Plant diseases and pests reduce crop yields, accounting for global crop losses of 30% to 50%. In conventional agricultural production systems, these losses are typically controlled by applying chemical pesticides. However, public pressure is mounting to curtail agrochemical use. In this context, employing beneficial endophytic microorganisms is an increasingly attractive alternative to the use of conventional chemical pesticides in agriculture. A multitude of fungal endophytes are naturally present in plants, producing enzymes, small peptides and secondary metabolites due to their bioactivity, can protect hosts from pathogens, pests and abiotic stresses. The use of beneficial endophytic microorganisms in agriculture is an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional pesticides. The aim of this study was to characterize fungal endophytes isolated from apparently healthy, feral wine grapes in eastern Canada that have grown without agrochemical inputs for decades. Host plants ranged from unknown seedlings to long-lost cultivars not widely propagated since the 1800s. HPLC-MS was used to identify unique endophyte-derived chemical compounds in the host plants, while dual-culture competition assays showed a range in endophytes’ ability to suppress the mycelial growth of Botrytis, which is typically controlled in viticulture with pesticides. Twelve of the most promising fungal endophytes isolated were identified using multilocus sequencing and morphology, while DNA barcoding was employed to identify some of their host vines. These fungal endophyte isolates, which consisted of both known and putative novel strains, belonged to seven genera in six families and five orders of Ascomycota. Exploring the fungal endophytes in these specimens may yield clues to the vines’ survival and lead to the discovery of novel biocontrol agents.

The range of rating instruments in depression measurement and the depth of their analytical relevance constitutes a major development in this psychiatric and psychotherapeutic field of mental health. Though the competition is acute amongst these various instruments, the results for the public have been outstandingly positive. A depression rating scale is essentially a psychiatric measuring instrument utilized in the identification and ranking of depression severity within the patient. The scale provides the practitioner, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, with sufficient information to assess the severity of the depression plotted on the scale. Not used as a “diagnostic tool” itself, nevertheless, the depression rating scale does function as an effective device for designating and assigning a behavioral score which may, then, be used in establishing the severity of depression of value in the designation of a diagnosis and treatment formula. In this paper, we will take a close look at the leading depression rating scales and briefly summarize their scope of assessment value in rating depression.

Small bowel non-Meckelian diverticulosis is a rare condition with only few published cases despite being described over 200 years ago. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, studies suggested that a lot of patients may experience gastrointestinal manifestations. Intestinal symptoms could worsen the inflammation and infection associated with small bowel diverticulitis. Here, we present two cases: one with inflammation and rupture in a COVID-19 patient and the other as an asymptomatic detection. Furthermore, we provide a mini-review of the literature to emphasize the importance of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen.

Scales are widely used in many agricultural applications, ranging from weighing crops at harvest to determine crop yields to regularly weighing animals to determine growth rate. In agricultural research applications, there is a long history of measuring crop water use (evapotranspiration) using a particular type of scale called weighing lysimeters. Typically, weighing lysimeters require very accurate data logging systems that tend to be expensive. Recent developments in open-source technologies, such as micro-controllers and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, created opportunities for developing effective and affordable ways to monitor crop water use and transmit the data to the Internet in near real-time. Therefore, this study aimed to create an affordable Internet of Things (IoT) scale system to measure crop evapotranspiration. A scale system to monitor crop evapotranspiration was developed consisting of an Arduino-compatible microcontroller with cell phone communication, electronic load cells, an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) multiplexer, and analog-to-digital converters (ADC). The system was powered by a LiPo battery, charged by a small (6 W) solar panel. The IoT scale system was programmed to collect data from the load cells at regular time intervals and send the data to the ThingSpeak.com IoT platform. The system performed successfully during indoor and outdoor experiments conducted in 2023 at the Clemson University Edisto Research and Education Center, Blackville, SC. The results from the experiments showed that the IoT scale system could accurately measure crop evapotranspiration using the weighing lysimeter technique.

In the past decade, RNA fragments derived from full length small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) have been shown to be specifically excised and functional. These sno-derived RNAs (sdRNAs) have been implicated as gene regulators in a multitude of cancers, controlling a variety of genes post-transcriptionally via association with the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). In this review, we have summarized the literature connecting sdRNAs to cancer gene regulation. SdRNAs possess miRNA-like functions, and are able to fill the role of tumor-suppressor or tumor-promoter in a tissue context-dependent manner. Indeed, there are many miRNAs that are actually derived from snoRNA transcripts, meaning that they are truly sdRNAs and as such are included in this review. As sdRNAs are frequently discarded from ncRNA analyses, we emphasize that sdRNAs are functionally relevant gene regulators and likely represent an overlooked subclass of miRNAs. Based on the evidence provided by the papers reviewed here, we propose that sdRNAs deserve more extensive study to better understand their underlying biology and to identify previously overlooked biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a multitude of human cancers.

With continued technological innovation in the fields of mixed reality (MR), wearable-type MR devices, such as helmets, have been released and are frequently used in various fields, such as entertainment, training, and education. However, because each product has different parts and specifications in terms of the design and manufacturing process, users feel that the virtual objects overlaying real environments in MR are visualized differently depending on the scale and color used by the MR device. In this paper, we compare the effect of scale and color parameters on users’ perception in using different types of MR devices to improve MR experience. We conducted two experiments (scale and color), and our experimental study showed that the subjects who participated in the scale perception experiment clearly tended to underestimate virtual objects, compared with real objects, and overestimate color in MR environments. [MM1]Please confirm meaning.

We present a summary of our protocol for employment of small-molecule circadian rhythm modulators. The abilities of compounds to affect oscillations have received significant attention. We outline assessments of circadian changes using indirubin-3’-oxime (IO), 5-iodo-indirubin-3’-oxime (5I-IO), and 5-sulfonic acid-indirubin-3’-oxime (5SA-IO), analyzing effects on Bmal1 and Per2 oscillations and oncogenic features.

Friction is an important subject for sustainability due to problems associated with energy loss. Recent years, surface micro- and nanostructures have attracted much attention to reduce friction; however, suitable structures are still under consideration. Many functional surfaces are present in nature, such as the friction reduction surfaces of snake skins. In this study, we focused on firebrats, Thermobia domestica, living in narrow spaces such as under bark, so their surface frequently contacts with surrounding surfaces. We speculate that their body surface would be adapted to reduce friction. To investigate the firebrat surface functions, firebrat surfaces were observed by using a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and a colloidal probe atomic force microscope (AFM), respectively. Results of surface observations by the FE-SEM revealed that firebrats are entirely covered with scales, whose surfaces have micro groove structures. Scale groove periods around the firebrat's head are almost uniform within a scale but vary between scales. AFM friction force measurements revealed that firebrat scale reduces friction by decreasing contact area between scales and a colloidal probe. The heterogeneity of groove periods of the scales suggest that it is difficult to fix the whole body in particular rough surfaces and that lead to be "fail-safe".

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), with 10.4 million new cases per year reported in the human population. Recent studies on the Mtb transcriptome have revealed the abundance of noncoding RNAs expressed at various phases of mycobacteria growth, in culture, in infected mammalian cells and in patients. Among these noncoding RNAs are both small RNAs (sRNAs) between 50-350 nts in length and smaller RNAs (sncRNA) <50 nts. In this review, we provide an up-to-date synopsis of the identification, designation, and function of these Mtb-encoded sRNAs and sncRNAs. The methodological advances including RNA sequencing strategies, small RNA antagonists and locked nucleic acid sequence specific RNA probes advancing the studies on these small RNA are described. Initial insights into the regulation of the small RNA expression and putative processing enzymes required for their synthesis and function are discussed. There are many open questions remaining about the biological and pathogenic roles of these small non-coding RNAs, and potential research directions needed to define the role of these mycobacterial noncoding RNAs summarized.

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of 11 lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) produced by mutations in the enzymes involved in the lysosomal catabolism of glycosaminoglycans. Most of the mutations affecting these enzymes may lead to changes in processing, folding, glycosylation, pH stability, protein aggregation, and defective transport to the lysosomes. The use of small molecules, called pharmacological chaperones (PCs), that can restore the folding, trafficking and biological activity of mutated enzymes has been extensively explored in LSDs as a therapeutic alternative. PCs have the advantage of wide tissue distribution, potential oral administration, lower production cost, and fewer issues of immunogenicity. In this paper, we will review the advances in the identification and characterization of PCs for the MPS. These molecules, mainly based in molecules mimicking the enzyme substrates, have been described for MPS II, IVA, and IVB, showing a mutation-dependent enhancement of the mutated enzymes. Although the results show the potential of this strategy, further studies should focus in the development of disease-specific cellular models that allow a proper screening and evaluation of the identified PCs. In addition, in vivo evaluation, both pre-clinical and clinical, should be performed, before they can become a real therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MPS patients.

The coastal zone, situated at the sensitive interface between land and sea, serves as a pivotal area of extensive human economic activities. As one of China's economic special zones, Xiamen exemplifies the comprehensive trajectory of coastal governance in China. This research adopts an interdisciplinary approach grounded in historical geography and political ecology, employing data collection methods encompassing historical literature, field surveys, and interviews. The research findings indicate that:(1) The year 1994 witnessed the pivotal role played by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in connecting Jimei Peninsula from a local context to the international arena, thus signifying a momentous turning point in the process of scale reconstruction. However, the subsequent implementation of the Coastal Exclusion Policy in 2002 had detrimental consequences, leading to the disintegration of the local scale, the erosion of maritime culture, and the disregard for the livelihood security of displaced coastal populations.(2)The Coastal Exclusion Policy serves as an instrumental tool for implementing scale politics, while its functional realignment has had profound implications for the coastal zone, encompassing economic transformation, ecological degradation, and the marginalization of the socio-cultural fabric that intertwines humans and the coastal environment.

A growing number of clinical data suggests that the use of antiplatelets and/or statins pre-stroke are associated with reduced severity and better functional outcomes for ischemic stroke. Studies have shown that the long-term use of ACEI/ARB pre-stroke is beneficial in reducing severity at onset and improving functional outcomes. We aimed to compare stroke severity and early functional outcome between patients taking ACEI/ARB and those who were not, and to identify any additional effects to taking ACEI/ARB with antiplatelets, statins, or both. In this retrospective case-control study, we assessed 218 patients who presented with ischemic stroke to the stroke unit in Padeh-Poriyah Hospital between 2019-2020. Of these patients, 119 took ACEI/ARB pre-stroke. A significantly higher percentage of ACEI/ARB-treated patients had a history of hypertension (HTN) and hyperlipidemia and were taking antiplatelets and/or statins, compared to the non-ACEI/ARB group. We observed that pre-stroke treatment with ACEI/ARB is associated with worsened stroke severity and reduced early functional outcomes. No significant benefit to taking ACEI/ARB with antiplatelets and/or statins pre-stroke was observed. Due to the nature of our study, the data should be interpreted as suggestive. Thus, prospective studies of these medications on ischemic stroke severity and early outcomes are warranted.

Appropriate use of perioperative antimicrobials can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative infections. However, inappropriate antimicrobial use can result in the creation of multidrug resistant bacteria, increased costs, host flora disruption, side effects, and increased risk of hospital-acquired infections This survey evaluated the current perioperative use of antimicrobials in small animals by Spanish veterinarians using a web-based questionnaire. Responses were represented using descriptive statistics and a statistical analysis of the association between demographic data and perioperative antimicrobial use was performed. Preoperative antimicrobials were administered in clean surgery by up to 68.3% of participants, 81.0% in clean-contaminated surgery and 71.3% in dirty surgery, while in the postoperative period, antimicrobials were administered by up to 86.3% of participants in clean surgery, 93.2% in clean-contaminated surgery and 87.5% in dirty surgery. Factors considered “very important” for antimicrobial selection were the degree of wound contamination, patient immunosuppression, and use of prosthesis. The most frequently used antimicrobial was beta-lactamase-resistant penicillin. Postoperative antimicrobial use was associated with participants without postgraduate training. This study highlights an overuse of antimicrobials in perioperative procedures in small animal surgery in Spain. Therefore, evidence-based guidelines and further education regarding the correct use of antimicrobial prophylaxis are recommended.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) are essential enzymes for translating amino acids for protein synthesis. Their function in pathogen-derived infectious diseases has been well established, which has led to development of small molecule therapeutics. The applicability of ARS inhibitors for other human diseases such as fibrosis has recently been explored in the clinical setting. There are active studies to find small molecule therapeutics for cancers. Studies on central nervous system (CNS) disorders are burgeoning as well. In this regard, we present a concise analysis of the recent development of ARS inhibitors based on small molecules from the discovery research stage to clinical studies as well as a recent patent analysis from the medicinal chemistry point of view.

In general, remote sensing has proven to be a powerful tool in the overall understanding of natural and anthropogenic phenomena. Satellites have become useful tools for tasks such as characterization, monitoring, and the continuous prospecting of natural resources. This research aims to analyze spatial dynamic and destructive on coral reefs area and correlation between live coral reduction and population on small islands. Landsat MSS, TM, ETM, and OLI-TIRS are used to spatial analyze of coral reef dynamics from 1972 to 2016. The image processing includes gap-filling, atmospheric correction, geometric correction, image composite (true color), water column correction, unsupervised classification, reclassification, accuracy assessment. The statistical analysis identifies the relationship between dynamic population data with a reduction of live coral, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Regression Analysis. The effect of the population shows a positive correlation with the reduction in the area of live coral, although it is significant. The fact is the practice of coral destruction on an island; it is usually not only caused or carried out by residents who live on the island but also carried out by other residents of different islands.

A naked human eye can perceive objects down to a millimeter length. While lenses and microscopes have overcome this limit, the human mind still lacks perspective when navigating conventional scales (1), especially in the range that are less palpable to naked human eye (2,3). This problem is particularly acute in the context of science communication, where the conventional scale bar units facilitate little comprehension regarding the perception for factorial size differences (3). Here we aim to bridge the gap of scale factors and perspectives using a universal toolkit of objects, which can help comprehend the relative change in length dimensions up to 13 orders of magnitude difference. We further have demonstrated the use of such a universal object toolkit as a length perceptive scale by illustrating and narrating biological phenomena. The meter to picometer ‘length perceptive scale’ proposed here has the potential to cover majority of length scales present in the biological realm, and is analogous to the time compression methods widely used in explaining cosmos timeline (4). Our toolkit can also be calibrated according to the users need in their scientific communication and illustrations, which will aid the readers’ benefit in understanding the length scale perception of illustrated phenomenon.

Recent advances in embedded antenna and sensor technologies for 5G communications have galvanized a response toward the investigation of their electromagnetic (EM) performance for urban context and civil engineering applications. This article quantitatively investigates the effects of material loading on an evolved antecedent-based design of a hexagonal-stubbed Complementary Split-Ring Resonator (CSRR)-loaded antenna through simulation and experimentation. The optimized antenna design is first conceptualized within a simulation environment to achieve EM resonance at 3.50 GHz before delving into the analysis of operational performance characteristics. As a proof-of-concept, a physical antenna prototype is fabricated on a printed circuit board for the in-situ evaluation of S11 parameter plot. Subsequently, a simulation-based parametric study is conducted on antenna prototypes embedded into Ordinary Portland Cement pastes with varying weight percentages of iron(III) oxide. Simulation-derived and experimental results are mutually verified, achieving a systemic downward shift in resonant frequency and corresponding variations in impedance matching induced by changes in the loading reactance. Finally, an inversion modeling procedure is employed using perturbation theory to extrapolate the relative permittivity of the dielectric embedding materials. Our proposed analysis contributes to optimizing concrete-embedded 5G antenna sensor designs and establishes a foundational framework for estimating unknown EM parameters of cement-based composites.

Small molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) are one of the heightened concerns in the field of drug research and development. There are seventy-nine (up to July 2023) small molecule kinase inhibitors have been approved by FDA and hundreds kinase inhibitors candidates in clinical trials, which shed light on the treatment of some major diseases. As an important strategy of drug design, computer-aided drug design (CADD) plays an indispensable role in the discovery of SMKIs. CADD methods, such as docking, molecular dynamic, pharmacophore have been applied to the design and optimization of small molecule kinase inhibitors. In the review, we provide an overview of recent advances in CADD and SMKIs; and the application of CADD for discovery of SMKIs.

The accumulation of process waste in the production line causes fluctuations, bottlenecks, and increased inventory in workstations disrupting process flow. In this paper, the aim is the use a simulated value stream mapping (SVSM) as a lean assessment tool for decision-making in the continuous improvement process to influence and provide consideration and consistency on productivity improvement in the production system. The proposed methodology applied discrete event simulation for production process operations improvement to eliminate non-value adding times and provides good quality products at the lowest cost and highest efficiency. The results are the analysis of the current state of the production system in a South African truck manufacturing industry small and medium enterprise (SMEs) as a potential solution for the production system future state. The identified non-value adding times in the 6 most critical workstations was eliminated by SVSM which resulted in a productivity improvement of 4%, most importantly bringing the productivity to 95% and total cycle time improvement to 451 for small units and 466 for large units. The results proposed combined VSM and Simulation techniques which enhance the LEAN application by DES to increase productivity and performance improvement to remain competitive in the global economy.

Location-and-scale transformation of a random variable underpins normal distribution, but it is however fundamentally incorrect for scale estimation such as relative dispersion. In this paper, a parametrized alternative to a normal distribution, called scaloc-normal distribution, is proposed that efficiently works and is fundamentally correct with absolute and relative dispersion estimators. The Monte Carlos simulation experiment was used to generate a total of 600,000 artificial datasets in 600 different simulation scenarios from loc-normal (normal) and scaloc-normal distributions. The absolute and relative dispersion were estimated and compared from the two distributions. The results show that scaloc-normal distribution is a good parametrized alternative to loc-normal distribution, fundamentally correct and efficient with both standard deviation and coefficient of variation. The key statistical advancement from loc-normal to scaloc-normal distribution is its fundamental correctness (i.e., scale-invariant property) with an efficient relative estimator of dispersion (i.e., coefficient of variation). Parametrically, the loc-normal and scaloc-normal distributions are very different, but both have linear transformations.

The Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) are two widely used scales to measure resilience. Although both scales seek to assess an individual’s ability to recover from and adapt to disruptions or stressful events, they may capture different aspects of resilience. While the CD-RISC focuses on resources that can help individuals recover from and adapt to disruptions or stressful events, the BRS directly measures one’s ability to bounce back or be resilient. The aim of this study is to empirically examine the differences between the CD-RISC and the BRS. Two samples (n = 202, 246) consisting of undergraduate students from Taiwan were used. The results of confirmatory factor analysis show that the CD-RISC and the BRS are highly correlated but still distinct. The results of regression analyses show that the CD-RISC and the BRS have unique predictive effects on depression and life satisfaction. The research findings suggest that the CD-RISC and the BRS capture different aspects of resilience. For future research on resilience, researchers should pay attention to the differences between these scales and choose the one that most closely fits their research purpose.

Scale inhibitors are deployed as preventive and rejuvenation operation in oil and gas industry when production operations are under threat or menace of scale blockage. The application of scale inhibitors is carried out through a method known as squeezing. In general, the squeeze process is governed by inhibitor-rock interaction which is described by adsorption/desorption isotherm. Most reservoirs produce loose sand grains or fine sand which float and flow within the pore spaces along with the squeezed scale inhibitors. Hypothetical reports have shown that not all scale inhibitors pumped into the formation adsorb onto the formation rock. A number of factors (irreversible adsorption, pH changes, competing ions, concentration and temperature) have been considered to affect the adsorption and return profile of these scale inhibitors. This review work examines the performances of most common scale inhibitors used in the oil and gas production activities, theoretical application in reservoirs and how loose fine sand grains affect the adsorption and desorption characteristics of squeezed scale inhibitors. Additionally, presented were overviews of previous reports on fine sand production and migration of fine sands through formation pores in reservoirs.

Micro and small wood-processing enterprises represent the heart of the European forest-based industries, being among the key drivers of economic growth in rural, mountainous, and poor regions. Their economic efficiency is of fundamental importance for their existence and the pro-vision of income for the local population in rural areas. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is nonparametric, linear-programming-based approach, commonly used to analyse the efficiency of organizational units. This method allows estimating the economic efficiency of a certain eco-nomic system without assumptions about the functional form between resources and products. Furthermore, DEA determines the efficiency frontier and gives results of whether an enterprise, i.e., a Decision Making Unit (DMU) is efficient or not. The main objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the economic efficiency of micro and small wood-processing enterpris-es in the EU countries and reveal the hidden inputs that facilitate efficiency generation. The eco-nomic efficiency evaluation was carried out on the basis of the official statistical data for the mi-cro and small wood-processing companies in the EU member states for the period 2015-2020 by performing a two-stage DEA analysis. The data used were standardized by value per employee. In addition to the first stage of DEA, fractional regression probit and logit models with four contextual variables were used to reveal the influence of the hidden inputs in the model. The results showed that the micro and small wood-processing enterprises can be regarded as more scale-efficient than technically-efficient entities. The only contextual variable affecting the eco-nomic efficiency was Investments per Person Employed, improving the efficiency by 2% per 1% increase of the investments.

Land cover data are important basic data for earth system science and other fields. Multi-source remote sensing images have become the main data source for land cover classification. There are still many uncertainties in the scale effect of image spatial resolution on land cover classification. Since it is difficult to obtain multiple spatial resolution remote sensing images of the same area at the same time, the main current method to study the scale effect of land cover classification is to use the same image resampled to different resolutions, however errors in the resampling process lead to uncertainty in the accuracy of land cover classification. To study the land cover classification scale effect of different spatial resolutions of multi-source remote sensing data, we selected 1 m and 4 m of GF-2, 6 m of SPOT-6, 10 m of Sentinel-2 and 30 m of Landsat-8 multi-sensor data, and explored the scale effect of image spatial resolution on land cover classification from two aspects of mixed image element decomposition and spatial heterogeneity. For the study area, we compared the classification obtained from GF-2, SPOT-6, Sentinel-2, and Landsat-8 images at different spatial resolutions based on GBDT and RF. The results show that (1) GF-2 and SPOT-6 had the best classification results, and the optimal scale based on this classification accuracy was 4–6 m; (2) the optimal scale based on linear decomposition depended on the study area; (3) the optimal scale of land cover was related to spatial heterogeneity, i.e., the more fragmented and complex was the space, the smaller the scale needed; and (4) the resampled images were not sensitive to scale and increase the uncertainty of the classification. These findings have implications for land cover classification and optimal scale selection, scale effects and landscape ecology uncertainty studies.

Mass transfer is often the rate determining step for solid-liquid chemical reactions. Decrease of the concentration boundary layer thickness is essential to intensify the chemical reaction. Because the concentration boundary layer exists in the velocity boundary layer, force imposition in the concentration boundary layer by superimposing an electrical current and a magnetic field was proposed. Through, flow can be directly excited in the concentration boundary layer. The previous result indicates that by superimposing a DC current and a gradient magnetic field, the development of the concentration boundary layer was suppressed, because of a macro-scale flow excitation in the whole vessel. And by superimposing the gradient magnetic field with a modulate current, the development of the concentration boundary layer was further suppressed. This is because of the macro-scale flow enhancement and the excitation of a micro-scale flow near the solid-liquid interface. However, the mechanism for the micro-scale flow excitation has not been clarified. To clarify this, a uniform magnetic field was superimposed with the DC current or the modulate current. By this means, only the micro-scale flow was excited near the anode surface. The results found that the non-unform electromagnetic force distribution is the main reason for the micro-scale flow excitation.

Size-based fungal growth studies have limitations. For example, the growth in size stops in closed systems once it reaches the borders and poorly describes the metabolic status, especially in the stationary phase. This might lead mycotoxin studies to unrealistic results. Color change could be a viable alternative as pigments are results of the mold’s metabolic activity. This study aimed to verify the possibility of using gray values and the RGB system to analyze the growth of Fusarium graminearum. It consisted color and area measurement using the ImageJ software for specimens grown in yeast extract agar (YEA). The results suggest the usability of color and gray values as reliable tools to analyze the growth of F. graminearum.

The biodiversity of the State National Natural Park (SNNP) "Buiratau" has not been studied, as it is young in Kazakhstan. The purpose of our study was an independent botanical and geographical study of the vegetation cover of the SNNP "Buiratau". This study have been carried out using the method route-reconnaissance and identifying plants, according to plant guide “Flora of Kazakhstan” (1999), “Key to Plants of Central Asia” (1974). The results showed that depending on the geographical location (Kazakh highland, steppe zone) of the SNNP "Buiratau" territory this natural complex has a very diverse botanical feature. In these types of vegetation of this territory, there are both Red Data Book and rare and endemic plants, such as black alder and birch forests, the peculiarity of which is that some species (Alnus glutinosa (L) Gaertn, Betula Kirghisorum Sav. - Rysz.) are listed in the Red book and very few. Medicinal, plant species and their resource potential are an important component of the flora. The analysis showed that the SNNP "Buiratau" is a unique natural environment, which is characterized by 10 species of plants listed in the Red Book, and 26 species of rare and endangered species.

We present the first evidence of lethal interspecific aggressive behavior against Burmeister’s porpoise Phocoena spinipinnis, in a non-predatory context, and the first indications of such behavior in a cetacean from Chilean waters. Two cases, both adult males, are described. Analysis of the fresh tooth rakes, specifically the inter-rake distance, points to common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus as aggressor. Interdental distances measured on skulls allowed us to exclude Orcinus orca, Globicephala melas, Lagenorhynchus obscurus and Pseudorca crassidens. Evidence of severe blunt trauma, including extensive subdermal hematomas, rupture of pleura and extrusion of lung parenchyma, underscores the level of violent aggression. The reason is unknown but Tursiops truncatus is well-documented to occasionally harass and kill harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena in the Northern Hemisphere. Considering the scarce information available on the biology and behavioral ecology of Burmeister’s porpoises in Chile and elsewhere, we recommend more systematic field research. Also, as to help formulate effective management measures that can mitigate the main threat for this species in Chile (as in Peru), i.e. fisheries interactions. In Chile, P. spinipinnis is classified as Data Deficient (D.S. N°06-2017), so its real conservation status is unknown.

Women's empowerment represents a process in which they are recognized as subjects of rights. Despite advances in women's rights, inequalities persist in various areas. This study aims to validate a psychometric scale of 31 items in seven factors: Participatory Empowerment, Temerity, External Influences, Independence, Social Satisfaction and Equality. The objective is to measure the empowerment of women in the university context. The research was carried out in a transversal and non-experimental manner, with the participants' voluntary collaboration, including the participation of 1,478 university students from four Higher Education Institutions in Zone 4 of Ecuador. The data was analyzed through inferential statistics, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The results indicated that the instrument for measuring empowerment can be made up of 24 items grouped into six factors, and this model showed a good fit.

The Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS) was developed 10 years ago to assess pain through characterisation of changes in five facial features or action units. The strength of the technique is that it is proposed to be a measure of spontaneous or non-evoked pain. A comprehensive scoping review of the academic literature was performed. The MGS has been employed mainly in evaluation of acute pain, particularly in the pain and neuroscience research fields. There has however been use of the technique in a wide range of fields, and based on limited study it does appear to have utility for pain assessment across a spectrum of animal models. Use of the method does allow detection of pain of a longer duration, up to a month post-initial insult. There has been less use of the technique using real-time methods and this is an area in need of further research.

Recently, the Portuguese parliament approved the decriminalisation of euthanasia for incurable illnesses. As the experiences of other countries show us, it will be a matter of time before mental disorders are addressed. Studying the phenomenon, particularly in vulnerable groups, in advance is essential for proper law drafting. Therefore, instruments which allow an objective assessment and comparison between groups must be available. This study aims to explore the validation of Faria's Attitude about Euthanasia scale in Portuguese older adult patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder. A sample of 114 older adult patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder collected by convenience in the Psychiatry Department of Senhora da Oliveira Hospital in Portugal was included. The pre-final version of the scale was tested in a small group with good results. The validity of the internal structure was analysed using exploratory factorial analysis. The internal consistency study verified reliability. For construct validity, we assessed the correlation with other validated scales measuring attitudes toward euthanasia, cognitive performance, personality and empathy. Attitude about euthanasia scale showed good internal consistency. One factor was retained in the principal component analysis. Significant correlations verified construct validity. The results support the scale's usefulness and validity. This study makes available a unique instrument to assess the overall tendency of the attitudes towards euthanasia in European-Portuguese, which can be used, for example, to compare Portuguese with Brazilian older adult psychiatric patients suffering from the same disorder. Furthermore, the adapted scale paves the way for other cross-cultural translations, adaptations, validations, and comparative analyses.

The present paper investigates numerically the resistance at full-scale of a zero-emission, high-speed catamaran in both deep and shallow water, with the Froude number ranging from 0.2 to 0.8. The numerical methods are validated by two means: a) comparison with available model tests; b) a blind validation using two different flow solvers. The resistance, sinkage and trim of the catamaran, as well as the wave pattern, longitudinal wave cuts and cross-flow fields, are examined. The total resistance curve in deep water shows a continuous increase with the Froude number while in shallow water, a hump is witnessed near the critical speed. This difference is mainly caused by the pressure component of total resistance, which is significantly affected by the interaction between the wave systems created by the demihulls. The pressure resistance in deep water is maximised at a Froude number around 0.58, whereas the peak in shallow water is achieved near the critical speed (Froude number ≈ 0.3). Insight into the underlying physics is obtained by analysing the wave creation between the demihulls. Profoundly different wave patterns within the inner region are observed in deep and shallow water. Specifically, in deep water, both crests and troughs are generated and moved astern as the increase of the Froude number. The maximum pressure resistance is accomplished when the secondary trough is created at the stern, leading to the largest trim angle. In contrast, the catamaran generates a critical wave normal to the advance direction in shallow water, which significantly elevates the bow and creates the highest trim angle as well as pressure resistance. Moreover, significant wave elevations are observed between the demihulls at supercritical speeds in shallow water which may affect the decision for the location of the wet deck.

An accurate understanding of jointed rock mass behavior is important in many applications ranging from deep geological disposal of nuclear waste to deep mining to urban geoengineering projects. The roughness of rock fractures and the matching of the fracture surfaces are the key contributors to the shear strength of rock fractures. In this research, push shear tests with three normal stress levels of 3.6, 6.0, and 8.5 kPa were conducted with two granite samples with artificially induced well-matching tensile fractures with sizes of 500 mm × 250 mm and 1000 mm × 500 mm. The large sample reached on average a -60 % weaker peak shear stress than the medium-sized sample, and a strong negative scale effect was observed in the peak shear strength. The roughness of the surfaces was measured using a profilometer and photogrammetry. The scale-corrected profilometer-based method (JRC) underestimates the peak friction angle for the medium-sized slabs by -27 % for the medium sample and -9 % for the large sample. The photogrammetry-based (Z’2) method produces an estimate with -7% (medium) and +12 % (large) errors. The photogrammetry-based Z’2 is an objective method that consistently produces usable estimates for the JRC and peak friction angle.

Cancer cells utilize a number of mechanisms to increase their survival and progression as well as their resistance to anticancer therapy: deregulation of growth regulatory pathways by acquiring grow factor independence, immune system suppression, reducing the expression of antigens activating T lymphocyte cells (mimicry), induction of anti-apoptotic signals to counter the action of drugs, activation of several DNA repair mechanisms and driving the active efflux of drugs from the cell cytoplasm and epigenetic regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). Due to the fact that it is commonly diagnosed late, lung cancer remains a major malignancy with a low five-year survival rate; when diagnosed, the cancer is often highly advanced and the cancer cells may have acquired drug resistance. This review summarizes the main mechanisms involved in cisplatin resistance and in interactions between cisplatin-resistant cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. It also analyses changes in the gene expression profile of cisplatin sensitive vs. cisplatin resistant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cellular model using the GSE108214 Gene Expression Omnibus database. It describes a protein-protein interaction network that indicates highly-dysregulated TP53, MDM2 and CDKN1A genes as they encodes the top networking proteins that may be involved in cisplatin tolerance, these all being upregulated in cisplatin-resistant cells. Furthermore, it illustrates the multifactorial nature of cisplatin resistance by examining the diversity of dysregulated pathways present in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells based on KEGG pathway analysis.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a slowly progressive spinal cord disorder with no effective treatment. There is much of interest in developing potential biomarkers for predicting the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP disorder. This study used Illumina massive parallel sequencing (MPS) technology to assess the cellular global noncoding RNAome expression profile in HAM/TSP patients (n = 10), asymptomatic HTLV-1 infected carriers (ASP, n = 8), and a second group of healthy controls (n = 5). Using various bioinformatics tools, the sRNA MPS reads were aligned, annotated, and profiled. There were 251 known and 50 potential novel sRNAs among the 402 detected sRNAs in the HAM and ASP groups versus the HC group. Sixty-eight known sRNAs were found to be significantly different between the ASP and HAM groups. In HAM vs ASP subjects, 88 mature miRNAs were downregulated. Three of these miRs (hsa-miR-185-5p, 32-5p, and 192-5p) have the potential to be used as biomarkers for predicting the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP. The top seven deregulated miRS target genes were linked to a variety of biological processes and molecular functions. Relevant reactome pathways to our findings provide a rich source of data and an opportunity to further understand sRNA regulation and function in HTLV-1 pathophysiology.

We investigated by Real-time PCR and end point PCR the presence of 10 potential zoonotic viruses in 91 small mammals sold as pets in pet shops of Southern Italy. The animals were analysed for: aichivirus, sapovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A virus, noroviruses (GI and GII), rotavirus, circovirus, coronaviruses. Among the 9 species of small mammals analysed (golden hamsters, Java squirrels, mongolian gerbils, peruvian guinea pigs, pet mice, pet rats, dwarf rabbits, african hedgehogs and sugar gliders) 12 pet rats, 11 pet mice and 1 golden hamster tested positive to a PCR amplifying a conserved gene (RdRp) of coronavirus. However further characterizaton by sequencing gave not conclusive results. A pet rat resulted instead positive to aichivirus and its sequence showed similarity with a murine kobuvirus-1 strain identified in China. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the detection of aichivirus in rodents in Italy, the virus probably introduced through the importation of animals from Asia. Since living in close contact to humans, expecially with children, the continuous monitoring of the small mammals is very important to avoid the spread of new pathologies among animals and humans and further investigation is desirable in order to safeguard public health.

Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNAi technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss small RNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. We explore some challenges with possible solutions. Furthermore, exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control.

Microbial contamination is now more common than chemical contamination in Tibet, and water-borne microbes can cause a number of diseases that threaten public health. Thus, in order to clarify the spatiotemporal distribution of bacteria in small watersheds for which there is no data in Tibet, we set up four sampling points along an upstream-downstream transect of the Xincang River Basin. We collected 239 water samples in 2014 and 2015, and evaluated their total constituent numbers of bacteria (TB) and coliforms (TC). The results of this study show that the microbial contamination of the Xincang River Basin is mild-to-moderate in terms of TB and TC contents, and that these concentrations vary significantly in different seasons. Results show that in summer TB and TC concentrations in the downstream section of this river were highest and that microbial contamination was most serious. Data also demonstrate that precipitation is the most important factor underlying increases in TB and TC concentrations during the summer months; both these variables are significantly correlated with precipitation, while animal husbandry and domestic sewage are the main sources of microbial contamination overall. The results of this study are likely to reflect the basic characteristics of small watersheds for which there is no data to some extent, and are thus of significant practical importance for protecting their ecological environments and promoting sustainable development.

This paper deals with the analysis of the cognitive functions of the cerebral cortex or cortex in the evolutionary context. The triune brain model is presented given its notorious popularity in fields that are not strictly neuroscientific, and its limitations and inaccuracies are also shown. Although it is an outdated theory, this one represented the passage to a new era, because it really was the model of the movement towards understanding the brain in evolutionary terms. Next, the paper illustrates the different areas of the cortex and their functions, as well as the evolution of the brain and the cortex in vertebrates. To date, the expansion of the cortex with the amniotes was placed 300 million years ago, although recent studies place it in the lampreys more than 500 million years ago. Evolutionary changes in mammalian brain and cortex size are discussed, showing the evolution from three to six cell layers and trends in different groups of mammals. Finally, the most recent contributions in the field of research are illustrated, such as the role of neurogenesis and the evolution of the connectivity of the cortex.

We carry out in a thin heterogeneous porous layer, the multiscale analysis of Smoluchowski's discrete diffusion-coagulation equations describing the evolution density of diffusing particles that are subject to coagulate in pairs. Assuming that the thin heterogeneous layer is made of microstructures that are uniformly distributed inside, we obtain in the limit an upscaled model in lower space dimension. We also prove a corrector-type result very useful in numerical computations. In view of the thin structure of the domain, we appeal to a concept of two-scale convergence adapted to thin heterogeneous media to achieve our goal.

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is generated during methionine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is typically defined as levels >15 micro mols/L. Elevated plasma levels of Hcy can be caused by the deficiency of either vitamin B12 or folate. The active role of homocysteine is quite ambivalent: many studies detected its potential impact on neurological events; others try to identify it as one of the possible risk factors of cardiovascular events, but with a complementary and secondary role. HHcy has been reported in many neurologic disorders, including cognitive impairment and stroke, independent of long-recognized factors such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. Nowadays, homocysteine could be considered as a possible link between a common vascular risk factor and potential alterations in degenerative neuronal disorders. HHcy-induced oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress; all these aspects have been considered to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including atherosclerosis, major stroke, and vascular dementia. Specific models of astrocytes impairment in HHcy-mice, which mimic small vessel disease, have been developed with a three-step investigation (at 6, 10, 14 weeks of B6, B9, and B12 detrimental diet in wild type HHcy mouse). These studies found out that after ten weeks on a diet (at the most after 14 weeks), end-feet disruption occurs. This phenomenon is concomitant to reduced vascular labeling for aquaporin -4-water channels, lower protein/mRNA levels for Kir4.1, and BK potassium channels, associated with a higher expression of MMP-9. The most exciting finding is that microglial activation in this mice model was evident since the precocious time of observation (6-week time) and precedes astrocytic changes. Our research aims to review the possible role of HHcy in neurodegenerative disease and small-vessel disease and to understand its pathogenic impact.

Entrepreneurial activities in economic and social domains are considered one of the conditional pillars for successful transformation of resource-rich countries to sustainable, knowledge-based and diversified economies. However, there is no, and cannot be, a single recipe for such a transformation as every country or region needs to develop its own strategy, policy toolbox and implementation plan depending on its historical and present socio-economic make up and trajectory. This paper advances the qualitative findings of a previously published work to delve deeper into the complexities of entrepreneurship within resource-based economies, with a particular focus on Qatar. Employing a mixed methodology that blends explanatory and quantitative analysis, this paper aims to validate and refine the entrepreneurship framework proposed previously, ensuring its relevance and adaptability to Qatar's unique economic and cultural context, and its extendibility to similar resource-rich country settings. It systematically focuses on discovering various social, economic, and environmental dimensions critical to fostering entrepreneurship in resource-rich countries. These include examining government policies, cultural and social factors, financial support mechanisms, innovation ecosystem, technology adaptation, and digitization. A primary component of this study is the methodological approach, which includes collecting and analyzing quantitative data through a survey developed based on previous findings on qualitative explorations. This approach allows for an objective assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed recommendations. The paper presents a set of detailed recommendations aimed at various stakeholders, including government bodies, supporting agencies, and entrepreneurs themselves. These recommendations encompass integrating entrepreneurship education into academic curricula, increasing easy access to business and market information, simplifying, unifying and streamlining policies and procedures, and adapting them into the legal system. Other important and unique recommendations include establishing a country-wide entrepreneurship free-zone (Ent-Q) and facilitating its operations though an online digital platform (Ryadah), allocating certain percentage of governmental ministries’, agencies’ as well as large corporations’ budgets into innovative small business development programs and preferred purchasing from small business. These initiatives are validated to become effective tools and avenues to create a conducive entrepreneurial environment, facilitating transformation into a diversified, knowledge-based and sustainable economy. The expected outcomes of implementing these recommendations include an increase in the efficiency of entrepreneurship-related policymaking, a rise in the number, quality and impact of entrepreneurs, and the sustained diversification of the economy into non-oil/gas sectors and actors. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive set of strategies and recommendations expected to significantly contribute to the nurturing and growth of entrepreneurship in resource-based economies.

Genetic susceptibility in psoriasis is a topic of interest in the initiative to improve targeted treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss genes linked to psoriasis and the available treatment options in context of targeting respective gene products implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In order to identify relevant genetic markers and treatments, we developed a literature search utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Web of Science with keywords, including genetic susceptibility to psoriasis, genetics and psoriasis, psoriasis treatments, biologics treatments in psoriasis. Articles in English from database inception to 1/1/23, were included. Case reports and series were excluded. Gene variant forms commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis include those encoding for interleukins, interferons, and other mediators involved in inflammatory pathways, such as JAK/STAT, NFk-B, and others. Most commonly utilized treatments for psoriasis include drugs that target inflammatory markers like IL23, IL12, IL17, and TNF-a. TYK2 inhibition has been discussed as an emerging treatment strategy. Multiple genes are linked to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This understanding may provide an avenue for further development of pharmacologic strategies targeting underlying genetic pathways. Genetically guided treatment may also allow for greater understanding in the selection of biologics.

In the past few decades, the tourism sector has emerged as a significant economic activity in island nations, particularly in tropical regions. However, most of the tropical islands face similar constraints. National and international tourists visit the SIDS including A & N Islands and contribute to the GDP to significant share. The Covid-19 outbreaks in SIDs including A & N islands shows that number of people infected were less as compared to metros or big cities. However, tourism activities completely stopped due to lockdown resulting in decreasing tourist’s arrival, declined GDP and per capita income of SIDs to greater extent. The information gathered from various sources, mass media and net analysed and interpreted in this chapter. Due to Covid-19 tourist’s arrival declined which has serious consequences on the livelihood of islander. Our analysis revealed A&N Islands deficit in energy available at from different sources by 18.26%. However, they are surplus in protein. The burden of high expenditure coupled with poor infrastructure makes them more vulnerable in the circumstance of pandemic outbreaks. This outbreak has created the question of survival due to loss of jobs, halted economic activates, psychological, health unrest and livelihood threats among the depending people of these Island nations. Therefore, government interventions and subsidized package is very much essential to revive the tourism industry.

Background: The adoption of self-care behaviors among patients with arterial hypertension (AH) plays an important role in the management of their health condition. However, a lack of scales assessing self-care is observed. We aimed to develop and validate the Hippocratic hypertension self-care scale. Methods: From a pool of questions derived from a literature review, 18 items were included in the scale and reviewed by a committee of experts. Participants indicate the frequency at which they follow the self-behavior prescribed in each statement on a five-point Likert scale. Data were collected between April 2019 and December 2019. Re-sults: 202 consecutive adult patients with AH were enrolled in the study. The internal consistency of the scale was found to be 0.807, using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. An exploratory factor analysis identified two do-mains that accounted for 92.94% of the variance of the scale items; however, each sub-scale could not be used as an independent scale. Finally, the test- retest of the scale showed a significant strong correlation (r=0.0095, p<0.001). Conclusion: Our data indicate that the scale is a reliable and valid tool for assessing self-behaviors in patients with AH. Health professionals can use it in their clinical practice to improve the management of patients’ health condition.

The present paper is concerned with the study of the quality of life index. Such an index has become an important index for measuring the well-being of individuals. However, the quality of life index is always a subjective, intangible, and often hard to quantify with precision due to the lack of quantitative models dealing with. The main goal of the present paper is thus to propose a mathematical, quantitative model for the measurement of a quality of life index. The main novelty is firstly the construction of a wavelet dynamic multiscale model to quantify and investigate the effect of time scale on the quality of life index measuring. The proposed procedure is acted empirically on a sample corresponding to Saudi Arabia as a case of study during the period from 2003 to 2020 as part of the 2030-vision plan. Saudi Arabia has implemented the so-called 2030-vision plan where the quality of life improvement is one of the main goals to be attempted. The findings show that wavelets are capable to localize the time-wise behavior of the index contrarily to classical studies which estimate a global view of the index. Moreover, the study shows the link between the quality of life behavior and many other indices.

AbstractPurpose: This study aimed to perform a psychometric evaluation of the preliminary preterm birth risk assessment scale (PBRAS-K) of 32-item. Method(s): There were 299 subjects, 167 in the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) group and 132 in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) group, who delivered before 37⁺⁰ weeks after having preterm symptoms and were admitted to high-risk pregnancy maternal-fetal intensive care units (MFICU). After an item reduction process in EFA, the psychometric property scales were assessed using SPSS 26, and CFA was accomplished using AMOS 27. Results: The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure (KMO) and Bartlett’s χ² test of sphericity confirmed the adequacy of the sample for factor analysis (KMO = .81 (> .80), χ² = 1841.38, p < .001). The final version of the PBRAS-K was comprised of 23 items within seven dimensions. Factor analysis identified items explaining 65.9% of the total variance. The PBRAS-K had a mean score of 35.58 (±10.35) and showed a high internal consistency and satisfactory reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of .85. The PBRAS-K had a low correlation with risk scoring of preterm delivery (RPD) for discriminant validity (r = .45, p < .001), a positive, high correlation with the Somatic Awareness Scale with Spontaneous Preterm Labor (SPL-SAS) for criterion validity (r = .65, p < .001), and with pregnant stress for convergent validity (r = .57, p < .001). RPD and SPL-SAS were moderately correlated (r = .53, p < .001). Conclusion(s): The PBRAS-23-K is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing pregnant women’s risk of preterm birth. Clinical nurses are encouraged to apply and obtain information for effective interventions in MFICU. This scale has meaningful results and reflects the voices of women who had a preterm birth. The scale should be evaluated for standardization and cut-off scores using larger subject sizes in the future.

Repairing of small and isolated delamination area in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) without significantly altering the composite structure is studied in this research. A small drilled hole was introduced at the center of the delamination section of CFRP, providing the channel for epoxy infill of sharp delamination cracks. The pressureless infill repair was achieved through the capillary action of an acetone-diluted resin solution (without hardener) with CNT reinforcement, e.g., 89 m/m% of acetone, 10 m/m% of resin and 1m/m% of CNT. Such an acetone-rich resin pre-coating (RPC) solution is easy to prepare and apply to the drilled hole area. Curing of CNT-toughened resin infill was induced by filling the small-drilled hole with a resin-hardener mixture toughened by CNT/Aramid pulp. The effectiveness of delamination repair with curing periods of two weeks and three months were compared. Flexural strength measurements indicated that 77% (potentially 100%) of the restoration was achievable.

Our work uses Iterative Boltzmann Inversion (IBI) to study the coarse-grained interaction between 20 amino acids and the representative carbon nanotube CNT55L3. IBI is a multi-scale simulation method that has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. It can effectively modify the coarse-grained model derived from the Potential of Mean Force (PMF). IBI is based on the distribution result obtained by All-Atom molecular dynamics simulation, that is, the target distribution function, the PMF potential energy is extracted, and then the initial potential energy extracted by the PMF is used to perform simulation iterations using IBI. Our research results have gone through more than 100 iterations, and finally, the distribution obtained by coarse-grained molecular simulation (CGMD) can effectively overlap with the results of all-atom molecular dynamics simulation (AAMD). In addition, our work lays the foundation for the study of force fields for the simulation of the coarse-graining of super-large proteins and other important nanoparticles.

Image segmentation and classification still represent an active area of research since no universal solution can be identified. Established segmentation algorithms like thresholding are problem specific, treat well the easy cases and mostly relied on single parameter i.e intensity. Machine learning approaches offer alternatives where predefined features are combined into different classifiers. On the other hand, the outcome of machine learning is only as good as the underlying feature space. Differential geometry can substantially improve the outcome of machine learning since it can enrich the underlying feature space with new geometrical objects, called invariants. In this way, the geometrical features form a high-dimensional feature space for each pixel, where original objects can be resolved. Alternatives based on the geometry of the image scale-invariant interest points have been exploited successfully in the field of computer vision. Here, we integrate geometrical feature extraction based on signal processing, machine learning, and input relying on domain knowledge. The approach is exemplified on the ISBI 2012 image segmentation challenge data set. As a second application, we demonstrate powerful image classification functionality based on the same principles, which was applied to the HeLa and HEp-2 data sets. Obtained results demonstrate that feature space enrichment properly balanced with feature selection functionality can achieve performance comparable to deep learning approaches.

We are using information from a paper deriving a Lorentz-violating energy-momentum relation entailing an exact mo_mentum cutof as stated by G. Salesi . Salesi in his work allegedly defines Pre Planckian physics, whereas we restrict our given application to GW generation and DE formation in the first 10^-39s to 10^-33s or so seconds in the early universe. This procedure is inacted due to an earlier work whereas referees exhibited puzzlement as to the physical mechanism for release of Gravitons in the very early universe. The calculation is meant to be complementary to work done in the Book “Dark Energy” by M. Li, X-D. Li, and Y. Wang, and also a calculation for Black hole destruction as outlined by Karen Freeze, et. al. The GW generation will be when there is sufficient early universe density so as to break apart Relic Black holes but we claim that this destruction is directly linked to a Lorentz violating energy-momentum G. Salesi derived, which we adopt, with a mass m added in the G. Salesi energy momentum results proportional to a tiny graviton mass, times the number of gravitons in the first 10^-43 seconds

Local air quality is a major concern for the population regularly exposed to high levels of air pollution. The airport, mainly due to its aircraft engines activities during taxiing and take off, is often submitted to heterogeneous but important concentrations of NOx and PM. The study suggests an innovative approach to determine the air traffic impact on air quality at the scale of the airport, its runways and terminals, in order to be able to locate the persistent high concentrations spots. The pollutants concentrations at 10 m resolution and 1 s time step are calculated in order to identify the most affected areas of an airport platform. A real day of air traffic on a regional airport is simulated, using real data as aircraft trajectories (from radar streams). In order to estimate the aircraft emissions, the Air Transport Systems Evaluation Infrastructure (IESTA) is used. Regarding local air quality, IESTA relies on the non-hydrostatic meso-scale atmospheric model Meso-NH using grid-nesting capabilities with 3 domains, for this study. The detailed cartography of the airport distinguishes between grassland, parking and terminals, allowing to compute exchanges of heat, water and momentum between the different types of surfaces and the atmosphere as well as the interactions with the building using a drag force. The dynamic parameters like wind, temperature, turbulent kinetic energy and pollutants concentration are computed at 10 m resolution over the 2 × 4 km airport domain. The pollutants are considered in this preliminary study as passive tracers, without chemical reactions. This preliminary study aims at proving the feasibility of high scale modelling over an airport with state of the art physical models.

The early detection of cutaneous melanoma, a potentially lethal cancer with rising incidence, is key to increase survival and therapeutic adjustment. Especially in stages II-IV biomarkers are urgently needed for adjuvant therapy purposes after resection and for treatment of metastatic patients. We here investigated if fatty acid (FA) and protein composition of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) deriving from plasma of 0-I, II, and III-IV stage melanoma patients (n=38) could reflect disease stage and thus function as biomarker. The subpopulation of sEV expressing CD81 (CD81sEV) was isolated by an ad hoc immune affinity technique from microvesicle-depleted plasma. Biological macromolecules were investigated by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in CD81sEV. A higher content of FA and a decrease in Saturation Index (C18:0/C18:1), already detectable in early stages, distinguished patients’ from healthy donor CD81sEV. Proteomics (identifier PXD024434) detected an exclusive and significant increase of CD14, PON1, PON3 and APOA5 in stage II and a significant decrease of Rap1b in stage III-IV CD81sEV. The FA and proteomic stage dependent CD81sEV signature strengthens the potential of circulating sEV studies in providing discriminatory information for early diagnosis, prediction of metastatic behavior and follow up of melanoma patients.

Nicotine exposure may affect NSCLC is associated with lung cancer in humans. Whether nicotine exhibits carcinogenesis promoted activities in tumor growth still unknown. Nicotine is known to have dichotomous effects on cancer biology, acting like a pro- or anti-carcinogenesis agent. There are different functions between adenocarcinoma and squamous NSCLC cancer cells. Excess generation of nicotine may inhibit mitochondrial metabolism, protein modification, and DNA cleavage. Materials and Methods: We used the H520 NSCLC line obtained from human lung epithelial cells to detected nicotine growth and toxicity using MTT assay and western blotting. The concentration of nicotine stimulated cell growth to correspond to low concentration, while high concentration was cytotoxic. Results: According to MTT assay results, at 1.0 μM nicotine has significantly enhanced the H520 cell viability (%). Nicotine induced lung cancer carcinogenesis through mechanisms of α7nAchR, EGFR, HDAC2/4/5, Cyclin D/Cyclin E, Bcl-2, p-Akt, and inflammatory proteins of NF-KappaB and COX2 increases at 1.0 μM. Apoptosis proteins were decreases at 1.0 μM nicotine by p21, p27, c-jun, and p38α using western blotting. Nicotine stimulates tumor growth is mediated through α7nicotinic-acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR), possibly involving inflammation. On the other hand, at high nicotine concentrations (> 1.0 μM) with consistent cytotoxic effects and appeared to be due to direct cell kill. Nicotine can prevent apoptosis induced by NSCLC. Conclusion: Therefore, the effects on chemotherapeutics by NSCLC malignant cell lines, nicotine in concentrations as low as 1.0 μM decreased. These mechanisms are responsible for the genotoxic effects caused by nicotine. This leads to downstream effects on decreased apoptosis, increased cell proliferation and transformation. The malignant NSCLC cells respond to the treatment with nicotine in lung cancer, the nicotine-mediated induction of growth may provide one of its links to α7nAchR or EGFR.

The beta-galactoside-binding mammalian lectin galectin-1 can bind, via its carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), various cell surface glycoproteins and has been implicated in a range of cancers. As a consequence of binding to sugar residues on cell surface receptors it has been shown to have a pleiotropic effect across many cell types and mechanisms resulting in immune system modulation and cancer progression. As a result, it has started to become a therapeutic target for both small and large molecules. In previous studies, we have used fluorescence polarisation (FP) assays to determine KD values to screen and triage small molecule glycomimetics that bind to the galectin-1 CRD. In this study surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to compare human and mouse galectin-1 affinity measures with FP as SPR has not been applied for compound screening against this galectin. Binding affinities for a selection of mono- and di-saccharides covering a 1,000-fold range correlated well between FP and SPR assay formats for both human and mouse galectin-1. It was shown that slower dissociation drove the increased affinity at human galectin-1 whilst faster association was responsible for the effects at mouse galectin-1. This study demonstrates that SPR is a sound alternative to FP for early drug discovery screening and determining affinity estimates. Consequently, it also allows association and dissociation constants to be measured in a high throughput manner for small molecule galectin-1 inhibitors.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the failure mechanism and preventive strengthening methods of prefabricated full length small box girder (PSBG) under car explosion. After damage analysis during blast loads using the commercial software Autodyn, three strengthening methods are presented to improve the blast mitigation performance. The results show that the failure modes and bearing capacity are significantly different with various strengthening measures. Adhering U-shaped steel plate can effectively enhance the shear performance of PSBG under blast loads. Strengthening the bottom of the upper flange of box girder with steel plate can effectively mitigate the local bending failure, and enhance the overall flexural capacity during car explosion.

Hepatic macrophages act as the liver’s first line of defense against injury. Their differentiation into pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory subpopulations is a critical event that maintains a delicate balance between liver injury and repair. In our investigation, we explored the influence of the small heterodimer partner (SHP), a nuclear receptor primarily associated with metabolism, on macrophage differentiation during the innate immune response. During macrophage differentiation, we observed significant alterations in Shp mRNA expression. Deletion of SHP promoted M1 differentiation while interfering with M2 polarization. Conversely, overexpression of SHP resulted in increased expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Pparg), a master regulator of anti-inflammatory macrophage differentiation, thereby inhibiting M1 differentiation. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, there was a notable increase in the pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages, accompanied by exacerbated infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) into the livers of Shp myeloid cell specific knockout (Shp-MKO). Concurrently, we observed significant induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfa) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (Ccl2) expression in LPS-treated Shp-MKO livers. Additionally, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) pathways were activated in LPS-treated Shp-MKO livers. Consistently, both pathways were hindered in SHP overexpression macrophages. Finally, we demonstrated that SHP interacts with p65, thereby influencing macrophage immune repones. In summary, our study uncovered a previously unrecognized role of SHP in promoting anti-inflammatory macrophage differentiation during the innate immune response. This was achieved by SHP acting as a regulator for the Pparg, MAPK and NF-kB pathways.

The operation feasibility of small hydropower plants in mountainous sites is subjected to the run-of-river flow which is also depending on a high variability in precipitation and snow cover. Moreover, the management of this kind of systems has to be performed with some particular operation conditions of the plant (e.g. turbine minimum and maximum discharge) but also some environmental flow requirements. In this context, a technological climate service is conceived in tight connection with end users, perfectly answering the needs of the management of small hydropower systems in a pilot area, and providing forecast of river streamflow together with other operation data. This paper presents an overview of the service but also a set of lessons learnt related to features, requirements and considerations to bear in mind from the point of view of climate services developers. In addition, the outcomes give insight into how this kind of services could change the traditional management (normally based on the past experience), providing a probability range of future river flow based on future weather scenarios according to the range of future weather possibilities. This highlights the utility of the co-generation process to implement climate services for water and energy fields but also that seasonal climate forecast could improve the business as usual of this kind of facilities.

Innovation and technology are important tools of minerals sector efficiency and productivity im-provement. The uptake of technologies has proven important levelrs to improve the productivity of mining sector. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of mine-level productivity by using a global data of copper, gold, and platinum from 1991-2020. Various drivers of proioductivity have been analysed to draw policy insights. Empirical findings reveal significant disparities in technical efficiency and productivity across mines and regions. A further decomposition of TFP into its different components suggest that the adoption of innovative practices and investment in technology adoption could improve the overall productivity of these commodities. The findings also suggest that an appropriate input mix and optimal scale of production could boost platinum mining productivity. Regional disparities in productivity in different commodities (e.g., South Africa vs. Zimbabwe) give policymakers with insights into how to support production scale and productivity through appropriate input mixtures.

Zoonotic abortive diseases represent a significant health and economic risk for national public health. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to October 2021 among 200 selected small ruminant farmers in the three northern regions of Cameroon. Data collection was done through questionnaires administered by exchange with the herder and responses were coded and recorded on an Excel spreadsheet. The data were then analyzed with R software, version 2.13.0. An ANOVA test was used to assess significant differences in mean of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perception of zoonotic risks (KAPP) scores between regions. Pearson correlations were used to calculate the association between KAPP scores within regions. Small ruminant farmers surveyed had low mean scores for knowledge of abortive Toxoplasmosis and Chla-mydophilosis (0.1 ± 0.2), desirable attitude (0.32 ± 0.07), appropriate practice (0.36 ± 0.13) in managing abortion, and positive perception of zoonotic risks of Toxoplasmosis and Chlamydo-philosis in small ruminants (0.12 ± 0.33), respectively. KAPP was significantly (p<0.01) and posi-tively associated with knowledge (r=0.98) and risk perception (r=0.99). However, attitudes (r=0.06), practices (r=0.05) and risk perception of toxoplasmosis (r=0.07) and Chlamydophilosis (r=0.08) were not associated with farmers' knowledge. This study revealed significant knowledge gaps, low levels of desired attitudes, and high-risk behavioral practices. These results therefore call for capacity building of health professionals and farmers to better integrate the One Health concept in the management of neglected zoonotic diseases.

Interspecific competition between herbivorous insects is a major selection pressure affecting the distribution, abundance, and structure of their populations. Facilitator-mediated interactions, such as mutualism, can influence competition. Furthermore, the temporal dynamics of competitive relationships affect the interaction’s outcome. Here, we re-evaluated the data on the competition for space between two herbivorous insects commonly known as scales (Toumeyella martinezae and Opuntiaspis philococcus) in either the presence or absence of Liometopum apiculatum (a mutualistic species of T. martinezae) and its variations over time. We selected 27 Myrtillocactus geometrizans plants on which the studied insects were present; the plants were classified into one of five different conditions: either of the scale species were present on the plant, without its competitor; T. martinezae with neither its mutualistic species nor the competitor; and both scale species competing in either presence or absence of the mutualistic species. We kept a photographic record of each condition, measured the size of (as an indicator of the development stage) and area occupied by the individual scales, estimated the total coverage of each scale species, and assessed their relative occupation of space and their competitive intensity. We found temporal variations in competitive intensity. T. martinezae occupied more space during the first months, whereas O. philococcus did so towards the end of the study period. The population structure changed over time and between species, affecting the competitive interactions. In conclusion, the dynamics of competition change over time, and the mutualistic species has a positive effect on T. martinezae when the scales are in competition. However, temporal variations resulting from changes in the life cycle of the scales allow the two competitors to coexist in the same place at the same time.

Introduction: Lack of certainty or knowledge in health professions generates uncertainty, affecting clinical practice in decision-making (diagnostic or therapeutic), intervention design and therapeutic communication. In nursing, the lack of information to predict prognosis and outcome of interventions generates uncertainty: recognizing and managing it is essential for individualized, safe, and effective care. Objective: to assess uncertainty and the perception of a debriefing within the same shift ("intrathoracic pass") as a proposal for improvement. Method: ad-hoc survey of nursing professionals and Auxiliary Nursing Care Technicians (ANC). Variables: age, work experience, PRU scale (Physisicians' Reactions to Uncertainty) and additional question on intrathoracic pass. Results: Sample: 61 nurses and 10 TCAE (90.14 % female, 9.86 % male; mean age 35.18, standard deviation SD=13.04). Mean professional experience 11.74 years (SD=12.21); 56.33% had ≤4 years of experience. Origin: 49.30% Intensive Care Units (ICU), 11.27% Hospitalization, 7.04% Emergency, 1.41% Primary Care and 30.99% Other Services. The mean level of uncertainty was 27.99 points (max. possible 75; SD=7.50), with stress (mean=25.55, max. possible: 40; SD=5.24) and anxiety (mean=15.80, max. possible: 25; SD=3.05) as major manifestations. The association uncertainty-age (r=0.339; p=0.004) and uncertainty-experience (r=0.391; p=0.001) correlated negatively (the older and more experienced, the less uncertainty), with no significant differences between degrees or services. 91.55% stated that the intra-day pass was useful to reduce uncertainty during the working day. Conclusion: Uncertainty is frequent in nursing, and implementing the intrashift pass is perceived as a competent strategy.

The thermal lubrication of an entangled polymeric liquid in wall-driven shear flows between parallel plates is investigated by using a multiscale hybrid method coupling molecular dynamics and the hydrodynamics (i.e., the synchronized molecular dynamics method). The temperature of the polymeric liquid rapidly increases due to viscous heating once the drive force exceeds a certain threshold value. The rheological properties of the polymeric liquid drastically change at around the critical drive force. In the weak viscous-heating regime, the conformation of polymer chains is dominated by the local shear flow so that the anisotropy of the bond orientation tensor grows as the drive force increases. However, in the large viscous-heating regime, the conformation dynamics is dominated by the thermal agitation of polymer chains so that the bond orientation tensor recovers more uniform and random structures as the drive force increases, even though the local shear flows are further enhanced. Remarkably, these counter-intuitive transitional behaviors give an interesting re-entrant transition in the stress--optical relation, where a linear formalism in the stress--optical relation approximately holds even though each of the macroscopic quantities behaves nonlinearly. The robustness of the linear stress--optical relation is also confirmed in the spatiotemporal evolution at the hydrodynamic level.

The paper shows an analysis of the large-scale distribution of galaxy spin directions of 739,286 galaxies imaged by DES. The distribution of the spin directions of the galaxies exhibits a large-scale dipole axis. Comparison of the location of the dipole axis to a similar analysis with data from SDSS, Pan-STARRS, and DESI Legacy Survey shows that all sky surveys exhibit dipole axes well within 1$\sigma$ error from each other. While non-random distribution is unexpected, the findings are consistent across all sky surveys, regardless of the telescope or whether the data were annotated manually or automatically. Possible errors that can lead to the observation are discussed. The paper also discusses previous studies showing opposite conclusions, and analyzes the decisions that led to these results. Although the observation is provocative, and further research will be required, the existing evidence justifies to consider the contention that galaxy spin directions as observed from Earth are not necessarily randomly distributed. Possible explanations can be related to mature cosmological theories, but also to the internal structure of galaxies.

Abstract: Comparing outcrop data to laboratory results is important to verify and validate experiments of analogue and reservoir materials especially regarding conditions for deformation experiments. This is important better understand highly complex carbonate reservoir strata and their response to changes in subsurface conditions, reducing subsurface uncertainty. This study develops methods to allow for a more straightforward comparison of outcrop data (m-scale) with experimentally created fracture arrays developed in cylindrical samples (cm-scale). The main objective is to assess usefulness of experimentally-produced fracture networks as analogues for subsurface structures, typically at the meter and above scale by developing new techniques to use the lab deformation. It analyses key characteristics of laboratory-induced fracture networks by adapting scanline methods to use with x-ray tomography (XRT) images to allow for comparison with outcrop and field data. To test and verify these new methods two low permeability carbonate samples were used for deformation testing and analysis. Applying the different scanline methods we show that they can be used to analyse lab induced fractures (mm to cm-scale) identified in XRT images for comparison with outcrop data (m-scale). In addition, these methods also allow for quantification of fracture network attributes e.g. fracture spacing, fracture apertures, orientation. This new data bridges the gap between micro-scanlines using thin sections and outcrop scanlines.

Background: Patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) have bothersome symptoms that may assess using the visual analog scale (VAS). Asthma frequently is associated with AR. The present study investigated the role of VAS in children with newly-diagnosed AR. Methods: Parameters were VAS for nasal and asthma symptoms, and doctor’s perception of these diseases, medication use, and asthma comorbidity. Results: 67% of AR children had asthma. Severity of perceived nasal symptoms was associated with more intense asthma symptoms and doctor’s perception of disease severity (p<0.001 and p=0.02, re-spectively. Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis frequently is associated with asthma in child-hood. Symptom perception assessment using VAS is a simple tool for assessing their intensity. Moreover, the severity of nasal symptoms is associated with asthma symptom severity. Therefore, asthma should be carefully considered in AR children and require appropriate symptom perception assessment.

The grinding process by friction at the micro-scale in a mill with stones is considered a variable combination of contacts: with two-body (the asperities of lower millstone in direct contact with the asperities of upper millstone) and the three-body (micro-particles of ground seeds trapped between the asperities of lower and the upper stones of the mill). Three elements are described: (1) the mechanic contact of the asperities of the lower and upper millstone, to predict pressures on asperities, by modeling; (2) tests on a millstone sample covered with grinding particles, and (3) tests on a wafer sample formed by the millstones with the grinding particles between them. The paper highlights the combined effects of the micro-scale friction by individual measurements and to sum these effects an analytical model was used, and to validate the model, several experiments were performed. A suitable grind by friction assumes the grain’s movement and the interaction between the seeds and solid surfaces and is highlighted through theoretical and experimental studies. Topography analysis of the surface of the millstones revealed the model of microscopic frictional force. Endpoint measurements (the traces of the surface topography evolution), enable model verification in the grinding process.

Thanks to its valuable assessment possibilities (subjective complaints and changes in nasal patency in the course of the examination), nasal provocation test may serve as an alternative tool for oral food challenges in the future. However, this test requires successive attempts to regulate its methodology in order to develop a standardized lyophilisate form and determine the threshold dose for a positive result. The study objective was to present the methodological foundation for nasal food allergen provocation tests induced by freeze-dried powdered chicken egg white. A control group of 25 individuals with no history of allergy to chicken eggs or any other allergy was included in the study. Optical rhinometry and visual analog scale were used to assess the response of nasal mucosa to local allergen challenge. Minor variations in nasal flows as measured by optical rhinometry were observed in the provocation tests. The mean optical density measurements (as measured regardless of the allergen dose used) varied from positive to negative values and vice versa; e.g., amounting to 0.018 OD (standard deviation 0,095) at 15 minutes and −0.011 OD (standard deviation 0,090) at 30 minutes. No significant differences were observed with regard to the perceived nasal discomfort using the visual analog scale. Due to the absence of nasal mucosal reactivity, nasal challenge is an excellent methodological tool for implementing food allergen tests.

Alfalfa is an important forage crop around the world. LncRNAs are considered to be a class of functional biomacromolecules, while little is known about lncRNAs in alfalfa. In this study, RNAs from different tissues of alfalfa were sequenced and anlyzed with full-length transcriptome sequencing technology, yielding the full-length transcripts dataset of alfalfa. Based on sequencing and public RNA-seq data, lncRNAs of alfalfa were predicted genome-wide by CPC2 and PLEK. The results showed most lncRNAs shared low sequence conservation with those in other plant species, part of which seems originate from plastid genome. We also identified 88563 lncRNAs, approximately 99.8% of total lncRNAs, with possibility of coding small ORFs using two prediction tools. Our research generated the biggest sequence set of alfalfa lncRNAs, and revealed some plastid originated lncRNAs with high sequence conservation.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) comprise a diverse class of non-protein coding transcripts that regulate critical cellular processes associated with cancer. Advances in RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) have led to the characterization of non-coding RNA expression across different types of human cancers. Through comprehensive RNA-Seq profiling, a growing number of studies demonstrate that ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNA), play central roles in progenitor B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) pathogenesis. Furthermore, due to their central roles in cellular homeostasis and their potential as biomarkers, the study of ncRNAs continues to provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of B-ALL. This article reviews the ncRNA signatures reported for all B-ALL subtypes, focusing on technological developments in transcriptome profiling and recently discovered examples of ncRNAs with biologic and therapeutic relevance in B-ALL.

The research sought to investigate the long term characteristics of wind in the Kisii region (elevation 1710m above sea level, 0.68^oS, 34.79^o E). Wind speeds were analyzed and characterized on short term (per month for a year) and then simulated for long term (ten years) measured hourly series data of daily wind speeds at a height of 10m. The analysis included daily wind data which was grouped into discrete data and then calculated to represent; the mean wind speed, diurnal variations, daily variations as well as the monthly variations. The wind speed frequency distribution at the height 10 m was found to be 2.9ms^-1 with a standard deviation of 1.5. Based on the two month’s data that was extracted from the AcuRite 01024 Wireless Weather Stations with 5-in-1 Weather Sensor experiments set at three sites in the region, averages of wind speeds at hub heights of 10m and 13m were calculated and found to be 1.7m/s, 2.0m/s for Ikobe station, 2.4m/s, 2.8m/s for Kisii University stations, and 1.3m/s, 1.6m/s for Nyamecheo station respectively. Then extrapolation was done to determine average wind speeds at heights (20m, 30m, 50m, and 70m) which were found to be 85.55W/m², 181.75W/m², 470.4W/m² and 879.9W/m² respectively. The wind speed data was used statistically to model a Weibull probability density function and used to determine the power density for Kisii region.

We focus on macromolecules which are modelled as sequentially growing dual scale-free networks. The dual networks are built by replacing star-like units of the primal treelike scale-free networks through rings, which are then transformed in a small-world manner up to the complete graphs. In this respect, the parameter γ describing the degree distribution in the primal treelike scale-free networks regulates the size of the dual units. The transition towards the networks of complete graphs is controlled by the probability p of adding link between non-neighbouring nodes of the same initial ring. The relaxation dynamics of the polymer networks is studied in the framework of generalized Gaussian structures by using the full eigenvalue spectrum of the Laplacian matrix. The dynamical quantities on which we focus here are the averaged monomer displacement and the mechanical relaxation moduli. For several intermediate values of the parameter’s set (γ, p) we encounter for these dynamical properties regions of constant in-between slope.

Mediterranean catchments are characterized by significant spatial and temporal hydrological variability caused by the interaction of natural as well human-induced abiotic and biotic factors. This study investigates the (non-)linearity rainfall-runoff relationship at multiple temporal scales in representative small Mediterranean catchments (i.e., < 10 km2) to achieve a better understanding of the hydrological response. Rainfall-runoff relationship was evaluated in 44 catchments at annual and event –203 events in 12 of these 44 catchments– scales. A linear rainfall-runoff relation was observed at annual scale with higher scatter in pervious than impervious catchments. Larger scattering was observed at event scale, although pervious lithology and agricultural land use promoted significant rainfall-runoff linear relations in winter and spring. These relationships were particularly analysed during five hydrological years in Es Fangar catchment (3.35 km2; Mallorca, Spain) as a temporal downscaling to assess intra-annual variability in which antecedent wetness conditions played a significant role in runoff generation.

One of the current challenges in Higher Education is the development of students’ emotional competencies, and consequently, how these competencies can be trained. Moreover, this must be addressed within the UN framework of inclusive, equitable, quality education (United Nations Agenda 2030) (SDG 4). To address this challenge, the present study set the following objectives: (1) to analyze pre-service teachers’ level of interest in EI and their perceived level of general EI knowledge, (2) to examine their self-perception of certain variables of emotional knowledge, according to their degree program and year of studies, (3) to analyze the relationship between these emotional knowledge variables and perceived emotional intelligence (EI); and (4) to study the predictive capacity of the study variables on future teachers' emotional knowledge variables. The study sample contained a total of 434 university students from three degree programs at two universities in Spain, of which 82.70% were women, and the mean age was 20.91 years. Two instruments were used: an ad hoc questionnaire, which assessed perceived emotional knowledge according to three variables (General knowledge of EI, where level of training in EI is considered; Intrapersonal knowledge of EI; and Theoretical-practical knowledge related to teaching), and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24), which assesses metaknowledge of emotional states across three variables (Attention, Clarity, and Repair). Results of the study suggest that there are differences in perceived EI knowledge according to students' year of studies and according to their degree, and indicate that students present high interest, while their perceived level of knowledge is low. In addition, emotional clarity is the EI variable that was identified as being important in the emotional knowledge of future teachers. This study shows evidence of the importance of social-emotional competencies in initial teacher training.

Huge filaments with scales from several hundred megaparsecs to gigaparsecs are detected in the distribution of galaxies and clusters, quasars, gamma-bursters. The hypothesis on the nature of the huge filaments as regions of space-time deformation is proposed. An anisotropic deformation of the local region is described by the strain tensor, it depends on the velocities of matter. Galaxies get an extra velocity in the region, which leads to the formation of filamentary structures. The class of exact solution of the GR equations is constructed by introducing the special definition of the Christoffel symbols as function of the velocity of matter. With a definition of these symbols, the motion matter equation turns into identity. For the sake of simplicity, an ideal fluid is considered.

Since the 1970s, land subsidence has been developing rapidly in the Beijing Plain, the systematic study of its evolution mechanism is of great significance to the sustainable development of the regional economy. First, based on ENVISAT ASAT and RADARSAT2 data, the land subsidence data in Beijing Plain were obtained using permanent interferometer technology. Second, based on the GIS platform and using fishing net tools, vector data of ground settlement with different resolutions were obtained. Through a series of tests, a scale of 960 metres was selected as the research unit, and the subsidence rate of the grid was obtained from 2004 to 2015. Finally, based on the Mann-Kendall mutation test method, a trend analysis of land subsidence changes in various grids was carried out. The results showed that single-year mutation mainly distributed in the middle and lower parts of the Yongding River alluvial fan and the Chaobai River alluvial fan, mainly occurring in 2015, 2005 and 2013, respectively. The upper and middle alluvial fan of the Chaobai River, the vicinity of the emergency water source and the edge velocity of the groundwater funnel have undergone several sudden changes. Combined with hydrogeology, basic geological conditions and the impact of the South-to-North Water transfer project, we analysed the causes of the mutations in the grid. The research results can provide a basis for the study and prevention of land subsidence in this area and help to further explore the trend characteristics of land subsidence in this area.

TThe following three objectives were tested in this study: (1) investigate the utility of low-altitude remote sensing using UAS technology to compare the effects of different N application systems in rice production; (2) use spatial extrapolation to scale up plot-level generated to farmer field rice yield data based on crop spectral signatures, and (3) predict and map out rice productivity as a function of N placement systems. Images were captured on a UAV platform at midseason of the rice crop. Orthomosaics were developed for selected fields in rice-producing zones. Grain yields were assessed from low, medium, and high crop health plots delineated based on NDVI values. On the plot scale, UDP outyielded non-UDP by 0.84%. Individual plot yield data were scaled up to the farmer field level through Jenks natural breaks classification and es-tablishing an empirical relationship between OSAVI and plot yields. Assessment of the scaled-up field levelfield-level data also confirmed the superiority of UDP N man-agement over the non-UDP systems in promoting rice yields. Scaling up plot scale da-ta to whole field levels also facilitated generating and mapping expected yield maps for individual farmer fields in the three zones studied. This study has established a tangible simple but tangible protocol protocol for predicting and mapping rice yields in small-scale farmer fields using UAS data.

Auricular keloids pose significant aesthetic and functional challenges, and traditional treatments often fall short in ad-dressing these. Our study presents an innovative combined approach of ablative CO2 and dye laser therapy for improved keloid management. This treatment protocol was applied to 15 patients with auricular keloids after an initial multispec-tral analysis to assess keloid composition. The laser sequence was tailored per patient based on this analysis. Evalua-tions using the Vancouver Scar Scale and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale were carried out at baseline and at 3-week intervals post-treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in these scores at the final follow-up (p<0.05), suggesting improvements in keloid color, texture, and pliability, with minimal adverse events. Additionally, no recur-rence of keloids was observed. Our findings indicate that this novel methodology of multispectral analysis followed by tailored laser therapy may offer a safe and effective solution for auricular keloids, promising enhanced keloid treatment and prevention of recurrence. However, further investigations, including randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm and optimize this treatment protocol.

Marketing is the manner of how to make our sales the best in the market, our prices the most accessible, our clients satisfactory, and thus our brand is the largest distributed. This needs sophisticated and advanced understanding of the total network related. Indeed, marketing data may be seen in different forms such as qualitative and quantitative. However, in the literature, it is easily noticed that large bibliography may be collected about qualitative studies, against few studies on the quantitative point of view. This is a major drawback that makes the marketing science still focusing on the design, although the market is strongly depending on quantities such as money and time. Indeed, marketing data may be a time series such as brand sales per specified periods, brand related-prices over specified periods, market shares, ..., etc. The purpose of the present work is to investigate some marketing models based on time series due to brands. We will precisely study the effect of the time scale on the persistence of brands sales in the market and on the forecasting of such a persistence according to the characteristics of the brand and the related market competition or competitors. Our study is acted on a sample of Saudi brands during the period November 22, 2017 to December 30, 2021.

Capsizing accidents are regarded as marine accidents with a high rate of casualties per accident. Approximately 89% of all such accidents occur in small ships (vessels with gross tonnage less than 10 tons). Stability calculations are critical for assessing the risk of capsizing incidents and evaluating a ship's seaworthiness. Despite the high frequency of capsizing accidents involving small ships, they are generally exempt from adhering to stability regulations, thus remaining systemically exposed to the risk of capsizing. Moreover, the absence of essential design documents complicates direct ship stability calculations. This study utilizes hull form feature data—obtained from the general arrangement of small ships—as input for a deep learning model. The model is structured as a multilayer neural network and aims to infer hydrostatic curves, which is required data for stability calculations.

Small boat fishers are often the lifeblood of remote coastal communities in Iceland, contributing to employment, jobs and economic prosperity. This study conducts exploratory but highly practical research into the efficiency of onboard catch handling practices by Icelandic small boat fishers using fish handling tools called automatic jigging machines. Using applied research methods, this study researches whether standardisation of operations could be applied to make catch handling practices on small boats more time and resource efficient, leading to reduced waste, a consistently higher quality product, and potential increases in economic efficiency and sustainability. Thematic analysis, value stream mapping, flow analysis and Kaizen ideology were adopted to identify gaps and continuous improvement opportunities to standardise processes, leading to exemplary performance. Eight core recommendations are identified, seven of which are classed as straight-forward, ‘do now’ measures according to a Kaizen Priority Matrix. These include human and technological interventions in the areas of safety, organisational arrangements, hygiene, fish handling and bleeding, and cooling. Questionnaire responses reveal four main themes of importance to the sub-sector: changes in recent decades; the importance of small boat fishers; education and improvement; and the particularities of the sub-industry. The latter include the perception of a ‘race against time’ to land the catch, an issue that sometimes contributes to sub-optimal catch handling practices. Although this study has decidedly practical connotations for small boat fishers, its outcomes are also likely to be of interest to academics, particularly those focused on the organisational management of natural resources and general applications of the project management methodology and applied research methods as a means of solving practical problems in everyday life.

Results from the phase III Keynote-024 clinical trial have established Pembrolizumab monotherapy as the first-line standard of care for patients with metastatic NSCLC who have PD-L1 expression ≥ 50%, EGFR and ALK wild-type. However, given the differences between patients treated in routine clinical practice and within a clinical trial, real-world data are needed to confirm the treatment benefit in standard practice. Given the lack of data on large cohorts of patients with long follow-up, we designed a retrospective observational study of patients with NSCLC who were treated with Pembrolizumab, starting from its reimbursement eligibility until December 2020. The primary endpoints were to assess PFS and OS using the Kaplan-Meier method, treatment response and safety. We followed 880 patients (median follow-up: 35.1 months) until February 2022. Median PFS and OS were 8.6 months (95% CI: 7.6-10.0) and 25.5 months (95% CI: 21.8-31.6), respectively. We also found that ECOG PS, PD-L1 expression and smoking habit were prognostic factors for PFS, while age, sex, ECOG PS, smoking habit and histology had an impact on OS. Multivariable analysis confirms prognostic role of PD-L1 for PFS and ECOG for both PFS and OS. 39.9% of patients reported an adverse event, but only 6.3% of patients discontinued therapy due to toxicity. Our results suggest a long-term benefit of Pembrolizumab in the first-line setting as well as a safety profile consistent with the results of Keynote-042. Many collected variables appear to influence clinical outcome, but results from these exploratory unadjusted analyses should be interpreted with caution.

Still, the most common in vitro model for absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) purposes is the Caco-2 cell line. However, clear differences in gene- and protein expression towards the small intestine and an at best fair prediction accuracy of intestinal drug absorption restrict the usefulness as model for intestinal epithelial cells. To overcome these limitations, we evaluated a panel of low-passaged patient-derived colorectal cancer cell lines of the HROC collection concerning similarities to small intestinal epithelial cells and their potential to predict intestinal drug absorption. After initial screen of a larger panel, ten cell lines with confluent outgrowth and long-lasting barrier forming potential were further characterized in close detail. Tight junctional complexes and microvilli structures were detected in all lines, differentiated epithelial cells were abundant in 7/10. All lines expressed multiple transporter molecules, with expression levels in three lines being close to those of small intestinal epithelial cells. Compared to the Caco-2 model, three HROC lines demonstrated both higher similarity to jejunal epithelial tissue cells and higher regulatory potential of relevant drug transporters. In sum, these lines would be better suited human small intestinal epithelium models for basic and translational research; especially for ADME studies.

The glycosaminoglycan, heparan sulphate (HS), orchestrates many developmental processes. Yet its biological role has not yet fully been elucidated. Small molecule chemical inhibitors can be used to perturb HS function and these compounds pro-vide cheap alternatives to genetic manipulation methods. However, existing chemical inhibition methods for HS also interfere with chondroitin sulphate (CS), complicating data interpretation of HS function. Herein, a simple method for the selective inhibition of HS biosynthesis is described. Using endogenous metabolic sugar pathways, Ac4GalNAz produces UDP-GlcNAz, which can target HS synthesis. Cell treatment with Ac4GalNAz resulted in defective chain elongation of the polymer and decreased HS expression. Conversely, no adverse effect on CS production was observed. The inhibition was transient and dose-dependent, affording rescue of HS expression after removal of the unnatural azido sugar. The utility of inhibition is demonstrated in cell culture and in whole or-ganisms, demonstrating that this small molecule can be used as a tool for HS inhibition in biological systems.

Exportin-1, the ubiquitous nuclear protein transporter, is widely confirmed as an active chemotherapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer condition while Juglans mandshurica is a well-studied anticancer plant in some lung cancer cell lines. We intend to find novel exportin-1 inhibitor from Juglans mandshurica with better potential tolerability and pharmaco-dynamo-kinetic properties than the current selective inhibitors of nuclear export in non-small cell lung cancer treatment. Osiris property explorer DataWarrior, Glide standard precision docking, quantum mechanics polarized ligand docking, MMGBSA binding free energy calculations, Jaguar density functional theory analysis, and the online web-based SwissADME were employed respectively in this study to filter the retrieved compounds based on tolerability, toxicity, and Lipinsky’s rule of five violation potential, determine their druggability, establish relative stability of the lead compound in water solvation model, and evaluates druglikeness, lead-likeness, as well as synthetic accessibility of the lead compound. This study reveals eriodictyol as having higher binding free energy (-40 kcal/mol) than that of standard (-39.56 kcal/mol) in exportin-1 active site, better synthetic accessibility score (3.15 versus 3.29), high GI absorption, non-blood brain barrier permeant, lacks Brenk and PAINS alert, obeying Lipinski’s, Ghose’s, Veber’s, Egan’s, and Muegge’s rule of druglikeness and lead-likeness as well as non-cytotoxic to HepG2 cells. We therefore found eriodictyol as a lead-like, non-toxic exportin-1 inhibitor with good predictive stability and pharmacokinetic potential and thus provided data for further validation of eriodictyol as a candidate exportin-1 inhibitor in both preclinical and clinical studies involving lung cancer therapy.

The aim of this study is to provide the scientists with a straightforward correlation that can be applied for predicting the Fanning friction factor and consequently the pressure drop during blood flow in small caliber vessels. Due to the small diameter of the conduit, the Reynolds numbers are low and thus the flow is laminar. The study has been conducted using CFD simulations validated with relevant experimental data acquired using an appropriate experimental set-up. The experiments concern pressure drop measurement during the flow of a blood analogue that follows the Casson model, i.e. an aqueous glycerol solution that contains a small amount of xanthan gum and exhibits similar behavior to blood, in a smooth, stainless steel microtube (L=5.6cm and D=400 μm). The interpretation of the resulting numerical data led to the proposal of a simplified model that incorporates the effect of the flow rate, the hematocrit value (35-55%) and the vessel diameter (300-1800 μm) and predicts with better than ±10% the Fanning friction factor and consequently the pressure drop during laminar blood flow in small caliber vessels.

We have recently introduced the possibility of performing operando small-angle X-ray scattering measurements using a novel industrially relevant injection moulding system for plastics. We show that useful time-resolving measurements can be performed with a time-cycle of 1s and we highlight the possible steps to reduce this to 0.5s. We show how we can use the transmission measurements to provide a time-marker when plastic first enters the mould cavity in the region probed by the incident X-ray beam. We show the opportunities provided by this experimental stage mounted on the NCD-SWEET beamline at ALBA to probe the reproducibility of the injection moulding system on different scales. The design of the equipment allows the development of the structure and the morphology to be evaluated in different parts of mould cavity and we evaluate any differences in a rectangular mould cavity. We identify future prospects for this equipment in terms of novel mould heating and cooling systems and the opportunities for quantitatively evaluating radical approaches to injection moulding technology.

In this study, we aimed to identify blood lymphocytes as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with locally advanced stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). We conducted a secondary analysis of 196 patients enrolled in the Korean Radiation Oncology Group 0903 phase III clinical trial to evaluate the prognostic significance of circulating blood lymphocyte levels. The median total lymphocyte count (TLC) reduction ratio during CCRT was 0.74 (range: 0.29 – 0.97). In multivariate analysis, patient age (p = 0.014) and gross tumor volume (GTV, p = 0.031) were significant factors associated with overall survival, while TLC reduction (p = 0.018) and pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; p = 0.010) were associated with progression-free survival (PFS). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, pretreatment NLR, GTV, and heart V20 were significantly associated with TLC reduction. TLC reduction during CCRT is a significant prognostic factor for PFS, and heart V20 is significantly associated with TLC reduction. Thus, constraining the volume of the radiation dose to the whole heart must be prioritized to reduce TLC.

Background: Lipid disorders are one of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the lipid profile in early childhood in the group of Polish children born small for gestational age (SGA). Materials and Methods: The study included 140 children (93 SGA and 47 controls) aged 5 to 11 years. All children underwent a physical examination and blood tests for the glucose and lipid profile. SGA group was divided in subgroups: symmetrical and asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Results: Blood sample analysis revealed higher levels of total cholesterol levels (SGA group 190.61 +/- 24.66 mg/dl vs control 143.23 +/- 23.90; p&lt;0.001). The analysis of particular fractions of cholesterol showed significantly higher mean values of triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol as well as lower mean values of HDL-cholesterol in children born as SGA. Children in both groups did not differ significantly according to weight and body mass index. A statistically significantly higher glucose concentration was obtained in the group of children with IUGR with symmetrical type of IUGR. Conclusions: Children born SGA even in their early childhood, without overweight or obesity, have abnormal lipid profile, which may be a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the preferred initial treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring EGFR mutations. However, remission is transient, and no further effective treatment options are available for EGFR-TKI-advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induces sustained cancer remission in a subset of NSCLCs. However, ICI therapy exhibits limited activity in most EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Mechanistically, the strong oncogenic EGFR signaling in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs contributes to the non-inflamed tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), characterized by a limited number of CD8+ T cell infiltration, a high number of regulatory CD4+ T cells and a high number of inactivated infiltrated T cells. Besides, EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients are generally non-smokers with low levels of PD-L1 expression and tumor mutation burden. However, current understanding only partially explains why a small population of EGFR-mutant NSCLCs durably respond to ICI therapy, resulting in many researchers actively working in this field. This review reviews the hope seen from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials which may be adopted to improve the outcome of ICI therapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs. Besides, the underlying mechanisms leading to the inferior clinical outcome of ICI therapy in EGFR-mutant NSCLCs are discussed.

The pathogenesis of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) is largely unknown. Endothelial disfunction has been suggested as the turning point in CSVD development. In this study we tested the effect of plasma from CSVD patients on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells with the aim of describing the pattern of endothelial activation. Plasma samples from 3 groups of young subjects have been tested: PTs (subjects affected by early stage CSVD); CTRLs (control subjects without abnormalities at MRI scanning); BDs (blood donors). Human Brain Endothelial Cells 5i (HBEC5i) were treated with plasma and total RNA was extracted. RNAs were pooled to reduce gene expression-based variability and NGS analysis was performed. Differentially expressed genes were highlighted comparing PTs, CTRLs and BDs with HBEC5i untreated cells. No significantly altered pathway was evaluated in BD related treatment. Regulation of p38 MAPK cascade (GO:1900744) was the solely pathway altered in CTRLs related treatment. Indeed, 36 different biological processes turned out to be deregulated after PTs treatment of HBEC5i, i.e., the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway (GO:0019221). Endothelial cells activate inflammatory pathways in response to stimuli from CSVD patients’ plasma, suggesting the pathogenetic role of neuroinflammation from the early asymptomatic phases of cerebrovascular disease.

Traditional camera sensors rely on human eyes for observation. However, the human eye 1 is prone to fatigue when observing targets of different sizes for a long time in complex scenes, and 2 human cognition is limited, which often leads to judgment errors and greatly reduces the efficiency. 3 Target recognition technology is an important technology to judge the target category in camera 4 sensor. In order to solve this problem, a small size target detection algorithm for special scenarios was 5 proposed by this paper. Its advantage is that this algorithm not only has higher precision for small 6 size target detection, but also can ensure that the detection accuracy of each size is not lower than the 7 existing algorithm. In this paper, a new down-sampling method was proposed, which could better 8 preserve the context feature information. The feature fusion network was improved to effectively 9 combine shallow information and deep information. A new network structure was proposed to 10 effectively improve the detection accuracy of the model. In terms of accuracy, it is better than: YOLOX, 11 YOLOXR, YOLOv3, scaled YOLOv5, YOLOv7-Tiny and YOLOv8.Three authoritative public data sets 12 were used in this experiment: a) On Visdron data sets (small size targets), DC-YOLOv8 is 2.5% more 13 accurate than YOLOv8. b) On Tinyperson data sets (minimal size targets), DC-YOLOv8 is 1% more 14 accurate than YOLOv8. c) On PASCAL VOC2007 data sets (Normal size target), DC-YOLOv8 is 0.5% 15 more accurate than YOLOv8.

Small RNAs (sRNA) are epigenetic regulators of essential biological processes that have been linked to the onset and progression of leukemia, including acute adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATLL) caused by the retrovirus Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1. Here, we describe the sRNA profile of a 30-year-old female with ATLL at diagnosis and after maintenance therapy, with the goal of correlating their expression levels with response to therapy.

We develop the theory of Heyting small spaces and prove a new version of Esakia duality for such spaces. To do this, we notice that spectral spaces may be seen as sober small spaces with all smops compact and introduce the method of the standard spectralification. This helps to understand open continuous definable mappings between definable spaces over o-minimal structures.

Medical and translational scientific research requires the use of animal models as an initial approach to the study of new therapies and treatments, but when the objective is an exploration of translational potentialities, classical models fail to adequately mimic problems in humans. Among the larger animal models that have been explored more intensely in recent decades, small ruminants, namely sheep and goats, have emerged as excellent options. The main advantages associated to the use of these animals in research works are related to their anatomy and dimensions very similar to those of humans in most physiological systems, in addition to their low maintenance and feeding costs, tendency to be docile, long life expectancies and few ethical complications raised in society. The most obvious disadvantages are the significant differences in some systems such as the gastrointestinal, and the reduced amount of data that limits the comparison between works and the validation of the characterization essays. Despite everything, recently these species have been increasingly used as animal models for diseases in different systems, and the results obtained open doors for their more frequent and advantageous use in the future. The purpose of this review is to summarize the general principles related to the use of small ruminants as animal models, with focus on regenerative medicine, to group the most relevant works and results published recently and to highlight the potentials for the near future in medical research.

Although researchers have investigated widely the impact of IOD phases on human lives, only a few have examined such impacts on fisheries. In this study, we analyzed the influence of negative (positive) of IOD on a chlorophyll a (Chl-a) concentration as an indicator of phytoplankton biomass and small pelagic fish production in the eastern Indian Ocean (EIO) off Java. We also conducted field surveys in the EIO off Palabuhanratu Bay at the peak (October) and the end (December) of the 2019 positive IOD phase. Our findings show that the Chl-a concentration had a strong and robust association with the 2016 (2019) negative (positive) IOD phases. The negative (positive) anomalous Chl-a concentration in the EIO off Java associated with the negative (positive) IOD phase induced strong downwelling (upwelling), leading to the preponderant decrease (increasing) of small pelagic fish production in the EIO off Java.

We propose a new estimator for creating expansion factors for survey plots in the USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis program. This is a regularized version of the raking estimator widely used in sample surveys. The regularized raking method differs from other predictive modeling methods for integrating survey and ancillary data in that it produces a single set of expansion factors that can have general purpose use to produce small area estimates and wall-to-wall maps of any plot characteristic. This method also differs from other more widely used survey techniques, such of GREG estimation, in that it is guaranteed to produce positive expansion factors. We extend the previous method here to include cross-validation, and provide a comparison to expansion factors between the regularized raking and ridge GREG survey calibration.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 sets an ambitious target of leaving no one without adequate sanitation by 2030. The key concern is the lack of local human and financial capital to fund the collection of reliable information to monitor progress towards the goal. As a result, national and local records may be telling a different story of the proportion of safely managed sanitation that counts towards achieving the SDGs. This paper unveils such inconsistency in sanitation data generated by urban authorities and proposes a simple approach for collecting reliable and verifiable information on access to safely managed sanitation. The paper is based on a study conducted in Babati Town Council in Tanzania. Using a smartphone-based survey tool, city health officers were trained to map 17,383 housing units in the town. A housing unit may comprise of two or more households. The findings show that 5% practice open defecation, while 82% of the housing units have some forms of sanitation. Despite the extensive coverage, only 31% of the faecal sludge generated is safely contained, while 64% is not. This study demonstrates the possibility of using simple survey tools to collect reliable data for monitoring progress towards safely managed sanitation in the towns of global south.

We study electrohydrodynamic (EHD) linear (in)stability of microfluidic channel flows, i.e. the stability of interface between two-shearing viscous (perfect) dielectrics exposed to an electric field in large aspect ratio microchannels. We then apply our results to particular microfluidic systems known as electroosmotic (EO) pumps. Our results are detailed analytical expressions for the growth rate of two-dimensional EHD modes in Couette-Poiseuille flows in the limit of small Reynolds number ($R$); the expansions to both zeroth- and first-order-$R$ are considered. The growth rates are complicated functions of viscosity-, height-, density- and dielectric-constant ratio, as well as of wavenumbers and voltages, and to our knowledge have not been presented before in literature. To make the results more useful, e.g., for voltage-control EO pump operations, we also derive equations for the impending voltages of the neutral stability curves that divide stable from unstable regions in voltage-wavenumber stability diagrams. The voltage equations and the stability diagrams are given for all wavenumbers. We finally outline the flow regimes in which our first-order-$R$ voltage corrections could potentially be experimentally measured. Our work gives the insight into the coupling mechanism between electric field and shear flow in parallel-planes channel flows, correcting an erroneous attempt from literature. Our general analysis enables us also to refine the renowned instability mechanism due to viscosity stratification, i.e., the case of pure shear instability, when the first-order-$R$ voltage correction equals zero.

Pain is a complex multidimensional feeling combined with sensorial and emotional features. The majority of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment reported various degrees of pain, which is perceived as widely variable between individuals, even when the stimulus is the same. Orthodontic pain is considered the main cause of poor-quality outcomes, patients' dissatisfaction, and lack of collaboration up to the interruption of the therapy. A deep understanding of pain and how it influences the patient’s daily life is fundamental to establishing proper therapeutic procedures and obtaining the correct collaboration. Because of its multifaced and subjective nature, pain is a difficult dimension to measure. The use of questionnaires and their relative rating scales is actually considered the gold standard for pain assessment. Depending on the patient’s age and cognitive abilities is possible to choose the most appropriate instrument for self-reported pain records. Although several scales have been proposed and a lot of them are applied, it remains uncertain which of these tools represents the standard and performs the most precise, universal, and predictable task. This review aims to give an overview of the aspects which describe pain, specifically the pain experienced during orthodontic treatment, the main tool to assess self-perceived pain in a better and more efficient way, the different indications for each of them, and their correlated advantages or disadvantages.