Background: Approximately 10-20% of subjects vaccinated with HBsAg-based hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccines are non-responders. BM32 is a recombinant grass pollen allergy vaccine containing the HBV-derived preS surface antigen as immunological carrier protein. PreS includes the binding site of HBV to its receptor on hepatocytes. We investigated if immunological non-responsiveness to HBV after repeated HBsAg-based vaccinations can be overcome by immunization with VVX001 (i.e., Alum-adsorbed BM325, a component of BM32). Methods: A subject failing to develop protective HBV-specific immunity after HBsAg-based vaccination received five monthly injections of 20 µg VVX001. PreS-specific antibody responses were measured by ELISA and micro-array technology. Serum reactivity to subviral particles of different HBV genotypes was determined by sandwich ELISA. PreS-specific T cell responses were monitored by CFSE staining and subsequent FACS analysis. HBV neutralization was assessed using cultured HBV-infected HepG2 cells. Results: Vaccination with VVX001 induced a strong and sustained preS-specific antibody response composed mainly of the IgG1 subclass. PreS-specific IgG antibodies were primarily directed to the N-terminal part of preS containing the NTCP attachment site. IgG reactivity to sub-viral particles as well as to the N-terminal preS-derived peptides was comparable for HBV genotypes A-H. A pronounced reactivity of CD3+CD4+ lymphocytes specific for preS after the complete injection course remaining up to one year after the last injection was found. Maximal HBV neutralization (98.4%) in vitro was achieved 1 month after the last injection which correlated with the maximal IgG reactivity to the N-terminal part of preS. Conclusion: Our data suggest that VVX001 may be used as a preventive vaccination against HBV even in non-responders to HBsAg-based HBV vaccines.

Federated learning is an effective approach for preserving data privacy and security, enabling machine learning to occur in a distributed environment and promoting its development. However, an urgent problem that needs to be addressed is how to encourage active client participation in federated learning. The Shapley Value, a classical concept in cooperative game theory, has been utilized for data valuation in machine learning services. Nevertheless, existing numerical evaluation schemes based on the Shapley Value are impractical as they necessitate additional model training, leading to increased communication overhead. Moreover, participants’ data may exhibit Non-IID characteristics, posing a significant challenge to evaluating participant contributions. Non-IID data weakens the marginal effects of participants, which in turn affects model accuracy and leads to underestimated contribution measurements. Current works often overlook the impact of heterogeneity on model aggregation. This paper presents a fair federated learning contribution measurement scheme that addresses the need for additional model computations. By introducing a noval aggregation weight, it enhances the accuracy of contribution measurement. Experiments on the MNIST dataset show that the proposed method can accurately compute the contributions of participants. Compared to existing baseline algorithms, the model accuracy is significantly improved, with a similar time cost.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory diseases, abortion, and encephalomyelitis in horses. EHV-1 immediate-early (IE) protein, essential for viral replication, is transactivated by the binding of a multiprotein complex including the open reading frame 12 (ORF12) and some host factors to the IE promoter region. Promoter-associated non-coding RNAs (pancRNAs), which are transcribed from bidirectional promoters, regulate the transcription of neighboring genes in mammals and pathogens. In this study, we identified a novel pancRNA transcribed from across the areas of the 5’-untranslated region and promoter of EHV-1 IE and named it IE pancRNA. IE pancRNA and mRNA were simultaneously expressed in EHV-1-infected RN33B-A68B2M cells. This pancRNA was also transcribed in RK13 and E. Derm cells, which are highly susceptible to EHV-1 infection. Furthermore, IE pancRNA upregulated IE gene expression in the presence of ORF12, and stable expression of IE pancRNA increased the number of EHV-1-infected RN33B-A68B2M cells. These results suggest that IE pancRNAs facilitate EHV-1 proliferation by promoting IE gene expression.

The fractional advection-dispersion equation FADE plays an important role, especially in explaining the process of solute-transport in natural porous media with different degrees of heterogeneity. However, studies of the flow and transport of contaminants in the underground environment are based on the knowledge of many functional parameters of the subsoil. The delay factor caused by nonlinear absorption is one of these parameters inheriting significant ambiguities in its estimation in heterogeneous media. In the study, a fractional advection-dispersion FADE model was developed by the implicit Euler method, based on a Grunwald and Caputo-Liousville approximation to explicitly evaluate and simulate the transport mechanism of contaminants in media with unsaturated porous materials subjected to a nonlinear sorption model. Better solute mass retention was observed for fractional advection-dispersion FADE model. Moreover, the absorption parameter of the retardation coefficient has a better impact on the motion of the solute in a saturated porous medium. In other words, it has a significant effect on the dispersion of pollutants in aquifers. This study highlights the need to characterize the aquifer to predict solute transport in porous media.

Three species of subfamily Cultrinae currently live in Korea, but Erythroculter erythropterus has been introduced into the Nakdonggang River and has taken over the habitat, reducing the habitat of Culter brevicauda. Only the endangered species C. brevicauda still lives in the Yeongsangang River, and it is necessary to be careful not to introduce E. erythropterus in the future. And Hemiculter eigenmanni is also found throughout the country. In order to effectively manage and conserve the species in its various habitats and against invasions, this study was initiated. The ultrastructure of the egg envelopes of three species of Cultrinae— E. erythropterus, C. brevicauda, and H. eigenmanni, inhabiting the Geumgang and Yeongsangang Rivers were observed. It was found that the zona radiata of the egg envelopes of all three species were divided into two layers–an outer and inner layer, with the outer surface having a non-structural form. This form is characteristic of fishes with muddy, stagnant habitats or spawning grounds. The number of pore canals on the surface of the egg envelopes was 83 for E. erythropterus, 75 for C. brevicauda, and 58 for H. eigenmanni per 10 ㎛2, and the thickness was 7.89±0.34 ㎛, 12.27±0.46 ㎛, and 7.42±0.24 ㎛, respectively. The shape of the micropyle demonstrated a funnel shape narrowing toward the inner diameter in all three species, and the size of the inner diameter was 6.62±0.29 (6.09~7.10) ㎛ in E. erythropterus, 4.19±0.39 (3.39~4.58) ㎛in C. brevicauda, and 3.98±0.46 (3.47~4.93) ㎛in H. eigenmanni. The differences between species were identified in the number of pore canals, thickness, and micropyle inner diameter of egg envelopes, which were species-specific. Our study revealed a morphological mechanism in the egg envelope that prevents the formation of interspecific hybrids, and these features can be taxonomic traits that clarify species names. It also provided useful data for the production (breeding) of the second generation in aquaculture.

Dissemination of resistant pathogens via food supply chains is a notable public health danger from farm to fork. The proposed work analysed the distribution of E. coli among various sources of animal-based food supply chain. Overall, 500 samples were heaped up from livestock, poultry sectors, environment, fisheries, and dairy. Standard microbiological procedures were used to isolate and identify E. coli. Further, isolates were confirmed by using MALDI-TOF and virulence associated genes (VAGs). The phenotypic resistance pattern of the isolates was determined by molecular identification of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through PCR using specific primers. Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) were subjected to PCR based O typing using specific primers against different O types. Overall results revealed that 154 (30.5%) samples were confirmed as E. coli, in which77 (50%) isolates were MDR E. coli. Among these, total 52 (67.53%) isolates showed array of VAGs in which 21 (40.38%) were confirmed as STEC based on stx1 and stx2. Furthermore, 12/52 (23.07%) isolates were detected as Non-O157 STEC co-harboring mcr-1 and blaNMD-1. Overall, O26 STEC was found to be the most prevalent among different non-O157 types. Herein, results proposed that detection of such STEC MDR E. coli causing serious public health consequences in developing countries.

In the last century, statistical process control has been considered a successful methodology for monitoring the variability and stability of a process over time. The analysis of variability using functional data analysis has become widespread during the early years of the 21st century. The present study proposes the implementation of a hybrid methodology called functional process control based on the functional data analysis methodology and combines its advantages with those of statistical process control, in order to provide a tool for detecting functional deviations. The phases are: (1) stabilization of processes through the identification and elimination of special causes of functional variability; (2) improvement of the process to be controlled by minimizing the common causes of functional variability; and (3) monitoring of the processes to ensure the maintenance or addition of further improvements.

Background: This study explores the impact of a gluten-free diet (GFD) on regional gastrointestinal (GI) transit times in individuals with celiac disease (CD) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NGCS). While a GFD is established for managing CD and wheat allergy, its effects on NGCS remain controversial due to inconclusive evidence. Methods: Utilizing a wireless motility and pH capsule (WMC) to assess regional and whole gut transit, newly diagnosed CD (n=12) and NGCS (n=12) patients underwent baseline evaluations, including measurements of gastric, small bowel, and colonic transit times. Results: At baseline conditions, individuals diagnosed with CD exhibited prolonged colonic and intestinal transit times when compared to those with NGCS (p<0.05). Following a 4-week GFD, CD patients experienced significant reductions in both intestinal and colonic transit times, along with enhanced small intestine contractility. NGCS individuals showed improvements in intestinal transit time and contractility with a GFD, although the colon exhibited no discernible effect. The GFD did not significantly impact intragastric, intestinal, or colonic pH. Conclusions: This study, employing WMC for the first time, provides novel insights into the positive effects of a GFD on intestinal and colonic transit, as well as contractility, in CD patients, and to a lesser extent, in those with NGCS.

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing and 40% of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Over the past 5 years, the number of clinical available treatments have dramatically increased for HCC, making patient management particularly complex. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the overall survival of patients showing a durable treatment benefit over time, and a different response pattern with respect to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Although improved survival in responder cases, a sizeable group of patients are primary progressors or are ineligible for immunotherapy. Indeed, patients with non-viral etiologies, such non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and alterations in specific driver genes might be less responsive to immunotherapy. Therefore, improving the comprehension of mechanisms of drug resistance and identifying biomarkers informative of the best treatment approach are required actions to improve patient survival. Numerous evidence indicated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as pivotal players in cancer. Molecular mechanisms through which ncRNAs exert their effects in cancer progression and drug resistance have been widely investigated. Nevertheless, there are no studies summarizing the synergistic effect between ncRNA-based strategies and TKIs or ICIs in the preclinical setting. This review aims to provide up-to-date information regarding the possible use of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in association with molecular targeted agents and immunotherapies and as predictive tools for the selection of optimized treatment options in advanced HCCs.

The rapid emergence of COVID-19 necessitated policy responses worldwide, focusing on vaccination and mobility restrictions. However, studies on individual non-pharmacological preventive measures are less common. In particular, Chile represents a unique scenario for analyzing the adoption of preventive measures and changes amid aggressive communication and vaccination campaigns. This study aims to provide insights into public adherence to non-pharmacological measures in the face of diseases, using a cohort of 386 participants from 2021 to 2022. This was achieved by employing a questionnaire to measure adherence to self-care practices and by analyzing contact tracing data from health authorities. We performed bivariate analysis and a linear regression model. Mask-wearing in public places was the most commonly used measure (95.9% in 2021 and 89.9% in 2022). The median adherence score increased from 18 to 19 for both measurements, respectively. The regression model shows that women are more likely to adopt preventive behaviors in both waves and being a young adult (30-49 years) predicted the adoption of behavioral precautions in 2022. Adherence to preventive measures increased even with high vaccination coverage, likely due to the epidemiological situation with the Omicron variant circulating in 2022.

A 17th century wall painting representing a Virgin between two Saints in a noble Italian renaissance palace, Palazzo Gallo in Bagnaia (Viterbo, Italy), was restored in 2021 in the context of a wider restoration campaign interesting the main room of the palace built by cardinal Sansoni Riario. Diagnostic analyses done with traditional characterization techniques (optical microscopy on micro-stratigraphic sections, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) provided the identification of both original painting and restoration materials, while imaging investigations as ultraviolet fluorescence photography, false color images and multispectral mapping provided by hypercolorimetric multispectral imaging (HMI) technique enabled the evaluation of the state of conservation, locating restoration interventions and supporting the monitoring of the cleaning procedure. An altered protective Paraloid-based coating dating from early 2000s had to be removed due to the unpleasant glossy finishing given to the painted surface, making the scene barely readable. To pursue a restoration protocol based on environmental sustainability and green chemistry, enzyme-based gels marketed by Nasier-Brenta© and CTS© companies were tested in different protocols for the cleaning of the mash covering the painting. Although some interesting results were observed, the enzymatic cleaning had a scarce effectiveness with timing beyond a reasonable interval. Traditional chemical solvents as Dowanol PM (methoxy-propanol) and benzyl alcohol were necessary to complete the cleaning of the painting surface.

Traditional shipping ships abbreviated as Pelra have a different character from conventional ships. Hypothetically, the application of Safety Management System (SMS) on Pelra is influenced by technical and non-technical factors. These factors are control variables and determinants of action priorities if SMS is applied to the safety of traditional shipping, so that it has implications as a basis for formulating and developing safety policies for traditional shipping transportation in an effort to reduce the risk of accidents. This research uses Structural Equation Modeling by analyzing expert opinions. The results of the analysis show that technical and non-technical factors have a direct and interconnected effect on Pelra safety management. The dominant influences are non-technical factors of authority and responsibility of the company and crew as well as the feasibility of ship construction as technical and environmental factors..

Biofilm-associated proteins (BAPs) are important in the development and resilience of biofilms, which are intricate populations of microbes protected by extracellular matrix. All members of the BAP family are known to possess common characteristics such as high molecular weight and a signal sequence for extracellular secretion. It has been shown that BAPs are directly linked to the pathogenicity of many bacteria. This mini review highlights several potential strategies to target BAPs for drug development.

Influenza virus can cause several complications during pregnancy. Therefore, we aimed to inves-tigate the effects of influenza on the development of congenital abnormalities (CAs) by analyzing the database of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities (HCCS-CA). In our multicenter, case-control, population-based study, we processed clinician-reported outcomes and diagnoses collected in the HCCSCA. The case group included newborns with dif-ferent non-chromosomal birth defects, while controls were newborns without CAs. Maternal in-fluenza, as a risk factor for CAs, was analyzed by using a logistic regression model and odds ra-tios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our results showed that maternal influenza in the first trimester was associated with increased odds of developing non-chromosomal CAs (OR: 1.41, CI: 1.28–1.55). There were increased odds of neural tube defects (OR: 2.22, CI: 1.78–2.76), orofacial clefts (OR: 2.28, CI: 1.87–2.78) and congenital heart defects (OR: 1.28, CI: 1.10–1.49) after influenza infection. In all cases, we found a protective effect of folic acid supplementation in the first tri-mester. The odds of non-chromosomal birth defects are higher after maternal influenza in the first -trimester. Folic acid or pregnancy vitamin supplementation and antipyretic therapy may reduce the effect of maternal influenza during the first trimester.

We study the generalized χ and η cross helicities for non-ideal non-barotropic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). χ and η, the additional label translation symmetry group, have been used to generalize the cross helicity in ideal flows. Both new helicities are additional topological invariants of ideal MHD. To study there behaviour in non-ideal MHD, we derive the time derivative of both helicities using the non-ideal MHD equations taking viscosity, finite resistivity and heat conduction into account. Physical variables are divided into ideal and non-ideal quantities separately during the mathematical analysis for simplification. The analytical results indicate that χ and η cross helicities are not strict constant of motion in the non-ideal MHD and show the rate of dissipation which is compared to the dissipation of other topological constants of motion.

Besides living as a free-ranging primate in the horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the hamadryas baboon has an important place in zoos and can be found in biomedical research centers worldwide. To be valuable as a non-human primate laboratory model for man, its anatomy should be portrayed in detail allowing for the correct interpretation and translation of obtained research results. Reviewing the literature on the use of the baboon in biomedical research revealed that very limited anatomical works on this species are available. Anatomical atlases are incomplete, use archaic nomenclature and fail to provide high definition color photographs. Therefore, the skeletons of two male hamadryas baboons were prepared by manually removing as much soft tissues as possible followed by maceration in warm water to which enzyme-containing washing powder was added. The bones were bleached with hydrogen peroxide and degreased by means of methylene chloride. Photographs of the various bones were taken, and the anatomical structures were identified using the latest version of the Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria. As such, the present article shows 31 annotated multipanel figures. The skeleton of the hamadryas baboon generally parallels the human skeleton, but some remarkable differences have been noticed. If these are taken into consideration when evaluating the results of experiments using the hamadryas baboon, justified conclusions can be drawn.

The dissolution of Al2O3 non-metallic inclusions from slag containing FexO was investigated in this study. The slag system used in the experiments was a quaternary system of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-FexO. The composition of the slag was studied by fixing the basicity (CaO/SiO2 ratio) to 1 and varying the FexO content to 10 and 20wt%. In addition, the experimental temperature was varied as 1550℃, 1575℃, and 1600℃ to study the effect of temperature on the Al2O3 dissolution behavior. The experimental equipment is a single hot thermocouple apparatus. The dissolution rate of Al2O3 particles increased linearly with increasing temperature and FexO content. In addition, the mass transfer activation energy of Al2O3 dissolution in FexO 10wt% and FexO 20wt% was calculated by an Arrhenius type analysis. The obtained mass transfer activation energies were 159 and 189 kJ/mole, respectively.

This paper presents a non-perturbative method for solving eigenproblems. This method applies to almost all potentials and provides non-perturbative approximations for any energy level. The method converts an eigenproblem into a perturbation problem, obtains perturbation solutions through standard perturbation theory, and then analytically continues the perturbative solution into a non-perturbative solution.

The non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have affected the epidemiology of other respiratory viruses. In South Korea, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) typically occurs from winter to the following spring; however, it was not detected for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic and re-emerged in the fall of 2022, which is a non-epidemic season. To examine the molecular genetic characteristics of HMPV before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed 427 HMPV-positive samples collected in the Gwangju area from 2018 to 2022. Among these, 24 samples were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The results showed a shift in the predominant genotype from A2b2 before the COVID-19 pandemic to A2b1 in 2022. Furthermore, a significant increase in HMPV cases was observed in the 6–10-year age group. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing have reduced the possibility of HMPV exposure and herd immunity due to non-transmission, resulting in the introduction of new HMPV genotypes in different seasons.

Worldwide, the demand for natural and synthetic sweeteners in the food industry as an alternative to refined sugar is increasing. This prompted more research to estimate its safety and effect on health. The gut microbiome is critical in metabolizing selected sweeteners, which might affect overall health. Recently, more studies evaluated the relationship between sweeteners and the gut microbiome. This review summarizes the current knowledge addressing the role played by the gut microbiome in metabolizing selected sweeteners. It also addresses the influence of the five selected sweeteners or their metabolites on GI cancer-related pathways. Overall, the observed positive effect of sweetener consumption on GI cancer pathways, such as apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, requires further investigation to understand the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, more research is needed to address the main challenges of studying the field, thus advancing it further.

The aquaculture sector has become increasingly reliant on soybean meal (SBM) and soy-derived proteins, because of their large abundance, low price and favorable amino acid profile. However, for Atlantic salmon, a major aquaculture species, the inclusion of soybean meal, and soy protein concentrate (SPC) in certain combinations has adverse impacts on its gut health and welfare. This study evaluated two enhanced SBM targeting improved gut health for inclusion in freshwater phase salmon diets, enzyme pre-treatment (ETS) and addition of fructose oligosaccharide (USP), respectively in comparison to untreated soybean meal (US) and fish meal (FM). The impact on growth performance, gut microbiome, and behaviors relevant to welfare was investigated. Both enhancements of SBM were found to support comparable growth performance to FM. Both targeted treatments altered the gut microbiome community. Fish fed SBM showed a tendency for more reactive behavior compared to those fed the FM-based control. All fish had a similarly low response to elicited stress, although ETS fed fish responded more actively than those fed the US diet. SBM fed fish also had lower repeatability of behavior, which may have implications for welfare. Both enhancements provide a promising basis to optimize the application of this widely used protein source.

The production of fuels and other industrial products from renewable sources has intensified the search for new substrates or for the expansion of the use of substrates already in use, as well as the search for microorganisms with different metabolic capacities. In the present work, we isolated and tested a yeast from the soil of sugarcane irrigated with vinasse, that is, with high mineral content and acidic pH. The strain of Meyerozyma caribbica URM 8365 was able to ferment glucose, but the use of xylose occurred when some oxygenation was provided. However, some fermentation of xylose to ethanol in oxygen limitation also occurs if glucose is present. This strain was able to produce ethanol from molasses substrate with 76% efficiency, showing its tolerance to possible inhibitors. High ethanol production efficiencies were also observed in acidic hydrolysates of each bagasse, sorghum, and cactus pear biomass. Mixtures of these substrates were tested and the best composition was found for the use of excess plant biomass in supplementation of primary substrates. It was also possible to verify the production of xylitol from xylose when the acetic acid concentration is reduced. Finally, the proposed metabolic model allowed calculating how much of the xylose carbon can be directed to the production of ethanol and/or xylitol in the presence of glucose. With this, it is possible to design an industrial plant that combines the production of ethanol and/or xylitol using combinations of primary substrates with hydrolysates of their biomass.

Abstract Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder featured with motor and non-motor deficits. Using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced dopamine neuron degeneration has been widely used to produce reliable animal models of the PD. However, most of previous preclinical studies focused on the motor dysfunctions, few non-motor symptoms were evaluated. So far there is a lack of comprehensive investigation of the non-motor symptoms in animal models. Objectives: In this study, we aim to use a battery of behavioral methods to evaluate the non-motor symptoms in MPTP-induced non-human primate PD models. Methods: Cognitive functions, sleep and psychiatric behaviors were evaluated in MPTP-treated cynomolgus monkeys. The tests consisted of delayed matching-to-sample (DMTS), physical activity monitor (PAM), apathy feeding task (AFT), human intruder test (HIT), novel fruit test (NFT) and predator confrontation test (PCT). In addition, we tested whether the dopamine receptor agonist pramipexole (PPX) will improve these non-motor symptoms. Results: The present results show that the MPTP-treated monkeys exhibited cognitive deficits, abnormal sleep, and anxiety-like behaviors as compared to the control monkeys. These symptoms were relieved partially by PPX. Conclusions: These results suggest that MPTP-induced PD monkeys displayed non-motor symptoms that were similar to those found in PD patients. PPX treatment showed moderate therapeutic effects on these non-motor symptoms. This battery of behavioral tests may provide a valuable model for future preclinical research.

Background: The prognostic impact of non-cardiac comorbidities can vary in relation to the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim was to analyze prevalence and long-term prognostic impact of non-cardiac co-morbidities in patients with reduced and preserved EF following STEMI. Method: 3115 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI were divided in two groups: reduced EF <50% and preserved EF≥50%. Follow-up period was 8 years. Results: Preserved EF was present in 1726 (55.4%) patients and reduced EF was present in 1389 (44.5%) patients. Non-cardiac comorbidities were more frequent in patients with reduced EF as compared with patients with preserved EF (38.9% vs 27.4%, respectively, p<0.001). Lethal outcome was registered in 240 (17.2%) patients with reduced EF and in 40 (2.3%) patients with preserved EF, p<0.001. Diabetes and CKD were independent predictors for 8-year mortality in patients with preserved EF while in patients with reduced EF only CKD was independently associated with 8-year mortality. Conclusion: In the present study the prevalence of non-cardiac comorbidities is similar in patients with reduced and preserved EF after STEMI, but only DM and CKD are independently associated with long-term mortality.

In this study, the motion characteristics of soft alginate microrobots were investigated with wireless magnetic fields in complex fluidic environments. Our aim is to explore the various motion modes that arise as a result of shear forces in viscoelastic fluids. Polyacrylamide (PAA), a water-soluble polymer, was characterized to produce a dynamic environment with a non-Newtonian fluid. The robots were fabricated by an extrusion-based microcentrifugal droplet method. We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of both wiggling and tumbling motions using snowman-shaped microbots. It is found that wiggling motion is primarily influenced by the interaction between the viscoelastic fluid environment and the non-uniform magnetization of the microbots. Additionally, it is discovered that modifying the viscoelasticity properties of the fluid can affect the motion behavior of the microbots. Furthermore, we observed that swarms of microbots exhibit non-uniform behavior within complex environments. Our velocity analysis has provided valuable insights into the relationship between applied magnetic fields and motion characteristics, enabling a more realistic understanding of surface locomotion in the context of targeted drug delivery.

Nonequilibrium work switching simulations and Jarzynski’s equation are a reliable method to compute free energy differences, ΔAlow→high, between two levels of theory, such as a pure molecular mechanical (MM) and a quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) description of a system of interest. Despite the inherent parallelism, the computational cost of this approach can quickly get very high. This is particularly true for systems where the core region, the part of the system to be described at different levels of theory, is embedded in an environment, such as explicit solvent water. We find that even for relatively simple solute–water systems, switching lengths of at least 5 ps are necessary to compute ΔAlow→high reliably. In this study, we investigate two approaches towards an affordable protocol, with emphasis on keeping the switching length well below 5 ps. Inserting a hybrid charge intermediate state with modified partial charges which resembles the charge distribution of the desired high level makes it possible to obtain reliable calculations with 2 ps switches. Attempts using step-wise linear switching paths, on the other hand, did not lead to improvement, i.e., faster convergence for all systems. To understand these findings, we analyzed the solutes’ properties as a function of partial charges used, the number of waters in direct contact with the solute, and studied the time needed for water molecules to reorient themselves upon a change in the solute’s charge distribution.

In a series of recent works the relevance of gravitational boundary degrees of freedom and their dynamics in gravity quantization and black hole information has been explored. In this work we further the progress by keenly focusing on the boundary degrees of freedom as the origin of black hole entropy. Wald's entropy formula is scrutinized, and the reason that the Wald's formula correctly captures the entropy of a black hole is examined. Afterwards, limitations of the Wald's method are discussed; a coherent view of entropy based on boundary dynamics is presented. The discrepancy observed in the literature between holographic and Wald's entropies is addressed. We generalize the entropy definition so as to handle a time-dependent black hole. Large gauge symmetry plays a pivotal role. Non-Dirichlet boundary conditions and gravitational analogues of Coleman-De Luccia bounce solutions are central in identifying the microstates and differentiating the origins of entropies associated with different classes of solutions. The result in the present work leads to a view that black hole entropy is entanglement entropy in a thermodynamic setup.

Alzheimer´s Disease (AD) has currently no effective treatment; however, preventive measures can significantly delay the progress/onset of the disease. Thus, accurate and early prediction of risk is an important strategy to alleviate the AD burden. Neuroinflammation is a major factor prompting the onset of the disease. Inflammation exerts its toxic effect via multiple mechanisms. Amongst others, it is affecting gene expression via modulation of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as miRNAs. Recent evidence supports that inflammation can also affect long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression. While the association between miRNAs and inflammation in AD has been extensively studied, the role of lncRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases has been less explored. In this review, we focus on lncRNAs and inflammation in the context of AD. Furthermore, since plasma-isolated extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as an effective monitoring strategy of brain pathologies, we have focused on the studies reporting dysregulated lncRNAs in EVs isolated from AD patients and controls. The revised literature shows a positive association between pro-inflammatory lncRNAs and AD. However, the reports evaluating lncRNAs alterations in EVs isolated from plasma of patients and controls, although still limited confirm the value of specific lncRNAs associated with AD as reliable biomarkers. This is an emerging field that will open new avenues to improve risk prediction, patients’ stratification and may lead to the discovery of potential novel therapeutic targets for AD

Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics whose first representative was discovered over 70 years ago. Since then, they have been of great interest in dermatology. In addition to their antibacterial activity, they are able to inhibit metalloproteinases and exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects. The side effects have been thoroughly studied over the years. The most characteristic and important in daily dermatolgical practice are: phototoxicity, hyperpigmentation, onycholysis, photoonycholysis, induced lupus erythematosus, idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In this article, we summarize the use of tetracyclines in infectious diseases and inflammatory dermatoses, and further discuss indications where the efficacy and safety of tetracyclines have been highlighted over the past few years.

Quantum theory predicts a whole class of non-local phenomena, observable via coincident detection of EPR-type systems. An important feature of these observations is their non-signaling character. Technically, non-local phenomena should only be observable for post-selected sub-ensembles, rather than for complete projections. Otherwise, superluminal telegraphy becomes possible. Yet, a couple of recent Bell experiments reported the observation of quantum non-locality for 100% of the detected events. Does it follow that signaling non-locality is possible? If so, was quantum theory falsified? This puzzle is solved by revisiting the interpretation of the spin projection operator, with special focus on its dual nature (combining spectral decomposition with spectral transformation). “Component switching” is not a loophole, but rather a requirement of quantum mechanics in this context, because sharp spin projections are partial (as well as partially overlapping). Surprisingly, it is possible to pre-select incompatible statistical sub-ensembles with heralded detection and to reveal the same behavior as in post-selected observations. Therefore, Bell experiments confirm the predictions of quantum theory without violating the non-signaling principle.

Trauma is one of the most common causes of death or permanent disability in young people, so a timely diagnostic approach is crucial. In polytrauma patients, CEUS has been shown to be more sensitive than US for the detection of solid organ injuries, improving the identification and grading of traumatic abdominal lesions with levels of sensitivity and specificity similar to those seen with MDCT. CEUS is recommended for the diagnostic evaluation of hemodynamically stable patients with isolated blunt moderate-energy abdominal traumas and for the diagnostic follow-up of conservatively managed abdominal traumas. In this pictorial review we illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of CEUS and the procedure details with tips and tricks during investigation of blunt moderate-energy abdominal trauma as well as during follow-up in non-operative management.

We summarise contributions made to the computational phase-field modelling of alloy solidification from the University of Leeds spoke of the LiME project. We begin with a general introduction to phase-field, and then reference the numerical issues that arise from solution of the model, before detailing each contribution to the modelling itself. These latter contributions range from controlling and developing interface-width independent modelling; controlling morphology in both single and multiphase settings; generalising from single to multi-phase models; and creating a thermodynamic consistent framework for modelling entropy flow and thereby postulate a temperature field consistent with the concepts of, and applicable in, multiphase and density-dependent settings.

We are of the opinion that during the design of a binary classifier one ought to consider adding an “I don’t know” answer. We provide the case for the introduction of this third category when a human needs to make a decision based on the answer from a binary classifier. We discuss the costs and potential benefits of its introduction. Colloquially, we have used the term “I don’t know”, but formally we refer to it as NotAvailable. A procedure to define NotAvailable predictions in binary classifiers, called all leave-one-out models (ALOOM), is presented as proof of the concept. Furthermore, we discuss the potential benefits of applying ALOOM in real life applications.

All the arguments of a wavefunction are defined at the same instant implying a notion of simultaneity. In a somewhat related matter, certain phenomena in quantum mechanics seem to have non-local causal relations. Both concepts are in contradiction with special relativity. We propose to define the wavefunction with respect to the invariant proper time of special relativity instead of standard time. Moreover, we shall adopt the original idea of Schrodinger suggesting that the wavefunction represents an ontological cloud-like object that we shall call ‘individual fabric’ that has a finite density amplitude vanishing at infinity. Consequently, measurement can be assimilated to a confining potential that triggers an inherent non-local mechanism within the individual fabric. It is formalised by multiplying the wavefunction with a localising gaussian as in the GRW theory but in a deterministic manner.

Simulating the non-perturbative and non-Markovian dynamics of open quantum systems is a very challenging many body problem, due to the need to evolve both the system and its environments on an equal footing. Tensor network and matrix product states (MPS) have emerged as powerful tools for open system models, but the numerical resources required to treat finite temperature environments grow extremely rapidly and limit their applications. In this study we use time-dependent variational evolution of MPS to expore the striking theory of Tamescelli et al. that shows how finite temperture open dyanmics can be obtained from zero temperature, i.e. pure wave function, simulations. Using this approach, we produce a benchmark data set for the dynamics of the Ohmic spin-boson model across a wide range of coupling and temperatures, and also present detailed analysis of the numerical costs of simulating non-equilibrium steady states, such as those emerging from the non-perturbative coupling of a qubit to baths at different temperatures. Despite ever growing resource requirements, we find that converged non-perturbative results can be obtained, and we discuss a number of recent ideas and numerical techniques that should allow wide application of MPS to complex open quantum systems.

In recent years, advances in science, technology, and the way in which we view our world have led to anincreasingly broad use of the term “intelligence”. As we learn more about biological systems, we find more and more examples of complex and precise adaptive behavior in animals and plants. Similarly, as we build more complex computational systems, we recognize the emergence of highly sophisticated structures capable of solving increasingly complex problems. These behaviors show characteristics in common with the sort of complex behaviors and learning capabilities we find in humans, and therefore it is common to see them referred to as “intelligent”. These analogies are problematic as the term "intelligence" is inextricably associated with human-like capabilities. While these issues have been discussed by leading researchers of AI and renowned psychologists and biologists highlighting the commonalities and differences between AI and biological intelligence, there have been few rigorous attempts to create an interdisciplinary approach to the modern problem of intelligence. This article proposes a comparative framework to discuss what we call “purposeful behavior”, a characteristic shared by systems capable of gathering and processing information from their surroundings and modifying their actions in order to fulfill a series of implicit or explicit goals. Our aim is twofold: on the one hand, the term purposeful behavior allows us to describe the behavior of these systems without using the term "intelligence", avoiding the comparison with human capabilities. On the other hand, we hope that our framework encourages interdisciplinary discussion to help advance our understanding of the relationships among different systems and their capabilities.

The current paper has examined the effect of both export product diversification and poverty on non-resource tax revenue in developing countries. The analysis has used an unbalanced panel dataset of 111 countries over the period 1980-2014. Based on the Blundell and Bond two-step system Generalized Methods of Moments technique, the empirical analysis has shown interesting findings. Export product concentration and poverty influence negatively non-resource tax revenue over the full sample, but this effect varies across countries in the sample. Furthermore, the effect of export product diversification on non-resource tax revenue performance depends on the level of poverty. It appears that export product diversification influences positively non-resource tax revenue performance in countries that experience lower poverty rates. From a policy perspective, these findings show that policies in favour of diversifying export product baskets and reducing poverty would contribute to enhancing non-resource tax revenue performance in developing countries.

A 40 years old male Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) was diagnosed with pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by a member of Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus group. Post-mortem examination showed a severe systemic visceral granulomatous involvement, with lesions in lungs, heart, liver, spleen and kidneys. Histopathological examination of lung, spleen, heart and liver revealed multifocal to coalescing granulomas showing eterophils in central zone and outer rim of epithelioid histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells and lymphocytes. The Ziehl–Neelsen histological staining revealed rare vacuoles containing numerous alcohol-acid resistant bacteria. Mycobacterial infection was confirmed by culture and PCR targeting rRNA 16S gene. Sequence analysis of the DNA amplicon revealed a 100% homology with the M. chelonae/ abscessus group. Even if the classification of the memebrr of this group is still on updating, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of M. chelonae/abscessus member infection in a Nile crocodile species.

There is increasing evidence that the non-cooperative models describe household structures in developing countries more succinctly compared with the unitary model. Domestic violence against women, which is pervasive in Nigeria even though likely to be under-reported, will need to be understood within the framework of non-cooperative relationship between couples. In this study, we identify factors of domestic violence against women within couples who were currently in marital or cohabiting partnerships. Also, we investigate whether domestic violence influences the decision of women to terminate pregnancies. We use data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Multivariate logistic regressions were used to model the predictors of domestic violence, and its influence on the decision to terminate pregnancies among married women. Of the 8,910 married women interviewed for domestic violence, 35.33% had ever experienced a form of domestic violence. We discover that women: with higher education, that is not poor, and resides in urban areas have 44%, 18% and 15% reductions in the odds of experience domestic violence respectively. On the other hand, women who are employed, own land, having husbands/partners that are employed in the agricultural sector, and drink alcohol have 1.16, 1.2, 2.07, and 2.8 times increased odds of experiencing domestic violence accordingly. Also, we uncover that currently married women experiencing domestic violence have 1.25 times increased odds of terminating pregnancies compared with their counterparts that are not experiencing domestic violence. Effectively, poverty, low levels of education, residing in rural areas, drinking habit of husbands/partners, employment, marital capital, and land ownership status of women are risk factors of domestic violence against married women in Nigeria but can be affected by policies and programmes. Importantly, public actions to contain domestic violence in order to improve maternal health should be implemented in the context of the dynamics of a non-cooperative relationship existing between married couples.

Mitochondria are classically termed as powerhouse of a mammalian cell. Most of the cellular chemical energy in the form of adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) is generated by mitochondria and dysregulation of mitochondrial functions thus can be potentially fatal of cellular homeostasis and health. Acute respiratory distress has been earlier linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 infection severity leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and can be fatal. We tried to investigate possible connection between SARS-CoV-2, ARDS and mitochondria. Here, we report identification of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins (particularly Nsp12 and 13) that have recognition sequence with respect to mitochondrial entry. We also report that these proteins can potentially shuttle between cytoplasm and mitochondria based on the localization signals and help in downstream maintenance of the virus. Their properties to use ATP for enzymatic activities may cause ATP scavenging allowing viral RNA functions in lieu of host cell health.

With improved measurement and modelling technology, variability has emerged as an essential feature in non-equilibrium processes. While traditionally, mean values and variance have been heavily used, they are not appropriate in describing extreme events where a significant deviation from mean values often occurs. Furthermore, stationary Probability Density Functions (PDFs) miss crucial information about the dynamics associated with variability. It is thus critical to go beyond a traditional approach and deal with time-dependent PDFs. Here, we consider atmospheric data from the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) and calculate time-dependent PDFs and the information length from these PDFs, which is the total number of statistically different states that a system passes through in time. Time-dependent PDFs are shown to be non-Gaussian in general, and the information length calculated from these PDFs shed us a new perspective of understanding variabilities, correlation among different variables and regions. Specifically, we calculate time-dependent PDFs and information length and show that the information length tends to increase with the altitude albeit in a complex form. This tendency is more robust for flows/shears than temperature. Also, much similarity among flows and shears in the information length is found in comparison with the temperature. This means a stronger correlation among flows/shears because of a strong coupling through gravity waves in this particular WACCM model. We also find the increase of the information length with the latitude and interesting hemispheric asymmetry for flows/shears/temperature, a stronger anti-correlation (correlation) between flows/shears and temperature at a higher (low) latitude. These results also suggest the importance of high latitude/altitude in the information budge in the Earth's atmosphere, the spatial gradient of the information as a useful proxy for the transport of physical quantities.

As a non-antibody scaffold, monobodies based on the fibronectin type III (FN3) domain overcome antibody size and complexity while maintaining analogous binding loops. However, antibodies and their derivatives remain the gold standard for design of new therapeutics. In response, clinical therapeutic proteins based on the FN3 domain are beginning to use native fibronectin function as a point of differentiation. The small and simple structure of monomeric monobodies confers increased tissue distribution and reduced half-life, whilst the absence of disulphide bonds improves stability in cytosolic environments. Where multi-specificity is challenging with an antibody format that is prone to mis-pairing of chains, FN3 domains in the fibronectin assembly already interact with a large number of molecules. As such, multiple monobodies engineered for interaction with therapeutic targets are being combined in a similar beads-on-a-string assembly which improves both efficacy and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, full length fibronectin is able to fold into multiple conformations as part of its natural function and a greater understanding of how mechanical forces allow for the transition between states will lead to advanced applications that truly differentiate the FN3 domain as a therapeutic scaffold.

The EPR paradox is known as an interpretive problem, as well as a technical discovery in quantum mechanics. It defined the basic features of two-quantum entanglement, as needed to study the relationships between two non-commuting variables. In contrast, four variables are observed in a typical Bell experiment. This is no longer the same problem. The full complexity of this process can only be captured by the analysis of four-quantum entanglement. Indeed, a new paradox emerges in this context, with straightforward consequences. Either quantum behavior is capable of signaling non-locality, or it is local. Both alternatives appear to contradict existing knowledge. Still, one of them has to be true, and the final answer can be obtained conclusively with a four-quantum Bell experiment.

We study a conformation of an albumin protein in the temperature range of 300K-315K, i.e. in the physiological range of temperature. Using simulations we calculate values of two backbone angles, that carry most of information about positioning of the protein chain in a conformational space. Given these, we calculate energy components of such protein. Further, using the Flory theory we determine the temperature in which investigated albumin chain model is closest to the free joined chain model. Near the Flory temperature, we study energy components and the conformational entropy, both derived from two angles that reflect most of the chain dynamics in a conformational space. We show that the conformational entropy is an oscillating function of time in considered range of temperature. Our finding is that, the only regular oscillation pattern appears near the Flory temperature.

The Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) entropy has been used in a wide variety of problems for more than a century. It is well known that BG entropy is extensive, but for certain systems such as those dictated by long-range interactions, the entropy must be non-extensive. Tsallis entropy possesses non-extensive characteristics, which is parametrized by a variable q (q = 1 being the classic BG limit), but unless q is determined from microscopic dynamics, the model remains but a phenomenological tool. To this date very few examples have emerged in which q can be computed from first principles. This paper shows that the space plasma environment, which is governed by long-range collective electromagnetic interaction, represents a perfect example for which the q parameter can be computed from micro-physics. By taking the electron velocity distribution function measured in the heliospheric environment into account, and considering them to be in quasi equilibrium state with electrostatic turbulence known as the quasi-thermal noise, it is shown that the value corresponding to q = 9/13 = 0.6923 may be deduced. This prediction is verified against observation made by spacecraft, and it is shown to be in excellent agreement.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in many biological processes, including the regulation of cell differentiation, but a complete characterization of lncRNA is still lacking. Additionally, there is evidence that lncRNAs interact with ribosomes, raising questions about their functions in cells. Here, we used a developmentally staged protocol to induce cardiogenic commitment of hESCs and then investigated the differential association of lncRNAs with polysomes. Our results identified lncRNAs in both the ribosome-free and polysome-bound fractions during cardiogenesis and showed a very well-defined temporal lncRNA association with polysomes. Clustering of lncRNAs was performed according to the gene expression patterns during the five timepoints analyzed. In addition, differential lncRNA recruitment to polysomes was observed when comparing the differentially expressed lncRNAs in the ribosome-free and polysome-bound fractions or when calculating the polysome-bound vs ribosome-free ratio. The association of lncRNAs with polysomes could represent an additional cytoplasmic role of lncRNAs, e.g., in translational regulation of mRNA expression.

In standard construction of hyperrational numbers using ultra-power we assume that the ultralter is selective. It makes possible toassign real value to any nite hyperrational number. So, we can consider hyperrational numbers with selective ultralter as extension of traditional real numbers. Also proved the existence of strictly monotonic or stationary representing sequence for any hyperrational number.

This study examines the effect of market risk on the financial performance of 31 non-financial companies listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) over the period 2000-2016. We utilize three alternative variables to assess financial performance, namely return on assets, return on equity and profit margin. Next, we use the degree of financial leverage, the book-to-market ratio, and the gearing ratio as market risk variables. Besides, we employ the pooled OLS model, the fixed effects model, the random-effects model, the difference GMM and the system GMM models. The results show that market risk indicators have a negative and significant influence on the companies' financial performance. The elasticities are greater following the book-to-market ratio compared to the degree of financial leverage and the gearing ratio, respectively. In most cases, the firm size, the tangibility ratio, and the cash holdings ratio have a positive effect on financial performance, whereas the firms' age, the debt-to-income ratio, stock turnover, and leverage hurt the performance of these non-financial companies. Therefore, decision-makers and managers should mitigate market risk through appropriate strategies of risk management, such as derivatives and insurance techniques.

NiFe alloy nanoparticles/graphene oxide hybrid (NiFe/GO) was prepared for electrochemical glucose sensing. The as-prepared NiFe/GO hybrid was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that NiFe alloy nanoparticles can be successfully deposited on GO. The electrochemical glucose sensing performance of the as-prepared NiFe/GO was studied by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric measurement. Results showed that NiFe/GO modified glassy carbon electrode had sensitivity of 173 μA mM⁻¹cm⁻² for glucose sensing with a linear range up to 5 mM, which was superior to commonly used Ni nanoparticles. Furthermore, high selectivity for glucose detection can be achieved by NiFe/GO. All the results demonstrated that NiFe/GO hybrid was promising for using in electrochemical glucose sensing.

Background: The presence of fungal species on the surface skin and hair is a known finding in many mammalian species and humans are no exception. Superficial fungal infections are sometimes a chronic and recurring condition that affects approximately 10-20% of the world’s population. However, most species that are isolated from humans tend to occur as co-existing flora. This study was conducted to determine the diversity of fungal species isolated from the hair and nails of workers in the central region of Saudi Arabia where there are not many observational studies on the mycological species. Materials and Methods: Male workers from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were recruited for this study and samples were obtained from their nails and hair for mycological analysis which was done using Saboraud’s agar and sterile wet soil. Fungal isolates were examined microscopically. Results: Twenty four hair samples yielded a total of 26 species from 19 fungal genera. Chaetomiumglobosum was the most commonly isolated fungal species followed by Emericellanidulans, Cochliobolusneergaardii, and Penicilliumoxalicum. Three fungal species were isolated from nail samples, namely, Alternariaalternata, Aureobasidiumpullulans, and Penicilliumchrysogenum. Most of the isolated fungal species (17 of the 26 or 65.38% of the isolated fungal species) have not been thoroughly characterised nor morphologically classified. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the presence of previously undescribed fungal species that contribute to the normal flora of the skin and its appendages and may have a role in their pathogenies.

According to the operation conditions of time unlimited passive containment heat removal system (TUPAC), a separate effect experiment facility was established to investigate the heat transfer performance of steam condensation in presence of non-condensable gas. The effect of wall subcooling temperature, total pressure and mass fraction of the air on heat transfer process was analyzed. The heat transfer model was also developed. The results showed that the heat transfer coefficient decreased with the rising of subcooling temperature, the decreasing of the total pressure and air mass fraction. It was revealed that Dehbi’s correlation predicted the heat transfer coefficient conservatively, especially in the low pressure and low temperature region. The novel correlation was fitted by the data obtained in the following range: 0.20~0.45 MPa in pressure, 20% ~ 80% in mass fraction, 15°C ~ 45°C in temperature. The discrepancy of the correlation and experiment data was with ±20%.

Objective: It was aimed to investigate the cerebral vascular territories in stroke patients with NVAF as an etiologic factor. Material and Methods: A total of 104 patients who were referred to our hospital between January 2015 and September 2016, who were over 55 years of age, identified or documented as having a standard ECG or Holter ECG record on their medical history, and diagnosed with stroke were included. Our study was designed as a retrospective analysis of prospective data. Detailed history, physical examination and electrocardiography (ECG) evaluations of the patients were performed. Descriptive statistics were used in the detection of findings, and t-test, Pearson-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for differences analysis. Results: 53.8% (N = 56) of the patients were male and 46.2% (N = 48) were female. The mean age was 73.5. MCA was the most common site of vascular involvement in NVAF-dependent strokes. In MCA vascular territory, ischemic infarcts were detected most frequently in the upper and lower divisions. SCA and PCA followed MCA. Approximately 64% of the NVAF-related strokes were anterior circulation infarction (ASE) and 22% were posterior circulation infarct (PSE). There was a significant difference in age and past stroke history factors in favor of ASE (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between ASE and PSE in HT, cardiac history and DM factors (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was emphasized that the area of the vessel that underwent ischemia in the acutely displayed infarcts and the etiological factor for this vessel area could be predicted

Bottom-up synthesis of porous NiMo alloy reduced by NiMoO₄ nanofibers was systematically investigated to fabricate non-noble metal porous electrodes for hydrogen production. The different annealing temperatures of NiMoO₄ nanofibers under hydrogen atmosphere reveal that the 950 °C annealing temperature is a key to produce bicontinuous porous NiMo alloy without oxide phases. The porous NiMo alloy as cathodes in electrical water splitting demonstrates not only almost identical catalytic activity with commercial Pt/C in 1.0 M KOH solution, but also superb stability for 12 days at an electrode potential of −200 mV (v.s. RHE).

Human non-conscious reasoning is one of the most successful procedures developed to solve everyday problems in an efficient way. This is why the field of artificial intelligence should analyze, formalize and emulate the multiple ways of non-conscious reasoning with the purpose of applying them in knowledge based systems, neurocomputers and similar devices for aiding people in the problem-solving process. In this paper, a framework for those non-conscious ways of reasoning is presented based on object-oriented representations, fuzzy sets and multivalued logic.

We present an exact expression for the upscaled dynamic dispersion coefficient (D) for one-dimensional transport by Hagen-Poiseuille flow which is the basis for modeling transport in porous media idealized as capillary tubes. The theoretical model is validated by comparing the breakthrough curves (BTCs) from a 1D advection-dispersion model with dynamic D to that from direct numerical solutions utilizing a 2D advection-diffusion model. Both Taylor dispersion theory and our new theory are good predictors of D at lower Peclet Number (Pe) regime, but gradually fail to capture most parts of BTCs as Pe increases. However, our model generally predicts the mixing and spreading of solutes better than Taylor’s theory since it covers all transport regimes from molecular diffusion, through anomalous transport, and to Taylor dispersion. The model accurately predicts D based on the early part of BTCs even at relatively high Pe regime (~62) where the Taylor’s theory fails. Furthermore, the model allows for calculation of the time scale that separates Fickian from non-Fickian transport. Therefore, our model can readily be used to calculate dispersion through short tubes of arbitrary radii such as the pore throats in a pore network model.

The article focuses on mining of non-energy mineral resources with minimum environmental impacts. It issues from research results of a project Competence Centre for Effective and Ecological Mining of Mineral Resources implemented at the Faculty of Mining and Geology at VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Geological Survey, a company Watrad ltd., a state enterprise Diamo, a company RPS Ostrava plc and a company Sedlecký kaolin plc. The paper starts with a partial analysis of the existing legal norms related to mining and processing of mineral resources. Next, it analyses mineral resource mining options free of negative environmental impacts. The fundamental tool to assess potential environmental impacts of mining is the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for a given mineral resource. In the Czech Republic environmental impact assessment is carried out by course of Act 100/2001 Coll. Its important amendment is Act 39/2015 Coll. claiming, inter alia, that the environmental impact assessment is rigidly connected with other permits and procedures, such as the zoning process and building construction permits. The article describes the environmental impacts of mining of non-energy mineral resources, including the following factors: appropriation of land, impacts on surface water, ground water and soil, noise, influence on the landscape character, and air pollution. The paper also includes a case study summarizing information on the environmental factors that may play a role in potential underground mining of graphite in the deposit Český Krumlov - Městský Vrch and the deposit Lazec - Křenov.

This paper presents an upcoming nonvolatile memories (NVM) overview. Non-volatile memory devices are electrically programmable and erasable to store charge in a location within the device and to retain that charge when voltage supply from the device is disconnected. The non-volatile memory is typically a semiconductor memory comprising thousands of individual transistors configured on a substrate to form a matrix of rows and columns of memory cells. Non-volatile memories are used in digital computing devices for the storage of data. In this paper we have given introduction including a brief survey on upcoming NVM's such as FeRAM, MRAM, CBRAM, PRAM, SONOS, RRAM, Racetrack memory and NRAM. In future Non-volatile memory may eliminate the need for comparatively slow forms of secondary storage systems, which include hard disks.

Non-coding RNA regions have long been considered the "dark matter" of the genome, with their significance in gene regulation remaining enigmatic. However, recent advances in genomics and molecular biology have illuminated the pivotal role that non-coding RNA regions play in the fine-tuned orchestration of hemoglobin expression. Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein vital for life, is tightly regulated, and any disruption in its production can lead to severe medical conditions, such as hemoglobinopathies. This review delves into the intricate world of non-coding RNA regions, exploring how they act as master conductors in controlling hemoglobin gene expression. We will discuss various classes of non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, and their specific mechanisms in fine-tuning hemoglobin levels. Additionally, we will highlight emerging therapeutic approaches that target non-coding RNA regions to ameliorate hemoglobin-related disorders. Understanding the critical role of non-coding RNA regions in hemoglobin regulation opens new avenues for precision medicine and gene therapies, offering hope for those affected by hemoglobinopathies and related conditions. This comprehensive review sheds light on the significance of these non-coding RNA regions, demonstrating that the "silent" players in the genome are, in fact, the conductors of harmony in the symphony of hemoglobin regulation.

We prove the continuous non-Archimedean (resp. p-adic) Banach space and Hilbert space versions of non-Archimedean (resp. p-adic) Welch bounds proved by M. Krishna. We formulate continuous non-Archimedean and p-adic functional Zauner conjectures.

We prove the non-Archimedean (resp. p-adic) Banach space version of non-Archimedean (resp. p-adic) Welch bounds recently obtained by M. Krishna. More precisely, we prove following results. \begin{enumerate}[\upshape(i)] \item Let $\mathbb{K}$ be a non-Archimedean (complete) valued field satisfying $\left|\sum_{j=1}^{n}\lambda_j^2\right|=\max_{1\leq j \leq n}|\lambda_j|^2$ for all $ \lambda_j \in \mathbb{K}, 1\leq j \leq n$, for all $n \in \mathbb{N}.$ Let $\mathcal{X}$ be a $d$-dimensional non-Archimedean Banach space over $\mathbb{K}$. If $\{\tau_j\}_{j=1}^n$ is any collection in $\mathcal{X}$ and $\{f_j\}_{j=1}^n$ is any collection in $\mathcal{X}^*$ (dual of $\mathcal{X}$) satisfying $f_j(\tau_j) =1$ for all $1\leq j \leq n$ and the operator $S_{f, \tau} : \text{Sym}^m(\mathcal{X})\ni x \mapsto \sum_{j=1}^nf_j^{\otimes m}(x)\tau_j^{\otimes m} \in \text{Sym}^m(\mathcal{X})$, is diagonalizable, then \begin{align}\label{NONFUNCTIONALWELCH} \max_{1\leq j,k \leq n, j \neq k}\{|n|, |f_j(\tau_k)f_k(\tau_j)|^{m} \}\geq \frac{|n|^2}{\left|{d+m-1 \choose m}\right| }. \end{align} We call Inequality (\ref{NONFUNCTIONALWELCH}) as non-Archimedean functional Welch bounds. \item For a prime $p$, let $\mathbb{Q}_p$ be the p-adic number field. Let $\mathcal{X}$ be a $d$-dimensional p-adic Banach space over $\mathbb{Q}_p$. If $\{\tau_j\}_{j=1}^n$ is any collection in $\mathcal{X}$ and $\{f_j\}_{j=1}^n$ is any collection in $\mathcal{X}^*$ (dual of $\mathcal{X}$) satisfying $f_j(\tau_j) =1$ for all $1\leq j \leq n$ and there exists $b \in \mathbb{Q}_p$ such that $ \sum_{j=1}^{n}f_j^{\otimes m}(x) \tau_j^{\otimes m} =bx$ for all $ x \in \text{Sym}^m(\mathcal{X}),$ then \begin{align}\label{PADICFUNCTIONALWELCH} \max_{1\leq j,k \leq n, j \neq k}\{|n|, |f_j(\tau_k)f_k(\tau_j)|^{m} \}\geq \frac{|n|^2}{\left|{d+m-1 \choose m}\right| }. \end{align} We call Inequality (\ref{PADICFUNCTIONALWELCH}) as p-adic functional Welch bounds. \end{enumerate} We formulate non-Archimedean functional and p-adic functional Zauner conjectures.

The behavior of convective boundary conditions is studied to delineate their role in heat and mass relegation in the presence of radiation, chemical reaction, and hydromagnetic forces in three-dimensional Powell-Eyring nanofluids. Implications concerning non-Fourier’s heat flux and non-Fick’s mass flux with respect to temperature nanoparticle concentration were examined to discuss the graphical attributes of the principal parameters. An efficient optimal homotopy analysis method is used to solve the transformed partial differential equations. Tables and graphs are physically interpreted for significant parameters

With the increasing demand for security surveillance, assisted driving, and remote sensing, target detection networks with rich environmental perception capabilities and high detection accuracy have become a research hotspot. However, detection techniques based on single-modality images face limitations in environmental adaptability, as they are easily affected by lighting conditions, as well as obstacles such as smoke, rain, and vegetation, leading to information loss and failing to meet the required accuracy. To address these issues, we propose a target detection network—IV-YOLO, which integrates features from both visible and infrared images. We built a dual-branch fusion network based on YOLOv8 (You Only Look Once v8) that combines infrared and visible images for target detection. On this foundation, we designed a Bidirectional Pyramid Feature Fusion structure (Bi-Fusion) to fully integrate complementary features from different modalities, reducing detection errors caused by feature redundancy and extracting fine-grained features of small targets through dual-modal fusion. Additionally, we developed the Shuffle-SPP structure, which combines channel and spatial attention mechanisms to enhance focus on deep features and further aggregate upsampling, extracting richer features. To improve the model’s expressive power, we designed a loss function tailored for multi-scale target detection boxes, accelerating the network’s convergence during training. Experimental results show that the proposed IV-YOLO network achieves an average precision (mAP) of 74.6% on the UAV remote sensing dataset, 75.4% on the KAIST pedestrian dataset, and 84.8% on the FLIR dataset. While ensuring detection accuracy, our model significantly reduces computational load, making it well-suited to meet real-time requirements. This architecture is expected to find broad application in fields such as autonomous driving, public safety, and others.

Major cardiovascular events (MACE) are a cause of major mortality worldwide. The narrowing and blockage of coronary arteries with atherosclerotic plaques is diagnosed and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). During this procedure, coronary angiography (CAG) remains the most widely used guidance modality for the evaluation the affected blood vessel diameter in order to decide if intervention with stent colocation is suitable, where small blood vessels (&lt; 2.75 mm) are majorly left untreated; however, small vessel coronary artery disease (SvCAD) is a significant risk factor for recurrence of MACE, and there are some limitations to the use of CAG that could be improved with the use of newer techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), although at higher costs, which might explain their underuse. To address this discrepancy and identify specific cases for its use, we conducted a retrospective study in patients who underwent PCI for MACE with at least one small blood vessel affected. The affected small blood vessels’ diameter was obtained with both CAG and IVUS, additionally we underwent a multivariate analysis to identify risk factors associated with a change in diameter. We included information from 48 patients with mean + SD age of 69.1 + 11.9 years and 34% were masculine gender. We found a significant positive low correlation in diameter measurements of small blood vessels (r=0.1242 p=0.014). Mean diameter with CAG and IVUS was 2.1 mm (95% CI 1.9-2.2), and 2.8 (2.8-3.0) the estimated difference was of 0.8 mm (95 % CI 0.7-0.9). In total 37 (77%) of patients had a reclassification of their blood vessels from a small to medium (2.75-3.00 mm) in 21 cases, or even large (&lt;3.00 mm) in 15 cases, after IVUS; this was important for the decision of intervention and stent collocation. The only variable associated with reclassification of blood vessels after adjusted in a multivariate analysis was DT2 (p=0 0.035). Our findings corroborate that blood vessels might appear smaller with CAG, especially in the diabetes population, therefore at least in these cases the use of IVUS is recommended over CAG.

The EU’s energy targets are to achieve at least 32% renewables in the energy mix by 2030. Part of the solution is strengthening consumer rights by empowering individuals to generate their own electricity. The study aimed to identify the most suitable energy system for electricity generation of up to 50 kW in the EU residential sector. The Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis was used to compare four systems: proton exchange membrane fuel cell with photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic panels, biomass powered Stirling engine, and solar powered Stirling engine. Based on the results, the most beneficial system for household electricity generation is the Biomass-fueled Stirling engine system due to its affordability, reliability, and low environmental impact. Governments and businesses can use these findings to improve information for the residential sector and enable the transition to renewable energy.

The small-molecule iododiflunisal (IDIF) is a transthyretin (TTR) tetramer stabilizer and acts as a chaperone of the TTR-Amyloid beta interaction. Oral administration of IDIF improves Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)-like pathology in mice, although mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics remain unknown. Radiolabeling IDIF with positron or gamma emitters may aid in the in vivo evaluation of IDIF using non-invasive nuclear imaging techniques. In this work, we report isotopic exchange reaction to obtain IDIF radiolabeled with 18F. [19F/ 18F]exchange reaction over IDIF in dimethylsulfoxide at 160 °C resulted in the formation of [18F]IDIF in 7±3% radiochemical yield in a 20 minutes reaction time, with a final radiochemical purity of >99%. Biodistribution studies after intravenous administration of [18F]IDIF in wild-type mice using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging showed capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier (ca. 1% of injected dose per gram of tissue in the brain at t&gt;10 min post administration), rapid accumulation in the liver, long circulation time and progressive elimination via urine. Our results open opportunities for future studies in larger animal species or human subjects.

Simple weir irrigation was recently introduced in rural areas of Zambia. This irrigation technique is based on gravity diversion of the river flow using simple weirs. This study was conducted between November 2022 to January 2023 in 3 northern region provinces (Luapula, Copperbelt, and North-western) of Zambia to perform a diagnostic assessment on simple weirs during the dry and the wet seasons. In this study, 15 single-line simple weirs were selected. The objective of the study is to assess the physical status, identify problems and extent, and estimate water diversion potential by each single-line weir. The findings of this study showed that 67% of weirs were in excellent status (recently maintained and repaired), and 26% of the weirs were partially damaged (leakages, decayed thatch grass). The study revealed that single-line weirs were able to raise a flood height of 0.1m at low flow and 0.5m at medium flow. It was found that single-line weirs in excellent condition diverted more than 90% of the river flow while poorly maintained weirs diverted below 45% of the river discharge. Based on the findings, Single-line weirs have the potential to assist small-scale farmers in accessing river water for irrigation purposes through diversion.

The RNA-binding protein Human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. The protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatics approaches, high throughput virtual screening and RNA–protein pull-down assays, we show that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits dose-dependent HuR inhibition in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the so-far known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.

During two decades back, the growth of the fisheries sector in Indonesia was showing increasing trend, however, behind the rapid development of the sector, small-scale fisheries role is often neglected as one of the main actors to support the whole sector. They remain poor and doing fishing activities traditionally. Therefore, this study aims to describe the real situation of small-scale fishers, analyzing fishers’ ownership of the boat, analyzing their income level to reveal their poverty condition, to analyze the factors affecting their income. The regression analysis results indicate that fishing days, boat category, sea fish catch, fish selling price, variable cost, and secondary job have significant affect to fishers’ net income.

Recently, SMR (Small Modular Reactor) is expected to be able to operate flexibly in conjunction with a high renewable energy penetration grid as a result of improved safety and easy power control compared to large nuclear power plants. SMRs such as South Korea’s System-integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor (SMART) are designed to use canned motors (CMs) for their reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) to enhance safety. The CMs passively enhance the reactor’s safety by preventing leakage of radioactive reactor coolant. However, with motor sizes designed to be as small as possible, and the increased air gap of CMs between stator and rotor, starting torque may be insufficiently small compared to that of similar sized induction motors (IMs). Thusly, CMs may require variable frequency drives (VFDs) to start. This paper compares the torque characteristics of CMs with those of IMs for SMART’s RCPs. ETAP is then used to perform motor starting analysis for CMs started with and without VFDs. The results are presented and analyzed to find out if the VFDs deal with the CM starting torque issue.

Skin melanoma presents increasing prevalence and poor outcomes. Progression to aggressive stages is characterized by overexpression of the transcription factor E2F1 and activation of downstream prometastatic gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Appropriate therapeutic manipulation of the E2F1-governed GRNs holds the potential to prevent metastasis however, these networks entail complex feedback and feedforward regulatory motifs among various regulatory layers, which make it difficult to identify druggable components. To this end, computational approaches such as mathematical modeling and virtual screening are important tools to unveil the dynamics of these signaling networks and identify critical components that could be further explored as therapeutic targets. Herein, we integrated a well-established E2F1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) map with transcriptomics data from E2F1-expressing melanoma cells to reconstruct a core regulatory network underlying aggressive melanoma. Using logic-based in silico perturbation experiments of a core regulatory network, we identified that simultaneous perturbation of Protein kinase B (AKT1) and oncoprotein murine double minute 2 (MDM2) drastically reduces EMT in melanoma. Using the structures of the two protein signatures, virtual screening strategies were performed with the FDA-approved drug library. Thus, by combining drug repurposing and computer-aided drug design techniques, followed by molecular dynamics simulation analysis identified two potent drugs (Cialis and Finasteride) that can efficiently inhibit AKT1 and MDM2 protein signatures respectively, and with better therapeutic properties. We proposed that these two drugs could be considered for the development of therapeutic strategies for the management of aggressive melanoma.

Since 2020 COVID-19 has caused serious mortality around the world. Given the ambiguity in es-tablishing COVID-19 as the direct cause of death we first investigate the effects of age and sex upon all-cause mortality during 2020 and 2021 in England and Wales. Since infectious agents have their own unique age profile for death, we explore several methods to adjust single year of age deaths in England and Wales during 2019 (the pre-COVID-19 base year) to a pathogen-neutral single year of age baseline. This adjusted base year is then used to confirm the widely reported higher deaths in males for most ages above 43 years in both 2020 and 2021. During 2020 (+ COVID-19 but no vac-cination) both male and female population-adjusted deaths were significantly increased above age 35. A significant reduction in all-cause mortality among both males and females aged 75+ could be demonstrated in 2021 during widespread COVID–19 vaccination, however, below age 75 deaths progressively increased. This finding arises from a mix of vaccination and year of age profiles of deaths for the different SARS-CoV-2 variants. In addition, specific effects for age around puberty were demonstrated where females had higher deaths rather than males. There is evidence that year-of-birth cohorts may also be involved, indicating that immune priming to specific pathogen outbreaks in the past may lead to lower deaths for some birth cohorts. To specifically identify the age profile for the COVID-19 variants in 2020 to 2023, we employ the proportion of total deaths at each age which are potentially due to or ‘with’ COVID-19. The original Wuhan strain, and the Alpha variant show somewhat limited divergence in the age profile with the Alpha variant shifted to a moderately higher proportion of deaths below age 84. The Delta variant specifically targeted persons below age 65. The Omicron variants showed significantly lower proportion of overall mortality, with markedly higher relative proportion of deaths above age 65 steeply increasing with age to a maximum around 100 years of age. A similar age profile for the variants can be seen in the age-banded deaths in US states – although slightly obscured by using age bands rather than single year of age. However, the US data shows that higher male deaths are greatly dependent on age and the COVID-variant. Deaths determined as ‘due to’ COVID-19 (as opposed to ‘involving’ COVID-19) in England and Wales were especially over-estimated in 2021 relative to the change in all-cause mortality. This arose as a by-product of an increase in COVID-19 testing capacity in late 2020. Potential structure-function mechanisms for the year of age specificity of SARS-CoV-2 var-iants are discussed. The question is posed as to whether vaccines based on different variants carry the specific age profile through into the vaccine.

Ral-interacting protein 76 (RLIP76) is a potential factor with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the corpus luteum and tumor angiogenesis. RLIP76, VEGF, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) are proteins that activate angiogenic functions in tumor and endothelial cells. RLIP76 is a main factor in tumor growth, and VEGF is a major endothelial cell protein for angiogenesis. Also, RLIP76 regulates a small GTPase (R-Ras, oncogene) in cell survival, spreading, and migration. HIF-1 is important in the corpus luteum, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor growth. VEGF and HIF-1 regulate the angiogenic function of RLIP76, and RLIP76 controls vascular growth in endothelial and tumor cells. RLIP76, R-Ras, VEGF, and HIF-1 may be useful in the research of corpus luteum and cancer therapy and the study of mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis. This review will help to elucidate the roles of RLIP76/R-Ras and VEGF via HIF-1 in corpus luteum and tumor angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and the specific regulation of RLIP76 in luteal, tumor, and endothelial cells. Thus, we reviewed the angiogenesis of the corpus luteum and tumor in the ovarian and tumor microenvironment.

The selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is one of the main antioxidant mediators in the human body. Its central function involves the reduction of complex hydroperoxides into their respective alcohols often using reduced Glutathione (GSH) as a reducing agent. GPX4 has become a hotspot therapeutic target in biomedical research following its characterization as a chief regulator of ferroptosis, and its subsequent recognition as a specific pharmacological target for the treatment of an extensive variety of human diseases including cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Several recent studies have provided insights into how GPX4 is distinguished from the rest of the glutathione peroxidase family, the unique biochemical properties of GPX4, how GPX4 is related to lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis, and how the enzyme may be modulated as a potential therapeutic target. This current report aims to review the literature underlying all these insights and present an up-to-date perspective on the current understanding of GPX4 as a potential therapeutic target.

In the framework of the self-consistent Maxwell-Pauli theory, the non-linear Pauli equation is obtained. Stationary and nonstationary solutions of the nonlinear Pauli equation for the hydrogen atom are studied. We show that spontaneous emission and the related rearrangement of the internal structure of an atom, which is traditionally called a spontaneous transition, have a simple and natural description in the framework of classical field theory without any quantization and additional hypotheses. The behavior of the intrinsic magnetic moment (spin) of an electron wave in an external magnetic field is considered. We show that, according to the self-consistent Maxwell-Pauli theory, in a weak magnetic field, the intrinsic magnetic moment of an electron wave is always oriented parallel to the magnetic field strength vector, while in a strong magnetic field, depending on the initial orientation of the intrinsic magnetic moment, two orientations are realized: either parallel or antiparallel to the magnetic field strength vector.

Background: Studies have demonstrated the link between vitamin D-related genetic variations and non-skeletal outcomes. We aimed to identify all available data on the association of vitamin D-related genetic variations with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Potentially eligible studies were identified from Embase and Medline databases from inception to June 2022 using search strategy that comprised terms for “Vitamin D” and “NAFLD”. Eligible study must report the association between vitamin D-related genetic variations and presence, severity or response to treatment of NAFLD. Data were extracted from each eligible study. Results: A total of 3,495 articles were identified. After systematic review, twelve studies were in-cluded. A total of 26 genetic variations were identified. Presence of NAFLD was associated with variations of GC (rs222054, rs222020, rs10011000, rs7041), VDR (rs2228570, rs11168287, rs10783219, rs4752), CYP24A1 (rs3787557, rs6068816, rs2296241, rs2248359) and CYP27B1 (rs4646536). Severity of NAFLD was associated with variations of GC (rs4588), VDR (rs2228570, rs4334089), CYP2R1 (rs10741657), DHCR7 (rs1544410, rs3829251, rs12785878) and CYP24A1 (rs3787557, rs6068816, rs6097809, rs6127119, rs2248359, rs3787554, rs4809960, rs6022999). Response to calcitriol treatment was associated with variation of VDR (rs10735810). Conclusions: Multiple vitamin D-related genetic variations were associated with NAFLD, indi-cating the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

This paper designs and fabricates a small-type permanent-magnet linear motor and driver for automation applications. It covers structural design, magnetic circuit analysis, control strategies, and hardware development. Magnetic circuit analysis software JMAG is used for flux density distribution, back electromotive force(back-EMF), and electromagnetic force analysis. To address end effects and cogging force, auxiliary core structures and control strategies are proposed. The motor has a three-phase, six-coil, seven-pole configuration, achieving a peak phase voltage of 3.621 V at 1.0 m/s with a total harmonic distortion(THD) of 0.49 % and the voltages of each phase are balancing a phase voltage error of -0.002 V. The average electromagnetic force is 5.46 N/A. The driver uses a three-phase inverter with voltage space vector pulse width modulation(VSVPWM), dq-axes current closed-loop control, electromagnetic force control, and S-curve motion trajectory control. Simulations with JMAG-RT models in MATLAB/Simulink verify the control strategies. A microcontroller (TMS320F280045) serves as the control core, and a magnetic encoder with a 488 nm resolution provides position feedback. Each phase winding has an equivalent resistance of approximately 3.0 Ω and an inductance of approximately 1.98 mH. The S-curve motion trajectory control achieves a maximum position error of approximately 5.0 μm and a speed ripple of approximately 0.03 m/s at steady speed. With cogging force improvement, the maximum electromagnetic force is 4.90 N, and the q-axis current compensates around 1.05 A based on mover position. S-curve motion trajectory control results in highly stable and responsive performance. Practical tests show that the designed small-type permanent-magnet linear motor and its driver provide efficient, stable, and high-precision solutions for automation applications.

The small business sector in Kazakhstan demonstrates dynamic growth, but its sustainable development in modern conditions requires activation from government agencies, society and entrepreneurs themselves The purpose of the article is to study the development of small entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan and develop a mechanism for sustainable development based on network interaction "business entities - society-state" with the identification of priority areas of development based on a rating approach. The methods of bibliographic analysis of scientific literature, statistical, correlation analysis, survey, comparative analysis, ranking based on data normalization were used. The results revealed the need to formalize indicators of sustainable development of the small business sector in strategic development programs; create conditions, support, explain the importance and prospects of investing in sustainable innovations by small businesses; form a balanced strategy for achieving carbon neutrality based on network interaction "business entities - society-state" with the identification of priority areas of development based on a rating approach to ensure transparency and publicity of decisions made. Conclusions are made about the need to popularize sustainable development among business entities, stimulate investment activity through government participation, legislative regulation of public presentation of non-financial reporting, and assist society in the formation of an ESG culture.

Besides the increase in global energy demand, access to clean energy, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions caused by conventional power generation sources, energy security, and availability of electricity in remote villages in emerging nations are some of the factors that foster the use of renewable energy sources (RESs) in generating electricity. One of the aims of initiating microgrids (MGs) is to maximize the benefits of RES and alleviate the associated grid integration issues. Microgrids are made up of RES connected to electrical loads within clearly delineated electrical limits that operate as individual controllable units on the electrical network. It can operate in-dependently as well as in connection with the grid. The paper presents an overview of microgrids and investigates the system's performance when connected to and disconnected from the grid. Furthermore, in both modes of operation, the functioning and behavior of system components such as the bidirectional DC-DC converter and energy storage system (ESS) were evaluated. The architecture of the proposed microgrid consists of a small hydropower plant, a wind farm, and a battery energy storage system (BESS). The microgrid under investigation is modeled and simu-lated using MATLAB and Simulink.

Accurate evaluation of thermo-fluid dynamic characteristics in tank are critically important for designing liquid hydrogen tank of small-scale hydrogen liquefier to minimize heat in-leak into the liquid and ullage. Due to the huge cost, most future liquid hydrogen storage tank designs will have to rely on predictive computational models for storage tank pressurization and heat-leak minimization. Thus, reliable on predictive numerical models to aid design process of tank design have been required. Therefore, in this study, in order to improve the storage efficiency of the small-scale hydrogen liquefier, a three-dimensional CFD model that can predict the boil-off rate and the thermo-fluid characteristics due to heat penetration has been developed. The prediction performance and accuracy of the CFD model is validated on the basis of the comparisons between its results and previous experimental data and a good agreement is obtained. To evaluate insulation performance of polyurethane foam according to thickness, the pressure change and thermo-fluid characteristics in a partially liquid hydrogen tank, subject to fixed ambient temperature and wind velocity, has been investigated numerically. Three different insulation thickness were considered to investigate not only interfacial characteristics between liquid and ullage but thermo-fluid dynamics in hydrogen storage tank for various heat-leak situation. The results indicate that as the insulation thickness becomes thinner and more heat penetration exists, natural convection by buoyancy develops stronger, so strong vortices are created near the interfacial zone by upward flow driven by buoyancy. In particular, as the amount of heat in-leak increased, wider and stronger heat accumulation was found in the top dished head area of the ullage area. In addition, it was confirmed that the CFD model developed in this study could well describe the phenomenon in which the temperature of the tank wall and the insulation mat increased at a faster rate due to faster heat transfer from the vapor and interface. In the future, the numerical model developed in this study will be used for optimizing insulation system of storage tank for small-scale hydrogen which is cost-effective and highly efficient.

Under the oxidative stress condition, the small RNA (sRNA) Oxys that acts as essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression is produced and plays a regulatory function with the assistance of the RNA chaperone Hfq protein. Interestingly, experimental studies found that the N48A mutation of Hfq protein could enhance the binding affinity with OxyS while resulting in defection of gene regulation. But, how the Hfq protein interacts with sRNA Oxys and the origin of the stronger affinity of N48A mutation are both unclear. In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on the complex structure of Hfq and OxyS to explore their binding mechanism. The molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) and interaction entropy (IE) method were combined to calculate the binding free energy between Hfq and OxyS sRNA, and the computational result is in excellent correlation with the experimental result. Per-residue decomposition of the binding free energy revealed that the enhanced binding ability of the N48A mutation mainly comes from the increased van der Waals interactions (vdW). This research explores the binding mechanism between Oxys and chaperone protein Hfq, and revealed the origin of the strong binding affinity of N48A mutation. The results provided important insights on the mechanism of gene expression regulation affected by protein mutations.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules contain various post-transcriptional modifications that are crucial for tRNA stability, translation efficiency, and fidelity. Besides their canonical roles in translation, tRNAs also originate tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions ranging from translation regulation to gene expression control and cellular stress response. Recent evidence indicates that tsRNAs are also modified, however, the impact of tRNA epitranscriptome deregulation on tsRNAs generation is only now beginning to be uncovered. The 5-methyluridine (m5U) modification at position 54 of cytosolic tRNAs is one of the most common and conserved tRNA modifications among species. The tRNA methyltransferase TRMT2A catalyzes this modification, but its biological role remains mostly unexplored. Here, we show that TRMT2A knockdown in human cells induces m5U54 tRNA hypomodification, resulting in angiogenin (ANG) dependent tsRNA formation. More specifically, m5U54 hypomodification is followed by ANG overexpression and tRNA cleavage near the anticodon, resulting in accumulation of 5’tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs (5’tiRNAs), in particular 5’tiRNA-GlyGCC and 5’tiRNA-GluCTC. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis confirms that down-regulation of TRMT2A and consequently m5U54 hypomodification impacts the cellular stress response and RNA stability, which is often correlated with tsRNA generation. Accordingly, exposure to oxidative stress conditions induces TRMT2A down-regulation and tsRNA formation in mammalian cells. These results establish a link between tRNA demethylation and ANG-dependent tsRNAs formation and unravel m5U54 as a tRNA cleavage protective mark.

To contribute to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sustainable transition into the circular economy, the study proposes the activation of organizational learning (OL) processes – denoted here as multi-level knowledge creation, transfer, and retention processes – as a key phase in introducing circular business models (CBMs) at SME and supply chain (SC) level. The research employs a mixed-method approach, using the focus group methodology to identify contextual elements impacting on CBM-related OL processes, and a survey-based evaluation to single out the most frequently used OL processes inside Italian construction SMEs. As main result, a CBM-oriented OL multi-level model offers a fine-grained understanding of contextual elements acting mutually as barriers and drivers for OL processes, as possible OL dynamics among them. The multi-level culture construct – composed of external stakeholders’, SC stakeholders’, and organizational culture – identify the key element to activate CBM-oriented OL processes. Main implications are related to the identification of cultural, structural, regulatory, and process contextual elements across the external, SC, and organizational levels, and their interrelation with applicable intraorganizational and interorganizational learning processes. The proposed model would contribute to an improved implementation of transitioning into the circular economy utilizing sustainable business models in the construction SMEs.

Rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV) a member of Tenuivirus family, is very potent and destructive which effects rice crop in many countries, particularly China. Non coding RNAs have important functions in development and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in numerous organsisms. There is three type of small non coding RNAs have been found in eukaryotes, which are small interferring RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and piwi interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Small RNAs (sRNAs) origination is from the infecting virus which is known as virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs), has responsibility for RNA silencing in plants. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) is mainly dependent on RNA silencing (RNAi). Interestingly, RNA silencing happens in plants during viral infections. RNAi technique showed significant results in Nephotettix cincticeps. RNAi technique demonstrated the gene silencing of planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. The proteins P5, pcf4, Dnj, psn5, and pn6 act as potential movement proteins and serve as silencing suppressors for RGSV. VsiRNAs originate from dsRNA molecules which require Dicer-like (DCL) proteins, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) proteins, and Argonaute (AGO) proteins. RdRP uses ssRNA for perfect RNA amplification process and can also be used for DCL dependent secondary vsiRNA formation. VSRs interfere with the movement of signals during silencing mechanism. Moreover, intercellular movement of viruses is facilitated by virus-encoded movement protein. RNAi is found in many eukaryotes which are related to transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation by gene suppression. Transcription is bidirectional in ssDNA viruses which are originated from dsRNA molecules. In this review, we highlighted the biology of Rice grassy stunt virus and its insect vector and its silencing suppressors. This work will be helpful for plant virologists to understand the whole biogenesis mechanism for rice viruses especially RGSV.

Today’s physics describes nature in “subjective concepts” (concepts of observers), such as spatial, temporal, wave, particle, force, field. There are coordinate-free formulations of special and general relativity (SR/GR), but there is no absolute time in SR/GR. Thus, there is no “holistic view” (a view that is universal for all objects at the same instant in time) in SR/GR. I show: Euclidean relativity (ER) provides a holistic view by describing nature in “objective concepts” (concepts that are immanent in all objects). “Pure distance” replaces spatial and temporal distance. “Pure energy” replaces wave and particle. I give one example where “process” replaces force and field. Each object’s proper space and its proper time span an absolute, Euclidean spacetime (ES), where and are pure distances. The new invariant is absolute, cosmic time . All energy moves through ES at the speed . An observer’s reality is created by orthogonally projecting ES to his proper space and to his proper time. These two projections are reassembled in SR/GR to a non-Euclidean spacetime. Information is lost in all projections. Thus, there will always be unsolved mysteries if we ignore ES. ER solves 15 mysteries, including the Hubble tension! On top, ER declares four concepts obsolete, such as dark energy and non-locality. I conclude: SR/GR describe an observer’s reality. ER describes the “master reality” ES. Objective concepts are mandatory in cosmology and in quantum mechanics. Thus, the scope of SR/GR is limited—just as the scope of Newton’s physics is limited.

The paper describes the influence of the drum system construction of two modern carding machines on the porous structure of spunlace non-wovens composed of polyester and viscose. The non-woven fabric structure, including the number and size of the pores, determines the tensile strength of the composites obtained. The spunlace non-wovens were subjected to tensile strength tests in the machine, and cross directions and microscopic observations of their structure were made. The results of the experiments were used to determine the relationship between the strength of the material and the porosity of its structure. This knowledge was used to prepare recommendations for the manufacturer of wet wipes in order to enable the selection of a carding machine for the mass production of final products with strength properties that meet market requirements and satisfy the end customer.

The study delved into the interaction between corn starch and ethyl maltol during innovative repeated-continuous heat-moisture treatment (RCHMT), and its impact on the quality of fried chicken nuggets. The results revealed that the complexation ratio of ethyl maltol in the corn starch-ethyl maltol complex remained stable, and the complex created dense microporous structures. Native starch and complex samples exhibited an A-type crystal structure, while the physical mixture sample showed a Ca-type. Additionally, the peak of C-O-H def., CH2 of the complex sample was red-shifted, and the hydrogen bond structure was enhanced. Moreover, the complex exhibited a higher resistant starch content and lower hydrolysis rate than the physical mixture sample. The starch-ethyl maltol formed by RCHMT is a non-inclusion complex. It has been shown to reduce oil absorption and enhance the crispness of fried chicken nuggets, matching that of commercial products. This finding provides a direction for the development of innovative coating powders.

Machine unlearning, the process of selectively forgetting or removing the influence of specific data points from a machine learning model, is increasingly important for privacy and compliance with regulations like the GDPR. This paper explores the concept of exact unlearning, focusing on its implementation in models trained using convex and non-convex functions. Convex functions, due to their well-behaved optimization landscapes, lend themselves to efficient unlearning through methods such as inverse optimization, duality-based approaches, and incremental learning. In contrast, non-convex functions, common in deep learning models, present more complex challenges due to their multiple local minima and high-dimensional parameter spaces. Techniques like checkpoint-based retraining, gradient inversion, and meta-learning are discussed as viable, though computationally expensive, methods for non-convex exact unlearning. The paper also highlights real-world applications in fields such as finance and healthcare, where exact unlearning can enhance privacy and security without compromising model performance. Finally, it outlines key challenges and future research directions, particularly the need for more efficient unlearning algorithms in non-convex settings and the development of secure, adversarial-resistant methods for sensitive data removal.

Globally, the fuel demand is increasing rapidly and the conventional method to produce fuel is toxic which causes environmental degradation and climate crisis. Therefore, biodiesel emerges as the substitute to overcome the conventional fuel problems because biodiesel is renewable and non-toxic. Biodiesel synthesis is the process of using fats and oils to produce biodiesel ester and glycerol. Biodiesel can be produced using edible and non-edible feedstock but using the edible feedstocks problems like fuel vs food, nutritional value and economic considerations were raised. Therefore, non-edible feedstocks are being used to overcome problems arising from edible feedstock. As non-edible feedstocks can easily be grown anywhere on land, doesn’t cause imbalance to food economy and has low cost. Many non-consumable seeds like Mahua, Jatropha, Castor, Neem etc. are used to produce biodiesel. Now a days, researchers are using nanoparticles to enhance the stability, quality, and properties of biodiesel. In future, researchers can use algae and microbial oils for production of biodiesel. Research can also use biojet fuel in such a way that it reduces the carbon emission. In future, production of biodiesel can be integrated into circular economy models to reduce environmental waste and impact. In this review we will discuss the production methods for biodiesel, catalysts for biodiesel production, and non-edible feedstock properties of biodiesel.

The reaction of 2-((diphenylmethylene)amino)acetonitrile with (E)-1-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one was performed by using 33% NaOH in CH3CN for 30 min at 0°C. The main product - rel-(2R,3S)-2-((diphenylmethylene)amino)-5-oxo-5-phenyl-3-(thiophen-2-yl)pentanenitrile was isolated and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is now part of the standard regimen for the treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed acute promyelocytic leukaemia. The availability of an oral form of ATO has greatly reduced the incidence of cardiotoxicity as compared to intravenous administration. Increasing evidence suggests that ATO has anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. These include the modulation of Treg cell activation, Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance, depletion of activated T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and influence of B cell differentiation, leading to reduced autoantibody and cytokine production. ATO has also been shown to induce apoptosis of activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes through generation of reactive oxygen species and alter the gut microbiota in collagen-induced arthritis. Despite the emergence of newer treatment modalities, the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially refractory manifestations, remains a challenge, owing to the paucity of effective biological and targeted therapies that are devoid of adverse effects. Oral ATO is an attractive option for the treatment of SLE because of the lower cost of production, convenience of administration and reduced cardiotoxicity. This article summarizes the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ATO and its potential application in the treatment of SLE.

Money demand is the amount of real money balance with people and they can decide at any time what part of their assets to keep in cash. In this study, money was assumed to be a durable good that leads to the flow of some kind of service. Therefore, money became a function of utility. Using AIDS elasticity demand function, income, price and cross elasticities were evaluated. The statistics of this study are related to the years 2003-2022. The results showed that, based on the assumption of three goods, the demand includes bills and negotiable instruments, demand deposits, and time deposits. Based on the limitation of symmetry, collectability and homogeneity, the tensions can be calculated. The results showed that the price elasticity of demand for banknotes and muskox with term deposits is not significant. On the other hand, the cross tension between sight deposits and term deposits is negative and significant.

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by symbiotic bacteria plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture. However, current quantification methods are often expensive and impractical. This study explores the potential of Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive technique, for rapid assessment of BNF activity in soybeans. Raman spectra were obtained from soybean plants grown with and without rhizobia bacteria to identify spectral signatures associated with BNF. δN15 isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was used to determine actual BNF percentages. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was employed to develop a model for BNF quantification based on Raman spectra. The model explained 80% of the variation in BNF activity. To enhance the model's specificity for BNF detection regardless of nitrogen availability, a subsequent elastic net (Enet) regularization strategy was implemented. This approach provided insights into key wavenumbers and biochemicals associated with BNF in soybeans.

This research paper aims to evaluate and model the performance of rice husk gasifier cook stoves for household energy use, a byproduct of rice milling. The study aims to address environmental issues and promote the use of rice husk as a renewable energy source and pest repellent in stoves. The study compared insulated and non-insulated gasifier stoves using rice husk gasification. The study compared the start-up time of insulated and non-insulated gasifier stoves, where the insulated stove showed a lower start-up time, but there was no significant difference at a 5% probability level. The temperature change also was not significant, as heat transfer and temperature change started when the husk was ignited. The burner stoves had different size and volume. The maximum operated or flame temperature was 1,190.30oC at room or minimum temperature of 27.33 oC, whereas the average temperature was 758.916oC for the non-insulated type of gasifier stove. The insulated gasifier stove also observed maximum and average temperatures of 518.30 oC and 289.014oC respectively at the same room temperature. The operating time of stoves directly influences the fuel consumption rate, specific gasification rate, and combustion zone rate of stoves. The fuel consumption rate has a significant effect on the type of gasifier stove, with the maximum rates being 3.820 and 2.099 kg/hr. The time to consume rice husks to gasify them depends on the density of the rice husk, reactor volume, and fuel consumption rate. The average specific gasification rate for insulated and non-insulated stoves is 106.45 and 120.63 kg/m2h, respectively. The fuel or rice husk holding capacity of each type of stove is significant at a 5% level, with the amount of rice husk and biochar produced being 1.18kg and 0.27kg for insulated stoves, and 2.511kg and 0.688kg for non-insulated stoves, respectively. The performance of gasifier stoves varies based on the bio char conversion rate, with non-insulated stoves producing a higher bio char mass per rice husk. Multiple regression analysis was used to model the relationship between time elapse with temperature and heat energy. The Squirrel-2020 data logger was used to measure the temperature produced by burning rice husks in the reactor of the stove as well as related generated and losses of heat. A relationship between the heat energy produced and the operating time of gasifier stoves was conducted to estimate the model. The cubic polynomial model was found to be the best predictive model fit for all variables of this study.

Compact solar-powered plasma water generator: enhanced on-site aged seed germination with the corona dielectric barrier discharger

The safety of vegetable food is compromised by various factors, including the inefficient or excessive use of sanitizers. Instances of individuals falling ill after consuming raw vegetables have been reported, with outbreaks of diseases caused by pathogens on fresh vegetables becoming increasingly prevalent globally, attracting significant media coverage and impacting the economic viability of vegetable cultivation. Measures to enhance food safety in postharvest horticultural produce involve controlling microbial proliferation and minimizing cross-contamination. Sanitizers were utilized in the food safety arsenal for a variety of purposes, including pathogen elimination and microbe reduction, hand, tools, and vegetable contact surface cleaning, and produce shelf life extension. Choosing an appropriate sanitizer for all vegetables is difficult due to a lack of knowledge on which sanitizers are ideal for the many types of vegetables grown on farms under different environmental circumstances. Although chlorine-based sanitizers, such as sodium or calcium hypochlorite, have been widely used for the past 50 years, recent research has revealed that chlorine reacts with an organic compound in fresh vegetables to produce trihalomethane, a carcinogen precursor, and as a result, many countries have prohibited the use of chlorine in all foods. As a result, horticulture research groups worldwide are exploring for non-chlorine, ecologically friendly sanitizers for the vegetable industry. They also want to understand more about present procedures in the vegetable business for employing alternative sanitizers, as well as the efficacy and potential dangers to the food safety of fresh salad vegetables. This review-cum-research paper presented detailed information on non-chlorine sanitizers, such as their efficacy, benefits, drawbacks, regulatory requirements, and the need for additional research to lower the risk of marketed salad vegetable food safety.

The moisture content of maize seed is an important indicator for evaluating seed quality and a fundamental item in grain testing. The experiment used direct drying method to measure the moisture content of 80 different varieties of maize samples, and captured their images using a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system in the spectral range of 1100~2498nm. By comparing seven spectral preprocessing methods, the PLSR model established after Normalize pretreatment had the best effect. The characteristic wavelengths were selected by Successive Projections Algorithm (SPA), Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) and Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE). Twelve prediction models were established for full band spectra and characteristic wavelengths based on PLSR, PCR and SVM. By comparing the performance of the prediction models, it was found the Normalize-SPA-PLSR algorithm was optimized. The values of RC2 and RP2 in the model were higher, which were 0.9936 and 0.9933, respectively, while the values of RMSEP and RMSECV were lower, which were 0.0357 and 0.0380, respectively. The Normalize-SPA-PLSR model was used as a visual prediction model for moisture content of maize seed, the 20 maize varieties in the prediction set were visualized to obtain visualized color images of moisture content. The color differences between different moisture content images were significant. The result indicated that hyperspectral imaging could accurately, rapidly, and non-destructive predict moisture content of maize seed, which provided technical support for moisture content detection in the process of maize harvest, storage and processing.

It is unknown whether postprandial plasma glucose measured from blood taken between 4 and 7.9 h (PPG4-7.9h) is associated with mortality from hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate these associations in 4,896 US adults who attended the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of PPG4-7.9h for mortality. This cohort was followed up for 106,300 person-years (mean follow-up, 21.7 years). A 1-natural-log-unit increase in PPG4-7.9h was associated with a higher risk of mortality from hypertension (HR, 3.50; 95% CI, 2.34-5.24), diabetes (HR, 11.7; 95% CI, 6.85-20.0), and CVD (HR, 2.76; 95% CI, 2.08-3.68) after adjustment for all the tested confounders except hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). After further adjustment for HbA1c, PPG4-7.9h remained positively associated with mortality from hypertension (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.13-4.08) and CVD (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05-2.51), but was no longer associated with diabetes mortality. Subgroup analyses showed that similar results were obtained in the sub-cohort of participants without a prior diagnosis of myocardial infarction or stroke. In conclusion, PPG4-7.9h predicts mortality from hypertension and CVD independent of HbA1c.

Accurately estimating the pose of spacecraft is indispensable for space applications. However, such targets are generally non-cooperative, i.e., no markers are mounted on it and no parts for operation. Therefore, the detection and measurement of a non-cooperative target is very challenging. Stereovision sensors are important solutions in the near field. In this paper, a rectangular natural feature recognition and pose measurement method for non-cooperative spacecraft is proposed. Solar panels or the bodies of spacecraft are selected as detection objects and their image features are captured by stereo vision. These rectangle features are then reconstructed in 3D Cartesian space through parallelogram fitting on the image planes of two cameras. The vertexes are used to calculate the center position of the rectangle and the direction of the fixed coordinate system to solve the pose and attitude of the non-cooperative target. An experimental system is built to validate the effectiveness of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the average position measurement error of the algorithm is about 10mm and the average attitude measurement error is less than 1°. The results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and efficiency.

Non-timber forest Products (NTFPs) are a broad category of natural resources harvested from forests that do not involve cutting down trees for their wood or timber. NTFPs play a vital role in the livelihoods and economies of many rural communities, particularly in forest-dependent regions. Despite the benefits obtained from NTFPS, little is known about its potential to alleviate poverty in the local communities. The objective of this review is to comprehensively assess the potential of NTFP's contribution to poverty reduction within forest fringe communities. The study employed the systematic review method to delve into the multifaceted relationship between NTFPs and poverty alleviation. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocol (PRISM-P). In all, 58 research articles were reviewed. The results indicated that NTFPs hold significant promise as a tool for poverty alleviation. Globally, NTFPs have the potential to alleviate poverty and increase household incomes between 19% and 78% within forest fringe rural communities. In addition, the review indicated that countries in Africa and Asia depend highly on NTFPs and provide substantial amounts of income to the locals. However, the potential for NTFPs to reduce poverty is not uniform. It is highly contingent upon local ecological conditions, market accessibility, community involvement, and supporting policies and interventions. In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that NTFPs have a substantial role in poverty alleviation. This study underscores the need for continued research and targeted development initiatives to unlock the vast potential of NTFPs in addressing poverty challenges.

It is generally accepted that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The link between atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via metabolic, inflammatory, and immunoregulatory pathways is well established. The aim of our review was to summarize the associations between selected microRNAs (miRs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and atherosclerosis, psoriasis, T2DM, and RA. MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNA molecules involved in cell signaling, intracellular communication, and gene expression. We reviewed the role of miR-146a, miR-210, miR-143, miR-223, miR-126, miR-21, miR-155, miR-145, miR-200, miR-133, miR-135, miR-221, miR-424, and let-7 in atherosclerosis, psoriasis, T2DM, and RA. LncRNAs are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that are involved in cellular processes such as apoptosis, metabolism, inflammation, cell differentiation, and proliferation. We evaluated the role of lncRNA-H19, lncRNA-MEG3, lncRNA-UCA1, and lncRNA-XIST in atherosclerosis and psoriasis, T2DM, and RA. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a method of intracellular signal transduction. Their function depends on surface expression, cargo, and the cell from which they originate.