Quantum computing is tipped to lead the future of global technological progress. However, the obstacles related to quantum software development are an actual challenge to overcome. In this scenario, this work presents an implementation of the quantum search algorithm in Atos Quantum Assembly Language (AQASM) using the quantum software stack my Quantum Learning Machine (myQLM). We present the creation of a virtual quantum processor whose configurable architecture allows the analysis of induced quantum noise effects on the quantum algorithms. The codes are available throughout the manuscript so that readers can replicate them and apply the methods discussed in this article to solve their own quantum computing projects. The presented results are consistent with theoretical predictions and demonstrate that AQASM and myQLM are powerful tools for building, implementing, and simulating quantum hardware.

Grain trade plays a pivotal role in international trade, serving not only as a primary component of the global agricultural market but also as a crucial factor in ensuring global food security and price stability. This study utilizes panel data from Russia, one of the largest players in the grain market, to investigate the determinants of cereal exports. The results of the gravity model estimation reveal a positive impact of demand factors, population differences, and the level of economic openness of importing countries, while distance and tariffs exert a negative influence on exports. The findings also indicate that Russia possesses significant untapped potential for cereal export growth, which has only increased in the context of geopolitical instability. The paper identifies regions with potential for export expansion and outlines the conditions necessary for realizing this potential. The results of this study contribute to the development of evidence-based policies aimed at enhancing the sustainability of regional export flows in global systems.

The epidemic of obesity has increased worldwide and is associated with comorbidities as diabetes as cardiovascular disease. Strategies that modulate body weight and improves glycemic metabolism has increased, and the bariatric surgeries as Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) has been highlighted in obesity treatment. However, the mechanism by which SG reduces body weight and improves glycemic control are unknow. C57BL mice were submitted to a 10 weeks high fat-diet protocol and submitted to SG. Food intake, fed/fasted glycemia and hypothalamic anorexigenic and orexigenic gene expression were evaluated. SG reduces body weight, fasting glycemia, insulinemia and leptinemia in obese mice. Moreover, SG reduces food and total calorie intake with no alterations in the expression of anorexigenic and orexigenic gene expression. These data indicates that SG improves obesity associated alterations, at least in part, by reduction on food intake. This effect is not associated with the classic food intake pathway in hypothalamus, indicating the involvement of supplementary pathways in this process.

This article provides a detailed analysis of non-invasive techniques for prediction and diagnosis of faults in internal combustion engines, focusing on the application of the Proknow-C and Methodi Ordinatio systematic review methods. Initially, the relevance of these techniques in promoting energy sustainability and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions is discussed, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. The systematic review conducted in the subsequent sections offers a comprehensive mapping of the state-of-the-art, highlighting the effectiveness of combining these methods in categorizing and systematizing relevant scientific literature. The results reveal significant advancements in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital signal processors (DSP) to enhance fault diagnosis, as well as underscore the crucial role of non-invasive techniques in minimizing interference in monitored systems. Finally, concluding remarks point towards future research directions, emphasizing the need to develop digital twins for internal combustion engines and identify gaps for further improvements in fault diagnosis and prediction techniques.

Natural products (NPs) are a rich source of structurally novel molecules, and the chemical space they encompass is far from being fully explored. Over history, NPs have represented a significant source of bioactive molecules and have served as a source of inspiration for developing many drugs on the market. On the other hand, computer-aided drug design (CADD) has contributed to drug discovery research, mitigating costs and time. In this sense, compound databases represent a fundamental element for the CADD. This work reviews the progress toward developing compound databases of natural origin, particularly databases developed in Latin America, and their practical applications in the drug discovery area. We also survey the computational methods, emphasizing chemoinformatic approaches to profile natural product databases.

A Tamoxifen (TAM) response varies significantly among individuals due to genetic variations in cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), as well as other TAM pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic proteins. In this study, 40 ER+ breast cancer patients who received at least 6 months of TAM treatment were prospectively recruited. The study aimed to evaluate, using HPLC-MS/MS, plasma concentrations of TAM and its metabolites, and to study the association with genetic polymorphisms (CYP2D6*4, CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3, UGT2B7*2, UGT2B15*2, SULT1A1*2, and ESR1V364E) and adverse reactions. Bivariable linear regression analyses showed that CYP3A4*1/*1B is significantly associated with an increase of 4-hydroxyTAM plasmatic concentration, a decrease of endoxifen/4-hydroxyTAM ratio and the elimination of 17β estradiol. It was found that the CYP3A4*1/1B genotype alone could explain part of the variability in [4OHTAM], [endoxifen]/[4OHTAM], and 17β-estradiol plasma levels. Similarly, SULT1A1*1/*2 genotype affects the [endoxifen]/[4OHTAM] plasma ratio. Multivariable predictive models, incorporating both polymorphisms and non-genetic variables, are proposed to explain [NdesMeTAM]/[TAM], [4OHTAM]/[TAM], [endoxifen]/[NdesMeTAM], [endoxifen]/[4OHTAM], and 17β-estradiol plasma levels, as well as for predicting hot flashes and cramps. This preliminary study suggests that the genetic variants studied may influence the bioactivation and elimination of TAM, the clinically observed adverse reactions, and potentially the treatment efficacy.

The objective of this research article is to determine if social and cultural capital are factors that cause inequalities in the level of knowledge in civic and citizenship education, between Latin American and European countries. To achieve this purpose, information from the National Study of Civic and Citizen Education -ICCS-, of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement -IEA-, of the year 2016, is used. Methodologically speaking, the Educational Production Function -EPF- is estimated and subsequently, the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique is applied to quantify the differences in civic and citizenship education and see how much they are explained by the characteristics of the student and their family. the school, the social and cultural capital. As a main result, educational inequalities were found in favor of European countries, and are due to a greater extent to differences in school resources, between Latin American and European countries, followed by differences in social and cultural capital, therefore, it is the European students who make the best use of and benefit from the differences in school endowments and in social and cultural capital.

Background: and objectives: Covid-19 is a global pandemic that requires a culturally integrated response in all Latin American government systems. In this study, we investigate the multidimensional associations of actions in Latin American indigenous peoples against Covid-19 Methods: We performed a data mining analysis of scientific literature records from 19 academic journals, using the topics Covid-19, mortality, indigenous peoples, and future measures, rights and actions. The literature is analyzed in a multidimensional way, either isolated or combined. It uses switchable statistical methods, the R Studio, worddj, Gephi, and Iramuteq for both textual and multidimensional analysis. Results and Conclusions: In this analysis, the literature is classified into 4 linked groups which are the indigenous people, the rights of territorial protection, the indigenous health culture, the Covid-19 pandemic with its protection efforts. Taking the indigenous peoples as an axis, we observe that the covid pandemic and the protection of their territories do not have the same force in the current context, the indigenous people are more linked to the protection of their territory. Indigenous peoples have a link of cultural strength in traditional health independent of Covid treatment. It should be noted that government agencies are taking measures regarding the covid pandemic with an effort not marked within the health culture of indigenous peoples.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is among the 4 more common causes of infant mortality in Latin America. Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is useful for early diagnosis and improved outcomes of critical CHD. We describe POS implementation efforts in Latin American countries guided and/or coordinated by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN) as well as the unique challenges that are faced for universal implementation. SIBEN collaborates to improve neonatal quality of care and outcomes. A few years ago, a Clinical Consensus on POS was finalized. Since then, we participated in 12 Latin American countries to educate neonatal nurses and neonatologists on POS and to help with its implementation. The findings reveal that despite wide disparities in care that exist between and within countries, and the difficulties and challenges for implementing POS, significant progress was made. We conclude that universal POS is not easy to implement in Latin America but, when executed, not only it has been of significant value for babies with CHD but also for many with other hypoxemic conditions. The successful and universal implementation of POS in the future is essential to reduce the mortality associated with CHD and other hypoxemic conditions and will ultimately lead to the survival of many more Latin American babies. POS saves newborns’ lives in Latin America.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pathophysiology comprises clinical and genetic factors. In fact, GDM has been associated with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study aimed to build a prediction model of GDM combining clinical and genetic risk factors. A total of 1588 pregnant women from the San Carlos Cohort participated in the present study, 1069 (67.3%) Caucasian (CAU) and 519 (32.7%) Latin American (LAT), 255 (16.1%) with GDM. The incidence of GDM was similar in both groups (16.1% CAU and 16.0% LAT). Genotyping was performed by IPLEX Mass ARRAY PCR selecting 110 SNPs based on literature references. The SNPs showing the strongest likelihood of GDM development were the rs10830963, rs7651090 and rs1371614 in CAU and rs1387153 and the rs9368222 in LAT. Clinical variables including age, pre-pregnancy body mass index and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 12 gestational weeks predicted the risk of GDM (AUC 0.648, 95%CI 0.601-0.695 in CAU; AUC 0.688, 95%CI 0.628-9.748 in LAT) and adding the SNPs modestly improved prediction (AUC 0.722, 95%CI 0.680-0.764 in CAU; AUC 0.769, 95%CI 0.711-0.826 in LAT). In conclusion, adding genetic variants enhanced the prediction model of GDM risk in CAU and LAT pregnant women. An RCT is underway to demonstrate its usefulness

This research introduces a novel approach to evaluate energy utilization in agribusiness within a cost-based framework, addressing the complexities associated with uncertain input energy content. The study focuses on the agricultural sector in Latin America, with particular emphasis on banana plantations, examining the sector's growing dependence on energy-intensive methods and inputs. We differentiate between technical and allocative efficiency, employing a frontier-based methodology. The analysis encompasses data from 21 state-owned banana plantations in Latin America, revealing significant room for improvement in energy efficiency. Our findings indicate an average Technical Efficiency of 0.69, Allocative Efficiency of 0.91, and overall Energy Efficiency of 0.59, suggesting potential reductions in input and energy consumption of up to 38%. The study underscores the importance of addressing both input mismanagement and misallocation to enhance energy efficiency. While the proposed methodology offers valuable insights for public sector enterprises, particularly in agriculture, further research is necessary to extend this approach to scenarios with uncertain input energy content, potentially incorporating stochastic frontier analysis or fuzzy logic methodologies.

In the last decades, cultivation of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) has expanded around the world and the seeds have become well known due to their rich composition in nutrients and bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physical, chemical and nutritional profile of eight chia seeds grown in different Latin-American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru). The results showed that several nutritional parameters such as the protein content and amino acid profile, dietary fiber content, lipid content, mineral composition and phytate present in the seeds depend on the location they were grown in. Other parameters such as ash content, fatty acid profile or physical parameters were uniform across locations (except for color parameters). The results support the notion that nutritional characteristics of seeds are determined by the seed's origin, further analysis is needed to define the exact mechanisms that control the changes in the seeds nutritional properties.

Circular Economy (CE) is noted as an emerging tool or framework to support sustainable production and consumption agenda. In addition, CE is aiming to be a trigger for redefining economic growth pathways to be sustainable, inclusive, and sensitive to ecological and environmental agendas and to focus its operational standards on co-creating societal benefits. Concerning the guiding principles and the standards of practice applied to implement and scale circular economy, this study will provide an overview of the water sector-specific circularity roadmaps and strategies in the Latin American Region. By using a semi-systematic review, document analysis, and qualitative assessment approach, we highlight framings and operational pathways, gaps, and needs within existing practices of circularity in the water sector. The results provide an overview of CE pathways at the national level of selected countries in LAR iterating those nations reflect various levels of advancement (low to high) with CE-focused innovations and policy support structures specific to the water and wastewater sectors. Towards the closing, the study is pointing to the ‘call for action’ to integrate outstanding advances and innovations in the circular economy within sectoral mandates for water and wastewater management, making an argument that circularity in the water sector could serve as an accelerator toward implementing the agenda outlined in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in particular for SDG 6 (water security for all).

Nowadays, one of the biggest concern of human being is greenhouse gas emission, especially carbon dioxide emission in developed and under-developing countries. In this study, connectionist models including LSSVM (Least Square Support Vector Machine) and evolutionary methods are employed for predicting the amount of CO₂ emission in six Latin American countries, i.e., Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and Uruguay. The studied region is modelled based on the available input data in terms of Million tons including oil (Million tons), gas (Million tons oil equivalent), coal (Million tons oil equivalent), $R_{ew}$ (Million tons oil equivalent), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of billion US dollars.} Moreover, the available patents in the fields of climate change mitigation in six Latin American countries namely Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, and Uruguay has been reviewed and analyzed. The results show that except Venezuela, all other mentioned countries have invested in renewable energy R&D activities. Brazil and Argentina have the highest share of renewable energies which account for 60% and 72% respectively.

From 2008 to 2024, the Newborn Screening Translational Research Network (NBSTRN), part of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Hunter Kelly Newborn Screening Program, served as a robust infrastructure to facilitate groundbreaking research in newborn screening (NBS), rare disease, and genomics. Over fifteen years, NBSTRN developed into a significant international network, supporting innovative research on novel technologies to screen, diagnose, treat, manage, and understand the natural history of more than 280 rare diseases. A key component of these efforts has been the development of resources and expertise for the newborn screening community in ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI). This paper presents findings from a survey conducted by the NBSTRN team with input from one of theNBSTRN's expert workgroups, the Bioethics and Legal Workgroup. With responses from 88 members of the NBS community including researchers and state NBS programs, the survey found that individuals rely on internal and collegial ELSI resources and highlighted a substantial demand for structured, accessible training and resources. The survey’s insights emphasize the importance of privacy and informed consent in NBS research, and suggested a need for improved collaborative tools and educational programs focused on ELSI for the NBS community. The survey results may inform future efforts in ELSI and NBS research including the development of expanded ELSI tools that leverage digital platforms and consultative services.

Knowledge of body composition is essential for athletes for their sport performance. It has yet to be determined whether differences in body composition are present between international and non-international players playing in the same elite professional club competition. Similarly, it is not yet clear whether differences in body composition according to ethnic origin exist in the elite professional game, where relative homogeneity is to be expected among soccer players. There is no single anthropometric profile that guarantees sporting success, as the somatotype of football players differs according to their individual characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the description and comparison of the body composition profile of latin american professional football players playing in european leagues. The sample was composed of 238 subjects football players from European professional football leagues. Differences were found in all variables measured. The present study shows that in Latin American professional football players playing in Europe, there are significant differences in different body composition variables such as weight, height, WC, skinfold and fat values. This means that the treatment of these data and the possible classifications of sporting performance carried out in football clubs should be different to other European or African-American football players.

The present study investigated the association of accelerometer-determined moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with neck circumference (NC) in adolescents and adults from eight Latin American countries. The sample consisted of 2370 participants from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health, a multicenter cross-sectional nutrition and health surveillance study of a nationally representative sample from eight Latin American countries. An Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer was used to monitor MVPA. Adolescents were categorized as NC > 34.25 cm in boys and NC > 31.25 cm in girls, and adults were categorized as NC > 39 cm in men and NC > 35 cm in women. The average time of MVPA was 34.88 min/day, ranging from 31.16 in Venezuela to 40.27 in Chile. Concerning NC, 37.0% of the sample was classified as having elevated NC. Chile was the country with the highest percentage of people with elevated NC (56.9%), and Colombia had the lowest percentage (24.8%). Overall, the MVPA (min/day) was associated with elevated NC (OR = 0.994, CI95% = 0.990–0.998). In Costa Rica and Peru, there were significant associations between MVPA and NC when analyzed by country. Further research is required to understand the differences between countries in the observed associations.

Several review articles about megachurch studies have been published recently concentrating their work on USA, Europe, and other parts of the world, with just a few references about Latin American megachurches. For that reason, this article aims to identify some of the characteristics of Latin American Evangelical megachurches by looking at relevant literature, especially that produced in the region, in Spanish and Portuguese, which is usually overlooked by researchers in Global North. Since this research field is still limited in Latin America, areas, where further work is necessary, are identified. Three general catalysts for the emergence of megachurches in the region, church growth methodologies, Pentecostalization, and theologies of growth, serve as guides to organize the review process. The discussion shows several potential areas of research in a variety of fields such as theology, ecclesiology, organizational theory, leadership, gender studies, and ethics, are proposed from the review.

Background: Recent years have seen chaos in the neonatology use of antibiotics with diverse opinions and recommendations in international guidelines and societies. This has created great uncertainty in which cases to use, for how long, and which tests apply to make these decisions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study about the use of antibiotics in the EpicLatino neonatal units and a Latin American network database, after noting these variations in the 2019 report. Methods: For the year 2019 using the EpicLatino database, we included cases (only first admission) ≤32 weeks gestational age at birth, excluding one unit that did not accept to participate. The number of cases and days receiving antibiotics were recorded as well as the progression for each unit. Inappropriate use of antibiotics was defined as greater than 3 days in patients with negative cultures (blood/CSF cultures) excluding: major malformations, urinary tract infections, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and cases with suspected chorioamnionitis in the mother (the latter two only during the course of diagnosis of NEC or chorioamnionitis). This study was approved by the EpicLatino board of directors and by the participating units. Results: A total of 6,543 days of antibiotics were observed, 49.5% of cases had at least one positive blood/CSF culture. A total of595 days of antibiotics without justification were found in 72 courses in 61 cases; 14/72(19.4%) had no diagnosis of infection in the database, 7/72(9.7%) did not document any culture throughout their stay, and 37/72(51,4%) obtained only one blood/CSF culture during their entire stay. Most diagnosis were clinical sepsis and in 24/58(41%) curses, a diagnosis of pneumonia with a poor positive culture correlation was found. Furthermore, 74% of the units didn´t use pneumonia as a justification to use antibiotics. Other diagnosis found: Conjunctivitis, NEC 1A and rotavirus NEC. Conclusions: Although the method of reviewing the use of antibiotics in a database has a number of limitations, especially the cause that motivated the use of antibiotics and other tools used for diagnosis of infections, the notable differences between units is striking. Although it is difficult to make recommendations to all units, it is important to control infections in some units and in others to reduce the excessive use of antibiotics, especially with diagnosis of pneumonia in neonates and negative blood/CSF cultures.

The use of antibiotics in neonatal units worldwide varies significantly. We included data from 2015-2022 from the EpicLatino database, which comprises a network of 32 units in Latin America and the Caribbean with gestational age at birth (GA) of ≤ 32 weeks. A questionnaire was sent to the EpicLatino units, to correlate practice with outcomes. Negative binomial regression with standard errors and confidence intervals computed for incidence-rate ratios (IRRs) was used for comparative statistics on antibiotic days per 1000 patient-days between units. All units that responded had 1-6 differences with the reference unit (Unit 2) with the best results, but there was no clear association with the IRR. Each EpicLatino unit should review its statistics to explore possibilities for reducing antibiotic usage.

The cognitive and affective impacts of video games are subjects of ongoing debate, with recent research recognizing their potential benefits. This study employs the Gaming Skill Questionnaire (GSQ) to evaluate participants' gaming skills across six genres and overall proficiency. Eighty-eight individuals aged 20-40 participated, completed assessments of empathy and six cognitive abilities: verbal short-term memory, verbal working memory, visuospatial short-term memory, visuospatial working memory, psychomotor speed (hand-eye coordination), and attention. Cognitive abilities were examined using the Digit Span Test, Corsi Block Test, and Deary-Liewald Reaction Time Task, while empathy was assessed using the Empathy Quotient Questionnaire. Findings indicate that high video game skill levels correlate with improvements in visuospatial short-term and working memory, psychomotor speed, and attention. Different genres enhanced specific skills: RPGs positively influenced verbal working and visuospatial short-term memory but negatively affected empathy; action games improved psychomotor speed and attention; and puzzle games benefited visuospatial working memory. These promising results contribute positively to ongoing research on the cognitive and affective effects of video games, highlighting the potential for video games to enhance certain cognitive functions while also underscoring the complexity of their impact on empathy. Future research should further investigate genre-specific effects and long-term outcomes.

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming neuropsychological assessment by providing immersive environments that closely replicate real-world conditions. This study presents the Virtual Reality Trail Making Test (TMT-VR), a novel adaptation of the traditional Trail Making Test, aimed at evaluating cognitive functions in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We examined the ecological validity, convergent validity, usability, and user experience of the TMT-VR compared to the traditional version. Methods: Fifty-three participants, including 25 with ADHD and 28 neurotypical controls, completed both the traditional and VR versions of the TMT. Participants also provided feedback on the VR experience via standardized questionnaires. Results: Statistical analyses demonstrated a significant positive correlation between TMT-VR scores and both the traditional TMT and ADHD symptomatology as measured by the Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS), confirming the TMT-VR’s ecological and convergent validity. High usability and positive user experience ratings indicated strong acceptability of the VR platform. Notably, the ADHD group exhibited greater performance differences in the VR environment, suggesting that VR may more effectively capture real-world cognitive challenges. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TMT-VR is a valid, engaging, and ecologically valid tool for cognitive assessment in ADHD, and other clinical populations, offering enhanced insights over traditional methods.

Background: COVID-19 infection has received the attention of the scientific community due its respiratory manifestations and association with evolution to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). There are few studies characterizing SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric immunocompromised patients, such as liver transplanted (LT) patients.The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of the larger cohort of pediatric liver transplant recipients (PLTR) from a single center in Brazil who where contaminated with COVID-19 during the pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Primary outcomes: COVID-19 severity. The Cox regression method was used to determine independent predictors associated with the outcomes. Results: 74 PLTR were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of COVID-19 disease: moderate-severe COVID and asymptomatic-mild COVID. Patients categorized as moderate-severe COVID were younger (12.6 months vs. 82.1 months, p 0.03), higher prevalence of transplantation with deceased donor (50% vs. 4.3%, p 0.02) and with a higher prevalence of COVID-infected patients before 6 months after LT (75% vs. 5.7%, p 0.002). The independent predictor of COVID-19 severity identified in the multivariate analysis was COVID-19 infection < 6 months after LT (HR=0.001, 95% CI=0.001-0.67, p 0.03). Conclusion: The time interval of less than 6 months between COVID-19 infection and LT was the only predictor of disease severity in pediatric patients.

The proliferation of fake news on social media platforms poses significant challenges to information authenticity and public trust. In this study, the impact of various word embedding techniques on the performance of both machine learning and deep learning models for fake news detection is systematically evaluated. The comprehensive TruthSeeker dataset, which spans over a decade of labeled news articles and social media posts, is utilized. Three popular word embedding techniques are analyzed: TF-IDF, Word2Vec, and FastText. These embeddings were tested with multiple machine learning classifiers, including logistic regression, naive Bayes, K-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, multilayer perceptrons, decision trees, and random forests, as well as deep learning models, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Among machine learning models, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) with TF-IDF achieved the highest accuracy of 99.03%, precision of 98.92%, recall of 99.15%, and F1 score of 99.03%. The Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) also demonstrated strong performance with Word2Vec, reaching an accuracy of 95.24%, precision of 94.95%, recall of 95.50%, and F1 score of 95.07%. For deep learning models, CNNs combined with TF-IDF embeddings showed outstanding results, achieving an accuracy of 98.99%, precision of 98.56%, recall of 99.48%, and F1 score of 99.02%. These results highlight the critical role of word embeddings in enhancing model accuracy and reliability in misinformation detection.

This study aims to characterize the molecular profile of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among socially vulnerable immigrants residing in Brazil to investigate the introduction of uncommon HBV strains into the country. Serum samples from 102 immigrants with positive serology for HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) were tested for the presence of HBV DNA by PCR assays. Among these, 24 were also positive for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The full or partial genome was sequenced to determine genotype by phylogenetic analysis. Participants were from Haiti (79.4%), Guinea Bissau (11.8%), Venezuela (7.8%), and Colombia (1%). Of the 21 HBV DNA-positive samples, subgenotypes A1 (52.4%), A5 (28.6%), E (9.5%), F2 (4.8%), and F3 (4.8%) were identified. Among the 78 HBsAg-negative participants, four were positive for HBV DNA, resulting in an occult HBV infection rate of 5.1%. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that most strains were likely introduced to Brazil by migration. Importantly, 80% of A5 sequences had the A1762T/G1764A double mutation, linked to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development. In conclusion, this study is the first report of HBV subgenotype A5 in Brazil, shedding new light on the diversity of HBV strains circulating in the country. Understanding the genetic diversity of HBV in immigrant communities can lead to better prevention and control strategies, benefiting both immigrants and the broader society.

Elbow dislocation and instability present significant clinical challenges, necessitating a thorough understanding of the underlying bio-mechanical mechanisms. In this study, a quasi-static three-dimensional finite element model of the human elbow joint is developed to investigate stress distribution and stages of dislocation in the human elbow under various loading conditions. The model simulates the elbow joint in different degrees of flexion (30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) and forearm positions (pronation and supination), providing detailed insights into the progression of dislocation. Significant findings include the identification of high stress concentrations on the humerus at 90° flexion and on the radial and coronoid processes at 30°, 45°, and 60° flexion. Three reproducible stages of dislocation were observed, particularly in flexed positions with forearm pronation or supination. These stages align with experimental observations and highlight the initial occurrence of bony failures, such as radial head and ulnar coronoid fractures, preceding soft tissue tears. Clinically, the study underscores that early-stage low-impact posterior elbow dislocations retain enough stability to be managed with closed reduction and early mobilization. However, as dislocations progress, significant damage to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments is expected, necessitating more invasive treatments. This research provides valuable bio-mechanical insights into elbow dislocation, aiding in the development of improved treatment strategies and enhancing patient outcomes through precise and timely clinical interventions. The validated FEM serves as a powerful tool for pre-surgical planning offering a comprehensive understanding of elbow joint mechanics.

In arid and semi-arid regions, groundwater is often the only available source of water. However, overexploitation and pollution have led to a decrease in both the quantity and quality of ground-water. Therefore, proper management of groundwater resources is essential to promote sustainable development. Numerical simulation has emerged as a valuable tool to address these challenges due to its ability to accurately and efficiently model groundwater systems. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current knowledge on the use of numerical groundwater flow models for planning and water resources management in Latin American countries. A total of 166 research articles published between years 2000 and 2024. We analyzed, summarizing details as: the study regions, numerical simulation methods and software, performance metrics, modeling units, modeling limitations, and prediction scenarios. In addition, we discuss alternatives to address the constraints and difficulties and suggests recommendations for future research. Continued research, improvement and de-velopment of numerical groundwater models is essential to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources.

Survivability is a critical concern in WSNs, heavily influenced by energy efficiency. Addressing severe energy constraints in WSNs requires solutions that meet application goals while prolonging network life. This paper presents an energy optimization approach (EOAMRCL) for WSNs, integrating the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) for enhanced performance. EOAMRCL aims to enhance energy efficiency by selecting the optimal duty-cycle schedule, transmission power, and routing paths. The proposed approach employs a centralized strategy using a hierarchical network architecture. During the cluster formation phase, an objective function, augmented with GWO, determines the ideal cluster heads (CHs). The routing protocol then selects routes with minimal energy consumption for data transmission to CHs, using transmission power as a metric. In the transmission phase, the MAC layer forms a duty-cycle schedule based on cross-layer routing information, enabling nodes to switch between active and sleep modes according to their network allocation vectors (NAV). This process is further optimized by an enhanced CSMA/CA mechanism, which incorporates sleep/activate modes and pairing nodes to alternate between active and sleep states. This integration reduces collisions, improves channel assessment accuracy, and lowers energy consumption, thereby enhancing overall network performance. EOAMRCL was evaluated in a MATLAB environment, demonstrating superior performance compared to EEUC, DWEHC, and CGA-GWO protocols, particularly in terms of network lifetime and energy consumption. This highlights the effectiveness of integrating GWO and the updated CSMA/CA mechanism in achieving optimal energy efficiency and network performance.

Virtual Reality (VR) is increasingly used in neuropsychological assessments due to its ability to simulate real-world environments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Trail Making Test in VR (TMT-VR) and investigate the effects of different interaction modes and gaming skills on cognitive performance. A total of 71 young female and male adults (aged 18-35) with high and low gaming skills participated in this study. Participants completed the TMT-VR using three interaction modes: eye-tracking, head movement, and controller. Performance metrics included task completion time and accuracy. User experience, usability, and acceptability of TMT-VR were also examined. Results showed that both eye-tracking and head movement modes significantly outperformed the controller in terms of task completion time and accuracy. No significant differences were found between eye-tracking and head movement modes. Gaming skills did not significantly influence task performance using any interaction mode. Participants reported high usability, acceptability, and user experience for the TMT-VR. Eye-tracking facilitated higher accuracy, while head movement higher speed. The TMT-VR offers high usability and user experience and is well accepted by the participants. The findings suggest that VR-based assessments can effectively measure cognitive performance without being influenced by prior gaming skills, indicating potential applicability for diverse populations.

The Italian herbal products market is the most prosperous in Europe. The proof is represented by the use of these products in several marketing categories, ranging from medicine to nutrition and cosmetics. Market and legislation in Italy are at the same time cause and consequence of this peculiar situation. In fact, the legislation on botanical food supplements in Italy is very permissive and at the same time the market shows an overall satisfaction of users and strong feedback in terms of consumption, which brings a widening use of medicinal plants, formerly the prerogative of pharmaceuticals, to other fields such as nutrition. This review summarizes the market and normative panorama of herbal products in Italy, highlighting the blurred boundaries of health indications, marketing authorizations and quality controls between herbal medicines and non pharmaceutical products, such as food supplements, cosmetics and other herbal-based “parapharmaceuticals”.

Energy imbalance gap (EIG) is defined as the average daily difference between energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE). This study aimed to examine the associations between EIG and sociodemographic and anthropometric variables in the adolescent population of eight Latin American countries. A total of 680 adolescents aged 15 to 18 were included in this study. EI was estimated using two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. EE was predicted from Schofield equations using physical activity levels obtained through the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and anthropometric measurements were also obtained. A descriptive analysis and multilevel linear regression models were used to examine associations between variables. The mean EI, EE, and EIG were 2091.3 kcal, 2067.8 kcal, and 23.5 kcal, respectively. Argentina and Colombia had the highest EI and EIG, whereas Chile and Costa Rica had the lowest EI and EIG. Males had a higher EI (2262.4 kcal) and EE (2172.2 kcal) than females (1930.1 kcal and 2084.5 kcal), respectively (p<0,05). Overweight subjects had a lower EIG than did underweight and normal-weight subjects (p<0,05). Subjects with high SES had a lower EE (2047.0 kcal) than those with low SES (1963.7 kcal) (p<0,05). Sex and BMI were associated with EIG in adolescents from Latin America.

Choline and essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital for fetal brain development, supporting pregnancy, and maintaining hormonal balance. They also promote overall health. The childbearing years present a window of opportunity to increase the intake of these key nutrients and develop healthy dietary habits. Survey data were collected for the Estudio Latinoamericano de Nutrición y Salud (ELANS), including participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela (n=9,218; 15-65 years old). Women of childbearing age were extracted from the largest database (n=3,704). The aims of this study were to evaluate the intake of choline and essential fatty acids in women of childbearing age, identify their food sources, and determine if supplements containing choline and EFA were available across the ELANS countries. In general, choline intake was inadequate in all countries, while essential fatty acids intake was normal or above requirements. Chile had the lowest intake of choline and Colombia the highest. The results showed that some countries had more inadequate choline intake than others. Consuming a larger quantity of eggs helped reduce choline inadequacy, as did including eggs and fish in the diet. The intake of essential fatty acids, including ALA, EPA, and DHA, showed variability. The contributions of EPA and DHA were lower than that of ALA, and the results differed by age group. In conclusion, choline intake is inadequate and EFA intake is variable among women of childbearing age in the ELANS study. More awareness and education are needed to achieve better intake of these nutrients.

Arylmagnesium and -calcium reagents are easily accessible, however, ether degradation processes limit the storability especially of the calcium-based heavy Grignard reagents. Ortho-bound substituents with phosphanyl donor sites usually block available coordination sites and stabilize such complexes. The reaction of bromo-2,6-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene (1a) with magnesium in tetrahydrofuran yields [Mg{C₆H₃-2,6-(CH₂PPh₂)₂}₂] (2) after recrystallization from 1,2-dimethoxyethane. However, the similarly performed reduction of bromo- (1a) and iodo-2,6-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene (1b) with calcium leads to ether cleavage and subsequent degradation products. α-Deprotonation of THF yields 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)benzene. Furthermore, the insoluble THF adducts of dimeric calcium diphenylphosphinate halides, [(thf)₃Ca(X)(µ-O₂PPh₂)]₂ [X = Br (3a), I (3b)], precipitate verifying ether decomposition and cleavage of P-C bonds. Ether adducts of calcium halides [such as [(dme)₂(thf)CaBr₂] (4)] form supporting the initial Grignard reaction and a subsequent Schlenk-type dismutation reaction.

Digital recruitment systems have revolutionized the hiring paradigm, imparting exceptional efficiencies and extending the reach for both employers and job seekers. This investigation scrutinizes the efficacy of classical machine learning methodologies alongside advanced large language models (LLMs) in aligning resumes with job categories. Traditional matching techniques, such as Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Naïve Bayes, and Support Vector Machines, are constrained by the necessity of manual feature extraction, limited feature representation, and performance degradation, particularly as dataset size escalates, rendering them less suitable for large-scale applications. Conversely, LLMs like GPT-4, GPT-3, and LLAMA, adeptly process unstructured textual content, capturing nuanced language and context with greater precision. We evaluate these methodologies utilizing two datasets comprising resumes and job descriptions to ascertain accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Our results reveal that while conventional models excel with structured data, LLMs significantly enhance the interpretation and matching of intricate textual information. This study highlights the transformative potential of LLMs in recruitment, offering insights into their application and future research avenues.

The aim of this study was to estimate the association between fear of COVID-19 and risk perception with preventive behavior in health professionals from three Latin American countries. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Health professionals with on-site care in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru were surveyed. Information was collected through an online self-report questionnaire. The main variables were preventive behavior as the dependent variable and fear of COVID-19 and risk perception as independent variables. Linear regression was used, and Beta coefficients and p-values were calculated. 435 health professionals were included, the majority were aged 42 years or older (45.29%, 95%CI: 40.65%-50.01%) and female (67.82%, 95%CI: 63.27%-72.05%). It was shown that the greater the fear of COVID-19, the greater the preventive behavior of COVID-19 infection (B=2.21, p=0.002 for total behavior; B=1.12, p=0.037 for additional protection at work; B=1.11, p<0.010 for hand washing). The risk perception of COVID-19 infection had a slight direct relationship with preventive behaviors (B=0.28, p=0.021 for total behavior; B=0.13, p=0.015 for hand washing), with the exception of the preventive behavior of using additional protection at work (p=0.339). We found that fear and risk perception are associated with increased practice of hand washing and use of additional protection at work. Further studies are required on the influence of working conditions, job performance and the occurrence of mental health problems in frontline personnel with regard to COVID-19.

Between 2019 and 2023, sixteen universities increased their research output by more than fifteen times the global average, alongside significant changes in authorship dynamics (e.g., decreased first authorship, increased numbers of hyperprolific authors, increased numbers of multiaffiliations, and increased numbers of authors per publication). Using bibliometric methods, this study detected patterns suggesting a reliance on unconventional authorship practices, such as gift, honorary, and sold authorship, to inflate publication metrics. This study underscores the need for reforms by universities, policymakers, funding agencies, ranking agencies, accreditation bodies, scholarly publishers, and researchers to maintain academic integrity and ensure the reliability of global ranking systems.

Buildings consume 30% of the total energy consumption around the globe and 29% of the energy consumption in Egypt which in 2022 had a total population of 102 million, out of which 43 % live in urban areas . The operation of buildings contributes to around 30% of global CO2 emissions due to their high energy consumption (IEA, 2022a). Among the efforts made towards improving the energy efficiency of buildings are Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs), building rating systems, codes, and standards. Furthermore, numerous research studies that are either literature review studies, experimental studies, or computational studies addressed the topic of energy efficiency in buildings. These are all examined in this literature review with the purpose of identifying the research gap in available research with a focus on Egypt. The identified gap is the development of a prescriptive path for the GPRS energy efficiency category based on whole building energy simulations.

Novel functionalized and/or grafted crosslinked chitosan adsorbents were synthesized and used to remove several toxic heavy metal ions from contaminated water efficiently and selectively. The chitosan biopolymer was functionalized by maleic anhydride (CS_MA), which also acted as a crosslinking agent. Separately, Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan (CS_GA) was grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate) (CS_MMA). The synthesized adsorbents were used to adsorb and remove heavy metal ions from contaminated water. The metal ions were nickel, lead, chromium, and cadmium. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbents was analyzed under various conditions of contact time, adsorbent dose, initial concertation, temperature, and pH and evaluated against those of pure chitosan (CS) and the crosslinked one (CS_GA). The ultimate conditions for the ions removal were 0.5g/100ml adsorbent dose, an initial metal ion concentration of 50 ppm, a temperature of 45oC, and a pH 9. CS_MMA, which had the highest removal percentages for all metal ions, ranging from 92% to 94%. The adsorption was demonstrated to fit a pseudo-first-order model that followed a Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The results highlight the capacity of the synthesized polymers to efficiently remove major toxic contaminants at low cost from contaminated water, present especially in low-income areas, without harming the environment.

This scoping review explores the intersection of Extended Mind Theory and Extended Reality (XR) technologies, focusing on how Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality reshape human cognition and interaction. XR enables users to offload cognitive tasks and engage in embodied experiences, extending cognition beyond the brain into digital environments. The review highlights a wide range of XR applications, from immersive learning in STEM education and medical training, neuropsychological assessment to therapeutic interventions, arts and entertainment, professional skills development, retail and e-commerce, remote work, sports training, architecture and urban planning, and cultural heritage preservation. XR's integration with modalities like haptics, eye-tracking, face- and body-tracking, and brain-computer interfaces further enhances cognitive extension and user engagement. However, alongside these advancements come significant ethical, psychological, and societal challenges, such as data privacy concerns, the psychological effects of prolonged immersion, and social inequality arising from disparate access to XR technologies. This review emphasizes the need for robust ethical frameworks that address these challenges, ensuring that XR technologies enhance human development while maintaining autonomy, privacy, and mental well-being. As XR continues to evolve and integrate with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, its role in expanding human cognition will depend on responsible implementation and governance.

The main focus of the in vitro toxicity assessment methods is on the viability of the cells, which is usually based on metabolism changes. Yet, when exposed to toxic substances, the cell triggers multiple signals in response. With this in mind, we have developed a promising cell-based toxicity method that observes various cell responses when exposed to toxic substances (either death, division or remaining viable). Based on the collective cell response, we observed and predicted the dynamics of the cell population to determine the toxicity of the toxicant. The method was tested with two different conformations: In the first conformation, we exposed a monoculture model of blood macrophages to UV light, hydrogen peroxide, nutrient deprivation, tetrabromobisphenol A, fatty acids and 5-fluorouracil. In the second, we exposed a coculture liver model consisting of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to rifampicin, ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil. The method showed good accuracy compared to established toxicity assessment methods. In addition, this approach provided more representative information on the toxic effects of the compounds as it considers the different cellular responses induced by toxic agents.

Analysing the human body by direct observation can lead to misinterpretation of underlying trends, whereas in vitro organ models facilitate their understanding. Likewise, in vitro organ models serve as valuable tools for assessing the toxicity of compounds. However, none of the existing models had the features we considered critical for toxicity assessment, so we developed an in vitro liver model for toxicity assessment. We used four different types of primary liver cells: Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. We cultured them in different combinations of composition and volume of cell medium, hepatocyte proportion of total cells, and addition of extracellular matrix. We added rifampicin, ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil to this model and observed the microanatomy and physiology changes for a week with preclinical and clinical instruments. Among the different model configurations, we selected the feature combination of the in vitro model that had similar biomarker values to those measured by the clinical instruments used in clinical diagnostics. When we exposed the selected model configuration to rifampicin, ibuprofen and 5-fluorouracil, the viability of Kupffer cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells was significantly lower than in the untreated samples. In contrast, we observed negligible viability of hepatocytes compared to the untreated samples. We have built an in vitro liver model that resembles the liver microenvironment and we have analysed it with clinical instrumentation to facilitate the data translation. In this sense, we have established that Kupffer and LSEC cells are suitable candidates for the search for clinical diagnostic markers of liver function.

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis (P), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supportive tissues around the teeth, is 3 to 4 times more prevalent in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), with a direct correlation between its severity and the levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) in patients with and without type 2 DM and P. Methods: Forty patients with P were divided into two groups: Group DM/P and Group P. All patients were assessed at baseline, and 90 and 180 days after receiving NSPT. The parameters evaluated included HbA1c levels, plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Statistical analysis was performed with a significance level set at α = 5%. Results: There were significant differences in HbA1c levels between the DM/P and P groups at baseline, 90, and 180 days, as expected. Importantly, HbA1c levels did not change after NSPT. Group P showed a significant reduction in both PI and BoP values at 90 and 180 days (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, group DM/P demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of sites with PPD ≥ 5mm at 180 days (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, group P exhibited an increase in sites with PPD ≤ 4mm and a decrease in sites with PPD ≥ 5mm at both 90 and 180 days (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DM may compromise the effectiveness of NSPT, potentially hindering favorable outcomes during the follow-up period.

This review focuses on the pivotal role of radiotracers in breast cancer imaging, emphasizing their importance in accurate detection, staging, and treatment monitoring. Radiotracers, labeled with radioactive isotopes, are integral to various nuclear imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission mammography (PEM). The most widely used radiotracer in breast cancer imaging is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), which highlights areas of increased glucose metabolism, a hallmark of many cancer cells. This allows for the identification of primary tumors, metastatic sites, and assessment of tumor response to therapy. In addition to 18F-FDG, this review will explore newer radiotracers targeting specific receptors, such as estrogen receptors or HER2, which offer more personalized imaging options. These tracers provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics of tumors, aiding in tailored treatment strategies. By integrating radiotracers into breast cancer management, clinicians can enhance early disease detection, monitor therapeutic efficacy, and guide interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Ongoing research aimed at developing more specific and sensitive tracers will also be highlighted, underscoring their potential to advance precision medicine in breast cancer care.

Videogames have been the focus of research since their widespread popularity, with particular emphasis on their effects on cognitive and affective abilities, especially in children and adolescents. Despite numerous correlational studies, robust evidence on the causal relationship between videogames and cognition remains scarce, hindered by the absence of a comprehensive assessment tool for gaming skills across various genres. This study aimed to develop and validate the Gaming Skill Questionnaire (GSQ) and to assess the impact of gaming skills in six different genres (Sport, First-Person Shooters, Role-Playing Games, Action-Adventure, Strategy, and Puzzle Games) on adolescents’ cognitive and affective abilities. The GSQ exhibited strong reliability and validity, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool. Gaming skills positively affected executive function, memory, overall cognition, cognitive flexibility, and emotion recognition, except for empathy. Various game genres had different effects on cognitive and affective abilities, with verbal fluency influenced mainly by sports, executive functions by action, strategy, and puzzle, and emotion recognition positively impacted by action and puzzle but negatively by sports and strategy games. Both age and gaming skills influenced cognitive flexibility, with gaming having a greater effect. These intriguing genre-specific effects on cognitive and affective functioning postulate further research with GSQ's contribution.

The photosystem I (PSI) of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii associates with 10 light-harvesting proteins (LHCI) to form the PSI-LHCI complex. Binding of LHCII to PSI may also occur and is controlled by a process called state transitions. Hereby, two LHCII trimers bind to the PSAL, PSAH and PSAO side of PSI to produce the PSI-LHCI-LHCII complex. In this work, we took advantage of chemical crosslinking of proteins in conjunction with mass spectrometry to identify protein-protein interactions between the light-harvesting proteins of PSI and PSII. We detected binding of LHCBM proteins to the LHCA1-PSAG side of PSI and identified protein-protein interactions of LHCSR3 with LHCA5 and LHCA3. Our data indicate that the binding of LHCII to PSI is more versatile as anticipated and reveal that LHCSR3 likely regulates excitation energy transfer to the PSI core via LHCA5/LHCA3.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) stands as a significant cause of drug attrition. To mitigate clinical DILI risks, assessing drugs using human liver models is crucial since animal studies may fall short due to species-specific liver pathway variations. Cell-based preclinical hepatotoxicity testing is often pertinent. In the present study, cells from a human liver cancer line (HepG2, HepaRG) were cultured in both formats of 2D and 3D spheroids to explore their responses to drugs. Liver-specific marker expressions across cell lines and culture formats were also examined to assess disparities in drug-induced liver injury marker expressions. In cytotoxicity assays, HepG2 cells exhibited heightened sensitivity to amiodarone HCl, while HepaRG cells showed greater sensitivity to acetaminophen. Generally, 2D cultures were more responsive to drugs than 3D cultures. Consistency was observed between cytotoxicity assays and liver injury markers AST and ALT. Variations were also noted in liver cell marker secretion, with albumin and urea concentrations declining post-drug treatment, particularly with higher baseline expression in HepaRG cells and 3D cultures. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of CYP enzymes involved in hepatocellular drug metabolism were compared following treatment with enzyme inducers. CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 were not expressed in HepG2 cells. On the other hand, CYP3A4 was expressed higher in 3D culture than in 2D culture. HepaRG cells exhibited significantly increased expression of all three enzymes post-treatment. Notably, enzyme expression was notably higher in 3D cultures than in 2D cultures. Collectively, these findings suggest that HepaRG cells and 3D cultures hold promise for evaluating DILI during early-stage drug development.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) holds significant therapeutic potential by silencing target genes through RNA interference. Current clinical applications of siRNA have been primarily limited to liver diseases, while achievements in delivery methods are expanding its applications to various organs, including the lungs. Cholesterol-conjugated siRNA emerges as a promising delivery approach due to its low toxicity and high efficiency. This study focuses on developing a cholesterol-conjugated anti-Il6 siRNA and the evaluation of its potency for the potential treatment of inflammatory diseases using the example of acute lung injury (ALI). The biological activities of different Il6-targeted siRNAs containing chemical modifications were evaluated in J774 cells in vitro. The lead cholesterol-conjugated anti-Il6 siRNA after intranasal instillation demonstrated dose-dependent therapeutic effects in a mouse model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The treatment significantly reduced Il6 mRNA levels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the severity of lung inflammation. IL6 silencing by cholesterol-conjugated siRNA proves to be a promising strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, with potential applications beyond the lungs.

Introduction: maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular asymmetry may be corrected with orthognathic surgery at the completion of growth. Many patients require segmental Le Fort I osteotomies to obtain the most stable results. Unfortunately, if Invisalign is chosen for pre-surgical preparation, ClinCheck © software does not allow for prediction when these complex surgeries are planned. The objective of this paper was to show the potential of aligners beyond its software in most complex cases like multiple-piece maxillary osteotomies in cleft and non-cleft patients. Method: Thirteen patients who underwent pre-surgical treatment with clear aligners-Invisalign (study group) were matched in terms of diagnosis, surgical procedure, and orthodontic complexity with thirteen patients treated using fixed appliances (control group). A technique based on simple superimposition was devised to enhance the software for creating a suitable occlusion for segmental pre-surgical treatments. Virtual curves following the lower arch were employed to guide the correct pre-surgical positions of the upper teeth. The amount of impressions required in both groups to achieve satisfactory pre-surgical alignment of the segmented arches was compared. Results: one or no refinement phase were needed in the Invisalign group to reach an acceptable pre-surgical occlusion while the amount of pre-surgical impressions taken in order to reach adequate coordination with fixed appliance treatment was slightly higher. The average overall treatment duration did not show a statistically significant variation between the groups. Conclusions: it appears that clear aligner could serve as an effective treatment for individuals with skeletal discrepancies, including cleft and craniofacial anomalies, necessitating segmental Le Fort I osteotomies when aided by the suggested superimposition approach during digital pre-surgical movement simulations. More sophisticated softwares will certainly be implemented in the future.

Significant global challenges, particularly in the areas of economics, society, and the environment, are posed by urbanization. In this researcher-led study, we look at how Jordan is trying to bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life in its capital, Amman, by bringing urban laws in line with these global goals. The paper finds legislative flaws that prevent SDG incorporation through a thorough analysis of the Amman Building and Regulation Act of 2019. Some of the main points covered are public participation, the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable construction practices, resilience in urban areas, and the management of natural resources. Although a lot of work has gone into it, the analysis shows that if Jordan wants to accomplish the 2030 Agenda and have sustainable urban growth in the future, it must overcome these institutional and legal barriers. As a model for other cities facing a similar challenge, Amman is being asked to lead the way in SDG localization through more public involvement, new laws, and innovative resource management.

In the present study we examine the relationship among sovereign yields, temperature and precipitation using a large monthly panel data set which consists of 20 eurozone members, over the period 1980M1 – 2023M4. To account for possible asymmetries along the distribution of the climate variables we assume a quadratic modelling specification and apply various mean panel estimation techniques of heterogeneous coefficients. At a next step, to consider possible nonlinearities in the distribution of the dependent variable (sovereign yields), we apply the quantile via moments methodology of Machado and Santos Silva (2019), which accounts for possible cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity. We contribute to the existing literature in two main ways. First, by applying a quantile methodology that provides a more in-depth analysis of the climate effects along the distribution of the sovereign yields, especially in the presence of non-normally distributed data. Second, we find that climate change, as proxied by higher temperatures or lower precipitation (drought), will increase the sovereign risk of all countries, but the magnitude of the impact will be higher for countries that are already characterized by higher sovereign risk levels and/or face extreme weather conditions (hotter countries and/or countries with low levels of precipitation).

Multi-stakeholder participation processes in watershed management face challenges due to limited monitoring and baseline data, resulting in a lack of awareness among stakeholders about the current state of the watershed. This knowledge gap often leads to conflicts of interest, where the broader impacts of individual decisions are overlooked. To overcome these limitations, this paper explores the design and implementation of a Serious Game (SG) aimed at co-producing a watershed management plan at the basin scale within the specific context of the Campoalegre River basin in Colombia. By providing an interactive platform, the SG facilitates collaboration between local actors, who may be unfamiliar with existing watershed plans, and decision-makers. The goal is to create a participatory space where stakeholders can comprehend the watershed management plan structure and prioritize actions based on various climatic, social, and economic conditions. Following the application of the SGs, stakeholders demonstrated an improved understanding of the basin, fostering increased participation, open debate, and the proposal of actions. These outcomes serve as valuable inputs for the implementation of water management planning policies, showcasing the potential of SGs in bridging knowledge gaps, and fostering effective multi-stakeholder engagement.

Human serum albumin (HSA) corona formation at polymer microparticles of a spheroidal shape was studied using dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV). Physicochemical characteristics of the albumin comprising, the zeta potential and the isoelectric point were determined as a function of pH for various ionic strengths. Analogous characteristics of the polymer particles were carried out. The adsorption of albumin on the particles was monitored by electrophoretic mobility measurements (LDV). The stability of the HSA functionalized particle suspensions under various pHs and their electrokinetic properties were determined. The deposition kinetics of the particles on mica, silica and gold sensors were determined in situ by optical microscopy, AFM and by the quartz microbalance (QCM) under diffusion and flow conditions. The obtained results were interpreted in terms of the coarse-grained random sequential adsorption model that allowed to estimate the range of applicability of QCM for determining deposition kinetics of virus and bacteria at abiotic surfaces.

This paper presents a theoretical framework aimed at improving IoT network cybersecurity by AI-driven anomaly detection in the context of rapid urbanization and the development of smart cities. The framework draws upon the Complex Adaptive Systems Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the Socio-Technical Systems Theory, and intri-cately examines how AI might be integrated into the intricate ecosystem of smart cities to detect and mitigate cyber threats. It emphasizes AI-driven anomaly detection methods as pivotal in-struments that impact cybersecurity enhancement in smart city infrastructures. The proposed framework also highlights the crucial role that human-related factors, including user behavior and adoption, play in determining how effective AI applications are in enhancing cybersecurity in smart cities. It also recognizes the important moderating roles played by outside factors like legislative frameworks, environmental contexts, and technological breakthroughs in the relationship between AI-enabled anomaly detection and enhanced cybersecurity. The goal of this research is to shed light on the interactions between technology and socio-technical dynamics by offering a thorough theoretical understanding of AI's potential in smart city cybersecurity. It highlights the significance of taking into account a variety of contextual aspects when employing AI to strengthen the digital security of urban areas, and provides a strategic direction for future research and practical implementation.

The increasing frequency and severity of phytoplankton blooms worldwide highlight the need for advancements in monitoring technologies. Optical remote sensors, such as Landsat, have proven to be a cost-effective method for large-scale, near-real-time assessments of phytoplankton biomass in lakes. However, its effectiveness is often compromised by atmospheric interferences like clouds, dust, and wildfire smoke, which can obscure the clear-sky conditions essential for accurate remote sensing. While partial atmospheric correction (removing only the Rayleigh effect) is commonly applied to address these interferences, it remains inadequate for mitigating the impact of wildfire smoke. This study investigates the potential of Landsat's coastal/aerosol band (B1) for assessing wildfire smoke interference effects on Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) retrieval models, which serve as proxies for phytoplankton biomass. We employed cluster analysis of B1 values to create a screening system based on aerosol reflectance, categorizing smoke interference into low, moderate, and high levels. Subsequently, we applied both partial (Rayleigh-corrected reflectance) and full (Landsat 8 Level 2 surface reflectance) atmospheric corrections before developing the Chl-a retrieval models. Excluding high wildfire smoke interference (B1 &gt; 0.07) from the Chl-a calibration dataset significantly enhanced model performance, increasing the r-squared value from approximately 0.55 to 0.80. Moderate smoke interference (0.05 &lt; B1 &lt; 0.07) yielded results comparable to low-interference conditions. Notably, Rayleigh-corrected reflectance, even without additional aerosol band filtering, achieved higher r-squared values for the Chl-a retrieval model than full atmospheric correction. B1 thus proves to be a valuable tool for identifying low smoke-impacted observations, offering an effective method to monitor phytoplankton biomass amid increasing wildfire activity and improving the capacity to monitor aquatic environments in a changing global landscape.

With the fintech industry growing at an unprecedented rate, it is critical to protect cybersecurity and ensure data privacy. The research presented here offers a thorough examination of the challenges faced by financial technology companies, highlighting the growing risks posed by malware, phishing, and network vulnerabilities. As essential components of a proactive defense plan, the report promotes strong cybersecurity measures like frequent security assessments, encryption, and stringent access controls. The findings highlight how important it is for fintech companies to give cybersecurity equal importance with open and honest data privacy policies in order to win over customers. In order to protect the industry from cybersecurity risks regulatory compliance, intrusion detection systems, and collaborative information sharing are considered essential components. The article advises businesses to include cybersecurity and data privacy into their core business operations and customer relations, highlighting the critical role these factors play in sustaining success in the rapidly evolving fintech industry.

Objectives: To assess the short-term impact of a single global stretching session on plantar pressures and lumbar range of motion (RoM) over one week in sedentary university students. Design: A randomised controlled trial with two parallel groups. Participants: Sixty-four university students were randomly assigned to a stretching group or control group. The stretching group received a single session of global stretching and the control group remained seated for the same length of time as the stretching session. Main outcome measures: Lumbar RoM and plantar pressures were assessed before, immediately after, 48 hours after, and 7 days after intervention. Results: Group-by-time interaction was significant for lumbar lateral flexion (p = 0.044), right maximal pressure (p = 0.003), left maximal pressure (p = 0.008), right mean pressure (p = 0.025), left mean pressure (p = 0.002), and maximal pressure minus mean pressure in right foot (p = 0.007). The model with plantar pressures showed a significant difference for group-by-time interaction (p = 0.010).Conclusion: Global stretching seems to counteract the ill-effects of prolonged sitting up to seven days with respect to plantar pressure in standing without improving lumbar ROM

This study investigates the optical properties of Yttrium Orthoferrite thin films fabricated via plasma laser deposition. Yttrium Orthoferrite, a ferrimagnetic material known for its potential applications in spintronics and photonics, was deposited on single-crystal substrates under controlled conditions to analyze its optical characteristics. The influence of deposition time, on the film quality and optical properties was examined.

The article considers the issues of ensuring operational performance and environmental sustainability of marine diesel engines by using biodiesel fuel. The research was conducted on 5S60ME-C8 MAN-B&W Diesel Group and 6DL-16 Daihatsu Diesel marine diesel engines, which were operated using RMG380 petroleum fuel and B10 and B30 biodiesel fuels. The efficiency of biofuel usage was assessed based on environmental (reduced nitrogen oxide concentration in exhaust gases) and economic (increased specific effective fuel consumption) criteria. It was found out that the use of B10 and B30 biofuels provides reduction of nitrogen oxides concentration in exhaust gases by 14.71–25.13 %, but at the same time increases specific effective fuel consumption by 1.55–6.01 %. Optimum fuel injection advance angles were determined that ensure the best thermal energy, economic and environmental performance of diesel engines. The optimum angle of biofuel supply advance is determined experimentally and should correspond to the limits recommended by the diesel engine operating instructions. It has been proven experimentally that the use of biofuel increases the environmental sustainability of marine diesel engines by 13.75–29.42 %. It increases the diesel engines environmental safety in case of emergency situations, as well as accidental and short-term emissions of exhaust gases with an increased content of nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere - phenomena that are possible in starting modes of diesel engine operation, as well as in modes of sudden load changes. It is the increase in the environmental friendliness of marine diesel engines in the case of using biofuel that is the most positive criterion and contributes to the intensity of biofuel use in power plants of sea vessels.

The demand for information technology expertise has grown rapidly in the last few decades, signaling a firm’s commitment to integrating IT into its core business strategy. Understanding the conditions under which firms appoint a chief information officer (CIO) can provide valuable insights into the evolving role of IT in corporate governance. This study addresses a crucial gap in the literature by exploring the determinants of a firm's decision to hire a CIO at the top management level. The study identifies several factors that influence a firm’s decision to appoint a CIO, including the firm's size, its level of innovation, and its prior performance. The study examines these assertions by comparing the characteristics of firms that appoint a CIO at the top management level with those of similar firms in their industries that do not have a CIO position prior to the appointment. A logistic regression model that considers CIO firms and their matched firms indicates that firms are more likely to hire a new CIO after they experience loss, have larger capital expenditures and higher market value. Our study provides empirical evidence on why certain firms prioritize IT leadership at the executive level.

Modern automotive systems should must satisfy strict reliability requirements. Most of the real vehicle systems and safety-critical networks have complex interconnections. Sensitivities and probabilistic uncertainties of reliability of System with Complex Interconnections (SwCI) can be investigated by the Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS). The paper focuses on sensitivities and parametrical uncertainties of SwCIs reliability. The proposed method can be used forimplemented in the investigation of uncertainties of SwCIs reliability – in other wordsi.e., for in the determination of critical system elements and to estimateion of the Required Number of Spare Parts (RNSP) of the system, which depends on the probability of allowable spare equipment shortage.

Objective: Evaluation of patients with prosthetic valves who developed infective endocarditis by comparing treatment outcomes in both early- and late-onset IE episodes following prosthetic valve replacement surgery. This study sought to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of these methodologies. The insights derived from this assessment will be utilized to enhance the quality of care for individuals with infective endocarditis who have received prosthetic valve replacement surgery. Results: During the period of investigation (January 2018 - December 2022), 78 patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) on prosthetic valve were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department of the "Dr. Carol Davila" Central Military Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest. In 28 cases (35.8%), the onset of PVE occurred within 12 months of surgery (early onset), whereas in 50 patients (64.2%), the onset occurred more than 12 months after surgery (late onset). The mortality rate was 35.9% (53.6% among the early onset patients and 26% among the late-onset patients). Among patients who received surgical and medical therapy, the mortality rate was 29.6%, whereas among those who underwent only medical therapy, a 39.2% mortality rate was reported. According to the extracted data, antibiotic therapy was successful in 72.6% of patients. In contrast, a combination of surgical and drug-based approaches resulted in a cure in 76.1% of the patients. The most common etiological agent was Staphylococcus aureus (38.5%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (26.9%), and Streptococcus mitis (10.3%). The mortality rate of patients with S. aureus was 29.2%, indicating the severity of this infectious agent. Conclusions: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious condition associated with a high mortality rate both in the short and long term. Regardless of the therapy used, the risk of death remains high. All patients with PVE who survived received effective early treatment, highlighting the need for prophylactic measures.

This paper focus on the modeling and time-domain analyzing method of piecewise-smooth fractional-order circuit systems. Firstly, an analytical framework is constructed based on a generalized piecewise-smooth two-port impedance network model, which takes the topological characteristics of Dickson type switched-capacitor converters (SCCs) as examples, and considers the fractional-order characteristics of class-2 X7R ceramic capacitors, which are widely used in SCCs. Secondly, the time-domain analyzing method for such a piecewise-smooth fractional-order circuit system is developed, numerical solutions are obtained, and the influence of the fractional-order capacitor on the power conversion efficiency of the system are revealed. Finally, in order to validate the analysis, both numerical simulation and experiments are provided in the work, the results of which confirm that, the proposed fractional-order analytical framework can capture the power loss mechanism of piecewise-smooth fractional-order circuit systems more effectively than the traditional integer-order based approach, thus benefiting the design of circuit systems.

Background and objective: Symptoms of most neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), usually do not occur until substantial neuronal loss occurs. This makes the process of early diagnosis very challenging. Hence, this research used variant call format (VCF) analysis to detect variants and novel genes that could be used as prognostic indicators in the early diagnosis of prodromal PD. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and we analyzed prodromal patients with gVCF data collected in the 2021 cohort. A total of 304 participants were included, including 100 healthy controls, 146 prodromal genetic individuals, 21 prodromal hyposmia individuals, and 37 prodromal RBDs. A pipeline was developed to process the samples from gVCF to reach variant annotation and pathway and disease association analysis. Results: Novel variant percentages were detected in the analyzed prodromal subgroups. The prodromal subgroup analysis revealed novel variations of 1.0%, 1.2%, 0.6%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.4% for the genetic male, genetic female, hyposmia male, hyposmia female, RBD male, and RBD female, respectively. Interestingly, 12 potentially novel loci (MTF2, PIK3CA, ADD1, SYBU, IRS2, USP8, PIGL, FASN, MYLK2, USP25, EP300 and PPP6R2) that were recently detected in PD patients were detected in the prodromal stage of PD. Conclusion: Genetic biomarkers are crucial for the early detection of Parkinson’s disease and its prodromal stage. The novel PD genes detected in prodromal patients could aid in the use of gene biomarkers for early diagnosis of the prodromal stage without relying only on phenotypic traits.

Abstract: Conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments become less and less effective and a discovery of new effective and safe antibacterial agents got a global priority. The returning to the natural antibacterial product is relatively new current trend. Terrestrial biota is a rich source of biologically active substances whose antibacterial potential was not fully utilized. Aim of this review is to present the current state-of-the art of terrestrial biota-derived antibacterial agents and inspired by nature treatments. It is a summary of the most important sources and new identified or modified antibacterial agents and treatments during the last 5 years. It focuses on the significance of plants- animals- and bacteria-derived biologically active agents as powerful alternatives to antibiotics as well as on the advantages of utilizing natural antibacterial molecules alone or in combinations with antibiotics. The main conclusion is that the terrestrial biota derived antibacterial products and substances open variety of new ways to modern improved therapeutic strategies. New terrestrial sources of known antibacterial agents and new antibacterial agents from terrestrial biota were discovered during the last 5 years, which are under investigation together with some long ago known but now surviving their renaissance for the development of new medical treatments. Use of natural antibacterial peptides as well as combinational therapy by commercial antibiotics and natural products outlines as the most promising for treating of bacterial infections. In vivo testing and clinical trials are necessary to reach clinical application.

Cell viability refers to the proportion of living, healthy cells within a given population. This information is crucial in any cell-based research, especially in toxicology. Over the past century, numerous methods for assessing cell viability have been developed. These methods can be categorized into five main types: non-invasive cell structure damage, invasive cell structure damage, cell growth, cellular metabolism, and cell membrane potential. Each method operates on different principles and has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it essential for researchers to choose the method that best fits their experimental design. Despite the variety of cell viability methods available, most rely on indirect measurements of cell viability, which may compromise their accuracy. In this sense, there is insufficient information regarding their accuracy, highlighting the need for researchers to investigate the accuracy of both existing and future methods.

This study seeks to comprehend the complex and diverse dynamics of women's encounters with urban green areas in the specific setting of Jordan. The utilization of the focus group methodology facilitated the organization of unstructured talks involving a cohort of twenty-seven female participants, which yielded intricate and perceptive perspectives on their opinions. This study revealed a widespread pattern of stigmatization and unfavorable assessment of women who utilize public areas, which is strongly ingrained in cultural norms and gender expectations. Women were also concerned about the potential harm to their reputation and the censure of society, which ultimately deterred women from participating in public spheres. The research thus centers on the close proximity and insufficiency of urban green areas in Jordan, which is worsened by high urban density. Insufficient lighting and security measures are responsible for further limiting women's access to areas like these, which also raises concerns about safety. Recent evidence has revealed deficiencies in infrastructure designed to accommodate the needs of women, particularly in public restroom facilities. This study emphasizes the immediate necessity for a fundamental change in urban policy and planning, towards more inclusive approaches. Within this strategic framework for urban policy, there is a strong emphasis on incorporating aesthetics, comfort, and safety elements to enhance the whole urban experience for women. Consequently, addressing this issue necessitates using gender-responsive strategies in urban design and planning. This includes enhancing the quality, cleanliness, and privacy aspects of facilities to cater to the specific needs of women and improve their overall well-being. This study contends that any ongoing discussion on sustainable urban development in Jordan must take into account the interaction between urbanization, accessibility to public spaces, and the well-being of women. Therefore, it is necessary to implement a worldwide effort to advocate for urban policies that include both genders. This program aims to propose innovative approaches to governance, security measures, and municipal infrastructures that are sensitive to gender-related issues.

Histological evidence of active prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) in cardiac valve tissue is widely regarded as a criterion established by Duke to confirm the presence of this condition, although the histological characteristics of mechanical prosthetic valve endocarditis have not yet been definitively established. The primary objective of this study was to determine the histologic differences in mechanical PVE in individuals with either early- or late-onset PVE, with the aim of distinguishing the unique aspects of this rare condition. Histological analysis of mechanical cardiac valve tissue was conducted in 27 patients who underwent surgical valve removal, comprising individuals with early onset and late-onset PVE. The findings were compared between the two groups. Histopathologically, PVE in individuals with mechanical heart valves is typically associated with the formation of vegetation and considerable neutrophil-rich infiltrates. In cases of early onset PVE, the affected valve tissue displays intense inflammation predominantly consisting of lymphocytes. In contrast, valve tissue samples from patients with late-onset PVE exhibit extensive fibrosis and inflammation, comprising macrophages, which are specialized immune cells and calcifications.

The knowledge in chemical composition of propolis is crucial for understanding the characteristics of products of different origin, but also for quality control and regulatory purposes. To date, offical monographs or official analyses that allow to evaluate propolis in a proper way have not yet been released. This study focuses on the characterization of twenty-seven Italian propolis and the identification of chemical markers that define its geographical provenance. Total polyphenol (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) content, alongside the quantification of pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), were identified as as potential markers. Additionally, DPPH assays was conducted to evaluate antiradicalic activity of propolis samples. Our findings demonstrated that TP, TF and pinocembrin differed in propolis of different origin, especially in samples from the islands. However, the quantification of the sum of chrysin and galangin and CAP provided a clear distinction of the geographical origin of the propolis samples. In contrast, the DPPH assay did not prove useful for this purpose, as most results were similar and, therefore, not significant. This study lays the groundwork for future research on propolis. These findings could contribute to the development of more refined methods for distinguishing propolis origins, enhancing the understanding, valuation and quality control of this natural product in various applications.

Apartment buildings, which make up 83% of all structures in Jordan, play a crucial role in the country's construction sector. This study examines the main barriers that are preventing the implementation of low-carbon emission techniques in these buildings. It uses the Fuzzy Delphi Method to collect ideas from 14 housing investors. The results suggest that a major obstacle is the insufficient knowledge among end-users regarding environmental concerns, along with financial limitations, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for low-carbon construction initiatives. Moreover, insufficient cooperation between consultants and contractors leads to subpar constructability, which is worsened by the prevailing conventional procurement method that prioritizes cost and schedule above environmental consequences. To further investigate, it is advisable to examine the utilization of contemporary procurement methods, such as Design-Build and Construction Management, in the housing industry of Jordan. These alternative methods have the potential to solve the current difficulties by promoting more effective and environmentally friendly building practices. This will help increase the use of low-carbon emission solutions and improve the overall sustainability of Jordan's construction sector.

A field experiment was conducted for 2 years in Green Tea Laboratory of Saitama Prefectural Agriculture and Forestry Research Center, Iruma, Saitama, Japan from March 2014 to December 2015. Controlled release fertilizers (CRF) or organic fertilizers (ORG) which is the mixture of chicken manure and oil cakewere applied with the amount of 450 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1 in 2014 and 397 kg N ha^-1 yr^-1 in 2015. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissionsfrom soil in green tea fields were measured by closed chamber method. The results showed that CRF has significantly lower N₂O compared to ORG. The cumulative N₂O emissions from CRF accounted for 51% of N₂O emissions from ORG fields and 138% of control with no fertilizer treatment. The N₂O flux from the row was higher than that of under the canopy, since fertilizer were applied on the row. However the total emission from the area between the rows was lower than that under the canopy because of the area ratio of row and canopy was 1:5.

The adoption of technology and digital tools across various user groups has brought about a heightened risk of cyber-attacks targeting devices and shared data. These elevated levels of cybercrime necessitate thorough investigations to address victims’ inquiries about the nature, causes, affected data, and impacted resources of the attack. Digital forensics serves as a crucial means to answer these queries. Additionally, it enables the formulation of strategies and delineation of roles essential for fortifying future defenses against such attacks. Within digital forensics, digital evidence holds pivotal importance in the investigative process as it serves as a cornerstone in legal proceedings to identify perpetrators. Numerous research endeavors focus on devising solutions to safeguard evidence, including centralized storage centers or cloud computing. These efforts aim to create frameworks integrating diverse security levels for sharing and preserving evidence effectively. In this paper, a new framework is proposed that seeks to amalgamate novel technologies with forensic practices to address challenges in the preservation phase of digital forensics. Strategies include segmenting evidence into smaller components, leveraging steganography to support preservation, and employing blockchain technology to ensure the integrity of collected evidence.

This paper presents the deformation of the joined sheet after the clinch-riveting process. The DX51D steel sheet with zinc coating was used. The samples to be joined with clinch riveting technology had a thickness of 1±0.05 mm and 1.5±0.1 mm. The sheet deformation was measured before and after the joining process. The rivet was pressed in the sheets with the same dimension between the rivet axis and three sheet edges: 20, 30 and 40 mm. For fixed segments of the die, from the rivet side close to the rivet, the sheet deformation was greater than that of the area with movable segments. The movement of die sliding element caused more sheet material to flow in the space between the fixed part of the die and movable segments. Hence, the sheet deformation in these places was smaller than for the die fixed element – sheet material was less compressed. For sheets thickness 1.5 mm and width 20 mm, the bulk of the sheet was observed. For a sheets width of 20 mm, it was observed that the deformation of the upper and lower sheets in the area of the rivet is greater than for sheets width of 30 or 40 mm.

The reasons for the circular sense of human color perception generated by two sorts of color opponent neurons and three cone types are not well understood. Here we use geometrical analysis to examine the hypothesis that opponency, the recursive nature of color perception, and trichromacy arise as the most efficient ways of distinguishing spectrally different points on a plane using a minimum of color classes and receptor types.

For very first time, we report the synthesis of 8-(2-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-(1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline 1. This was achieved in several steps, including usage of Suzuki reaction for functionalization of 2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)quinoline moiety. The new compound exhibits blue fluorescence. Its structure was confirmed with 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy, IR-spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry and X-ray analysis.

This research aims to explore the adoption and impact of green supply chain practices (GSCP) on sustainable development in Bangladesh. The study seeks to understand the current state of GSCP adoption across various industries, identify key drivers and barriers, assess the perceived benefits and challenges, and evaluate the overall impact on environmental sustainability, economic performance, and social well-being. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing interviews with key stakeholders, document analysis, and literature review to gather data and insights. Interviews were conducted with representatives from government agencies, businesses, civil society organizations, and academia to obtain diverse perspectives on GSCP adoption and its implications for sustainable development in Bangladesh. The findings reveal a mixed scenario of GSCP adoption across different industries in Bangladesh, with sectors such as textiles leading the way. Key drivers of GSCP adoption include regulatory pressures, market forces, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and financial incentives. However, organizations face significant barriers such as high upfront costs, lack of awareness and expertise, regulatory uncertainty, and supply chain complexity. Despite these challenges, GSCP offer various benefits, including environmental sustainability, economic performance, and social well-being. Successful initiatives demonstrate tangible impacts, highlighting the potential of GSCP to contribute to sustainable development. The research is limited by its qualitative nature and focus on selected industries and stakeholders. Future studies could employ quantitative methods and broader sampling to provide a more comprehensive understanding of GSCP adoption and its implications in Bangladesh. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to promote GSCP adoption and enhance sustainable development in Bangladesh. Strategies for overcoming barriers and maximizing benefits are outlined, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and capacity-building initiatives. GSCP adoption can have positive social implications by promoting ethical labor practices, improving working conditions, and fostering community engagement. By prioritizing sustainability, businesses can contribute to social well-being and inclusive growth. This research contributes to the literature on GSCP adoption and sustainable development in Bangladesh by providing empirical insights and practical recommendations. The study adds to the understanding of the drivers, barriers, benefits, and challenges associated with GSCP adoption, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental, economic, and social considerations in supply chain management.

Latin America and the Caribbean offer the most favorable natural and social conditions for the emergence of cattle ranching that regenerate and maintains the ecosystem services on which life on Earth depends, that is energy efficient and that contributes to meeting fundamental human food needs. Unlike other major global producers, cattle farming in Latin America and the Caribbean is fundamentally based on pasture. Therein lies both its strength (due to the regenerative potential of well-managed pastures) and its vulnerability (due to the pervasive link between deforestation and pasture formation, especially in the Amazon, where 40% of the Brazilian herd is concentrated). The diversification of pastures (today marked by impressive monotony, with brachiaria accounting for 85% of the species in Brazil), the introduction of legumes and tree plantations within them, and the proper management of herds, open the way to the possibility of drastically reducing the area currently occupied by the activity (especially in the Amazon) while maintaining the supply of its products. Agricultural research has disseminated forms of moderate intensification of cattle ranching, which represent a low opportunity cost of animal feed and, at the same time, regeneration of ecosystem services that have so far been destroyed by the prevailing methods of farming.

Leishmaniasis is the third most common vector-borne disease and a very important protozoan infection. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the most common types of leishmaniasis infectious diseases with up to 2 million occurrences of new cases each year worldwide. A dynamic transmission multivariate time series model was applied to the data to account for overdispersion and evaluate the effects of three environmental layers as well as seasonality in the data. Furthermore, ecological niche modeling was used to investigate the geographical suitable conditions for cutaneous leishmaniasis using temperature, precipitation and altitude as environmental layers, together with the leishmaniasis presence data. A retrospective analysis of the cutaneous leishmaniasis spatial data in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2009 indicates a steady increase from 2003 to 2007, a small decrease in 2008, then another increase in 2009. An upward trend and regularly repeating patterns of highs and lows was observed related to the months of the year which suggests seasonality effect in the data. Two peaks were observed in the disease occurrence-- January to March and September to December -- which coincide with the cold period. Ecological niche modelling indicates that precipitation has the greatest contribution to the potential distribution of leishmaniasis.

Due to the optical properties of the Electron Transport Layer (ETL) and Hole Transport Layer (HTL), inverted perovskite solar cells can perform better than traditional perovskite solar cells. It is essential to compare both types to understand their efficiencies. In this article, we studied inverted perovskite solar cells with NiOx/CH3NH3Pb3/ETL (ETL = MoO3, TiO2, ZnO) structures. Our results showed that the optimal thickness of NiOx is 80 nm for all structures. The optimal perovskite thickness is 600 nm for solar cells with ZnO and MoO3, and 800 nm for those with TiO2. For the ETLs, the best thicknesses are 100 nm for ZnO, 80 nm for MoO3, and 60 nm for TiO2. We found that the efficiencies of inverted perovskite solar cells with ZnO, MoO3, and TiO2 as ETLs, and with optimal layer thicknesses, are 30.16%, 18.69%, and 35.21%, respectively. These efficiencies are 1.5%, 5.7%, and 1.5% higher than those of traditional perovskite solar cells. Our study highlights the potential of optimizing layer thicknesses in inverted perovskite solar cells to achieve higher efficiencies than traditional structures.

The systematic sampling is used as a method to get the quantitative results from the tissues and the radiological images. Systematic sampling on real line (R) is a very attractive method within which the biomedical imaging is consulted by the practitioners. For the systematic sampling on R, the measurement function (MF) is occurred by slicing the three-dimensional object equidistant systematically. The currently used covariogram model in variance approximation proposed by [28,29] is tested for the different measurement functions in a class to see the performance on the variance estimation of systematically sampled R. This study is an extension of [17], and an exact calculation method is proposed to calculate the constant λ(q,N) of confidence interval in the systematic sampling. The exact value of constant λ(q,N) is examined for the different measurement functions as well. As a result, it is observed from the simulation that the proposed MF should be used to check the performances of the variance approximation and the constant λ(q,N). Synthetic data can support the results of real data.

Previously, we described a 19-base pair double-stranded RNA with 3'-trinucleotide overhangs, acting as immunostimulatory RNA (isRNA). This molecule demonstrated notable antiproliferative effects on cancer cells, inhibited tumor growth, and elicited immunostimulatory and antiviral responses by inducing cytokine and interferon production. Within this study, we compared the efficiency of lung fibrosis development, initiated in mice by BLM or LPS using different schemes of induction. Then we compared the effect of isRNA used in a preventive or therapeutic regimen on the development of fibrosis in selected BLM- and LPS-induced mouse models and showed that isRNA can be used in pathological conditions accompanied by the development of inflammation and the risk of fibrosis formation, without adverse side effects. Prophylactic regimen of isRNA application is beneficial for prevention of the development of pulmonary fibrosis.

Naturally fermented dairy products are an important component of the human diet. They are a valuable source of nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Their importance as a source of probiotic bacterial strains should not be overlooked. A number of studies highlights the positive effects of species of the Lactobacillacea on the intestinal microbiota, the overall homeostasis of the body, as well as a complementary treatment for some diseases. However, data on the effects on intestinal epithelial cells of postmetabolites released by bacteria are incomplete. This is likely due to the fact that these effects are species and strain specific. In the present study, we investigated the effects of postmetabolites produced by a pre-selected candidate probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum on HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data showed a pronounced proliferative effect, evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of cell population, and determination of mitotic index. This was accompanied by stabilization of the cell monolayer, measured by increase of TEER (trans epithelial electric resistance) and reorganization of actin filaments. The data obtained are a clear indication of the positive effects, that the products secreted by L. fermentum strain 53 have on the intestinal epithelial cells.

Cannabis sativa is one of the oldest plants utilized by humans for both economic and medical purposes. Although the use of cannabis started millennia ago in the Eastern part of the hemisphere, its use has moved and flourished in the Western Nations in more recent centuries. C. sativa is the source of psychoactive cannabinoids that are consumed as recreational drugs worldwide. The C21 aromatic hydrocarbons are restricted in their natural occurrence to cannabis (with a few exceptions). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the main psychoactive component in cannabis with many pharmacological effects and various approved medical applications. However, a wide range of side effects are associated with the use of Δ9-THC, limiting its medical use. In 1966, another psychoactive cannabinoid, Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) was isolated from marijuana grown in Maryland but in very low yield. Δ8-THC is gaining increased popularity due to its better stability and easier synthetic manufacturing procedures compared to Δ9-THC. Passing the U.S. Farm Bill in 2018 led to an increase in the sale of Δ8-THC in the United States. The marketed products contain Δ8-THC from synthetic sources. In this review, methods of extraction, purification, and structure elucidation of Δ8-THC will be presented. The issue of whether Δ8-THC is a natural compound or an artifact will be discussed, and the different strategies for its chemical synthesis will be presented. Δ8-THC of synthetic origin is expected to contain some impurities due to residual amounts of starting materials and reagents as well as side products of the reactions. The various methods of analysis and detection of impurities present in the marketed products will be discussed. The pharmacological effects of Δ8-THC, including its interaction with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in comparison with Δ9-THC, will be reviewed.

The recent increase in global consumption of rice has led to increased demand for sustainable water management in paddy cultivation. In this study, we propose an enhanced paddy simulation module to be introduced to Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate the sustainability of paddy cultivation. The enhancements added to SWAT include: (1) modification of water balance calculation for impounded fields, (2) addition of an irrigation management option for paddy fields that are characterized by flood irrigation with target water depth, and (3) addition of a puddling operation that influences the water quality and infiltration rate of the top soil layer. In a case study, the enhanced model, entitled SWAT-Paddy, was applied to an agricultural watershed in Japan. The results showed that the SWAT-Paddy successfully represented paddy cultivation, water management, and discharge processes. Simulated daily discharge rates with SWAT-Paddy (R² = 0.8) were superior to the SWAT result (R² = 0.002). SWAT-Paddy allows the simulation of paddy management processes realistically, and thus can enhance model accuracy in paddy-dominant agricultural watersheds.

The viticulture sector, spanning over 7.3 million hectares worldwide, plays a crucial economic role but faces challenges such as labor shortages, rising production costs, market competition, and climate change stresses. Addressing these issues requires monitoring the spatial and temporal variability in vineyard productivity. Traditional ground-based observations, though accurate, are time-consuming and limited in scope. Precision viticulture, leveraging technologies like GPS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, offers efficient, non-destructive monitoring tools. This study aims to develop and test a technological workflow using the mobile app Digivit, integrated with the AgroSat platform, to estimate yield variability in vineyards. The workflow was performed during the 2023 growing season in a series of vineyards near Siena (Italy) and involved two main steps: spatial variability characterization using AgroSat and yield estimation using the mobile Digivit app. AgroSat processed Sentinel-2 NDVI data to identify homogeneous zones, while Digivit used smartphone images of grape clusters to estimate yields. The field campaign, performed three weeks before harvest, involved monitoring representative vines within identified zones and uploading georeferenced images for cluster segmentation analysis. Yield estimates were validated against measured weights, showing a strong linear correlation (R²=0.85, RMSE=43.74g). Excluding one outlier improved correlation to R²=0.95, RMSE=14.58g. Vineyard-level yield predictions were compared with harvest data, achieving an overall error of approximately 7%, in agreement with other methods in the literature. The study demonstrates that the Digivit app provides accurate, timely yield prediction, supporting farmers in harvest planning and winemaking management. The user-friendly mobile app approach facilitates a broader adoption of precision viticulture technologies among farmers, overcoming barriers related to technical expertise.

Chronic joint inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have in common an upsurge of inflammation, and oxidative stress, resulting in progressive histological alterations and disabling symptoms. Currently used conventional medication (ranging from pain-killers to biological agents) is potent, but frequently associated with serious, even life-threatening side effects. Used for millennia in traditional herbalism, medicinal plants are a promising alternative, with lower rate of adverse events and an efficiency frequently comparable with that of conventional drugs. Nevertheless, their mechanism of action is in many cases elusive and/or uncertain. Even many of them have been proved effective in studies done in vitro or on animal models, there is a scarcity of human clinical evidence. The purpose of this review is to summarise the available scientific information on these joint-friendly medicinal plants, which have been already tested in human studies: Arnica montana, Boswelliaspp., Curcuma spp., Equisetum arvense, Harpagophytumprocumbens, Salix spp., Sesamumindicum, Symphytumofficinalis, Zingiberofficinalis, Panaxnotoginseng, Whitaniasomnifera.

Endometriosis is known to be a chronic, debilitating disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis development include local chronic inflammation and a certain degree of local immune deficit. We investigated the relationship between the endometriosis severity, IL-8, IL-10, BDNF, VEGF-A serum and tissue levels, patient-related pain, and physical activity in a cohort of 46 patients diagnosed with endometriosis who underwent surgery. The same panel of biomarkers was investigated in a control group of 44 reproductive-aged patients with non-endometriotic gynecological pathology who underwent surgical intervention. Our data show a high statistical significance between tissue expression of IL-8, IL-10, patient-related pain and the severity of endometriosis. No relationship was identified between serum or tissue levels of VEGF-A and BDNF and the severity of endometriosis. These results validate the presence of local chronic inflammation and immune deficit, thereby creating, alongside other studies in the field, an opportunity for the development of innovative and personalized treatment approaches in endometriosis.

Purpose: This systematic review investigates the implications of Industry 4.0 technologies on supply chain visibility and operational efficiency. The primary aim is to discern the impact of technological integration on contemporary supply chain dynamics. Design/Methodology/Approach: A comprehensive search strategy identified 67 pertinent studies published between 2015 and 2023. The review adheres to systematic methodologies, employing the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme framework for quality assessment. Data synthesis incorporates qualitative and quantitative analyses to distill key themes and patterns. Findings: The review unveils the pivotal role of information visibility in fortifying supply chain outcomes, emphasizing the need for a dual investment strategy encompassing technological solutions and a collaborative organizational culture. Regional variations in supply chain practices, insights from humanitarian supply chains, and the influence of environmental factors on agility broaden the understanding of Industry 4.0 implications. Research Limitations/Implications: The study acknowledges limitations in the geographical focus of the included studies and the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 technologies. These considerations prompt a call for ongoing research to capture emerging trends and global nuances. Practical Implications: Organizations are urged to adopt a context-specific, adaptive approach, recognizing the significance of intangible assets and tailoring strategies to local contexts for optimal supply chain performance. Originality/Value: This systematic review contributes a nuanced understanding of Industry 4.0's transformative potential in supply chain management, emphasizing the interplay between technology, organizational culture, and regional contexts.

Purpose: Arab Americans are one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. The mental health of Arab Americans and opinions on mental health, however, remain understudied despite higher rates of mental illness and lower rates of treatment. Unique cultural conceptualizations of mental illness may generate stigma, contributing to disparities in treatment. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and perspectives of Arab Americans regarding mental illness in order to address barriers to treatment. Methods:Using an anonymous bilingual Qualtrics survey, we assessed Arab and non-Arab participants (n = 294; ages 18+) on their conceptualizations of the causes of mental illness and on their stigma towards mental illness and mental health treatments. Comparisons were performed between Arabs and non-Arabs, as well as among Arabs. Results:Compared to non-Arabs, Arabs reported higher average mental illness stigma and were more likely to rate psychiatric medications as addictive and unhelpful. Among Arabs, being Christian, male, and older (>29 years old) were each associated with higher stigma. Arabs were less likely than non-Arabs to believe in a biological explanation for mental illness. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate higher levels of stigma towards mental illness among Arab Americans, especially Christian, male, and older Arabs, potentially related to a weaker belief in a biomedical model for mental illness. These are among the first findings describing mental illness stigma and beliefs about mental health in an Arab American community and may inform future interventions providing culturally competent care to Arab Americans.

Surface water distribution extracted from remote sensing data has been used in water resource assessment, coastal management, and environmental change studies. Traditional manual methods for extracting water bodies cannot satisfy the requirements for mass processing of remote sensing data; therefore, accurate automated extraction of such water bodies has remained a challenge. The histogram bimodal method (HBM) is a frequently used objective tool for threshold selection in image segmentation. The threshold is determined by seeking twin peaks, and the valley values between them; however, automatically calculating the threshold is difficult because complex surfaces and image noise which lead to not perfect twin peaks (single or multiple peaks). We developed an operational automated water extraction method, the modified histogram bimodal method (MHBM). The MHBM defines the threshold range of water extraction through mass static data; therefore, it does not require the identification of twin histogram peaks. It then seeks the minimum values in the threshold range to achieve automated threshold. We calibrated the MHBM for many lakes in China using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images, for which the relative error (RE) and squared correlation coefficient (R2) for threshold accuracy were found to be 2.1% and 0.96, respectively. The RE and root-mean-square error (RMSE) for the area accuracy of MHBM were 0.59% and 7.4 km2. The results show that the MHBM could easily be applied to mass time-series remote sensing data to calculate water thresholds within water index images and successfully extract the spatial distribution of large water bodies automatically.

Cascading landslides represent a dynamic and hazardous geological phenomenon, char-15 acterized by a sequential chain of slope failures triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, 16 seismic activity, or anthropogenic activities. These events can amplify the damage caused by the 17 initial trigger and propagate instability along a slope, often resulting in significant environmental 18 and societal impacts. The Morino-Rendinara cascading landslide, situated in the Ernici mountains 19 along the border of Abruzzo and Lazio region (Italy), serves as a notable example of the complexities 20 and devastating consequences associated with such events. In March 2021, a substantial debris flow 21 event in Morino obstructed the Liri River, marking the latest step in a series of landslide events 22 characterized by a complexity far beyond initial expectations. This study employs a multidiscipli-23 nary approach, combining conventional techniques and advanced technologies, to understand the 24 complexities of the Morino-Rendinara landslide. Field activities, UAV image acquisition, SAR inter-25 ferometry based on SENTINEL-1 images and pixel offset analysis based on high-resolution Google 26 Earth images, offer insights into the geological and hydrogeological setting of the unstable slope, 27 landslide geometry, mechanism and kinematics. To supplement the analysis a specific FEM slope 28 stability analyses is used to reconstruct the deep geometry of the system emphasizing the modula-29 tion action of groundwater flow to the slope stability

Employing remote sensing techniques to evaluate crop residue cover (CRC) enables rapid mapping of tillage practices over large cropland areas, which has significant practical implications for monitoring the implementation of conservation tillage practices. This research utilized Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat-8 OLI remotely sensed data, various spectral indices were calculated and the datasets were correlated with the field-measured CRC data. Selected spectral indices, highly significantly correlated, were chosen to build a correlation model between the indices and the CRC. Considering Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI remotely sensed data variations in spectral and spatial scales, the accuracy of CRC models was evaluated using R2 and RMSE values. From the results, it's evident that all six spectral indices, including STI, NDTI, SRNDR, NDI5, NDI7 and NDSVI, registered correlation coefficients with the CRC exceeded 0.3 in the study area. STI and NDTI showed a stronger correlation to CRC, with coefficients of 0.810 and 0.803, respectively. For the Landsat 8 data, the lowest correlation obtained was for NDSVI with the Landsat 8 data with a correlation coefficient of 0.358. Applying the linear regression technique, STI and NDTI obtained higher accuracy compared to other indices in the Sentinel-2 MSI data. For NDTI and STI, The R2 values were 0.650 and 0.665, respectively, while their corresponding RMSE values were 3.96% and 4.03%. The highest model accuracy was obtained for the STI and NDTI constructed from the Landsat 8 OLI data (R2 values 0.41 and 0.40; RMSE values 5.25% and 5.27%, respectively). The CRC model built using partial least squares regression (PLSR) exhibited greater precision when applied to the Sentinel-2 MSI data (R2 value 0.894; RMSE value 2.18%) in comparison to the Landsat 8 OLI data (R2 value 0.695; RMSE value 3.70%). PLSR has the potential to enhance the precision of the model. In addition, the study area shows that the estimation of the CRC is better in the one-dimensional linear regression model and the PLSR model created with the Sentinel-2 MSI optical data compared to the Landsat 8 OLI optical remotely sensed data. The validation suggests that the CRC estimation in the study area is more precise when using the model relying on Sentinel-2 satellite imagery rather than the Landsat 8 OLI imagery.

The adoption of ADS-B in Latin America has been gradual but steady. Some countries, such as Brazil, Chile and Mexico, have made significant progress in the implementation of this system, while others are still in the early stages. It should be noted that the implementation of ADS-B is used in both military and civilian environments. For this reason, this research aims to provide information on the different characteristics that make up the surveillance systems. However, there are fundamental factors to promote the adaptation of ADS-B in Latin America, since they reduce the risk of collisions and air accidents by providing accurate and real-time information on the position and altitude of aircraft. On the other hand, it allows optimizing flight routes and reducing waiting time on the ground, which translates into fuel and cost savings for airlines. ADS-B increases the number of aircraft that can safely operate in the same airspace, which is especially important in regions with growing air traffic. ADS-B adoption in Latin America is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. The drivers for ADS-B adoption remain in place, and governments in the region are taking steps to accelerate its implementation.

In this study, an alternative method to conventional production methods involving thin section copper permanent mould casting (rapid solidification), hot rolling and heat treatment processes to manufacture AISI DC 53 cold work tool steel, has been investigated. In this new method, solidification of the AISI DC 53 was done in the thin section copper mould instead of traditional ingot casting. After solidification, thin slabs obtained was homogenized to 1150 ^oC and hold at this temperature for one hour and then hot rolling was be applied. During hot rolling process, about % 30 reduction in thickness of slab was obtained. After hot rolling, heat treatment (austenitizing, quenching and tempering) have been applied to thin slab. The samples have been taken as cast, as rolled and as heat treated (austenitized and tempered) and the microstructural analysis, hardness tests, retained austenite quantity measurement by XRD method have been performed. The heat treatment and tests have been performed for a commercially available AISI DC 53 which is manufactured by thick section ingot casting and rolling. Hardness values of the AISI DC 53 steels produced by traditional route is in the range of 52-54 HRC after austenitization at 1025 ^oC for one hour and quenched in compressed air and tempered twice at 525 ^oC for 120 mins. On contrary the permanent mould cast AISI DC 53 after homogenization at 1150 ^oC and immediately hot rolling then air cooling and austenitized at 1025 ^oC for one hour then quenched by compressed air and tempered twice at 525 ^oC for 120 mins have hardness valeus in the range of 55-57 HRC. Experiments have revealed that the properties of new rapid solidified steel in permanent copper mould are better than the commercially available steel and have a more refined microstructure than commercially produces alternative. Therefore, the new proposed method can be used as an alternative manufacturing method for cold-work tool steels.

The past few decades have brought tremendous insight into the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for thrombus generation. For the clinician it is usually sufficient to explain the incident deep vein thrombosis (DVT) with provoking factors such as trauma with vascular injury, immobilization, hormonal factors, or inherited or acquired coagulation defects. About half of the DVTs are, however, lacking such triggers and are called unprovoked. Venous stasis and hypoxia at the valve sinus level may start a chain of reactions. In order to better understand the mechanisms behind DVT and reach beyond the above-mentioned simplifications animal models and clinical epidemiological studies have informed of the complex interplay between leukocytes, platelets, endothelium, cytokines, complements and coagulation factors and inhibitors. These pathways and the interplay will be reviewed here.

This study examines the relationship between teleworking, gender roles and happiness of couples using data from the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) and the Understanding Society Survey (USS) during the period 1991-2012. Various approaches are followed, including Probit-adapted fixed effects, multinomial Logit and Instrumental variables (IV). The results support that both men and women who are teleworkers spend more time on housework, while teleworking increases the probability that the household chores examined in this study, such as cooking, cleaning ironing and childcare, will be shared relatively to those who are non-teleworkers. In addition, women are happier when they or their spouse is teleworker, as well as, both men and women are happier when they state that the specific household chores are shared. Thus, women teleworkers may be happier because they can face the family demands and share the household chores with their spouse, increasing their fairness belief about the household division allocation and improving their well-being, expressed by happiness.

Patients with a psychotic disorder frequently report oral health problems, while mental health nurses (MHNs) seem not to be fully aware of these problems and the risk factors. Therefore, this study aims to develop supportive tools for MHNs regarding oral health to increase sensitization among MHNs and to provide MHNs with knowledge to recognize (potential) oral health problems in patients with a psychotic disorder. We used a human-centered design in which the user, MHNs as well as experts by experience, were placed in the centre of the research process. Problems and needs in MHNs working with patients with a psychotic disorder were addressed. To identify key issues of problem as well as the needs in terms of resources, we started with focus groups (n = 9). We analysed the data thematically based on context of patients and MHNs in practice regarding oral health, preferred oral health tools focused on MHN, and intended outcomes of tools. A Multi Criteria Decision Matrix was developed and analysed (n = 9) to identify the most optimal and viable solution based on established criteria and issues that are prevalent in the work of MHNs. Most promising result was the development of a brochure with an awareness screener. The brochure with awareness screener was developed as a low-fidelity prototype for MHNs regarding oral health in patients with a psychotic disorder, based on the latest scientific evidence. After testing it, the feasibility was tested through semi-structured interviews (n=19). MHNs and experts by experience were satisfied with the tool and provided recommendations for adjustments to the content. Significant augmentations to the brochure include a clinical lesson and a toothbrush with toothpaste for patients. We can conclude that a brochure with an awareness screener is feasible for MHNs. Future steps aiming to further refine and optimize care processes for oral health tools in MHNs, should take refining eligibility criteria for psychiatric populations and the language level of the target group of a tool into account.

Iron supplementation is associated with side effects and thus reduces the intake compliance. Because it has fewer side effects, a recent trial recommended low-iron micronutrient powder (MNP) for the prevention of anemia in Bangladeshi children exposed to a high concentration of iron from drinking groundwater. In the present study, we hypothesize that the low-iron MNP is a potential intervention to prevent childhood anemia in the low groundwater-iron settings in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Bangladesh with children aged 2-5 years who drank groundwater containing a low level of iron (0-&lt;2 mg/L).The combined intake of iron was calculated from the key sources--diet, groundwater and MNPs. The intakes of iron were compared against the standard reference intake. The children’s hemoglobin was measured using a photometer. Combined intake of iron from dietary, groundwater and low-iron MNP in children was 5.8±2.0 and 6.9±2.5 mg/day comprising 193% and 169% of the Estimated Average Requirement in the 2-3 year-old and 4-5 year-old subgroups, respectively. Combined intake of bioavailable iron from dietary and groundwater sources was 0.42±0.023 and 0.22±0.019 mg/day in children exposed to groundwater concentration 0.8-&lt;2.0 mg/L and 0.0-&lt;0.8 mg/L respectively (p&lt;0.001). The mean concentration of hemoglobin in the respective groups was 12.17±0.94 mg/dl and 11.91±0.91 mg/dl (p=0.30). The combined intake of iron from dietary and groundwater sources was associated with maintenance of hemoglobin concentration at the non-anemic level in most of the children. The finding highlights the potential of low-iron MNP in controlling childhood anemia in this setting.

The collection of forty-nine 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives, substituted at C5, C6 or C7, was designed and studied by computational methods of modified POM analysis, using SwissADME, Osiris and Molinspiration tool. POM analysis (Petra/Osiris/Molinspiration) and its modified version using SwissADME instead of Petra software are indisputably tools of modern chemoinformatics, often published in the professional literature as well as in the field of research of new antibacterial active compounds, developed to replace existing antibiotics that fail due to increased resistance of bacteria. NitroxolineTM and the group of 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives with their broad antibacterial effect and the possibility of extensive derivatization of the skeleton, represent a promising direction in the research of new antibacterial active substances. Twenty 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives were also evaluated on their antibacterial activity against eight selected G+ and G- bacterial strains with a defined resistance mechanism. All structures were in accordance with Lipinski's criteria, twenty-one structures were interesting from the point of view of individual or average value of the bioactivity prediction score and fourteen structures showed one or more mechanisms of toxicity prediction. Furthermore, eleven structures showed a low rate of GI absorption or the inability to cross the BBB barrier, fourteen substances showed a BRENK or PAIN warning, eleven substances are an undesirable substrate of P-glycoprotein and all structures predicted the same level of bioavailability and a relatively low rate of metabolism in the liver. Five structures were selected by the intersection of the POM criteria. The virtual structures 17, 25, 35 and 43 can be favored for the continuity of next study. The resulting scores of bioactivity can indicate the potential of studied structures to be used for the design and development of new active antibacterial agents.

Abstract Introduction: In the last thirty years, brain neuromodulation techniques have been used as an alternative to pharmacological treatment of neurological disorders. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to bradykinesia, rest tremor, postural changes, and non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, pain, and cognitive decline that compromises executive functions (EFs), responsible for the orderly execution of behaviors and tasks of daily life and intentional and directed actions. To this date, a few studies with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown beneficial effects in PD patients concerning specific motor and non-motor symptoms, targeting the motor cortex and/or prefrontal regions. Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of left prefrontal tDCS across a broad spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD using established validated scales. Method: Single-blind randomized clinical trial with 18 volunteers with PD, aged between 45 and 80 years (66.1 ± 9.65), who met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were submitted to assessments of motor and non-motor functions employing psychometric scales and tests to evaluate EFs and were randomly divided into two groups: control (sham stimulation) and experimental (active stimulation). All participants were involved in three separate tDCS sessions. The anode was positioned over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cathode over the right supraorbital region, with a direct current intensity of 2mA, lasting 20 minutes. At the end of the three sessions, all participants were reassessed. Results: Significant effects of tDCS on non-motor functions were observed for cognition (verbal fluency of actions, clock copy test, appointment by visual confrontation, and verbal memory with immediate free recall) and subjective assessment of sleep quality (overall restlessness and discomfort in the arms and legs at night, leg and arm cramps at night and distressing dreams). There was also an improvement in the rate of errors and successes for congruent and incongruent stimuli of the Stroop Test. The beneficial effects on motor function were decreased rigidity, improved gait, and greater agility in the finger-tapping test. Conclusion: Three tDCS sessions showed positive results for participants with PD, producing significant improvements in various motor and non-motor functions, including sleep quality, cognition, and EFs. Additionally, the present results indicate that tDCS neuromodulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region is feasible, safe, and provides significant objective benefits for PD patients.

Background: Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas (nPTCLs) encompass a heterogeneous group of mature and aggressive lymphoid malignancies, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL/NOS), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) ALK-positive and ALK-negative. Their differential diagnosis and prognosis are an issue in the clinical practice. Accurate biomarkers to refine the different subtypes of nPTCLs and to stratify their prognosis are essential to improve their treatment approach. The aim of this study was to test the prognostic impact of GATA3 gene expression, and its capability to discriminate the different subtypes of nPTCLs. Patients and Methods: From 2000 to 2017, 80 patients with nPTCLs were eligible for GATA3 gene expression analysis that was assessed retrospectively by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) of neoplastic biopsies in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded samples (FFPE). Results: Median age was 49 years old (IqR 34-59), 43/80 (53.7%) were male. Median follow-up was 1.72 years. Of them, 36.3% were classified as PTCL/NOS, 31.2% ALK-negative ALCL, 21.2% ALK-positive ALCL and 11.3% AITL. The majority of cases had advanced stage (III/IV). Two-year estimated overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 52.2% and 39.5%, respectively. The median GATA3 gene expression level was 0.49% (range 0 – 7.07) in all cohort, it was 0.11% for ALK-positive ALCL, 0.46% for ALK-negative ALCL, 0.86% for PTCL/NOS and 0.67% for AITL. The difference of GATA3 gene expression among distinct variants of nPTCLs was statistically significant (p < 0.001). GATA3 gene expression levels ≥ 0.71% discriminate PTCL/NOS from ALK-negative ALCL and AITL with sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 80.3%. GATA3 gene expression levels ≥ median was associated with poor 2-year OS for PTCL/NOS (46.7% x 21.4%, p=0.04) and for ALK-negative ALCL (85.7% x 54.5%, p=0.04). Conclusion: Despite the relative small and heterogeneous group of patients with nPTCLs, GATA3 gene overexpression may be an important biomarker associated with poor prognosis in PTCL/NOS and ALK-negative ALCL. Moreover it may also discriminate different subtypes of nPTCLs. Further studies with larger series of patients should confirm our findings.