Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design and implementation of Finite Impulse Response (FIR) and Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) digital filters tailored for low-power modem applications. With the increasing demand for energy-efficient digital communication systems in Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile technologies, optimizing filters for power and performance is vital. FIR filters were designed using the windowing method, particularly the Hamming window, while IIR filters employed the bilinear transformation method to ensure stability and spectral accuracy. MATLAB was used for algorithmic design and frequency response analysis, whereas SIMULINK provided a dynamic environment to simulate real-time performance under varying signal conditions. The hardware realization was accomplished using VHDL, with synthesis and implementation carried out on FPGA platforms using Xilinx ISE. FIR filters were structured around a tap delay line architecture, offering inherent stability and linear phase characteristics, while IIR filters, though more complex due to feedback components, demonstrate superior power efficiency and sharper frequency cutoff characteristics. This study further explores the trade-offs between signal fidelity, computational complexity, and power consumption, providing insights through mathematical formulations, simulation results, and FPGA synthesis reports. Results indicate that FIR filters are advantageous in applications where linear phase response and stability are crucial, whereas IIR filters are preferable for constrained environments demanding minimal power usage. The comparative analysis suggests that filter selection should be application-specific, and future work may explore hybrid implementations that combine the advantages of both architectures for enhanced performance in next-generation communication systems.

Abstract: First demonstrated in 1942, subcritical and zero-power critical assemblies, also known as piles, are a fundamental tool for research and education at universities. Traditionally, their role has been primarily instructional and for measuring fundamental properties of neutron diffusion and transport. However, these assemblies could hold potential for modern applications and nuclear research. The Purdue University subcritical pile previously lacked a substantial testing volume, limiting its utility to simple neutron activation experiments for the purpose of undergraduate education. Following the design and addition of a mechanical and electrical testbed, this paper aims to provide an overview of the testbed design and characterize its neutron and gamma flux of the rearranged Purdue subcritical pile, justifying its use as a modern scientific instrument. The newly installed 1.5*10^5 cubic-centimeter volume testbed enables a systematic investigation of neutron and gamma effects on materials and the generation of a comprehensive dataset with the potential for machine learning applications. The neutron flux throughout the pile is measured using gold-197 and indium-115 foil activation alongside cadmium-covered foils for two-group neutron energy classification. The neutron flux measurements are then used to benchmark a detailed geometrically and materialistic accurate Monte-Carlo model using OpenMC and MCNP6.3. The experimental measurements reveal the testbed has a neutron environment with a total neutron flux approaching 9.5*10^3 n/cm^2*s and a thermal flux of 6.5*10^3 n/cm^2*s. This work establishes the modified Purdue subcritical pile can provide fair neutron and gamma fluxes within a large volume to enable radiation testing of integral electronic components and as a versatile research instrument with the potential to support material testing and limited isotope activation, while generating valuable training datasets for machine learning algorithms in nuclear applications.

Abstract: Background: Early gut microbiome development is critical for neonatal health, and its dysbiosis may impact long-term animal productivity. This study examined the effects of parenteral Ceftiofur Crystalline Free Acid (CCFA) on the composition and diversity of the neonatal lamb fecal microbiome. Additionally, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance genes associated with CCFA exposure was investigated. Methods: Sixteen healthy neonatal lambs were randomly assigned to CCFA-treated (n = 8) or control (n = 8) groups. Fecal samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56. Genomic DNA was extracted and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Microbial composition was analyzed using the MG-RAST pipeline with the RefSeq database. Results: There were distinct microbial populations in the CCFA-treated lambs compared to the control group at each time point, with a highly significant decrease in alpha and beta diversity. The CCFA treatment showed a reduction in several key microbial taxa during nursing, but these differences were diminished by day 56. Unlike the control group, CCFA-treated lambs had core microbes potentially carrying multiple antibiotic resistance genes, including those for beta-lactam, fosfomycin, methicillin, and multidrug resistance. Conclusion: The early sheep fecal microbiome demonstrated resilience, repopulating after CCFA-induced perturbation despite a temporary reduction in key taxa during the nursing period. This highlights the microbiota's stability following a short-course antibiotic challenge. However, the transient disruption suggests potential negative impacts of antibiotics on the early gut microbiome. Notably, CCFA resistance persisted, raising concerns about its possible spread to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: In this work we present a numerical approach for solving optimal control problems for fluid heat transfer applications with an emphasis on the coupling of multiple codes. Specifically, two different CFD codes, OpenFOAM (finite volume based) and FEMuS (finite element based), have been used to solve the optimality system, while the data transfer between them is managed by the external library MEDCOUPLING. The state equations are solved in the finite volume code, while the adjoint and the control are solved in the finite element one. Two examples taken from the literature are implemented in order to validate the numerical algorithm: the first one considers a natural convection cavity resulting from a Rayleigh-Bénard configuration, and the second one is a Conjugate Heat Transfer problem between a fluid and a solid region.

Abstract: Chemical food safety is a fundamental pillar of public health, regulatory governance and economic stability, with far-reaching implications for human, animal and environmental well-being. In the matter of chemicals in food chain, the European Union (EU) has established one of the most sophisticated and robust regulatory frameworks to ensure food safety and balancing consumer protection with scientific advancements and industry needs. This review provides a holistic analysis of the EU chemical food safety scenario, examining its regulatory framework, key risk assessment methodologies and the roles of critical institutions involved in monitoring, enforcement and policymaking. The new and evolving challenges of chemicals food safety including cumulative risk assessment, emerging contaminants and the need for more sustainable regulatory approaches were discussed. Special attention is given to major classes of chemical substances in food, their regulatory oversight, and the scientific principles guiding their assessment, as well as to the role of key actors, including regulatory agencies, official laboratories, and competent authorities. For the first time in literature, this work harmoniously synthesizes regulatory, scientific, and enforcement perspectives, offering a structured roadmap for strengthening the EU chemical food safety framework. Key areas for improvement, including enhanced data collection, regulatory adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration, are identified to address evolving risks effectively.

Abstract: Normal moments are the building blocks of the Hermite polynomials, which in turn are the building blocks of the Edgeworth expansions for the distribution of parameter estimates. Isserlis (1918) gave the bivariate normal moments and 2 special cases of trivariate moments. Beyond that, convenient expressions for multivariate variate normal moments %, $\mu_n$, are still not available. We compare 3 methods for obtaining them, the most powerful being the differential method. We give simpler formulas for the bivariate moment than that of Isserlis, and explicit expressions for the general moments of dimensions 3 and 4.

Abstract: Meat processing methods affect its quality and, most importantly, its safety. As a kind of green processing technology, the effects of various marinades, including universal, pork, and honey mustard, and the most popular grilling tools on PAH contamination in pork neck loins, the most frequently grilled pork meat, were investigated. PAH analysis was performed using the QuEChERS–HPLC–FLD/DAD method and confirmed by GC/MS method. Weight loss and changes in individual color parameters after grilling were also analyzed. Grilling on a charcoal grill without an aluminum tray caused statistically the greatest PAH contamination. Some of these samples, according to the requirements of Commission Regulation (EU) No. 915/2023, should not be consumed by humans due to the high content of B[a]P (5.26 – 6.51 µg/kg). Studies have also shown that universal and pork marinade can reduce PAH contamination, whereas honey mustard marinade increases their accumulation in grilled products. Carefully choosing grilling equipment, such as using electric grills instead of charcoal or using aluminum trays when grilling with charcoal and marinating meat before cooking, is essential for consumers and food producers. These practices can significantly reduce the harmful health effects of PAHs, making them vital steps toward safer food preparation.

Abstract: The bay-marsh boundary is a dynamic topographic feature. Advances in remote sensing provide cost-effective, high-resolution mapping technologies to detect change at fine scales. However, many questions remain about how to best apply these technologies and quantify change at bay-marsh boundaries. We combine UAS photogrammetry and boat-mounted echosounding to map the bay-marsh boundary over two consecutive years and use a previously collected Lidar dataset for decadal timescale comparisons. We evaluate accuracy, lateral and volumetric change rates, and how this approach compares to traditional methods of quantifying change. Results indicate an elevation uncertainty of 0.07 m for the topobathymetric DEMs. Volumetric erosion rates between marsh shorelines were -0.78 0.22 and -0.25 0.15 m3m-1yr-1 at an 8-year and annual sampling interval respectively. Lateral erosion rates were -1.57 0.15 and -1.54 0.07 m yr-1 at an 8-year and annual sampling interval respectively and were weakly correlated with volumetric change rates, even within morphologically similar sections of the marsh edge. Measured volumetric change rates of the marsh edge were reasonably estimated with limited vertical data at decadal timescales, suggesting that this change could be approximated with an RTK system. However, high-resolution mapping remains essential for assessing annual, event-driven, or small-scale change.

Abstract: Background: Although upper and lower respiratory tract diseases coexist, studies discussing the relationship between chronic rhinitis (CR) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are limited. Fluticasone nasal sprays are common treatment options for patients with rhinitis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of fluticasone nasal spray on patients with both CR and COPD. Methods: A retrospective review was performed using data from former smokers with CR and COPD at China Medical University Hospital (CMUH). Based on their medication history, patients were allocated into Group A, who had received treatment with fluticasone nasal spray, and Group B, who had never received this treatment. Pulmonary function test results, including forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), were collected for both groups before treatment and one year after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of fluticasone nasal spray treatment on pulmonary function. Results: A total of 123 former smokers were included, with 62 patients in Group A and 61 patients in Group B. At the baseline, there was no significant difference in age, sex, and pulmonary function between the two groups. After one year of treatment, Group A showed an upward trend in pulmonary function, with FEV1 increasing from 1.613 ± 0.554 to 1.708 ± 0.675 (P < 0.05) and FVC increasing from 2.540 ± 0.694 to 2.670 ± 0.839 (P < 0.05). Whereas, Group B exhibited a downward trend in pulmonary function after one year, with FEV1 decreasing from 1.609 ± 0.554 to 1.544 ± 0.517 (P < 0.05) and FVC decreasing from 2.586 ± 0.665 to 2.495 ± 0.679 (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of fluticasone nasal spray can improve pulmonary function in former smokers with both CR and COPD. This finding supports the "one airway, one disease" theory.

Abstract: Dietary exposure to a high-dose cadmium (Cd) ≥ 100 µg/day for at least 50 years or a lifetime intake of Cd ≥ 1 g causes severe damage to kidneys and bones. Alarmingly, however, exposure to a dose of Cd between 10 and 15 µg/day increases worldwide prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fragile bones, diabetes, and cancer. Because such a low-dose Cd exposure, results in urinary Cd excretion rates < 1 µg/g creatinine, it has cast considerable doubt on a “tolerable” Cd exposure of 58 µg/day for a 70 kg person, while questioning a threshold level at urinary Cd excretion rate at 5.24 µg/g creatinine. The present review addresses many unmet challenges in a threshold-based risk assessment for Cd. Special emphasis is given to the benchmark dose (BMD) methodology to estimate the Cd exposure limit that aligns with a no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL). Reported results of BMDL modeling of Cd exposure levels using different nephrotoxicity endpoints are summarized to identify the most sensitive sign on which exposure guidelines should be based. It also aims to demonstrate that a health-protective exposure guideline for Cd should employ the most recent scientific research data, and the dose-response curves, constructed from an unbiased exposure indicator, and clinically relevant adverse effects such as proteinuria and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate. These are signs of developing CKD and its progression to end stage, when dialysis or a kidney transplant is required for survival.

Abstract: The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves, combined with urban heat islands (UHI), pose significant public health challenges. Implementing low-cost, real-time moni-toring networks with distributed stations within the Smart city framework faces obstacles in transforming urban spaces. However, accurate data is essential for assessing these ef-fects. This paper compares different network types in a medium sized city in West Spain and their implications for UHI identification quality. The study first examines a pur-pose-built monitoring network using Open-Source platforms, IoT technology, and Lo-RaWAN communications, adhering to World Meteorological Organization guidelines. Additionally, it evaluates two citizen weather observer networks (CWON): one from a commercial smart device company and another from a global community connecting en-vironmental sensor data. The findings highlight several advantages of bespoke monitor-ing networks over CWON. These networks offer enhanced data accessibility and greater flexibility to meet specific requirements, facilitating adaptability and scalability for future upgrades. However, specialization is crucial for effective deployment and maintenance. Conversely, CWON faces limitations in network uniformity, data shadow zones, and in-sufficient knowledge of real sensor situations or component characteristics. Furthermore, CWON exhibits some data inconsistencies in probability distribution and scatter plots during extreme heat periods, as well as improbable UHI temperature values.

Abstract: This study aimed to elucidate the pathological features of thrombus-associated amyloid deposition. Thes features were validated by immunohistochemistry combined with proteomic analyses using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with laser microdissection. Our findings revealed that thrombus-associated amyloid deposits within the thrombus and vessel wall primarily comprised apolipoprotein A-I, with a mixture of amyloid fibrils derived from amyloidogenic proteins, including transthyretin and lactoferrin. Given that these proteins are present in the blood, our results support a previous hypothesis that is, proteins denatured during thrombus aging are a source of amyloid. Furthermore, phagocytes were infiltrated around the intramural and extravascular deposits rather than around the amyloid deposits within the thrombus. Therefore, amyloid deposits generated within the thrombus may be transported from regions with limited blood flow to the vessel wall and surrounding tissues, where blood flow is present, during thrombus processing. These deposits were primarily removed by phagocytic cells. Our results suggest that a facilitative effect on deposition occurs via a cross-seeding mechanism between amyloid fibrils and that phagocytes can remove amyloid deposits. These findings help elucidate the pathogenesis of localized amyloidosis.

Abstract: This paper reports concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in drinking waters in Pakistan. The aim is to estimate the radiological hazard and assess the safety of drinking water. Radiation hazard indices, and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risks are reported from all measurements. Different water samples have been collected from Islamabad (33o 38'N, 73o 09’E) and analysed using a High Purity Germanium Detector (HPGe). The average concentration values of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 were 6+/-0.6 Bq/L, 32+/-1 Bq/L and 74+/-2 Bq/L respectively. The radium equivalent activity was 58 Bq/L, the outdoor external dose was 0.2 nGy/h, the indoor external dose was 46 nGy/h and total average annual dose was 0.2 nGy/h. The excess lifetime cancer risk found equal to 0.8×10^-3. All reported values are lower than the globally calculated values and within recommended limits.

Abstract: The global increase of temperature has directly impacted the environment and reproduc-tion of ectothermic organisms, leading to defects in processes that intervene in sperm quality and maturation. The present study evaluates the effect of temperature on sperm quality of the lizard Lepidophyma gaigeae, in the surroundings of Landa de Matamoros, Querétaro. As a species under special protection, only 12 male individuals were captured during December 2020 and exposed at 1) preferred temperature (Tpref) at 24 OC; 2) Low Temperature (LT) at 21 OC; 3) individuals without treatment (Control) to compare the effect on viability, concentration and integrity of DNA, as well as if the presence of the cyto-plasmic droplet (CD). Sperm viability decreased by approximately 50% in organisms exposed at Tpref, ac-companied by a significant reduction in concentration. Likewise, the CD evaluation showed a retention percentage of 30% at the cauda level, while the LT and Control groups showed 5% in this terminal area of the epididymis. The percentage of sperm with intact DNA was also decreased in the Tpref group compared to the LT and Control groups. These findings highlight how thermal environments impact reptilian reproduction, rein-forcing not only what has already been found in these species in recent years, but also the repercussions that it presents in the medium- or long-term exposure in these organisms at an ecological level, as well as the consequences with the potential damage and even infer-tility, in case of prolonged exposition to preferred temperatures.

Abstract: The increase in livestock numbers and insufficient precipitation have led to a decline in pasture biomass, resulting in grassland carrying capacity (GCC) and pasture degradation. In this study, net primary productivity (NPP) data, which were derived from the Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) datasets spanning from 1982 to 2020, were firstly converted into aboveground biomass (AGB) and then used to estimate and assess long-term trends of GCC across Mongolia. Between 1982 and 2020, Mongolia's climate exhibited a warming and drying trend. Although livestock number have generally increased since 1982, certain years experienced declines due to winter dzud and summer droughts. These climatic changes reduce net primary productivity (NPP), further weakening the regenerative capacity of grasslands. Simultaneously, the increasing livestock number intensifies grazing pressure, surpassing the GCC. Finally, this grassland carrying capacity exceeded (GCCe) leads to reduced vegetation cover and desertification of grassland. Spatially, vegetation productivity and precipitation exhibited a declining gradient from north to south, whereas temperature increased progressively from to north to south. GCC assessments revealed that the eastern region of Mongolia could support current livestock number sustainably. In contrast, the western and southern regions, as well as parts of northern Mongolia, exhibited moderate to critical levels of grassland utilization. This study enabled a detailed analysis of grassland dynamics and climatic impacts, providing an assessment of temporal changes in Mongolia's GCC.

Abstract: To investigate the fracture crack in the rear axle of a certain passenger car during accelerated life testing, a comparative testing analysis was conducted on this car after replacing its new rear axle and on a comparative car. Strain on the rear axle, vibration acceleration, and vehicle speed signal were measured for both cars. Using the cyclic stress-strain hysteresis loop equation and Neuber's Rule, the nominal strain histories obtained from tests were converted to local stress-strain responses at the fracture crack locations. Subsequently, the fatigue damage to the rear axles of both the target car and comparative car was calculated based on Morrow's mean stress correction model and Miner's linear cumulative damage rule. The frequency sweeping of vibration mode was performed on the car bodies and rear axles of both cars using electromagnetic exciters to establish the correlation between the vibration frequency of rear axle, the excitation frequency of PG durability road, and the body vibration frequency. The calculations of fatigue damage and the frequency sweep testing results indicated that the accumulated damage to the rear axle of the target car was primarily concentrated on the washboard road of the PG. On this road surface, the standard deviation of rear axle strain and the RMS value of acceleration were higher than those observed in the comparative car. At a test speed of 65 km/h, the excitation frequency of forced vibration caused by the washboard road was 24.1 Hz, which was close to the natural frequency of the vibration modes of target car's rear axle, leading to resonance. This resulted in the rear axle experiencing significant amplitude alternating stress, thereby causing the crack initiation of vibration fatigue.

Abstract: Recent drug enforcement activities have possibly suggested the presence of some calcium channel blocker antihypertensives in association with cocaine. The seizure revealed the possibility that the two drugs might have been used together for some unknown reasons. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the nature and frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in association with the concomitant use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and cocaine, using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). After removing duplicate reports, a total of 67 cases involving concomitant use of cocaine and CCBs were analysed and were stratified into three groups based on the CCB involved: verapamil (n = 19), diltiazem (n = 30), and amlodipine (n = 18). Logistic regression analysis identified “completed suicide” (β = 0.35) and “product use for unknown indication” (β = 0.33) as the strongest predictors of fatal outcomes. Age revealed a modest negative association with fatal outcome (β = -0.93, intercept = 4.07). Concomitant substance use was reported in over 84% of cases. Frequently co-used substances included opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines and alcohol. Poly-drug use was most pronounced in the diltiazem group, which exhibited the highest burden of opioid and alcohol co-exposure. It is here suggested tat clinicians should exercise caution when managing individuals who use cocaine, due to the potential for increased toxicity and lethality when CCBs are co-used, either as part of a prescribed treatment or if CCBs are present as adulterants in cocaine.

Abstract: Fano-resonant silicon metasurfaces exhibit extreme planar chirality, offering tremendous potential for miniaturized optical devices. However, achieving ultra-high quality factor (Q) resonance in such devices remains challenging. Here, we construct a fractal pentamer all-dielectric metasurface, of which the scale factors of second-order fractals are designed differently to introduce asymmetry. This asymmetry transforms symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum (BIC) into quasi-BIC (QBIC), achieving ultra-high Q factor Fano resonances.Magnetic dipole (MD) and transverse dipole (TD) BIC can be supported in this system, thus produce extremely narrow linewidth Fano resonances. By optimizing the asymmetric state, ultrahigh Q factor up to 4×104 is reached. We numerically obtain bulk sensitivities of 1.905 μm/RIU and figures of merit (FOM) up to 5625.5. The constructed resonances are insensitive to x and y polarizations due to the specific layout of clusters proposed here. Therefore, the proposed all-dielectric metasurface demonstrates good performance in refractive index sensing, which inspires the development of new high Q factor refractive index sensors for the nondestructive identification in the far-infrared regime.

Abstract: Aging and aging-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are characterized by chronic inflammation that progressively damages nervous tissue within the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to cytokines, lectin-like carbohydrate-recognition molecules play a critical role in modifying cellular communication during inflammation. Among these, galectins-particularly the anti-inflammatory galectin-1 and the pro-inflammatory galectin-3-stand out due to their immunological functions and specificity for N-acetyllactosamine structures. Almost every cell type within the CNS can express and recognize galectins, influencing various essential cellular functions. N-acetyllactosamines, the ligand structures recognized by galectins, are found beneath sialylated termini in protein-linked oligosaccharides. During aging, protein-linked oligosaccharide structures become shorter, exposing N-acetyllactosamines on protein surfaces, which enhances their availability as binding sites for galectins. Genomic studies indicate that the number of galectin-1- and galectin-3-expressing microglial cells increases with age or age related disease (Alzheimer’s disease), reflecting an aging-associated rise in galectin concentrations within the CNS. This increase parallels a rise in free N-acetyllactosamine-like ligands, suggesting that galectin-N-acetyllactosamine interactions gain prominence and play a more significant role in aging-related CNS disorders. Understanding these interactions and their molecular implications offers potential avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies in combating aging-related CNS inflammation and neurodegeneration

Abstract: Seismic tomography is an essential geophysical method for investigating subsurface structures by analyzing variations in P-wave (Vp) and S-wave (Vs) velocities. This study focuses on the Târgu Jiu region, an area with moderate seismic activity, aiming to charac-terize the crustal structure and identify potential zones of seismic hazard. The dataset used for tomography included the travel times from 5281 seismic events. Tomographic models reveal significant velocity anomalies correlated with the region’s tectonic frame-work. High Vp and Vs values in the northern and northeastern areas suggest the presence of dense, rigid geological formations, likely associated with consolidated magmatic or metamorphic units. In contrast, the central region exhibits low Vs values, coinciding with an active seismic zone and intersecting major fault structures. This suggests the presence of highly fractured and weakly consolidated rocks, potentially saturated with fluids. The Vp/Vs ratio in the central region reaches values of ≥1.8–1.9, indicating fluid-filled fractures that may influence fault dynamics and earthquake occurrence. In the southern region, ve-locity anomalies suggest weakly consolidated sedimentary units with a high degree of fracturing. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the geodynamic behav-ior of the Târgu Jiu area and its seismic hazard potential.