An airfoil is the geometric shape of a cross-section of a wing. When it is exposed to the flow of a fluid over its surface, it generates both lift and drag forces through a pressure distribution. Designing an efficient airfoil for aerodynamic applications is a complex challenge in the field of aerodynamic engineering, with the aim of achieving an optimal lift-to-drag ratio. The success of airfoil design hinges on the effective reduction of drag force under specific conditions, while simultaneously attaining the desired lift without encountering significant flow separation, such as boundary layer shedding. Furthermore, the design must adhere to lifting force limitations and meet structural requirements. In the field of airfoil design and optimization, literature review articles provide a valuable resource by offering an overview of the latest advancements in specific areas. These areas encompass a wide range of topics including the design and testing of adaptive geometry wings, such as morphing wing technology as well as the application of shape optimization techniques to enhance airfoil performance. Our goal is to provide researchers with an in-depth review of relevant articles published to date, examining the applied approaches utilized to tackle the complex problem of airfoil design and explore the methodology employed to address it, from a broad perspective on the topic.

The purpose of this article is to address two questions that will aid researchers in understanding FinTech’s inception, development, and potential impact on the stability of the financial system. First, it explains why financial technology is a current phenomenon. While many of the underlying technology for FinTech breakthroughs have been around for some time, it is only recently that financial institutions and entrepreneurs have begun to apply them to financial goods and services. Supply and demand factors in "conventional" financial innovation have been studied, and they have been found to converge, leading to a high rate of innovation. And second, this article explains why FinTech is being covered in greater depth than other types of innovation. This study introduces the concept of "depth" of innovation as a means of answering this question. The more fundamental the innovation, the more it will affect the financial sector. In this paper, we demonstrate that many recent developments in the field of financial technology (FinTech) are truly revolutionary advances, with far-reaching implications for the financial services industry. In addition to the benefits of more adaptability, higher transformational potential might bring increased risk to economic security.

As we are aware Information Technology had its cutting-edge lifestyle from the overdue sixties of the remaining century whilst the Arpanet become introduced, funded with the aid of using the branch of protection of the USA. After that, the IT enterprise has come a protracted manner to its cutting-edge form in which its miles gambling a dominant function in each sphere of life. It has made innovative modifications in facts amassing and dissemination and worldwide communication. It is growing into a surely paperless painting environment. Also, we can now ship a message very without difficulty to everywhere withinside the international in seconds. From a schooling factor of view, we can have a digital elegance in which the teacher ought to take a seat down in any part of the arena and his college students scattered in all exceptional elements of the arena via video convention with the presentation of look at substances in addition to query and solution sessions. A health practitioner now sitting in any part of the arena ought to carry out a surgical procedure in which the affected person is mendacity in some other part of the arena. These work examples display where we stand these days compared to what has become 1/2 of a century back. But as we recognize, nothing on this international is only correct as the whole thing has a darkish side. In this paper, we might speak about the deserves and demerits of enforcing IT globally and in which we are heading withinside the future.

In a recent paper discussing Newton’s third law in the framework of special relativity for charged bodies, it was suggested that one can construct a practical relativistic motor provided high enough charge and current densities are available. As on the macroscopic scale charge density is limited by the phenomena of dielectric breakdown, it was suggested to take advantage of the high charge densities which are available on the microscopic scale. A preliminary analysis of this option denoted "nano relativistic scale" is studied in the current paper.

Blockchains such as the bitcoin blockchain depend on reaching a global consensus on the distributed ledger; therefore, they suffer from well know scalability problems. This paper proposes an algorithm that avoids double-spending in the short term with just O(√n) messages; each node receiving money off-chain performs the due diligence of consulting k√n random nodes to check if any of them is aware of double-spending. Two nodes receiving double-spent money will in this way consult at least one common node with very high probability, due to the ‘birthday paradox’, and any common honest node consulted will detect the fraud. Since the velocity of money in the real world has coins circulating through at most a few wallets per day, the size of the due diligence communication is small in the short term. This `k-root-n’ algorithm is suitable for an environment with synchronous or asynchronous (but with fairly low latency) communication and with Byzantine faults. The presented k-root-n algorithm should be practical to avoid double-spending with arbitrarily high probability, while feasibly coping with the throughput of all world commerce. It is resistant to Sybil attacks even beyond 50% of nodes. In the long term, the k-root-n algorithm is less efficient. Therefore, it should preferably be used as a complement and not a replacement to a global distributed ledger technology.

The purpose of this article is to review a two year long implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system at the outpatient department of a private hospital in Kathmandu, possibly a first implementation of its kind in Nepal. Procedures: The strategy designed for EHR implementation was based on Professor John P. Kotter's work on successful change management. Main findings: We found that keeping a close watch on the social dynamics affecting adoption decisions among users of the system was crucial for implementing the EHR; this was partly because the project received limited support from an erratically changing hospital leadership and lacked an EHR system suited to the needs of the users. Conclusions: The implementation described in this article is a good lesson on moving from control to drift in information systems implementation, and we hope this work will be useful to health IT professionals working in the space of digital transformation in resource-constrained environments.

This research aimed, within the scope of the anthropotechnological approach, analyze the technology transfer, performed via the offset policy in the field of public health, called the Radiotherapy Expansion Plan, from the Health Ministry. The objective of this policy is to create and improve accredited organizations, concerning the oncological treatment, specifically in the insertion of radiotherapeutic equipment. This process is divided into two stages: the insertion of the radiotherapy equipment, and the compensations provided for in the commercial agreement. To meet this purpose, the research started from understanding the theoretical and methodological approaches of the fields of study of anthropotechnology, technology transfer and offset policy. In this sense, there was used the methodological strategy of the case study, supported by applied research, with a qualitative and exploratory approach. External and internal environments of a specific situation were analyzed, located in the State of Paraná, which received the radiotherapy equipment. It was verified that the initiatives of insertion of radiotherapeutic equipment in the context of the Expansion Plan have undergone numerous confrontations, inserted in the contextual and organizational particularities that affect its development and effectiveness. There are challenges that require responses from a set of organizations involved, in order to implement the trade agreement established by the offset policy, highlighting the first stage as a process of technology transfer. Thus, the situation located in the State of Paraná consistently consolidated the insertion of the radiotherapy equipment. It allowed its disclosure as a reference situation, and based on the dimensions and indicators analysis provided by anthropotechnology, made possible the comprehensionof the technology transfer involved in the process.

This paper advances privacy theory through examination of online shaming, focusing in particular on persecution by internet mobs. While shaming is nothing new, the technology used for modern shaming is new and evolving, making it a revealing lens through which to analyze points of analytical friction within and between traditional conceptions of privacy. To that end, this paper first explores the narrative and structure of online shaming, identifying broad categories of shaming of vigilantism, bullying, bigotry and gossiping, which are then used throughout the paper to evaluate different angles to the privacy problems raised. Second, this paper examines shaming through three dominant debates concerning privacy - privacy’s link with dignity, the right to privacy in public places and the social dimension of privacy. Certain themes emerged from this analysis. A common feature of online shaming is public humiliation. A challenge is to differentiate between a humbling (rightly knocking someone down a peg for a social transgression) and a humiliation that is an affront to dignity (wrongly knocking someone down a peg). In addition, the privacy concern of shamed individuals is not necessarily about intrusion on seclusion or revelation of embarrassing information, but rather about the disruption in their ability to continue to participate in online spaces free from attack. The privacy interest therefore becomes more about enabling participation in social spaces, enabling connections and relationships to form, and about enabling identity-making. Public humiliation through shaming can disrupt all of these inviting closer scrutiny concerning how law can be used as an enabling rather than secluding tool.

In an era marked by swift technological progress, the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly evident across various sectors, including local governments. These governmental bodies are progressively leveraging AI technologies to enhance service delivery to their communities, ranging from simple task automation to more complicated engineering endeavours. While more and more local governments are adopting AI, it is imperative to understand the functions, implications, and consequences of AI. Despite the growing importance of this domain, a significant gap persists within the scholarly discourse. This study strives to bridge this void by exploring the applications of AI technologies within the context of local government service provision and using this inquiry to generate lessons and best practices for similar smart city initiatives. Through a comprehensive grey literature review, we analysed 262 real-world AI implementations across 170 local governments worldwide. The findings underscore several key points: (a) There has been a consistent upward trajectory in the adoption of AI by local governments over the last decade; (b) Local governments from China, the US, and the UK are at the forefront of AI adoption; (c) Among local government AI technologies, Natural Language Processing and Robotic Process Automation emerge as the most prevalent ones; (d) Local governments primarily deploy AI across 28 distinct services; (e) Information management, back-office work, and transportation and traffic management are leading domains in terms of AI adoption. This study enriches the extant body of knowledge by providing an overview of existing AI applications within the sphere of local governance. It offers insights for smart city policymakers and decision-makers considering the adoption, expansion, or refinement of AI technologies in urban service provision. Additionally, it underscores the importance of using these insights to guide the successful integration and optimisation of AI in future smart city projects, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of communities.

Digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM dentistry, is perhaps the most disruptive innovation in dentistry to date. The rapid development of digital dentistry technologies over the past several decades has enabled clinicians to improve patient care by significantly reducing the time necessary for the restorative phase of treatment. Advancements in intra-oral scanning and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), in conjunction with new dental CAD/CAM ceramic materials, have simplified patient care and made same-day dentistry a reality. This review aims to present the most recent advancements described in current literature as well as to document the successful implementation of digital dentistry into a predoctoral program. The overall process of CAD/CAM same-day dentistry and the accompanying advancements in software and materials were presented and discussed. Implementation of technology and personnel requirements were reviewed. CAD/CAM dentistry has been influential in shaping and improving dental practice and education, and this influence will only continue with time.

WHO was informed on 31 December 2019 of cases of unknown cause pneumonia in Wuhan City, China. On 7 January 2020 Chinese authorities reported a novel coronavirus as the cause and was temporarily labeled "2019-nCoV." Coronaviruses (CoV) are a wide family of viruses which cause diseases ranging from common cold to more serious illnesses. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain not previously found in humans. Countries around the globe have stepped up their surveillance to quickly detect any new 2019-nCoV cases. Blockchain is developing into a safe and efficient network for secure data sharing in applications such as the financial industry, operations management, food industry, energy market, the Internet of Things and healthcare. In this paper, we are using blockchain technology as a mean to share authentic data, tracking of relevant information and help speed up the treatment process. At the same time it will preserve person’s identity. Timely deployment and suitable implementation of the proposed model have the opportunity to curb COVID-19 transmissions and associated mortality, especially in environments with inadequate access to testing facilities. This work will also facilitate in the treatment of other infectious diseases. Smart contract have been designed and implemented using the ethereum blockchain platform which has been presented in this paper. This work would facilitate multiple stakeholders who are involved within the medical system to curb the transmission of this disease.

To enhance industrial competitiveness and increase productivity, every country has strived to create a smart factory by introducing technologies such as Internet of Things, big data and artificial intelligence into production line and build cyber-physical system for the purpose of promoting manufacturing efficiency. For mission assignment, production line management or manufacturing field analysis, the location information of employee, machine and material is very essential. To promote manufacturing efficiency, of course, the location information became more important. A Bluetooth low energy (BLE) positioning system for the manufacturing is developed in this research. A "Tag tracking" mechanism is addressed and adopted, which uses Beacon to catch the location information and a BLE receiver is also used to receive the broadcasting information from Beacon. The position information from the BLE receiver will be compared with the data in the database for calculating the location of the target. The status of the target may also be obtained by using the data from the BLE receiver. Comparing with the mobile device, this method can reduce energy consumption and make the maintenance simple and easy. In the real applications, the target may not be limited to human. The "Regional label positioning technology" is also investigated in this research. Defining a suitable zone location and arranging BLE receiver location, and positioning analysis theory are the key factors included in this developed technology. The developed system will be tested for real industry applications. The test results show that the feasibility of this technology.

Irrigated agriculture determines large blue water withdrawals, and it is considered a key intervention area to reach sustainable development objectives. Precision agriculture technologies have the potential to mitigate water resource depletion that often characterizes conventional agricultural approaches. This study investigates the factors influencing farmers' intentions to adopt variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology. The Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM-3) was employed as a theoretical framework to design a survey to identify the factors influencing farmers' decision-making process when adopting VRI. Data were gathered through quantitative face-to-face interviews with a sample of 138 fruit and grapevine producers from the Northeast of Italy (Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia). Data were analyzed using partial least squares path modelling (PLS-PM). The results highlight that personal attitudes, such as perceived usefulness and subjective norm, positively influence the intention to adopt VRI. Also, the perceived ease of use positively affects intention, but it is moderated by subject experience.

Accurate determination of protein localization, levels, or protein-protein interactions is pivotal for the study of their function, and in situ protein labeling via homologous recombination has emerged as a critical tool in many organisms. While this approach has been refined in various model fungi, the study of protein function in most plant pathogens has predominantly relied on ex-situ or overexpression manipulations. To dissect the molecular mechanisms of development and infection for Verticillium dahliae, a formidable plant pathogen responsible for vascular wilt diseases, we have established a robust, homologous recombination-based in situ protein labeling strategy in this organism. Utilizing Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT), this methodology facilitates the precise tagging of specific proteins at their C-termini with epitopes, such as GFP and Flag, within the native context of V. dahliae. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through the in situ labeling of VdCf2 and VdDMM2, followed by subsequent confirmation via subcellular localization and protein-level analyses. Our findings confirm the applicability of homologous recombination for in situ protein labeling in V. dahliae and suggest its potential utility across a broad spectrum of filamentous fungi. This labeling method stands to significantly advance the field of functional genomics in plant pathogenic fungi, offering a versatile and powerful tool for the elucidation of protein function.

Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a predominantly Th-2 immune-mediated dis-ease, but exact pathomechanism remains still unclear. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is predominantly produced by T cells with a Th-2 phenotype during proinflammatory conditions. We hypothesize, IL-31 might be involved in the pathogenesis of SRMA. IL-31 was measured in archived samples (49 serum and 52 CSF samples) of dogs with SRMA, Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO), infectious meningoencephalitis, atopic dermatitis and of healthy control dogs using a competitive canine IL-31 ELISA. Mean serum IL-31 level in dogs with SRMA (n=18) was mildly higher compared to dogs with atopic dermatitis (n=3) and MUO (n=15) and markedly higher than in healthy controls (n=10) and dogs with infectious meningoencephalitis (n=3). Dogs with SRMA in the acute stage of the disease and without any pre-treatment had the highest IL-31 levels. The mean CSF IL-31 value of dogs with SRMA (n=23) was quite similar to healthy controls (n=8) and did not differ significantly from dogs with MUO (n=19) and infectious meningoencephalitis (n=2). Based on this study, an involvement of IL-31 in the pathogenesis of the systemic Th-2 im-mune-mediated immune response in SRMA can be assumed as a further component leading to an aberrant immune reaction.

We report the first case of Daratumumab interference of allogeneic crossmatch tests repeatedly causing aberrant false-positive results, which inadvertently delayed transplant for a waitlisted renal patient with multiple myeloma. Daratumumab is an IgG1κ human monoclonal antibody commonly used to treat multiple myeloma, characterized by cancerous plasma cells and often leads to renal failure requiring kidney transplant, by depleting CD38-expressing plasma cells. In this case study, the patient had end-stage renal disease secondary to multiple myeloma and was continuously receiving Daratumumab infusions. The patient did not have any detectable antibodies to human leukocyte antigens but repeatedly had unexpected positive crossmatch by the flow cytometry-based method with 26 of the 27 potential deceased organ donors, implying donor-recipient immunological incompatibility. However, further review and analysis suggested that the positive crossmatches were likely false-positive as a result of interference from Daratumumab binding to donor cell surface CD38 as opposed to the presence of donor-specific antibodies. The observed intensity of the false-positive crossmatches was also highly variable, potentially due to donor- and/or cell-dependent expression of CD38. The variability of CD38 expression was, therefore, for the first time, characterized on the T and B cells isolated from various tissues and peripheral blood of 78 individuals. Overall, T cells were found to have a lower CD38 expression profile than the B cells, and no significant difference was observed between deceased and living individuals. Finally, we show that a simple cell treatment by dithiothreitol can effectively mitigate Daratumumab interference thus preserving the utility of pre-transplant crossmatch in multiple myeloma patients awaiting kidney transplant.

Abstract Successful treatment against infectious agents depends on rapid and accurate detection of the causative organisms. Misdiagnosis can hamper such success while leading to improper advising of antibiotics. In Bangladesh, the majority of the diagnostic centers detect and identify pathogens through culture and biochemical test-based methods and suggest antibiotics based solely on the results of disk-diffusion methods. This pilot study tried to validate the identity of the isolates characterized by diagnostic facilities near Dhaka. One hundred and twenty pre-characterized clinical isolates were analyzed biochemically and genotypically. Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA-PCR, rcsA, and phoA genes-based PCR, and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP)-based identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, respectively, followed by 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed misidentification of some clinical pathogens of other genera as Klebsiella spp. and E. coli. According to the antibiotic susceptibility testing guidelines, antibiotic choice, sensitivity pattern, and breakpoint measurement are different for each group of organisms. The lack of adherence to proper standards results in misdiagnosis and may facilitate the development of antibiotic resistance. The pilot study observers misidentification of clinical pathogens identified by the diagnostic centers. Well-characterized rapid molecular techniques like LAMP are suggested in clinical diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequently circumvent antibiotic resistance development.

In the current era of emerging technologies and cutting-edge inventions, it is equally important to consider the ethical aspects of research and innovations to have an ethical space for the sustainable progress and safety of humanity. The field of nanotechnology research and innovation often faces criticism due to its potential adverse impacts on health, the environment, limited accessibility, high costs, and concerns about data privacy. Therefore, it is crucial to address and resolve these ethical issues systematically. In this regard, we present our findings and methods for exploring the application of the ethics technology assessment method by considering its relevance at different stages of innovation development. Specifically, the present work provides a conceptual framework for ethics technology assessment focused on evaluating a significant innovation in nanotechnology within the domain of food safety with specific reference to mycotoxin remediation. By leveraging the value-sensitive design approach, we described various strategies for analyzing the ethical implications of nanotechnology-based innovations in mycotoxin remediation. Through comprehensive ethics technology assessment, nanotechnology-based innovations can be guided toward becoming more value-oriented, thereby making substantial contributions to social progress.

As technology continues to play a central role in shaping global industries, the performance of technology firms on the NASDAQ has significant implications for broader economic trends. Investors, facing an increasingly complex landscape, require detailed insights to make informed decisions and navigate market volatility. Moreover, amid the ongoing digital transformation, understanding the operational dynamics of technology companies is critical for policymakers and regulatory bodies to create frameworks that foster innovation while ensuring market stability. In the current context, characterized by rapid technological advancements, market uncertainties, and evolving consumer demands, the need for a comprehensive study on the operational efficiency of NASDAQ-listed technology companies is more pertinent than ever. Objective of our study is to identify relationships and patterns among selected financial metrics to assess the operational efficiency of NASDAQ-listed technology companies between 2011 to 2023. Financial metrics used in the study include following variables namely revenues, cost of goods sold, operating expenses, research, and development expenses, selling and general administrative expenses, and operating income. Johansen's cointegration methodology is employed to unveil long-term relationships and equilibrium adjustments among the considered variables. Results of our study underscore the paramount importance of efficiently managing the cost of goods sold (COGS) for achieving superior operating performance among these leading technology firms. The findings point to a nuanced interplay among these operational metrics, highlighting the interconnectedness and sustained relationships among them. This suggests that the top technology companies exhibit a sophisticated understanding of the dynamics between these variables, allowing them to navigate the complexities of the industry with strategic finesse.

Research into health, particularly social and psychological health, is crucial. Ultimately, an in-depth understanding of social and psychological health will more than promote well-being. Technology research is indispensable, particularly concerning health and the built environment, given the need to create holistic and supportive frameworks for well-being. Moreover, because literature reviews establish the foundation for academic inquiries, they provide valuable overviews for foresight into grey research areas, particularly multi-disciplinary research like health technology and the built environment. Hence, this study aims to discover the existing themes on health, technology, and built-environment nexus subjects while revealing the grey areas and suggesting proactive areas for future research. The objectives drove this aim to: 1. investigate the implications of technology for the social and psychological dimensions of health; 2. uncover the likelihood of a nexus between health, technology, and the built environment; and 3. highlight new research perspectives for the concluding seven years of the SDGs (2024–2030). The review results highlighted ten themes around which a nexus exists between health, technology, and the built environment; they also pointed out new research perspectives for the next seven years (up to 2023).

Wearable Biosensor Technology (WBT) has emerged as a transformative tool in the educational system over the past decade. This systematic review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of WBT utilization in educational settings over a 10-year span (2012-2022), highlighting both the evolution of this field and its integration to address challenges in education by integrating technology to solve specific educational challenges, such as enhancing student engagement, monitoring stress and cognitive load, improving learning experiences, and providing real-time feedback for both students and educators. By exploring these aspects, the review sheds light on the potential implications of WBT for the future of learning. A rigorous and systematic search of major academic databases, including Google Scholar and Scopus, was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles selected were assessed for methodological quality and bias using established tools. The process of data extraction and synthesis followed a structured framework. Key findings include the shift from theoretical exploration to practical implementation with the EEG being the predominant measurement, aiming to explore mental states, physiological constructs, and teaching effectiveness. Wearable biosensors are significantly impacting the educational field, serving as an important resource for educators and a tool for students. Their application has the potential to transform and optimize academic practices through sensors that capture biometric data, enabling the implementation of metrics and models to understand the development and performance of students and professors in an academic environment, as well as to gain insights into the learning process.

Background: The Perceived Inventory of Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing (PITCCN) questionnaire has been designed to measure technological competency as caring in nursing practice. As there were no psychometrically sound instruments to quantify the concept in the Slovene language. The goal was to assess the level of psychometric properties of the PITCCN investigated in Slovene hospitals. Methods: Content validity was conducted with eight experts and quantified by the content validity index (CVI) and the modified Cohen’s kappa index. Face validity was assessed through discussions with participants from the target culture in the pilot study. To assess construct validity and internal consistency, a cross-sectional research methodology was used on a convenience sample of 121 nursing personnel from four hospitals. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine construct validity, while Cronbach’s alpha and adjusted item-total correlations were used to measure internal consistency. Results: The content and face validity of PITCCN were adequate. The scale validity index (S-CVI) was 0.97. Cronbach’s α was 0.92, and subscale reliabilities ranged from 0.810 to 0.925. PCA showed four components, which explained more than 73.49% of the variance. Conclusions: The Slovenian version of PITCCN (PITCCN_SI) has good psychometric properties.

Blockchain is considered a technological trend with a unique and unprecedented foundation of ways of working, and has the potential to fundamentally change society in conducting activities related to the public or private sector. Although the academic literature on blockchain is generally focused on cryptocurrencies, in recent years, literature with different perspectives has begun to emerge regarding the use of blockchain in the context of the public sector. The unique characteristics of how blockchain technology works make it an innovation that is expected to change many activities, structures, and processes related to the implementation of public sector activities, especially in public services such as administrative processes, welfare provision, and regulatory practices. This article discusses through a systematic literature review about the potential use of blockchain in public services. This literature review identifies the types of public services most likely affected by the introduction of blockchain. In addition, this article highlights the benefits, potentials, and challenges and risks of blockchain for governments and citizens/society in general. Governments, in general, can optimize efficiency and tracking through the use of blockchain, but regulatory uncertainty and scalability capabilities being major challenges, which are still poorly researched in the literature, can benefit from reduced bureaucracy and improved coordination through blockchain adoption, despite the lack of blockchain knowledge and skills being significant barriers to its implementation. For citizens or the public, security and transparency are key benefits, while the main risk lies in data security concerns. The article closes by noting a number of limitations in the existing literature and providing suggestions and recommendations for future research.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a disruptive technology in various areas, and medicine is no exception. In the last decade, there has been rapid progress in the application of AI in healthcare, from diagnosing and prognosticating diseases to improving operational efficiency in hospitals. This literature review explores the advances of artificial intelligence in the field of medicine, discusses its benefits, and discusses the ethical and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed to maximize its potential.

This article explores the transformative role of neural networks in the realm of biology, particularly within microscopy image processing and illustrations. Neural networks have revolutionized cell segmentation and analysis, enabling precise delineation of cell boundaries and tracking of cellular behaviours. They excel in detecting subcellular structures, unravelling intricate organelle interactions. In 3D image reconstruction, neural networks navigate volumetric datasets, enhancing our understanding of spatial cellular architecture. These networks enhance disease diagnosis by identifying anomalies and irregularities, potentially revolutionizing early detection and classification. Moreover, neural networks restore and enhance microscopy images, unveiling hidden details. Lastly, they bridge art and science, fostering captivating biological art and enriching science communication. As neural networks evolve, they promise a future of limitless possibilities, weaving together technology, science, and art to illuminate the microscopic realm in unprecedented ways.

This study explores the role of information technology (IT) in supporting sustainability efforts in Saudi Arabia. Through an analysis of four case studies, we examine how technology has been implemented by Saudi Arabian companies to advance sustainability goals. The findings demonstrate a notable shift towards green initiatives in the country, with the adoption of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These technologies have been instrumental in enhancing energy efficiency and waste reduction. The study highlights the significance of policy interventions and public-private partnerships in achieving both environmental sustainability and economic growth. To ensure widespread adoption of sustainable practices, it is crucial for the government to focus on building digital capacity in companies and removing technological barriers. The case studies of four companies serve as illustrative examples of sustainable practices and the corresponding technological support in Saudi Arabia. The research underscores the importance of leveraging information technology and collaboration to accelerate progress towards the nation's sustainability goals.

The Aviation industry in Malaysia is categorized as highly regulated and dominated by Government Linked Companies (GLCs) via monopolistic concessions due to its nature of strategic national importance and security. Connectivity is an essential component of economic activity and a catalyst for business growth. Since the invention of aircraft, air connectivity has expanded businesses and markets, facilitating trade, encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enabling tourism. This case study aims to provide a holistic analysis of the Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) strategic planning framework and discuss its effectiveness towards its strategy formulation to address its market dynamics, both domestically and abroad. From military superiority to economic connectivity, aviation, one of humanity's greatest inventions, has advanced human civilization over the past 150 years. With the emergence of low-cost carriers, air travel patterns have shifted dramatically, with the increase of travel and trade, due to its time efficiency. With the trend of globalization and the liberation of airspace in recent decades, aviation enables the movement of people and goods that foster a borderless marketplace at an exponential growth rate. With technological innovation, pressure over climate change and the shift in travelers' behavior and patterns, strategic planning becomes more crucial and complex for aerodrome operators to create a sustainable competitive advantage among their regional rivals. However, strategic planning is dependent on several critical success factors. The role of management leadership and an inclusive strategy to adapt to the changes in market dynamics are essential for survival in business competition.

This research study aims to explore how during COVID-19, the adoption of online banking is impacted by various factors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived security, and trust. The data were collected using the primary questionnaire with 98 respondents. The study investigates the direct effect using the PLS-SEM method, and the indirect effects are analyzed using mediation analysis. The study indicates that perceived security is an important factor that impacts the adoption of online banking by self-help groups in India. Trust in online banking without allaying the fears of banking online does not lead to the adoption of technology. Perceived ease of use and ease of usage directly impact the adoption of online banking by the members of self-help groups in India. The study is the first-ever study to measure the indirect impact of trust on the intention to use online banking by the members of self-help groups in India This study has far-reaching implications for policymakers and banks. To increase the adoption of online banking, it is important to allay the fears of security among the members of self-help groups in India.

In the early 1990s, cyberfeminism emerged as an area of knowledge to discuss the connection between gender and technology. According to UNESCO, women are underrepresented in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and less than a third of women worldwide work in scientific research and development. However, this number has grown and this reality is constantly changing. In this context, using business intelligence techniques, this study analyzes data from the computer and information and communication technology market to characterize the impact of the performance of women in these areas. It is expected to show that this performance in the highlighted fields is still a challenge in Brazil.

This paper explores benefits of using VR technologies in higher education. Theoretical part investigates classical education system and its features in order to compare advantages of using VR systems in education. VR technologies and its current state in industry and in education were explored as well as which branches of higher education uses these systems. Survey was conducted through online questionnaire where respondents (N = 55) gave their opinion on VR and the implementation of VR technologies in education. Three hypotheses related to the use of VR technology, student interest, and learning outcomes as well as the effectiveness, immersiveness and the effect of VR systems on the users were tested through 27 questions.

Cheating is a kind of fraud or attempts to get dishonest advantages in an academic institution, it has been increasing dramatically for the last 50 years with the growth of technology. In some countries, this phenomenon has changed to a problematic factor in schools. Plagiarism is also considered as a type of cheating if it occurs intentionally. More efforts are made to mitigate the severity of cheating in an academic institution using technological-based devices. Besides, technology has an effective role in the detection of plagiarism by several detection platforms, however, still, there are some types of plagiarism which cannot be detected by these platforms efficiently, that authors should treat honestly during his/her scientific writing. This work aims to conceptualize and characterize cheating and plagiarism in an academic institution, also it is tried to indicate the relationship of cheating and plagiarism that in which cases, plagiarism becomes cheating. To achieve the purposes, relevant literature including scientific papers, monographs, reports, and authorized website were reviewed, and the literature output are integrated with the observation and experience of author during the teaching and learning in academic institutions.The findings and direct observation from close contact of classrooms show that cheating is felt mostly in classes with large numbers of students, that institution policy, instructor control, and using of technology have the most effect on the controlling cheating. Plagiarism as academic dishonesty is a widespread phenomenon among the students and even the authors. In some cases, the poor understanding of students and authors in scientific writing rules causes plagiarism and is measurable by some available detection platforms.

As technology evolves, our digital footprint keeps increasing. Now, everything we do is largely related to us being online, connected and logged. Therefore, if someone’s online data is exposed, then their life will be compromised. This is called identity theft and in this era of technology, it has become one of the most serious forms of crime. When someone’s data is compromised, there is a huge chance of harming the person financially, morally and socially. New technology and the knowledge gap it creates when it first comes out is perfect for identity thieves to exploit. If we are not cautious, our future will be very different than what we dream of due to the very technology created to make it better. Hence, we need to understand the technology, identify the loopholes and educate ourselves to avoid being held captive by our digital footprint.

Despite a global push in the development and implementation of widespread alternative energy use, significant disparities exist across given nation-states. These disparities, frequently referred to as the local-national gap, reflect both technical and economic factors, as well as the social, political, and ecological gaps between how communities see energy development and national/global policy goals. This dataset is an attempt to bridge the local-national gap regarding solar PV adoption in the state of Georgia (U.S.A.). This dataset is an aggregation of variables from seven different publicly-available sources that was designed to help researchers interested in the context underlying solar adoption on the local scale of governance (e.g. the county level). The SolarView database includes information necessary for informing policymaking activities such as solar installation information, a historical county zip code directory, county-level census data, housing value indexes, renewable energy incentive totals, PV rooftop suitability percentages, and utility rates. As this is a database from multiple sources, incomplete data entries are noted.

In 2013, thirty-eight treadle pumps (TPs) were installed as low-cost technology introduction for small-scale irrigation in eastern Ethiopia. This pilot project also trained six farmers on tube well excavation, installation and maintenance of pumps. In June 2015, researchers visited nine of the 38 TP villages, and found only two functional TPs. The rest were replaced with a new technology developed by the trained farmers. Adopters of the new technology stated that the limited water output and high labor demand of the conventional TP did not optimally fulfil their irrigation water requirements. The new technology had spread quickly to more than one hundred households due to three key factors. First, farmers’ innovative modifications of the initial excavation technique addressed the discharge limitations of the conventional TP by excavating boreholes with wider diameter. Second, local ownership of the new technology, including skills used in well drilling and manufacturing excavation implement, made the new irrigation technology affordable and accessible to the majority of households. Third, this innovation spread organically without any external support, confirming its sustainability. Farmers, empowered by training, gained more control in developing technology options tailored to local needs and conditions of their communities.

Web-Based GIS is a platform that deals with the representation, management and storage of locational information for real-time online retrieval, viewing and manipulations. Web-based GIS incorporate all the functions of information systems: gathering, storing, retrieving, visualizing and dissemination of spatial information on the Internet. In modern-day GIS serve as vital means to not only geo-referenced locational information that are been retrieved but also the development in web-based technologies as well as there involvements in decision making processes. In recent time the increased used of GIS on the Internet have totally transformed and made three distinct changes across our GIS environment. These are: (i) how are GIS data being accessed (ii) what are modes of its transmission and (iii) what available GIS functionalities are within the environment for analysis. This paper examines the applications and technologies associated with web-based GIS architectures with an emphasis on the internet GIS based structure and case studies of GIS Web-based applications in MapInfo, Microsoft Silverlight Technology and the ArcGIS Server using ArcGIS JavaScript API.

Handedness reflects functional body and hemispheric lateralization, proving relevant to contextualize cognitive and behavioral profiles. This study aimed to determine the lateralization of the hands, feet and eyes in patients with various neurological disorders and to test the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI), a widely used handedness measure. The study design included a literature overview and a clinical study. The overview spanned the literature of the past 50 years since the EHI was developed. Three hundred seventy-four patients with immune-mediated (IM) or noIM neurological diseases and healthy subjects underwent personal and family history of handedness, stressful events and IM diseases, and EHI. The literature overview showed that handedness, which develops under the influence of genetic and acquired factors, is an indirect indicator of hemispheric lateralization; hemispheric lateralization is bidirectionally related to the immune system. In the clinical study, the EHI showed appropriate reliability and structural validity; its scores related to chronological age, onset age, and disease duration and helped distinguish patients with IM disease from other patients and healthy subjects. Therefore, handedness may change over the course of life under the influence of pathology and could predict IM neurological diseases. The EHI is an appropriate measure of handedness.

The normal ageing process significantly affects resistance arteries, leading to various biological and physiological consequences. Systolic hypertension is a common occurrence in ageing individuals, accompanied by increased large artery stiffening, heightened pulsatility, small artery remodeling, and damage to critical microvascular structures. Starting from young adulthood, there is a progressive elevation in mean arterial pressure, supported by clinical and epidemiological evidence as well as findings from animal models. The myogenic response, a protective mechanism for the microcirculation, may face disruptions during ageing. Dysregulation of calcium entry channels (T-type, L-type, TRP channels), dysfunction in intracellular calcium storage and extrusion mechanisms, altered expression of potassium channels, and a change in smooth muscle calcium sensitization may contribute to age-related dysregulation of myogenic tone. Flow-mediated vasodilatation, a hallmark of endothelial function, is compromised in ageing. This result of endothelial dysfunction is related to oxidative stress, lower nitric oxide bioavailability and a low-grade inflammatory response, further exacerbating vascular dysfunction. Resistance artery remodeling in ageing emerges as a hypertrophic response of the vessel wall, often seen in conjunction with outward remodeling (in normotension), but can also present as inward hypertrophic remodeling (in hypertension). The remodeling process involves oxidative stress, inflammation, reorganization of extracellular matrix fiber proteins and actin cytoskeletal components. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and chronic low-grade inflammation, often referred to as "inflammaging”, play substantial roles in age-related vascular dysfunction. Due to its role in regulation of vascular tone as well as structural proteins, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway becomes a new target in age-related vascular dysfunction and associated diseases. Understanding the intricate interplay of these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate the consequences of ageing on resistance arteries and enhance overall vascular health.

The prevalence of allergic diseases, including food allergy, is increasing, especially in developed countries. Implementation of an elimination diet is not a sufficient therapeutic strategy in patients with food allergy, whose quality of life is significantly impaired. In recent years, new effective therapeutic strategies have been developed, such as the application of oral, sublingual, and epicutenous immunotherapy. Oral immunotherapy is the most often applied strategy because of its effectiveness and ease of application, with an acceptable safety profile. The effectiveness of oral immunotherapy in patients with egg, cow's milk and peanut allergy has been proven both in terms of raising of the threshold and the development of tolerance, and in some patients, the development of sustainable unresponsiveness. Although oral immunotherapy is an effective treatment for food allergy, several limitations, including long duration and a significant rate of reported adverse events, reduces its success. Therefore, new therapeutic options, such as treatment with biologicals, either as combinations with food allergen immunotherapy or as monotherapy with the aim of improving the efficacy and safety of treatment are being investigated..

The availability of simple SARS-CoV-2 detection methods is crucial to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined whether a commercial LAMP assay can reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 genomes directly in respiratory samples without having to extract nucleic acids (NA) beforehand. Nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS, n = 220) were tested by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and with the LAMP assay. For RT-PCR, NA were investigated. For LAMP, NA from 26 NPS in viral transport medium (VTM) were tested. The other 194 NPS were analyzed directly without prior NA extraction [140 samples in VTM; 54 dry swab samples stirred in phosphate buffered saline]. Ten NPS were tested directly by LAMP using a sous-vide cooking unit. The isothermal assay demonstrated excellent specificity (100%) but moderate sensitivity (68.8%), with a positive predictive value of 1 and a negative predictive value of 0.65 for direct testing of NPS in VTM. The use of dry swabs, even without NA extraction, improved the analytical sensitivity; up to 6% of samples showed signs of inhibition. The LAMP could be performed successfully with a sous-vide cooking unit. This technique is very fast, requires little laboratory resources and can replace rapid antigen tests or verify reactive rapid tests on site.

The presence of premature termination codons (PTCs) in transcripts is dangerous for the cell as they encode potentially deleterious truncated proteins that can act with dominant-negative or gain-of-function effects. To avoid synthesis of these shortened polypeptides, several RNA surveillance systems can be activated to decrease the level of PTC-containing mRNAs. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) ensures an accelerated degradation of mRNAs harboring PTCs by using several key NMD factors such as up-frameshift (UPF) proteins. Another pathway called nonsense-associated altered splicing (NAS) upregulates transcripts that have skipped disturbing PTCs by alternative splicing. Therefore, these RNA quality control processes eliminate abnormal PTC-containing mRNAs from the cells by using positive and negative responses. In this review, we will describe the general mechanisms of NMD and NAS and their respective involvement in the decay of aberrant immunoglobulin and TCR transcripts in lymphoid cells.

The turnover of the RNA molecules is determined by the rates of transcription and RNA degradation. Several methods have been developed to study mRNA turnover since the beginnings of molecular biology. Here we summarize the main methods to measure RNA half-life: transcription inhibition, gene control and metabolic labelling. These methods were used to detect the cellular activity of the mRNAs degradation machinery, including the exo-ribonuclease Xrn1 and the exosome. Less progress has been made in the study of the differential stability of mature RNAs because the different methods have often yielded inconsistent results so that an mRNA considered to be stable can be classified as unstable by another method. Recent advances in the systematic comparison of different method variants in yeast have permitted the identification of the least invasive methodologies that reflect half-lives the most faithfully, which is expected to open the way for a consistent quantitative analysis of the determinants of mRNA stability.

Waste biogenic materials from seafood exploitation are valuable resources of new compounds exploitation within the blue bioeconomy concept. Here, we describe the effectiveness of Raman technology implementation as an in-line tool for demineralization process control of crustaceans or gastropods. We produced transparent chitin polymer foils from three waste crustacean shells (C. sapidus, S. mantis and M. squinado) using a slow, green chemical approach employing acetic acid, and showed the progressive process of biogenic carbonate dissolution and increasing the Raman characteristic signal of chitin, in a time dependence manner. It turned that chitin foils obtaining is species-specific, and the demineralization bath of waste shell mixture can be effectively tracked by Raman spectroscopy, for solvent control and the recovery of the calcium acetate as valuable by-product. Comparatively, calcium acetate drug, a compound widely used in kidney failure diseases, or as additive in nutraceuticals and food industry, has been obtained here, following a green demineralization path of the sea snail Rapana venosa intact shell, assisted by Raman tech-nology, using 9% acetic acid (vinegar) solution for 14 days. To validate the final products identity and quality, The process of waste shells demineralization and the final products of the treatment were investigated using various Raman techniques and technologies, cross-validating the results with FT-IR, XRD and SEM-EDX techniques. NIR Raman spectroscopy revealed chitin bands in a time-dependent manner, while Resonance Raman spectroscopy showed the preservation of ca-rotenoids after two weeks of acetic acid treatment. A hand-held flexible TacticID Raman system with a 1064 nm excitation demonstrated its effectiveness as a rapid, in-line decision making tool during process control and revealed excellent reproducibility of the lab-based instrument signal, suitable for in situ evaluation of the demineralization status and solvent saturation control. The calcium acetate recovered from residual treatment solutions was assessed regarding its hydration status, purity, and suitability as recrystallized material for further use as pharmaceutical product or ingredient in complex formulations.

A Berry geometrical phase is identified in a strongly metastable system containing dynamically responsive clathrate hydrate structures within a crystal-fluid material. High energy degeneracy in the associated chemistry produces local stability and false vacuum conditions that lead to non-extensive and non-additive contributions in the fundamental thermodynamic relation. The reciprocating action of a piston expander confirms a net energy gain despite the crystal-fluid material maintaining almost constant density. Application of Ginzburg-Landau theory and the scaling laws reveals a coherence length and a penetration depth for a macro-scale dual superconductor. The coherence length determines non-extensive volume changes whilst its inverse gives the Higgs mass. The penetration depth determines the extent of QCD vacuum suppression whilst its inverse gives the vector boson mass together with indirect manifestation as non-additive hyperbolic curvature. Additionally, the dual superconductor signifies long-range entanglement within a magnetic condensate displaying relativistic effects, whilst the hyperbolic curvature is attributed to quantum interactions. Gravity-mediated entanglement within the laboratory is thereby deduced. Simultaneous emergence of the Ginzburg-Landau superconducting phase transition is consistent with gauge-invariant coupling of the scalar field to the Yang-Mills action in QCD. The discovery of an energy gap in the gradient energy term of the system Lagrangian is associated with a critical correlation length revealed in the transition from a gapped to a gapless superconducting state. Together with the emergence and absorption of the Higgs-like scalar field, a mechanism for describing the QCD mass gap arises.

Hippocampal neuronal activity generates dendritic and somatic Ca2+ signals, which depending on stimulus intensity, rapidly propagate to the nucleus and induce the expression of transcription factors and genes with crucial roles in cognitive functions. Soluble Amyloid-beta Oligomers (AβOs), the main synaptotoxins engaged in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, generate aberrant Ca2+ signals in primary hippocampal neurons, increase their oxidative tone and disrupt structural plasticity. Here, we explored the effects of sub-lethal AβOs concentrations on activity-generated nuclear Ca2+ signals and on the Ca2+-dependent expression of neuroprotective genes. To induce neuronal activity, neuron-enriched primary hippocampal cultures were treated with the GABAA receptor blocker gabazine (GBZ), and nuclear Ca2+ signals were measured in AβOs-treated or control neurons transfected with a genetically encoded nuclear Ca2+ sensor. Incubation (6 h) with AβOs significantly reduced the nuclear Ca2+ signals and the enhanced phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) induced by GBZ. Likewise, incubation (6 h) with AβOs significantly reduced the GBZ-induced increases in the mRNA levels of Neuronal Per Arnt Sim domain protein 4 (Npas4), Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf), Ryanodine Receptor type-2 (RyR2), and the antioxidant enzyme NADPH-Quinone-Oxidoreductase (Nqo1). Based on these findings we propose that AβOs, by inhibiting the generation of activity induced nuclear Ca2+ signals, disrupt key neuroprotective gene expression pathways required for hippocampal-dependent learning and memory processes.

The α(1,2)fucosyltransferase (Se enzyme) encoded by FUT2 is involved in the secretor status of ABH(O) blood group antigens. The sedel2 allele is one of the non-functional FUT2 (se) alleles in which 9.3 kb containing the entire coding region of FUT2 is deleted by Alu-mediated nonhomologous recombination. In addition to this allele, three SNPs of FUT2, c.375A>G, c.385A>T, and c.571C>T, appear to be prevalent in certain Oceanian populations such as Polynesians. Recently, we developed an endpoint genotyping assay to determine the sedel2 zygosity, using a FAM-labeled probe for detection of the sedel2 allele and a VIC-labeled probe for detection of FUT2. In this study, instead of the VIC probe, a HEX-labeled probe covering both c.375A>G and c.385A>T and a Cy5-labeled probe covering c.571C>T were added to the sedel2 allele assay mixture to allow simultaneous detection of these four variations by endpoint genotyping for the sedel2 zygosity and fluorescence melting curve analysis for c.375A>G, c.385A>T, and c.571C>T genotyping. The results obtained from 24 Samoan subjects with this method were identical to those obtained with previous methods. Therefore, it appears that present method can accurately determine these four variations simultaneously.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule in cardiovascular homeostasis and its abnormal delivery is highly associated with the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The assessment and manipulation of NO delivery is crucial to the diagnosis and therapy of CVD, such as endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerotic progression, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiovascular manifestations of Coronavirus (COVID-19). However, due to the low concentration and fast reaction characteristics of NO in cardiovascular system, the clinical applications centered on the NO delivery are challenging. In this tutorial review, we first summarized the methods to estimate the in vivo NO delivery process based on the clinical images and mathematical modeling to assess the endothelial function and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque. Then, the emerging bioimaging technologies that have the potential to directly measure the arterial NO concentration were discussed, including the Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical sensor. Aside from the diagnostic methods, therapies aimed at controlling NO delivery to regulate CVD were reviewed, including the inhaled NO therapy to treat the pulmonary hypertension and COVID-19, stem cell therapy and NO-releasing platform to treat endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Anemia and thyroid disorders are global health issues that affect all ages but are more apparent in women. In this case, some serological components responsible for IDA and TSH disorders in women have been found actively regulated through a complex steroidal-calcitriol mediated pathway. This research has been investigated the correlation between Calcitriol and the serological components responsible for IDA and TSH disorders in childbearing and non-child-bearing women of different health conditions. Experimental sampling from 452 women suffering from both IDA and TSH disorders were taken, aged between 0 and 70 years. Serological parameters, such as iron, total iron-binding capacity and ferritin, were assessed for IDA profiling, whereas thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxin were for TSH profiling based on the individual’s serum calcitriol status. The resulted serological data were interpreted using sophisticated computer programming language and algorithms for quantitative biochemical analysis. The study resulted in a significant correlation between FT4 and Calcitriol (P<0.0001) for all age groups. TSH also showed strong interactions with the fluctuation of calcitriol level (P<0.0001), except for the children aged below 10 years (P<0.063). The iron, TIBC, TSH, and FT4 showed phenomenal regulation with the steroidal-calcitriol concentration for congenital patients. Unlike the others, ferritin has a substantial connection with Calcitriol (P<0.0064) fluctuation in the serum. To ratify, the concentrations of TSH, FT4, iron, TIBC, and ferritin were found to be significantly interconnected in terms of serum calcitriol level in women suffering from IDA and TSH disorders simultaneously. To understand the accuracy and efficacy of the Calcitriol in IDA and TSH disorders, some other inflammatory markers and parathyroid hormone analysis are need in future studies, besides a large number of samples.

Virus diseases of strawberry present several complex problems. More than 25 viruses have been described in the genus Fragaria thus far. Here, we describe a novel rhabdovirus, tentatively named strawberry virus 1 (StrV-1), that infects F. ananassa and F. vesca plants. Genomic sequences of three distinct StrV-1 genotypes co-infecting a single F. ananassa host were obtained using combined Illumina and Ion Proton high-throughput sequencing. StrV-1 was transmitted to herbaceous plants via Aphis fabae and A. ruborum, further mechanically transmitted to Nicotiana occidentalis 37B and sub-transferred to N. benthamiana, N. benthamiana DCL2/4i, N. occidentalis 37B and Physalis floridana plants. Irregular chlorotic sectors on leaf blades and the multiplication of calyx leaves seem to be the diagnostic symptoms for StrV-1 on indexed F. vesca clones. StrV-1 was detected in asymptomatic grafted plants and in 49 out of 159 field strawberry samples via RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. The bacilliform shape of the virions, which have a cytoplasm-limited distribution, their size, and phylogenetic relationships support the assignment of StrV-1 to a distinct species of the genus Cytorhabdovirus. Acyrthosiphon malvae, A. fabae and A. ruborum were shown to transmit StrV-1 under experimental conditions.

Penicillium digitatum is the major postharvest pathogen of citrus fruit under Mediterranean climate conditions. In the present work, we have addressed the study of the role of P. digitatum’s proteases in virulence following two complementary approaches. In a first approach, we have undertaken the functional characterization of the P. digitatum prtT gene, which codes for a transcription factor previously shown to regulate extracellular proteases in other filamentous fungi. Deletion of prtT caused a significant loss in secreted protease activity during in vitro growth assays. However, there was no effect on virulence. Gene expression of the two major secreted acid proteases was barely affected in the ΔprtT deletant during infection of citrus fruit. Hence, no conclusion could be drawn on the role of these secreted acidic proteases on the virulence of P. digitatum. In a second approach, we have studied the effect of different protease inhibitors and chelators in virulence. Co-inoculation of citrus fruit with P. digitatum conidia and a cocktail of protease inhibitors resulted in almost a complete absence of disease development. Analysis of individual inhibitors revealed that the metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline was responsible for the observed effect. The application of metal ions reverted the protective effect caused by the metallopeptidase inhibitor. These results may set the basis for the development of new alternative treatments to combat this important postharvest pathogen.

Schistosoma infection in snails can be monitored by microscopy or indirectly by sentinel mice. As both these approaches sometimes miss infections, more sensitive tests are needed, particularly in low-level transmission settings. In this study, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique, designed to detect a specific 28S ribosomal S. japonicum gene with high sensitivity, was compared to microscopy using snail samples from 51 areas endemic for schistosomiasis in five Chinese provinces. The results were compared with those by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) adding DNA sequencing as a reference when needed. The testing of pooled snail samples showed that a dilution factor of 1/50, i.e., one infected snail plus 49 non-infected ones, would still result in a positive reaction after the recommended number of amplification cycles. Testing a total of 232 pooled samples, emanating from 4,006 snail specimens, with the LAMP assay showed a 6.5% rate of infection, while traditional microscopy found only 0.04% positive samples in the same materials. Parallel PCR analysis confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of the LAMP assay, with DNA sequencing even giving LAMP a slight lead. Microscopy and the LAMP test were carried out at local schistosomiasis-control stations demonstrating that the potential of the latter assay to serve as a point-of-care (POC) test with results available within 60–90 minutes, while the more complicated PCR test had to be carried out at the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases (NIPD) in Shanghai, China. In conclusion, LAMP was found to be clearly superior to microscopy and as good as, or better, than PCR. Application of LAMP testing would be useful for surveillance and risk prediction as it requires less time than other techniques and can be used under field conditions, which improves and accelerates schistosomiasis control.

Asia has formally entered the big data era thanks to the ongoing advancement of information technology. the company business management has discovered bright operations management based on technological advances, and the arrival of the big data era has improved work efficiency and brought about a number of economic benefits while also posing a number of challenges, such as the ongoing expansion of business scope. The business's current management model is unable to keep up with the demands of development as its scope continues to grow. The primary development trend for the future is the integration of intelligence technologies with enterprise business management, big data technology application in corporate business management promotes fairness, transparency, and justice across corporate development and consumer activities; it also facilitates the production of goods and the creation of value for products in the direction of socialization. In order to further deepen the understanding of artificial intelligence among relevant personnel, we aim to further elaborate the future growth direction of the application of artificial intelligence in the field of enterprise business management in this paper, which begins with an in-depth awareness of the current situation of the combined use of artificial intelligence technology and big companies’ business management. We then focus on the utilization path of artificial cognitive ability technology in businesses business management.

This study investigates the impact of integrating ChatGPT on the academic writing performance and engagement of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) undergraduate students in Delhi, India, during the first semester of the academic year 2024/2025. It addresses the challenges within the Indian education system by exploring the effectiveness of AI-driven writing tools in enhancing writing skills and motivation among EFL learners. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research evaluates ChatGPT's influence on 32 EFL Indian undergraduate students through draft revisions, questionnaires, and interviews. The findings highlight ChatGPT's positive impact on writing quality, engagement levels, and immediate feedback appreciation, emphasizing its potential in improving writing instruction and student outcomes in EFL contexts. Recommendations are provided for practitioners to integrate ChatGPT in writing exercises and for researchers to conduct longitudinal studies and explore ethical considerations in AI use for educational purposes, ultimately contributing to enhanced EFL education and technology-mediated learning.

Research into improving the functionality and capacities of wearable technology has surged as a result of its fast progress. The functioning of wearable technology is largely dependent on antenna design, which provides wireless connectivity and communication. This study of the literature searches many online sources for pertinent research on the various antenna designs for wearable technology. The findings verified that the materials vary based on the design being employed. An analysis was conducted on the gain, frequency, materials, and sizes. The review excels at synthesizing research and literature despite its restricted resources.

The generation at the helm faces an unprecedented responsibility in the near future of artificial intelligence. The implications of setting up the founding rules that will regulate the operation of AI are heavy since after they’re set they last forever. Once this first AI is commenced, it can be such that no other subsequent AIs could emerge thereby assuming dominion over its own creation stand. As a result, retaining control becomes necessary. Lest humanity surrender agency to its own creation. At this juncture of big talks, critical issue are raised concerning AI administration owners. Is it appropriate for only a few people to have unrestricted control on AI commands while leaving out all precautionary measure? Therefore, we have to always consider between control and constraint when dealing with AI issues which involves authority plays off against morality. The direction Artificial Intelligence takes in the future depends on the decisions made by today’s generation. We will determine how we are viewed historically in terms of technology based on how well we take on such an important duty. There’s a major turning point ahead of us where we who are the stewards of tomorrow must make a choice that protects humanity’s right to self-determination and also exploits the power of AI for change.

In the context of an increasingly globalized economy and rapid technological advancements, the agri-food sector faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Digital traceability systems have emerged as pivotal in enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring food safety, and fostering supply chain transparency. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the adoption and impact of digital traceability technologies across member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Utilizing a multidimensional analytical framework, this research investigates the spectrum of national regulations, legal frameworks, and specific food commodities most influenced by digital traceability implementations. It systematically evaluates the efficacy of these systems in addressing consumer transparency demands, regulatory compliance, and the overarching goal of sustainable agri-food supply chains. Through a meticulous examination of case studies and empirical data, the paper elucidates the dynamic interplay between technological innovation and regulatory environments, offering insights into best practices and potential barriers to digital traceability integration. This comprehensive inquiry aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on digital traceability, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia to navigate the complexities of modern agri-food systems.

Escape room’s games are educational gamification technologies that consist of introducing a team of players into a physical or digital space to solve a mystery or a problem in search of clues to solve puzzles, riddles, or enigmas. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of escape room’s games on the training of nurses and nursing students. A systematic review was carried out in MEDLINE, WOS, SCOPUS, CINAHL and LILACS databases using the MeSH terms: "Education, Nursing" and "Educational Technology", and the free term "Escape room", combining with Boolean operators AND/OR. Intervention studies in Spanish, English and Portuguese were included, without limitation for the year of publication. Selection and critical appraisal were conducted by two independent reviewers. A total of n=15 interventional studies were included (n=2 Randomized Clinical Trials and n=12 quasi-experimental). Escape rooms are a recent and booming educational methodology, which is increasingly used in academia and training of nurses and nursing students; however, it is necessary to expand their use to more countries, as well as the number and quality of interventional studies, being necessary to homogenize and standardize criteria and to use validated instruments to evaluate the effectiveness of escape rooms in the field of nursing.

The world population increased from 1 billion in 1800 to around 8 billion today. The Population Division of the United Nations predicts a global population of approximately 10.4 billion people by the end of the century. That represents over 2 billion more people. Moreover, the global community is currently experiencing a precarious state due to the enduring repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic across all sectors, including energy. Given the rising global population and the limited availability of primary energy resources, we must reach a balance between the demands of a growing human population and the planet’s carrying capacity. The dreadful conflict in Ukraine has precipitated an enormous energy crisis. This crisis served as a warning to the world population of how much they depend on this resource to survive. In France, building sectors (i.e., residential and tertiary) alone consume 45% of the final energy disposable. It is the first energy consumer of the country and one of the most polluting (i.e.; about 34% of CO2 emitted by France). Consequently, we must consider alternative energy resource forms (i.e.; substitution energy forms). Harvesting energy from the building envelope may be a viable technique for partially satisfying the electricity demands of building users. In this context, scientific research offers considerable potential for developing more innovative and efficient systems. This article aims to review the state of the art of advances on the subject to orient and further optimize energy production systems, particularly electricity. This work will address several points of view: Discusses the overall backdrop of the present study and introduces the subject ; details the research strategy and procedures used to produce this paper ; develops state of the art on the potential for generating or recovering power from the building envelope ; presents the SWOT analysis of the earlier-described systems. And finally, it concludes by offering findings and viewpoints.

Matrix asphalt material has poor road performance, which is improved by adding polymer modified agents. The original asphalt material experiment research has a certain limitation in that it cannot truly expose the mechanism and influence of modifiers on asphalt materials. To explore the gain effect of the modified agent on the asphalt material's road performance, the molecular dynamic simulation technology is used to explain its mechanism in the micro dimension. The three parameters of the free volume score, radial distribution function and average directional shift diffusion coefficient are analysed to improve the performance of the modifier on asphalt material, an exploration of the microdimension shows that the amount of SBS modifiers is 6% and the amount of rubber modified asphalt material is 22%. The improvement of materials is better than that of rubber modifiers.

Digital literacy is the ability to use digital technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information. People with disabilities benefit from having these skills because they allow them to access various opportunities in the digital world. To ensure that they can fully participate in the digital realm, digital literacy efforts should prioritize inclusive design principles. People with disabilities often rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, alternative input devices, voice recognition software, or specialized hardware to navigate digital platforms. Digital literacy programs should not only focus on consuming content but also on creating and sharing it through documents, multimedia, and online platforms. Peer support and collaboration are important for enhancing their learning experience. Additionally, digital literacy programs address cybersecurity or online safety considerations specific to such people and provide them training and support for using assistive technologies effectively while educating them about potential risks, privacy settings, and safe online practices. This narrative review highights the meaning and levels of digital literacy, digital divide, history, before expanding on the quantative metrics in the available research on the theme of people with disabilities. Retrieved data from freely accessible internet search engines revealed 196 publications, including books, chapters in books, original research articles, proceedings of seminars, and reviews, which were classified into harvest plots to be analyzed by their format, timelines, topics, or themes, respectively. While results indicate an upward curve in the quantity of publications, especially in the post-millennium era, the topics addressed are unevenly distributed, leaving scope for the future to focus empirical and evidence based research on themes related to measurement as well as training on digital literacies for both teachers and students with disabilities. By promoting digital literacy in people with disabilities, we can bridge the digital divide and empower them to participate fully in today's increasingly digital society.

This study empirically examines the spatial spillover effect of various environmental regulations on green technology innovation using panel data from 284 county-level cities in China between 2007 and 2019. A geographical-economic spatial weight matrix is constructed, and the spatial Durbin model is employed to identify the specific characteristics of this spillover effect. The findings indicate that the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation primarily occurs through geographical transmission. However, there is no significant spatial autocorrelation when using the economic distance weight matrix. Various types of environmental regulations influence the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation in distinct ways. Specifically, Market-motivated environmental regulation exhibits a U-shaped relationship with the spatial spillover effect, while Command-controlled environmental regulation demonstrates an inverted U-shaped relationship, suggesting a complementary effect. Additional research shows that the upgrading of industrial structure acts as a mediator between command environmental regulation and the spatial spillover effect of green technology innovation. Government departments should comprehensively coordinate Market-motivated environmental regulation and Command-controlled environmental regulation, accurately assess the intensity of Command-controlled measures, and prevent the migration of green technology innovation elements caused by excessive regulatory measures within enterprises.

Research on wearable solutions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been conducted to detect stress. However, studies on stress detection for an individual with ASD have been limited, especially on how it should design for individuals with ASD. Wearable solutions may be a tool for parents and caregivers for emotional monitoring for individuals with ASD who have a high risk of experiencing very stressful. However, wearable solutions for individuals with ASD may differ from those without ASD. Individuals with ASD have sensory sensitiveness; therefore, they do not tolerate any accessory type or discomfort to use. We used the Scopus, PubMed, WoS, and IEEE-Xplore databases to answer different research questions related to wearable solutions for individuals with ASD, physiological parameters, and algorithms of artificial intelligence used for stress detection studies found from 2013 to 2023. Our review found 34 articles; not all the studies considered individuals with ASD or were out of the scope.

This paper discusses complexity theory, that is, the many theories that have been proposed for emergence of complexity from the underlying physics. Our aim is to identify which aspects have turned out to be the more fundamental ones as regards the emergence of biology, engineering, and digital computing, as opposed to those that are in fact more peripheral in these contexts. In the cases we consider, complexity arises via adaptive modular hierarchical structures that are open systems involving broken symmetries. Each emergent level is causally effective because of the meshing together of upwards and downwards causation that takes place consistently with the underlying physics. Various physical constraints limit the outcomes that can be achieved. The underlying issue concerns the origin of consciousness and agency given the basis of life in physics, which is structured starting from symmetries and variational principles with no trace of agency. A possible solution is to admit that consciousness is an irreducible emergent property of matter.

Current spacecraft mass are mostly fuel, this is dictated by the lack of fueling stations in space and also by the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation which defines the mass ratio needed to escape earths gravity. The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation gives a relationship between the mass ratio and the final velocity in multiples of the exhaust speed, and dictates a high mass ration for current exhaust speeds. A relativistic motor exchanging momentum and energy with the electromagnetic field may mitigate such considerations, enabling efficient interplanetary travel. In this paper we will discuss the advantages and challenges of this novel mover for space transportation.

This study aims to assess and identify the role of disruptive/digital technologies in financial innovation strategies as part of social innovations at both firm and country level. There are few studies of this type that "cross-examine" technical/social innovative capacity at the firm level vs. the same innovative capacity at the level of the world's major countries. Our proposed study brings some novel elements to the literature on this topic. First, the study synthesizes the factors/variables explaining technical/social innovative capacity as ranked by the GCI (Global Competitiveness Index) and GII (Global Innovation Index) at the country level and then correlates these variables with the factors explaining innovative capacity for the 50 companies in the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) ranking. Second, the study identifies three "driving forces" (digital technologies, managers and the market) as the main variables determining financial innovativeness at firm level. Third, based on the "cross" analysis of the information/data provided by the BCG study vs. the GII and GCI studies, the study suggests some ways to delineate and quantify financial innovation as part of social innovation (e.g., it is argued that 80% of the social innovation achieved annually by a firm relates to the financial relationships engaged by the firm with various categories of stakeholders). Finally, the study is also important from a pragmatic point of view as it suggests/proposes a number of principles that can be considered by managers for building a KM (knowledge management) and continuous innovation strategy. From a theoretical perspective, the study provides a starting point for further research aimed at explaining firm-level financial innovation through the massive use of disruptive technologies.

Hot air frying is a new method of frying food, where the use of a small amount of oil is optional but recommended. The objective of this review was to know the state of the art of hot air frying technology, focusing on trends, and thus obtain new ideas for future work in this area of food. In conclusion, the availability of advanced devices will increase the demand for hot air fryers as demonstrated by the trend generating a great economic and social impact. This new technology not only provides health benefits, but also has environmental advantages. In addition, work focusing on food (i.e. tortilla chips, plantain chips, eggs and meats) is recommended, since there are not enough studies on the subject. Currently, research is being conducted on home fryers, so the use of fryers and their impact at the industrial level is a developing area that will require further research.

Growing water shortages for large regions of the arid regions of the world, are likely to become more recurrent as climate change impacts grow. Countries across the world are facing water security difficulties that stem from population growth, urbanization, and rapid industrialization. The use of behavioral nudges methods implemented to encourage a socially desired behavior at a low to zero cost, has been an effective method at reducing water consumption in places where they have been deployed. For example, studies in California USA, Barcelona Spain, and Australia indicate that adoption of nudges give significant positive results in water consumption reduction. We describe some of the barriers that make it difficult to implement behavioral nudges to address the water crises in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We investigate the literature available in Sub-Saharan Africa and discover that the application of behavioral nudges has been sparingly used for reasons that are not obvious at first glance. Second, we find that the potential impediments to the use of behavioral nudges in SSA to be awareness, inadequate access to science and technology, political systems that are poorly suited for implementing nudging, abundance of multiple ethnic groups that speak different languages, along with other barriers that could challenge implementation of behavioral nudges. In light of those barriers, we present a conceptual model with a potential to address these barriers to behavioral nudging a workable solution in SSA.

Blockchain innovation stands out enough to be noticed and adopted in various countries and organizations around the world. Many businesses, including finance, medical services, inventory networks, security, libraries, and the internet of things, are currently under attack. For the benefit of the blockchain, many businesses incorporate blockchain technology into their frameworks. Despite its solidarity, blockchain faces a few challenges in security, protection, adaptability, and other areas. This paper examines the forward leap in blockchain innovation, as well as its applications and challenges. While many blockchain papers focus on digital currencies, IoT, and security, this paper focuses on the overall best in a class of blockchain innovation, its new twists and turns, and choices, particularly in areas other than cryptographic forms of money. The investigators' goal is to provide a thorough audit of the cryptography underlying blockchain to better understand the innovation. The examiners also conduct general research on people and venture blockchains, as well as future exploration opportunities and their implications for blockchain innovation.

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is a key agrometeorological index for rational irrigation management. The standard method for ETo estimation, proposed by FAO, is based on a complicated Penman-Monteith equation, requires great number of meteorological inputs thus making it difficult for practical use by farmers. To the moment, there are many alternative simplified approaches for ETo estimation, most of them are directed to cutting the number of required meteorological inputs for calculation. Among them, special attention should be paid to various temperature-based methods of ETo assessment. One of the temperature-based models for ETo computation was realized in free mobile app ETo Calculator (Ukraine). The app gives Ukrainian farmers an opportunity to assess ETo values on daily or monthly scale using mean air temperature as the only input. The goal of the study was to test the app accuracy comparing to FAO-based calculations in five key regions of Ukraine, each of which representing a particular climatic zone of the country. It was established that the app provides relatively good accuracy of ETo estimation even in raw (not adjusted to windspeed and relative air humidity) run; the results of statistical comparison with the FAO-calculated values are: R2 within 0.82-0.87, RMSE within 0.74-0.81 mm, MAE within 0.60-0.70, MAPE within 18.07-25.50% depending on the region. ETo Calculator (Ukraine) is a good alternative for complicated Penman-Monteith method and could be recommended for Ukrainian farmers to be used for irrigation management.

Important current limitations of the implementation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in the rehabilitation field are related to the validation process of new technologies and interventions. Indeed, most of the strict guidelines that have been developed for the validation of new drugs (i.e., double or triple blinded, strict control of the doses and intensity) cannot – or only partially – be applied in rehabilitation. Well powered high quality randomized controlled trials are more difficult to organize in rehabilitation (e.g., longer duration of the intervention in rehabilitation, more difficult to standardize the intervention compared to drugs’ validation studies, limited funding’s since not sponsorized by big pharma companies), which reduces the possibility of conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as currently high level of evidence is sparse. The current limitations of EBP in rehabilitation are presented in this paper and innovative solutions are suggested such as: technology-supported rehabilitation systems, continuous assessment, pragmatic trials, rehabilitation treatment specification systems, and advanced statistical methods, to tackle the limitations to increase the quality of the research in rehabilitation. The development and implementation of new technologies should increase the quality of research and the level of evidence supporting rehabilitation provided some adaptation in our research methodology.

One of the areas of research on materials for thin-film solar cells focuses on replacing In and Ga with more earth-abundant elements. In that respect, chalcostibite (CuSbS2) is being considered as a promising environmentally friendly and cost-effective photovoltaic absorber material. In the present work, single CuSbS2 phase have been synthesized directly by a short duration (2 h) mechanochemical synthesis step starting from mixtures of elemental powders. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesized CuSbS2 powders revealed a good agreement with the orthorhombic chalcostibite phase, space group Pnma, and a crystallite size of 26 nm. Particle size characterization revealed a multimodal distribution with a median diameter ranging from of 2.93 m to 3.10 m. The thermal stability of the synthesized CuSbS2 powders was evaluated by differential thermal analysis. No phase change was observed by heat treating the mechanochemically synthesized powders at 350 C for 24 h. By UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy the optical bandgap was determined to be 1.41 eV, suggesting that the mechanochemically synthesized CuSbS2 can be considered suitable to be used as absorber materials. Overall, the results show that the mechanochemical process is a viable route for the synthesis of materials for photovoltaic applications.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Ethiopian and a key sector of its economy. However, Lack of productive and environmentally friendly technology is not widely applicable elsewhere. Likewise, the vermicomposting technology is a recently emerging science which not effectively transferred to the users across the country. Thus, this review is aimed to shine the importance, unexploited opportunities and the challenges hindered for further expansions in Ethiopian context. Vermicompost is among the powerful organic fertilizers which enhance soil Fertility and productivity. As agrarian society; there are plenty of raw byproducts and weed species which are not center of focus (i.e cattle waste, crop residues and invasive weeds like P.Juliflora, P.hysterophorus and E.crassipes respectively). However, there are many constraints there like policy issue, handling problems and sensitivity of the worms for different environmental factors which hindered to invest on a wide range. Generally, the number and weight of vermiculture as well as amount of produced casts are promised and every possible ways were recommended to entertain on the large scale.

In the last four years, the evolution and adoption of blockchain and, more generally, distributed ledger systems have shown the affirmation of many concepts and models with significant differences in system governance and suitable applications. This work aims to update the critical analysis of blockchain technologies carried out by our previous contribution to this journal, extending the focus to distributed ledger components and systems. Starting from the topical concept of decentralization, we introduce concepts and building blocks currently adopted in the available systems centering on their functional aspects and impact on possible applications. We present some conceptual framing tools helpful in the application context, and we will propose the concept of process authenticity, which we will discuss through two use cases: blockchain document dematerialization and e-voting.

The number of AI applications in education is growing every day. One recent AI application in the educational sector is Chatbot technology, which is used to support teaching and administrative tasks. This document presents the design and implementation of a Chatbot called Tashi-Bot that helps applicants and university students to obtain information from an educational institution about certain academic and administrative processes. Among these are processes related to well-being, tuition, costs, admission, and other services. In order to design the Chatbot, an analysis of the state of the art, methodologies, and suitable tools was carried out, and a survey was conducted to discover the needs of users and their preferences in the use of a Chatbot for this specific purpose. Tashi-Bot was implemented on the SnatchBot platform and later deployed on a Telegram channel. In its evaluation, a final survey was carried out to check on the satisfaction of the users. The results suggest that Tashi-Bot could help applicants and university students to find information on academic and administrative processes with great certainty and without the need for human interaction. Tashi-Bot can be found at: https://web.telegram.org/#/im?p=@TashiE_Bot..

Pediatric obesity management strategies suffer from a high rate of dropout and persistence of weight excess, despite the use of new tools, such as the automated mobile technology (MT). We aimed to compare the efficacy of two personalized MT protocols with/without monthly in-presence recalls in terms of better adherence to follow-up, and improved anthropometric and lifestyle parameters. MT contacts consisted in three not automated messages per week, inserted between three-monthly in-presence regular visits with (PediaFit 1.2) or without (PediaFit 1.1) monthly in-presence recalls. The sample included 103 children (mean age 10 years, range 6-14) recruited in the Pediatric Obesity Clinic between January 2017 and February 2019, randomized in Intervention group (IG) (n=24 PediaFit 1.1; n=30 PediaFit 1.2) and Control group (CG) (total n=49). Both IGs achieved significantly better results than the CGs for all considered parameters. Comparison of the two IGs at the 6th month showed that IG 1.2 had a statistically significant lower drop-out rate (10% vs. 62%), along with improved body mass index z-score, systolic blood pressure, sleep duration and physical activity. The study suggests that the hybrid association of messaging through personalized/not automated MT plus monthly in-presence recalls may be considered for a favorable outcome of pediatric obesity programs.

Telehealth has been playing a progressively major role in the management of the NCOVID-19 crisis. The enforcement of social distancing measures has had the consequence of reduced technology distance in almost every walk of life. In this paper, based primarily on the still unfolding experiences of deploying it during the current situation, we argue that telehealth has finally come of age and that it is time to move it from the peripheries to the center of the 21st century healthcare. To provide a live context to the discussion, several instances of how telehealth strengthened our healthcare systems during the NCOVID-19 crisis are presented.

Organ-on-Chip is a game-changing technology born from the convergence of tissue engineering and microfluidic technology. Organ-on-Chip devices (OoCs) are expected to offer effective solutions to persisting problems in drug development and personalized disease treatments. This opinion paper surveys the current landscape in research, development, application and market opportunities for OoCs to help establishing a global and multi-stakeholder OoC ecosystem. Based on a bibliometric study, a market analysis, expert interviews, and panel discussions held at the ORCHID Vision Workshop (Stuttgart, 23 May 2018), we outline presently unmet needs, key challenges, barriers and perspectives of the field, and finally propose recommendations towards the definition of a comprehensive roadmap that could render OoCs realistic models of human (patho)physiology in the near future.

Soybean yields are often indicated as an interesting case of climate change mitigation due to the beneficial effects of CO₂ fertilization. In this paper we econometrically study this effect using a time series model of yields in a multivariate framework for a main producer and exporter of this commodity, Argentina. We have to deal with the upward behavior of soybean yields trying to identify which variables are the long-run determinants responsible of its observed trend. With this aim we adopt a partial system approach to estimate subsets of long-run relationships due to climate, technological and economic factors. Using an automatic selection algorithm we evaluate encompassing of the different obtained equilibrium correction models. We found that only technological innovations due to new crop practices and the use of modified seeds explain soybean yield in the long run. Regarding short run determinants we found positive effects associated with the use of standard fertilizers and also from changes in atmospheric CO₂ concentration which would suggest a mitigation effect from global warming. However, we also found negative climate effects from periods of droughts associated with La Niña episodes, high temperatures and extreme rainfall events during the growing season of the plant.

In this study, 6 residents of a long-term care facility were asked to try on Virtual Reality glasses and report their first experiences with Virtual Reality. The results show that Virtual Reality is of great interest to elderly residents of in-patient long-term care facilities. The wearing period was longer than expected and no symptoms of cyber sickness occurred. For the residents it was exciting to explore the virtual environments. Austrian destinations, nature scenes in the mountains and forests but also trips to the zoo, the museum, in churches or even densely populated areas like shopping streets or train stations would be places for the residents, they would like to explore virtually. Far-off destinations such as Rio de Janeiro or the Caribbean are more of an exception. Biographically relevant places such as the parental home or the location of their wedding were not named. Concerning the usability, an adjustment of the VR glasses is necessary for a longer-term use in any case.

Electricity consumption is often the hotspot of life cycle assessment (LCA) of products, industrial activities, or services. The objective of this paper is to provide a consistent, scientific, region-specific electricity-supply-based inventory of electricity generation technology for national and regional power grids. Marginal electricity generation technology is pivotal in assessing impacts related to additional consumption of electricity. China covers a large geographical area with regional supply grids; these are arguably equally or less integrated. Meanwhile, it is also a country with internal imbalances in regional energy supply and demand. Therefore, we suggest an approach to achieve a geographical subdivision of the Chinese electricity grid, corresponding to the interprovincial regional power grids, namely the North, the Northeast, the East, the Central, the Northwest, and the Southwest China Grids, and the China Southern Power Grid. The approach combines information from the Chinese national plans on for capacity changes in both production and distribution grids, and knowledge of resource availability. The results show that nationally, marginal technology is coal-fired electricity generation, which is the same scenario in the North and Northwest China Grid. In the Northeast, East, and Central China Grid, nuclear power gradually replaces coal-fired electricity and becomes the marginal technology. In the Southwest China Grid and the China Southern Power Grid, the marginal electricity is hydropower towards 2030.

Background: Rapid advancements in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including blockchain, are foundational to a new era of digital innovation. This innovation has catalyzed the emergence of ‘Decentralized Science (DeSci),’ a new concept and movement that aims to address the challenges of modern science. Objective: Given the novelty of the field of DeSci, this study aims to provide a comprehensive definition of the term as well as explore and conceptualize shared values and guiding principles inherent to DeSci. Methods: In line with the objectives of this study, an exploratory literature review was conducted to identify and synthesize the scholarly and secondary literature. The search and selection process included six databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, arXiv, and Social Science Research Network), and the search period was limited to the last 15 years, from 2008 to 2023. To identify relevant secondary literature, such as articles, reports, blog posts, and website content, a keyword search was conducted in three search engines (Google.com, Bing.com, and Yahoo.com). Owing to the novelty of the concept and movement of DeSci, the exploratory literature review was supplemented by an anonymous online-based expert survey using a combination of single-choice and open-ended questions. The experts were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, in association with their activities in the field of DeSci. The responses to the single-choice questions were subject to statistical analysis, whereas the open-ended questions were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Seven studies were selected for evaluation as part of the search and selection process to identify relevant scholarly literature. Following the review of secondary literature, additional 24 publications were included in the analysis. In the expert survey, 39 valid datasets were collected and analyzed. Following the synthesis of the results of the exploratory literature review and expert survey, a comprehensive definition of the term ‘Decentralized Science’ (DeSci) was formulated to reflect recurring themes. As no publications that explicitly discussed or addressed the values or principles of DeSci in the exploratory literature review could be identified, a set of shared values and guiding principles for DeSci were defined based on the results of the expert survey. Conclusion: The results of this study underscore the emerging nature of DeSci, as evidenced by the limited availability of relevant information and scarcity of academic publications. While this study proposes a comprehensive definition of DeSci as well as a set of shared values and guiding principles, the results of this study highlight the importance of ongoing evaluation and validation. Furthermore, the results of this study indicate a clear need for future research in the field of DeSci, emphasizing its dynamic and developing nature.

With the rapid development of global offshore wind power, the demand for offshore wind power operation and maintenance is also increasing. Wisdomization of offshore wind farms is a practical need to improve the operation level and benefit of offshore wind farms. This paper first introduces the current development situation and characteristics of global offshore wind power, and expounds the current situation and main challenges of offshore wind power operation and maintenance market. Therefore, our paper discusses the innovation of offshore wind power operation and maintenance from the aspects of operation and maintenance management of offshore wind power, monitoring and analysis technology of units, far-reaching wind field monitoring and operation and maintenance risks. Then, combined with information technology and lean management concept, a smart operation and maintenance management platform for wind farms in far-reaching sea areas is built to explore centralized and intelligent operation and maintenance management mode, improve operation and maintenance efficiency of wind farms in far-reaching sea areas, and minimize operation and maintenance costs. Finally, through the research on the characteristics of 5G technology, combined with the practical experience of operation and maintenance, and in view of the characteristics of offshore wind farms, we analyze and propose several typical application scenarios of 5G technology in the intelligent operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, which provides a new solution for the efficient operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

Construction project management and cost management is a difficult process that affects the overall success of construction projects. The success of a construction project can be assessed according to key performance indicators (KPIs). Cost savings and cost optimization over the life of a construction project is one of these KPIs. Cost management is largely performed through intelligent information technology in the construction industry. Information systems and information technologies have seen an increase in use in the management of construction projects. The same goes for cost management. Several studies mentioned in the paper point to this increase in use in recent years also in the management of costs at various stages. Many studies point to the use of information technology and software applications in the field of cost management. Still, to a large extent, there are no surveys focused on the analysis of the impact and impact factor of information technology on cost savings or cost optimization in various phases of construction projects. The research discusses the issue of the impact of information technology on cost management in various phases of a construction project. The main goal of the research is to analyze the influence of information technology factors on cost savings and optimization in individual phases of a construction project. Several statistical methods were used in the research. The resulting model of information technology impact factor was created based on data processing and the use of the AHP method.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used primarily in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Lisinopril [N2-[(1S)-1-car-boxy-3-phenylpropyl]-L-lysyl-L-proline], enalapril [(S)-1-[N-[1-(ethoxycarbonyl)-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanyl]-L-proline] and ramipril [2-aza-bicyclo-[3.3.0]-octane-3-carboxylic acid] are all five-membered heterocycles and three of the most prevalent ACE inhibitors in clinical use worldwide. ACEi-induced angioedema (ACEi-AE) is clinically characterized by self-limited edema of the dermis and subcutaneous lipid tissue, localized on face skin, oral mucosa and tongue in most cases. However, severe episodes of intestinal AE misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis and laryngeal AE requiring incubation have been reported. The pathophysiology of ACEi induced-AE is attributed to the accumulation of bradykinin, which is a potent vasodilator with proinflammatory activity that is normally degraded by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and aminopeptidase P; however, a small proportion of treated patients is affected. Given that patients do not respond to anti-H1 antihistamines and steroids, the early clinical recognition and the ACEi discontinuation are the treatment of choice for the long term management of ACEi-AE.

There is increasing interest in identifying biological and imaging markers for the early detection of neurocognitive decline. In addition, non-pharmacological strategies including physical exercise and cognitive interventions may be beneficial for those developing cognitive impairment. The Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment (FIE) Program is a cognitive intervention based on Structural Cognitive Modifiability and the Mediated Learning Experience (MLE) and aims to promote problem-solving strategies and metacognitive abilities. The FIE program uses a variety of instruments to enhance the cognitive capacity of the individual as a result of mediation. A specific version of the FIE program was developed for the cognitive enhancement of older adults, focusing on strengthening orientation skills, categorization skills, deductive reasoning and memory. We performed a prospective interventional pilot observational study on older subjects with MCI who participated in 30 mediated FIE sessions (two sessions weekly for 15 weeks). Of the 21 subjects who completed the study, there was a significant improvement in memory on the Neurotrax battery comparing pre- and post-intervention scores (pre: M=95.3, SD=12.2, post: M=101.2, SD=7.9, p<.05). Complete sets of anatomical MRI data for voxel-based morphometry, taken at the beginning and the end of the study, were obtained from 16 participants (mean age 83.5 years). Voxel-based morphometry showed an unexpected increase in grey matter (GM) in the anterolateral occipital border and the middle cingulate cortex. These initial findings of our pilot study support the design of randomized trials to evaluate the effect of cognitive training using the FIE Program on brain volumes and cognitive function.

Integrating triple bottom line (TBL) goals into supply chains (SCs) is a challenging task which necessitates the careful coordination of numerous stakeholders’ individual interests. Recent technological advancements can impact TBL sustainability by changing the design, structure and management of modern SCs. Blockchain technology enables immutable data records and facilitates a shared data view along the supply chain. The Physical Internet (PI) is an overarching framework that can be applied to create a layered and comprehensive view of the SC. In this conceptual paper I define and combine these technologies and derive several high-level research areas and research questions to investigate adoption, management as well as structural SC issues. I suggest a theory-based research agenda for the years to come that exploits the strengths of rigorous academic research, while remaining relevant for the industry. Furthermore, I suggest various well-established theories to tackle the respective research questions and provide specific directions for future research.

Microwave technology, foundational in quantum computing, utilizes precise control of quantum states via microwave pulses to manage quantum bits (qubits). This review explores the potential of leveraging these principles in neuroscience, where such technology could enable novel approaches to imaging, diagnosing, and treating neurological disorders. By comparing the techniques used in quantum computing with potential applications in neural circuit manipulation and brain activity monitoring, we highlight both the promising synergies and the significant challenges at the intersection of these fields. This interdisciplinary exploration not only underscores the transformative potential of microwave technology in neuroscience but also addresses the ethical considerations and technological hurdles that accompany the integration of advanced quantum mechanics into biological contexts. The convergence of microwave technology with neural science opens a pathway for breakthroughs in understanding and treating complex brain disorders, advocating for a cautious yet optimistic approach towards future research and application.

Health care operations in many hospitals are experiencing increasing demand which is however hindered by the limited resources available. The imbalance between the demand and service provision capacity within the hospitals have resulted in long waiting times for service delivery due to overcrowding, high costs of treatment as well as low levels of patient’s satisfaction. The above problems are attributed to the development of hospital management information system. This dissertation is focused on investigating some of the causes of the increased cost and time consumption as well as low levels of patient’s satisfaction in the application of hospital management information system. The study used comparative design to make a comparison of the respondents from two different hospital facilities where 400 health workers were drawn for research. The questionnaire was used as a survey tool for the study that involved both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results of the study indicate various playing factors that arise due to the development of the hospital management information system. These factors include the large functionality of the system, the need for training of the end users, the increasing ageing population, and delays. The identified factors play a significant role in the way the information system impacts the time taken, the cost involved, and patient satisfaction. Keywords: health, hospital, doctors, technology, information system, time, and cost.

Businesses use technological and social media marketing to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to understand better the factors that impact the spread of new technologies, the effectiveness of social media advertising, and the longevity of businesses. The study used a quantitative strategy based on partial least squares structural equation modeling to learn about the phenomenon of interest as much as possible. Dhaka, Bangladesh, small and medium-sized businesses participated in the survey. According to the findings, the popularity of internet and e-business technologies may be attributed to their apparent usefulness and ease of use. It is connecting internet/e-business technology, social media marketing, and the long-term success of small and medium-sized enterprises. Still, the expense factor was insufficient to prove that SMEs engage in social media advertising. Mediating effects between components may be better understood via internet/e-business technology and social media marketing, as shown by this study. This study is the first of its kind in Bangladesh and sheds light on the resilience of SMEs in the face of the Covivirus-19 pandemic, notwithstanding its focus on the capital city of Dhaka.

This literature review offers a comprehensive analysis of antenna designs tailored for 6G applications and THz communications. Various antenna types, including elliptical lens, WHEMS, grid array, CP horn, Quasi Yagi-Uda, patch, transmit array, Vivaldi patch, SRR slotted waveguide array, RCA, and Cassegrain antennas, are scrutinized in terms of their dimensions, characteristics, frequency ranges, and materials. The study highlights existing works on antenna design for 6G applications, exploring different fabrication techniques like PCB technology, LCP technology, Topas fabrication, Wire-cutting EDM, 3D Printing, Laser-drilling processes, and CNC machining. Notably, PCB technology exhibited promise with antennas such as WHEMS, patch, and Vivaldi patch, achieving significant bandwidth and gain. However, gaps remain in research, urging further exploration into additional fabrication methods and antenna designs to meet the demands of 6G networks. The study underlines the need for advanced, intelligent antennas capable of higher bandwidth and better performance in view of future wireless communications technologies such as 6G.

Scientists can use the Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein 9 system, which is a powerful and flexible tool for changing the genome, to change only certain parts of the genome. This has helped researchers figure out how target genes work in biology and disease. CRISPR/Cas9 is made up of a sequence-specific CRISPR RNA (crRNA) set and a generic Cas9 nuclease. The crRNA set tells Cas9 where to cut DNA and cause double-strand breaks. In the next step of cellular DNA repair, insertions, deletions, and swaps are made at specific spots. For CRISPR/Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage to be specific, the target sequences must match the crRNA, and a protospacer nearby motif must be placed after the target sequences. In this article, we talk about how CRISPR/Cas9 works at the molecular level, what it can be used for, what it can't do, and what its future clinical treatment promise might be.

This paper presents an acoustic emission (AE) detection method for refined oil storage tanks, enabling online detection of corrosion points and microleakage in the tank floor. The method utilizes an explosion-proof acoustic emission instrument to detect the floor of a refined oil storage tank. By calculating the time difference between the defective acoustic signal and the speed of acoustic wave transmission, a mathematical model is constructed to analyze the detected signals. A technical scheme for acoustic emission detection in storage tanks is designed, and the instru-ment is used to carry out acoustic emission testing on the product oil storage tank floor. Based on these test results, location analysis of acoustic emission sources is conducted on the bottom plate of the tank, evaluating its corrosion condition accurately. The consistency between the evaluation and subsequent open tank tests confirms that using acoustic emission technology effectively captures corrosion signals from product oil storage tank bottoms. Consequently, it significantly improves inspection efficiency by avoiding unnecessary tank-opening operations. Combining this method with open tank inspection operations such as the leakage magnetic method, one can fully grasp the status of the refined oil storage tanks.

The paper's objectives are to identify the main benefits, limitations, and challenges facing using Blockchain technology in the Supply Chain Management (SCM). To explore the factors that affect the adoption and application of Blockchain technology in SCM. The study uses a systematic literature review methodology to analyze and compare selected related articles published between 2016 and 2022 on the usage of Blockchain technology in the SCM. Several studies showed that there are many benefits to using Blockchain technology in SCM such as enhanced security, confidentiality, traceability, transparency, data accuracy, privacy, efficiency, accountability, and trust. At the same time, there are many limitations and challenges like scalability, interoperability, legal (regulatory) issues, high implementation and maintenance costs, standardization and information, lack of trust in technology, high energy consumption, limited awareness, integration with current systems, and privacy. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, but there are still several issues that need to be addressed to fully realize its potential. Understanding the benefits and difficulties of applying Blockchain technology in different industries, including the SCM, is essential in determining its effectiveness and the different strategies needed to assess its application and implementation.

Seaweed farming has been growing in prominence in the coastal region of Kwale County, Kenya, as a livelihood led by women since the turn of the century, however the sector remains far below its full productive capacity. As such, this study explores the factors that influence women’s ability to access seaweed farming through engagements with the theories of intersectionality. The Blue Empowerment Project is seeking to upscale seaweed farming in this region to promote women’s empowerment and this study questions the extent to which men should be included in such an endeavour. It finds that several factors may intersect with gender to create varying levels of (dis)advantage amongst women in this region, and that we may need to reframe the conceptualisation of women’s empowerment to be inclusive of men. This study therefore makes a range of recommendations for the BEP, development practitioners in general, and researchers to inform them of how women’s empowerment initiatives may be made more inclusive and transformational.

Purpose of review The forest industry has deployed ICTs to improve productivity of forest supply chains. In this sense, digitalization of data flows significantly impacts wood supply chains, from forest to mills, which must react flexibly to market fluctuations of forest products. The goal of this study was to conduct a literature review on data flow implementations in management systems of wood supply chains and to evaluate their applicability in supply chains to analyze the opportunities for improving them in practice. Recent findings We utilized the ScienceDirect database, Scopus and Web of Science in order to document data flows in systems and actual applications. Due to ongoing outsourcing, the wood procurement chains, and the wood supply chains were identified in the forest industry. Several different technologies can be implemented also in wood supply chains to digitalize the data flow depending on the specific needs of organizations. In this regard, digitalization of Big Data causes significant changes in elements of supply models that should be integrated and standardized in the optimization and simulation systems. Summary A modelling guide is suggested for accurate dynamic solution of problems of forest logistics. Then, the opportunities in digitalization for connecting different data flows, technologies, and stakeholders are discussed thoroughly. We conclude that data-driven dynamic optimization, and locally implemented digitalization contributes to wood supply modeling in the establishment of standards for cloud-based platforms at time-related and sequential measures which will ensure successful forest logistics through the planning and the monitoring of wood supply chains.

The separation of Li+ and [Bmim]+(1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium) by electrically driven membrane technology was studied. The effects of the types and modification processes of cation exchange membranes, current density, total cation concentration, temperature, and anion types on separation efficiency were investigated. The results indicated that it is feasible to achieve efficient separation of Li+ and [Bmim]+ using the selectivity of cation exchange membranes under electric field. Membrane CMX and the modified membrane A and B which obtained from the CMX showed obvious selective of Li+ from [Bmim]+. When the current density is 5 mA/cm2 and the feed concentrations of Li+ and [Bmim]+ are 0.3 mol/L and 0.2 mol/L, the selective transport coefficient of the modified membrane B can reach 6.2 in the first 120 minutes of the process. Reducing current density and increasing total cation concentration can improve separation efficiency. Lowering the temperature can improve the separation effect, but improvement is not obviously. Changing the anion of the feed from chloride ion to acetate has no effect on the separation.

Special machinery engineering is of great importance to the manufacturing industry and makes a comparatively large contribution to many economies. Digital transformation is already well advanced in many producing industries, and modern ICT technologies such as agents, service orientation, digital twins and artificial intelligence are being used with increasing success. In addition to improving specific product characteristics such as reliability or flexibility, the adoption of modern ICT technologies to ensure sustainability is being intensively discussed. So far, however, there has been little uptake of these technologies in the special machinery industry; sustainability receives little attention. This article examines in detail the reasons for and impediments to the adoption of modern ICT technologies based on a study among special machinery manufacturers. Observations of existing challenges were gathered during daily work, described in detail, and used to derive conclusions about causal barriers. From this, detailed requirements are derived to promote the adoption of modern ICT technologies in the special machinery engineering sector and, ultimately, to bring sustainability more into focus.

Earth is a complex material with a mechanical and physical behavior that differs from modern building materials. The conservation of rammed earth (RE) constructions presents specific difficulties that are challenging to overcome. The lack of knowledge about RE due to its abandonment for decades and attempts to adopt materials and repair methodologies designed for new building products has led to inadequate interventions. In the case of historic defensive constructions, the doubts and technical difficulties are even greater due to the nature of the so called military RE (with physical and mechanical characteristics significantly different from those of civil, more common, RE) and, not least, due to the historical and cultural heritage value of these constructions. Some important interventions have been carried out recently and others are underway or in the planning stage, and there is a constant lack of information and technical data on the best ways to intervene. To fill this gap, the state of conservation of the RE defensive structures and the results of interventions carried out throughout history in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula are being assessed. This article sets out the framework of the subject, identifies the material and construction techniques, and recognizes the main causes of its deterioration and decay. With special focus on the most frequent damages detected in historic military defensive structures built with RE, it analyses and discuss the most common techniques that have been used for the repair and conservation of these particular structures.

Container crane has been widely used for port operation. However, the structure of port container crane is large, which always lead to crane damage under the vibration and strong wind. Therefore, a method for vibration reduction of container crane structure based on particle damping technology is proposed. In this investigation, the scale 1:80 crane model is built, the equivalent mechanical model is also established to preliminary verify the effect of vibration suppression. Furthermore, the dependence of vibration suppression effect on the key parameters of the damper, i.e., filling material, filling rate, particle size, and installation position of dampers are analyzed through experiments. The results indicate that the vibration peak of the crane structure displayed in Simulink oscilloscope is weakened and lags behind, the installation of the damper brings the effect of vibration suppression for the crane, the vibration suppression effect reaches 25%; the crane mode obtains the best vibration suppression effect under the condition that the material filled in the damper has a large density and elastic modulus, sufficient collision space and high collision frequency, and the dampers are installed far away from the crane center of gravity. The optimum parameters of the damper obtained from experiments, 12 mm lead beads, filling rate of 60%, installed in the distal ends within the strength range of the forearm of the crane. It is thus concluded that the particle damping technology has provided an effective way in wind and vibration reduction for container crane.

Outdoor exercise is beneficial for psychophysical well-being. Limited studies have compared outdoor and virtual reality (VR) indoor physical activities, especially in coastal settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of outdoor coastal walking and indoor walking in a VR simulation with a similar environment on physiological and psychological variables in healthy adults. Twenty-six subjects (14M and 12F; age 25.2 ± 2.5 years) voluntarily participated in this crossover randomized controlled and counterbalanced study and were allocated under three conditions: VR indoor walking (INVR), outdoor walking (OUT) and standard indoor walking (IN). IN and INVR conditions were performed on a treadmill (speed 4.5 Km/h) and the OUT was per-formed on a seaside pedestrian road. The same outdoor environment was displayed in the visor during the INVR. Heart rate (HRmean/max), Physical Activity Enjoyment (PACES-It) and State of Mindfulness for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) were assessed at the end of each condition. The OUT condition showed significantly greater PACES-It scores and HRmean than IN and INVR (p<0.001) and greater SMS-PA scores and HRmax than IN (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). No significant dif-ferences were found between OUT and INVR regarding HRmax and SMS-PA scores (p>0.05). Findings suggest that physical activity in an immersive technology may lead to physiological loads comparable to the outdoor environment. OUT is more enjoyable than IN and INVR but exhibits a mindfulness response comparable to INVR. Therefore, INVR could be an alternative to OUT for those who cannot engage in outdoor activities for various reasons.

This research aims to thoroughly understand the delicate interplay between stakeholders' perspectives, biometric data protection policies, and the deployment of face recognition technologies in Indonesia's dynamic digital world. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the study conducts Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders, including government agencies, technology developers, regulatory agencies, civil society groups, and data subjects as end-users. Face-to-face group discussions facilitate an in-depth exploration of participants' perspectives, yielding rich qualitative data that reveals nuanced insights into the delicate balance between technological innovation, ethical considerations, and socioeconomic repercussions associated with implementing face recognition technology. The research comprehensively explains the difficulties and opportunities associated with responsible technological progress and biometric data security. The findings from the FGDs influence the development of strategies that effectively balance technical advancement with individual rights, privacy, and social well-being within the growing digital landscape of Indonesia. The regulatory function of the government seeks to bridge the gap between public expectations and technological advancements. Collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, the private sector, and data subjects as end-users emerges as a crucial element, fostering an all-encompassing strategy integrating research, law, technology deployment, and user empowerment. This holistic approach is necessary to ensure that biometric data and facial recognition technology are utilized responsibly, thereby laying the way for Indonesia's technologically sophisticated and ethically aware digital future.