Abstract: Background and Purpose: Whole-body electrical muscle stimulation (WB-EMS) is an emerging modality that activates multiple large muscle groups simultaneously via a wearable electrode suit. Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has demonstrated efficacy as an adjunctive strategy in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), WB-EMS has not previously been investigated in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) undergoing CR. This report presents preliminary findings from the active arm of an ongoing randomized trial. Methods: A 73-year-old male with recurrent non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), chronic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 20–25%), and NYHA functional class III was admitted for inpatient CR. Standard CR (cycle ergometry, treadmill, resistance exercises, respiratory physiotherapy, and patient education, five days/week for 24 days) was augmented with WB-EMS (Wiems Revolution Pro device; 85 Hz bipolar, 350 μs, 4s on/4s off, 20-minute sessions) three times per week (~9 sessions). Safety was monitored with serial creatine kinase (CK), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI), NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein (CRP), and venous blood gas with lactate, measured before and 2–3 hours after each session. Results: LVEF improved from 27% to 54% (Simpson biplane); peak workload from 66 to 97 W (+47%); six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance from 390 to 590 m (+51%); and NT-proBNP declined from 544 to 318 pg/ml (−41.5%). EQ-5D-5L EQ-VAS improved from 60 to 90/100. One-month IPAQ data demonstrated sustained increases in daily physical activity. All safety biomarkers remained within acceptable limits throughout the programme. No adverse events were recorded. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of WB-EMS combined with standard CR in an HFrEF patient. The comprehensive serial biomarker monitoring confirmed a favorable safety profile. The striking improvements observed across functional, echocardiographic, neurohormonal, and quality-of-life domains are promising but require confirmation in the ongoing randomized trial, as multiple concurrent therapeutic interventions preclude causal attribution to WB-EMS alone.

Abstract: emergence of musculoskeletal disorders associated with prolonged and improper posture. Medical students are some of the most affected groups due to reliance on such devices due to academic demands. Text neck syndrome is caused by prolonged and repetitive flexion of the neck while using smart devices. TNS has been associated with neck pain, functional disability, reduced mobility, and overall quality of life. Despite the increasing reliance on digital devices and the burdens associated with them, evidence regarding the prevalence and risk factors remains limited. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of TNS among medical students in West Bank universities and to identify factors associated with TNS. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the use of smart devices, ergonomic practices, sociodemographic characteristics, TNS symptoms, and neck disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Results: Among the 358 medical students included in this study, the prevalence of TNS was 46.6%, significant associations included university, year of study, female gender, shorter break time from using devices, degree of neck tilting, tablet holder non-use, height, time on devices, time spent sitting, NDI score, and category. Multivariable regression analysis also showed independent associations with academic year, gender, time spent on digital devices, degree of neck tilting, and non-use of tablet holders. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05, with a 95% confidence interval. NDI showed that 42.7% had no disability, 45.5% had mild disability, 11.2% moderate disability, and 0.6% had severe disability; no cases of complete disability were reported. Conclusion: TNS was prevalent among medical students and had significant associations with sociodemographic, ergonomic, academic, and device use factors, highlighting the need for preventative measures and further research.

Abstract: Agriculture and cultural heritage generate knowledge in similar ways as they are both rooted in land-based, intergenerational, and tacit forms of transmission. This is complicated when generative AI systems are used to replicate these forms of knowledge but often struggle to fully capture relational forms of knowing. As generative AI becomes increasingly more ubiquitous in society, it becomes more important to understand not only how this technology is being used within these respective fields of study but also how it represents these bodies of knowledge. To this effect, this paper uses a case study approach to examine how generative AI like ChatGPT responds to questions related to farming and cultural heritage. Utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis and autoethnography, we critically interrogate ChatGPT prompts that require an understanding of relational knowledge. We show the limitations of ChatGPT and the need to honour relational knowledge practices.

Abstract: Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents, faces treatment challenges due to metastasis and chemoresistance. This study developed a novel Au@Rh core-shell nanoparticle system functionalized with indocyanine green (ICG) to overcome hypoxia-limited photodynamic therapy (PDT). Au@Rh nanoparticles were synthesized via wet chemistry, characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The system exhibited core-shell morphology, defined crystalline planes, photothermal conversion and electrocatalytic activity. The Au@Rh nanoparticles (109 nm total size, 90 nm Au core, 15 nm Rh shell) demonstrated dual functionality: the gold core provided photothermal conversion (7 °C temperature increase under NIR irradiation), while the rhodium shell exhibited pH-independent electrocatalytic activity for H₂O₂ decomposition, generating oxygen to alleviate tumor hypoxia. Crucially, the system showed excellent biocompatibility, with no significant cytotoxicity in both osteosarcoma (HOS) and normal osteoblast (hFOB) cells after 48-hour exposure. When activated by NIR irradiation (808 nm, 16.6 J/cm²), the complete Au@Rh-ICG system achieved selective 67% cytotoxicity in HOS cells versus only 30% in hFOB cells, demonstrating targeted therapeutic efficacy. These results position Au@Rh-ICG as a promising theranostic platform for osteosarcoma treatment, combining enhanced PDT with photothermal therapy while addressing tumor hypoxia.

Abstract: This study addresses the speed control problem of an induction motor (IM) under the field-oriented control (FOC) architecture by proposing a robust controller design that combines the slime mould algorithm (SMA) with sliding mode theory (SMT). Distinct from traditional controller designs with fixed gains, the proposed theory defines the ranges of three gain parameters of the exponential reaching law sliding mode controller—namely, the sliding mode dynamic trajectory control gain, the exponential reaching gain, and the constant speed reaching gain—as the search space for the SMA. An adaptive fitness function is constructed using speed error and the rate of change of speed error to continuously evaluate and update these three gain parameters, thereby determining the optimal gains for the current state. This method allows the system to increase gain values to accelerate reaching when far from the sliding surface, and reduce gains to suppress chattering and minimize overshoot when approaching the sliding surface. Finally, Matlab/Simulink simulation software is used to simulate the proposed robust controller applied to an IM drive system. Its performance is compared with three other controllers: constant speed reaching law, exponential reaching law, and zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA) combined with exponential reaching law. Simulation results confirm that the proposed novel controller demonstrates control performance superior to the other three controllers in both speed command tracking and load regulation response.

Abstract: This paper examines the state of academic literature on the development of after-sales and maintenance services for electric vehicles (EVs), highlighting their critical yet underexplored role in the transition to electrified mobility. Against the backdrop of rising EV sales, the study investigates how service ecosystems influence long-term adoption. A systematic review was conducted to identify recurring themes, barriers, and proposed solutions related to EV maintenance and after-sales systems. The findings indicate that, despite lower mechanical complexity compared to internal combustion vehicles, EVs generate new service demands due to their reliance on electronics, software, and high-voltage systems. Key barriers to EV adoption include high purchase costs, limited charging infrastructure, and shortages of skilled technicians, which collectively affect consumer confidence beyond the point of acquisition. The analysis shows that after-sales services constitute both a technical and economic bottleneck in large-scale EV diffusion. Existing literature predominantly emphasizes theoretical solutions, such as digitalized maintenance and data-driven business models, with limited focus on practical implementation strategies. The paper concludes that sustainable EV adoption depends not only on technological and infrastructural progress but also on workforce adaptation, proposing a transitional management framework to support independent workshops in shifting toward fully electric service operations.

Abstract: Facial expression recognition (FER) is a well-established task in computer vision, yet its application to non-photorealistic domains, such as anime and manga, remains largely underexplored. The stylized, exaggerated, and often non-proportional facial features of illustrated characters present unique challenges for deep learning models trained predominantly on realistic imagery. In this work, we construct a balanced dataset of 3,000 manga and anime face images spanning six emotion categories (Angry, Embarrassed, Happy, Psycho-Crazy, Sad, Scared) and conduct a systematic comparison of two major deep learning paradigms: Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Vision Transformers (ViTs). Specifically, we evaluate ResNet-18, ResNet-50, ViT-B/16, and ViT-S/16 under four fine-tuning strategies: linear probing, partial fine-tuning, full fine-tuning, and progressive unfreezing; enabling a controlled comparison of both architectural families and transfer learning depth. Our results show that fine-tuning strategy significantly impacts performance: the best configuration (ViT-B/16 with progressive unfreezing) achieves 80.89% test accuracy, compared to 61.33% for the weakest linear probe baseline (ViT-S/16), a gap of 19.56 percentage points. Vision Transformers benefit disproportionately from fine-tuning, and the relative ranking of architectures changes across fine-tuning regimes. Confusion matrix analysis reveals persistent cross-class confusion between visually similar emotions (e.g., Happy vs. Embarrassed), while highly distinctive categories such as Psycho-Crazy are consistently well recognized across all architectures.

Abstract: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by impaired metabolic flexibility, oxidative stress, and disruption of the temporal coordination of hepatic processes. Obesogenic diets contribute to this dysfunction by altering redox homeostasis and autophagy, thereby promoting lipid accumulation and cellular stress. In this study, we investigated whether grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), a polyphenol-rich compound with antioxidant properties, can modulate these alterations in a time-dependent manner. Male Fischer 344 rats were fed a standard or cafeteria diet and supplemented with GSPE (25 mg/kg) at the onset of the active phase (ZT12). Liver samples were collected across four Zeitgeber times to evaluate circadian-related proteins, autophagy markers, antioxidant responses, lipid content, and metabolomic profiles. Cafeteria feeding disrupts hepatic homeostasis, reducing BMAL1 protein levels, altering the temporal organization of autophagy markers, and impairing redox regulation. GSPE did not restore core clock protein expression but induced a pronounced, time-specific activation of the NRF2/HO-1 axis, with a marked increase in HO-1 at the onset of the active phase. This effect was associated with a metabolic shift toward amino acid–related pathways linked to redox balance. These findings indicate that GSPE enhances antioxidant defenses in a time-dependent manner, improving redox–metabolic coordination under obesogenic conditions.

Abstract:

Background: The production of evidence syntheses has expanded substantially, yet confusion persists regarding the distinct roles, structures, and scientific validity of protocols, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and umbrella reviews. Mislabeling or conflating these forms undermines research reproducibility and evidence-based decision-making. Objective: To provide a comprehensive, side-by-side methodological comparison of protocols, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and umbrella reviews, including definitions, purposes, key methodological steps, strengths, limitations, and appropriate use cases. Methods: A structured comparative methodological analysis was conducted between February and March 2026. Authoritative guidance documents were identified through a targeted search of PubMed and Google Scholar using keywords “systematic review methodology,” “narrative review,” “umbrella review,” and “protocol registration.” Included sources were the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins et al., 2023), PRISMA 2020 (Page et al., 2021), PRISMA-P (Shamseer et al., 2015), the PRIOR statement for overviews of reviews (Gates et al., 2022), SWiM guideline for narrative synthesis (Campbell et al., 2020), PRISMA-ScR for scoping reviews (Tricco et al., 2018), JBI methodology for umbrella reviews (Aromataris et al., 2015), PROSPERO registry standards, ROBIS (Whiting et al., 2016), AMSTAR 2 (Shea et al., 2017), RoB 2 (Sterne et al., 2019), and GRADE (Schünemann et al., 2011). Key methodological domains (research question formulation, search strategy, risk of bias assessment, synthesis methods, transparency, reproducibility) were extracted and synthesized for side-by-side comparison. Results: A protocol is a pre-registered plan, not a review. A systematic review is a reproducible, bias-minimizing synthesis of eligible primary studies on a focused question. A narrative review is a subjective, flexible summary of a broader topic. An umbrella review is a higher-order synthesis that systematically compiles, appraises, and synthesizes existing systematic reviews. Umbrella reviews extend this hierarchy by synthesizing review-level evidence. Across all domains, systematic reviews and umbrella reviews demonstrated the highest methodological rigor, characterized by predefined protocols, comprehensive search strategies, and formal risk of bias assessment. Protocols functioned exclusively as methodological safeguards, while narrative reviews showed substantial variability and lack of reproducibility. Conclusion: Choosing among these four forms depends on the review question, available evidence base, resources, and intended use. Protocols should precede systematic reviews and umbrella reviews; narrative reviews serve complementary roles in education and hypothesis generation. Accurate differentiation is a prerequisite for maintaining the integrity of evidence-based healthcare.

Abstract: Previous studies showed that IGF1 binds to α6β4 and induces α6β4-IGF1-IGF1R complex, which leads to the IGF1R kinase activation. An IGF1 mutant defective in integrin binding was defective in signaling and ternary complex formation, and acted as an antagonist, although the mutant still bound to IGF1R, suggesting that IGF1 binding to α6β4 plays a critical role in IGF1R activation. β4 has a unique long tail (>1000 residues) and deletion of part of the β4 tail containing the calx-β domain is known to reduce cell proliferation. We thus hypothesized that calx-β is involved in IGF1 signaling. Docking simulation predicted that calx-β binds to IGF1R kinase. We discovered that isolated calx-β bound to the IGF1R kinase domain. Point mutations in the predicted calx-β binding site in IGF1R kinase inhibited calx-β binding to IGF1R kinase. Notably, the isolated calx-β domain with cell-penetrating peptide (Tat-calx-β) enhanced survival of keratinocytes and non-transformed cells without IGF1. Tat-calx-β did not enhance survival of cancer cells. Several missense mutations are clustered in the predicted IGF1R kinase binding site of the calx-β domain of β4 in genetic skin blistering disease (JEB-PA). We discovered that several JEB-PA mutants were defective in calx-β binding to the IGF1R kinase and inhibited cell survival of keratinocytes, suggesting that these mutations may suppress calx-b binding to IGF1R kinase. These findings suggest that IGF1 binding to α6β4 triggers calx-β binding to the IGF1R kinase and activates IGF1R kinase.

Abstract: This study investigates the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of a Ni-based superalloy subjected to combined heat treatment and laser processing. Special emphasis is placed on the quantitative analysis of γ′ Ni₃(Al,Ti) and η (Ni₃Ti) phase distributions using SEM-based statistical methods. OM/XRD were employed for initial structural and phase identification, followed by detailed microstructural characterization using SEM/EDS. The results reveal that γ′ precipitates exhibit a fine and uniform distribution with a high number density, whereas the η (Ni₃Ti) phase appears as relatively coarse and sparsely distributed particles. Statistical size distribution analysis demonstrates that processing parameters significantly influence precipitate morphology and phase stability. Laser treatment promotes redistribution of γ′ precipitates and suppresses η (Ni₃Ti) phase formation, resulting in improved microstructural homogeneity. Mechanical characterization shows a strong correlation between γ′ Ni₃(Al,Ti) phase refinement and enhanced hardness and tensile properties. Fractography analysis indicates predominantly ductile fracture behavior with microvoid coalescence. The findings provide a quantitative understanding of phase evolution and establish a microstructure property relationship for optimizing Ni-based superalloys through advanced processing techniques.

Abstract: Not all sleep loss is the same, and failing to recognise this is the biggest barrier to advancing research in sleep and neurological diseases. This review systematically compares nine rodent sleep deprivation paradigms: gentle handling, the multiple platform method and its variants, the disk-over-water method, the Unpredictable Chronic Sleep Deprivation (UCSD) paradigm developed in our laboratory, novel object introduction, the curling prevention by water approach, automated mechanical systems, and the head-lifting method. It evaluates each for stress confound profile, sleep stage specificity, chronicity, and the neurobiological outcome domains to which it is appropriately suited. We describe the neuroimmune and neurochemical consequences of sleep loss across these models, covering hippocampal synaptic plasticity, prefrontal neurochemistry, glymphatic waste clearance, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, hippocampal neurogenesis, and circadian clock gene regulation, and situate these findings within the translational context of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Special attention is given to the UCSD paradigm, in which five established sleep disrupters, gentle handling, 24/0 h light/dark cycle, platform-over-water, crowded cage, and stroboscopic light, were applied in daily rotation without repetition across fourteen days. Using this paradigm, our group showed that chronic unpredictable sleep disruption, especially when combined with high-dose caffeine, causes prefrontal antioxidant depletion, serotonin loss, acetylcholinesterase upregulation, and synaptophysin reduction, confirmed through immunohistochemistry in Long-Evans rats, a neurochemical signature that aligns with early markers of neurodegeneration. We propose a disease-target-driven model selection framework, a six-priority translational research agenda, and minimum reporting standards for the field.

Abstract: Background: Patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) who develop coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) are at increased risk of future fatal coronary events. Pharmacotherapeutic strategies to prevent coronary stenosis are still lacking. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) losartan, on coronary artery stenosis in a murine model. Methods: Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1,000 μg of Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE) (n=12) to induce coronary artery stenosis. Two weeks later, LCWE-injected mice (n=12) were divided into two groups: six received drinking water containing losartan (100 mg/L) (LCWE+ARB), while six received normal drinking water (LCWE group). A control group (n=5) received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) instead of LCWE. Sixteen weeks after LCWE administration—corresponding to the peak of coronary artery stenosis and 14 weeks after treatment initiation—the mice were euthanized for histological evaluation of the coronary arteries. Results: Losartan treatment significantly reduced the coronary arteritis score (4.3±3.3 vs. 19.3±2.8, p=0.003). LCWE-induced neointimal formation with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and subsequent coronary artery stenosis were markedly attenuated in losartan-treated mice (25% vs. 100%, p<0.001). Moreover, losartan inhibited coronary artery stenosis, at least in part, by preventing the phenotypic switch of vascular VSMCs from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. Conclusions: Losartan is a potential therapeutic agent for preventing coronary events in KD by suppressing intimal proliferation and modulating the VSMC phenotype.

Abstract: Background: Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at markedly increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE); however, data comparing clinical characteristics and outcomes in sur-gically treated IE patients with and without CHD remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate differences in clinical profile, microbiology, complications, and outcomes be-tween these groups. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 773 adult patients who underwent surgery for IE at a tertiary center in China between October 2013 and August 2025. Patients were categorized into CHD (n = 188) and non-CHD (n = 585) groups. Baseline characteristics, microbiological findings, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to adjust for baseline differences. Long-term survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Patients with CHD were significantly younger and had fewer cardiovascular comorbid-ities than non-CHD patients. CHD was associated with a higher prevalence of right-sided and multivalvular infection, whereas non-CHD patients predominantly had left-sided disease. Streptococcus species were the most common pathogens in both groups, with no significant intergroup differences in microbiological profiles. After IPTW adjustment, no significant differences were observed in major postoperative complications, length of stay, or early mortality. Overall and in left-sided IE, long-term survival was comparable between groups, whereas in right-sided IE, patients with CHD exhibited significantly better long-term survival (HR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.66, P = 0.01). Conclusions: Despite distinct clinical characteristics, adults with and without CHD undergoing surgery for IE had similar overall outcomes, although CHD was associated with better long-term survival in right-sided IE.

Abstract: Conventional tunnelling, CT, in densely populated urban areas requires ensuring that both serviceability and failure limit states are satisfied throughout construction, to avoid excessive ground deformations and catastrophic failures, while maintaining optimum support and excavation lengths. To achieve both goals, continuous monitoring of the tunnel-ground system behavior and adaptation of the tunneling process through calibrated numerical models becomes critical. This paper documents the field performance and construction optimization of a 4.5 km long tunnel excavated by CT in the stiff soils of the northwestern Mexico City region. A five-step monitoring and back-analyses procedure is introduced for risk reduction and optimization of the tunneling process during CT. The monitoring information, adopted support types, and excavation lengths demonstrate that construction times can be shortened through the proposed approach, enhancing construction processes with the corresponding cost reduction. Both three-dimensional numerical models and geotechnical instrumentation, including convergences, surface topographic references, extensometers, and pressure cells, were implemented throughout construction. The numerical models were continuously calibrated against field measurements to increase their predictive capability, accounting for actual subsoil conditions, tunnel geometries, and construction procedures. From the results gathered here, the benefits of using this integral approach to ensure good tunnel performance during excavation are established, in particular when the tunnel is excavated below densely populated areas in brittle cemented fine-grained soils

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Breast cancer represents a major public health and economic challenge, generating substantial costs for healthcare systems, patients, and the broader economy. In Poland, comprehensive assessments capturing the full societal burden remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the cost of illness of breast cancer in Poland in 2024 from a societal perspective, including direct and indirect costs, and to assess their distribution across cost bearers. Methods: A cost-of-illness analysis was conducted using a societal perspective. Data were derived from administrative sources, including the National Health Fund (NFZ), Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), Central Statistical Office (GUS), and National Cancer Registry (NCR), supplemented with a patient survey (n = 289). Direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect costs were estimated. Productivity losses were valued using a human capital approach with a GDP-based productivity metric adjusted by a correction factor. Results: Total costs of breast cancer in Poland in 2024 were dominated by indirect costs, which accounted for approximately 73% of the total burden. Direct costs represented 27% and included €837.7 million in public healthcare expenditures and €322.4 million in patient-borne costs. Among indirect costs, absenteeism, presenteeism, unpaid work, and informal caregiving contributed substantially, with productivity losses exceeding several hundred million euros in each category. The largest single indirect component was absenteeism, followed by presenteeism and unpaid work. Conclusions: Breast cancer imposes a substantial societal burden in Poland, driven predominantly by indirect costs. These findings highlight the importance of adopting a societal perspective in economic evaluations and support the inclusion of productivity losses in health policy decision-making.

Abstract: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is one of the most important problems of calf breeding across the world. It causes deaths in calves in the first 10 days of their life and it is mainly caused by E. coli, Bovine Rotavirus (BRV) and Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV). Ab-sence of an effective vaccine targeting the main causes of NCD makes disease control highly challenging. The current study aims to design multi-epitope mRNA based vac-cine targeting the major pathogens responsible for NCD using Immunoinformatic tools and molecular modelling approaches. BRV capsid protein VP6, BCoV Spike glycopro-tein and E. coli F5 fimbrial protein were used as antigenic proteins to predict potential epitopes. Fifteen selected epitopes were linked with suitable linkers and conjugated with build adjuvant, resulting in designing of stable, antigenic and non-allergenic vac-cine candidate against NCD pathogens. Furthermore, Molecular docking analysis shows strong binding affinity between the vaccine candidate and bovine Toll-like re-ceptors TLR2 and TLR4 at low energy and high stability. Based on these findings, the proposed multi-epitope vaccine represents a promising approach for prevention and control of neonatal calf diarrhea and provides a solid scientific foundation for future experimental studies to validate its efficacy and safety in vivo.

Abstract: This study investigates the energy-efficient mechanochemical activation of fly ash derived from Kazakh coals for the development of sustainable cementitious composites. The ap-proach aims to enhance the reactivity of aluminosilicate materials while reducing the en-ergy demand and carbon footprint associated with conventional clinker-based cement production. Mechanochemical activation was performed to increase the specific surface area and in-duce structural defects in the glassy phase of fly ash, thereby improving its reactivity. Chemical activation using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was applied to promote intensive pozzolanic reactions and accelerate dissolution kinetics. The optimal activation conditions were identified as 15 min of mechanical treatment com-bined with 4% NaOH. Under these conditions, the compressive strength reached 35.5 MPa at 28 days, exceeding that of the reference cement (35.0 MPa). At fly ash contents of 15–20%, the composites maintained or improved strength, whereas an increase to 30% resulted in a reduction to 31.5 MPa. Mechanical activation increased the specific surface area to approximately 4800–5000 cm²/g; however, prolonged grinding (up to 30 min) led to particle agglomeration and a de-crease in strength to about 28 MPa. Chemical activation enhanced reaction kinetics without significantly affecting particle fineness. Microstructural analysis revealed the formation of a dense and homogeneous matrix dom-inated by C–S–H, C–A–S–H, and N–A–S–H gel phases with reduced porosity. The com-bined activation approach demonstrated a clear synergistic effect, enabling up to 20% ce-ment replacement without loss of performance. Importantly, the proposed method provides a low-energy pathway for the utilization of industrial waste, contributing to reduced clinker consumption and lower CO₂ emissions. The results highlight the significant potential of Kazakhstan’s industrial by-products for the production of energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective construction materials.

Abstract: Physics makes two questionable assumptions: (1) Distant galaxies are accelerating relative to Earth. (2) Entangled objects are spatially separated from each other. Why questionable? Acceleration relative to Earth has never been observed in a single galaxy. Observers perceive entangled objects as spatially separated, yet 3D space is relative. We show that physical realities are projections of a mathematical background reality: 4D Euclidean space (ES). In Euclidean relativity (ER), all objects move through ES at the speed C. There is no time coordinate in ES. All action is due to a monotonically increasing, absolute, external evolution parameter θ. An observer experiences two projections of ES as space and time. The axis of his current 4D motion is his proper time τ. Three orthogonal axes form his 3D space x₁, x₂, x₃. His physical reality is his spacetime x₁(ϑ), x₂(ϑ), x₃(ϑ), τ(ϑ), where τ is a natural time coordinate and θ converts to absolute parameter time ϑ. Without gravity, his spacetime is Minkowski-like. As in general relativity (GR), gravity in ER is the curvature of spacetime. Since coordinates in GR are merely labels, the Einstein field equations also hold in systems that use τ as the time coordinate. ER predicts time’s arrow, relativistic effects, galactic motion, the Hubble tension, and entanglement. Remarkably, ER manages without cosmic inflation, expanding space, dark energy, and non-locality. ER tells us: (1) Distant galaxies maintain their recession speeds. (2) From their perspective, entangled objects have never been spatially separated, yet their proper time flows in opposite 4D directions.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of the world's population, resulting in over 7 million deaths. It was immediately noted that obese and/or diabetic subjects and frail elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities were more likely to have a more severe disease course. The cause of the increased morbidity and mortality in obese and/or diabetic subjects was found to be related to the presence of insulin resistance in these individuals. Furthermore, it was also discovered that COVID-19, particularly in its more severe forms, was capable of causing de novo type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as worsening the disease course, if already present. This review aims to highlight the most accredited possible mechanisms by which subjects with insulin resistance may have a more severe disease course and those by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause new onset of diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes. To write this manuscript, the authors independently reviewed and compared the results of peer-reviewed and impacted journal publications, written in English, selected from the most well-known search platforms such as PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, using the following keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Insulin resistance, Glucose metabolism, Obesity, Diabetes, Hospitalization, Mortality.