Understanding the dynamics of Organic Carbon mineralization is fundamental in forecasting biosphere to atmosphere Net Carbon Ecosystem Exchange (NEE). With this perspective, we developed 3D-CMCC-PSM, a new version of the hybrid Process Based Model 3D‐CMCC FEM where also heterotrophic respiration (R_h) is explicitly simulated. The aim was to quantify NEE as a forward problem, by subtracting Ecosystem Respiration (R_eco) to Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). To do so, we developed a simplification of the Soil Carbon dynamics routine proposed in DNDC [1]. The method calculates decomposition as a function of soil moisture, temperature, state of the organic compartments, and relative abundance of microbial pools. Given the pulse dynamics of soil respiration, we introduced modifications in some of the principal constitutive relations involved in phenology and littering sub-routines. We quantified the model structure related uncertainty in NEE, by running our training simulations over 1000 random parameter-sets extracted from parameters distributions expected from literature. 3D-CMCC-PSM predictability was tested on independent time series for 6 Fluxnet sites. The model resulted in daily and monthly estimations highly consistent with the observed time series. It showed lower predictability in Mediterranean ecosystems, suggesting that it may need further improvements in addressing evapotranspiration and water dynamics.

Background: Chronic lateral epicondylitis challenges the therapeutical approach; underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood; neuropathic pain and central and peripheral sensitization may explain the fact that botulinum toxin was found to play a role in pain and function management. Methods: We searched the literature for MeSH terms: lateral epicondylitis or synonyms and botulinum toxin. Results: We found 14 papers containing trials on botulinum toxin injection into the tendon or into the extensor muscles (particularly extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor communis digitorum). We followed the administration pathways, doses, timing and side effects. Conclusion: With chronic course, the focus of the therapy shifts from the afflicted tendon to the inserting muscles, as muscle contracture may create a vicious loop to perpetuate and aggravate the disease. Doses, timing and side effects are discussed.

Background:Caregiving for individuals with neurological disease involves providing physical, emotional, and social support, which can be a challenging and stressful experience. This study aims to compare the caregivers' burden, including the impact on mental and physical health, social support, and quality of life, in different neurodegenerative disorders. Methods:Fifty-five primary caregivers (F=41;mean age=53.07±12.29) of patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD=26), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA=16), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS=13), took part in the study. Standardized screening scales for the quality of life (EQ-5D/EQ-VAS and PQoL), levels of the caregiving burden (CBI and FSQ), and the assessment of the anxiety-depressive axis (HADS) were administered. Results: The mean CBI score was higher for caregivers of MSA patients (28.81±21.90) and ALS (25.15±16.23) than for caregivers of PD patients (16.08±10.34; p=0.036). Critical burden (cut-off>36) was present in the caregivers of MSA (31.3%), ALS (23.1%), and PD (19.2%) patients. Caregivers of patients with ALS had a worse perception of quality of life (EQ-5D total score) than caregivers of patients with MSA and PD (p

Background: This study stands as a pioneer in the histological evaluation of the biological behavior of a novel implant design featuring decompressive cervical blades. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing outcome in cortical regions at where decompressive protocols were adopted using implants equipped with blades. Materials and methods: Blades with varying diameters were integrated into the coronal portion of the implant to prepare the cortical region of rabbit tibiae. The blade diameters differed from the implant collar by the following amounts: control group (0 µm), +50 µm, and +200 µm. Results: No marginal bone loss was detected. Instead, all implants exhibited new bone formation in the coronal region. Complete closure was observed in the CG-0 group, as well as in the TG-50 and TG-200 groups, despite the presence of marginal gaps without primary bone contact at installation. In the apical region, most implants breached the cortical layer. Nevertheless, new bone formation in this region completely closed the osteotomy, effectively isolating the internal environment of the tibia from the external. Conclusions: The use of a blade attached to the implant body enabled precise preparation of the cortical layer, allowing for controlled decompression in the targeted area. This technique resulted in optimal osseointegration with no loss of marginal bone, and complete restoration of marginal gaps ranging from 0 µm to 200 µm.

Scedosporium species are human pathogenic fungi, responsible for chronic, localised, and life-threatening disseminated infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosis of Scedosporium infections currently relies on non-specific CT, lengthy and insensitive culture from invasive biopsy, and time-consuming histopathology of tissue samples. At present, there are no rapid antigen tests that detect Scedosporium-specific biomarkers. Here we report the development of a rapid (30 min) and sensitive (pmol/L sensitivity) lateral-flow device (LFD) test, incorporating a Scedosporium-specific IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), HG12, which binds to extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) antigens of between ~15 kDa and 250 kDa secreted during hyphal growth of the pathogens. The test is compatible with human serum, and allows the detection of the Scedosporium species most-frequently reported as agents of human disease (Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, and Scedosporium boydii), with limits of detection (LOD) of the EPS biomarkers in human serum of ~0.81 ng/mL (S. apiospermum), ~0.94 ng/mL (S. aurantiacum), and ~1.95 ng/mL (S. boydii). The Scedosporium-specific LFD (ScedLFD) test therefore provides a potential novel opportunity for the detection of infections caused by different Scedosporium species.

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

Abstract Plant diseases are responsible for over 10% loss in global food production and have serious impacts on world-wide food security across several countries. Amongst these diseases, those caused by viroids are highly significant, accounting for extensive damage to crops every year and pose a major economic threat to agricultural crops. Combined infections with viroids, plant viruses and their satellites further exacerbate the situation. Vector transmission of viroids necessitates the use of pesticides, thus incurring high costs in addition to eliciting several detrimental effects on the ecosystem due to the noxious outcomes of pesticide use. The current review addresses the major economic impacts of viroids on crops, costs to the world economy and impacts on regions, farmers and consumers in addition to describing remediation measures to mitigate the losses caused by these subviral agents. Also described are issues relating to the pros and cons of pesticide use, the compelling need towards sustainable agricultrual practices while reducing pesticide use. In particular, the role of RNAi and genome editing technologies towards amelioration of agricultural loss is discussed.

This study addresses the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9) in the European Union as of January 1, 2018, replacing the International Accounting Standard 39 (IAS 39) to introduce a new model for recognizing Loan Loss Provisions (LLP) based on Expected Credit Loss (ECL). This model responds to criticisms of the former Incurred Credit Loss (ICL) system for its inability to reflect credit losses in a timely manner, potentially exacerbating the effects of financial crises (Bushman & Williams, 2015; Gebhardt & Novotny-Farkas, 2011). The study focuses on the effects of adopting the ECL model on the level of Loan Loss Allowances (LLA) in loans, own equity, and the Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio across 13 Portuguese commercial banks. A mean comparison test is used to evaluate scenarios before and after the application of the ECL model, highlighting the importance of regulator actions and the adequacy of loss recognition policies, including the effects of Regulation (EU) 2017/2395 of December 12. The results obtained demonstrate significant negative impacts on the net values of loans, own equity, and the CET1 ratio upon adopting the IFRS 9 ECL model, due to the widespread increase in LLAs.

At 12:28 UTC (8:28 PM, local time) on 15 January 2023, a shallow, moderate earthquake with a magnitude (Mw) of 4.7 and a depth of one (1) kilometer shook the northern part of Leyte Island in the central part of the Philippines. The ground shaking was felt at PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) VI, (very strong) equivalent to Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) VI in areas along the strike of the Leyte segment of the Philippine Fault. Even though this earthquake is classified as moderate in size, significant geologic, structural, and socio-economic impacts were documented. Most of the earthquake impacts that include surface rupture, liquefaction, and mass movements are limited near the epicentral area. The earthquake produced an 8-km-long surface rupture, the first documented rupture generated by a magnitude <6 along the Philippine Fault, and is unusual in other surface rupturing earthquakes worldwide. It injured 18 persons and damaged 434 residential buildings and 26 public infrastructures which amounts to about 500 thousand US dollars. Structural damages were caused by surface rupture and/or poor engineering construction practices. Analysis of the seismic waveform and recorded peak ground acceleration (PGA) suggests that the subsurface geology influenced the ground motion amplification in an area near the epicenter. Based on the hypocenter, focal mechanism solution, aftershock distribution, and actual field observation, the causative fault for this event is the northern end of the Philippine Fault – Leyte segment. Moderate in size, this earthquake emphasizes the need and importance of documenting moderate-sized earthquakes as a tool and guide for medium and long-term earthquake risk assessment and resiliency.

The viewpoint and reaction of a country towards climate change are shaped by its political, cultural, and scientific backgrounds, in addition to the distinct characteristics of its evolving climate and the anticipated and actual consequences of the phenomenon in the times ahead. A region's climate has a significant impact on how water is managed and used, mostly in the primary sector (agroforestry systems, livestock, and agriculture), and both the distribution of ecosystem types and the amount and spreading of species on Earth. As a result, the environment and agricultural practices are affected by climate, so evaluating both distribution and evolution is extremely pertinent. Towards this aim, the climate distribution and evolution in the S. Francisco River basin (SFRB) is assessed in three periods (1970−2000, 1981−2022) in the past and 20412060 in the future from an ensemble of GCMs under two SSPs (Shared Socioeconomic Pathways), SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. The Köppen-Geiger (KG) climate classification system is analyzed, and climate change impacts are inferred for this watershed located in central-eastern Brazil, covering an area equivalent to 8% of the country. Results predict the disappearance of the hot-summer (Csa) and warm-summer (Csb) Mediterranean climates, and a reduction/increase in the tropical savanna with dry winter (Aw)/dry summer (As). A striking increase in the semi-arid hot (BSh-steppe) climate is predicted with a higher percentage (10%) under SSP5-8.5. The Source and the mouth of SFRB are projected to endure the major impacts of climate change that is followed by a predicted increase/decrease in temperature/precipitation. Future freshwater resource availability, and quality for human use will all be impacted. Consequences on ecosystems, agricultural and for the socioeconomic sectors within the SFRB might deepen the current contrasts between regions, urban and rural areas, and even between population groups, thus translating to a larger extent, the inequality that still characterizes Brazilian society. Maps depicting land use and cover changes in the São Francisco River basin from 1985 to 2022 highlight tendencies such as urbanization, agricultural expansion, deforestation, and changes in shrubland and water bodies. Urban areas fluctuated slightly, while cropland significantly increased from 33.57% to 45.45%, and forest areas decreased from 3.88% to 3.50%. Socioeconomic data reveals disparities among municipalities: 74.46% with medium Human Development Index (HDI), 0.59% with very high HDI, and 9.11% with low HDI. Most municipalities have a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita below US$ 6,000. Population distribution maps show a predominance of small to medium-sized urban and rural communities, reflecting the basin's dispersed demographic and economic profile. To build routes towards a shared sustainable goal—namely, to adapt and reduce the expected climate change impacts in SFRB—it is imperative that integrated measures be conducted with the cooperation of stakeholders, local population, and decision-makers.

It is commonly recognized that a ship’s ability to maintain stability is dependent upon the way its loads are distributed. This means making sure the center of gravity is sufficiently low and evenly distributed. Yet when a ship encounters turbulent water with extremely large wave amplitudes, load distribution is a critical factor in determining how stressed the ship becomes. In particular, this article examines several methods for increasing the ship's longitudinal strength to prevent ship structural damage during hogging and sagging. This research presents a number of proposed techniques to enhance the longitudinal strength of cargo ships in order to guarantee minimal stress and deformation during sagging and hogging. The first method is the stern-to-bow use of curved support structures to increase the longitudinal strength of a cargo ship. And another way to stiffen the lateral plate is the proposed use of different designs of the side plate, such as wavy curves, stars, etc. To further boost the strength, the lateral plate upper part is suggested to curve upward. A numerical simulation using ANSYS of the stiffened plate when subjected to uniform load distribution and fixed support on either end shows that there is a decrease in deformation of the plate when we use wavy curved plates compared with those of the other plate stiffening methods used, and furthermore, curving the plate on top increases its strength during sagging as well as hogging. Finally, the use of a curved support structure further enhanced the overall longitudinal strength of the vessel.

Daily maximum surface air temperature (Tamax) is a crucial factor for understanding complex land surface processes under rapid climate change. Remote detection of Tamax has widely relied on the empirical relationship between air temperature and land surface temperature (LST), a product derived from remote sensing. However, little is known about how such a relationship is affected by the high heterogeneity in landscapes and dynamics in seasonality. This study aims to advance our understanding of the roles of land cover and seasonal variation in the estimation of Tamax using the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) LST product. We developed statistical models to link Tamax and LST in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China for five major land-cover types (i.e., forest, shrub, water, impervious surface, cropland, and grassland) and two seasons (i.e., growing season and non-growing season). Results show that the performance of modeling the Tamax-LST relationship was highly dependent on land cover and seasonal variation. Estimating Tamax over grasslands and water bodies achieved superior performance; while uncertainties were high over forested lands that contained extensive heterogeneity in species types, plant structure, and topography. We further found that all the land-cover specific models developed for the plant non-growing season outperformed the corresponding models developed for the growing season. Discrepancies in model performance mainly occurred in the vegetated areas (forest, cropland, and shrub), suggesting an important role of plant phenology in defining the statistical relationship between Tamax and LST. For impervious surfaces, the challenge of capturing the high spatial heterogeneity in urban settings using the low-resolution MODIS data made Tamax estimation a difficult task, which was especially true in the growing season.

This review paper presents a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the contamination of water systems by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs, organic contaminants characterized by two or more fused aromatic rings, are notably problematic due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and significant health risks. The review commences with an examination of various sources of PAHs in aquatic environments, encompassing both anthropogenic activities, such as industrial discharges, urban runoff, and oil spills, and natural phenomena including volcanic eruptions and wildfires. Subsequently, the discussion shifts to the distribution patterns of PAHs within different aquatic ecosystems, with an analysis of factors that influence their transport. Considerable focus is placed on the entry mechanisms of PAHs into water systems and their interactions with diverse environmental matrices. Additionally, the ecotoxicological effects of PAHs on aquatic life are scrutinized, with particular emphasis on molecular, individual, and ecosystemic impacts. This includes an exploration of PAH bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms and their potential mutagenic and carcinogenic consequences. The review further addresses the challenges associated with detecting and quantifying PAHs in aquatic settings, reflecting on the advancements in analytical methodologies and the complexities introduced by their varied physicochemical properties. The paper concludes with a summary of existing regulatory frameworks and guidelines governing PAH contamination in water systems, underscoring the imperative for global collaboration in the monitoring and management of PAH pollution.

The use of alternative fuels and electric vehicles is an opportunity to reducing exhaust emissions. We observe that the regulations on exhaust emissions from mobile sources are becoming gradually stricter on the all the world. As is widely known, using alternative fuels instead of conventional fuels helps lower vehicle emissions. The most popular alternative fuels are hydrogen, propane, biobutanol, methanol, dimethyl ether, etc. It is very important that more than a dozen alternative fuels are under development. The article contains a comparison of the operating costs of electric cars and cars with an internal combustion engine. This work shows also the characteristic of new alternative fuels and their impacts on exhaust emissions.

It is concerning that Cameroon's urban centers are experiencing an alarming rise in air pollution as a result of urbanization, population growth, industrial activity, and transportation emissions. We examined the causes, health impacts, research methodology, case studies, and government measures to address the urgent issue of air pollution in Cameroon's urban regions. We have emphasized how Cameroon's air pollution levels have significantly increased as a result of causes like population expansion, urbanization, industrial emissions, and automobile exhaust A thorough discussion of the negative health impacts of extended exposure to air pollution is included, with special attention to the sensitivity of the old and young. These effects include respiratory disorders, cardiovascular ailments, and early mortality. We emphasized the pressing need for all-encompassing strategies to address air pollution, such as increased public awareness campaigns, stronger emissions regulations, the development of renewable energy sources, and better waste management. The techniques employed in studies on air pollution, like as epidemiological research and air quality monitoring, are also explained to provide light on the unique health dangers that Cameroonian urban dwellers must contend with. We emphasized in our conclusion the significance of joint efforts by legislators, medical professionals, and the general people to reduce air pollution and protect public health in Cameroon in order to create a cleaner and healthier future. In order to protect public health in the future, it is imperative that Cameroon's air pollution be addressed.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical outcomes and lateral thrust before and after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) using inertial measurement sensor units. Eleven knees were evaluated with gait analysis. The varus angular velocity was used to evaluate lateral thrust. The femoro-tibial angle (FTA) and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) were used to evaluate lower limb alignment, and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Score (JOA) were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. The mean pre-UKA peak varus velocity was 37.1 ± 9.8°/sec, and that of post-UKA was 28.8 ± 9.1°/sec (p=0.00003). Assuming the definition of lateral thrust is when varus angular velocity is more than 28.1°/sec, 81.8% of patients had lateral thrust preoperatively, but this decreased to 55.6% postoperatively. Both OKS and JOA improved after surgery. In addition, HKA was -7.9° preoperatively and -5.8° postoperatively (p=0.024), and FTA was 181.4° preoperatively and 178.4° postoperatively (p=0.012). There was a positive correlation between postoperative JOA and FTA, indicating that changes in postoperative alignment affected clinical outcomes. This study quantitatively evaluated the disappearance of lateral thrust by UKA, and it found that the stability can be achieved by UKA for unstable knees with lateral thrust.

Urbanization-induced land use transition results in a decline in ecosystem services, which has implications for regional ecological security. In order to explore the relationship between ecosystem services and land use transition, this paper utilizes the InVEST model, geographically weighted regression model to examine the impact of land use transition on ecosystem services in the Dongting Lake area (DLA). The results showed that (1) During the period 2000-2020, the intensity and motivation of land-use transition showed obvious spatial and temporal heterogeneity with the variation of urbanization development. (2) Habitat quality and Carbon sequestrations showed a downward trend. In contrast, food supply followed an upward trend; soil conservation and water yield services initially increased and dropped later. The overall spatial changes in habitat quality and Carbon sequestration appear to be insignificant. Food supply shows significant differences in the plains compared to other areas; while soil conservation and water yield service shows significant changes in places other than the DLA. (3) From 2000 to 2020, land use transition dynamics, population density, GDP density, night lighting and transition intensity had mainly negative effects on ecosystem services. Only the Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed a positive effect on ecosystem services. The results of the research will provide valuable references for the development and implementation of spatial ecological restoration planning and land use policies in the national territory.

Wildfires have always been a part of the history of Mediterranean forests. However, forest regeneration after a wildfire is not certain. It depends on many factors, some of which may be influenced by land management activities. Failure of regeneration will cause a regime shift in the ecosystem, reducing the provision of ecosystem services and ultimately leading to desertification. How can we increase Mediterranean forests’ resilience to fire? To answer this question, we did a literature review, investigating chains of processes that allow forests to regenerate (which we label “regeneration mechanisms”), and assessed the impact of selected management practices documented in the WOCAT database on the regeneration mechanisms. We identified three distinct regeneration mechanisms that enable Mediterranean forests to recover, as well as the time frame before and after a fire in which they are at work, and factors that can hinder or support resilience. The three regeneration mechanisms enabling a forest to regenerate after a fire consist of regeneration (1) from a seed bank; (2) from resprouting individuals; and (3) from unburned plants that escaped the fire. Management practices were grouped into four categories: (1) fuel breaks, (2) fuel management, (3) afforestation, and (4) mulching. We assessed how and under what conditions land management modifies the ecosystem’s resilience. The results show that land management influences resilience by interacting with resilience mechanisms before and after the fire, and not just by modifying the fire regime. Our analysis demonstrates a need for adaptive – i.e. context- and time-specific – management strategies.

Background and objectives: As the oblique lateral interbody fusion at L5/S1 (OLIF51) and lateral corridor approach (LCA) have gained popularity, the understanding of precise vascular structure at L5/S1 level is indispensable. The objectives of this study were to investigate the vascular anatomy at L5/S1 level, and to compare the movement of vascular tissue between supine and lateral decubitus position using the intraoperative enhanced CT and MRI. Materials and Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent either OLIF51 or LCA were investigated with the average age at surgery of 60.4 (37-80) years old. The preoperative MRI was taken to observe axial and sagittal anatomy of vascular position under supine position. The intraoperative vein-enhanced CT was taken just before incision in the right decubitus position, and compared to supine MRI anatomy. The iliolumbar vein appearance and its types were also classified. Results: The average vascular window allowed for OLIF51 was 22.8 mm and 34.1 mm at either L5 caudal endplate or S1 cephalad endplate level, respectively. It allowed for LCA was 14.2 mm and 12.6 mm at either level, respectively. The left common iliac vein moved 3.8 mm and 6.9 mm to right direction at either level from supine to right decubitus position, respectively. The bifurcation moved 6.3 mm to caudal direction from supine to right decubitus. The iliolumbar vein was located at 31 mm lateral from midline, and MRI detection rate was 52%. Conclusions: The precise measurement of vascular anatomy indicated that OLIF51 approach was the standard minimally invasive anterior approach for L5/S1 disc level compared to LCA, however, there were many variations in quantitative anatomy as well as significant vascular movements between supine and right decubitus position. In the clinical setting of OLIF51 and LCA surgeries, the careful preoperative evaluation and intraoperative 3D imaging are recommended for the safe and accurate surgery.

This article examines the impact of climate change on the hydrometeorological state of some lakes and reservoirs in the Akmola and North Kazakhstan regions. Time series with values of various climate parameters for the period 1986-2023 are used for the climate analysis; the reliability of the results was assessed using the Fisher criteria. Hydrometric indicators were studied using the ArcGIG program. Using GIS to spatially analyze water climate data, 8-channel satellite images from 1995 to 2023 were used. During the study, it was found that the area of the main lakes has undergone changes.

Objectives: To investigate the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in an adult female patient. Methods: We conducted trio genome sequencing on a 35-year-old woman with progressive weakness in her left upper limb, as well as on her parents. Prior to sequencing, we performed a comprehensive neurological work-up on the patient, including neurological exam, electrophysiology, biomarker assessment, and brain and spinal cord MRI. Results : The propositus experienced weakness and atrophy in her left hand 6 months before the evaluation. This was associated with brisk reflexes and Hoffman sign in the same arm. Electroneuromyography revealed lower motor neuron involvement in three body regions. Neurofilament light chains were elevated in her cerebrospinal fluid. Brain imaging showed asymmetrical T2 hyperintensity of the corticospinal tracts and T2 linear hypointensity of the precentral gyri. Genome trio sequencing identified a likely pathogenic de novo variant in the propositus’s KIF1A gene (NM_001244008.2): c.574A>G, p.(Ile192Val). Discussion: Pathogenic variants in the KIF1A gene have been associated with a wide range of neurological manifestations called KIF1A-associated neurological diseases (KAND). The present report describe a likely pathogenic de novo variant in KIF1A associated with ALS, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of KAND and our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS.

Tailings generated by mining account for the largest proportion of global waste from industrial activities. Copper is relatively uncommon world-wide, with low concentrations in sediments and waters, yet is very elevated around mining sites. On the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, USA, jutting out into Lake Superior, 140 mines extracted native copper from the Portage Lake Volcanic Series, part of an intercontinental rift system. Between 1901-1932, two mills at Gay (Mohawk, Wolverine) sluiced 22.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) of copper-rich tailings (stamp sands) into Grand (Big) Traverse Bay. Here we examine: 1) 3D coastal elevation and reef bathymetry, 2) particle dispersal, 3) copper concentrations and leaching, plus 4) shoreline toxicity. About 10 MMT of tailings created a migrating coastal beach that stretches 7 km from the Gay pile to the Traverse River Seawall. Another 10 MMT are moving underwater on the coastal shelf, threatening Buffalo Reef, an important lake trout and whitefish breeding ground. Aerial photos, ALS (plane) LiDAR, and relatively inexpensive UAS (drone) surveys characterize shoreline structure and aid initial remediation. Because sands (natural beach quartz, stamp sand basalt) are silicates of similar density, particle dispersal is similar and challenging. However, stamp sand beaches contrast greatly with natural sand beaches in both physical profile and chemistry. Dispersing particles retain copper, and release toxic concentrations. Leaching is elevated by exposure to high DOC and low pH waters. Field experiments, shoreline seining, and benthic sampling confirm serious impacts on aquatic biota, supporting tailings removal.

Background. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating disease involving motor neuron degeneration. The few drugs approved for treatment have at most a marginal benefit, and death usually occurs 2-5 years after diagnosis. Methods. A thorough manual examination of the relevant literature, covering over 35,000 papers. Results. Two major phenomena that are generally not known to clinicians were found. First, insulin signaling is impaired in ALS even in patients not diagnosed with diabetes (DB). Almost all studies that have explicitly tested insulin function in non-DB ALS patients using glucose tolerance tests (18 out of 20, 1964-2022, different groups) have found it to be impaired. Second, there is strong evidence for excessive insulin-independent glucose uptake (IIGU) in ALS. In addition, (i) early/late diabetes are associated with increased/decreased risk, respectively; (ii) insulin-based diabetes drugs are protective in ALS in large retrospective human studies; and (iii) strong animal and human evidence shows that insulin opposes all of the major pathological processes in ALS. Conclusion. Most ALS patients have insulin impairment, yet this is commonly not diagnosed, likely because excessive IIGU normalizes glucose levels. The impairment promotes disease progression. Late diabetes is associated with decreased risk because high glucose levels indicate non-excessive IIGU, and because diabetes drugs are protective. Insulin-based treatment (e.g., GLP1 agonists, insulin) is beneficial and can be disease-modifying in ALS and in frontotemporal dementia variants comorbid with ALS. ALS patients should be routinely tested for insulin function and treated if test results are positive.

(1) Background: The aim of the work was to characterize the climatic evolution and change based on the Multi Criteria Classification through the dynamics of bioclimatic indices in viticulture across Italy and its regional administrative boundaries, focusing on latitudes and elevations. (2) Methods: The impact of climate change on viticulture in Italy was analysed and spatialized with reference to historical data from 1991 to 2021 and to the Future Scenarios up to 2080 assumed by SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, taking into account 13 GCMs. (3) Results: The bioclimatic indices have all shown a significant trend in the historical period, with an increase in temperature and a decrease in precipitation, reflecting their effects on the entire Italian territory with respect to HI, up to 44°N for CI and up to 46°N for DI, regardless of altitude. The Future Scenarios highlighted a shift towards the warmer classes of the two temperature-based indices (HI and CI) for both SSPs, especially for altitudes up to 900 m a.s.l.. The DI-based classification based on DI remained relatively stable in Italy over time, although DI values will become increasingly negative in the near future. (4) Conclusions: The climate in Italy is warming, especially in the south and in the coastal regions. By 2080, more areas will be “Very Hot” with “Warm Nights.” Drought will also increase and have a negative impact on viticulture. The importance of higher latitudes and altitudes in mitigating the effects of climate change justifies the continuing trend towards the relocation of vineyards as a medium-term solution and as an alternative to targeted cultivation methods that must be adopted in the short-term to safeguard the suitability of an area to quality viticulture.

Retiring coal power plants can reduce air pollution and health damages. However, the spatial distribution of those impacts remains unclear due to complex power system adjustments and pollution chemistry and transport. Focusing on coal retirements in Pennsylvania (PA), we analyze six counterfactual scenarios for 2019 that differ in retirement targets (e.g., reducing 50% of coal-based installed capacity vs. generation) and priorities (e.g., closing plants with higher cost, closer to Environmental Justice Areas, or with higher CO₂ emissions). Using a power system model of the PJM Interconnection, we find that coal retirements in PA shift power generation across PA and the Rest of PJM region leading to scenario-varying changes in the plant-level release of several air pollutants. Due to air pollution chemistry and transport and socio-demographics, these changes in turn give rise to a reduction of 10 to 182 PM_2.5-attributable deaths in PJM across the six scenarios, with most reductions occurring in PA. Scenarios that reduce more coal power generation yield greater aggregate health benefits due to air quality improvements in PA and adjacent downwind regions. In addition, vulnerable populations—in both PA and Rest of PJM—benefit most in scenarios that prioritize plant closures in PA near Environmental Justice Areas. These results demonstrate the importance of considering cross-regional linkages and socio-demographics in designing equitable retirement strategies.

: The activated carbons (ACs) derived from okara powder waste with high surface areas were modified with ammonia aqueous solution impregnation in an autoclave to enhance their CO2 adsorption properties toward CO2. The impregnated ACs were characterized in which surface chemical composition and properties of the ACs were analyzed by SEM-EDX, FTIR. Activated carbons were functionalized with ammonia aqueous solution (25%) through a hydrothermal process within 24; 48, and 72 hours. The adsorption performance of CO2 onto carbon samples was experimentally evaluated through a TPD CO2 measurement. FTIR spectra confirm the N-containing in N-modified activated carbons and the presence of the –C = O stretch and N-H groups. CO2 uptakes of N-modified activated carbons are 0.24; 1.78; 2.24 and 1.26 mmol/g, which are relatively comparable with those of activated carbons studied in in the literature.

The COVID-19 pandemic over the past years has shown a great need for rapid, low-cost and on-site detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this paper, an aptamer-based colloidal gold nanoparticle lateral flow test strip was well developed to realize the visual detection of wild type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP) and multiple variants. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a low detection limit of SARS-CoV-2 S protein of 0.68 nM was acquired, and the actual detection recovery was 83.3% to 108.8% for real world samples. This suggests a potential tool for the prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 with good sensitivity and accuracy, and a new method for the development of alternative antibody test strips for the detection of other viral targets.

The activated carbons (ACs) derived from okara powder waste with high surface areas were modified with ammonia aqueous solution impregnation in an autoclave to enhance their CO2 adsorption properties toward CO2. The impregnated ACs were characterized in which surface chemical composition and properties of the ACs were analyzed by SEM-EDS, FTIR. Activated carbons were functionalized with ammonia aqueous solution (25%) through a hydrothermal process within 24; 48, and 72 hours. The adsorption performance of CO2 onto carbon samples was experimentally evaluated through a breakthrough adsorption experimental setup at room temperature. FTIR spectra confirm the N-containing in N-modified activated carbons and the presence of the –C = O stretch and N-H groups. CO2 uptakes of N-modified activated carbons are 0.24; 1.47; and 1.20 mmol/g, which are relatively comparable with those of activated carbons studied in in the literature.

This study provides a detailed investigation into the pathways through which microplastics from urban sources are transported to marine ecosystems, their distribution across different environments, and their impacts on marine life. Utilizing a combination of water and sediment sampling across urban, riverine, and marine environments, the research quantitatively assesses the concentration and types of microplastics present, and evaluates the ecological consequences of their accumulation in marine ecosystems. The findings reveal a significant concentration of microplastics in all examined environments, with the highest levels detected in urban areas, closely linked to industrial activities and inadequate waste management practices. The study documents a variety of microplastic polymers, with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) being the most prevalent. A substantial impact on marine organisms was observed, including evidence of microplastic ingestion across a wide range of species and indications of stress and physical damage to coral reefs. Seasonal variations indicate that microplastic concentrations peak during periods of high rainfall, suggesting urban runoff as a critical pathway for microplastic transport. The study concludes with recommendations for improving waste management practices, enhancing public awareness and engagement in plastic recycling efforts, and implementing policies aimed at reducing the production and use of single-use plastics. This research underscores the urgent need for coordinated actions to mitigate the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution, highlighting the role of urban management and policy interventions in safeguarding marine ecosystems.

The Lower Mekong Basin has had extensive hydropower dam development, which changes hydrologic conditions and threatens the exceptional aquatic biodiver-sity. This study quantifies the degree of hydrologic change between pre-impact (1965-1968) and post-impact (2018-2021) peak hydropower development in two major tributaries of the Lower Mekong Basin, the Sekong River with the fewest dams and the Sesan River with the most dams. Both rivers historically supported migratory fishes. We use daily pre- and post-impact data and the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration framework to evaluate streamflow changes from dam development. We found signifi-cant changes in low and high magnitude flows in the pre- and post-impact periods of dam development. For the Sekong River, minimum flow had large fluctuations that ranged 290% to 412% more than the pre-impact period, while the Sesan River ranged 120% to 160% more than pre-impact. Dry season flows increased by 200±63% on av-erage in the Sekong River, which is caused by releases from upstream dams. Mean-while, Sesan River dry season flows increased by 100±55% on average. This study in-dicates that seasonal flow changes and extreme flow events occurred more frequently in the two basins following dam construction, which may threaten the ecosystem func-tions.

We developed a protein to rapidly and accurately diagnose Chagas disease, a life-threatening illness identified by the WHO as a critical worldwide public health risk. Complicating the current health situation are serological test limitations that contribute to most infected persons being unaware of their condition and therefore untreated. To improve diagnostic testing, we developed an immunological mimic of the etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, by combining ten pathogen specific epitopes within the beta-barrel protein structure of Thermal Green Protein. The resulting multi-epitope protein, DxCruziV3, displayed high specificity and sensitivity as the antibody capture reagent in an ELISA platform with an analytical sensitivity that exceeds WHO recommendations. Within an immunochromatographic platform, DxCruziV3 showed excellent performance for the point of application diagnosis in a region endemic for multiple diseases, the municipality of Barcelos in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. In total, 167 individuals were rapidly tested using whole blood from a finger stick. As recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, venous blood samples were laboratory tested by conventional assays for comparison. Test results suggest utilizing DxCruziV3 in different assay platforms can confidently diagnosis chronic infections by T. cruzi. Rapid and more accurate results will benefit everyone but will have the most noticeable impact in resource-limited rural areas where the disease is endemic.

The capability of large food retail chains to respond quickly to changes in consumer behaviour and their dominant market position affects all food market players and often conflicts with the interests of national food producers, which can reduce the presence of locally sourced products in the food product mix in the country. In Latvia, there have been several proposals to limit retailers' opening hours on weekends and public holidays to increase the viability of small local food producers, retailers, and catering enterprises; however, limiting retailers' opening hours without research-based arguments is unacceptable. The research studies conducted in Europe also do not give a unified conclusion. Household consumer behaviour in the food market is viewed as an essential argument for increasing domestic demand and economic stability. Accordingly, the present research aims to identify the impacts of diversification of opening hours of food supermarkets on consumer shopping habits and the implications for creating an advantage for small and medium agri-food producers in selling their products. The research applied a quantitative approach to identify the main trends in society (n=2738), with a survey including 31 variables to quantify consumer behaviour, values, and opinions and seven socio-demographic variables. If a decision were made in Latvia to close grocery shops on Sundays or reduce their opening hours on weekends, 85% of consumers indicated that they would be unlikely to change their usual shopping location and would plan to shop at a supermarket on other days. The choice between farmers' markets and local food shops on Sundays would be made by 45% of consumers, with more than half (53%) of them shopping at local food shops at least a few times a month. It could, therefore, be argued that reducing the opening hours of supermarkets and closing them on Sundays and public holidays do not provide a competitive advantage and do not divert consumers to small and medium agri-food producers.

Objective The healthcare industry has witnessed a paradigm shift with the adoption of Electronic Patient Records (EPRs), transitioning from traditional Paper and Pencil (P&P) methods to sophisticated, technology-driven documentation systems. However, the integration of EPRs into clinical settings has introduced new challenges. This study investigates workflow consequences of switching from P&P to EPR systems. Methods In this study, two independent observers audited surgical ward rounds to assess the effects of transitioning from P&P to EPR. These audits captured number of medical personnel and five key aspects before and after EPR implementation. Additionally, the EPR system's usability was gathered through the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Post Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). Results A total of 192 observations using P&P and 160 with the EPR system were analyzed. Results indicated that physicians spent a lower proportion of time in patient rooms using the P&P modality (median = 0.14, IQR = [0.06, 0.24]) compared to the EPR system (median = 0.19, IQR = [0.12, 0.29]). Conversely, nurses spent more time with the P&P modality (median = 0.13, IQR = [0.08, 0.18]) than with the EPR system (median = 0.10, IQR = [0.06, 0.13]). The typical team in the P&P modality comprised two physicians and four nurses, while teams in the EPR system generally included two or three physicians and three nurses. Usability assessments yielded scores rated as "Not Acceptable." Conclusion The EPR is already known to contribute to an increased administrative burden. Our findings generally align with this view in the physician sample, whereas nurses did not encounter difficulties switching systems. However, usability scores indicated that the EPR system falls short of meeting user acceptance expectations. Given the continuous increase in administrative workload, our results suggest that ururcing administrative tasks could enhance the efficiency of medical duties performed at patient's bedside.

Green manure could improve soil nutrients and crop production, playing a significant role in sustainable agriculture. However, the impacts of green manure on crop health and the roles soil microbial communities play in the process haven’t been clarified clearly yet. In this study, we investigated soil microbial community composition and structure in four tobacco farmlands, which were treated with different green manure (control, ryegrass, pea and rape), using 16S rRNA gene amplicons sequencing. Results showed that green manure had significant impacts on soil properties, microbial communities and tobacco health. First, soil total C, N and Ca content increased significantly in groups treated with green manure than control. Second, soil community diversity was significantly higher in groups treated with green manure. Third, green manure especially ryegrass, decreased tobacco disease (bacterial wilt) rate dramatically, and the process might be mediated by soil microbial communities. On the one hand, several microbial populations were found to be potentially disease inducible or suppressive. For example, the abundances of Dokdonella and Rhodanobacter were positively correlated to tobacco disease rate, while Acidobacteira_Gp4 and Gp6 had negative correlations with tobacco disease. On the other hand, soil microbial communities were shaped by soil properties (e.g., pH, C and N content). In conclusion, our research showed that green manure could increase soil nutrients directly, and further improve tobacco health mediated by soil microorganisms, which may shed light on revealing interactions among soil properties, microorganisms and plants.

Capital structure decision plays an imperative role in firm’s performance. Recognizing the importance, there has been many studies inspected the rapport of capital structure with performance of firms and findings of those studies are inconclusive. In addition, there is relative deficiency of empirical studies examining the link of capital structure with performance of banks in Bangladesh. This paper attempted to fill this gap. Using panel data of 22 banks for the period of 2005-2014, this study empirically examined the impacts of capital structure on the performance of Bangladeshi banks assessed by return on equity, return on assets and earnings per share. Results from pooled ordinary least square analysis show that there are inverse impacts of capital structure on bank’s performance. Empirical findings of this study is of greater significance for the developing countries like Bangladesh because it will call upon concentration of the bank management and policy makers to pursue such policies to reduce reliance on debt and to accomplish optimal level capital structure. This research also contributes to empirical literatures by reconfirming (or otherwise) findings of previous studies.

Climate change poses a serious threat to the ancient Magnoliaceae family, particularly for the endangered Yulania trees. Until now, little is known about the suitable geographical range of Yulania zenii, and about how it responds to past and future climate scenarios. Here, we first employed ten models from Biomod2 to preliminarily simulate its potential distribution in China and selected MaxEnt for final modeling. The results showed that among the key environmental factors influencing its distribution, the top three factors were Bio2 (Mean diurnal range), Bio15 (Precipitation seasonality of variation coefficient) and Elevation. Its current suitable distribution were primarily concentrated in southern Anhui, central Hubei, eastern Hunan, southern Jiangsu, northern Jiangxi, and northern Zhejiang. The total suitable area of Yulania zenii was 14.68 × 104 km2, only taking 1.53% of China's total territory, which is larger than known. During the Last Interglacial and Middle Holocene, its suitable habitats were larger than currently, exhibiting a relatively continuous distribution. Under various future climate scenarios, its suitable habitats may averagely decrease by 20.26% compared with the current, and these habitats become more fragmented. Collectively, the centroid of Yulania zenii is expected to migrate towards the southeast in the future. Therefore, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that climate change takes an adverse effect on this species in distribution from the past to current till future. Our study can contribute to the conservation and management of Yulania zenii in China, and can provide reference for other endangered Yulania species of this country under the condition of climate change.

This article traces the origination, distribution, kinematics, function, and nature of alternative lateral horse gaits, i.e. intermediate speed lateral-sequence gaits involving the synchronization of ipsilateral limbs in the swing phase. Such alternative lateral horse gaits (namely, the running walk, rack, broken pace, hard pace, and broken trot) have been prized by equestrians for their comfort, and have been found in select horse breeds for hundreds of years and even exhibited in fossil equid trackways. After exploring the evolution and development of alternative lateral gaits via fossil equid trackways, human art and historical writings, and the genetics and history of modern horse breeds, functional and biomechanical reasons are offered for the genesis of these gaits. The article concludes by tracing similarities and differences between and within the expression of these alternative lateral gaits by various horse breeds. Fast and low-swinging hard pacing gaits are common in several horse breeds of East and North Asia, high-stepping rack and running walk gaits are often displayed in European and North and South American breeds, the broken pace is found in breeds of Central Asia, Southeast Asia, West Asia, Western North America, and Brazil in South American, and the broken trot occurs in breeds of North Asia, South Asia, and the Southern United States, and Brazil South America.

Wildfires have short- and long-term impacts on the geoenvironment, including the changes to biogeochemical and mechanical properties of soils, landfill stability, surface- and groundwater, air pollution, and vegetation. Climate change has increased the extent and severity of wildfires across the world. Simultaneously, anthropogenic activities—through the expansion of urban areas into wildlands, abandonment of rural practices, and accidental or intentional fire-inception activities—are also responsible for a majority of fires. This paper provides an overall review and critical appraisal of existing knowledge about processes induced by wildfires and their impact on the geoenvironment. Burning of vegetation leads to loss of root reinforcement and changes in soil hydromechanical properties. Also, depending on the fire temperature, soil can be rendered hydrophobic or hydrophilic and compromise soil nutrition levels, hinder revegetation, and, in turn, increase post-fire erosion and debris flow susceptibility of hillslopes. In addition to direct hazards, wildfires pollute air and soil with smoke and fire suppression agents releasing toxic, persistent, and relatively mobile contaminants into the geoenvironment. Nevertheless, the mitigation of wildfires’ geoenvironmental impacts does not fit within the scope of this paper. In the end, in no exhaustive way, some areas of future need for research are highlighted.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects both the upper and lower motor neurons in the nervous system, causing muscle weakness and severe disability. The progressive course of the disease reduces the functional capacity in the affected patients, limits daily activities and leads to complete dependence on caregivers, ultimately resulting in a fatal outcome. Respiratory dysfunction mostly occurs later in the disease and is associated with a worse prognosis. 46 participans were included in our study, with 23 patients in ALS group and 23 individuals in the control group. The ultrasound examination of the phrenic nerve (PN) was performed by two authors using a high-resolution "Philips EPIQ 7" ultrasound machine with a linear 4-18 MHz transducer. Our study revealed that the phrenic nerve is significantly smaller on both sides in ALS patients compared to the control group arba controls (p < 0.001). Only one significant study on PN ultrasound in ALS, conducted in Japan, also showed significant results (p < 0.00001). These small studies are particularly promising, as they suggest that ultrasound findings could serve as a additinioal diagnostic tool for ALS

This work attempts to answer in a clear way the following key questions regarding the optimal initialization of the Sysmon tool, towards the identification of Lateral Movement in the MS Windows ecosystem. First, from an expert’s standpoint and with reference to the relevant literature, what are the criteria of determining the possibly optimal initialization features of the Sysmon’s event monitoring tool, which are also applicable as custom rules within the config.xml configuration file? Second, based on the identified features, how can a functional configuration file, able to identify as many LM variants as possible, be generated? To answer these questions, we relied on the MITRE ATT&amp;CK knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques, and focused on the execution of the nine commonest LM methods. The conducted experiments, performed on a properly configured testbed, suggested a great number of interrelated networking features, that were implemented as custom rules in the Sysmon’s config.xml file. Moreover, by capitalizing on the rich corpus of the 870K Sysmon logs collected, we create and evaluate in terms of TP and FP rates an extensible Python .evtx file analyzer, dubbed PeX, which can be used towards automatizing the parsing and scrutiny of such voluminous files. Both the .evtx logs dataset and the developed PeX tool are provided publicly for further propelling future research in this interesting and rapidly evolving field.

Using a three-dimensional, hydrostatic, primitive-equation ocean model, this study investigates the dynamics of lateral circulation in a partially stratified tidal inlet, the Barataria Pass in the Gulf of Mexico, over a 25.6-hour diurnal tidal cycle. Model performance is assessed against observational data. During flood tide, the lateral circulation exhibits the characteristics similar to that induced by differential advection, i.e., lateral flow consists of two counter-rotating cells and is convergent at the surface. The analysis of momentum balance indicates that, in addition to the pressure gradient and vertical stress divergence, nonlinear advection and horizontal stress divergence are also important contributors. During ebb phase, the lateral circulation is mostly eastward for the whole water column and persisting for almost the whole period. The surface divergence suggested by the differential advection mechanism lasts for a very short period, if it ever exists. The main momentum balance across most of the transect during ebb is between the along-channel advection of cross-channel momentum and pressure gradient. The sectional averaged lateral velocity magnitude during ebb is comparable to that during flood, which is different from the idealized numerical experiment result.

The Novel Coronavirus Disease (nCOVID) has grabed the whole world recently since its origin in Wuhan city of China. There is very dire consequences the whole world is going through because of nCOVID. The unprecedented nCOVID and associated consequences pushed the public health system in the crisis. Undoubtedly, it has affected almost all countries of the world. Nevertheless, hardly a few country it has spared from its dire consequences in terms social and economical losses. However, it is worth of observing that some of the positive consequences are also results of this pandemic. Consequently, this paper discusses the pros and cons of the pandemic from various perspective such as social and economical impacts on human lives and livelihoods.

The development of straddle-type monorail tour-transit systems (MTTSs) has received keen attention, raising the need for revisions on related design codes. This work presents a comprehensive assessment of the lateral stiffness limit of steel substructures in MTTSs. Firstly, a wind‒vehicle‒bridge coupling model was established, integrating multibody dynamics and finite element methods. This model was then validated against field test results, considering measured track irregularities as the excitation. Afterwards, a trend analysis and a variance-based sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of various factors on the dynamic response of MTTS. Referring to existing specifications, an evaluation index for the lateral stiffness of pier columns and track beams was proposed. Results indicate that the pier height significantly impacts the lateral displacement of the pier top, accounting for 87% of the first-order sensitivity index and 75% of the total sensitivity index. In comparison, the lateral stiffness of track beams contributes over 70% to the maximum lateral acceleration and displacement at the mid-span. Finally, the lateral limited values for the displacement at the pier top and the deflection–span ratio of the track beam were determined as 8.04 mm and L/4200, respectively. These findings can serve as valuable references for future research and designs in this field.

This study explores the role of inflammation and oxidative stress, hallmarks of COVID-19, in accelerating cellular biological aging. We investigated early molecular markers—DNA methylation age (DNAmAge) and telomere length (TL)—in blood leukocytes, nasal cells (NC), and induced sputum (IS) one-year post-infection in pauci- and asymptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) infected during the first pandemic wave (February-May 2020), compared to COPD patients, model for "aged lung". Data by questionnaires, Work Ability Index (WAI), blood analyses, autonomic cardiac balance assessments, heart rate variability (HRV), and pulmonary function tests were collected. Elevated leukocyte DNAmAge significantly correlated with advancing age, male gender, daytime work, and an aged phenotype characterized by chronic diseases, elevated LDL and glycemia levels, medications affecting HRV, and declines in lung function, WAI, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin levels, and HRV (p&lt;0.05). Increasing age, LDL levels, job positions involving intensive patient contact, and higher leukocyte counts collectively contributed to shortened leukocyte TL (p&lt;0.05). Notably, HCWs exhibited accelerated biological aging in IS cells compared to both blood leukocytes (p≤0.05) and NC (p&lt;0.001), and were biologically older than COPD patients (p&lt;0.05). These findings suggest the need for monitoring aging in pauci- and asymptomatic COVID-19 survivors, who represent the majority of the general population.

An undesirable sensory attribute (“floral taint”) has been recently detected in red wines in some winegrowing jurisdictions in North America (e.g. Ontario, British Columbia, Washington), caused by introduction of frost-killed leaves and petioles [materials-other-than-grapes (MOG)] during mechanical harvest and winemaking. It was hypothesized that terpenes, norisoprenoids, and higher alcohols would be the main responsible compounds. Objectives were to investigate causative volatile compounds for floral taint, and explore threshold concentrations for this problem. Commercial wines displaying varying intensities of floral taints were subjected to GC-MS and sensory analysis. Several odor-active compounds were higher in floral-tainted wines, including terpenes (geraniol, citronellol, cis- and trans-rose oxide), norisoprenoids (β-damascenone, β-ionone), five ethyl esters, and three alcohols. Thereafter, fermentations of Cabernet franc (CF) and Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) (2016, 2017) were conducted. MOG treatments were (wt/wt): 0, 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 5% petioles, and 0, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% leaf blades. Terpenes (linalool, geraniol, nerol, nerolidol, citronellol, citral, cis- and trans-rose oxides, eugenol, myrcene), norisoprenoids (α- and β-ionone), and others (e.g. hexanol, octanol, methyl and ethyl salicylate) increased linearly/quadratically with increasing MOG levels in both cultivars. Principal components analysis separated MOG treatments from the controls with 5% petioles and 2% leaves as extremes. Increasing MOG levels in CF wines increased floral aroma intensity, and were primarily associated with terpenes, higher alcohols, and salicylates. Increased leaf levels in CF were associated with higher vegetal and earthy attributes. Increased petioles in CS were not correlated with floral aromas, but increased leaves increased floral, vegetal and herbaceous attributes. Overall, petioles contributed more to floral taint than leaves through increased terpenes and salicylates (floral notes), while leaves contributed norisoprenoids and C6 alcohols (green notes).

Leishmanial skin lesions are characterized by inflammatory hypoxia alongside the activation of hypoxia inducible factors, HIF-1a and HIF-2a, and subsequent expression of the HIF-a target VEGF-A during Leishmania major infection. However, the factors responsible for HIF-a activation are not known. We hypothesize hypoxia and pro-inflammatory stimuli contribute to HIF-a activation during infection. RNASeq on leishmanial lesions found transcripts associated with HIF-1a signaling are induced. To determine whether hypoxia contributes to HIF-a activation, we followed the fate of myeloid cells infiltrating from the blood and into hypoxic lesions. Recruited myeloid cells experience hypoxia when they enter inflamed lesions, and the length of time in lesions increases their hypoxic signature. To determine whether pro-inflammatory stimuli in the inflamed tissue can also influence HIF-a activation, we subjected macrophages to various pro-inflammatory stimuli and measured VEGF-A. While parasites alone did not induce VEGF-A, and pro-inflammatory stimuli only modestly induce VEGF-A, HIF- stabilization increases VEGF-A during infection. HIF-a stabilization does not impact parasite entry, growth or killing. Alternatively, the absence of ARNT/HIF- signaling enhances parasite internalization. Altogether, these findings suggest HIF-a is active during infection, and while macrophage HIF-a activation promotes lymphatic remodeling through VEGF-A production, HIF-a activation does not impact parasite internalization or control.

Background: The lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve (LACN) is the terminal sensory branch of musculocutaneous nerve and is rarely entrapped or injured. This study describes the electrodiagnostic (EDX) findings and etiologies of LACN neuropathy. Methods: This is a review of 49 patients with pain and/or paresthesia of the forearm who underwent EDX studies. The diagnosis of LACN neuropathy was based on clinical and sensory conduction abnormalities. Results: The most common etiology of LACN neuropathy was iatrogenic injury in 30 (61.2%) patients, primarily due to biceps tendon repair at the elbow (11 [36.7%]) and phlebotomy (5 [16.7%]. Fifteen (30.6%) patients sustained a non-iatrogenic injury at the proximal forearm/elbow, consisting of 6 (60%) laceration injuries and 5 (33.3%) stretch injuries. Four (8.2%) patients comprised the “other” etiology category, including 2 mass lesions causing LACN compression. Pain, paresthesia, and/or numbness in the LACN distribution were reported in 33 (67.3%), 27 (55.1%), and 23 (46.9%) patients, respectively. Hypoesthesia was detected in 45 (91.8%) patients, and dysesthesia in 7 (14.3%). The sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) of the LACN on the symptomatic side were absent in 44 (89.8%) patients. Of the 5 patients whose SNAPs of the LACN were detected, all had a decreased amplitude and 2 had increased sensory latency. Conclusion: The most common etiology for LACN neuropathy in this series was iatrogenic injury; repair of biceps tendon at the elbow was the most frequent provoking cause. Protection of the LACN during surgical procedures at the elbow and forearm is vital to prevent iatrogenic injury.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe and incurable neurodegenerative disease, char-acterized by the progressive death of motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death. It is a rare disease distinguished by high patient-to-patient heterogeneity, making its study arduous and complex. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as an important player in ALS development. Thus, ALS phenotype-expressing cells can spread their abnormal bioactive cargos through the secretion of EVs, even at far distant tissues. Importantly, due to their nature and composition, EVs’ formation and cargo can be exploited for the better comprehension of this elusive disease and identification of novel biomarkers, as well as for potential therapeutic applications, such as those based on stem cell-derived exosomes. This review highlights the recent advances in the identification of the role of EVs in ALS etiopathology and how EVs can be promising new approaches for therapeutic strategies.

The gut microbiota has been suggested as an important factor in the pathogenic mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to investigate whether the intake of different kinds of dietary fiber was related to the disease progression rate (∆FS) and survival time. In total, 272 sporadic ALS patients diagnosed according to the revised EI Escorial criteria were recruited from March 2011 and were followed-up until the occurrence of events or the end of September 2020. The events included percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, tracheostomy, and death. Dietary fiber intake was calculated based on a 24-hour dietary recall and classified according to five major fiber-rich foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds. Among the total participants, the group with ∆FS values lower than the mean ∆FS (0.75) was noted in the highest tertiles of total and vegetable fiber intake. Participants with the highest tertile of vegetable fiber intake showed longer survival in the Kaplan–Meier analysis (p = 0.033). Notably, vegetable fiber intake was negatively correlated with pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. This study showed that vegetable fiber intake could influence the disease progression rate and survival time. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm whether dietary fiber supplementation improves the prognosis of ALS.

In Ethiopia, farmers have changed cropland to Eucalyptus globulus plantations for construction, fuelwood and economic benefits. However, it has adverse effects on soil properties. The investigation was, therefore, to evaluate the impact of Eucalyptus globulus plantations on soil properties in northwestern Ethiopia. About 30 soil samples were collected from two soil depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) and three land uses (Eucalyptus globulus plantations, cropland and grazing land) with five replications. Soil properties were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the result, soil properties such as silt particles, moisture content (MC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were significantly higher under the soil of Eucalyptus globulus plantations than in cropland and grazing land. Whereas the lower contents of bulk density (BD), soil pH, available phosphorus (AP), electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K, and Na) were recorded in Eucalyptus globulus plantations. Besides, clay, BD, MC, pH, EC, CEC, percent base saturation (PBS) and basic cations increased with soil depth while decreasing sand, silt, TP, OM and AP. The basic cations ( Ca, Mg, K), PBS and AP decreased in the soil of the 25-year old Eucalyptus globulus plantation compared to cropland by 38%, 36%, 43 %, 45% and 47% and grazing land by 56%, 60%, 76 %, 60% and 56%, respectively. Therefore, appropriate and effective land use management principles should be implemented in the study area.

In recent years, the problem of ecosystem degradation caused by human activities has become increasingly serious. Vegetation restoration is a key means to solve this problem, which has increased. To address the suitability and structural optimization of vegetation restoration in the Loess Plateau, the MaxEnt model was used to quantify the impacts of environmental and human activities on the planting suitability of vegetation restoration species at the raster scale. Three layers of trees, shrubs, and herbs with 12 common vegetation restoration species were selected. The factor index system was constructed by combining climatic, ecological, and socio-economic data, and the MaxEnt model predicted land suitability. It was found that human activities significantly increased the unsuitable planting area. This especially affected Robinia pseudoacacia in the tree layer and Amorpha fruticosa in the shrub layer. Highly suitable and moderately suitable areas were mainly located in sparsely populated areas with close water sources. Through maximum suitability optimization, it was identified that the overall spatial distribution of the three layers in the study area was relatively consistent, and the structural dominance of trees + shrubs + herbs and single herbs in the vertical structure was obvious, which were concentrated in the southwestern and northeastern parts of the study area, respectively. In addition, organic content (OC) and distance from the road to woodland (RW) were the dominant factors affecting land suitability, with a contribution rate of more than 50% and up to 80%. These results provide a scientific basis for optimizing planting structures. They are of significant theoretical and practical significance in guiding vegetation restoration work.

Groundwater is becoming increasingly important in the Pacific Northwest of the USA due to declining snowpack volumes and shifts in precipitation type and timing, all connected with climate change. The Upper Williamson Basin of the Klamath Watershed is a groundwater dominated watershed with massive fluctuations in year-to-year streamflow volumes over the past four decades, including the complete absence of any live flow for several years. The precise relationship between groundwater and streamflow in the basin has been difficult to assess due to a limited number of monitoring wells and significant gaps in the water level time history. To address this challenge, we use a novel imputation technique that leverages Earth observations and machine learning to impute gaps in water level records. We use these more complete datasets to compute a groundwater storage change time series for the basin. We show that groundwater storage is highly correlated to streamflow and that groundwater storage is correlated to rainfall with a three- to four-year delay that appears variable depending on groundwater storage volumes. The tools and relationships we present make it possible for water managers to estimate when streamflows will return to the basin and be more informed to support better management.

The incidence of radiculopathy due to lumbar spinal stenosis has been on the increase in the aging population. However, patients aged 80 years hesitate to undergo conventional open surgery under general anesthesia because of the risk of postoperative morbidity and adverse events. Therefore, less invasive surgical alternatives are required for the elderly or medically handicapped patients. Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar lateral recess decompression (TELLRD) may be helpful for those patients. This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of TELLRD for treating radiculopathy in octogenarian patients. A total of 21 consecutive octogenarian patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis underwent TELLRD between January 2017 and January 2021. The inclusion criterion was unilateral radiculopathy, which stemmed from lumbar lateral recess stenosis. The pain source was verified using imaging studies and selective nerve blocks. Full-scale lateral canal decompression was performed using a percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic approach under local anesthesia. We found the pain scores and functional status improved significantly during the 24-month follow-up period. The clinical improvement rate was 95.24% (20 of 21 patients) with no systemic complication. In conclusion, endoscopic lateral recess decompression via the transforaminal approach is practical for octogenarian patients while reducing the medical risks of aggressive open surgery.

Rapid, accurate, and convenient diagnosis is essential for effective disease management. Various detection methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, have been extensively used, with lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) recently emerging as a major diagnostic tool. Nanoparticles (NPs) with characteristic optical properties are used as probes for LFIA, and researchers have presented various types of optical NPs with modified optical properties. Herein, we review literature on LFIA with optical NPs for the detection of specific targets in the context of diagnostics.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disease, characterized by progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons in the cortex and spinal cord. Although the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear, evidence on the role of the clonotypic immune system is growing. Adaptive immunity cells often appear changed in number or activation profile peripherally and centrally. However, their role in ALS appears conflicting. Data, from human and animal model studies, currently reported in literature show that each subset of lymphocytes and their mediators may mediate a protective or toxic mechanism in ALS, affecting both its progression and risk of death. In the present review article and attempt is made to shed light on the actual role of the cellular clonotypic immunity in ALS by integrating recent clinical studies and experimental observations.

Human milk (HM) feedings are associated with reduced risks of neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive delays and systemic inflammatory diseases in infants born prematurely and/or at a low birth weight. Utilizing a neonatal piglet model, HM feedings were compared to bovine milk-derived infant formula (IF)-feedings with the aim of understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in reducing these risks. Six male piglets at postnatal-day (PD)2 were randomized into two feeding groups: HM-fed (n = 3) or IF-fed (n = 3) for 28 days. At 3- and 4-weeks-old, piglet memory and learning performance were assessed using novel object recognition (NOR). At PD30 piglets were euthanized, and whole brains were excised, weighed, and preserved for further analyses, and brain microglial morphology, and systemic inflammatory cytokines were quantified. During NOR, HM-fed piglets had significantly more non-novel revisits at both 3- and 4-weeks-old compared to IF-fed piglets. Microglia of HM-fed piglets had longer processes, more branch points, more endpoints, and a larger territorial volume compared to IF-fed piglets at PD30. In a neonatal piglet model, HM-feedings may improve cognition and reduce brain inflammatory response compared to IF-feedings.

The dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impact attracts much attention in recent years. However, the research on the dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impact mostly focuses on the rockfall single impact, while in practical engineering, the shed-tunnel structure often encounters the rockfall repeated impacts during its service life. Therefore, this research focuses on exploring the dynamic response characteristics of the shed-tunnel structure under the rockfall repeated impacts. First of all, based on the model test of the shed-tunnel under rockfall impact as a reference, the FEM (Finite Element Method)-SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) coupling numerical calculation model is established based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element code. The numerical simulation of the dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impact is realized, and the rationality of the model is verified. Then, with this model and the full restart technology of LS-DYNA code, the effects of four factors, e.g. rockfall mass, rockfall impact velocity, rockfall impact angle and rockfall shape, on the impact force and impact depth of the buffer layer, the maximum plastic strain and axial force of the rebar, the shed roof vertical displacement and the shed-tunnel plastic strain are studied. These results show that the cumulative deformation and damage of the shed-tunnel structure caused by the rockfall repeated impacts play an important role in the destruction of the shed-tunnel structure, and the special attention should be paid to this issue.

Acomys cahirinus is a unique Rodentia species with several distinctive physiological traits, such as precocial development and remarkable regenerative abilities. These characteristics render A. cahirinus increasingly valuable for regenerative and developmental physiology studies. Despite this, the structure and postnatal development of the central nervous system in A. cahirinus have been inadequately explored, with only sporadic data available. This study is the first in a series of papers addressing these gaps. Our first objective was to characterize the structure of the main visual thalamic region, the lateral geniculate complex, using several neuronal markers (including Ca2+-binding proteins, glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme, and non-phosphorylated domains of heavy-chain neurofilaments) to label populations of principal neurons and interneurons in adult and newborn A. cahirinus. As typically found in other rodents, we identified three subdivisions in the geniculate complex: the dorsal and ventral geniculate nuclei (LGNd and LGNv) and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL). Additionally, we characterized internal diversity in the LGN nuclei. The "shell" and "core" regions of the LGNd were identified using calretinin in adults and newborns. In adults, the inner and outer parts of the LGNv were identified using calbindin, calretinin, parvalbumin, GAD67, and SMI-32, whereas in newborns, calretinin and SMI-32 were employed for this purpose. Our findings revealed more pronounced developmental changes in LGNd compared to LGNv and IGL, suggesting that LGNd is less mature at birth and more influenced by visual experience.

Lateral vehicle control is a high importance in automated vehicles as it directly influences the vehicle’s performance and safety during operation. The Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller stands out due to its high-performance characteristics and is used in the open source for self driving functions. However, a notable limitation of the current approach is the manual calibration of LQR controllers based on the experience and intuition of the designers, leading to empirical uncertainties. To address this issue and enhance the lateral control performance, this paper concentrates on refining the LQR by employing three optimization algorithms: Artificial Bee Colony Optimization (ABC), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). These algorithms aim to overcome the reliance on empirical methods and enable a data-driven approach to LQR calibration. By comparing the outcomes of these optimization algorithms to the manual LQR controller within an offline multibody simulation as testing platform, the study highlights the superiority of the best-performing optimization approach. Following this, the optimal algorithm is implemented on a real-time system for the full vehicle level, revealing the Model-in-the-Loop and the Hardware-in-the-Loop gap up to 78,89% with lateral velocity when we use Relative Error Criterion (REC) method to validate and 2.35m with lateral displacement when considering by maximum absolute value method.

TaABCC13 is member of wheat ABCC subclass of transporters. The RNAi mediated silencing of this transporter in wheat results in lowering of seed phytic acid level and other developmental defects. In addition to that, wheat ABCC13 was involved in cadmium detoxification as evident by the complementation assays in yeast. The appearance of early lateral roots in these transgenic seedlings speculated the possibility for studying the role of localized auxin-mediated effects. In the current study, firstly, the expression of auxin related genes was studied in the transgenic roots. Enhanced expression of genes pertaining to either auxin biosynthesis or its transport was observed in transgenic wheat seedling roots suggesting the direct effect of the hormone. Further, the early emergence of lateral roots in transgenic wheat seedlings was affected due to the presence of auxin-transport inhibitor suggesting the direct effect of hormones in root development. In conclusion, herein we provide the novel evidence for the auxin mediated regulation of lateral root emergence in TaABCC13:RNAi seedlings.

Objectives: The global quotient of psychological development, along with the motor skills, coordination, speech, and social behavior scores, was analyzed in children born prematurely with varying degrees of intracranial hemorrhage (grades I–IV), considering the unilaterality or bilaterality and dimensions of the left and right lateral ventricles. Materials and Methods: The study included 120 children divided into four groups based on gestational age: Group 1 (25–29 6/7 weeks), Group 2 (30–32 6/7 weeks), Group 3 (33–34 6/7 weeks), and Group 4 (35–37 weeks). The maximum dimensions of the right and left lateral ventricles were recorded via ultrasound. At 3 years of age, psychomotor development was assessed using the Brunet–Lezine scale. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate modules in the SPSS 23.0 for Windows software package, along with Pearson’s ꭓ2 test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Differences in the global development quotient (QR) between the groups were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.01). In Group 1, a larger dimension of the left lateral ventricle was associated with a decrease in motor skills, while in Group 2, a larger dimension of the right ventricle resulted in a significant decrease in coordination. In Group 3, all observed variables—that is, motor skills, coordination, speech, and social behavior—showed minimal values with a wider right ventricle, but without statistical significance. In Group 4, a significantly lower speech score was recorded with the dilation of the left lateral ventricle. Conclusions: The sizes of the left and right lateral ventricles after the resorption of intracranial hemorrhage affect the values (scores) obtained using the Brunet–Lezine scale in children at the age of 3 years.

Packaged water consumption has grown rapidly in urban areas of many low and middle income countries, but particularly in Ghana. However, the sources of water used by this growing packaged water industry and its implications for water resource management and transport-related environmental impacts have not been described. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of regulated packaged water production in Ghana, both in relation to demand and for natural mineral water, to hydrogeological characteristics. 764 addresses for premises licenced to produce packaged water from 2009-2015 were mapped and compared to regional sachet water consumption and beverage import/export data examined. We find evidence to suggest packaged water is transported shorter distances in Ghana than in developed countries. For natural mineral waters, producers should be able to address the most widespread water quality hazards (including high salinity, iron and nitrates) in aquifers used for production through reverse osmosis treatment. The study suggests there is scope to integrate beverage product and groundwater regulatory databases to support groundwater management.

(1) Background: Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Biomarkers could help in defining patients’ prognosis and stratification. Beyond neurofilaments, chitinases are a promising family of possible biomarker, which correlate with neuroinflammatory status. We evaluated plasmatic levels of CHI3L1 in MNDs, MND mimics and healthy controls (HCs); (2) Methods: We used Sandwich ELISA to quantify CHI3L1 in plasma samples from 44 MNDs, 7 HSP, 9 MND mimics and 19 HCs. We collect also ALSFRSr scale, MRC scale, spirometry, mutational status, progression rate (PR), blood sampling, neuropsychological evaluation; (3) Results: Plasma levels of CHI3L1 resulted to be different among groups (p= 0.005). Particularly, MND mimics showed higher CHI3L1 levels compared to MNDs and HCs. CHI3LI levels did not differ among PMA, PLS and ALS and we do not find correlation among CHI3L1 levels and clinical scores, spirometry parameters, PR, and neuropsychological features. Of note, red blood cells count and haemoglobin correlated with CHI3L1 levels (respectively, p&lt;0.001, r=0.63; p= 0.022, r=0.52); (4) Conclusions: CHI3L1 plasma levels resulted to be increased in the MND mimics cohort when compared to MNDs. The increase of CHI3L1 in neuroinflammatory processes could explain our findings. We confirmed that CHI3L1 plasma levels did not differentiate between ALS and HCs and nor correlate with neuropsychological impairment.

Exercise-induced muscle injury is one of the most common types of sports injuries. Skeletal muscle troponin I (skTnI) serves as an ideal biomarker in assessing such injuries, facilitating timely detection and evaluation. In this study, we develop a fluorescent sandwich lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) combined with a desktop analyzer for rapid detection of skTnI. Through optimizing the reaction system, the assay achieves a satisfying detection performance, reaching a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 ng/mL with a turnaround time of 15 minutes. The proposed de-tection platform offers portability, ease of use, and high sensitivity, which facilitates the moni-toring of exercise-induced muscle injuries at the point of care. This feature is particularly advan-tageous for end-users, enabling timely detection of sports-related injuries and ultimately en-hancing prognosis and sports life.

This paper utilizes a life cycle assessment to evaluate the energy resources and environmental impacts of three heating systems. In the first step, life cycle assessments (LCAs) are prepared for the renewable, conventional, and combined systems. The system boundary of the LCA method is "cradle to gate," which means it includes the entire life cycle of a product or process. This includes energy supply, transport, energy generation, and operational energy use. The system scenarios were compared based on ecological and energy loads in the second step. Primary energy, resources, emissions, and environmental potentials are calculated for the system scenarios using the life cycle assessment methods CML 2016 and ReCiPe 2016. Finally, models for environmental reliability and complex decision-support tools have been developed. This work addresses two main questions: how to characterize the environmental and energy impacts of the systems under study, and what is the optimal scenario for the system? The research results show that the gas boiler system has a greater environmental impact. The most significant differences between the systems relate to the degrada-tion of abiotic fossil fuels when using a gas boiler and the process of acidification when using an electric heat pump. The results can be used to develop sustainable heating systems with reduced environmental impacts and enhanced energy efficiency.

Coronaviruses are positive sense RNA virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family, which are further subdivided into four genera: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta Coronaviruses. Infectious bronchitis virus and SARS-CoV belong to Beta Coronaviridae family. Infectious bronchitis virus causes respiratory and nephritic signs that includes tracheal rales, urate crystals, lethargy and nasal discharge. In livestock and pets, the Coronavirus infection causes mostly gastrointestinal lesions, which may be prevented through vaccination and biosecurity. Recent infections of SARS-CoV-2 (also known as COVID-19) on farm and pet animals were summarized in this study. Besides, zoo animals were reported with infections in some countries/regions. Although the damage of COVID-19 has not been reported as serious as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and African Swine Fever (ASF) on farm animals so far, the transmission mechanism of COVID-19 among group animals/farms and its long-term impacts are still not clear. The impact of Coronavirus on animals and potential prevention strategies, such as vaccine development and farm biosecurity measures, were discussed. Prior to the development of the effective vaccine, the biosecurity measures (e.g., conventional disinfection strategies and innovated technologies) may play roles in preventing potential spread of diseases/viruses.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the horizontal force and contribution of shoulder horizontal adductor and elbow extensor muscles activity during wide and narrow grip bench press (BP) in various conditions, such as resistance trained/non-trained, concentric/eccentric and muscle fatigue/non-fatigue.　We measured the horizontal force on the bar and the electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity of pectoralis major (PM) and triceps brachii (TB) during 10RM BP with wide grip (81cm) and narrow grip (40cm)　in 7　resistance trained men and 7 non-trained men. The all-reps average of the horizontal to vertical force ratio both in resistance trained and non-trained subjects was about 30% outward for the wide grip, and about 10% inward for the narrow grip. The EMG contribution ratio PM/TB shows no significant differences between narrow and wide grip in all evaluated conditions except in non-trained subjects muscle fatigue eccentric phase. Both resistance trained and non-trained subjects did not push the bar straight upward, and the EMG PM/TB was almost unchanged by hand width. The direction adjustment of the force on the bar that achieves almost the same muscle activity degree of the shoulder and elbow joints might be optimal BP kinetics.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the normative values of muscles’ contractile properties, lateral symmetry, and the impact of aging on muscle contractility in gymnastics. Materials and Methods: A survey of 81 athletes from different disciplines was undertaken: MAG (n = 26), WAG (n = 28), and RG (n = 27). The athletes’ average age was 15.41 ± 5.03 years. We try to establish the normative values for contraction time (muscle pairs) in gymnastics for Slovenian athletes for ten skeletal muscles. Results: Athletes’ age affects contractility in a negative way. Differences between the duration of contractility and age were found in all disciplines: m. BF (r = 0.48, p < 0.001), m. TB (r = 0.37, p < 0.013), m. ES (r = 0.17, p < 0.025), m. VL (r = 0.36, p < 0.00) and m. VM (r = 0.40, p < 0.000) at a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Conclusions: A comparison between the left and right sides shows little asymmetry in WAG and that the occurrence of injuries is in the middle range. In RG we see a bigger deviation, which could trigger the emergence of pain or injury in m. BF (13%) and m. GL (14.5%), but in MAG the deviation is greater in m. BB (12%), m. BF (11%) and m. GM (13%).

Acute chemical ablation of lateral line hair cells is an important tool to understand lateral line-mediated behaviors in free-swimming fish larvae and adults. However, lateral line-mediated behaviors have not been described in fish larvae prior to swim bladder inflation, possibly because single doses of ototoxin do not effectively silence lateral line function at early developmental stages. To determine if ototoxins can effectively silence the lateral line during early development, we repeatedly expose zebrafish larvae to the ototoxin neomycin during a 36-hour period from 3-4 days post-fertilization (dpf). We use simultaneous transgenic and vital dye labeling of hair cells to compare 6- hour and 12-hour repeated treatment timelines and neomycin concentrations between 0–400 µM in terms of larval survival, hair cell death, regeneration, and functional recovery. Following exposure to neomycin, we find that the emergence of newly functional hair cells outpaces cellular regeneration, likely due to the maturation of ototoxin-resistant hair cells that survive treatment. Furthermore, hair cells of 4 dpf larvae exhibit faster recovery compared to 3 dpf larvae. Our data suggest that the rapid functional maturation of ototoxin-resistant hair cells limits the effectiveness of chemical-based methods to disrupt lateral line function. Furthermore, we show that repeated neomycin treatments can continually ablate lateral line hair cells between 3–4 dpf in larval zebrafish.

Neurodegenerative diseases of protein misfolding affect humans and animals. In humans, these diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Western Pacific amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC). Mineral exposure may be important in the pathogenesis of protein misfolding cascades. The possible association of bentonite, montmorillonite, and mineral risk factors with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Western Pacific ALS/PDC is analyzed and discussed.

This paper presents a case study of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria, whose traditional ethnoveteri-nary practices risk being lost as the country transitions to more intensive and enclosed livestock practices. We use a planetary health framing to make visible the value of indigenous practices that are less damaging to the environment, animal welfare and human health. Through ethnographic observation, focus group discussions (FGD) and key stakeholder interviews, we show that the Fulani use a complex system of herbal medicines and traditional herding practices to maintain herd health, manage and treat animal disease when it arises. However, their traditions often sit uncomfortably with commercial farming practices. As traditional Fulani grazing lands are eroded, dispossessed Fulani take employment from businessmen farmers but both parties’ inex-perience with shed hygiene, artificial feed and less environmentally resilient crossbreeds leads to increased incidence of infectious disease. This in turn drives higher use of antibiotics. There is a ‘causal chain’ of underlying drivers that leads, through poorer environmental, animal and hu-man health, to increased use of antibiotics. The antibiotic resistance that emerges from this chain threatens human health now and into the future. Through a planetary health framing we advocate for more respect for Fulani herdsmen and their traditional ethnoveterinary practices as an alter-native to increasing antibiotic use.

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a rare disorder characterized by involuntary facial muscle contractions. The primary cause is mechanical compression of the facial nerve by nearby structures. Lateral spread response (LSR) is an abnormal muscle response observed during electromyogram (EMG) testing and is associated with HFS. Intraoperative monitoring of LSR is crucial during surgery to confirm successful decompression. Proper anesthesia and electrode positioning are important for accurate LSR monitoring. Stimulation parameters should be carefully adjusted to avoid artifacts. The disappearance of LSR during surgery is associated with short-term outcomes, but its persistence does not necessarily indicate poor long-term outcomes. LSR monitoring has both positive and negative prognostic value, and its predictive ability varies across studies. Early disappearance of LSR can occur before decompression and may indicate better clinical outcomes. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of LSR monitoring in HFS surgery.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a prototypical neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons to severely effect the functionality to control voluntary muscle movement. Most of the non additive genetic aberrations responsible for ALS make its molecular classification very challenging along with limited sample size, curse of dimensionality, class imbalance and noise in the data. Deep learning methods have been successful in many other related areas but have low minority class accuracy and suffer from the lack of explainailbilty when used directly with RNA expression features for ALS molecular classification. In this paper we propose a deep learning based molecular ALS classification and interpretation framework. Our framework is based on training a convolution neural network (CNN) on images obtained from converting RNA expression values into pixels based on DeepInsight similarity technique. Then we employed Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) to extract pixels with higher relevance to ALS classifications. These pixels were mapped back to the genes which made them up. This enabled us to classify ALS samples with high accuracy for a minority class along with identifying genes that might be playing an important role in ALS molecular classifications. Taken together with RNA expression images classified with CNN, our preliminary analysis of the genes identified by SHAP interpretation demonstrate the value of utilising Machine Learning to perform molecular classification of ALS and uncover disease-associated genes.

Integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) into the pre-surgical stage of cataract management holds significant clinical and economic potential, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries like Kazakhstan. This study aimed to evaluate these impacts by prospectively recruiting 124 patients, aged 70±8 years, from two ophthalmology surgical centers in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Patients undergoing phacoemulsification of cataracts with monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between January and December 2022 were divided into two groups: the OCT group (n=75) received pre-operative OCT, while the Control group (n=49) did not. Visual acuity (VA) was measured pre- and post-surgery, and the cost-effectiveness of the surgical strategies was analyzed. The OCT group experienced a significantly greater improvement in VA (-0.647±0.232 logMAR) compared to the Control group (-0.543±0.244 logMAR), with a notable interaction between time and group (F(df) = 217.2, p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, pre-existing concomitant diseases were diagnosed in 25.3% of cases in the OCT group and 28.6% in the Control group. The economic analysis revealed that the integration of OCT facilitated multiple surgeries in one appointment, thereby reducing overall costs. These findings suggest that implementing OCT in the pre-surgical stage of cataract management can significantly enhance visual outcomes and decrease the cost of ophthalmology services in Kazakhstan.

Global climate change, particularly rising sea surface temperatures, profoundly impacts coral ecosystems, disrupting reproduction synchrony, symbiotic relationships with algae from the Symbiodiniceae family, and causing widespread bleaching and mortality among coral populations.  Oculina patagonica, a temperate scleractinian coral dominant in Mediterranean coastal waters, tolerates an annual temperature range of 10- 31°C. Moreover, in the past three decades, sea surface temperatures have rapidly risen in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. O. patagonica offers insight into evolutionary adaptation to rapid environmental changes. This study investigated the effects of temperature changes on O. patagonica reproductive development, synchrony, and thermal sensitivity. Monthly monitoring of O. patagonica colonies for a year reveals no disruption in gonad development compared to previous studies, suggesting an unaffected sexual reproduction capacity. Thermal performance

The international literature shows a polarised debate on the impacts of climate change on migration. Some studies find a positive linkage, whereas others find a negative one. It is, without a doubt, a complex process better considered case-specific. There is no available information on the relationship between climate change and migration in Colombia, despite past research exploring each of these subjects independently. This study intends explicitly to investigate this linkage gap. Consequently, this paper's essential contribution is that it builds a bridge between climate change scenarios and migratory science for the first time in Colombia. Despite their limitations, the theoretical and methodological framework suggested by IOM (2009b pp. 86, Section B, Chapter II) is demonstrated in this study to be very valid since it provides a methodology to predict where future flows will occur (based on past evidence). The methodological approaches of SLA and NELM explained in section A in the IV Chapter are also valuable for analysing and approaching this study's conclusions. The primary conclusions of this study indicate that the "Coffee Region," Valle, and Atlantic (or Caribbean Coast) provinces that mainly send emigrants to Spain and the US are the key internal regions responsible for most of the international migration from Colombians. The same areas are especially vulnerable to the impacts of upcoming climate change in the A1B scenario produced by the IDEAM (2010) for 2040 and 2100. Thus, future flows of migrants are expected from these regions (2040-2100). However, issues such as visa requirements or the costs associated with migration constitute international barriers to this flow. The sensitivity of these regions can also be associated with internal migration flows, more armed conflict, and forced displacement in a cyclical process. Theoretically, a resurgence of Colombia's armed conflict and displacement due to climate change can be expected. However, the need for empirical studies in Colombia to support this analysis is imperative and is the most crucial recommendation arising from this study.

The dynamics of hydrological lateral nutrient fluxes contribute to our understanding of ecological functions related to energy, materials, and organism flows across various spatiotemporal scales. To explore the connectivity between multiple spatial flow processes, we conducted a one-year field measurement to assess lateral hydrologic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fluxes over the continental shelf in the Yangtze estuary. We observed a significant correlation between the differences in remote sensing-based estimates of gross primary production (GPP) (∆GPPMODIS) and the differences in eddy covariance (EC) tower-based GPP (∆GPPEC) at both high-elevation and low-elevation sites. Over the course of a year, our predicted daily maximum tidal elevation (TE) closely matched the observed values in the creek, which facilitated the development of theoretical models to simulate biogeochemical cycling processes and aquatic ecosystem functions. Our findings indicate that the studied saltmarsh acts as a net exporter of dissolved total C (DTC) while serving as a net sink for dissolved total N (DTN). Furthermore, there is a significant correlation in the total dissolved stoichiometry of the C/N ratio between imports and exports. These findings highlight the importance of integrating ecological stoichiometric principles to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between physical, chemical, and biological processes, particularly within the context of the meta-ecosystem framework. Additionally, when considering reciprocal hydrological lateral C and N flows, single ecosystem can function both as sources and sinks within the meta-ecosystem framework.

Mountain fire can become more complex than fires at lower elevation due to the complex interaction of fire, topography, and weather. The Gell River Fire in Tasmania, Australia occurred in rugged terrain where there are abundant fire sensitive vegetation communities, as well as the presence of infrastructure including high-voltage transmission lines. The fire began at the end of December 2018 and lasted a few months, with a final burnt area of approximately 350km² despite significant fire suppression effort. The fire was investigated by employing wind vector maps, numerical weather model vertical sounding charts (NWMVS) and Prototype 2, which is an integrated fire simulator and can detect lateral fire channeling (LFC). Our analysis of the fire found its spread was likely to be introduced into a valley by forced channeling (FC), which is modified synoptic wind, and showed rapid spread in the valley. The simulated fire also showed wider spread than the observed data in the valley, with the simulated fire impacting highly sensitive vegetation communities on the fringes of the valley. This alludes to some potential conclusions: (1) The loss of fire sensitive vegetation would have increased if fire suppression activity had not been conducted. (2) Spotting fires could be produced by LFC because these spotting fire would allow spreading fire in a shorter period. (3) Heterogeneity of vegetation, such as combination of buttongrass and forest, could help carry fire rapidly in the valley with LFC. Fire can propagate faster in buttongrass than in forests while the forests allow the spotting fire.

Helicobacter pylori is the most common human gastric infection. H. pylori stool antigen lateral flow immunochromatography assay (HpSA-LFIA) is considered one of the most cost-effective and rapid non-invasive assays (active tests). The evaluation of this test is crucial for accuracy and utility assurance. This study aimed to evaluate the polyclonal antibody-based HpSA-LFIA in comparison to a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA kit. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 200 gastric patients for HpSA-LFIA and semi-quantitative HpSA-ELISA. Statistical analysis of the diagnostic values was performed using MedCalc software. Chi-square tests were used to determine the effects of gender and age. Results: The obtained results found that HpSA-LFIA achieved promising sensitivity (93.75%) and NPV (98.00%). However, it had poor specificity, PPV, and accuracy, respectively, 59.76%, 31.25%, and 65.31%. LR+ & LR- were 2.33% & 0.1%, respectively. Gender had no significance on the di-agnostic parameters of HpSA-LFIA. Age groups had irrelevant sensitivity; however, specificity was significantly higher in patients over 45 years. Conclusion: It was concluded that HpSA-LFIA was not accurate enough to be the sole test for di-agnosis and needs other confirmatory tests in case of positive conditions

Determination of the presence in the blood of antibodies specific to the causative agent of a particular disease (serodiagnosis) is an effective approach in medical analytical chemistry. Serodiagnostics performed in the lateral flow immunoassay format (immunochromatography) meet the modern requirements for point-of-care testing and are supported by existing technologies of large-scale diagnostic tests production—thus raising increased attention in a tense epidemiological situation. For traditional lateral flow serodiagnostics formats, a large number of nonspecific immunoglobulins in the sample significantly reduces the degree of detectable binding. To overcome these limitations, an assay based on the formation of immobilized antigen— specific antibody—labeled antigen complexes detection was proposed. However, the requirements for its implementation, providing maximum sensitivity, have not been established. This article describes the mathematical model for the above assay. The influence of the ratio of reagent concentrations on the analysis results is considered. It is noted that the formation of specific antibody complexes with several labeled antigens is the main limiting factor in reducing the detection limit, and methods are proposed to minimize this factor. Recommendations for the choice of the assay conditions, following from the analysis of the model, are confirmed experimentally.

The County of Avon in England was abolished in 1996 and replaced by four unitary planning authorities. Recently the authorities have been working closely to develop a West of England Joint Spatial Plan to facilitate better integration of policies on transport, housing, the environment etc. The Joint Spatial Plan team commissioned a multidisciplinary study to investigate whether the West of England has special characteristics of 'place' that engender shared interest and regional affinity, i.e. ‘sense of place’, to which emerging planning policies might positively respond. In this regard the present article is particularly focused on identifying whether the West of England has unique and unifying landscape characteristics, relating to topography, rural scenery, and flora and fauna, which combine with human experiences to distinguish the Region from adjoining areas. It is concluded that the West of England does indeed have real geographical integrity, being bound on all sides by attractive and prominent landscape features - the Mendip Hills, Cotswold Hills and Severn Estuary – that contribute to a sense of identity and belonging among its inhabitants. The alternating limestone ridges and broad clay vales that prevail across the Region’s heart, combined with low lying flatlands on the Region’s western fringe, provide further contrast with neighbouring regions, reinforcing the emotional bond to the landscape. Furthermore, it is suggested that the inhabitants of the West England show a particularly special environmental consciousness that sets them apart from neighbouring populations, complementing the influence of the physical environment in making the Region a special place to live.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns are fiber-like materials that exhibit excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. More importantly, they exhibit a piezoresistive response that can be tapped for sensing purposes. The objective of this study is to determine experimentally the piezoresistive response of CNT yarns that are embedded in a polymeric medium while subjected to either compression or tension, and compare it with that of the free or unconstrained CNT yarns. The rationale for this study is the need to know the response of the CNT yarn while in a medium, which provides a lateral constraint to the CNT yarn thus mimicking the response of integrated CNT yarn sensors. The experimental program will include the fabrication of samples and their electromechanical characterization. The CNT yarns are integrated in polymeric beams and subjected to four-point bending, allowing the determination of their response under tension and compression. The electrical resistance data from an Inductance-Capacitance-Resistance (LCR) device is used with the data acquired from the mechanical testing system to determine the piezoresistive response of the CNT yarns. This data and information will be used for future modeling efforts and to study the phenomena that occur when CNT yarns are integrated in polymeric and composite materials and structures.

Heat index (HI) is a biometeorological indicator that combines temperature and relative humidity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between heat index and daily counts of diarrhoea hospitalisation in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data on daily diarrhoea hospitalisations and meteorological variables from 1981–2010 were collected. We categorised heat index of >94.3°F, >100.7°F and >105°F as high, very high and extremely high heat index, respectively. We applied time-series adjusted generalised linear model (GLM) with negative binomial distribution to investigate the effects of heat index and extreme heat index on hospitalisations for diarrhoea. Effects were assessed for all ages, <5 children and by gender. A unit higher HI, and high, very high and extremely high HI were associated with 0.8%, 8%, 7% and 9% increase in diarrhoea hospitalisation in all ages, respectively. The effects varied slightly by gender and were most pronounced in <5 children with a rise of 1°F in high, very high and extremely high HI associated with a 14.1% (95% CI: 11.3% – 17.0%), 18.3% (95% CI: 13.4% – 23.5%) and 18.1% (95% CI: 8.4% – 28.6%) increase of diarrhoea, respectively. This suggest that heat index may serve as an alternative indicator for measuring the combined effects temperature and humidity on diarrhoea.

For decades, there has been worry regarding phytic acid's function in lowering mineral bioavailability. Given its widespread prevalence in nuts, grains, legumes, and oilseeds, it is critical to revisit this topic in light of contemporary eating trends. The food pyramid advocates increased cereal and grain consumption as the foundation of a healthy diet. Phosphorus is also an important macro-mineral nutrient for chicken, as it promotes growth, bone formation, genomic function, high-quality flesh, and egg production. Imbalanced organic phosphorus sources in the diet can reduce phosphorus digestibility and increase environmental contamination. Moreover, phytic acid is an antinutritional molecule present in cereals and staple crops including wheat, maize, rice, and sorghum, which chelates P and important divalent cations like Fe and Ca and zinc. As a result, these cations cannot be absorbed by monogastric animals or humans, and phytic acid inhibits nutritional intake, with levels inversely related to protein and starch digestibility. The environmental impact of phytate, a common organic phosphorus molecule, is substantial. It can contribute nutrients to algae blooms in lakes, causing eutrophication. Furthermore, phytate's stability in complexation with metal ions might inhibit enzymatic hydrolysis, influencing its destiny in agricultural soils. In this paper, we summarize several approaches to addressing the challenges associated with phytic acid's interaction with the environment.

Minimally invasive surgery for adult spinal deformities (MIS deformity surgery) utilizes MIS lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) without posterior corrective osteotomy. While MIS reduces issues associated with open deformity surgery, it has limitations in correcting sagittal imbalance. This review discusses the limitations and solutions of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and introduces our experience in addressing marked sagittal deformities. We reviewed the literature and incorporated our clinical experience to evaluate the efficacy of recent MIS techniques, particularly focusing on oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) at L1-5 and L5-S1. The use of higher profile and greater angle cages and the application of PPSF with curved rods and percutaneous rod compression were discussed. Advances in MIS techniques, such as OLIF, have enabled significant improvements in increasing disc height and angle. Combining these new techniques and concepts, we successfully corrected marked sagittal deformities using MIS deformity surgery. Early onset of proximal junctional kyphosis was identified as a notable complication. Although recent advancements in MIS deformity surgery have shown promise in correcting sagittal deformities, further clinical experience and data are necessary to enhance outcomes and mitigate complications such as proximal junctional kyphosis.

This paper presents the second stage of a tandem fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerodynamic development. In the initial stage, the UAV was optimized analyzing its characteristics only in symmetrical flight conditions. Posted requirements were that both wings should produce relevant positive lift, the initial stall must occur on the front wing first, the center of pressure should be close to the center of gravity, while longitudinal static stability should be in the optimum range. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses were performed, where applied calculation model was derived from the authors’ previous successful projects. The eight version TW V8 has satisfied all longitudinal requirements. Lateral-directional CFD analyses of V8 showed that the ratio of the lateral and directional stability at the nominal cruising regime was optimal, but both lateral and directional static stabilities were too high. On further development versions the lower vertical tail was eliminated, negative dihedral was implemented on the front wing, and four inverted blended winglets were added. Version TW V14 has largely improved lateral and directional stability characteristics, while their optimum ratio at cruising regime was preserved. Longitudinal characteristics were also well preserved. Maximum lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio were increased, compared to the V8.

In order to master the structure state of subway shield tunnel, reduce the diseases and avoid the potential safety hazards, the lateral convergence deformation of subway shield tunnels should be predicted. For the non-stationarity small sample size of subway shield tunnel lateral convergence deformation value, the existing prediction models have poor performance in terms of accuracy and stability. In this paper, a lateral convergence model of subway shield tunnel based on Kalman algorithm is constructed based on Kalman filtering theory. The model is efficient, adaptive and robust, and can accurately predict the lateral convergence deformation of subway shield tunnel. Taking the horizontal diameter of 200 rings shield segment in the interval section of a subway tunnel as an example, it is proved that the residuals of the Kalman prediction model are small, the residual distribution conforms to the normal distribution, and the prediction effect is great. The model is suitable for the prediction of more than 5 periods of data, and the prediction accuracy of the model is improved with the increase of the number of data periods. In addition, the Kalman model is compared with GM(1,1) model and GM-Markov model, and RMSE and MAPE are introduced as evaluation indexes. The results show that the Kalman model has higher prediction accuracy and is more suitable for predicting the lateral convergence deformation of subway shield tunnel.

The use of sensors in monitoring of lateral accelerations in delivery van transport focuses on measuring lateral accelerations on routes with roundabouts and curves to increase road safety. Using microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors, it measures the lateral accelerations acting on the vehicle and the load being transported during the test drives to study vehicle dynamics for cargo securing. Using an accelerometer and position tracking, accelerations can be detected when traversing curves and roundabouts at selected locations on the vehicle. The level of accelerations on the roof of the vehicle was found to be like those occurring on a lashed load with limited movements, where regression analysis can be used to determine the relationship between lateral accelerations at different sensor positions. If we compare the mean values of the lateral accelerations of the individual events between the sensors, the sensor on the side of the vehicle body at the height of the sensor on the load had approximately 5% lower mean values than the sensor on the roof. The sensor on the load measured approximately 5% higher mean values than the sensor on the roof. Hence, the mean lateral accelerations of the individual events for the sensor on the load are 10% higher than for the sensor at the same height on the vehicle body. From the above testing, we can say that the values of the mean lateral accelerations of the van from the sensor on the roof of the vehicle, are closer to the values of the accelerations of the sensor on the load than to the values of the sensor on the body of the vehicle at the same height.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common neurodegenerative motor neuron disease and remains misunderstood with difficult diagnosis and prognosis. The implication of the immune system is recognized in ALS pathophysiology, hence the interest in leucocytes count as lymphocytes and neutrophils. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has recently been used as a prognosis factor to assess the progression of ALS. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the NLR during disease evolution in a French cohort of ALS patients and its relation with survival. Clinical parameters and NLR were collected in ALS patients followed at the University Hospital of Tours (France). ALS patients were subdivided into three groups in regard to their NLR value at inclusion: group 1 (NLR < 2); group 2 (NLR: 2-3); group 3 (NLR > 3). Comparison of qualitative and quantitative clinical and biological variables between NLR groups was performed. Then Cox-regressions were carried out to determine the association of NLR with survival. We observed a significant correlation of NLR with ALSFRS-r score (p<0.0001) and with vital forced capacity (p=0.0004) at inclusion. We observed that increased NLR at diagnosis is associated with decreased ALS patients’ survival.

Malignancy is a fatal disease with an increasing incidence with each passing year, and the early diagnosis of malignancy can significantly improve the cure rate of patients, which has profound implications for saving patients' lives. The changes of miRNA are closely related to the occurrence of malignant tumors. The expression of miRNA in many malignant tumors is obviously different and unique from that in normal tissues. In this study, a strategy for amplifying microRNA (miRNA) signal was designed using duplex specific nuclease (DSN), which was then combined with Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe hybridization technology to prepare a sensitive and efficient paper-based lateral flow biosensor (LFB) for the detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) associated microRNA-10b. The performance evaluation results of the LFB showed that the detection limit of miR-NA-10b is 5 nM/mL, and carries demonstrated well specificity, stability, reproducibility. The biosensor prepared in this paper can provide accurate and rapid detection of miRNA-10b. The detection results play a guiding role in the early diagnosis of PC. Meeting the clinical need for largescale screening of individuals at high risk of PC. Providing new avenues to achieve early mass screening in individuals at high risk of PC.

This study examined the tourism spatial distribution of nine cities in the Fujian province and assessed the impacts of COVID-19. The modified gravity model found that it was widely dispersed, with uneven and relatively independent tourism development in different cities. The social network analysis showed that tourism connections across cities were significantly reduced after the pandemic. The impacts of brand awareness and transport accessibility on spatial networks were positive in pre-pandemic but became negative during the pandemic. In contrast, tourist volume had negative impacts on spatial networks in pre-pandemic but had positive ones during the pandemic. Tourism resources and market performance had significantly positive impacts in the post-pandemic era. These findings provide advice on tourism recovery and destination management in coping with future critical events. It also contributes to the theoretical gravity framework in tourism and the research scope of the social networks analysis at the city level.

Microplastics, pervasive in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, have emerged as significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). This review synthesizes recent studies from 2019 to 2024, revealing the complex mechanisms through which microplastics influence GHG production. These mechanisms include the adsorption of nutrients and pollutants onto microplastic surfaces and their role as substrates for microbial colonization. The impacts of microplastics vary significantly across different environments, such as agricultural soils and marine sediments. The review underscores the urgent need for standardized methodologies and long-term field studies to accurately assess the ecological consequences of microplastics. Notably, the role of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent GHG with a global warming potential nearly 300 times that of CO2, remains underexplored in the context of microplastic interactions, highlighting a critical research gap. Additionally, the synergistic effects of microplastics with other pollutants require further investigation to fully understand their cumulative impact on GHG emissions. This review calls for a coordinated effort among researchers and policymakers to advance our understanding of microplastics' role in global GHG budgets and to develop effective strategies for mitigating their environmental and climatic impacts.

Excessive vibration of temporary grandstand owing to crowd has lateral rhythmic motions can cause human in panic, which attracted increasing attention in recent years. This paper focuses on experiments that a temporary grandstand occupied 20 participants is oscillated by a shaking table with a series of random waves and induced by crowd with rhythmic swaying motions at lateral direction, respectively. And then a series of vibration perception questionnaires about crowd reaction are obtained. Evaluation of annoying level derives in concept of degree of membership and annoying rate method is proposed, then the human health risk of vibration serviceability of temporary grandstand is assessed with acceleration vibration dose value(VDV). From these results it is clear that standing crowd is more tolerant to vibration than seated crowd. The measured vibrations generated by crowd activities on temporary grandstand can cause panic in crowd. New relationship between the annoyance rate and structural acceleration VDV at logarithmic coordinate is proposed. The findings of this study can be utilized to manage the vibration of temporary grandstand and assess the human health risk.

The important topic of climate change is discussed in this article, with a focus on the historical background and present effects. It draws attention to the differences between climate change and global warming and attributes the faster pace of climate change to human activity, specifically the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Agricultural practices, deforestation, and the combustion of fossil fuels are examined in conjunction with natural contributors like volcanic emissions. There is discussion of the far-reaching effects of climate change, such as increased temperatures, rising sea levels, harsh weather, and effects on water supplies. The article emphasizes how crucial it is to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by putting in place climate-resilient infrastructure, switching to renewable energy sources, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. While recognizing the difficulties involved, it examines several approaches, including nuclear energy, wind power, carbon capture and storage, and green building techniques. To successfully address the global challenge of climate change, the conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for joint efforts by scientists, environmentalists, communities, and governments.

Many studies of hypervelocity impact craters have described the characteristics of quartz grains shock-metamorphosed at high pressures of > 10 GPa. In contrast, few studies have investigated shock metamorphism at lower shock pressures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that low-pressure shock metamorphism occurs in near-surface nuclear airbursts and that this process shares essential characteristics with crater-forming impact events. To investigate low-grade shock microstructures, we compared quartz grains from Meteor Crater, a 1.2-km-wide impact crater, to those from near-surface nuclear airbursts at the Alamogordo Bombing Range, New Mexico in 1945 and Kazakhstan in 1949/1953. This investigation utilized a comprehensive analytical suite of high-resolution techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Meteor Crater and the nuclear test sites all exhibit quartz grains with closely-spaced, sub-micron-wide fractures that appear to have formed at low shock pressures. Significantly, these micro-fractures are closely associated with Dauphiné twins and are filled with amorphous silica (glass), widely considered a classic indicator of shock metamorphism. Thus, this study confirms that glass-filled shock fractures in quartz form during near-surface nuclear airbursts, as well as crater-forming impact events, and by extension, it suggests that they may form in any near-surface cosmic airbursts in which the shockwave is coupled to Earth’s surface. The robust characterization of such events is crucial because of their potential catastrophic effects on the Earth’s environmental and biotic systems.

As urban populations and transport demand expand, Pakistani metropolitan centers face traffic congestion and environmental challenges. This research aims to assess carpooling (CP) to alleviate traffic congestion, fuel demand, and pollution. This study was conducted in Islamabad, a fast-growing city with a high percentage of personal cars in Pakistan, to assess the travelers’ perceptions, and public acceptance of CP and determine the effects on traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. The investigation of travelers' perceptions towards CP was conducted through a stated preference questionnaire survey. A total of 700 responses from one million population of Islamabad were collected as per Sloven's Formula. SPSS and Smart PLS software were used for data analysis. Various factors influencing peoples’ travel perceptions, mode choice, and tendency to carpool, were categorized to evaluate the relationship between travelers’ perception and the tendency to carpool in the presence of mode choice as a mediating variable. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in SMART PLS to refine the number of scale items for each variable. One-way ANOVA, step-wise and mediated multiple regression analysis was conducted in SPSS to check the direct and mediating relationship between different variables. Moreover, the probability of reducing traffic congestion and assessing fuel reduction resulting from CP was also analyzed. The findings imply that travelers’ mode choice acts as a mediator between the relationship between travelers’ perception and tendency to carpool. Furthermore, results predicted that CP might reduce 0.25 million cars on the road, about 33.6% of the total private vehicles. Thereby, saving up to 546,810 barrels per year, about 3.42% of Pakistan's total petrol consumption. The findings of this study could be helpful for transport planners, environmentalists, and policymakers to implement carpool systems. Thus, reducing traffic congestion and harmful CO2 emissions and maintaining a sustainable environment.

Many studies of hypervelocity impact craters have described the characteristics of quartz grains shock-metamorphosed at high pressures of >10 GPa, but in contrast, few studies have investigated shock metamorphism at lower shock pressures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that low-pressure shock metamorphism occurs in near-surface nuclear airbursts and that this process shares important characteristics with impact-cratering events. To investigate low-grade shock microstructures, we compared quartz grains from Meteor Crater, a 1.2-km-wide impact crater, to those from near-surface nuclear airbursts at the Alamogordo Bombing Range, New Mexico in 1945 and Kazakhstan in 1949/1953. This investigation utilized a comprehensive analytical suite of high-resolution techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Meteor Crater and the nuclear test sites all exhibit metamorphosed quartz grains with closely-spaced, sub-micron-wide fractures that appear to have formed at low shock pressures. Importantly, these micro-fractures are closely associated with Dauphiné twins and are filled with amorphous silica (glass), widely considered to be a classic indicator of shock metamorphism. Thus, this study confirms that glass-filled shock fractures in quartz form during near-surface nuclear airbursts, as well as crater-forming impact events, and by extension, it suggests they also may form in near-surface cosmic airbursts.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected the African continent and the rest of the world. Most businesses have closed and a lot of people have lost their jobs. The aviation industry has been shaken to the core with airlines losing millions of dollars and flights being cancelled. The tourism industry has consequently been affected due to restricted travel of tourists, impacting wildlife conservation and livelihoods. Schools, colleges and universities have been closed. The virus has infected millions of people and hundreds of thousands of people have died globally putting strain on health systems especially those of hard hit countries. Various countries all over the world have put measures to control the spread of the virus through lockdowns and social distancing policies. The reduced economic activities and mobility of people has resulted in improved air quality, cleaner water and beaches in some countries. However there are also negative impacts such as challenges in waste management, increased pharmaceutical and household waste and discovery of the corona virus in wastewater, a potential threat to public health. A considerable amount of research has been done on the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 in Africa but there is still limited research on its impact on the environment. This paper serves to highlight the observed and potential environmental impacts of COVID-19 in Africa.

This study estimates the negative impacts of the COVID-19 on poverty and unemployment in Indonesia. In doing so, this study develops and uses the SD model that reproduced similar patterns in terms of GDP, poverty, and unemployment. Estimated unemployment and estimated poverty under the COVID-19 are calculated for three different economic scenarios: the optimistic, the mid, and the pessimistic scenarios. This study concludes that Indonesia will experience rising unemployment and poverty in ranges (9-10) and (25-26) million people respectively by the end of this year – depending on projected economy growths. This study suggests that existing financial aids are sufficient to support rising unemployment and rising poverty level. However, if the Indonesia government cannot carefully slow the COVID-19 flow, higher financial supports are required to curb the negative impacts of the COVID-19.

Extracellular enzymes catalyze biogeochemical reactions in soil, cycling carbon and nutrients in agricultural systems. Enzymes respond quickly to soil management, including organic amendment inputs, such as biochar, a charcoal-like solid byproduct of bioenergy production. In a previous agricultural field trial, a pine biochar amendment caused an approximately 40% decrease in the enzyme activities of β-glucosidase (BG) and phosphatase (PHOS). The large surface area of the pine biochar has the potential to sorb nutrients and other organic molecules. To test if sorption caused decreased enzyme activity, we used a laboratory assay to quantify the activity of two sorbed enzymes: BG and acid PHOS, involved in the cycling of carbon and phosphorous. The enzymes were incubated with three solid phases: (1) the high surface area pine biochar, (2) the agricultural soil, and (3) a low surface area grass biochar, for an additional comparison. We quantified the sorbed enzymes at pH 6, 7, and 8, using a Bradford protein assay, and measured the immobilized enzyme activities via high-throughput fluorometric analysis. After sorption onto pine biochar, detectable BG and PHOS activity levels dropped by over 95% relative to the soil, supporting direct sorption as one mechanism that reduces enzyme activity in biochar amended soil. This laboratory assay demonstrated that sorption could account for the lack of priming of native soil organic matter and changes in soil phosphorous cycling after pine biochar addition.