differences in the influence of different types of ENSO (East Pacific (EP) and Central Pacific (CP)) for the El Niño and La Niña phases. It is shown that during the EP El Niño, the zonal wind weakens more strongly and changes direction more often than during the EP El Niño, and the CP El Niño leads to a more rapid decay of the polar vortex (PV), an increase in stratospheric air temperature and an increase in the concentration and total column ozone than during EP El Niño. For the CP La Niña, the PV is more stable, which often leads to a significant decrease in Arctic ozone. During EP La Niña, powerful sudden stratospheric warmings are often observed, which lead to the destruction of PV and an increase in column ozone.

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) leaves possess diverse antioxidant properties, mainly due to the different classes of phenolics. In this study, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) of wild strawberry phenolics were carried out to understand the impact of extraction temperature, extraction time and solvent-to-sample ratio (SSR) on the quantitative and qualitative properties of the obtained extracts. The highest total phenolic content (8027 mg GA/100 g DW), as well the highest DPPH• antiradical activity (903 mol TE/g DW) was obtained with ASE at 150 °C, static time 5 min and SSR of 40:1; while the highest ABTS•+ antiradical activity (681 mol TE/g DW,) and FRAP (2389 mol TE/g DW) was obtained with MAE after 5 min at 80 °C and a SSR of 40:1. The correlation analysis showed that phenolics largely contributed to the antioxidant properties of the studied MAE extracts, while correlation was not found in ASE extracts. A total of 54 different phenolics were identified by UPLC/MS-MS in MAE and ASE extracts obtained at optimal extraction conditions. MAE extract was shown to have a higher content of phenolic acids (40%), but lower content of proanthocyanidins (88%), flavonols (29%), flavan-3-ols (50%) and flavones (39%) than ASE extract.

Background: Poisoning is a growing public problem that has shown increased prevalence in many countries worldwide, contributing to increased costs and mortalities. A lack of or insufficient information regarding the circumstances, chemicals, drugs and people at risk due to imperfect reporting system is regarded as a barrier to successful poisoning prevention and intervention efforts. In Saudi Arabia, poisoning cases are monitored at the central level in the Ministry of Health, with meticulous follow-up of cases across country areas through public health departments. The current study's objective was to describe the poisoning notification and reporting system in Makkah.Subjects and methods: All reports of chemical and drug overdose poisoning delivered to the environmental health and occupational safety department in Makkah Almukarramah over two years (2018-2019) were reviewed, together with verification of all systems, rules and guidelines organizing the performance of the department.Results: The total number of cases reported in 2018 was 209 cases, while it reached 42 cases in 2019. The overwhelming majority of the cases were Saudi (91.6%), with a slight predominance of males (57.4%) over females (42.6%). Generally, almost two-thirds of the cases occurred in children below 13 years (61.4%), most of the poisoning cases resulted from drug overdose (63.3%), while 34.7% were chemical poisoning. The most common drug poisoning was attributed to analgesics followed by antiepileptics, antihypertensive drugs, antipsychotics and antimicrobials, while cleaning and detergent agents were the most commonly poisoned chemicals. The majority of these agents were taken by the oral route. Children's chemical poisoning was significantly higher than that in older age groups (p<0.05). All intentional poisoning occurred in adults; the great majority of them (88.9%) used drug overdosing rather than chemical substances.Conclusion and recommendations: The current study results are consistent with most of the previous studies carried out in different regions in Saudi Arabia. Reviewing the performance and adherence of the “Environmental Health and Occupational Safety Department” to the guidelines and instruction regulating monitoring, notification and reporting of poison cases are satisfactory and the poisoning surveillance system is effective. Further in-depth studies are needed to elaborate other socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with chemical and drug overdose poisoning. Public health plans, policies and legislations should be implemented to reduce these factors, including prohibition over-the-counter pharmaceutical sales, selling the possibly harmful substances in kid-proof bottles and additional stringent rules governing chemical sale and storage. Intensive supervision of children is needed. Suicidal poisoning patients should seek psychiatric help to limit the possibility of attempting suicide again in the future. Furthermore, efforts are needed to plan and implement health education programs and campaigns about the factors proven in the current study to be significantly related to chemical and drug overdose poisoning to raise public knowledge about exposure to chemicals and its consequences. Popular communication media, commercial malls, road ads, learning institutions and workplaces can be used to deliver health education campaigns and programs. Advice on how to store chemicals safely and how to keep kids safe should be focused on during such programs.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has been proposed as biomarker for fertility in cattle, yet this associative relationship appears to be influenced by heat stress. Objective was to test serum AMH and AMH-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as markers potentially predictive of reproductive traits in heat-stressed dairy cows. The study included 300 Holstein cows that were genotyped using BovineSNP50 (54,000 SNP) after blood samples were collected and DNA extracted. A genome wide association study was then executed. Nine intragenic SNPs within the pathways that influence the AMH gene were found important with multiple comparisons adjustment test (p&lt;1.09x10-6). A further validation study was performed in an independent Holstein cattle population, which was divided into moderate (MH; n=152) and severe heat-stressed (SH; n=128) groups, and subjected to a summer reproductive management program. Serum AMH was confirmed as a predictor of fertility measures (p&lt;0.05) in MH but not in SH group. Cows were genotyped using the TaqMan allelic discrimination method and qPCR, which revealed four SNPs as predictive markers for serum AMH (p&lt;0.01), reproductive traits (p&lt;0.01) and physiological variables (p&lt;0.05). These SNPs were in the genes AMH, IGFBP1, LGR5 and TLR4. In conclusion, both serum AMH concentrations and AMH-related SNPs appear to be associated with fertility traits in dairy cows managed during summer.

Background and Objectives: Previous studies revealed anti-angiogenic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of Vitamin D on cancer cells. Although this body of evidence supported the correlation of high Vitamin D levels with reduced incidence rates for various malignancies, contradictory results were reported regarding non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Aim of this overview was to summarize the available evidence from the existing pool of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focusing on Vitamin D serum status, dietary intake, and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms in correlation to NMSC incidence. Materials and Methods: A literature search in electronic databases was conducted from inception to January 2023. Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals, evaluating Vitamin D serum levels, dietary and/or supplementary intake, or VDR gene polymorphisms, and reporting data on NMSC. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the data analysis models. A positive association between Vitamin D serum levels and NMSC is highlighted. However, dietary/supplementation of Vitamin D doesn’t exhibit a likewise strong linkage to NMSC. Despite the contradictory findings, VDR polymorphisms may play a crucial role in the intricate NMSC pathogenesis. Conclusions: This umbrella review showed that high Vitamin D levels are associated with increased NMSC incidence, potentially due to its direct correlation with increased sun exposure. Further research on VDR polymorphisms is suggested to explore their true effect size on NMSC risk.

Precision farming, a labor-saving and highly productive management, is gaining popularity as the number of farmers declines in contrast to the increasing global food demand. However, it requires more efficient crop phenology observation and growth monitoring. One measure is the Leaf Area Index (LAI), which is essential for estimating biomass and yield, but its validation requires destructive field measurements. Remote sensing offers a non-destructive and effective method for ground- and UAV-based field observations. Thus, in this study, a method for indirect estimation of LAI was investigated using ground and UAV observation data. A weekly plant survey was done to measure the plant height, above-ground biomass, and light intensity. Furthermore, images from ground-based and UAV-based cameras were acquired to generate NDVI and the canopy height (CH), respectively. Using the canopy photosynthetic model, derived from Lambert-Beer’s law, the daily biomass was estimated by applying the weekly estimated LAI using CH, and the observed light intensity data as input. The results demonstrated the possibility of quantitatively estimating the daily growth biomass of rice plants, including its spatial variation. The near-real-time estimation method of rice biomass by integrating observation data at fields with numerical models can be applied to the management of major crops.

Chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients have very high cardiovascular risk. Acute vascular changes during dialysis mediated by factors of the endothelium may have a crucial role in this. Aim: To study acute vascular changes during HD. In 29 consecutive chronic HD patients (age: 65.6±10.4 years) pre-, mid-, and post-HD plasma syndecan-1 (SDC-1) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels were measured. Applanation tonometry was performed before HD. SDC-1 levels increased during HD (p=0.004). Males had higher ET-1 levels. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on pulse wave velocity (PWV): PWV≥12 m/s and PWV<12 m/s. Pre-HD and mid-HD SDC-1 levels were higher in the group with PWV≥12 m/s (10.174±2.568 vs. 7.928±1.794 ng/ml, p=0.013, and 10.319±3.482 vs. 8.248±1.793 ng/ml, p=0.044, respectively). Post-HD ET-1 levels were higher in the patient group having PWV≥12 m/s (10.88±3.00 vs. 8.05±3.48 pg/l, p=0.027). Patients having PWV≥12 m/s had higher pre-HD peripheral and aortic systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). Total cholesterol correlated with the SDC-1 decrease during HD (r=0.539; p=0.008). Pre-, mid-, and post-HD SDC-1 correlated with the ultrafiltration (r=0.432, p=0.019; r=0.377, p=0.044; and r=0.401, p=0.012, respectively). SDC-1 and ET-1 contribute to vascular changes observed during HD, and they have correlations with some cardiovascular risk factors.

There is currently no set of instruments or procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of cross-sectoral collaboration in the current CFC program. This study aimed to develop a tool for evaluating the cross-sectoral contributions to the CFC program. A paper-based questionnaire was developed by the research team after a preliminary qualitative procedure, and it was subsequently employed to collect data. This process resulted in 17 indicators (41 items) of cross-sectoral collaboration in the development of the CFC in Makassar. These indicators were categorized into five dimensions: governance, administration, autonomy, mutuality, and norms. There were 32 items remaining after several items that were determined not to correspond with the model were eliminated prior to the CFA analysis. According to the CFA results, the five-domain model corresponded to the data with standardized loading factor (SLF)<0.5, indicating that the convergent validity of SLF was acceptable. In addition, these results suggested that the items employed in the tool were really significant in reflecting these five domains. The developed and validated tool was expected to be beneficial in evaluating cross-sectoral collaboration in the CFC program developed in Makassar City. The findings of this study would serve as a benchmark indicator, enabling the assessment process to gauge the significance with which a city is developing with cross-sectoral restriction measures.

This review paper presents a flashback on the evolution of the disease throughout the centuries, describes in summary pathophysiologic mechanisms, discusses briefly the mechanism of action of the diuretics, presents their role in decongesting heart failure patients and unfolds the data behind ultrafiltration in the management of acutely or chronically decompensated heart failure (ADHF), focusing on all the available data and advancements in this field. Acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) presents a critical clinical condition characterized by worsening symptoms and signs of heart failure, necessitating prompt intervention to alleviate congestion and improve cardiac function. Diuretics have traditionally been the mainstay for managing fluid overload in ADHF. Mounting evidence suggests that due to numerous causes, such as coexisting renal failure or chronic use of the loop diuretics, an increasing rate of diuretic resistance is noticed and needs to be addressed. There has been a series of trials that combined diuretics of different categories, without the expected results. Emerging evidence suggests that ultrafiltration may offer an alternative or adjunctive approach.

The article is dedicated to addressing the current challenge of augmenting the load- bearing ca-pability of pile foundations. This predicament is most effectively addressed by employing piles with unconventional geometries, along with atypical methodologies for installing these foun-dation piles. The primary objective of research is to examine the impact of various fill materials (including both soil and rigid substances) on the energy consumption during pile driving and the resistance to static loads by piles with multiple shaft expansions. The findings derived from model-based investigations demonstrate that the load-bearing capacity of piles with shaft ex-pansions, installed with bulk material filling, surpasses that of conventional piles (prismatic and pyramidal) by a factor ranging from 1.5 to 4.6. Furthermore, the research outcomes also indicate greater energy consumption (1.14-1.66 times) and enhanced load-bearing capacity (1.15-1.68 times) for piles with shaft expansions driven with backfill, in comparison to piles installed without backfill. It is noteworthy that the type of backfill material significantly influences the energy consumption during pile driving and their stability under axial static loads. The correla-tion relationships can be applied to approximate projection of the energy-related and structural parameters of piles with shaft expansions embedded with the addition of bulk materials.

CD147/Basigin, a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin super family, is a multifunctional molecule with various binding partners. CD147 binds to monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) and supports their expression on plasma membranes. MCTs play an important role in glycolysis, the enzymatic conversion of glucose to pyruvate and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Pyruvate is further converted to lactic acid which is exported from the cytoplasm by MTC-1 and MCT-4 to maintain intracellular pH and a stable metabolic state. Under physiological conditions, cellular energy production is induced by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Glycolysis usually occurs under anaerobic conditions, whereas cancer cells depend on glycolysis under aerobic conditions. T cells also require glycolysis for differentiation, proliferation, and activation. Human malignant melanoma cells expressed higher levels of MCT-1 and MCT-4, co-localized with CD147 on the plasma membrane and showed an increased glycolysis rate compared to normal human melanocytes. Silencing of CD147 by siRNA abrogated the membrane expression of MCT-1 and MCT-4 and disrupted glycolysis, inhibiting cancer cell activity. The differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells is a pivotal process in the development of various immune disorders, including psoriasis. Studies using CD147-deficient mice demonstrated the involvement of CD147 in psoriasis. MCT-1 was absent on CD4+ T cells in CD147-deficient mice. Naïve CD4+ T-cells from CD147-deficient mice show low potential for differentiation into Th17 cells. Imiquimod-induced skin inflammation was significantly milder in CD147-deficient mice than in wild-type mice. These findings indicate that CD147/Basigin is involved in the development of malignant tumors and T cell mediated immunological disorders via regulation of glycolysis.

Background: This study retrospective evaluates patients with stage IV melanoma treated with Nivolumab and Ipilimumab combination therapy from two regional oncology centers from Romania between the years of 2019 up to the end of 2022. Methods: The data were analyzed in SAS for Windows, V9.4. The survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and survival distributions were compared with log-rank test. The effects of the main clinical and pathological variables on OS and PFS were investigated with Cox regression. Results: Kaplan-Meier curve of OS in all evaluable patients enrolled in the study resulted in a median OS of 346 days (95% CI: 150-NA) and a median PFS of 211 days (95% CI: 113-430). 45.3% of the patients experienced adverse events during the Nivolumab + Ipilimumab treatment with some of them having multiple organ systems involved. Discussion: The OS values were lower than that reported in approval clinical trials, but the results show a marked improvement when comparing to results obtained by chemotherapy regimens previously used in these scenarios. Conclusion: This study provides real-world insights into the survival data and safety profiles of combination therapy with anti-PD-1 antibodies and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies.

Resistance evolution during exposure to non-lethal levels of antibiotics is influenced by various stress responses of bacteria which are known to affect growth rate. Here, we aim to disentangle how the interplay between resistance development and associated fitness costs is affected by stress responses. We performed de novo resistance evolution of wild-type strains and single-gene knockout strains in stress response pathways using four different antibiotics. Throughout resistance development, the increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is accompanied by a gradual decrease in growth rate, most pronounced with amoxicillin or kanamycin. By measuring biomass yield on glucose and whole-genome sequences at intermediate and final timepoints, we identified two patterns of how the stress responses affect the correlation between MIC and growth rate. First, single-gene knockout E. coli strains associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) acquire resistance faster and mutations related to antibiotic permeability and pumping out occur earlier. This increases the metabolic burden of resistant bacteria. Second, the ΔrelA knockout strain which has reduced (p)ppGpp synthesis, is restricted in its stringent response, leading to diminished growth rates. The ROS-related mutagenesis and the stringent response are vulnerabilities within the fitness of resistant strains that can possibly be targeted to prevent development of resistance.

Abstract: This study presents a methodological framework for AD and MCI diagnosis using radiomic analysis of 18FDG-PET imaging and conducts non-invasive predictions and in-depth analysis of AD and MCI and the associated small number of regions and features. Our methodology follows a structured process commencing with data preprocessing and labeling, facilitating segmentation through FastSurfer, a tool that efficiently segments the brain into 95 ROIs using the DKT-atlas. Subsequently, Feature extraction was carried out using PyRadiomics, calculating 120 features for each of the 95 ROIs (11,400 per image). These extracted features form the foundation of our radiomics analysis, primarily for early diagnostic purposes. In the feature selection phase, we explored a set of eight commonly employed techniques, including ANOVA, PCA, and LASSO, originating from the four main categories, namely filtered, embedded, wrapper, and hybrid methods, to identify a pertinent subset of features. Our evaluation assessed the performance of nine classification methods, such as GradientBoosting, RandomForest, and GaussianNB, in conjunction with eight feature selection techniques. The choice of feature selection method and classifiers was predicated on their ability to achieve the best area under the ROC curve with independent data. For all three predictions AD vs. CN, AD vs. MCI, and CN vs. MCI the Random Forest (RF) classifier with LASSO feature selection demonstrated the highest accuracy with an AUC of 0.976 for AD vs CN, AUC=0.917 for AD vs MCI, and AUC=0.877 for MCI vs CN. In conclusion, our RAB-PET platform enables efficient AD and MCI diagnosis from FDG-PET images using a radiomics pipeline. It also offers a general hardware and software tool for the investigation of other brain disorders.

Copper-nitride (Cu3N) semiconductor material is attracting much attention as a potential, next-generation thin-film solar-light absorber in solar cells. In this communication, polycrystalline Cu3N thin films were prepared using reactive-RF-magnetron-sputtering deposition, at room temperature, onto glass and silicon substrates. The very-broadband optical properties of the Cu3N thin film layers were studied by UV-MIR (0.2-40 μm) ellipsometry and optical transmission, to be able to achieve the goal of a low-cost absorber material to replace the conventional silicon. The reactive-RF-sputtered Cu3N films were also investigated by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, and both FTIR and Raman spectroscopies.

Soil organic matter is an important component that reflects soil fertility and promotes plant growth. The soil of typical Chinese tea plantations was used as the research object in this work, and by combining soil hyperspectral data and image texture characteristics, a quantitative prediction model of soil organic matter based on machine vision and hyperspectral imaging technology was built. Three methods, standard normalized variate (SNV), multisource scattering correction (MSC) and smoothing, were first used to preprocess the spectra. After that, random frog (RF), variable combination population analysis (VCPA) and variable combination population analysis and iterative retained information variable algorithm (VCPA-IRIV) algorithms were used to extract the characteristic bands. Finally, the quantitative prediction model of nonlinear support vector regression (SVR) and linear partial least squares regression (PLSR) for soil organic matter was established by combining nine color features and five texture features of hyperspectral images. The outcomes demonstrate that, in comparison to single spectral data, fusion data may greatly increase the performance of the prediction model, with MSC+VCPA-IRIV+SVR (R2C=0.995, R2P=0.986, RPD=8.155) being the optimal approach combination. This work offers excellent justification for more investigation into nondestructive methods for determining the amount of organic matter in soil.

Definitive surgical resection is the preferred treatment for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Research into genetic alterations, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation, in early stage NSCLC remains insufficient. Here, we investigated the prevalence of genetic alterations in early-stage NSCLC and the association between EGFR mutation and recurrence after complete resection. Between January 2019 and December 2021, 659 patients with NSCLC who underwent curative surgical resection at a single regional cancer center were recruited. We compared the clinical and pathological data between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict the risk factors for recurrence. Among the 659 enrolled cases, the most common histology was adenocarcinoma (74.5%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (21.7%). The prevalence of EGFR mutation was 43% (194/451). Among them, L858R point mutation and exon 19 deletion was 52.3% and 42%, respectively. ALK rearrangement was found at 5.7% (26/453), and ROS1 fusion was found at 1.6% (7/441). The recurrence rate of the entire population was 19.7%. In multivariate analysis, the presence of EGFR mutation, stage II or III (vs. stage I), and pathologic subtype (presence of solid type) were associated with recurrence. Among the recurred group, 86.5% of the patients with EGFR mutation experienced distant recurrence compared to only 66.7% of wild-type (p = 0.016), with no significant difference in median disease-free survival (p = 0.983). In conclusion, the prevalence of EGFR mutation, ALK rearrangement, and ROS1 fusion was 43.0%, 5.7%, and 1.6%, respectively in patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent curative resection. Along with stage II/III and solid pathologic subtype, EGFR mutation was an independent risk factor for recurrence. In the recurrence group, the rate of distant metastasis was higher in patients with EGFR mutation than in those with wild-type.

Accurate pathogenic detection in wastewater is critical for safeguarding public health and the environment. However, the presence of free nucleic acids in wastewater samples poses significant challenges to molecular detection accuracy. This comprehensive review explores the current status and future potential of pretreatment methods to remove free nucleic acids from wastewater samples. The study contributes a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms, strengths, and limitations of various pretreatment approaches, including physical, chemical, and enzymatic processes. The effect of various factors on the removal efficiency of these pretreatment methods is also discussed. This review enhances our comprehension of pretreatment techniques and their vital role in achieving precise pathogenic detection in complex wastewater matrices. Furthermore, it outlines future perspectives and developments for improving the speed and effectiveness of pathogenic detection, contributing significantly to disease surveillance, early warning systems, and environmental protection.

Human serum albumin (HSA) is multifunctional protein, known to be a natural carrier for a number of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including drugs. Formulating anticancer drugs with HSA is a clinically validated approach to improve the pharmacological properties and provide targeted delivery (passive and active) of cytotoxic payload to the tumor (such as in Abraxane). A number of receptors facilitating HSA uptake from systemic circulation have been characterized. What is interesting, such uptake may differ depending on the nature and quantity of ligands bound to HSA. Based on this, one might like to modify the HSA in a way that its distribution is more favorable for certain therapeutic purposes, thus ensuring more efficient delivery of the therapeutic cargo to disease site. E.g. Levofloxacin (LV), broad spectrum antibiotic drug, could benefit from extended systemic exposure, and stronger interaction with plasma proteins could be useful for this purpose. We have engrafted monomeric or polymeric CDs on the surface of HSA molecules to strengthen the LV adsorption (CD-LV dissociation constant is three orders of magnitude lower than that for HSA-LF). We have found that (HSA-HPolS)conj+LV exhibited the highest activity against E. coli, whereas (HSA-HPCD)conj+LV was the most effective against B. subtilis; and both HSA conjugates were more potent than LV alone or LV with HSA. Further fine-tuning of HSA could yield an improvement in biodistribution, and thus a more favorable risk/benefit ratio.

The brick manufacturing sector in Bangladesh is experiencing rapid growth, leading to notable environmental and health concerns. The primary objective of this research is to examine the Savar Upazila, a region of significant economic significance owing to its favorable brick manufacturing conditions and proximity to Dhaka city. Brick kilns, among other sources, constitute significant contributors to air pollution. The study utilized primary and secondary data to examine brick kiln emissions' effects on the surrounding area's environment and public health. The collection of primary data was conducted in multiple zones within Savar Upazila, which is home to a significant number of brick kilns. The utilization of secondary data provided valuable insights regarding the toxic pollutants discharged by these kilns and the corresponding health risks they pose. The participants provided accounts of various health ailments, such as dermatological conditions, optical difficulty, and respiratory complications, further aggravated by brick kilns' incidents. The prevalence of crop losses, soil degradation, and reduced agricultural yields was confirmed by 74% of the respondents. The trees and crops in the surrounding area experienced adverse effects due to the deposition of dust particles. During periods of inactivity, the concentrations of sulfur oxide (SOx) were between 6 and 9 times lower compared to periods of operation. Similarly, nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels were observed to be 4 to 6 times lower during non-operational phases. The degradation of water quality in adjacent bodies has been attributed to the deposition of dust and ash originating from brickfields, resulting in substantial repercussions on aquaculture. A significant proportion of participants indicated experiencing diverse health issues, notwithstanding the employment prospects generated by brick kilns, thereby underscoring the adverse consequences on both the environment and the local economy.

Rapid analysis and characterization of compounds by mass spectrometry may overlook trace compounds, although targeted analysis methods can significantly improve detection sensitivity, it is difficult to discover novel scaffold compounds. This study developed a strategy for discovering trace compounds in the aging process of traditional Chinese medicine based on MS fragmentation and known metabolic pathway. Specifically, we found that the characteristic component of C. reticulata 'Chachi', methyl N-methylanthranilate (MMA), fragmented in ESI-CID to produce rearrangement ion 3-hydroxyindole, which has been proven to exist in trace amounts in C. reticulata 'Chachi' comparing with the reference substance by LC-MS/MS. By combining the known metabolic pathways of 3-hydroxyindole and the possible methylation reactions that may occur during aging, 10 possible indole derivatives were untargeted predicted. These compounds were confirmed to originate from MMA by purchasing or synthesizing reference substances and all of them were detected in C. reticulata 'Chachi' through LC-MS/MS analysis, achieving trace compound analysis from untargeted to targeted. It may contribute to explain the aging mechanism of C. reticulata 'Chachi' and the strategy of CID-induced special rearrangement ion binding metabolic pathway has potential application value in discovering trace compounds.

Cable-supported façades represent a novel approach in the design and technology of double skin façades (DSF). This type of systems not only offer flexibility in terms of exterior finishes, but also regulates the access of solar radiation, thereby transforming the appearance of the building in response to varying daylight conditions. However, the structural performance of these façades under wind, impact and seismic loads remains an active area of research. The study is a groundbreaking work that experimentally evaluates the wind and seismic behaviour of these type of façades. The methodology used for the evaluation of flexible masonry facades includes laboratory tests analysing the individual capacity of the connections and materials of the system under standardized and non-standardized procedures. A full-scale experimental sub-assembly specimen of a representative module of the façade is also subjected to uniformly distributed pressures of wind load tests as well as hard body and soft body impact tests. The setup considered the border conditions, tension loads, and actual materials. Furthermore, the earthquake assessment includes tests of full-scale specimens subjected to these demands. Research findings allowed the refinement and redesign of the system's components granting the validation of the DSF used as a case study.

The open hole tensile and flexural test of composites holds immense importance in aerospace and structural engineering. These tests provide critical insights into how composites perform under real-world conditions, allowing for the development of materials that meet rigorous standards, thereby ensuring the safety and durability of aircraft and other applications. This study investigates the influence of hole size on the open hole tensile (OHT) and flexural properties (OHF) of plane woven aramid/epoxy (AFRP), basalt/epoxy (BFRP), and aramid-basalt/epoxy (ABFRP) sandwiched laminates. Specimens with three different hole sizes viz., 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm were prepared and tested according to ASTM D5766 and ASTM D7264 for OHT and OHF performance respectively. Results indicated that the hybridization of aramid-basalt layers in a sandwich lay up significantly improved the mechanical performance when compared to only aramid laminate. However, with the increase in hole size the mechanical properties declined irrespective of the material. Basalt fibres showed higher hole sensitivity under tensile loading due to its brittle fracture mechanism while aramid fibres exhibited higher hole sensitivity under flexural loading which can be attributed to its the poor compressive strength. The effect of hole size on the damage mechanism has also been highlighted through scanning electron microscope (SEM). Major failure modes observed are delamination around the hole edges, ductile and brittle fibre fractures, and delamination.

Raman scattering has been employed to study in detail the concentration dependence of the vibrational modes for the hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) aqueous solutions. The formation of protonated and/or aggregated species has been clarified by comparing the experimental with the theoretically predicted vibrational spectra by means of quantum mechanical calculations. The analysis has shown that the vibrational modes of the solutions arise from a contribution of the vibrational modes of the HMTA self-aggregates and hetero-aggregates of HMTA with water molecules that are formed in the low- and intermediate-concentration region, respectively. The protonation of HMTA is ruled out due to the large differences between the experimental and the theoretically calculated spectra of the protonated molecules of HTMA in the fingerprint region. In the low-concentration solutions, the hetero-aggregation reaction of HMTA with water is the dominant mechanism, while at higher concentrations a self-aggregation mechanism occurs. Ultrasonic absorption and velocity measurements were carried out for hexamethylenetetramine aqueous solutions. The acoustic spectra reveal the presence of only one single Debye-type relaxation process that is assigned to the aggregation mechanism of HMTA. The sound absorption data follow two different dependencies on HMTA mole fraction. The crossover 0.018 mole fraction signifies two separate regions with distinct structural characteristics. The relaxation mechanism observed in dilute solutions is attributed to hetero-association of HMTA with water molecules, while at higher concentrations the observed relaxation process is assigned to the self-association reaction of HMTA molecules. This structural transformation is also reflected in several physicochemical properties of the system, including the kinematic viscosity, the mass density, the sound speed, and the adiabatic compressibility of the HMTA aqueous solutions. The combination of vibrational and acoustic spectroscopies with molecular orbital calculations allowed us to disentangle the underlying processes and to elucidate the observed relaxation mechanism in the HMTA aqueous solutions.

The effect of the melt cooling rate on the atomic ordering of austenite and, as a consequence, on the martensitic transformation of a nonstoichiometric alloy of the Ni-Mn-In system has been studied. In-situ TEM observations revealed differences in the mechanism of phase transformations of the alloy subjected to different cooling conditions. It is shown that during quenching a high density of antiphase boundaries (APB) is formed and the alloy is in the austenite-martensitic (10M and 14M) state up to a temperature of 120K. In a slowly cooled alloy, a lower APB density is observed, and a two-stage transformation L21/B2 → 10M → 14M occurs in the range of 150–120 K.

Several studies have shown that physical activity (PA) is related to physical and mental health. Yet, there are few studies on the frequency of PA as it relates to health and a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the frequency of practicing different types of physical activities (dependent variables), living a healthy lifestyle (BMI, smoking and alcohol consumption), physical health (sum of all doctor visits except psychiatrists) and mental health (a sum of visits to psychiatrists) at different ages (independent variables). We fo-cused on three types of PA: (1) medium to high-intensity aerobic exercises; (2) low to medium intensity relaxing and stretching exercises, (3) outdoor leisure PA. 9,617 participants (ages: 19 -81) were included in the study (with health registries over a period of 10 years prior to a cross-sectional survey). Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression on frequencies of three types of PA and factors related to health and healthy lifestyles, as well as age and sex, were performed in this study. The results indicate that a higher frequency of practicing PA had a higher probability of association with the following factors: lower BMI, less or non-smoking behavior (types 1 & 3); higher education (types 1 & 2); higher age (types 2 & 3) and better physical health (type 1). Occasional (practicing sometimes) PA, type 2, was positively associated with poorer mental health (higher number of psychiatrist visits). Women were more likely to practice PA type 2, and men – PA types 3 & 1. Conclusion: In general, a higher frequency of PA is related with better health and healthy life styles; with the exception of PA type 2 that is related to poorer mental health.

. Shrub patches influence soil fertility and vegetation, impacting species composition and diversity. The Eastern Qilian Mountains' unique context provides insights into alpine ecosystems' response to environmental challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics and soil nutrient contents of shrub patches for four different shrub species. Four alpine shrub species (Salix oritrepha, Spiraea alpina, Rhododendron capitatum, and Potentilla fruticose) were studied, assessing their patch characteristics and soil nutrients at different depths within three patch microsites. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences among shrub species and locations within the shrub patches. Our results showed that the shrub species exhibited variations in patch characteristics and soil nutrient distribution. Soil nutrient content varied by depth and location within the shrub patches, with higher concentrations at the center. The relative interaction intensity (RII) showed nutrient aggregation or dispersion trends. The study highlighted the complex interactions between shrub characteristics and soil nutrients, emphasizing their influence on nutrient cycling, vegetation dynamics, and soil properties. These findings contribute to our understanding of alpine ecosystem dynamics and inform conservation and management strategies.

The phototransduction cascade allows the photoreceptor to avoid saturation and retain the ability to detect light over a very wide range of intensities. The main second messenger of the cascade is cGMP and the main regulatory mechanism is calcium feedback, however some experimental data suggest that cAMP may also be involved in the regulation of the phototransduction cascade. For this to be the case, cAMP would have to change on a time scale of seconds. Currently, there are no data on the dynamics of changes in intracellular cAMP levels on this time scale, largely due to the specificity of the sensory modality of photoreceptors, where it is practically impossible to use conventional experimental approaches based on fluorescence methods. In the present work, we used the method of rapid cryofixation of retinal samples after light stimulation and subsequent isolation of outer segment preparations. Levels of cAMP were measured using highly sensitive metabolomics approaches. PKA activity was also measured in these samples by Western blot. We show that when illuminated with near-saturating but still moderate light, cAMP levels rise transiently within approximately the first second and then return to pre-stimulus levels. The increase in cAMP activates PKA, leading to phosphorylation of PKA-specific substrates in frog retinal outer segments.

The current work shows the optimization in the preparation of nanosized titanium carbide (TiC) in-situ through mechanical alloying (MA). Metallic titanium (Ti) powders, along with two carbon sources, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and stearic acid (SA), were used to reduce the particle size using a high-energy Spex800 mill. The combined use of 2 wt % of these carbon sources and n-heptane as a liquid process control agent (PCA) proved crucial in generating nanoscale powder composites through a simple and scalable synthesis process within a 4-hour timeframe. The use of 20 wt % of both carbon sources was compared to determine the ability of CNTs to form carbides and the decomposition of PCAs during mechanical milling. The result reveals structures like nanoblocks and nanolumps with and important size reduction. The structure and morphology of the composites and starting materials were evaluated through x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

In contemporary society, an increasing number of individuals are identified as the "Indoor Generation". Prolonged periods spent indoors can have detrimental effects on our overall well-being. Consequently, the examination of biophilic indoor environments and their impact on occupant well-being and comfort has emerged as a significant area of study. Besides the construction of new biophilic buildings, numerous existing building stocks retain substantial social, economic, and environmental value. The need for stock renovation is considerable, revitalizing existing structures rather than embarking on new constructions. Swift feedback is crucial during the initial stages of renovation design, fostering consensus among all stakeholders. A comprehensive understanding of proposed renovation plans contributes to improved indoor environment design. Initially, generative adversarial networks (GANs) produce interior renovation drawings based on user preferences and designer styles. Subsequently, the implementation of Mixed Reality (MR) and Diminished Reality (DR) provides users with an immersive perspective, transforming 2D drawings into interactive MR experiences, and facilitating the presentation of interior renovation proposals. This paper outlines the development of a real-time system for architectural designers that seamlessly integrates MR, DR, and GANs results, with the aim of enhancing feedback efficiency during the renovation design process, enabling stakeholders to evaluate and understand renovation proposals more comprehensively. Furthermore, we incorporate several full-reference image quality assessment (FR-IQA) methods to evaluate the quality of the GANs-generated images. The evaluation results indicate that the majority of images fall within the moderate range of quality.

Clinical and pre-clinical studies of neuropsychiatric (NP) disorders show altered astrocyte properties and synaptic networks. These are refined during early postnatal developmental (PND) stages. Thus, investigating early brain maturational trajectories is essential to understand NP disorders. However, animal experiments are highly time-/resource-consuming, thereby calling for alternative methodological approaches. The function of MEGF10 in astrocyte-mediated synapse elimination (pruning) is crucial to refine neuronal networks during development and adulthood. To investigate the impact of MEGF10 during PND in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its putative role in brain disorders, we established and validated an Organotypic Brain Slice Culture (OBSC) system.Using Western blot, we characterized the expression of MEGF10 and the synaptic markers synaptophysin and PSD95 in the cortex of developing pups. We then combined immunofluorescent-immunohistochemistry with Imaris-supported 3D-analysis to compare age- and sex-dependent astrocyte-mediated pruning within the PFC in pups and OBSCs. We thereby validated this system to investigate age-dependent astrocyte-mediated changes in pruning during PND. However, further optimizations are required to use OBSCs for revealing sex-dependent differences. In conclusion, OBSCs offer a valid alternative to study physiological astrocyte-mediated synaptic remodelling during PND and might be exploited to investigate pathomechanisms of brain disorders with aberrant synaptic development.

In this study, we examine the possibility of proactive floodwater diversion to fields via backwater in numerical experiments using multiple elevation data products with different spatial resolutions and explore the optimal timing of water diversion from the perspective of crop calendars. First, a comparison of the elevation data products revealed that photogrammetric data can capture microtopography, such as the footpaths between rice paddies and drainage channels around a field. Numerical experiments using two elevation data products, 5mDEM and LP-derived approximately 5mDEM, revealed that floodwater diversion can reduce the peak to about 19.2 m3/s when using the 5mDEM and can reduce the peak to 16.0 m3/s when using the LP-derived approximately 5mDEM. Interviews with land improvement districts and a review of previous studies revealed that the ear-burst period is particularly vulnerable to flooding. Although the effect of flood peak reduction is reduced due to flooding of the field, it is possible that floodwater can be channeled during the ripening period in August and in late September and October when the ears have been harvested.

This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women attending antenatal consultations (ANC) in Senegal. A non-redundant consecutive recruitment of participants was carried out between, March and July 2021 during the Delta wave of COVID-19. The plasma samples biobanked at -80°C were subjected to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies of SARS-CoV-2 using the WANTAI SARS-CoV-2 Ab ELISA (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, Beijing). To assess factors associated with seropositivity, bivariate analysis was per-formed with JMP® Pro Version 15.0.0 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, 1989–2021). For frequencies below 5%, chi2 or Fischer tests were performed. In all cases, significant statistical threshold was set at p-values considered to be less than 0.05. A total of 1,227 pregnant women were recruited in five health facil-ities, including two in Dakar (n=166) and one in each of the following regional capitals: Saint-Louis (n=400), Ziguinchor (n=264) and Kédougou (n=397). The median age among was 25 years [18 - 50]. The overall sero-prevalence observed was 64.9% (797/1227), with higher exposure rates in Dakar with 71.6% (119/166) and Ziguinchor with 68.1% (180/264). Kédougou and Saint-Louis reported 62.9% (250/397) and 62% (248/400), respectively. According to age group, the seroprevalence was 62.6% (331/528), 66.6% (238/357), 63.5% (148/223) and 67.2% (80/119) respectively for [18-23], [24-29], [30-35] and ≥36 years old. This variability in the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 according to the localities was not statistically significant (p=0.7024). We found no association between factors such as recruitment period, age, level of education, marital and pro-fessional status.

TThe following three objectives were tested in this study: (1) investigate the utility of low-altitude remote sensing using UAS technology to compare the effects of different N application systems in rice production; (2) use spatial extrapolation to scale up plot-level generated to farmer field rice yield data based on crop spectral signatures, and (3) predict and map out rice productivity as a function of N placement systems. Images were captured on a UAV platform at midseason of the rice crop. Orthomosaics were developed for selected fields in rice-producing zones. Grain yields were assessed from low, medium, and high crop health plots delineated based on NDVI values. On the plot scale, UDP outyielded non-UDP by 0.84%. Individual plot yield data were scaled up to the farmer field level through Jenks natural breaks classification and es-tablishing an empirical relationship between OSAVI and plot yields. Assessment of the scaled-up field levelfield-level data also confirmed the superiority of UDP N man-agement over the non-UDP systems in promoting rice yields. Scaling up plot scale da-ta to whole field levels also facilitated generating and mapping expected yield maps for individual farmer fields in the three zones studied. This study has established a tangible simple but tangible protocol protocol for predicting and mapping rice yields in small-scale farmer fields using UAS data.

In Geo Polymer bricks (GPB), fly ash content which is a waste from power plants is converted into bricks by chemical treatment. GPB can be dried by using appropriate curing methods. Conven-tionally electric oven curing is one of the prominent methods. Using solar dryer instead of elec-trical oven gives added advantage of saving high grade electrical energy. So in this work solar dryer with PCM (Phase Change materials) Paraffin Wax and without PCM is used for curing ap-plication. GPB are gaining added advantage when compared to conventional bricks like cement and sand bricks in terms of strength. GPB has been taken as specimen for comparing the com-pressive, tensile split strength and flexural strength by electrical energy based curing and solar energy based curing. It is experimentally observed that solar energy based curing with PCM and without PCM exhibits higher compressive strength, higher tensile split strength and flexural strength when compared to electrical energy based curing. Solar curing with PCM shows higher compressive strength, higher tensile split strength and flexural strength when compared to Solar curing without PCM. Open solar curing is a traditional technique but nowadays aggressive cli-matic conditions can lead to severe damage of Geo polymers. The novelty of this work is to suggest to study the effect of PCM like paraffin wax in solar drying on curing time, mechanical properties of GPB.

Background: Post-Covid condition can reduce activity and quality of life, resulting in a significant socioeconomic and health burden. Understanding its impact on patients' health is important for the development of personalized rehabilitation interventions. An independent association between obesity and post-covid condition was found because of complications and comorbidities. Methods: Sixteen patients with obesity and post-COVID symptoms (i.e., dyspnea, pain, poor sleep quality, muscle fatigue) admitted to the Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piancavallo (VB), Italy, were recruited for a four-week rehabilitation program including conventional exercise therapy, nutritional intervention, psychological support and whole-body cryostimulation (WBC). Results: All participants attended all sessions of the program. Anthropometric data showed statistically significant changes in weight, waist circumference and body mass index. Biochemical analyses showed significant reductions in lipid and inflammatory profiles. There was a significant improvement in physical performance, reduction in pain and improvement in psychological well-being. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary rehabilitation protocol including WBC designed for patients with obesity and post-covid condition is safe and feasible. The overall improvements demonstrate that multidisciplinary rehabilitation was effective on post COVID patients and suggest that the use of WBC is safe and could play a role as a booster in rehabilitation programs.

Derivatives products have become essential in portfolio diversification, price discovery and risk hedging. Derivatives are complex instruments; their role is twofold, risk management and speculation, and their actual Impact on the underlying assets’ behaviours are not well understood. Little is documented empirically on how these instruments’ two-edged roles influence firms’ financing decisions, firm risk exposures, and stability. Given the growing interest in using derivatives in risk management and portfolio engineering, this study examines the practical impact of derivatives usage on the underlying firm’s financing policy and stability. The paper uses data from South African listed non-financial firms for the period 2000 to 2019. The study employs a dynamic panel model estimated with System Generalised Methods of Moments (GMM). The initial analysis shows that derivatives use reduces the cost of capital and increases firm stability. However, further in-depth analysis provides evidence that extensive use of derivatives increases firms’ capital costs and negatively impacts financial stability. These findings imply that the risk embedded in derivatives’ speculation dominates their risk management function. The results are subjected to numerous controls for robustness, including financial leverage, firm size, cashflows and asset tangibility.

This paper introduces in general the conservation work of the Nara Palace Site in Japan carried out by Japanese conservation experts. Concerning conservation theory, this paper focused on the international conventions in which the 1994 Nara Document on Authenticity plays an important role in contributing to Japanese cultural heritage conservation achievements with the expansion of Cultural diversity and Heritage diversity, the Values and Authenticity conceptions which proposed a new orientation in terms of awareness and openness broader vision in identifying architectural heritage values. Regarding, based on the 1994 Nara Document on Authenticity, the 1964 Venice Charter, and the 1999 Bura Charter, we try to propose a new concept of the so-called “Architectural Heritage DNA” and its potential structure, providing a simple formula for the authentic values appraisal of the heritage conservation works. In addition, we also try to supplement the concept of Inheritance between Conservation and Development which is the lack of international conventions of cultural heritage conservation. The viewpoints expressed in this paper are based on the most common concepts of international conventions but interpreted in a new-understandable, practical, and highly applicable way possible to the current socio-political situation and in the future, as well.

Algal-bacterial granular sludge, a new biological technology, has been widely recognized due to its highly effective pollutant treatment and energy efficiency. This study investigated the effects of environmental concentrations of Cr(VI) (0.5-2.5 mg/L) on the performance of algal-bacterial gran-ular sludge and self-defensive responses after 90 days of cultivation. The results showed that Cr(VI) affected chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia-N and phosphate removal with different trends being apparent. A linear decline in COD removal was observed, whereas an initial de-creasing and then increasing ammonia-N and phosphate removal took place. Algal-bacterial granular sludge effectively removed Cr(VI) from wastewater through biological adsorption and reduction, showing the potential to treat Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater. Cr(VI) affected the community abundance of the algal-bacterial granular sludge, in which Chlorophyceae and cya-nobacteria were vulnerable under Cr(VI)-induced stress. To reduce the toxicity of Cr(VI), over-produced EPS-PN and antioxidant enzymes (MDA, SOD and CAT) acted as self-defensive responses to resist oxidative damage. This study showed that algal-bacterial granular sludge can remove 00.5 mg/L of Cr(VI) without performance loss. It is hoped that this study can provide useful information for improved engineering feasibility of algal-bacterial granular sludge.

Soiling accumulated on a photovoltaic (PV) module can significantly reduce the transmittance of the cover glass, resulting in power losses and consequent economic losses. Natural atmospheric parameters influence the accumulation of soiling at the various geographic locations. In this paper, the approaches and outcomes of the research studies on either indoor (simulator-based) or outdoor (field-based) PV soiling have been thoroughly reviewed. Different parameters depicted for the power loss of PV modules are analyzed individually and presented. Moreover, this study delves into a detailed examination of the key factors influencing dust depositions on PV modules in various geographical regions, with a particular focus on their relationship with climatic conditions. This way, probable future research directions to quantify soiling losses are identified. In addition, different loss prevention and mitigation techniques are also reviewed. This makes it possible to highlight effective strategies and pinpoint potential future research lines in these areas.

Nowadays, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a major global public health problem and the burden of these infections is high. In order to reduce the incidence of HAIs and to prevent the spread antibi-otics resistant organisms is mandatory to develop surveillance systems. We undertook a retrospective case-control study of all patients presenting HAIs admitted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in order to assess risk factors associated with death among patients with HAIs. Patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit who died were more likely to present an infection with a multidrug resistant bacteria, an infection with Acineto-bacter baumannii, and to suffer from acute myocardial infarction. Among the patients enrolled in the study, a higher probability of death was also observed in association with certain gram-negative pathogens: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The longer the patient remains admitted in ICU, the higher the risk of getting an infection that can often become fatal. Acquiring a noso-comial infection also increases the length of hospitalization which will lead to increased financial damage.

Natural products, especially biologically active compounds derived from plants, have been and continue to be invaluable in anticancer research and therapeutic discoveries. Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is a heteropolysaccharide extract of defatted rice bran obtained through enzymatic treatment with Lentinus Edodes mycelium. RBAC exhibited antitumour properties by arresting in vivo tumour growth in several murine models. In vitro experiments showed RBAC to promote apoptosis in cancer cells by increasing the susceptibility of CD95 (Fas/APO-1) ligands and downregulating Bcl-2 proteins to trigger the permeabilisation of the mitochondrial membrane. RBAC may restore immune dysfunction in cancer patients, most notably by upregulating natural killer cell activity and modulating cytokine production to enhance inflammatory and cytotoxic responses. As such, RBAC acts on the immune system to enhance chemopreventative activity and block tumourigenesis. In treatment, RBAC works synergistically with other natural products and chemotherapeutic agents, such as daunorubicin and paclitaxel, by enhancing drug transport to increase DNA damage in tumours and reduce proliferation. In a clinical trial, combining RBAC with chemoembolization in treating liver cancer showed improved response, reduced recurrence, and prolonged survival time. RBAC has been shown to augment the endogenous antioxidant system to prevent oxidative stress and thus protect against the harmful side effects of radiation therapy. RBAC also has chemoprotective effects, with animal and human studies showing reduced toxicity and side effects from chemotherapy, leading to improved health-related quality of life. Meta-analysing the best available evidence indicates that RBAC treatment increases the odds of survival among cancer patients by 4.02 times (95% CI: 1.67, 9.69) in the first year and 2.89 (95% CI: 1.56, 5.35) times in the second year after commencing treatment, compared to those not treated with RBAC. Notwithstanding, additional research is needed to characterise, quantify, and standardise the active ingredients in RBAC responsible for the anticancer effects. More well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are required to further substantiate the treatment efficacies.

(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.

In recent years, the genesis of natural gas and the definition of major gas source rocks in the Baiyun Sag of the Pearl River Mouth Basin have attracted extensive attention from scholars. There is still considerable controversy over the genesis and the main gas source rocks of natural gas. In this study, the chemical kinetics method of natural gas generation and carbon isotope fractionation was used to study the generation history and isotope evolution history of Paleogene natural gas in the Y5 well area located on the north slope of Baiyun Sag. And other geochemical discriminant methods were applied simultaneously to determine the type and source rocks of natural gas. The results show that the natural gas in the Y5 well area on the northern slope of Baiyun Sag is mainly kerogen degradation gas, mixed with a small amount of oil cracking gas. The mixture of kerogen degradation gas and a small amount of crude oil cracking gas caused the inversion of the carbon isotope sequence of ethane and propane. The natural gas in the Y5 well area mainly comes from delta–shallow lacustrine facies source rock. The high–quality reservoirs in the shallower strata accumulate natural gas generated in the early stage, and the tight reservoirs in the deeper strata mainly accumulate natural gas generated in the late stage.

Based on the high-precision quantitative measurement ability, the S-band subsystem of China's high- resolution aviation system carried out the agricultural application test for the first time in Jilin elm, China. The experiment is mainly carried out in combination with vegetation growth, soil moisture content inversion, wheat straw returning and ground feature classification. Through the design of quantitative measurement scheme, the results of different straw coverage and observation at different times are compared, which shows the prospect of S-band full polarization synthetic aperture radar system in the field of agricultural application.

Traditional marketing tactics have been significantly challenged by marketers, especially in the food sector. Companies have been engaging in covert and overt advertisements as an emerging marketing communication strategy to circumvent customer skepticism, build a good image, and create value for the brand. But there is a lack of literature regarding integrating traditional and new marketing tactics in building intention and ecologically conscious consumer behavior. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to provide empirical evidence concerning the integration of different marketing tactics, i.e., Green Product Features, Green Pricing, Covert Advertisement, Overt Advertisement and Guerrilla Marketing, and their effects on Purchase Intention and Ecologically Conscious Consumer Behavior. The study also employs moderation of Brand Evangelism, Environmental Knowledge and Habitat Attitude between intention and behavior building. A visual appraisal technique was used by showing a video or picture as a sample of covert or overt marketing tactics before filling out a close-ended questionnaire to get accurate responses. The data from 568 customers of the frozen food industry were analyzed using the co-variance-based structure equation modeling technique with the help of AMOS. The findings of the study elaborate that parallel to the significant impact of conventional marketing mix tactics, covert, overt and guerrilla marketing are strong antecedents for intention building, which eventually develops Ecologically Conscious Consumer Behavior (ECCB). The results also affirm that intention can lead to ECCB significantly through brand evangelism and environmental knowledge. These findings reflect the importance of shifting marketers from conventional marketing tactics to novel hidden marketing techniques.

Astrocytes are morphological intricate cells and actively modulate the function of the brain. Through the numerous fine processes, astrocytes contact with neurons, blood vessels and other glia cells. Emerging evidence have shown that astrocytes exhibit brain-regional diversity in the morphology, transcriptome, calcium signaling and functions. However, little is known about the brain regional heterogeneity of astrocyte-astrocyte structural interaction. So far, the visualization and characterization of the morphological features for the adjacent astrocytes with high resolution has been difficult, and as a result, it is still well accepted that astrocytes in the adult brain share non-overlapped territory. In contrast, by using an approach that combines sparse viral labeling with dual-fluorescent dyes, which allows for efficient and specific labeling of adjacent astrocytes, thus enabling a comprehensive visualization of their fine processes and the degree of their territorial overlap. Our study in the hypothalamic regions revealed a marked spatial overlap among adjacent astrocytes. Additionally, we revealed the heterogeneity of astrocyte-neuron ratio across brain regions, and conducted an assessment of the photostability and labeling efficiency of fluorescent dyes used for labeling adjacent astrocytes. Our study here provides new insights for studying the morphological heterogeneity of astrocytes across the central nervous system.

Plant biotechnology is dependent today on accessing broader plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) diversity for ensuring food security for our future. Heterogenous agricultural lands are considered today as hotspot for biodiversity, and they also exist in the hilly mountain areas of Romanian’s Carpathians. The scope of this review is to describe traditional home-hardens related to the land use of households and cultivated species from Moșna commune, Sibiu County, Romania. The survey was realized with the support of authorities and local stakeholders from 2010 up to 2019. The results of this survey revealed that maintenance of crop species structure and land use of traditional households is longer than 100 years. Consequently at least 15 traditional Saxon home-gardens of 120 taken into the study may be defined. Today these home-garden covers a media of 26% of the total area of a household and should be part of a surface ranging between 5,000 and 1,500 m2. The first Local Council Decision in Romania in 2019 supporting the recognition of landraces and home-gardens as heritage values was officially adopted supporting the need to more access bottom-up approaches for supporting biodiversity conservation.

Red fruits such as grapes and blueberries are known for their high content of bioactive compounds and antioxidants. In Mediterranean winemaking, traditional sun drying can be replaced by controlled airflow chamber drying which provides better quality, higher phenolic content, and increased antioxidants. This study aimed to increase the sugar content and phenolic compounds of the must by drying the fruits to 50% of their original moisture content. Two musts were prepared by combining fresh grapes and dried blueberries (M1), and the other using dried grapes and fresh blueberries (M2), followed by fermentation at 25 ºC with M05 Mead and X5 yeast strains. Must M2 showed the highest level of phenolic compounds, A520, total anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. During fermentation, the anthocyanin content increased mainly in the dried blueberry macerates, which raised between 4 to 5.5-fold. More bioactive compounds were extracted from wines produced by yeast inoculation despite shorter maceration times. Sensory analysis demonstrated consumer acceptance of the wines in terms of color, flavor and aroma. In conclusion, the use of red grapes in the production of blueberry red wine proved to be effective, providing sugars and higher must yields, while the dried fruits improved the fermentable sugar content and the levels of bioactive compounds, increasing the antioxidant capacity of the resulting red fruit wines.

Dermal pigmentation is a challenging condition due to relative resistance to medical treatment and requirement of multiple sessions with modalities like chemical peels and lasers. There is inadequate literature regarding the efficacy and safety of lasers for dermal pigmentation in Indian skin. One hundred and twenty two patients were enrolled and divided into 4 groups: a) Dermal melasma b) Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation c) Nevus and d) Tattoo. Sequential combination of various lasers were used with different protocols for 4 different groups like ablative pixel Er:YAG, intense pulse light based technologies, Q-Switched and Alma Hybrid lasers for treatment of dermal pigmentation. A total of 4-10 sessions were conducted at three weekly intervals. Results were evaluated by comparing photographs at baseline, one month after the last session and then at 6 months interval to assess the relapse. All groups showed a statistically significant reduction in pigmentation. The mean treatment duration was 5-7 months for tattoo, lichen planus pigmentosus and melasma with 6-8 number of sessions. The mean treatment duration for nevus was 7-9 months with 8-10 sessions. Lasers are safe and effective modalities in Indian skin type for treatment of dermal pigmentation. Treatment period and relapse of dermal pigmentation may be reduced by combining resurfacing and chromophore selective lasers along with adequate dietary and lifestyle modifications to minimize complications and recurrence rates.

Objective: To observe the effect of the combination of fluid-increasing decoction, low molecular heparin sodium and aspirin in the treatment of oligohydramnios in pregnancy. Methods: In this study, 114 pregnant women with oligohydramnios during pregnancy admitted to our hospital between May 2019 and March 2022 were selected as objects, and the pregnant women were equally divided into the observation group and the experimental group by random number table method, with 57 cases in each group. The observation group received conventional fluid infusion, low molecular heparin sodium and aspirin, while the experimental group was treated with fluid-increasing decoction on the basis of the observation group. The treatment effect, S/D level, amniotic fluid index, maximum vertical pocket (MVP), coagulation indexes (plasma prothrombin time (PT), plasma activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB)), pregnancy outcome and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of treatment was obviously better in the experimental group than that in the observation group (P＜0.05); the S/D level after treatment in the experimental group was remarkably lower than that in the observation group (P＜0.05). The amniotic fluid index and MVP were remarkably higher in the experimental group than in the observation group after treatment (P < 0.05). No significant differences in PT, APTT and FIB were found between the two groups before and after treatment (P > 0.05). The rate of oligohydramnios at delivery, cesarean section rate, neonatal weight status and preterm delivery rate were dramatically better in the experimental group than in the observation group (P < 0.05). Post-partum haemorrhage rate, neonatal asphyxia rate, amniotic fluid contamination rate and incidence of adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups of pregnant women (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of fluid-increasing decoction, low molecular heparin sodium and aspirin is clinically effective and safe in the treatment of pregnant women with oligohydramnios during pregnancy. The combination is effective in reducing the S/D ratio of fetal umbilical blood flow, enhancing the amniotic fluid index and MVP in pregnant women with oligohydramnios during pregnancy, whilst not adversely influencing the coagulation function of the mother, thus contributing to a reduction in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

One of the operational challenges for the use of bentonite pellets as a sealing material in the abandonment of offshore fields consists in their disposition inside the well. This study aims to analyze the interaction of fluid media, consisting of saline solutions (NaCl, CaCl2 and KCl) and organic compounds (diesel, glycerin and olefin), with bentonite pellets, aiming its application as displacement fluid in offshore oil well abandonment operations. The physical integrity of the bentonite pellets in contact with the fluids was verified through visual inspections and dispersibility tests. Linear swelling tests were also performed to evaluate the potential for swelling of pellets in deionized water after contact with the fluid media. The results indicated that NaCl, CaCl2 and KCl solutions completely compromise the physical integrity of the pellets, while diesel and olefin showed the best responses regarding the structural preservation. Futhermore, the linear swelling tests showed that, even after the contact with diesel and olefin for 1 hour, bentonite pellets have reached a total swelling in water of 78%, after 24 hours. In this way, diesel and olefin proved to be highly promising alternatives to be used as displacement fluids for bentonite pellets in wells to be abandoned in a submarine environment.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between the internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), in particular the severity of disc displacement (DD), and the presence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) in growing patients evaluated on magnetic resonance images (MRI). The study also investigated the relationship between the stages of DD severity and age. Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted on a pre-orthodontic population (8-16 years). The GJH was assessed with the Beighton test (cutoff ≥ 4) and the final sample of 56 patients was divided into two groups: a Study Group, 30 subjects with GJH, and a Control Group, 26 subjects without GJH. The disc position was evaluated on MRI and the severity of DD was classified in four stages. Pearson's χ2 Test was performed for the analysis of the statistical correlation. Results: A statistically significant relationship between GJH and disc position was found, in particular a disc displacement with reduction (DDwR) and DD severity. It also emerged a positive association between the severity of DD and age, that increased with increasing age. Conclusions: Growing patients with GJH have a higher risk of developing DD and with more severe stages. The risk of developing DD and the severity increases with increasing age.

At present Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is one of the leading contributing factor to mortality and the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the sinonasal tract has become more prominent, particularly with the rising awareness of olfactory dysfunction (OD). We extracted data from published papers available in electronic databases (Wiley online library, PubMed, and Nature). We used the following search terms alone or with combinations - Olfactory dysfunction, SARS-CoV-2, mechanism and treatments. We found worldwide up to 98% of patients confirmed OD due to COVID-19. Current studies have implied that regardless of the high self-reported recovery rate, 25–40% of patients after 1 or 2 months and approximately 15%–28% of patients at six months struggle to fully restore their sense of smell. Moreover, female sex, younger and older age, active smoking, and chronic lung disease are reported as the associated risk factors of OD. Although the pathophysiological mechanism of action(s) of the OD is yet to be explored in depth, central nervous system (CNS) entrance, olfactory bulb (OB) and sustentacular cell damage, neural routes inflammation, non-neuronal cells damage, decreased OB volume and deregulation of olfactory receptor genes are among the commonly reported mechanisms for the development of OD.

The work presented in this paper presents several novel findings from a comprehensive analysis of about 50,000 Tweets about online learning during COVID-19, posted on Twitter between November 9, 2021, and July 13, 2022. First, the results of sentiment analysis from VADER, Afinn, and TextBlob show that a higher percentage of these tweets were positive. The results of gender-specific sentiment analysis indicate that for positive tweets, negative tweets, and neutral tweets, between males and females, males posted a higher percentage of the tweets. Second, the results from subjectivity analysis show that the percentage of least opinionated, neutral opinionated, and highly opinionated tweets were 56.568%, 30.898%, and 12.534%, respectively. The gender-specific results for subjectivity analysis indicate that for each subjectivity class, males posted a higher percentage of tweets as compared to females. Third, toxicity detection was performed on the tweets to detect different categories of toxic content - toxicity, obscene, identity attack, insult, threat, and sexually explicit. The gender-specific analysis of the percentage of tweets posted by each gender in each of these categories revealed several novel insights. For instance, for the sexually explicit category, females posted a higher percentage of tweets as compared to males. Fourth, gender-specific tweeting patterns for each of these categories of toxic content were analyzed to understand the trends of the same. The results unraveled multiple paradigms of tweeting behavior, for instance, the intensity of obscene content in tweets about online learning by males and females has decreased since May 2022. Fifth, the average activity of males and females per month was calculated. The findings indicate that the average activity of females has been higher in all months as compared to males other than March 2022. Finally, country-specific tweeting patterns of males and females were also performed which presented multiple novel insights, for instance, in India a higher percentage of the tweets about online learning during COVID-19 were posted by males as compared to females.

Thin Cu films with a thickness of ~0.5-2.5 mkm were obtained on the surface of Fe, V, and Ti metals using the Plasma Focus (PF) setup. The Cu film thickness was determined on an Ambios XP-200 profilometer. The distribution profiles of Cu, C, О2, N2 and H2 in initial metal samples: Fe, V, and Ti were studied by layer-by-layer analysis on a GDS 850A atomic emission spectrometer. It is shown that the distribution profile and the depth of occurrence of elements depend on the type of metal. Using the method of Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) of 4He+ ions, it was shown that for Cu atoms the depth of occurrence in Fe, V, and Ti, accordingly, is ~106, ~120, and ~160 nm. The depth of occurrence of C atoms in metals: Fe, V, and Ti is ~150, ~120, and ~200 nm, accordingly. From the data of layer-by-layer analysis on an atomic emission spectrometer in the initial samples of metals: Fe, V and Ti, a transition layer with a thickness of ~0.01, accordingly, was found; 0.5 and 1 mm. The presence of this layer is connected with the mechanical processing of metal samples, and the presence of a large number of admixtures in the thin layer of the metal. Thus, Cu atoms are located in the transition layer under the metal surface, which imparts adhesion and electrophysical properties of Cu films.

The purpose of this paper is to compare daily sunshine duration (SD) measured by Campbell-Stokes sunshine recorder (CS) with three automatic instruments (Kipp & Zonen pyranometers (CM6B), pyrheliometer (CHP1) and CSD3 sunshine recorders). The comparisons are essential, since in recent decades automatic sunshine duration sensors have been systematically replacing the manual measurements affecting therefore the continuity of the CS time series. The comparisons were applied to the daily SD data of three synoptic stations (Larnaca A/P, Pafos A/P and Athalassa) where parallel measurements of manual and automatic instruments are carried out during the periods 2009-2012 and 2012-2015. The CSD3 measurements were obtained from two automatic weather stations (AWS) (Mennogia and Pentakomo) which are closed to the synoptic station of Larnaca A/P. The comparisons cover the daily and monthly sums, their statistical distributions and their relationships. The daily differences of the pairs of the sunshine recorders installed at the same location are mostly within the range of -1.0 to +1.0 h. At Larnaca, in the period 2009-2012, the pyranometric method (Gl) is higher than the CS in the summer months, while during the winter months it is lower than CS. Pafos and Athalassa showed higher values of CS comparing to Gl and the pyrheliometric method (Pr), respectively, almost throughout the year. Generally, the annual average daily differences between the different pairs range between 0.3 and 0.5 h. Regression equations were determined allowing the estimation of daily SD under different sky conditions. The closest relations between different pairs were obtained in ‘clear sky’ and ‘all sky’ conditions, as it is indicated by the high coefficient of determinations. R2 reached the values of 0.92 and 0.96 under ‘all sky’ conditions, and between 0.80 and 0.91 under ‘clear’ sky conditions, respectively. An increase in cloud cover causes an increase in the SD differences recorded by the relevant devices. Comparing statistically the different pairs using the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test which is the alternative to the Two Sample T parametric test, it was found that the medians are not statistically different. However, significant differences were only detected in the case of the pair of CS and Pr at Athalassa (2012-2015) using both tests. In the rest of the cases the differences are not statistically significant at the 5% level.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two of the four major chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), representing the leading cause of death worldwide. Several studies demonstrate that endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of these chronic diseases. Although it is well known that systemic chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are primarily involved in the development of ED, recent studies have shown that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is implicated in its pathogenesis, also contributing to the progression of atherosclerosis and to insulin resistance (IR). In this review we describe the relationship between PVAT and ED, and we also analyse the role of PVAT in the pathogenesis of CVDs and T2DM, further assessing its potential therapeutic target with the aim of restoring normal ED and reducing global cardiovascular risk.

The Review examines studies aimed at the organization of energy (non-mechanical) control of high-speed flow/flight using spatially multi-component plasma structures and combined energy deposition. The Review covers selected works on experimental obtaining and numerical modeling multi-component plasma structures and use of sets of actuators based on the plasma of such a spatially type for the purposes of control of shock wave/bow shock wave – energy source interaction, as well as control of shock wave – boundary layer interaction. A series of works on repetitive multiple laser pulse plasma structures is also analyzed from the point of view of examining shock wave/bow shock wave boundary layer interaction. Self-sustained theoretical models for laser dual-pulse, multi-mode laser pulses and self-sustained glow discharge are also considered. Separate sections are devoted to high-speed flow control using combined physical phenomena and numerical prediction of flow control possibilities using thermal longitudinally layered plasma structures. The wide possibilities for organization and applying spatially multi-component structured plasma for the purposes of high-speed flow control are demonstrated.

The subtropical forest soil plays a pivotal role in terrestrial carbon (C) cycling. Although global warming is expected to influence subtropical soil C cycling, a consensus on its impact on soil C dynamics remains elusive. Given the significant response of soil microbial respiration to temperature in subtropical soils, understanding its behavior under varying temperature regimes is critical for predicting soil organic C (SOC) responses to climate warming. We conducted a short-term laboratory soil warming incubation experiment, sampling both warmed and un-warmed soils from a subtropical plantation in southeastern China, incubating them at 20 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C. Our aim was to study the SOC mineralization response to increasing temperatures. Our findings revealed that the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of SOC mineralization to short-term experimental warming varied between the warmed soil and the un-warmed soil. The Q10 of the un-warmed soil escalated with the temperature treatment (20-30 ℃: 1.31, 30-40℃: 1.63). Conversely, the Q10 of the warmed soil decreased (20-30 ℃:1.57, 30-40 ℃:1.41). Increasing temperature treatments enhanced hydrolytic enzyme activity but decreased soil substrate availability in both un-warmed and warmed soil. The Q10 of un-warmed soil was positively correlated with the response ratio of DOC. Additionally, soil microbial biomass exhibited a significant decline, leading to a reduced total amount of PLFAs and a decreased abundance of bacteria, fungi, and Gram-negative bacteria (GN). The changes in temperature also considerably altered the composition of the warmed soil microbial community. A drop in the microbial quotient coupled with a rise in the metabolic quotient indicated that warming amplified microbial respiration over microbial growth. The differential Q10 of SOC mineralization, in response to temperature across varying soil, can largely be attributed to shifts in soil nutrients, C-degrading enzyme activities, and microbial communities (the ratio of fungal to bacterial PLFAs).

With the widespread Application of Virtual Reality (VR) in education, optimizing foreign language learning in VR has become a focal point of research. This paper introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework (VR-CCL) based on constructivism and cognitive load theory to enhance foreign language learning in VR. Through a literature review, we explore the applications of VR in education, foreign language learning theories, and prior works on technology-assisted language learning. We further detail the three main components of the VR-CCL framework and validate its effectiveness through two case studies: Duolingo VR and Rosetta Stone VR. Finally, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the framework and its implications for educators and developers.

The pharmacokinetic profile of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K1, and D3 co-administered with liquid paraffin or water in an experimental rat model was investigated. Animals received a solution of the four vitamins orally through a probe, followed 10 minutes later by the administration of either the liquid paraffin product dissolved in water (Emuliquen Simple®) or water (control). Vitamin formulations were 20, 50, 0.30 and 0.10 mg/kg for vitamins A, E, K1, and D3, respectively. Blood samples were collected before dosing and at 0.17, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-dosing. Vitamin concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No relevant differences in the absorption of vitamins in terms of AUC0-last (area under the curve up to the last measurable concentration) or Cmax in the absence or presence of co-administration of the liquid paraffin product were observed. The difference of these parameters between the treatment groups for all vitamins was in the range of bioequivalence (≤ 20%). The liquid paraffin-based laxative product did not interfere with the absorption of vitamins A, E, K1, and D3 that are ingested in the diet, which is clinically relevant due to the high prevalence of functional constipation in children and adults.

Due to similarities in genetics, cellular response, and behavior, Drosophila is used as a model organism in addiction research. A well described behavioral response examined in flies is the induced increase in locomotor activity after a single dose of volatilized cocaine (vCOC) and volatilized methamphetamine (vMETH) known as sensitivity, and the escalation of the locomotor response after the repeated dose, known as the locomotor sensitization. However, knowledge about how vCOC and vMETH affect different neurotransmitter systems over time is scarce. We used LC-MS/MS to systematically examine changes in the concentration of neurotransmitters, metabolites and non-metabolized COC and METH in the whole head homogenates of male flies one to seven hours after single and double vCOC or vMETH administrations. vMETH leads to complex changes in the levels of examined substances over time, while vCOC strongly and briefly increases concentrations of dopamine, tyramine and octopamine followed by a delayed degradation into N-acetyl dopamine and N-acetyl tyramine. The first exposure to psychostimulants leads to significant and dynamic changes in the concentrations relative to the second administration when they are more stable over several hours. Further investigations are needed to understand neurochemical and molecular changes post-psychostimulant administration.

: This study aims at examining how B Corporations advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their practices by analyzing the socioenvironmental problems they address and the solutions they provide to those problems. All Argentinian B corporations, certified by early 2023 (135 companies), were investigated using a mixed approach, combining social network analysis with textual data analysis. The results showed that the environmental practices are primarily linked to waste, water, energy and chemical management, as well as product innovation. In turn, the social practices address the training, education, and well-being of employees and other stakeholders, diversity, equity and inclusion management, and the creation of an inclusive and fair environment, integrating local communities. Thus, in the flow of their sustainability practices, Argentinian B Corporations contribute to SDGs 8, 12, 13, 9, 6, 7, 5, 10, 11, 4, and 17, in line with the SDGs declared by these companies. Our findings contribute to the theoretical knowledge of the B Corp movement and have practical implications by providing inputs to improve the management of B Corporations and to guide public policies encouraging these companies to advance sustainable development dimensions lacking attention.

Intramedullary fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nailing and stabilization with an external fixator are standard methods for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral shaft fractures in children. A retrospective bi-centre cohort study was carried out, including all patients between the ages of 2 and 16 years with isolated traumatic diaphyseal femur fractures, treated either with intramedullary nailing or an external fixator. In total, 57 patients (17 female and 40 male) with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.7 years (min. 2; max. 16 years) with a mean follow-up period of 6.1 ± 4.6 months (min. 2; max. 26 months), were included in this retrospective study. 33 patients were treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing and 24 patients, and external fixation. In total, 18 patients (32%) experienced osteosynthesis-related complications: 8 patients (24%) in the elastic stable intramedullary nailing group and 10 (42%) in the external fixation group, leading to revision surgery in 10 patients (18%). At the latest follow-up, all fractures were radiologically healed with no evidence of malangulation or malrotation (defined as &gt;20°) and full weight-bearing. There was a lower rate of complications in the ESIN group than in the external fixation group. Overall, we were unable to show a significant difference between the two methods.

White oak mortality is a significant concern in forest ecosystems due to its impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Understanding the factors influencing white oak mortality, particularly the soil properties, is crucial for effective forest management and conservation efforts. In this study, we aimed to investigate the spatial pattern of white oak mortality and examine the influence of soil properties on mortality rates. Multicycle Forest Inventory and Analysis data were compiled to capture white oak plots across the eastern US. White oak mortality data were collected across plot systems that utilized Diameter at Breast Height between two periods. Soil variables were analyzed to assess soil properties. Spatial analysis techniques, including geostatistics and regression modeling, were used to analyze the relationship between white oak mortality and soil characteristics. Results found clustered spatial patterns of white oak mortality across a broad scale depicting the significant effects of coarser soil textures, nutrient-deficient sites, and extreme soil moisture levels. Our findings demonstrated the importance of soil properties in shaping the spatial pattern of the white oak mortality rate. This idea can inform forest management practices for the conservation of white oak populations. Future research is needed for comprehensive soil assessment including biotic and abiotic factors for forest management strategies at a broader scale aimed at mitigating white oak mortality.

Rice cultivation serves as a significant anthropogenic source of methane (CH4), a primary greenhouse gas, and nitrous oxide (N2O), a secondary greenhouse gas. Although N2O emissions remain relatively small compared to CH4 emissions, they are remarkably affected by nitrogen-fertilized soil conditions during rice cultivation. To date, investigations are very limited concerning N2O emissions from rice cultivation in relation to environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and soil properties. In this case study, we investigated the characteristics of N2O emissions in the central region of South Korea, where a single rice cropping cycle occurs annually over a span of three years, from May 2020 to May 2023. We investigated the impact of variations in temperature and soil moisture on N2O emissions during rice cultivation. In this context, we attempted to discover the complex dynamics of N2O emissions by comparing longer fallow periods with the rice cultivation periods and extended non-dry periods with irrigated periods. We observed that extremely high N₂O flux events encountered during the fallow period appeared to have a substantial impact on the yearly cumulative N₂O emissions, surpassing the impact of cumulative N₂O emissions during the rice cultivation period. We found that high N₂O flux events arose not only from artificial nitrogen inputs but also due to temperature and soil moisture variations influenced by weather conditions. We concluded that assessing N₂O emissions solely based on the rice cultivation period would underestimate annual emissions. To prevent underestimation of N₂O emissions, continual gas collection throughout a year covering both rice cultivation and fallow phases is required in align with monitoring of varying temperature and soil moisture conditions. Based on our findings, we recommend that at least a three whole year evaluation period is needed to ensure estimation accuracy of N₂O emissions under varying nitrogen fertilization rates. Also, the findings from this study would help prepare a further revision or refinement of N2O emission factor from rice cultivation in the national greenhouse gas inventories defined by the inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPCC).

The clinical relationship between diabetes and inflammation is well-established. Various branches of science independently have confirmed that disrupting oxidant-antioxidant equilibrium and elevated lipid peroxidation could be a potential mechanism for chronic kidney disease associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Under diabetic condition, hyperglycemia, especially inflammation, and increased reactive oxygen species generation are bidirectionally associated. Inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue damage are believed to have a role in the development of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism underlying the oxidative stress and its impact on diabetes progression remains uncertain, the hyperglycemia-inflammation-oxidative stress interaction clearly plays a significant role in onset and progression of vascular disease, kidney disease, hepatic injury, pancreas damage and, therefore holds promise as a therapeutic target. Evidence strongly indicates that the use of multiple antidiabetic medications therapy fails to achieve the normal range for glycated hemoglobin target, signifying treatment resistant diabetes. Antioxidants with polyphenols are considered useful as adjuvant therapy for their potential anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity. We aimed to analyze the current major points reported in preclinical in vivo and clinical studies of antioxidants in the prevention or treatment of inflammation in T2DM. Then, we will share our speculative vision of the future diabetes clinical trials.

This research explored the influence of spatiotemporal variations in phreatic levels and salinity on the patterns and interactions of soil mesofauna communities in a tropical urban coastal wetland. It delineated significant variations in phreatic levels and salinity, with distinct regimes characterizing different habitats and hydroperiods. A total of 120 mesofauna morphotypes across 42 taxa were identified, revealing habitat differences and similarities, and the ecosystem biodiversity. Moderate correlations were established between phreatic levels, salinity, and mesofauna richness and abundance, with habitat type and phreatic level emerging as significant predictors in the regression model. Our findings indicate that shallow phreatic levels in conjunction with oligohaline salinity conditions foster a more favorable abiotic environment, thereby promoting increased biodiversity. The study underscores the dynamic and adaptive nature of mesofauna communities in response to changing environmental conditions, offering valuable insights for effective costal urban wetland management, particularly in the context of multiple stressors such as global and regional climate change, sea level rise, and human activities. The bio-sensor capacity of soil mesofauna emerges as a vital tool for monitoring and facilitating adaptive ecosystem management, thereby ensuring their long-term health and sustainability.

In recent years the study of the teacher-student relationship in the teaching-learning processes in physical education has had great emphasis. Previous studies have shown that the use of the Spectrum of teaching Styles can enhance intrinsic motivation, enjoyment, adherence to physical activity and physical activity levels in children and adolescents. The present study aims to assess if a physical education (PE) intervention based on the variations in teaching styles, with reference to production ones, can also have positive effects on physical fitness. The sample involved 4 primary school classes (n = 124 children, mean age = 8-10 years) recruited from the SBAM (Health, Wellness, Food Education and Movement at School) Project in Apulia, Southern Italy. Classes were randomly assigned to Experimental Group (EG) and Control Group (CG). EG followed a 5months experimental intervention based on the variation of teaching styles, while CG performed regular PE lessons. Physical fitness test was assessed with Standing Long Jump (SLJ), Medicine Ball Throw 1kg (MBT), and 20m sprint (20m), while two validated questionnaires were used to evaluate physical self-perception (PSP) and enjoyment. A 2x2 (intervention group x time) ANOVA was carried out to assess significant difference and interaction effect pre (t0) and post (t1) intervention protocol. Data analysis showed a significant improvement of physical fitness in both EG and CG, while PSP and enjoyment increased only in EG. Moreover, significant interaction (p&lt;. 05) effects were found for 20m sprint, PSP and Enjoyment with low effect size (η2 ~. 20). The results of the present study highlight the effectiveness of a PE intervention based on the variation of teaching styles in improving physical fitness, self-perception, and enjoyment. Moreover, the use of production teaching styles significantly impacts self-perception and enjoyment, that are important mediating factors for guarantee better adherence to physical activity.

New complexes of manganese(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate [Mn(hfac)2] with 2-(1-R-3-pyrazol-4-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-imidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl (R = CHF2, CH2CH2F, CH2CHF2 or CH2CF3) were synthesised and characterised structurally and magnetically. All complexes were prepared under similar conditions. Nonetheless, their crystal structures were considerably different. Depending on the structure of fluorinated alkyl substituent R, the complexation reaction led to complexes of three types: chain-polymeric complexes with the head-to-head or head-to-tail motif and complexes of molecular structure. All complexes show strong antiferromagnetic behaviour in a high-temperature region (150−300 K) and weak ferro- or antiferromagnetic exchange interactions at low temperatures. The stronger antiferromagnetic exchange, –101.7 ± 1.5 or –136 ± 10 cm–1, –82.3 ± 1.3 cm–1 and –87.4 ± 1.3 cm–1, was attributed to the magnetic interaction in three- or two-spin clusters: {&gt;N∸O–Mn2+–O∸N&lt;} or {&gt;N∸O–Mn2+}, respectively. The weaker antiferromagnetic interaction, –0.005, between three-spin clusters or ferromagnetic interactions, 0.18–0.81 cm–1, between two-spin clusters are realised through the pyrazole ring or intermolecular contacts.

Purpose: School-age children with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) often experience difficulties in speech-in-noise (SiN) perception, leading to increased listening effort that impacts their well-being and academic performance. This study aimed to investigate the SiN processing challenges faced by Mandarin-speaking children with ASC and its impact on their listening effort. Methods: Participants completed sentence recognition tests in both quiet and noisy conditions, with a steady-state noise masker presented at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio in the noisy condition. We compared recognition accuracy and task-evoked pupil responses from 23 Mandarin-speaking children with ASC to 19 age-matched neurotypical (NT) counterparts to gauge their behavioral performance and listening effort during these auditory tasks. Results: The ASC group demonstrated notably decreased accuracy in noise compared to their NT peers, suggesting poorer SiN perception. Pupillometric data further revealed significantly larger peak dilations in the ASC group than in the NT group under comparable conditions. Importantly, the ASC group's peak dilation in quiet mirrored the NT group's in noise. However, the ASC group exhibited shorter peak latencies and reduced mean dilations than the NT group in similar conditions. Such patterns indicate the ASC group might initially experience a heightened cognitive load but utilize fewer cognitive resources as the task continued, indicating an atypical allocation of cognitive resources and a potential tendency towards relatively superficial and automated auditory processing. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the unique SiN processing challenges children with ASC face, underscoring the importance of a nuanced, individual-centric approach for interventions and support.

The tension cable-supported power transmission structure (TC-PTS) is a new type of power transmission structure suitable for mountainous terrain, which is sensitive to wind load. In this regard, a nonlinear finite element analysis model of wind-induced vibration is proposed for the TC-PTS, and the wind-induced vibration response of the structure is analyzed. Firstly, the tangent stiffness matrix of the three-dimensional truss element for the supporting suspension cable and transmission line, considering the geometric nonlinearity of structures, is derived through the relationship between the element elastic energy and its displacement. Subsequently, the element mass matrix and damping matrix of the supporting suspension cable and transmission line, as well as the element nodal load vector obtained from wind load equivalence are given. Then, based on the nonlinear finite element theory, the nonlinear dynamic equation of wind-induced vibration is established for the TC-PTS and solved by Newmark-β method combined with Newton-Raphson iterative method. Furthermore, the rain-flow counting method and Miner's linear fatigue cumulative damage theory were used for wind induced fatigue damage assessment. Finally, a two-span TC-PTS is selected as an example, and the wind-induced nonlinear vibration and fatigue damage assessment are analyzed through the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model has high computational accuracy and efficiency. With the increase of wind speed and wind direction angle, the maximum lateral displacement and tension of the supporting suspension cable and transmission line increase, and their degree of increase shows a nonlinear trend. In terms of the wind-induced fatigue analysis results of TC-PTS, the fatigue damage at the end of the supporting-conductor suspension cable is greater than the fatigue damage at its midpoint. Compared to the fatigue damage at the midpoint of the conductor, the fatigue damage at the end of the conductor is less affected by wind direction angle, and both are more significantly affected by the wind speed.

This case report presents a critical clinical scenario involving a 55-year-old patient who developed severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria with renal complications despite receiving doxycycline prophylaxis while travelling in a malaria-endemic region. The case emphasizes the potential failure of doxycycline prophylaxis and highlights the importance of considering malaria in patients with a history of travel to endemic areas, even if they have adhered to prophylactic treatment. The patient's clinical presentation included fever, extreme fatigue, and loss of consciousness, leading to hospitalization. Laboratory findings revealed severe anaemia, elevated liver enzymes, and impaired renal function, consistent with the criteria for severe malaria. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites on blood smears. Due to limited access to parenteral antimalarial medications, the patient received oral artemether-lumefantrine, resulting in clinical improvement. Supportive care and dialysis played a vital role in the patient's recovery. This case report underscores the need for increased awareness of prophylaxis failure, the challenges of managing severe malaria in non-endemic countries, and the importance of timely and appropriate interventions to improve outcomes in severe malaria cases, particularly those with renal involvement. Further research is warranted to evaluate alternative preventive strategies in regions with drug-resistant malaria strains.

The purpose of this work was to investigate whether two-months supplementation with 100% sea buckthorn juice (SBJ) would modify blood lipids, LDL subfractions and other markers of cardiovascular risk in hypercholesterolemic women. A group of 28 hypercholesterolemic non-medicated adult women with a mean age of 50.58 ± 5.76 years consumed 50 mL of 100% SBJ daily for two-months. We observed a significant reduction of body weight (BW; p < 0.05), body mass index (BMI; p < 0.05), body fat mass (BFM; p < 0.001) and visceral fat area (VFA; p < 0.001), on the contrary, a significant increase of skeletal muscle mass (SMM; p < 0.05) and fat-free mass (FFM; p < 0.05). Supplementation with 100% SBJ significantly increased the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL; p < 0.05), reduced the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL; p < 0.05), atherogenic LDL subfractions (LDL3–7; p < 0.05) and improved LDL/HDL ratio (p < 0.001). After the SBJ consumption, significant reduction of C-reactive protein (CRP; p < 0.001), orosomucoid (ORM; p < 0.001) and interleukin 6 (IL-6; p < 0.05) were found. In conclusion, consumption of SBJ showed an indication of beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolemic women.

The utilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has garnered significant attention in recent times, particularly in the field of biomedical research. The utilization of AuNPs in chemical synthesis procedures raises apprehensions regarding their potential toxicity in living organisms, which is inconsistent with their purported eco-friendly and cost-effective aspects. In this investigation, AuNPs were synthesized via the green synthesis approach utilizing Jeju Hallabong peel extract (HPE), a typical fruit variety indigenous to South Korea. The visible-range absorption spectrum of gold nanoparticles from green synthesis (HAuNPs) that are red wine in color occurs at a wavelength of λ = 517 nm. The morphology and particle size distribution were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ImageJ software. The TEM images reveal that the HAuNPs exhibit a high degree of dispersion and uniformity in their spherical shape, with an average size of approximately 7 nm. Moreover, elevating the initial pH level of the mixed solution has an impact on the decrease in particle dimensions, as evidenced by the blue shift observed in the UV-visible spectroscopy absorbance peak. Elevating the reaction temperature may accelerate the synthesis duration. However, it does not exert a substantial impact on the particle dimensions. The outcomes of an avidin-biocytin colorimetric assay provide preliminary analyses of possible sensor tunability using HAuNPs. The cytotoxicity of HAuNPs was evaluated through in vitro studies using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 cell lines. The results indicated that the HAuNPs exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to both chemically reduced gold nanoparticles (CAuNPs) and commercially available gold nanoparticles (SAAuNPs).

This study presents a novel approach for predicting hierarchical short time series. In this article, our objective was to formulate long-term forecasts for household natural gas consumption by considering the hierarchical structure of territorial units within a country's administrative divisions. For this purpose, we utilized natural gas consumption data from Poland. The length of the time series was an important determinant of the data set. We contrast global techniques, which employ a uniform method across all time series, with local methods that fit a distinct method for each time series. Furthermore, we compare the conventional statistical approach with a machine learning (ML) approach. Based on our analyses, we devised forecasting methods for short time series that exhibit exceptional performance. We have demonstrated that global models provide better forecasts than local models. Among ML models, neural networks yielded the best results, with the MLP network achieving comparable performance to the LSTM network while requiring significantly less computational time.

Myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms both represent hematologic diseases associated with bone marrow failure often resulting in anemia. For those patients, transfusion of red blood cell (RBC) units is essential, but results in iron overload (IOL) that may affect various organ functions. Therefore, iron chelation therapy plays a major role in anemic patients, not only because it reduces IOL, but also because it may improve hematopoietic function by increasing hemoglobin or diminishing requirement of RBC transfusions. To assess the utility, efficacy and safety of the different iron chelation medication approved in Germany as well as to examine the effect of chelation on hematopoietic insufficiency, a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study named EXCALIBUR was designed. In total, 502 patients from 106 German hospitals and medical practices were enrolled. A large proportion of patients switched from deferasirox dispersible tablet to deferasirox film-coated tablet, mainly due to more convenient application which was reflected in the treatment satisfaction questionnaire for medication scores. Iron chelation was effective in lowering serum ferritin levels, with the observed adverse drug reactions being in line with the known safety profile. Hematologic response occurred in a few patients, comparable to other studies that examined hematologic improvement in patients with MDS.

Cytological diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma (PM) is controversial even using ancillary markers (BAP1, MTAP and CDKN2A). Here, we aimed to prospectively validate a previously developed 117-gene expression panel for the differential cytological diagnosis of epithelioid, biphasic PM and mesothelial hyperplasia. Seventy-seven pleural effusions were classified using the 117-gene expression levels (NanoString system). Sixty-eight cases were also screened for ancillary markers. The performance of both gene panel and ancillary markers was evaluated using ROC metrics. A score using the top consistently deregulated genes between epithelioid and biphasic PM was built to subtype malignant effusions. The panel alone reached a diagnostic accuracy (0.89) comparable to the best marker combination (BAP1 plus MTAP: 0.88). Ancillary tests missed 8 PMs, seven of which were correctly classified by the panel. The score built by averaging the expression levels of MSLN, CLDN15 and CFB showed an accuracy of 0.80 in subtyping epithelioid and biphasic effusions. The 117-gene panel is effective for PM cytological diagnosis of epithelioid and biphasic PM. This tool can be complementary to ancillary markers, reducing invasive procedures and allowing an earlier diagnosis. Finally, the possibility to subtype PM on effusions strengthens the panel role in PM diagnosis and management.

Abstract: Background: Exercise Training at work has the potential to improve employees’ produc-tivity, health, and well-being. However, exercise interventions to healthcare workers in hospitals may be challenged by a high time pressure and the ongoing workflow with patient care. Objective: The aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for participation in exercise training during work in a hospital department. Methods: Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospital employees of different staff groups, who participated in 12 weeks exercise twice weekly. The data analysis was a thematic approach based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and the COM-B factors in the Behavior Change Wheel. Results: Barriers and facilitators varied between different groups. Barriers included limited structure, busyness, and a discouraging culture. Facilitators in-cluded gaining a feeling of community, psychological and physical well-being. Seven contextual subthemes were vital for successful implementation of exercise in a hospital setting. Conclusions: The informants appreciated exercise training during work and wished to participate. Inpatient departments’ informants had difficulties participating in the intervention, whilst those with more administrative tasks found it easier. This study identified barriers and facilitators vital for a successful implementation of an exercise training intervention in a hospital department to improve health, wellbeing, and productivity amongst hospital employees. It explains how future interventions can improve reach, adoption, and implementation of exercise training interventions for hospital staff.

Abstract: The ever-increasing use of motor vehicles causes a number of traffic safety and community issues, which are particularly severe in cities, accompanied with scarcity of parking spaces and challenges encountered in the road layout alteration projects. The commonly applied solutions include designation of through streets and implementation of on-street parking on residential streets and retrofitted traffic calming measures (TCMs). This article presents the results of the study conducted on a two-way street where Metered Parking System MPS was implemented together with diagonal and parallel parking spaces, refuge islands, horizontal deflection and lane narrowing by a single-sided chicane. The aim of this study was to identify those TCMs that effectively helped to reduce the island approach speed. Heuristic method was applied to assess the effect of the respective TCMs on reducing the island approach speed and the key speed reduction determinants were defined using cause and effect diagram and Pareto chart. Comparative analyses were carried out to rate the respective TCMs as effective, moderately effective or ineffective. Section 1 of this article presents the output of the literature review on urban parking analyses and TCM efficacy. Section 2 presents the study site and the applied heuristic method. The study results are presented in Section 3. Section 3 defines the determinants on the cause and effect diagram and analyses the determinants using the Pareto chart. The final conclusions and comments are given in Section 5. Although the study was limited to a single street in Poland, the findings may hold true in other countries where similar TCMs are used.

Adult stem cells (ASCs) can be cultured with difficulty from most tissues, often requiring chemical or transgenic modification to achieve adequate quantities. We show here that mouse primary fibroblasts grown in suspension change from the elongated and flattened morphology observed under standard adherent culture conditions generating rounded cells with large nuclei and scant cytoplasm expressing the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) marker (Sca1; Ly6A) within 24hrs. Based on this initial observation, we describe here a suspension culture method that, irrespective of the lineage used, mouse fibroblast, primary human somatic cells (fibroblasts, hepatocytes and keratinocytes), is capable of generating a high yield of cells in spheroid form which display expression of ASCs surface markers, circumventing the anoikis which often occurs at this stage. Moreover, mouse fibroblasts-derived spheroids can be differentiated into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Analysis of single cell RNA sequence data identified 8 distinct cell clusters with one in particular comprising approximately 10% of the cells showing high levels of proliferative capacity expressing high levels of genes related to MSCs and self-renewal as well as extracellular matrix (ECM). We believe the rapid, high-yield generation of proliferative, multi-potent ASC-like cells by the process we term suspension-induced stem cell transition (SIST) could have significant implications for regenerative medicine.

The present studies were undertaken to address the role of fetuin-A in the growth and invasion potential in a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, MDA-MB-468. Basal like TNBC that express high levels of ectopic fetuin-A have poorer prognosis for the patients compared to those that express low levels of the protein. We overexpressed fetuin-A in MDA-MB-468 and then determined the invasive potential of fetuin-A overexpressing cells vs controls transfected with empty vector. We also determined the adhesion and growth potential of the cells in the presence of only fetuin-A in serum free medium and also in complete medium. Our data suggest that fetuin-A overexpression significantly enhances the invasive potential of the cells and also the expression of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) on these cells. More importantly, the cells rely on fetuin-A-TLR4 signaling network for growth and invasion because the specific TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095 (resatorvid) abrogates fetuin-A mediated growth and invasion. Taken together, the data suggest that fetuin-A-TLR4 signaling network plays a significant role in the growth and invasion potential of TNBC.

The flour milling industry, a vital component of global food production, is undergoing a transformative phase driven by the integration of smart devices and advanced technologies. This transition promises improved efficiency, quality, and sustainability in flour production. Accurate estimation of protein, moisture and ash content in wheat grains and flour is of paramount importance due to their direct impact on product quality and compliance with industry standards. This paper explores the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a non-destructive, efficient, and cost-effective method for measuring the aforementioned essential parameters in wheat and flour, by investigating the effectiveness of a low-cost handle NIR spectrometer. Furthermore, a novel approach using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) is proposed to estimate protein, moisture and ash content in grain seeds and flour, marking the first known application of FCMs in this context. Our study includes an experimental setup that assesses different types of wheat seeds and flour samples and evaluates three NIR pre-processing techniques to enhance parameter estimation accuracy. The results indicate that low-cost NIR equipment can contribute to the estimation of the under-study parameters.

The study investigated the effect of a multi-strain probiotic compound containing Bacillus coagulans, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus mesentericus as in-feed zinc oxide (ZnO) alterna-tive on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, antioxidant status, lipid profile, stress and immunity in weaned piglets. A total of 72 piglets were randomly divided into 3 groups with four replicates of six piglets each. The details of the groups were as follows; (i) weaned control group (WC) received basal diet, (ii) weaned probiotic group (WB) received basal diet and probiotics and (iii) positive control (PC) group received basal diet with 2500 mg/kg ZnO. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Probiotic supple-mentation improved growth performance and reduced diarrhea rate. Probiotics supplementation im-proved lipid profile; significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in WB group as compared to those of the control group (WC) were recorded. Probiotic supplementation stimulated antioxidant defense system by in-creasing total antioxidant capacity and decreasing lipid peroxidation. Probiotic supplementation down-regulated the stress biomarkers like serum cortisol and serum heat shock proteins. WB group showed higher serum levels of IgG and IgM throughout the study period and higher IgA at day 28 as compared to WC. These data suggest that supplementation of the probiotic minimizes the weaning stress, thereby improves the growth performance, lipid profile, antioxidant status and systemic as well as mucosal immunity. Therefore, the multi-strain probiotic compound may be used to replace ZnO in weaned piglets.

Effective solid waste management is crucial for protecting public health and the environment. Global concentration on finding sustainable methods of handling waste continue to top the list of most governmental-related project checklists. This paper provides a case study on the management of municipal solid waste in the cities of Karlsruhe, Germany and Navrongo, Ghana as developed and developing countries respectively. This study aimed at comparing and drawing lessons from how these two different cities manage their solid waste. The waste management system in Karlsruhe prioritizes waste separation, recycling, and a pay-as-you-throw system has led to an efficient and sustainable waste management system that minimizes waste and protects the environment. Karlshrue's adoption of a continual developmental plan structure focused on integrated WM concepts is credited with safeguarding the long-term viability of waste management in the city. In contrast, Navrongo's waste management system faces several challenges, including inadequate resources and infrastructure, traditional waste disposal practices, and the lack of well-planned waste management strategies. To improve effective solid waste management systems in Ghana, a collaborative approach involving the government, local organizations, and the community is necessary. This can include investing in infrastructure, implementing waste separation and recycling programs, and educating the public on the benefits of sustainable waste management practices. Learning from successful models like Karlsruhe can help accelerate the development of sustainable waste management practices in Ghana, and ultimately protect public health and the environment.

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) have gained significant attention due to their ability to modify the surface morphology of materials at the micro-nanoscale and show great promise for surface functionalization application. In this study, we specifically investigate the formation of LIPSS in silicon substrates and explore their impact on Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) applications. This study reveals a stepwise progression of LIPSS formation in silicon, involving three distinct stages of LIPSS: 1) integrated Low-Spatial-Frequency LIPSS (LSFL) and High-Spatial-Frequency LIPSS (HSFL), 2) principally LSFL and 3) LSFL at the edge of the irradiated spot, elucidating the complex interplay between laser fluence, pulse number, and resulting surface morphology. Furthermore, from an application standpoint, these high-quality multi-scale periodic patterns lead to the next step of texturing the entire silicon surface with homogeneous LIPSS for SERS application. The potential of LIPSS-fabricated silicon substrates for enhancing SERS performance is investigated using thiophenol as a test molecule. The results indicate that the Au-coated combination of LSFL and HSFL substrate showcased the highest enhancement factor (EF) of 1.38 × 10^6. This pronounced enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) and Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs), intricately linked to HSFL and LSFL characteristics. These findings contribute to understanding LIPSS formation in silicon and their applications in surface functionalization and SERS, paving the way for sensing platforms.

Emerging evidence demonstrated that using a new manufacturing technology to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-fortified oolong (GO) tea could relieve human stress and exert versatile physiological benefits. The purpose of this human research aims to investigate therapeutic effects of daily GO tea consumption on the improvement of blood pressure, relaxation-related brain waves and quality of life (QOL) during a period of 28 consecutive days. Total polyphenols, major catechins and free amino acids were analyzed via HPLC assay. Changes of heart rate, blood pressure, α-brain wave (index of relaxation) and eight-item QOL score were investigated on day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28, respectively. The chemical analysis results showed that GO tea contained the most abundant amino acids and GABA, contributing to the relaxation activity. Among all study participants, daily drinking GO tea could reduce systolic blood pressure on day 21 and diastolic blood pressure on day 28 (p &lt; 0.05, respectively). For participants with pre-hypertension, GO tea could effectively reduce heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure on day 28 (p &lt; 0.05). At the end of the study, incremental changes in alpha-brain wave and QOL scores were also demonstrated (p &lt; 0.05, respectively). This study recommended that GO tea might potentially serve as a natural source of alternative therapy to benefit blood pressure, stress-relief and QOL.

Neurogenesis in the adult brain plays a major role in the cognitive ability of animals including learning and memory. Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (P. cocos) has been known as a traditional Chinese edible medicinal herb with the potential effect to improve learning and memory. However, the effect mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, significant neuronal differentiation-promoting activities of the ethanol extracts of P. cocos (EEPC) were tested in Neuro-2a cells and mouse cortical neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs). Subsequently, 97 compounds of EEPC were identified using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS. After investigation of neuronal differentiation-promoting activities of 4 major compounds (Ethyl palmitoleate, L-(-)-Arabitol, Choline and Adenosine), only Choline has significant neuronal differentiation-promoting activity. In summary, we investigated the neuronal differentiation-promoting activity and chemical compositions of EEPC, the study of the neuronal differentiation-promoting effect of ether extract of P. cocos indicated P. cocos’s positive effect on learning and memory functions. This is the first investigation of the neuronal differentiation-promoting effect of ether extract of P. cocos based on similar research references.

This study examines the impact of alcohol concentration on the precision of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. While the impact of alcohol impairment on various activities is well documented, its specific influence on drone piloting accuracy remains less studied. To address this, we carried out empirical research using an original methodology and a real-world environment. The study involved a group of 35 participants performing a series of flights using a selected drone (DJI Mavic2 Pro) on a bespoke obstacle route. Between each flight series, participants consumed a measured amount of alcohol, designed to incrementally increase their blood alcohol concentration monitored via breath tests. The precision of the drone pilot was evaluated by comparing various parameters from successive test flights, such as time, distance, average speed, and incident frequency, against a baseline trial executed with zero alcohol concentration. Our results indicate a noticeable decline in UAV piloting precision corresponding with increasing alcohol concentration. Parameters such as flight time, distance, speed, and incident frequency all demonstrated this trend. We conclude that alcohol consumption detrimentally affects the accuracy of drone operations. These findings underscore the need for clear policies and guidelines regarding the operation of UAVs under the influence of alcohol.

Legume-rhizobial symbiosis leads to to the formation of root nodules, where rhizobia reside and develop into bacteroids to reduce nitrogen into ammonium for plant growth, which leaves an opening question as how plant immunity is attenuated in nodules in the presence of large number of foreign bacteria. In Medicago truncatula, mutation in NAD1 (Nodules with Activated Defense 1) only produces necrotic nodules with overactivated immunity, indicating NAD1 is an indispensable component required for suppressing immunity in nodules. In this study, a dual RNA-seq transcriptomic technology was performed to extensively analyze gene expressions in nad1-1 mutant nodules. We indenifited 89 DEGs in symbiotic nitrogen fixation and 89 DEGs in immunity in Medicago truncatula at 10 dpi. Simultaneously, we indenifited 27 DEGs in fix and nif genes in Sinorhizobium meliloti. Then we identified 56 DEGs related to stress, including ROS, NO, and NCR, most of which were upregulated in Sinorhizobium meliloti. Our analyses of nitrogen fixation-defective plant nad1-1 mutants with overactivated defense indicate that host use plant immunity to control massive bacterial colonization during early and late symbiotic stages. Our findings provide insight into the function of NAD1 in improvement or inhibition of plant immune response to maintain symbiosis during rhizobial endosymbiosis.

The Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) improve the efficiency of data utilization by combining physical principles with neural network algorithms and ensure that the predictions are consistent and stable with the physical laws. PINNs opens up a new approach to address inverse problems in fluid mechanics. Based on the single-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method (SRT-LBM) with the Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook (BGK) collision operator, the PINN-SRT-LBM model is proposed in this paper for solving the inverse problem in fluid mechanics. The PINN-SRT-LBM model consists of three components. The first component involves a deep neural network that predicts the equilibrium control equations in different discrete velocity directions within SRT-LBM. The second component employs another deep neural network to predict non-equilibrium control equations, enabling inference of the fluid's non-equilibrium characteristics. The third component, a physics informed function translates the outputs of the first two networks into physical infor-mation. By minimizing the residuals of the physical partial differential equations (PDEs), the physics informed function infers relevant macroscopic quantities of the flow. The model evolves two sub-models applicable to different dimensions, named PINN-SRT-LBM-I and PINN-SRT-LBM-II models according to the construction of the physical informed function. The innovation of this work is the introduction of SRT-LBM and discrete velocity models as physical drivers into the neural network through the interpretation function. Therefore, PINN-SRT-LBM allows the neural network to handle inverse problems of various dimensions and focus on problem-specific solving. Experimental results confirm the accurate prediction of flow infor-mation at different Reynolds numbers within the computational domain. Relying on the PINN-SRT-LBM models, inverse problems in fluid mechanics can be solved efficiently.

As digital technology has become an integral part of urban’s daily operations; the urban landscape is constantly evolving with the needs of its society. This new reality allowed Municipalities to exert a higher influence in the national and local economy. Through deliberate planning and executing initiatives, they can ignite the local financial ecosystem to growth. In line with this, the paper aims to understand the possibilities available to the Greek Municipalities to exploit the smart city benefits to foster economic development. It is essential to understand the role of different factors including the strategy during the planning and implementing phases of initiatives concerning economy and innovation in a smart city. To achieve this, a tailor-made questionnaire and advanced statistical techniques are applied. The main findings highlight the importance to plan initiatives aligned with the needs of the municipality and the business environment. The existence of a smart city strategy has a catalytic effect on the final impact of the implemented initiatives on the urban environment. A systematic analysis of the smart cities’ dynamics and the new state of the urban environment can help the local actors focus on the value creation and public service provision, fostering innovation and profitability.

Integrating systems acquired from third parties and legacies has become of great necessity in companies. This is mainly due to the need to exchange information between entities, such as banks, suppliers, customers, allies, etc. Therefore, it is essential to guarantee the integrity of the data and keep the integration up to date with the changes that can occur. Furthermore, reducing the transaction risk and avoiding losing information is necessary. Implementing this complex task involving technological and business challenges requires appropriate architecture implementation. This article presents an architecture named Dynamic Canonical Data Model through agnostic messages. The contribution involves treating the low link in integrating software units, also called the integration of loosely coupled software units. In particular, it focuses on internal data and external data integration. The proposal reduces their integration, maintenance time, and cost, maximizing their scalability and promoting reuse. To illustrate their components, a case study undertaken at the Mexican Logistics Company Paquetexpress is presented. The company has evaluated different enterprise application integration systems over 26 years to achieve a standardized integration. The article describes an architecture designed and implemented for this delivery company in a real-world case. The implementation’s source code was registered in the National Registry of Copyrights of Mexico.

The advent of remote work has ushered in a new era of economic transformation, redefining the dynamics of local economies, and unleashing the multiplier effect on a national scale. This abstract explores the profound implications of remote work on local economies, dissecting how the multiplier effect operates within a nation's economic landscape. The multiplier effect is a fundamental economic concept that highlights how changes in spending and investment can create a ripple effect, leading to a magnified impact on an economy. This concept gains new significance in the context of remote work, as it triggers a chain reaction of economic activities that radiate from remote workers to their local communities. The increased flexibility and reduced geographical constraints of remote work have reshaped the allocation of resources. The continued reliance on remote work may lead to a reduction in demand for commercial real estate in urban centers, necessitating adaptive urban planning strategies. In conclusion, the rise of remote work has initiated a transformative era for local economies, driven by the multiplier effect. By amplifying the impacts of spending and investment, remote work fosters job diversification, innovation, and infrastructure development within communities. As remote work continues to reshape the landscape of work and life, understanding and harnessing its multiplier effect remains paramount for policymakers, businesses, and local communities alike. The multiplier effect is a concept in economics that illustrates how changes in spending can lead to larger impacts on a nation's economy through a chain reaction of economic activities. It demonstrates that an initial injection of spending, whether from government expenditure, investment, or consumption, doesn't just have a one-time impact. Instead, it sets off a series of interconnected spending and income-generation processes that result in a larger overall increase in economic activity. t's important to note that the multiplier effect can work in reverse as well. If there's a decrease in spending, it can lead to a decrease in economic activity and income through the same chain reaction process. This concept highlights the interconnected nature of economic activities and emphasizes the significance of changes in spending patterns on a nation's overall economic health. The magnitude of the multiplier effect is influenced by factors such as the marginal propensity to consume (the proportion of additional income that households spend), leakages (savings and taxes that reduce the multiplier effect), and the extent to which additional spending creates additional production capacity within the economy. Understanding the multiplier effect is essential for policymakers, as it helps them gauge the potential impacts of changes in fiscal and monetary policies on the economy.