The protection and regulation of international trade of Australia’s native species is legislated by its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999. In response to overwhelming evidence that the Act is ineffective at protecting biodiversity, the Australian Government is currently reforming its environmental laws. One problematic component of the Act is in cases where threatened species interact with multiple regulatory and management frameworks, such as commercially fished marine species that are traded as seafood. Here, we analyzed international seafood trade data and found that Australia exports four threatened fish species listed under the Act and additional species acknowledged as globally threatened. In light of our analysis, we have three recommendations for Australia’s new environmental legislation: 1) apply the same precautions to commercially harvested species as to other threatened species; 2) review the status of all threatened species annually; and 3) assess species listed on global conservation conventions. These recommendations will help ensure that Australia’s marine biodiversity is protected, despite its commercial value.

Off-grid electrification planning increasingly recognizes the importance of productive use of electricity (PUE) to promote community value creation and (financial) project sustainability. To ensure a sustainable and efficient integration in the community and energy system, PUE assets must carefully be evaluated to match both the community needs and the residential electricity demand patterns. We propose a novel methodology interlinking qualitative interviews, statistical analysis, and energy system modelling to optimize decision-making for PUE integration in off-grid energy systems in rural Madagascar by aligning relevant PUE effectively with anticipated residential electricity demand patterns based on socio-economic determinants of the community. We find that a possible contribution of the PUE to reducing the electricity costs depends signifi-cantly on three factors: 1. the residential electricity consumption patterns that are influenced by the socio-economic composition of the community, 2. the degree of flexibility of i) PUE assets and ii) operational preferences of the PUE user, and 3. the capacity of community members to finance and operate PUE assets. Our study demonstrates that significant cost reductions for PUE-integrated off-grid energy systems can be achieved by applying our proposed methodology. When matching PUE and residential consumption patterns, the integration of PUE assets in residential community energy system can reduce the financial risk of operators, provided the PUE enterprise operates reliably and sustainably. We highlight that the consideration of local value chains and co-creation approaches are essential to ensure the energy system is addressing the community’s needs, creates value for the community, enhances the project´s financial sustainability, and is achieving the overall objectives of decentralized energy system planning.

Zero-dose children, or children who have not received any routine vaccination, are a priority population for global health policy makers as these children are at high risk of mortality from vaccine-preventable illnesses. We conducted a narrative review to identify potential interventions, both within and outside of the health sector, to reach zero-dose children. We reviewed peer-reviewed and grey literature and identified 59 relevant resources. Additionally, we interviewed six key informants to enhance synthesis of our findings. Data were organized into three priority settings: (1) urban slums, (2) remote or rural communities, and (3) conflict settings. We found that zero-dose children in the three-priority settings face differing barriers to vaccina-tion and, therefore, require context-specific interventions, such as leveraging slum health commit-tees for urban slums or integrating with existing humanitarian response services for conflict set-tings. Three predominant themes emerged for grouping the various interventions: (1) community engagement, (2) health systems strengthening and integration, and (3) technological innovations. The barriers to reaching zero-dose children are multifaceted and nuanced to each setting, there-fore, no one intervention is enough. Technological interventions especially must be coupled with community engagement and health systems strengthening efforts. Evaluations of the suggested interventions are needed to guide scale up, as the evidence-base around these interventions is rel-atively small.

Protein degradation is a biological phenomena essential for cellular homeostasis and survivor. Selective protein degradation is performed by the ubiquitination system which selectively target proteins that need to be eliminated and lead them to proteasome degradation. In this review, we focus on the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 O (UBE2O) and highlight the role of UBE2O in many biological and physiological process. We further discuss the UBE2O implications in various human diseases, particularly in leukemias and solid cancers and suggest how UBE2O targeting could be novel strategy in the treatment of different human neoplasia.

Despite many calls to reduce or eliminate the use of mechanical restraint, it is still widely used in many countries. Studies using patient interviews have a very clear message: Patients experience mechanical restraint as the most humiliating intervention. There seems to be a lack of alternatives with violent patients. We developed a method using 30 kg bags, originally designed for fitness purposes, to be attached to a patient's wrist or ankle under 1:1 supervision. The method was tested with 10 experienced nurses and de-escalation trainers. A video was made and presented to six outpatients who had previously experienced mechanical restraint. All participants were interviewed. Transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. All participants approved of the method as a milder and less humiliating alternative to mechanical restraint. Nurses' main concerns were the risk of falls and the use of the bags as a weapon. The latter could be controlled by using an additional bag. Patients were generally positive, especially if there was a history of abuse. The method should be further developed to replace at least part of mechanical restraints. As with all ‘milder means‘, care should be taken to really replace restraint and not to introduce additional coercion.

Despite the availability of effective vaccines that lower mortality and morbidity associated with COVID-19, many countries including Italy adopted strict vaccination policies and mandates to increase the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Such mandates have sparked debates on the freedom to choose whether or not to get vaccinated. In this study, we examined the people’s belief in vaccine choice as a predictor of willingness to get vaccinated among a sample of unvaccinated individuals in Italy. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Italy in May 2021. The survey collected data on respondents’ demographics and region of residence, socioeconomic factors, belief in the freedom to choose to be vaccinated or not, risk perception of contracting and transmitting the disease, previous vaccine refusal, opinion on adequacy of government measures to address the pandemic, experience in requesting and being denied government aid during the pandemic, and intent to accept COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis employed binary logistic regression models using a hierarchical model building approach to assess the association between intent to accept vaccination and belief in the freedom to choose to vaccinate, while adjusting for other variables of interest. 984 unvaccinated individuals were included in the study. Respondents who agreed that people should be free to decide whether or not to vaccinate with no restrictions on their personal life had 85% lower odds of vaccine acceptance (OR=0.15 ;95% CI,0.09,0.23) after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors and their risk perception of contracting and transmitting COVID-19. Belief in the freedom to choose whether or not to accept vaccinations was a major predictor of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among a sample of unvaccinated individuals in Italy in May 2021. This understanding of how individuals prioritize personal freedoms and the perceived benefits and risks of vaccines, when making health care decisions can inform the development of public health outreach, educational programs and messaging.

We introduce a full binary directed tree structure to represent the set of natural numbers, further categorizing them into three distinct subsets: pure odd numbers, pure even numbers, and mixed numbers. We adopt a binary string representation for natural numbers and elaborate on the composite methodology encompassing odd- and even-number functions. Our analysis focuses on examining the iteration sequence (or composition) of the Collatz function and its reduced variant, which serves as an analog to the inverse function, to scrutinize the validity of the Collatz conjecture. To substantiate this conjecture, we incorporate binary strings into an algebraic formula that captures the essence of the Collatz sequence. By this means, we transform discrete powers of 2 into continuous counterparts, ultimately culminating in the smallest natural number, 1. Consequently, the sequence generated through infinite iterations of the Collatz function emerges as an eventually periodic sequence, thereby validating an enduring 87-year-old conjecture.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory condition which significantly affects quality of life in both patients and their caregivers. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are a class of immunosuppressive drugs predominantly inhibiting T cell mediated immune processes. CNI form complex by binding with immunophilins and in turn inhibit calcineurin and suppress downstream inflammatory pathway. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are topical CNI approved for the treatment of mild to severe AD in both children and adults. Application site reactions are frequently seen. They have been issued with black box warning towards increased risk of malignancies but supportive evidence is lacking. Cyclosporine, though highly effective, is used off-label for AD management. It is used for controlling acute flares of AD due to its very rapid onset of action. Nephrotoxicity and hypertension are its serious complications. CNI have not been reported with teratogenicity and may be used conditionally during pregnancy and lactation.

Biopolymer gels have gained tremendous potential for therapeutic applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to adsorb and bind biological fluids, making them attractive for drug delivery and therapy. The versatility of biopolymer gels in theranostic backgrounds, with a focus on integrating imaging features and facilitating real-time monitoring of drug delivery. Different methods of delivery are explored imaging agents into biopolymer gels, including encapsulation, surface functionalization, nanoparticle encapsulation and layer-by-layer assembly techniques. Integration of Agents and Real-Time Monitoring Drug Delivery We summarize the synthesis methods, general properties, and mechanisms of biopolymer gels functionality, demonstrating their broad applications as multimodal systems for imaging-based therapeutics. These techniques not only enable multiple imaging but also provide signal enhancement and imaging a targeted facilitates, increasing the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. In addition, current techniques for incorporating imaging agents into biopolymer gels are discussed, and their role in precise drug delivery and monitoring.

This paper investigates the efficacy of YOLOv8 variants for vehicle detection and license plate detection within smart parking applications, emphasizing performance under varying ambient lighting conditions. The proposed system is to seize full video frames, extracts regions of interest containing vehicles, and feeds them into separate, pre-trained YOLOv8 models – one dedicated to vehicle detection and another for license plate detection. Four YOLOv8 variants, nano, small, medium, and large, are evaluated. As a pre-processing step, the images are processed with the help of OpenCV and Pillow libraries to adjust the luminosity and increase the images’ DPI so that they would be easy to perceive by the Tesseract OCR engine. Sixteen potential combinations arise from pairing the four YOLOv8 models for vehicle and license plate detection tasks. To identify the most suitable combinations, we employ the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making method, specifically Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) analysis. This analysis considers 4 critical metrics: Precision, mean average precision at 95% Intersection of Union threshold, Recall and Total Inference Time. The objective is to achieve an optimal balance between high accuracy and real-time processing. Following the selection of optimal YOLOv8 combinations through TOPSIS analysis, we assess their performance under varying ambient light intensity (measured in lux). This evaluation aims to identify the most robust model combinations that ensure accurate vehicle and license plate recognition across the diverse lighting conditions encountered in real-world environment.

This article touched upon various issues regarding vulnerability, disparities amongst community settings, and the effect of air pollution on the populace (low-income communities). Furthermore, the paper emphasized environmental ethics approaches like anthropocentric, nature-centric, and deep-ecological approaches. More so, it addresses the importance of handling these disparities, particularly from the geopolitical dimension, and recommends cross-border cooperation and accountability in promoting environmental justice in India.

The extent of access to energy of displaced populations in settlements and camps in Africa is largely 14 unknown. A multitude of contextual factors, such as the location and the characteristics of housing, 15 the legal status, the socio-cultural background, and the availability of humanitarian and public ser- 16 vices impact the living conditions and the needed energy services. Limitations in accessing energy 17 services have direct, multilayered, and far-reaching implications, including impacts on health, nu- 18 trition, education, protection, and livelihood. The objective of this article is to contribute to a more 19 comprehensive overview of the current state of energy access in displacement contexts on the Afri- 20 can continent by identifying and utilizing existing data. After a screening of the vast and various 21 available information, setting up of a database, consolidating the gathered data as well as assessing 22 the quality through a quality assessment method, the currently available information is visualized 23 and discussed. Considerable differences in the access to electricity for displaced persons across the 24 countries are found. For both electricity and clean cooking, the availability for displaced persons 25 ranges from nearly no access at all up to an access rate of 100%. More strikingly, the results also 26 show that besides South Africa and countries in the Maghreb region, the access to both clean cook- 27 ing and electricity for displaced persons is very low. At the same time, the fragmented data availa- 28 bility, the poor data quality, and the questionable expediency of available data allows neither solid 29 theoretical conclusions nor planning of effective practical implementation measures. Novel inter- 30 disciplinary research, conceptual frameworks and indicators are needed for the purpose of compa- 31 rability and consistency. Future research has the potential to more comprehensively capture the 32 current state of access to energy in displacements contexts and in a next step to examine how energy 33 is interwoven in the lives of displaced people to derive a set of more detailed context-sensitive en- 34 ergy indicators. It is essential that the concerned persons, the displaced persons themselves are in- 35 cluded in the research in a meaningful way.

The interrelatedness of social-structural aspects and psychological features with the vaccination intention provides the context to explore personal psychological fea-tures related to general decision-making and vaccine-related dispositions, and their contribution to the intention to vaccinate, within post-pandemic circumstances, after the imposed possibility of choosing a vaccine brand. The aim of our study was to map the function (promotive, protective, risk, vulnerability) of a set of psychological aspects in the intention to vaccinate, in people with different social roles regarding the vaccination. We surveyed three samples of people: healthcare providers (HPs), parents, and lay people, within the context of the after-pandemic. Negative vaccine attitudes lower intention to vaccinate in all regression models (all βs ranging from -.128 to -.983, all ps < .01). The main results indicate that, regardless of the sam-ple/social role, there is a shared attitudinal core for positive vaccination intention. This core consists of [high] trust in large corporations, government, and healthcare systems, as well as perceived consensus on vaccine safety/efficacy and experience of freedom (protective factors), and [low] vaccination conspiracy beliefs, trust in social media, and choice overload (risk and vulnerability factors, respectively). There are no common promotive factors of intention to vaccinate; for parents, perceived consensus on vaccines, and trust in corporations and the healthcare system play such roles, for HPs experience of freedom is obtained as a unique promotive factor. In contrast, for laypeople, no unique promotive factors were found. These results and guidelines for the promotion of positive vaccination behavior are further discussed.

In this paper, we suggest an expansion of the Planck distribution function derived from the Boltzmann principle. Thereby, we consider expanding Planck's law with a new distribution function, and discuss fine structure constant. Furthermore, using ideas applied to the expansion of the Planck distribution function, we show that Von Koch's inequality can be derived without using the Riemann Hypothesis, that is, the Riemann Hypothesis is true, and that the abc conjecture is not true. Furthermore, we define a generalization of Entropy and discuss that Entropy is relevant to dynamical systems described by logistic function models, such as the growth of bacteria and populations.

Solid waste management is challenging in many countries, especially developing economies. The impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt and have indicated secondary impacts on waste management. This work draws on data on household solid waste (HSW), healthcare waste (HCW), and recyclables collected in the Rio de Janeiro municipality, analyzed from January 2018 to December 2022. As expected, the collection of HCW in Rio de Janeiro municipality experienced a noticeable increase in 2020 and 2021, with an average of 46.9 tons and 54.3 tons collected, respectively. Notably, 2021 saw a significant 30% increase compared to 2019 (p-value<0.001). No significant difference was observed in recyclables collected from 2018 to 2021. The average recyclable amount was 3,638 and 3,747 tons per month in 2020 and 2021. In contrast, the monthly amount was equal to 4,819.5 tons in 2022, representing an increase higher than 32% compared to previous years (p-value<0.05). Our findings can be used to adapt and improve waste systems to cope with similar emergency scenarios in the future, serving as a template for municipalities with similar challenges.

The realization of a perfect absorber A = 1 with transmittance and reflectance T=R=0 by a thin metasurface is one of the hot topics in recent nanophotonics prompted by energy harvesting and sensor applications (A + R + T =1 is the energy conservation). Here we tested optical properties of over 400 structures of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) metasurfaces for a range of variation in thickness of insulator, the diameter of a disc and intra-disc distance experimentally and numerically. Conditions of a near-perfect absorption A > 95% with simultaneously occurring anti-reflection property (R < 5%) were experimentally determined. Differences between the bulk vs. nano-thin film properties at mid-IR of the used materials can be of interest for plasmonic multi-metal alloys and high entropy metals.

In recent years, bioengineered and biotechnological products have gained tremendous attention to identify unique biologic features associated with oncology. To overwhelm the complexity of tumor personalized medicines (PM) or vaccines could be a promising way-out to be considered. Cancer is a heterogeneous disease. This characteristic variability of cancer provides itself to the emergent era of PM i.e., precision oncology. The prime objective of PM is merely to deliver the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. For instance, imatinib was effectively targeted chronic myeloid leukemia. To date, attainment in using PM approaches to cancer treatment have been mixed. The next-generation sequencing (NGS), and the use of several biomarkers (e.g., HER2, BRAF, ALK, etc.), to drive precise cancer treatment through a timely and cost-effective manner. In current review, author summarizes the advancement in the field of PM such as CRISPR-Cas9, NGS, pharmacogenomics, and the benefits of machine learning techniques. The precise communication between healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and patients is essential to translate advances in PM into immense benefits for patients with cancer globally.

The search of DNA polymorphisms useful for the genetic improvement of dairy farm animals lasts more than 40 years with relevant findings in cattle for milk traits, where the best combination of alleles for dairy processing have been found in casein genes and in the DGAT1. Nowadays, similar results are not reached yet in river buffaloes despite advanced genomic technologies and accurate phenotype records are available. The aim of the present study was to investigate and validate in a larger buffalo population the effect on six milk traits of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CSN1S1, CSN3, SCD and LPL genes, previously reported to be associated with or affect dairy traits in smaller populations often belonging to one farm. A total of 800 buffaloes were genotyped. Daily milk yield (dMY, kg), protein yield (dPY, kg) and fat yields (dFY, kg), fat and protein contents (dFP, % and dPP, %), somatic cell count (SCC, 103cell/ml) and urea (mg/dl) were individually recorded in each month for the whole lactation from 2010 to 2021. A total of 15,742 individual milk test day records (2,496 lactations) were available on 680 buffalo cows with 3.6±1.7 parity (from 1 to 13) and 6.1±1.2 test day records per lactation on average. Three out four SNP in CSN1S1, CSN3 and LPL were associated with at least one of analyzed traits. In particular, the CSN1S1 (AJ005430:c.578C&gt;T) gave favorable associations with all yield traits (dMY, p=0.022; dPY, p=0.014 ; dFY, p=0.029) and SCS (p=0.032), whereas the CSN3 (HQ677596: c.536C&gt;T) positively associated with SCS (p=0.005) and milk urea (p=0.04). Favorable effect on dMY (p=0.028), dFP (p=0.027) and dPP (p=0.050) were observed for the LPL. Conversely, SCD did not show any association with milk traits. This is the first example of confirmation study carried out in the Mediterranean river buffalo for genes of economic interest in dairy field and it represents a very important indication for the preselection of young bulls destined to breeding programs in the view of a more sustainable dairy production.

New setting is introduced to study chromatic number. Neutrosophic chromatic number and chromatic number are proposed in this way, some results are obtained. Classes of neutrosophic graphs are used to obtains these numbers and the representatives of the colors. Using colors to assigns to the vertices of neutrosophic graphs is applied. Some questions and problems are posed concerning ways to do further studies on this topic. Using strong edge to define the relation amid vertices which implies having different colors amid them and as consequences, choosing one vertex as a representative of each color to use them in a set of representatives and finally, using neutrosophic cardinality of this set to compute neutrosophic chromatic number. This specific relation amid edges is necessary to compute both chromatic number concerning the number of representative in the set of representatives and neutrosophic chromatic number concerning neutrosophic cardinality of set of representatives. If two vertices have no strong edge, then they can be assigned to same color even they’ve common edge. Basic familiarities with neutrosophic graph theory and graph theory are proposed for this article.

The implementation of One Health/EcoHealth/Planetary Health approaches has been identified as key (i) to address the strong interconnections between risk for pandemics, climate change and biodiversity loss, and (ii) to develop and implement solutions to these interlinked crises. As a response to the multiple calls of scientists in that direction, we have put forward seven long term research questions regarding COVID-19 and emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) that are based on an effective integration of environmental, ecological, evolutionary, and social sciences to better anticipate and mitigate EIDs. Research needs cover the social-ecology of infectious disease agents, their evolution, the determinants of susceptibility of humans and animals to infections, and the human and ecological factors accelerating infectious disease emergence. For comprehensive investigation, they include the development of nature-based solutions to interlinked global planetary crises, addressing ethical and philosophical questions regarding the relationship of humans to nature and regarding transformative changes to safeguard the environment and human health. In support of this research, we propose the implementation of innovative multidisciplinary facilities embedded in social-ecosystems locally: the “ecological health observatories” and the “living laboratories”. This work has been carried out in the frame of the EC project HERA (www.HERAresearchEU.eu) that aims to set the priorities for an environment, climate and health research agenda in the EU by adopting a systemic approach in the face of global environmental change.

Accurate determination of the concentration of alcohols and their metabolites is important in forensics and in several life science areas. A new method has been developed to quantify alcohols and their oxidative products using a headspace gas chromatography- mass spectrometer and isotope-labelled internal standards. This work demonstrates the application of this method, specifically in quantifying the concentration of oxidative products of alcohol and other minor alcohols found in hand sanitizers, which have become an essential household item since the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from the major component, the minor alcohols found in hand sanitizers include methanol, isopropanol, and n-propanol. In ethanol-based hand sanitizers, a significant amount of acetaldehyde was observed as an oxidation product, while in isopropanol-based hand sanitizers, acetone was observed. The concentration of acetaldehyde in ethanol-based hand sanitizers significantly increased with storage time and temperature, whereas no such increase of acetone concentration was observed in isopropanol-based hand sanitizers with storage time and temperature.

Senna rugosa is a species found in the Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a vermifuge and in the treatment of poisonous snakebites accidents. In this work, we identified the main secondary metabolites present in ethanolic extracts of the leaves (ELSR) and roots (ERSR) of S. rugosa and evaluated the potential cytoprotective effect against cellular macromolecular damage, as well as the cytotoxic properties of the extracts on the K562 and Jurkat leukemic cell lines. The identification of metabolites was done by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities were investigated by direct ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging methods, protection against oxidative damage in proteins and DNA. The cytotoxic properties were investigated against healthy cells, isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMC) and leukemic cell lines. The leaf extract contains catechin, rutin, epigallocatechin derivatives, kaempferol glycosides, luteolin, and dimeric and trimeric procyanidins, while the root extract profile shows obtusichromoneside derivatives, 2-methoxystypandrone, stilbene derivatives, naphthopyranones, and flavanone derivatives. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 of 4.86 ± 0.51 µg/mL and 8.33 ± 0.90 µg/mL in the ABTS assay for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. And in the DPPH• assay, the IC50 was 19.98 ± 1.96 µg/mL for ELSR and 13.37 ± 1.05 µg/mL for ERSR. The extracts protected macromolecules against oxidative damage at concentrations of 5 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity test against leukemic strains was observed after 24 and 48 hours of treatment. After 48 h, results against the K562 cell line demonstrate IC50 of 242.54 ± 2.38 µg/mL and 223.00 ± 2.34 µg/mL for ELSR and ERSR , respectively. While against the Jurkat cell line, these extracts showed IC50 of 171.45 ± 2.25 µg/mL and 189.30 ± 2.27 µg/mL, respectively Results on PBMC viability, demonstrate that the extracts showed selectivity for the leukemic cell lines. Together, our results reveal that the leaves and roots of S. rugosa have completely distinct and complex chemical compositions. This study expands the repertoire of identified chemical compounds and underscores their significant pharmacological potential in conditions related to oxidative stress and leukemia.

Antibacterial bone cements (ABCs), such as antibiotic-loaded bone cements (ALBCs), have been widely utilized in clinical treatments. Currently, bone cements loaded with vancomycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, or clindamycin are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, traditional ALBCs exhibit drawbacks like burst release and bacterial resistance. Therefore, there is a demand for the development of antibacterial bone cements containing novel agents. In this review, we summarize the latest advancements in ABCs. More importantly, we provide an overview and outlook on novel antibacterial agent-loaded bone cements, including metallic antibacterial agents, pH-switchable antibacterial agents, cationic polymers, N-halamines, non-leaching acrylic monomers, antimicrobial peptides, etc. Offering novel perspectives for designing ABCs and treating bone infections.

Objectives: This study assessed the associations between parent intent to have their child receive COVID-19 vaccination, and demographic factors and various child activities including attendance at in-person education or childcare. Methods: Persons undergoing COVID-19 testing residing in Minnesota and Los Angeles County, California with children aged <12 years completed anonymous internet-based surveys between May 10 and September 6, 2021 to assess factors associated with intention to vaccinate their child. Factors influencing parents’ decision to have their child attend in person school or childcare were examined. Estimated adjusted odds rations (AORs, 95% CI) were computed between parents’ intentions regarding children’s COVID-19 vaccination and participation in school and extra-curricular activities using multinomial logistic regression. Results: Compared to parents intending to vaccinate their children (n=4,686 [77.2%]), those undecided (n=874 [14.4%] or without intention to vaccinate (n=508 [8.4%]) tended to be younger, non-White, less educated and themselves not vaccinated against COVID-19. Their children more commonly participated in sports (aOR:1.51 1.17-1.95) and in-person faith or community activities (aOR:4.71 (3.62-6.11). They further indicated that additional information regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness would influence their decision. COVID-19 mitigation measures were the most common factors influencing parents’ decision to have their child attend in-person class or childcare. Conclusions: Several demographic and socioeconomic factors are associated with parents’ decision whether to vaccinate their <12-year-old children for COVID-19. Child participation in in-person activities was associated with parents’ intentions not to vaccinate. Tailored communications may be useful to inform parents’ decisions regarding safety and effectiveness of vaccination.

Background: Acute kidney disease (AKD) is a known risk factor for increased mortality and evolution towards chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. The data regarding children are scarce. The purpose of our study is to explore the risk factor for AKD and impact of AKD following an acute kidney injury (AKI) episode in children on mortality and new-onset CKD. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 736 children with ages between 2 and 18 years old with AKI admitted in a tertiary care hospital from the west Romania over a 9 years period. Results: AKD incidence following AKI was 17%. Patients that developed AKD were older, with higher baseline serum creatinine values, urea, C reactive protein and lower proteins, haemoglobin and sodium. They were more often exposed to sepsis, critical illness and nephrotoxic medications and presented certain susceptibilities like CKD, neoplasia, anemia, heart failure, arterial hypertension, stem cell transplant and female gender. AKI causes that increased the risk of AKD were intrinsic ones. AKD increased the overall mortality by three times. The factors that independently increased the risk of evolution towards CKD were AKD, acute tubular necrosis and higher baseline serum creatinine values. Conclusions: AKD is an independent risk factor for mortality and new-onset CKD in children.

In the process of sewage coagulation treatment, quartz sand is often used as a heavy medium to accelerate the settling rate of flocs, but it will adversely affect the removal efficiency of pollutants. The factors that affect the coagulation effect and can be controlled manually include the quartz sand dosage, coagulant dosage, sewage pH, stirring time, settling time, etc, their reasonable setting is critical to. This paper was to study the optimal conditions of quartz sand enhanced coagulation(QSEC), first, single-factor tests were conducted to preliminarily explore the optimal range of influencing factors, and then response surface methodology（RSM）tests were performed to accurately determine the optimums of significant factors. The results showed that the addition of quartz sand can’t improve the water quality of coagulation treatment, but it can significantly accelerate the coagulation settlement process, the quartz sand dosage, the coagulant dosage and sewage pH all impacted significantly on its coagulation effect, and existed inflection points. A model that could guide QSEC was obtained by RSM tests. The model optimization and experimental validation showed that the optimal QSEC conditions for treating domestic sewage were as follows: the polyaluminum chloride(PAC) dosage, cationic polyacrylamide(CPAM) dosage, the sewage pH, quartz sand dosage, stirring time and settling time were 0.97 g·L-1, 2.25 mg·L-1, 7.22, 2 g·L-1, 5 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively, and the turbidity of treated sewage was reduced to 1.15 NTU.

Monitoring the quality of stored bulk grain is generally done using temperature cables hung from silo roofs. Little investigation has been done into the effects of number of sensors and their placement in terms of reliability of the monitoring system with regard to making stored grain quality management decisions. A previously developed 3D finite element simulation model was verified and used to investigate these aspects. In the first study, a silo was loaded with about 228.6 Mg (9000 bushels) of maize and six temperature cables were placed in the grain mass. The maize was aerated continuously for a period of two weeks, and the cable sensor temperatures were compared to the predicted temperatures which were in close agreement with the observed readings. The standard error of prediction ranged from 2.0 to 3.7°C. In the second study, 15 and 30 sensors were placed at manufacturer recommended depths and horizontal locations in the grain mass of three silo sizes (i.e., 11x11, 14.6x14.6 and 14.6x18.3 m diameter by eave height). The average grain temperatures predicted by the 15 and 30 sensors over a one-year simulation period were compared to the average grain temperatures predicted for the entire grain mass (1968, 3052, and 3204 mesh nodes). The number of sensors needed to monitor stored grain temperatures reliably in the three silo sizes investigated heavily depended on whether the aeration control strategy achieved a sufficiently low temperature by the time the aeration fans were turned off and sealed ahead of the non-aerated storage period. Fifteen or 30 sensors were sufficient to monitor grain temperatures during the aeration cooling period but for the two larger silo sizes more than 30 sensors would be needed during the storage period. As silo size increased, and surface-to-volume ratio decreased, grain temperatures remained lower during the storage period. Results support the best management practice recommendation of leaving cooled grain cold and not warming it up in the spring ahead of storage into the summer.

Extensive genome structure variation, such as copy number variations (CNVs) and presence/absence variations, is the basis for the remarkable maize genetic diversity; however, the effect of CNVs on maize herbivory defense remains largely underexplored. Here, we report that the naturally occurring duplication of the maize 9-lipoxygenase gene, ZmLOX5, leads to increased resistance of maize to herbivory by fall armyworms (FAW). Previously, we showed that ZmLOX5-derived oxylipins are required for defense against chewing insect herbivores and identified several inbred lines, including Yu796, that contained duplicated CNVs of ZmLOX5, referred to as Yu796-2×LOX5. To test whether introgression of the Yu796-2×LOX5 locus into the herbivore-susceptible B73 background that contains a single ZmLOX5 gene is a feasible approach to increase resistance, we generated a series of near-isogenic lines that contained either 2, 1 or 0 copies of the Yu796-2×LOX5 locus in the B73 background by six back crosses (BC6). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) confirmed the successful introgression of the Yu796-2×LOX5 locus in B73. The resulting B73-2×LOX5 inbred line displayed increased resistance against FAW associated with increased expression of ZmLOX5, increased wound-induced production of its primary oxylipin product, the α-ketol, 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12(Z),15(Z)-octadecadienoic acid (9,10-KODA), and the downstream defense hormones regulated by this molecule, 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (12-OPDA) and abscisic acid (ABA). Surprisingly, wound-induced JA-Ile production was not increased in B73-2×LOX5, resulting from the increased JA catabolism. Furthermore, B73-2×LOX5 displayed enhanced drought tolerance likely due to increased ABA and 12-OPDA content. Taken together, this study revealed that the duplicated CNV of ZmLOX5 quantitively contributes to maize antiherbivore defense and presents proof-of-concept evidence that the introgression of naturally occurring duplicated CNVs of a defensive gene into the productive, but susceptible, crop varieties is a feasible breeding approach for enhancing plant resistance to herbivory and tolerance to abiotic stress.

Several recent studies have indicated that miR-30a plays critical roles in various biological processes and diseases. However, the mechanism of miR-30a participation in the regulation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is ambiguous. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-30a may function as a novel therapeutic target for lung fibrosis by blocking mitochondrial fission, which is dependent on dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp-1). However, the regulatory mechanism between miR-30a and Drp-1 has yet to be investigated. In addition, whether miR-30a can act as a potential therapeutic has not been verified in vivo. In this study, the miR-30a expression in IPF patients was evaluated. Computational analysis and a dual luciferase reporter system assay were used to identify the target gene of miR-30a, and cell transfection was used to confirm this relationship. Ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) was validated as a direct target of miR-30a, and the transfection of miR-30a mimic/inhibitor significantly reduced/increased the expression of TET1 protein. Further experiment verified that the interference on TET1(siRNA) could inhibit the hydroxymethlation of the Drp-1 promoter. Finally, miR-30a agomir was designed and applied to identify and validate the therapeutic effect of miR-30a in vivo. Our study demonstrated that miR-30a could inhibit the TET1 expression by base pairing with complementary sites in the 3′ untranslated region to regulate the hydroxymethlation of the Drp-1 promoter. Furthermore, miR-30a could act as a potential therapeutic target for IPF.

Aiming to improve medical diagnosis and treatment, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformational force in the healthcare industry. In this article, we examine how AI is increasingly being used to improve healthcare, with an emphasis on how it is changing medical diagnosis and treatment. We explore the opportunities, threats, and ethical concerns of incorporating AI into healthcare practice. In addition, we feature important AI applications in radiology, pathology, cardiology, and cancer. AI has great potential to improve patient outcomes, diagnostic accuracy, and the ability to provide individualized treatment plans in the future if it is used and refined with care.

Abstract: Educating healthcare workers (HCWs) to take action against monkeypox (mpox) is an important part of public health prevention efforts. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to vaccinate against mpox among HCWs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. This study utilized an online cross-sectional survey that was disseminated via Google Forms between November, 1, 2022 and January, 15, 2023, employing a convenience sampling method. The researchers utilized logistic regression to ascertain the factors associated with knowledge, attitude and willingness to vaccinate. A total of 637 HCWs were included in the analysis (ages ranged between 21 and 51 years old). The mean overall score and standard deviation of the knowledge, attitude, and willingness assessment on mpox were 8.18±3.37 out of (0–16), 3.40±1.37 out of (0–5), 2.41±1.25 out of (0–5), respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HCWs who heard about mpox before 2022 had a higher level of knowledge (AOR: 4.85; 95% CI: 2.81-8.36; p < 0.001). In addition, those who had less than 1 year of practice had a positive attitude about mpox (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20-0.59; p < 0.01). Finally, none of the variable groups had the capacity to predict willingness to be vaccinated against mpox. The research revealed that HCWs exhibit a relatively low level of knowledge and attitude towards mpox, as well as a low level of willingness to receive mpox vaccinations. Further, there is an urgent need to increase their knowledge and attitude, as the success of efforts to control the global epidemic depends on them.

Background: Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is an essential public health strategy in order to reach herd immunity and prevent illness among children and adults. Parents are facing tremendous stress in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination program for children. In this study, we aimed to investigate parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 in North Kivu province (DRC). Methods: A cross-sectional survey between December 01, 2021 to January 20, 2022 in 6 health zones (Goma, Karisimbi, Butembo, Beni, Kamango and Katwa) was conducted in the province of North Kivu. In each health zone, we selected 5 clusters (Health area) using the method of probabilistic selection proportional to population size. In total, 522 parents participated in our study. Results: Overall, 32.8% of parents intended to vaccinate their children. In the multivariate analysis, younger age of parents (aOR : 2.40, CI : [1.50-3.83]), higher level of fear that “a member of my family” could contract COVID-19 (aOR : 2.35, CI : [1.38-4.02]), higher level of perceived vulnerability to COVID-19 within the family (aOR : 1.70, CI : [1.005-2.2881]), higher level of perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 within the family (aOR : 3.07, CI : [1.80-5.23]), and history of vaccination against COVID-19 among parents (aOR : 16.47, CI : [8.39-32.33]), were significantly associated with the intention to have their children or adolescents vaccinated. Conclusion: Willingness of parents to vaccinate their children against the COVID-19 vaccination was low in North Kivu. There is undeniably in this region a need to reinsure the populations about vaccine safety for both children and adults. Public health authorities should also address widespread misinformation about vaccines in a timely manner.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which joints are gradually de-stroyed, and early diagnosis and treatment before joint deformation or destruction is im-portant. The detection of novel RA biomarkers in saliva may facilitate the early detection of RA before the onset of disease. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive proteomic analysis of salivary proteins from RA model mice. Proteins were identified by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum, saliva, and ankle joints from DBA/1JJmsSlc mice, a model of rheumatoid arthritis. Ankle joints and submandibular glands were hematoxylin and eosin stained and immunostained, and the results were compared with those of control mice. Citrullinated α1 antitrypsin (A1AT, 46 kDa) was commonly detected in saliva, serum, and ankle joints of severe RA model mice, and was confirmed by proteome analysis. Western blotting detected a band corresponding to 46 kDa in serum, saliva and ankle joints, and immunostaining of ankle joints with A1AT an-tibody showed a strong positive signal in the synovium. In DBA/1JJmsSlc mice, not only cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies but also A1AT may be involved in protein citrulli-nation and contribute to the development and severity of RA.

Satellite derived bathymetry methods over coastal areas were born to deliver basic and useful information like bathymetry. However, the process is not straightforward, the main limitation being the need of field data. The Self-calibrated Spectral Supervised Shallow-water Modeler (4SM) method was tested to obtain coastal bathymetry without the use of any field data. Using LANDSAT-8 multispectral images from 2013 to 2016, a bathymetric time series was produced. Groundtruthed depths and an alternative method, Stumpf’s Band Ratio Algorithm, were used to verify the results. Retrieved (4SM) vs groundtruthed depths scored an average r2 (0.90), and a low error (RMSE = 1.47 m). Also 4SM showed, over the whole time series, the same average accuracy of the control method (40%). Advantages, limitations and operability under complex atmosphere and water column conditions, and high and low-albedo bottom processing capabilities of 4SM are discussed. In conclusion, the findings suggest that 4SM is equally accurate as the commonly used Stumpf’s method, the only difference being the independence of 4SM to previous field data, and the potential to deliver bottom spectral characteristics for further modelling. 4SM represents a significative advance in coastal remote sensing potential to obtain bathymetry and optical properties of the marine bottom.

Biochar is a carbonaceous material derived from the thermochemical conversion of biomass under oxygen-lean conditions. Its properties render it many applications in agriculture, environmental remediation, and catalysis. Commonly produced by pyrolysis under a nitrogen atmosphere, the biochar composition is influenced mainly by residence time, heating rate, and process temperature. The existing literature primarily assesses biochar properties, such as ultimate, proximate, calorific, porosity, and combustibility, generated under various thermo-conversion conditions. However, there is a notable lack of sufficient investigation and attention given to the practical application of biochar. This article seeks to bridge that gap by enhancing the comprehension of the necessary experimental assessment for specific biochar applications and proposing process optimization methods using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). By delving into these aspects, the study offers a concise overview of biochar production and presents a comprehensive panorama based on articles and patents. Additionally, the research explores the physicochemical characterization techniques associated with biochar and its various applications in conjunction with MCDA. This comprehensive approach aims to uncover valuable insights that could further advance the practical and sustainable utilization of biochar in a wide range of fields.

We aimed to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of healthy pregnant women towards human papillomavirus (HPV), to estimate factors associated with a positive attitude towards HPV immunization and to assess the uptake of the vaccine among their children. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Belgrade, Serbia among pregnant women attending their regular gynecological check-ups at the 12th gestational week. Knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine was assessed using a specifically designed 12-item and 5-item questionnaires. Out of total 265 included women, 79.3% had heard of HPV, and 37.5% knew that HPV vaccine exists. HPV vaccine knowledge score was associated with higher odds for a positive attitude towards vaccination of both female (OR = 4.10, 95% CI 1.50-11.29) and male (OR = 3.71, 95% CI 1.52-9.01) child. The number of children (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.67) and high vaccine knowledge score (OR = 1.64 95% CI 1.13-2.39) were independent predictors associated with willingness to vaccinate child against HPV. The gynecologist was the preferable point of reference for information seeking about the HPV vaccine. Despite relatively high HPV awareness and knowledge among pregnant women in Serbia, about one-third of them are HPV vaccine aware, and are willing to vaccinate their children against HPV.

In this essay, the new notion concerning longest path is introduced. Longest path has a close relation with the notion of diameter in graph. The classes of graph are studied in the terms of having the vertex with longest path. Valued number is the number of edges belong to the longest path in the matter of vertex. For every vertex, there’s a valued number and new notion of valued set is the generalization of valued number for the vertex when all vertices of the graphs are corresponded to a vertex which has the greater valued number. For any positive integer, there’s one graph in that, there’s vertex which its valued number is that. By deleting the vertices which don’t belong to valued set, new notion of new graph is up. It’s called valued graph. The comparison amid valued graph and initial graph is up, too.

In this article, some notions about set, weight of set, number, number's position, special vertex are introduced. Some classes of graph under these new notions have been opted as if the study on the special attributes of these new notion when they've acted amid each other is considered. Internal and external relations amid these new notions have been obtained as if some classes of graphs in the matter of these notions are been pointed out.

The night has historically been neglected in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. To some extent, this is not surprising, given the diurnal bias of human researchers, and the difficulty of performing work at night. The night is, however, a critical element of biological, chemical, physical, and social systems on Earth. Moreover, research into social issues such as inequality, demographic changes, and the transition to a sustainable economy will be compromised if night is not considered. Recent years, however, have seen a surge in research into the night. We argue that “night studies” is on the cusp of coming into its own as an interdisciplinary field, and when it does, the field will consider questions that disciplinary researchers haven’t yet thought to ask.

The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic dramatically impacted on oncologic patients' care. Since the introduction of vaccines and the demonstration of their benefit on frail patients, COVID-19 vaccinations were indicated also for oncologic population. However, data about the impact of anticancer-treatments and the timing between vaccinations and systemic therapy de-livery were not available. We aimed to evaluate potential factors influencing the outcome of COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients. We prospectively collected data of patients undergoing COVID-19 vaccination with gas-tro-entero-pancreatic and neuroendocrine neoplasms, treated at our Institute, between 03/2021 and 12/2021. We enrolled 46 patients, 63.1% males; at the time of data collection 86.9% received two-doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and the remains Moderna vaccine. All patients obtained a subsequent im-mune-response. A significantly lower values of IgG for patients treated with chemotherapy versus other anti-cancer agents (p=0.004). No significant effect on immune-response was reported for both vaccinations performed ≤7 vs >7 days from the last systemic treatment (p=0.77) and lymphocytes count (p=0.11). The findings suggest that the optimal timing for COVID-19 vaccination and lymphocytes count are not the issue but rather the quality of the subset of lymphocytes before the vaccination to deter-mine the efficacy level of immune-response in this population.

This study aims to examine the non-volatile Particle Number (PN) emissions of a retrofitted Heavy-Duty Spark-Ignition (HD-SI) engine powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under both steady-state and transient conditions. The engine was tested under seven steady-state operating points to investigate the PN behavior and Particle Size Distribution (PSD) upstream and down-stream of the Three-Way Catalyst (TWC). This analysis intends to assess the impact of including particles with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 23 nm in the total particle count, a consideration for future regulations. The study employed the World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC) for transient conditions to encompass the same engine working region used in the steady-state analysis. A Dekati FPS-4000 diluted the exhaust sample to measure the PSD and PN for particle diameters between 5.6 nm and 560 nm using the TSI-Engine Exhaust Particle Sizer (EEPS) 3090. Findings indicate that PN levels tend to increase downstream of the TWC under steady-state conditions in operating points with low exhaust gas temperatures and flows (equal to or less than 500 °C and 120 kg/h). Furthermore, the inclusion of particles with diameters between 10 nm and 23 nm leads to an increase in PN emissions by 17.70% to 40.84% under steady conditions and by an average of 40.06% under transient conditions, compared to measurements that only consider particles larger than 23 nm. Notably, in transient conditions, most PN emissions occur during the final 600 seconds of the cycle, linked to the most intense phase of the WHTC.

Integrated crop-livestock production (ILP) is an interesting alternative for more sustainable soil use. However, more studies are needed to analyze soil pore properties under ILP at the micrometer scale. Thus, this study proposes a detailed analysis of soil pore architecture at the micrometer scale in three dimensions. For this purpose, samples of an Oxisol under ILP subjected to minimum tillage (MT) and no-tillage (NT) with ryegrass as cover crop (C) and silage (S) were investigated. The soil micromorphological properties of the soil were analyzed using X-ray microtomography. The MT(C) system showed the highest values of porosity (c. 20.4%), connectivity (c. 32.8×103), volume (c. 26%), and number of pores (c. 32%) in a rod-like shape. On the other hand, the MT(S), NT(C), and NT(S) systems showed higher tortuosities (c. 2.2, c. 2.0, and c. 2.1) and lower pore connectivities (c. 8.3×103, c. 6.9×103, and c. 6.2×103), especially in S use. Ellipsoidal and rod-shaped pores predominated over spheroidal and disc-shaped pores in all treatments. The results of this study show that the use of ryegrass as a cover crop improves soil physical properties, especially in MT. For S use, the type of soil management (MT or NT) did not show any differences.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of severe respiratory disease in infants and young children worldwide. Two vaccines targeting the elderly and pregnant women have been recently approved employing the prefusion form of the RSV-fusion protein (F). However, there are currently no vaccines for infants. Studies have shown a fusion-inactive prefusogenic F form is significantly more immunogenic and produces higher antibody titers to both the prefusion and postfusion structures of the F protein. Here we have developed RSV virus-like particles (RSV-VLPs) consisting of prefusogenic F, RSV glycoprotein and matrix proteins, produced them using the baculovirus expression system, and studied their protective efficacy in Balb/c mice. Morphology and successful assembly of VLPs were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and western blot. Mice immunized with VLPs developed high levels of serum IgG and neutralizing antibodies as compared with mice immunized with inactivated virus. The VLP vaccine also induced higher levels of IFNγ and IL4, elicited limited proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but higher cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte responses. VLP immunization abolished lung pathology in the mice after RSV challenge. Overall, our results indicate that RSV-VLPs consisting of prefusogenic F, glycoprotein and matrix proteins are a potential vaccine candidate against RSV.

The following system of equations {x_1 \cdot x_1=x_2, x_2 \cdot x_2=x_3, 2^{2^{x_1}}=x_3, x_4 \cdot x_5=x_2, x_6 \cdot x_7=x_2} has exactly one solution in ({\mathbb N}\{0,1})^7, namely (2,4,16,2,2,2,2). Hypothesis 1 states that if a system of equations S \subseteq {x_i \cdot x_j=x_k: i,j,k \in {1,...,7}} \cup {2^{2^{x_j}}=x_k: j,k \in {1,...,7}} has at most five equations and at most finitely many solutions in ({\mathbb N}\{0,1})^7, then each such solution (x_1,...,x_7) satisfies x_1,...,x_7 \leq 16. Hypothesis 1 implies that there are infinitely many composite numbers of the form 2^{2^{n}}+1. Hypotheses 2 and 3 are of similar kind. Hypothesis 2 implies that if the equation x!+1=y^2 has at most finitely many solutions in positive integers x and y, then each such solution (x,y) belongs to the set {(4,5),(5,11),(7,71)}. Hypothesis 3 implies that if the equation x(x+1)=y! has at most finitely many solutions in positive integers x and y, then each such solution (x,y) belongs to the set {(1,2),(2,3)}. We describe semi-algorithms sem_j (j=1,2,3) that never terminate. For every j \in {1,2,3}, if Hypothesis j is true, then sem_j endlessly prints consecutive positive integers starting from 1. For every j \in {1,2,3}, if Hypothesis j is false, then sem_j prints a finite number (including zero) of consecutive positive integers starting from 1.

A low-resource emotional speech synthesis system for empathetic speech synthesis based on modelling prosody features is presented here. Secondary emotions, identified to be needed for empathetic speech, are modelled and synthesised in this paper. As secondary emotions are subtle in nature, they are difficult to model compared to primary emotions. They are also less explored, and this is one of the few studies that model secondary emotions in speech. Current speech synthesis research uses large databases and deep learning techniques to develop emotion models. There are many secondary emotions, and hence, developing large databases for each of the secondary emotions is expensive. This research presents a proof-of-concept using hand-crafted feature extraction and modelling of these features using a low resource-intensive machine learning approach, thus creating synthetic speech with secondary emotions. Here, a quantitative model-based transformation is used to shape the emotional speech fundamental frequency contour. Speech rate and mean intensity are modelled via rule-based approaches. Using these models, an emotional text-to-speech synthesis system to synthesise five secondary emotions - anxious, apologetic, confident, enthusiastic and worried is developed. A perception test to evaluate the synthesised emotional speech is also conducted.

Malassezia is a lipid-dependent genus of yeasts known for being an important part of the skin mycobiota. These yeasts have been associated in the development of skin disorders and cataloged as a causal agent of systemic infections under specific conditions, making them opportunistic pathogens. Little is known about the host-microbe interaction of Malassezia spp., and unraveling this implies the implementation of infection models. In this mini review we present different models that have been implemented in the fungal infections study with greater attention in Malassezia spp. infections. These models range from in vitro (cell cultures and ex vivo tissue), to in vivo (murine models, rabbits, guinea pigs, insects, nematodes, and amoebas). We additionally highlight the alternative models that reduce the use of mammals as model organisms, which have been gaining importance in the study of fungal host-microbe interactions. This is due to the fact that these systems have shown to have reliable results, which correlate with those obtained from mammalian models. Example of alternative models are Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, Tenebrio molitor, and Galleria mellonella. These are invertebrates that have been implemented in the study of Malassezia spp. infections in order to identify differences in virulence between Malassezia species.

The paper proposes an approach to determine the optimal number of medical specialists in the region. According to the author's theoretical model, in order to maximize public welfare, the marginal contribution of the last physician recruited to the growth of the public utility function should be equal to the marginal cost of attracting him and providing conditions for his work. To empirically assess the contribution of physicians to the number of lives saved, the CVD mortality rate is modeled using the instrumental variable method. On average, a 1% increase in the number of cardiologists is associated with a 0.6% decrease in cardiovascular mortality. At the level of provision with cardiologists in the amount of 1 per 100 thousand people, their marginal contribution to the number of lives saved is not less than 129 per 100 thousand people, with a further decrease by 5 people with the increase in the level of provision by 1 unit. The use of the obtained results will increase the validity of managerial decisions and in determining the optimal level of doctors when choosing between alternative possibilities of spending money on hiring doctors of different profiles or other expenses, especially in the case of limited resources.

The 70/30 copper–nickel alloy is mainly used in critical parts with more demanding conditions in marine settings. There is a need for innovative methods that offer fast production and cost-effectiveness to supplement current copper–nickel alloy manufacturing processes. In this study, we employ wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) to fabricate the 70/30 copper–nickel alloy. The as-built microstructure is characterized by columnar grains with prominent dendrites and chemical segregation in the inter-dendritic area. The aspect ratio of the columnar grain increases with increasing travel speed (TS) at the same wire feed speed (WFS). This is in contrast to an equiaxed grain structure with a more random orientation of conventional sample. The sample built with a WFS of 8 m/min, TS of 1000 mm/min, and a track distance of 3.85 mm exhibits superior corrosion properties in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution compared to the conventional one, as evidenced by a higher film resistance and breakdown potential, along with a lower passive current density of the WAAM sample. The corrosion morphology reveals the critical roles played by the nickel element unevenly distributed between the dendrite core and inter-dendritic area.

this paper we present approaches for generating random numbers along with potential applications. Rather than trying to provide extensive coverage of several techniques or algorithms that have appeared in the scientific literature, we focus on some representative approaches presenting their workings and properties in detail. Our goal is to delineate their strengths and weaknesses as well as their potential application domains so as the reader can judge what would be the best approach for the application in hand, possibly a combination of the available approaches. For instance, a physical source of randomness can be used for the initial seed, then suitable preprocessing can enhance its randomness and then the output of the preprocessing can feed different types of generators, e.g. a linear congruential generator, a cryptographically secure one and one based on the combination of one way hash functions and shared key cryptoalgorithms in various modes of operation. Then, if desired, the outputs of the different generators can be combined giving the final random sequence. Moreover, we present a set of practical randomness tests which can be applied on the outputs of random number generators in order to assess their randomness characteristics. In order to demonstrate the importance of unpredictable random sequences, we present an application of cryptographically secure generators in domains where unpredictability is one of the major requirements, i.e. eLotteries and cryptographic key generation.

Objective To explore the endoscopic anatomical structures of lumbar surgery. Methods A total of 290 patients who underwent lumbar endoscopic surgery due to lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation from September 2020 to September 2022 were retrospectively reviewed in our hospital,179 patients had complete surgical video recordings, including 108 males and 71 females, aged from 19 to 65 years, with an average age of 41±16 years. The endoscopic structures through the intervertebral foramen and interlaminar space were independently identified by 3 doctors with more than 3 years of related surgery experience. When there were differences of opinions, the three doctors would discuss and come to a consensus. The probability, location, and neighboring structures of each specific structures were statistically analyzed. Results The anatomical structures observed through the lumbar foramen under endoscopy include muscles and ligaments attached to the superior articular process (SAP), main blood vessels inside the intervertebral foramen, blood vessels on the surface of IVD, and blood vessels on the surface of the dural sac and nerve root. The major anatomical structures observed through interlaminar space are multifidus, the conjugated ligament of ligament flavum and capsule ligament (capsule part of flavum ligaments), edges of the lamina, specific vessel bundle to facet with exit nerve root. Conclusion The anatomical structures under spinal endoscopy have certain characteristics, which are grossly different from those under open surgery. Familiarity with these anatomical structures has important clinical significance.

Background: The effectiveness of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine remains a matter to be clarified. Methods: The humoral and cellular immunity after the administration of three doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 over one year and the appearance of post-vaccination COVID-19 have been studied. Results: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies showed a progressive increase throughout the vaccination period. This increase was greatest after the third dose. The highest levels were observed in subjects who had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies prior to vaccination. There was an increase in CD4+ αβ, CD8+ γδ and TEM CD8+ γδ T cells, and a decrease in apoptosis in CD4+CD8+ and CD56+ αβ and γδ T cells. Post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection was greater than 60%. The symptoms of COVID-19 were very mild and were related to γδ T cell deficit, specifically CD8+ TEMRA and CD56+ γδ TEM, as well as lower pre-vaccine apoptosis levels. Conclusions: Those results demonstrate the important role that γδ T cells play in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine immunization.

A formula for the turbulent Prandtl number is derived in terms of local variables available from two-equations turbulence models. The derivation is a direct consequence of the expected square additivity of the molecular and turbulent parameters defining the effective viscosity and the effective conductivity. The formula does not degenerate and leads to a Kays like formulation if approximated. Its utility and its limitation are discussed.

Abstract — Game development using technology was started in 1950 around the first video game created Tennis for Two by Higginbotham as a fun diversion, to show the power of technology. The advanced development of Artificial intelligence (AI), has turned out to be the heart of game development technology and AI has revolutionized gaming and brought so many features to life.in reality, it isn't easy to give a definition and meaning to it even though games are becoming a part of human survival. It is difficult to define the real meaning of a game but it is part of human survival as it usually refers to the cleverness of the way the human being involvement in the characters of the game. As a part of game development, many technologies were used to create a game for the players with creativity, complex design, variety of levels, and aspects for the player to use choices effectively and efficiently to interact with the character in the game and enhance the experience to the next levels. This paper initially gives the importance of game development and need for the technology usage to enhance the current state of games. Then analyzes the history and present state of Artificial intelligence in game development. Finally, it explains the highlights of potential changes in game development and the impact and influence of artificial intelligence and machine learning models in the future development of games.

Abstract Background COVID-19 vaccination program among Adults in India is one of the highly successful vaccination drives globally. Indian children aged 15–18 years old became eligible for COVID-19 vaccination on 3rd January, 2022 followed by 12-14 years old children on 16th March, 2022. As parents are primary decision-makers for their children, we aimed to assess parents' perceptions and intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children in India. Aim To assess parental perceptions and intention to get COVID-19 vaccination for their children (aged<18 years), Materials and Methods A cross-sectional anonymous web-based survey was designed. Healthcare workers of a tertiary care institute in Eastern U.P. having any children aged <18 years were the study population. They were recruited through snowball sampling and were sent the study questionnaire in Google form through email and WhatsApp. Cross-tabulation was performed by parents' intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 virus with socio-demographic characteristics and their risk perception toward COVID-19, trust in the healthcare system, and their history of vaccine hesitancy behavior routine childhood immunization. Bi-variate analysis was performed to find out the predictors of child vaccination intention among the parents. Results A total of 388 healthcare workers parents (HCWPs) having A child < 18 years of age completed the survey. Mean age of the parents were 40.28 ±11.34 years with majority(97.0%) completing recommended 2 doses of COVIID-19 vaccine. Around 91% of the parents agreed that COVID-19 vaccines are important for child’s health whereas about 89% agreed to the statement that COVID-19 vaccines are effective. A total 356 (91.7%) participants were willing to vaccinate their child against COVID-19, 91.3% of them liked to do so as soon as possible. The factors significantly associated with the stated likelihood of child vaccination among the participants were younger age, female gender, urban residence, absence of any chronic illness, lower monthly income, history of COVID-19 in child and the child/children completed with routine childhood vaccines. Parental concerns mainly centered around vaccine need, safety and side effects. Conclusion The healthcare worker parents(HCWPs) have good knowledge and positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination for children. Around 92% of them were willing to vaccinate their children with COVID vaccine currently, which implies very low vaccine hesitancy among the HCWPs . Further longitudinal studies are required to be conducted to assess the trend of parental acceptance of COVID vaccine.

In 2010, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 to address the loss and degradation of nature. Subsequently, most biodiversity indicators continued to decline. Nevertheless, conservation actions can make a positive difference for biodiversity. The emerging Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework has potential to catalyze efforts to ‘bend the curve’ of biodiversity loss. Thus, the inclusion of a goal on species, articulated as Goal B in the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Framework, is essential. However, as currently formulated, this goal is inadequate for preventing extinctions, and reversing population declines; both of which are required to achieve the CBD’s 2030 mission. We contend it is unacceptable that Goal B could be met while most threatened species deteriorated in status and many avoidable species extinctions occurred. We examine the limitations of the current wording and propose an articulation with robust scientific basis. A goal for species that strives to end extinctions and recover populations of all species that have experienced population declines, and especially those at risk of extinction, would help to align actors towards the transformative actions and interventions needed for humans to live in harmony with nature.

Biosolids from stabilized sludge presents a high fertilization potential due to its rich content of nutrients and organic matter. Three formulas of organo-mineral fertilizers based on biosolids were manufactured having at least 2 % N, 2 % P2O5, and 2 % K2O and characterized by classical and advanced methods. The content of N and P in the final formula was measured using specific reactants combined with VIS-nearIR spectroscopy. Additionally, all three formulas were characterized by advanced 1H NMR relaxometry, double-quantum and FT-IR spectroscopy. Structural characterization was performed using SEM, EDX and X-ray diffraction. Four dynamical components were identified in the T2-distribution showing that the rigid component is into a percentage larger than 90 %. In order to evaluate the release properties of organo-mineral fertilizers dynamic measurements of electric conductivity and pH were performed, by placing 0.25 g of formulas (V1, V2 and V3) in 200 ml of distillate water. It was found that V3 present the smallest release velocity, but release the largest amount of fertilizers. Two release mechanisms were also observed.

Objective: Despite increasing interest in understanding factors influencing awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine among Latino parents to date, limited information is available specific to Latino fathers living in the United States. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study explored Latino fathers’ awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine for their adolescent children. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. Results: Nineteen, majority foreign-born Latino fathers (63.2%; n = 12) fathers of male and female adolescents participated in the study. Four main themes and two subthemes emerged from the analyses. Results found fathers’ low awareness and knowledge of HPV and the HPV vaccine. Results also identified fathers’ positive attitude toward vaccines in general. Moreover, results revealed fathers’ trust in healthcare providers. This trust translated into an increased willingness to vaccinate their children against HPV if recommended by their child’s primary healthcare provider. Conclusion: Findings indicate the need for increased efforts to raise awareness and knowledge among Latino fathers of HPV and the HPV vaccine. In addition, findings underscore the critical role of healthcare providers’ recommendation of the HPV vaccine. Given the limited research focused on Latino fathers, this study’s findings are valuable in building a knowledge foundation needed for developing future studies and interventions to promote the HPV vaccine by targeting Latino fathers living in the United States. Future research should quantify Latino fathers' awareness, knowledge, and acceptability of the HPV vaccine for their children, and preferences for educational interventions to promote HPV vaccination.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition is a computer vision technology that provides a way to recognize the vehicles number plates without direct human intervention. Developing Automatic Number Plate Recognition methodologies is a widely studied topic among the computer vision community to increase the accuracy rates. Although there are many studies, the research in character segmentation and improving the recognition accuracy remains limited. In this study, a new methodology is proposed to reduce the character recognition errors of Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems. To achieve this, it will be determined whether the characters are letters or numbers, and the number plates will be expressed in the form of letters - digit. The method suggested for segmenting blobs correctly worked with an accuracy of 96.12% on the test dataset. The method suggested for generating letter-digit expression for the number plates correctly worked with an accuracy of 99.28% on the test dataset. The proposed methodology can work only on Turkish number plates. In the future studies, the proposed methodology can be expanded by using the number plate dataset of a different country.

In this outlet, I’ve devised the concept of relation amid two points where these points are coming up to make situation which in that the set of objects are greed to represent the story of how to be in whatever situations when these two points have the styles of being everywhere in the highlights of the concept which are coming from the merits of these points where are eligible to make capable situation to overcome every situation when they’re participant in the hugely diverse situations which mean too styles of graphs with have the name or the general results for the general situation as possible as are.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the nervous system. Peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) are potential biomarkers of disability and neurological damage. The present work evaluated LTL and mtDNA-CN in 75 relapsing-remittent MS (RRMS) patients 50 of whom had an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 0 to 3 (mild-moderate disability), and 25 had an EDSS of 3.5 to 7 (severe disability). Absolute LTL and absolute mtDNA-CN were measured via real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The LTL and mtDNA-CN were significantly lower in RRMS severe disability than in RRMS mild-moderate disability (3.924 ± 0.124 vs 2.854 ± 0.092, p<00001; 75.14 ± 1.77 vs 68.06 ± 1.608, p<0.00001, respectively). The LTL and mtDNA-CN showed a linear correlation in RRMS with mild-moderate disability (r=0.2986, p=0.0351). In addition, in a binary logistic regression model the LTL can predict severe disability (AUC=0.697, p=0.0031, cutoff ≤ 3.0875 Kb, sensitivity= 73.1%, specificity=62.5%), the prediction is improved by including age to the model (AUC=0.765, <0.0001, sensitivity=78.26%, specificity=81.25%). Aging is closely linked to the development of disability in RRMS and can be evaluated through LTL and mtDNA-CN absolute quantification.

The amount and composition of litter was evaluated, during May and June 2021, at two urban beaches, i.e. La Victoria and La Cortadura, in Cadiz, SW Spain. Surveys were daily carried out in the morning and in the evening during the week−ends to quantify the daily accumulation of beach litter and relate it with the number of beach users, which was assessed at around 1:00 p.m. Litter amount was also related to clean-up operations that very mechanically and manually carried out each day very early in the morning. A total of 8108 items were collected at the two investigated sectors during the study period and beach visitors were quantified in each one of 22 surveys. Plastic was the most common material representing 82% in La Victoria and 68% in La Cortadura. The most common items were cigarette butts and small hard plastic fragments. Some hazardous litter items for beach visitors were identified such as broken glass. The number of visitors has been positively related to the amount of litter. Significant differences were seen in the litter abundance between the morning and afternoon assessments since the beaches are daily cleaned and show bins to facilitate litter disposal. Cleaning operations remove much of the litter items but always leave low quantities of small items uncollected. Efforts to prevent litter on these beaches should focus on informing visitors properly in order to avoid dumping and on improving clean-up operations.

For better solving both fuzziness and reliability occurring in practical issues simultaneously, Z-number deserves further exploration under uncertainty environment. Based on the credibility distribution and conversion rules, we define its expected value, variance, and semi-variance, and realize the feasibility of calculation by deriving calculation formulas. Moreover, we delve into three characteristics inherent in symmetrical Z-numbers. The link that followed between the variance and the semi-variance of Z-numbers is discovered and proved. Furthermore, we apply the formulas of expected value and variance on Z-numbers to examples, whose consequences validate our proposed formulas. The findings indicate the significance of our study in applying the expected value and variance of fuzzy sets across diverse fields.

We develop a primality test for Mersenne numbers and investigate the primality of the sequence of Catalan-Mersenne numbers. We use induction as a proof to show that the 5th Catalan-Mersenne number is a prime number, thus demonstrating the infinitude of Mersenne primes.

The implementation of a progressive rehabilitation training model to promote patients’ motivation efforts can greatly restore the damaged central nervous system function in patients. The patients’ active engagement can be effectively stimulated by assist-as-needed (AAN) robot rehabilitation training. However, its application in robotic therapy has been hindered by a simple determination method of robot assisted torque which focuses on the evaluation only of the affected limb's movement ability. Moreover, the expected effect of assistance depends on the designer, which deviates from the patient's expectations, and its applicability to different patients is deficient. In this study, we propose a control method with personalized treatment features based on the idea of estimating and mapping the stiffness of the patient’s healthy limbs. This control method comprises an interactive control module in the task-oriented space based on the quantitative evaluation of motion needs and an inner loop position control module for the pneumatic swing cylinder in the joint space. An upper limb endpoint stiffness estimation model is constructed and a parameter identification algorithm is designed. The upper limb endpoint stiffness which characterizes the patient's ability to complete training movements is obtained by collecting surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals and human-robot interaction forces during patient movement. Then the motor needs of the affected limb when completing the same movement are quantified based on the performance of the healthy limb. A stiffness mapping algorithm is designed to dynamically adjust the rehabilitation training trajectory and auxiliary force of the robot based on the actual movement ability of the affected limb, achieving AAN control. Experimental studies were conducted on a self-developed pneumatic upper limb rehabilitation robot, and the results showed that the proposed AAN control method can effectively estimate the patient's movement needs and achieve progressive rehabilitation training. The rehabilitation training robot that simulates the movement characteristics of the patient's healthy limbs drives the affected limb, making the intensity of the rehabilitation training task more in line with the patient's pre-morbid limb use habits, and also beneficial for the consistency of bilateral limb movements.

Abstract: The Mediterranean diet, a widely studied and highly beneficial diet, underpins my research. Initially, the Mediterranean diet included Wild Edible Plants (WEPs). According to numerous research reports, this diet 1) promotes health and longevity and 2) prevents various modern diseases, including coronary and Alzheimer’s disease. A vital component of this diet is consuming locally available green plants, which are rich in health-promoting substances. In Åhlberg (2021, 2022b), I presented evidence for 56 health-promoting substances that all green vascular WEPs contain. While reading research reports of these five species, I found eight more health-promoting substances that all green vascular wild edible plants have. This article adds eight new substances to the earlier 56, bringing the total to 64. This is a novel and groundbreaking finding for which I provide research evidence. Each WEP has 1) health-promoting substances that all green vascular plants share and 2) species-specific health-promoting substances. I present the latest research on five invasive wild edible plants (WEPs) species. Each contains at least 64 health-promoting substances and varying species-specific health-promoting substances. I also present the experimental research results showing how many of these substances prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Keywords: wild edible plants (WEPs); wild food plants; Mediterranean diet; functional foods; good health, longevity; Alzheimer’s disease; alimurgic plants; invasive species; sustainability

The Goldbach's conjecture has been described as the most difficult problem in the history of Mathematics. This conjecture states that every even integer greater than 2 can be written as the sum of two primes. This is known as the strong Goldbach's conjecture. The conjecture that all odd numbers greater than 7 are the sum of three odd primes is known today as the weak Goldbach conjecture. A principal complexity class is NSPACE(S(n)) for some S(n). We show if the weak Goldbach's conjecture is true, then the problem PRIMES is not in NSPACE(S(n)) for all S(n) = o(log n). This proof is based on the assumption that if some language belongs to NSPACE(S(n)), then the unary version of that language belongs to NSPACE(S(log n)) and vice versa. However, if PRIMES is not in NSPACE(S(n)) for all S(n) = o(log n), then the strong Goldbach's conjecture is true or this has an infinite number of counterexamples. Since Harald Helfgott proved that the weak Goldbach's conjecture is true, then the strong Goldbach's conjecture is true or this has an infinite number of counterexamples, where the case of infinite number of counterexamples statistically seems to be unlikely. In addition, if PRIMES is not in NSPACE(S(n)) for all S(n) = o(log n), then the Twin prime conjecture is true. Moreover, if PRIMES is not in NSPACE(S(n)) for all S(n) = o(log n), then the Beal's conjecture is true. Since the Beal's conjecture is a generalization of Fermat's Last Theorem, then this is also a simple and short proof for that Theorem. In mathematics, the Riemann hypothesis is consider to be the most important unsolved problem in pure mathematics. If PRIMES is not in NSPACE(S(n)) for all S(n) = o(log n), then the Riemann hypothesis is true.

Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with mitochondrial function contributing various diseases. Understanding of the association between mtDNAcn and infant neurodevelopment, as well as the role of racial disparities, remains unknown. A cohort study was conducted with 55 preterm infants and a single blood sample was collected from each infant during their NICU stay to measure mtDNAcn. NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) and Bayley Scale of Infant Developmental testing Edition III was assessed during NICU until 2 years of corrected age (CA). Linear regression models were performed to investigate the relationship between the clinical characteristics, neurobehavioral outcomes and mtDNAcn. Majority of our subjects were male, White, non-Hispanic, had C-section, and without preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM). Increased mtDNAcn was found associated with younger birth gestational age (GA), nonoptimal neurodevelopment. However, the opposite associations between mtDNAcn and neurodevelopmental outcomes were observed between Black and White infants up to 1 year of CA. Adverse early life experience, together with increased mtDNAcn in White infants, and decreased mtDNAcn in Black infants may be considered as significant positive predictors of poor early life neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants.

The high mutation rate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) plays a major role in treatment resistance from the development of vaccines to long-lasting drugs. In addressing the crux of the issue, various attempts to estimate the mutation rate of HIV-1 resulted in a large range of 10-5 - 10-3 errors/bp/cycle due to the use of different types of investigation methods. In this review, we discuss the different assay methods, their findings on the mutation rates of HIV-1 and how the location of these mutations can be further analyzed for their potential allosteric effects to reveal potentially new inhibitors with different pharmacodynamics that can be used to circumvent fast occurring HIV drug resistance. Given that HIV is one of the fastest mutating viruses, it is a good model for comprehensive study of its mutations that can give rise to much horizontal understanding towards overall viral drug resistance as well as emerging viral diseases.

Therapeutics antibodies have increasingly shifted the paradigm of disease treatments, from small molecules to biologics, especially in cancer therapy. Despite the increasing number of antibody candidates, much remains unknown about the antibody and how its various regions interact. In fact, the constant region can govern effects that might be useful in reducing the unwanted consequences resulted from systemic circulation. For this reason, apart from the commonly used IgG isotypes, IgA antibodies are promising therapeutics drugs, given its localized mucosal effects. While the antibody Fc effector cell activity has been well explored, recent research has shown evidences that the constant region of the antibody can also influence antigen binding, challenging the conventional idea of region-specific antibody functions. To further investigate this, we analyzed the IgA antibody constant and its allosteric effects onto the antigen binding regions, using recombinant Pertuzumab IgA1 and IgA2 variants. We found mutations in the C-region to reduce Her2 binding, and our computational structural analysis showed that such allosteric communications were highly dependent on the antibody hinge, providing the evidence to consider antibodies as a whole protein rather than a sum of functional regions.

Accurately monitoring insecticide resistance in target mosquito populations is important to combating malaria and other vector-borne diseases, and robust methods are key. The “WHO susceptibility bioassay” has been used for +60 years: mosquitoes of known physiological status are exposed to a discriminating concentration of insecticide. Several changes to the test procedures have been made historically which may seem minor but could impact bioassay results. The published test procedures and literature for this method were reviewed for methodological details. Areas where there was room for interpretation in the test procedures or where the test procedures were not being followed were assessed experimentally for impact on bioassay results: covering or uncovering of the tube end during exposure, number of mosquitoes per test unit, and mosquito age. Many publications do not cite the most recent test procedures, methodological details are reported which contradict the test procedures referenced or methodological details are not fully reported. As a result, the precise methodology is unclear. Experimental testing showed that using fewer than the recommended 15-30 mosquitoes per test unit significantly reduced mortality, covering the exposure tube had no effect, and using mosquitoes older than 2-5 days old increased mortality, particularly in the resistant strain. Recommendations are made for better reporting of experimental parameters.

This paper attempts to develop a Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) based Reduced Order Model (ROMs) which can quickly but accurately predict the forces and moments experienced by a road vehicle such that they be used by an on-board controller to determine the vehicle's trajectory. DMD can linearize a large dataset of high-dimensional measurements by decomposing them into low-dimensional coherent structures and associated time-dynamics. This ROM then also can be applied to predict the future state of the fluid flow. Existing literature on DMD is limited to low Reynolds number applications. This paper presents DMD analyses of the flow around an idealized road vehicle, called the Ahmed body, at a Reynolds number of 2.7E6. The high dimensional dataset used in this paper was collected from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation performed using Menter's shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model within the context of Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulations (IDDES). The DMD algorithm, as available in literature, was found to suffer nonphysical dampening of the medium-to-high frequency modes. Enhancements to the existing algorithm were explored, and a modified DMD approach is presented in this paper which includes: (a) a requirement of higher sampling rate to obtain higher resolution of data, and (b) a custom filtration process to remove spurious modes. The modified DMD algorithm thus developed was applied to the high Reynolds number, separation dominated flow past the idealized ground vehicle. The effectiveness of the modified algorithm was tested by comparing future predictions of force and moment coefficients as predicted by the DMD-based ROM to the reference CFD simulation data, and found to offer significant improvement.

A number of chemical modifications were carried out in order to synthesize new compounds based on the triterpenoid betulonic acid. Triazolation reactions were carried out for the synthesis of new 1,2,3-triazole derivatives based on betulonic acid. Chemical changes were made on the carbonyl group at the C-3 position of the initial molecule and on the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups at the C-28 position. Chromatographic methods were used to separate and purify the formed products. Spectroscopic (NMR-, mass-) methods were used to establish the structure of synthesized compounds. As a result of the chemical transformations carried out, a number of new derivatives of betulonic acid were obtained. All synthesized compounds were tested for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. As a result, compounds with pronounced antimicrobial activity were identified.

HIV treatment strategies against viral enzymes are continuously hampered by viral drug resistance. Recent findings show that viral substrate Gag contributes to HIV-1 Protease Inhibitor (PI) resistance, leading to demands for new strategies in HIV treatment where Gag is recognized as a drug target. To successfully target Gag, there is a need of in-depth understanding of the Gag polyprotein and the effects of Gag mutations. Here, we propose new strategies in designing novel Gag inhibitors against existing and novel emerging Gag mutations via a structural understanding of the Gag-Protease relationship in PI resistance. In this review, we discuss the role of both novel and previously reported mutations, revealing insights to how they aid in PI resistance, and how new Gag inhibitors can be designed.

In vertical coordinates, (x,y,z), the gradient Richardson number Ri=N^2⁄S^2 is the square of the ratio between buoyancy frequency N and vertical-shear amplitude S, where N^2=-(g⁄ρ) ∂ρ⁄∂z and S^2=(∂u⁄∂z)^2+ (∂v⁄∂z)^2, with ρ potential density, (u,v) the horizontal velocity components and g gravity acceleration, so that a decrease in stratification brings a decrease in dynamic stability and vice versa. In the isopycnic coordinate system, (x,y,ρ), however, Ri=M^2⁄〖S_ρ〗^2 , is the ratio between 〖M^2≡N〗^(-2) and the squared diapycnal shear 〖S_ρ〗^2=(ρ⁄g)^2 [(∂u⁄∂ρ)^2+ (∂v⁄∂ρ)^2 ], so a decrease in stratification leads to an increase in dynamic stability and vice versa. The apparently different role of stratification arises because S and S_ρ are related through the stratification itself, S_ρ=S⁄N^2 or, equivalently, τ=〖t_o〗^2⁄t_d , which is interpreted as a natural oscillation time τ≡S_ρ that equals the buoyancy or oscillation time t_o=N^(-1) normalized by the ratio t_o⁄t_d , where the deformation time is t_d=S^(-1). Here we follow simple arguments and use field data from three different situations (island shelf-break, Gulf Stream and Mediterranean outflow) to endorse the usefulness of the isopycnal approach. In particular, we define the reduced squared vertical σ^2= S^2-N^2 and reduced squared diapycnal shear 〖σ_ρ〗^2= 〖S_ρ〗^2-M^2, which are positive for unstable conditions and negative for stable conditions. It turns out that Ri and σ^2 remain highly variable for all stratification conditions; in contrast, the mean 〖σ_ρ〗^2 values display a univocal tendency, its magnitude decreasing with stratification. We propose 〖σ_ρ〗^2 and 〖S_ρ〗^2 to be good indexes for the occurrence of effective mixing under high stratification conditions.

The UNUSUAL FLORAL ORGANS (UFO) gene is an essential regulatory factor of class B genes and plays a vital role in the process of inflorescence primordial and flower primordial development. We investigated the role of UFO genes in soybean to better understand the development of floral organs through gene cloning, expression analysis, and gene knockout. In situ hybridization demonstrated predominant expression of the GmUFO1 gene in the flower primordium. Phenotypic observation of GmUFO1 knockout mutant lines (Gmufo1) showed obvious alteration in floral organ number and shape, and mosaic organ formation. In contrast, GmUFO2 knockout mutant lines (Gmufo2) showed no obvious difference in floral organs. However, the GmUFO1 and GmUFO2 double knockout lines (Gmufo1ufo2) showed a more severe mutant phenotype than the Gmufo1 lines. Gene expression analysis also showed differences in the expression of major ABC function genes in the knockout lines. Based on the phenotypic and expression analysis, our results suggest the major role of GmUFO1 in the regulation of flower organ formation in soybean and that GmUFO2 does not have any direct effect, but it might have an interaction role with GmUFO1 in the regulation of flower development. In conclusion, the present study identified UFO genes in soybean and improved our understanding of floral development that could be useful for flower design in hybrid soybean breeding.

In this paper, we introduce hybrid numbers with Fibonacci and Lucas hybrid number coefficients. We give the Binet formulas, generating functions, exponential generating functions for these numbers. Then we define an associate matrix for these numbers. In addition, using this matrix, we present two different versions of Cassini identitiy of these numbers.

Bidirectional gene promoters affect the transcription of two genes, leading to the hypothesis that they should exhibit protection against genetic or epigenetic changes in cancer. Therefore, they provide an excellent opportunity to learn about promoter susceptibility to somatic alteration in tumors. We tested this hypothesis using data from genome-scale DNA methylation (14 cancer types), simple somatic mutation (10 cancer types), and copy number variation profiling (14 cancer types). For DNA methylation, the difference in rank differential methylation between tumor and tumor-adjacent normal matched samples based on promoter type was tested by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Logistic regression was used to compare differences in simple somatic mutations. For copy number alteration, a mixed effects logistic regression model was used. The change in methylation between non-diseased tissues and their tumor counterparts was significantly greater in single compared to bidirectional promoters across all 14 cancer types examined. Similarly, the extent of copy number alteration was greater in single gene compared to bidirectional promoters for all 14 cancer types. Furthermore, among 10 cancer types with available simple somatic mutation data, bidirectional promoters were slightly more susceptible. These results suggest that selective pressures related with specific functional impacts during carcinogenesis drive the susceptibility of promoter regions to somatic alteration.

New setting is introduced to study neutrosophic failed-independent number and failed independent neutrosophic-number arising neighborhood of different vertices. Neighbor is a key term to have these notions. Having all possible edges amid vertices in a set is a key type of approach to have these notions namely neutrosophic failed-independent number and failed independent neutrosophic-number. Two numbers are obtained but now both settings leads to approach is on demand which is finding biggest set which have all vertices which are neighbors. Let NTG : (V,E,σ,μ) be a neutrosophic graph. Then failed independent number I(NTG) for a neutrosophic graph NTG : (V,E,σ,μ) is maximum cardinality of a set S of vertices such that every two vertices of S are endpoints for an edge, simultaneously; failed independent neutrosophic-number In(NTG) for a neutrosophic graph NTG : (V,E,σ,μ) is maximum neutrosophic cardinality of a set S of vertices such that every two vertices of S are endpoints for an edge, simultaneously. As concluding results, there are some statements, remarks, examples and clarifications about some classes of neutrosophic graphs namely path-neutrosophic graphs, cycle-neutrosophic graphs, complete-neutrosophic graphs, star-neutrosophic graphs, complete-bipartite-neutrosophic graphs and complete-t-partite-neutrosophic graphs. The clarifications are also presented in both sections “Setting of Neutrosophic Failed-Independent Number,” and “Setting of Failed Independent Neutrosophic-Number,” for introduced results and used classes. Neutrosophic number is reused in this way. It’s applied to use the type of neutrosophic number in the way that, three values of a vertex are used and they’ve same share to construct this number to compare with other vertices. Summation of three values of vertex makes one number and applying it to a comparison. This approach facilitates identifying vertices which form neutrosophic failed-independent number and failed independent neutrosophic-number arising neighborhoods of vertices. In path-neutrosophic graphs, two neighbors, form maximal set but with slightly differences, in cycle-neutrosophic graphs, two neighbors forms maximal set. Other classes have same approaches. In complete-neutrosophic graphs, a set of all vertices leads us to neutrosophic failed-independent number and failed independent neutrosophic-number. In star-neutrosophic graphs, a set of vertices containing only center and one other vertex, makes maximal set. In complete-bipartite-neutrosophic graphs, a set of vertices including two vertices from different parts makes intended set but with slightly differences, in complete-t-partite-neutrosophic graphs, a set of t vertices from different parts makes intended set. In both settings, some classes of well-known neutrosophic graphs are studied. Some clarifications for each result and each definition are provided. Using basic set to extend this set to set of all vertices has key role to have these notions in the form of neutrosophic failed-independent number and failed independent neutrosophic-number arising neighborhood of vertices. The cardinality of a set has eligibility to neutrosophic failed-independent number but the neutrosophic cardinality of a set has eligibility to call failed independent neutrosophic-number. Some results get more frameworks and perspective about these definitions. The way in that, two vertices have connections amid each other, opens the way to do some approaches. A vertex could affect on other vertex but there’s no usage of edges. These notions are applied into neutrosophic graphs as individuals but not family of them as drawbacks for these notions. Finding special neutrosophic graphs which are well-known, is an open way to pursue this study. Some problems are proposed to pursue this study. Basic familiarities with graph theory and neutrosophic graph theory are proposed for this article.

New setting is introduced to study chromatic number. Different types of chromatic numbers and neutrosophic chromatic number are proposed in this way, some results are obtained. Classes of neutrosophic graphs are used to obtains these numbers and the representatives of the colors. Using colors to assign to the vertices of neutrosophic graphs is applied. Some questions and problems are posed concerning ways to do further studies on this topic. Using different types of edges from connectedness in same neutrosophic graphs and in modified neutrosophic graphs to define the relation amid vertices which implies having different colors amid them and as consequences, choosing one vertex as a representative of each color to use them in a set of representatives and finally, using neutrosophic cardinality of this set to compute types of chromatic numbers. This specific relation amid edges is necessary to compute both types of chromatic number concerning the number of representative in the set of representatives and types of neutrosophic chromatic number concerning neutrosophic cardinality of set of representatives. If two vertices have no intended edge, then they can be assigned to same color even they’ve common edge. Basic familiarities with neutrosophic graph theory and graph theory are proposed for this article.

New setting is introduced to study chromatic number. vital chromatic number and n-vital chromatic number are proposed in this way, some results are obtained. Classes of neutrosophic graphs are used to obtains these numbers and the representatives of the colors. Using colors to assign to the vertices of neutrosophic graphs is applied. Some questions and problems are posed concerning ways to do further studies on this topic. Using vital edge from connectedness to define the relation amid vertices which implies having different colors amid them and as consequences, choosing one vertex as a representative of each color to use them in a set of representatives and finally, using neutrosophic cardinality of this set to compute vital chromatic number. This specific relation amid edges is necessary to compute both vital chromatic number concerning the number of representative in the set of representatives and n-vital chromatic number concerning neutrosophic cardinality of set of representatives. If two vertices have no vital edge, then they can be assigned to same color even they’ve common edge. Basic familiarities with neutrosophic graph theory and graph theory are proposed for this article.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a public health problem exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics and an inadequate capacity of laboratories to conduct AMR surveillance. This study assessed the capacity of laboratories in seven faith-based hospitals to conduct bacteriology, AMR testing and surveillance in Zambia. This multi-facility, cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted from February 2024 to April 2024. We collected and analysed data using the self-scoring Laboratory Assessment of Antibiotic Resistance Testing Capacity (LAARC) tool. This study found an overall score of 39%, indicating a low capacity of laboratories to conduct AMR surveillance. The highest capacity score was 47%, while the lowest was 25%. Only one hospital had full capacity (100%) to utilise a Laboratory Information System (LIS). Three hospitals had good capacity to perform data management with scores of 83%, 85%, and 95%. Only one hospital had full capacity (100%) to process specimens, and only one hospital had good safety requirements for a microbiology laboratory, with a score of 89%. This study demonstrates that all the assessed hospitals have a low capacity to conduct AMR surveillance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the microbiology capacity of laboratories to enhance surveillance in faith-based hospitals in Zambia.

Stress has been identified as a prominent contributor to the development and advancement of bowel cancer, however its specific involvement is intricate and diverse. This abstract tries to offer a concise summary of the correlation between stress and bowel cancer, consolidating significant discoveries from several research fields. The investigation commences by studying the molecular pathways by which chronic stress impacts the development of colon cancer. Chronic stress causes disruption in the functioning of neuroendocrine, immunological, and inflammatory pathways, leading to the development of a microenvironment within the gastrointestinal system that promotes the growth of tumours. Furthermore, changes in the composition of gut microbiota, variations in epigenetics, and alterations in immune function caused by stress also have a role in increasing the risk and advancing the advancement of cancer. Psychological aspects, including how one perceives stress, the tactics they use to cope with it, and the level of psychosocial support they receive, are crucial in determining a person's susceptibility to bowel cancer and impacting the effectiveness of treatment. Stress management therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction, have demonstrated potential in enhancing patient well-being and promoting adherence to treatment. Moreover, epidemiological studies and clinical trials offer vital knowledge regarding the correlation between stress and the risk, prognosis, and treatment results of bowel cancer. Although the evidence is inconclusive, it is essential to continue researching the intricate relationship between stress and bowel cancer. This will help us understand the connection better and create specific strategies to reduce its impact on patient outcomes.

Background—In 2011, Miller and Goldman published a study in Human and Experimental Toxicology that found a counterintuitive, positive correlation, r = 0.70 (r² = 0.49, p < .0001), demonstrating that as nations require more vaccine doses for their infants, infant mortality rates (IMRs) tend to increase (worsen). The dataset (n = 30) included the United States, a nation that required the most vaccines for their infants, and all nations with better IMRs than the United States. Dr. E. Bailey, a professor at BYU, and her students, recently read the Miller-Goldman study and found it "troublesome that this manuscript is in the top 5% of all research outputs" and falsely claimed that its findings were due to "inappropriate data exclusion," i.e., failure to analyze the "full dataset" of all 185 nations. The "Bailey reanalysis," titled Infant vaccination does not predict increased infant mortality rate: correcting past misinformation, was posted to the medRxiv preprint server on September 10, 2021 (version 1) and October 5, 2021 (version 3) and Europe PMC preprint server on September 10, 2021. Objective—This present study examines the various claims postulated by the Bailey reanalysis and assesses the robustness of their methodology, analyses, and reported results and conclusions. Methods—Data discussed in this paper are based on the previously mentioned study by Miller and Goldman and the Bailey reanalysis. Results—Linear regression analysis of IMR and the number of vaccine doses for each country yield a statistically significant positive correlation of r = 0.70 (p < .0001) for the top nations (n = 30) chosen by Miller-Goldman and r = 0.16 (p < .04) for the "entire dataset" chosen by Bailey et al (n = 185). Bailey also conducted linear regression analyses (for the year 2019) of IMRs as a function of vaccination rates for each of eight different vaccines and reported statistically significant inverse correlations for 7 of 8 vaccines over the entire range of vaccination rates. However, Miller and Goldman reanalyzed the Bailey analyses for nations with vaccination rates below 60% and found no statistically significant correlation for six vaccines (DPT, Hib, hepatitis B, polio, rotavirus, and measles) and statistically significant positive correlations for tuberculosis (r = 0.8, p < .005) and pneumococcal (r = 0.6 p < .023) vaccines. Conclusions—Bailey’s reanalysis corroborates a statistically significant positive correlation originally reported by Miller and Goldman. However, Bailey’s reported correlation (r = +0.16, p < .04) is small, likely due to poor methodology (failing to account for covariates, i.e., disparities among numerous socioeconomic factors that add uncertainty to their conclusion). The r-value reported by the Bailey reanalysis demonstrates an effect size that is about one-fourth (0.16/0.70) that reported by Miller-Goldman—underscoring how critically important it is for Bailey's reanalysis to eliminate confounding variables. Moreover, Bailey’s linear regression analyses of IMR as a function of vaccination rates for each of eight different vaccines demonstrate that some countries with low vaccination rates have low IMRs, while other countries with high vaccination rates have high IMRs. Rather than supporting a strong inverse correlation, the Bailey reanalysis demonstrates high vaccination rates are neither necessary nor sufficient to cause low IMR.

It is well established the complex exponential and logarithm are multivalued functions, both failing to maintain most identities originally valid over the positive integers domain. Moreover the general case of complex logarithm, with a complex base, is hardly mentionned in mathematic litterature. We study the exponentiation and logarithm as binary operations where all operands are complex. In a redefined complex number system using an extension of the C field, hereafter named E, we prove both operations always produce single value results and maintain the validity of identities such as log_u (w v) = log_u (w) + log_u (v) where u, v, w in E. There is a cost as some algebraic properties of the addition and subtraction will be diminished, though remaining valid to a certain extent. In order to handle formulas in a C and E dual number system, we introduce the notion of set precision and set truncation. We show complex numbers as defined in C are insufficiently precise to grasp all subtleties of some complex operations, as a result multivaluation, identity failures and, in specific cases, wrong results are obtained when computing exclusively in C. A geometric representation of the new complex number system is proposed, in which the complex plane appears as an orthogonal projection, and where the complex logarithm and exponentiation can be simply represented. Finally we attempt an algebraic formalization of E.

microRNAs can cause male infertility by impacting sperm quality and impaired spermatogenesis. Since the miR-125 family plays an important role in regulating embryo development, but the function of miR-125b-2 in male reproduction remains unknown. In this study, we prepared a model of miR-125b knockout (KO) mice. Among the KO mice, the progeny test showed that litter sizes decreased significantly and the rate of non-parous females increased significantly (p<0.05). At the same time, the testosterone concentration increased significantly (p<0.01), with the remarkable decrease for estradiol (p<0.05). Moreover, sperm count decreased obviously (p<0.05) and the percentage of abnormal sperms increased significantly (p<0.01). Testicular transcriptome sequencing demonstrated that there were 173 up-regulated genes, including Papolb (PAP), and 151 down-regulated genes in KO mice compared with wild type (WT). KEGG and GO analysis showed many of these genes were involved in sperm mitochondrial metabolism and other cellular biological processes. Meanwhile, the sperm mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) copy number was increased significantly (p<0.01) in KO mice, but the integrity of mtDNA and nuclear DNA (nDNA) had no change. In the top 10 up-regulated genes, as a testis specific expressing gene, PAP can affect the process of spermatogenesis. Western blotting and Luciferase Assay validated that PAP was the target of miR-125b-5p. Intriguingly, we also found that both miR-125b and PAP were only highly expressed in germ cells (GC) instead of Leydig cells (LC) and Sertoli cells (SC), and miR-125b-5p could target PAP to regulate TM3 cell secretion of testosterone (p<0.05). Our study firstly demonstrated that miR-125b-2 could regulate testosterone secretion by directly targeting PAP and increase sperm mtDNA copy number to affect semen quality. The study indicated that miR-125b-2 had a positive influence on the reproductive performance of animal and could be a potential therapeutic target for male infertility.

Modern organic synthesis is majorly focused on developing environmentally benign synthetic protocols by employing green chemistry principles. Accordingly, in our recent research work, we herein report the use of modified supramolecular host cyclodextrin as an effective solid based green catalyst for accessing structurally diverse and medicinally relevant pyrimidone architectures. The catalyst and the synthesized compounds 4 (a-r) were characterized using FT-IR, NMR and GC-Mass spectroscopy. Major highlights of the reported work include: atom economical process, extremely milder reaction conditions, operational simplicity, high isolated yields, and excellent catalyst turnover number. The molecular docking studies suggest that the compound 4n has the hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic and π-pair interactions with the active site of active sites of CXT M 15 receptor.

Background: To compare photodynamic therapy 41 and the use of probiotics in reducing halitosis assessed through gas chromatography and microbiome analysis. Methods: Participants aged from 18 to 25 years, showing sulfide (SH2) ≥ 112 ppb on gas chromatography, were selected. They were divided into 4 treatment groups: Group 1 - Tongue Scraping; Group 2- Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT); Group 3- Probiotics; Group 4- Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) and Probiotics. The halimetry process was performed before, immediately after the treatments, 7 days, 14 days and 30 days after the initial collection. The collections for later microbiological analysis were made along with the halimetry, for the microbiome analysis. Results: Treatment with aPDT or probiotics under these experimental conditions was not able to change the bacteria present in the biofilm of the tongue. Conclusions: More research is needed to know the behavior of the oral microbiome in the presence of halitosis and the effectiveness of new treatments.

The ratio of males to females with ASD is generally quoted as 4:1 though it is believed that there are biases preventing females being diagnosed and that the true ratio is lower. These biases have not been clearly identified or quantified. Starting with a clinical dataset of 1711 children <18 years old four different methods were employed in an inductive study to identify and quantify the biases and calculate the proportion of females missed. A mathematical model was constructed to compare the findings with current published data. The true male to female ratio appears to be 3:4. Eighty per cent of females remain undiagnosed at age 18 which has serious consequences for the mental health of young women.

The paper deals with exploration of subsequences of polygonal numbers of different sides derived through step-by-step elimination of terms of the original sequences. Eliminations are based on special rules similarly to how the classic sieve of Eratosthenes was developed through the elimination of multiples of primes. These elementary number theory activities, appropriate for technology-enhanced secondary mathematics education courses, are supported by a spreadsheet, Wolfram Alpha, Maple, and the Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences. General formulas for subsequences of polygonal numbers referred to in the paper as polygonal number sieves of order k that include base-two exponential functions of k have been developed. Different problem-solving approaches to the derivation of such and other sieves based on the technology-immune/technology-enabled framework have been used. The accuracy of computations and mathematical reasoning is confirmed through the technique of computational triangulation enabled by using more than one digital tool. A few relevant excerpts from the history of mathematics are briefly featured.

New setting is introduced to study failed zero-forcing number and failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number. Leaf-like is a key term to have these notions. Forcing a vertex to change its color is a type of approach to force that vertex to be zero-like. Forcing a vertex which is only neighbor for zero-like vertex to be zero-like vertex but now reverse approach is on demand which is finding biggest set which doesn’t force. LetNTG : (V,E,σ,μ) be a neutrosophic graph. Then failed zero-forcing number Z(NTG) for a neutrosophic graph NTG : (V,E,σ,μ) is maximal cardinality of a set S of black vertices (whereas vertices in V (G) \ S are colored white) such that V (G) isn’t turned black after finitely many applications of “the color-change rule”: a white vertex is converted to a black vertex if it is the only white neighbor of a black vertex. Failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number Zn(NTG) for a neutrosophic graphNTG : (V,E,σ,μ) is maximal neutrosophic cardinality of a set S of black vertices (whereas vertices in V (G) \ S are colored white) such that V (G) isn’t turned black afterfinitely many applications of “the color-change rule”: a white vertex is converted to a black vertex if it is the only white neighbor of a black vertex. Failed zero-forcing number and failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number are about a set of vertices which are applied into the setting of neutrosophic graphs. The structure of set is studied and general results are obtained. Also, some classes of neutrosophic graphs namely path-neutrosophic graphs, cycle-neutrosophic graphs, complete-neutrosophic graphs, star-neutrosophic graphs, bipartite-neutrosophic graphs, and t-partite-neutrosophic graphs are investigated in the terms of maximal set which forms both of failed zero-forcing number and failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number. Neutrosophic number is reused in this way. It’s applied to use the type of neutrosophic number in the way that, three values of a vertex are used and they’ve same share to construct this number to compare with other vertices. Summation of three values of vertex makes one number and applying it to a comparison. This approach facilitates identifying vertices which form failed zero-forcing number and failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number. In path-neutrosophic graphs, the set of vertices such that every given two vertices in the set, have distance at least two, forms maximal set but with slightly differences, in cycle-neutrosophic graphs, the set of vertices such that every given two vertices in the set, have distance at least two, forms maximal set. Other classes have same approaches. In complete-neutrosophic graphs, a set of vertices excluding two vertices leads us to failed zero-forcing number and failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number. In star-neutrosophic graphs, a set of vertices excluding only two vertices and containing center, makes maximal set. In complete-bipartite-neutrosophic graphs, a set of vertices excluding two vertices from same parts makes intended set but with slightly differences, in complete-t-partite-neutrosophic graphs, a set of vertices excluding two vertices from same parts makes intended set. In both settings, some classes of well-known neutrosophic graphs are studied. Some clarifications for each result and each definition are provided. Using basic set not to extend this set to set of all vertices has key role to have these notions in the form of failed zero-forcing number and failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number. The cardinality of a set has eligibility to form failed zero-forcing number but the neutrosophic cardinality of a set has eligibility to call failed zero-forcing neutrosophic-number. Some results get more frameworks and perspective about these definitions. The way in that, two vertices don’t have unique connection together, opens the way to do some approaches. A vertex could affect on other vertex but there’s no usage of edges. These notions are applied into neutrosophic graphs as individuals but not family of them as drawbacks for these notions. Finding special neutrosophic graphs which are well-known, is an open way to pursue this study. Some problems are proposed to pursue this study. Basic familiarities with graph theory and neutrosophic graph theory are proposed for this article.

In the paper it is demonstrated that a valid path to a contradiction in complex number theory exists. In the path use is made of Euler’s identity and simple trigonometry. Each step can be easily verified.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth, accompanied by continuous advancements in charging infrastructure to satisfy the rising need for fast and reliable charging. Particularly, the focus has shifted towards EV fast charging (EVFC) and its impact on the power grid. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis and survey of scholarly literature and projects conducted in this field over the past decade. The findings highlight the rising demand for EVFC and the need to address its potential adverse effects on the power grid. However, there is a noticeable lack of clear research guidance regarding charging time. To tackle these challenges and pave the way for future solutions, extensive research on DC fast charging, ultra-fast charging, and the integration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems is required. This review paper thoroughly investigates the development of fast charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs), including its advantages and comparative analyses from various perspectives. Furthermore, it delves into the advancements in DC fast charging infrastructure, emphasizing charging standards and control modes. The study also investigates different categories of battery chargers for both on-board and off-board charging. Additionally, it explores the classification of DC-DC converters in the context of DC fast charging stations, discusses control strategies for EV systems, identifies existing challenges, and outlines future trends in EV fast charging.

This study aims to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from China's sludge treatment industry and explore the potential of novel technologies to mitigate these emissions, promoting sustainable sludge management practices. Using a life cycle assessment approach, the total GHG emissions from sludge treatment in 2017 were estimated at 18.54 Mt CO2-eq, with significant regional variations. Incineration contributed the highest emissions (1,011.53 kg CO2-eq/t dry sludge), followed by landfill (717.51 kg CO2-eq/t) and land application (276.41 kg CO2-eq/t). The uneven distribution of emissions across cities highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies that consider local sustainability challenges. Principal component analysis revealed that economic factors and treatment scale significantly influence emissions, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability goals with economic development. To reduce the carbon footprint of sludge treatment and enhance sustainability, the mitigation potential and costs of various technologies were evaluated, including thermal conversion, anaerobic digestion, hydrothermal processes, and wet oxidation. These technologies offer GHG emission reductions ranging from 0.09 to 0.46 t CO2-eq/t dry solids compared to conventional methods, while also promoting resource recovery and circular economy principles. However, further optimization is necessary to enhance their environmental and economic performance, ensuring long-term sustainability. By implementing these technologies and adopting optimization strategies, China's sludge treatment industry can significantly contribute to achieving the country's carbon neutrality goal and fostering sustainable development.

This study presents a detailed computational investigation aimed at identifying and evaluating potential small organic molecular scaffolds as inhibitors targeting the Pks13 protein, a critical enzyme in tuberculosis (TB) drug discovery. Our approach integrates multiple computational techniques, including quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling, compound library generation, molecular docking, biological activity prediction, re-evaluation of screened compounds, molecular dynamics (MD) analysis, and binding free energy estimation using the MM-GBSA approach. We developed a robust QSAR model using multiple linear regression (MLR) techniques, specifically tailored to predict the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of potential anti-TB agents. This model demonstrated excellent predictive performance, validated through rigorous internal and external validation procedures. Through molecular docking simulations, we identified five promising inhibitors Ethyl (R,Z)-2-(2-((2-chlorobenzyl) oxy)benzylidene)-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-thiazolo [3,2-a] pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (PKD1), (7R,9aR)-7-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-7,8,9,9a-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-b]quinolin-5(6H)-one (PKD2), (7-(4-methoxy phenyl)-2-methyl-3-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5-yl)(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) piperazin-1-yl)methanone (PKD3), (8S,10S)-10-(((2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-5-hydroxy-6-methyl tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)-6,8,11-trihydroxy-8-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-1-methoxy-7,8,9,10-tetra-hydrotetracene-5,12-dione (PKD4), 3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-((2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl) thio)-6-phenyl-2-thioxo-2,3,5,7a-tetrahydrothiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-one (PKD5)with high binding affinities, prioritizing them based on their binding energies. These selected compounds were further assessed for their biological activity predictions, guiding the selection of candidates for experimental validation. Subsequent re-evaluation using absolute binding free energy estimation and MD simulations provided insights into the stability and dynamics of the protein-ligand complexes over time. Our findings highlighted the potential of identified compounds as stable binders within the Pks13-TE domain binding pocket, underscoring their viability as drug candidates. Additionally, binding free energy analysis using MM-GBSA reaffirmed the strong affinity of the proposed compounds towards Pks13. Our integrated computational approach offers a systematic and detailed framework for the identification and characterization of potential Pks13 inhibitors with specific relevance to TB drug discovery.

The Harmonic Graphs Conjecture states that there exists an asymptotic relation involving the Harmonic Index and the natural logarithm as the order of the graph increases. This conjecture, grounded in the novel context of Prime Graphs, draws upon the Prime Number Theorem and the sum of divisors function to unveil a compelling asymptotic connection. By carefully expanding the definitions of the harmonic index and the sum of divisors function, and leveraging the prime number theorem's approximations, we establish a formula that captures this intricate relationship. This work is an effort to contribute to the advancement of graph theory, introducing a fresh lens through which graph connectivity can be explored. The synthesis of prime numbers and graph properties not only deepens our understanding of structural complexity but also paves the way for innovative research directions.

The definition of UTC in 1972 balanced the needs of the time and frequency community for a universal time scale that was traceable to the definition of frequency in the SI system of units with the needs of the astronomical community for a time scale that was closely linked to UT1, a time scale related to the rotation of Earth. The balance between these two considerations has changed very significantly since 1972, and there is widespread agreement that the method of relating UTC to UT1 should be changed by increasing the maximum tolerance between the two scales to more than the current limit of 0.9 s. I propose to realize this decision by means of an algorithmic adjustment process based on the variation in the length of the day over the previous centuries. I use these historical data to extrapolate the length of the day for a century into the future, and to compute a periodic rate adjustment to UTC based on this extrapolation. The adjustment process will not use time steps. The magnitude of the periodic rate adjustment will be re-considered every century, but the basic adjustment algorithm will not change. I suggest a maximum tolerance between UT1 and UTC that is large enough to absorb the irregular and unpredictable variations in the length of the day with respect to the long-term average increase in this value but plays no role in determining the parameters of the adjustment process that is proposed. I also propose that the adjustment be implemented at 12 UTC on 1 January since that is closest to a universal holiday in all time zones.

Hyperspectral imaging data holds great potential for the different stages of the mining life cycle in active and post-mining environments. However, the technology has yet to reach the stage of large-scale industrial implementation and acceptance. While hyperspectral satellite imagery can achieve high spectral resolution, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and global availability with break-through satellite systems like EnMAP, EMIT and PRISMA, limited spatial resolution poses chal-lenges for sectors like mining, which require decimetre to centimetre scale resolution for applica-tions such as reconciliation, ore/waste estimates, geotechnical assessments and environmental monitoring. Hyperspectral imaging from drones (referred to herein as Uncrewed Aerial Systems; UASs) offers high spatial resolution data relevant to the camp/ mine scale, with the capability for frequent, user-defined re-visit times. This has been made possible by the miniaturization of hy-perspectral imaging systems. Collection of data in the visible to near and shortwave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) wavelength regions enables the detection of different minerals and surface altera-tion patterns potentially revealing crucial information for exploration, extraction, re-mining, waste remediation, and rehabilitation. In this paper, we provide a review of relevant studies de-ploying hyperspectral imaging in or applicable to the mining sector, especially for the use of hy-perspectral VNIR-SWIR Uncrewed Aerial Systems. Where required, we draw on previous in-sights derived from satellite or ground-based systems. We also discuss UAS survey planning, and sampling considerations for validation and interpretation.

The invasion of ship domain stands out as a significant factor contributing to the risk of collisions during vessel navigation. However, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms underlying collision risks specifically related to merchant and fishing vessels in coastal waters. This study proposes an assessment method for collision risks between merchant and fishing vessels in coastal waters and validated through a comparative analysis through visualization. First of all, the operational status of fishing vessels is identified. Collaboratively working fishing vessels are treated as a unified entity, expanding their ship domain during operation to assess collision risks. Secondly, to quantify the collision risk between ships, a collision risk index (CRI) is proposed and visualized based on the severity of collision risk. Finally, taking the high risk area of merchant and fishing vessels collision in the Minjiang River Estuary as an example, this paper conduct the analysis involves classifying ship collision scenarios, extracting risk data under different collision scenarios, and visually analyzing areas prone to danger. The results indicate that this method effectively evaluates the severity of collision risk, and the identified high-risk areas resulting from the analysis is verified by accidents occurred in the recent three years.

The article presents an induction generator connected to the power grid using the AC / DC / AC converter and LCL coupling filter. In the converter, both from the generator side and from the power grid side, three-level inverters were used. The algorithm realizing Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in inverters has been simplified to the maximum. Control of the induction generator was based on the Direct Field Oriented Control (DFOC) method. At the same time, voltage control has been used for this solution. The MPPT algorithm has been extended to include the variable pitch range of the wind turbine blades. The active voltage balancing circuit has been used in the inverter DC voltage circuit. In the control system of the grid converter with an LCL filter, the number of measurements was limited to the measurement of power grid currents and voltages. Synchronization of control from the power grid side is ensured by the use of a PLL loop with the system of preliminary suppression of undesired harmonics (CDSC).

A symbolic analysis of Archimedes’ periodical number system is developed, from which a natural link emerges with the modern positional number systems with zero. After the publication of Fibonacci’s Liber Abaci, the decimal Indo-Arabic positional system was the basis of the algorithmic and algebraic trend of modern mathematics, but even if zero plays a crucial role in algebra and mathematical analysis, zeroless positional systems show the same capability of producing efficient arithmetical algorithms based on operation tables over digits. The crucial role of digits is assessed, by considering a representation of numbers based on strings in lexicographic order. A new algorithm for the determination of decimal periods is presented,, by remarking the cruciality of this topic in number theory. Periods of ordinal numbers, and enumerations of recursive enumerability are shortly recalled. Concluding remarks are formulated about the deep relationship among numbers and information, which shed new light on a red line passing through the whole history of mathematics