Abstract: The global food supply chain (FSC) wastes nearly one-third of all food produced—over 2 billion tonnes annually—highlighting the need for technologies to reduce food loss and waste (FLW). Simultaneously, existing solutions are often evaluated in isolation, limiting cross-comparison and informed decision-making. This research develops an explainable decision support system (XDSS) that combines the Best–Worst Method (BWM) and Stochastic Multi-criteria Acceptability Analysis for Group Decision-Making (SMAA-2), providing probabilistic rankings that incorporate preference uncertainty. The framework assesses 100 technology-based strategies for reducing FLW across five criteria: geographic fit, product category, FSC stage, stakeholder role, and technology used. Each scenario undergoes 50,000 Monte Carlo simulations with a fixed seed of 12345 to enable reproducibility. Trade-offs are formalised through penalty functions and weight vectors, while hit-and-run sampling explores feasible weight regions. Example user queries demonstrate how qualitative preferences translate into rank-acceptability profiles: Query 1's maximum rank-1 acceptability is 62%, and Query 2's is 74%. The XDSS provides transparent, robust, and context-sensitive recommendations that support evidence-based technology adoption by SMEs and local authorities. By enabling reproducible and explainable prioritisation, the system advances UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which aims to reduce FLW along the FSC.

Abstract: First described in the 1980s, mentorship has evolved from an emerging idea to a well-established culture. As such, a concomitant understanding of "mentor", "mentee", and "mentorship" is indicated—something currently lacking. In response, this work examines the author's fourteen types of mentoring relationships, over 39 years, regarding outcomes of peer-reviewed publications. The results demonstrate that mentors are most effective when they possess applicable experience compared to their mentees, experience considered by the mentees as having the potential to aid in their ability to solve a problem. In this respect, mentees require a particular self-awareness to identify that they have a solvable problem, anticipate a solution, and can effectively utilize the mentor's experience. Therefore, mentees are not equivalent to protégés, who, with their mentor, develop their careers and psychosocial competencies. The basis of mentorship is problem-solving for mentees, in contrast. Consequently, most productively, mentees choose their mentors, rather than having them assigned. Therefore, much of the effort in organizing matches for advancing the mentorship culture can be misguided and unproductive. In contrast, effective mentorship matching aids a relevant self-awareness in mentees and provides them with options for selecting mentors who are willing and able to share their pertinent problem-solving knowledge.

Abstract: Background: Obesity is a risk factor for increased blood pressure, in which the relation-ship is mediated by the action of various pro-inflammatory mediators such as myelop-eroxidase (MPO), xanthine oxidase (XO), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). The objective of this research is to evaluate the contribution serum MPO, xanthine oxidase XO, and Ox-LDL as determinants of blood pressure in adults with abdominal obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 86 adults with abdominal obesity. Waist circumference (WC), fasting serum glucose (FSG), MPO, XO, and serum Ox-LDL were measured. The contributions of these parameters to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were then assessed. Results: Multivariate analy-sis showed that the determinants of SBP were WC, FSG, MPO, and XO (Beta = 0.418, 0.328, 0.282, 0.248 respectively, all p< 0.05; adjusted R2 = 41.5%), while the determinants of DBP were FSG, WC, and MPO (Beta = 0.310, 0.284, 0.274, respectively, all p< 0.05; adjusted R2 = 24.8%). Conclusions: MPO has a role as a determining factor for SBP and DBP, XO has a role as a determining factor for SBP, while Ox-LDL does not have a significant role in blood pressure.

Abstract: Efficiently adapting large language models (LLMs) to specialized domains remains challenging due to substantial computational and memory requirements. In this work, we introduce CoDES (Context-efficient Domain Ensemble System), a framework designed to enhance small language models through context-efficient domain adaptation and weighted parameter ensembling. CoDES integrates context-specific fine-tuning, parameter-efficient adaptation using Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA), and completion-only supervision to focus training on answer tokens while preserving pretrained capabilities and reducing computational cost. To further improve performance and robustness, the framework combines multiple fine-tuned models through weighted parameter ensembling. We evaluate CoDES on biomedical multiple-choice question answering using the MedMCQA benchmark. Experimental results show that the ensemble of tuned small models achieves 74.8% accuracy, approaching the performance of a much larger 72B-parameter model (77.1%). While requiring substantially fewer computational resources. The proposed framework offers several practical advantages, including achieving comparable performance, lower energy consumption, faster inference, and flexible adaptation to specialized domains. By reducing the reliance on extremely large models, CoDES provides a scalable and resource-efficient pathway for deploying high-performing language model systems in knowledge-intensive environments where models must be frequently updated with evolving domain information.

Abstract: Contemporary philosophy of mind is beginning to rehabilitate Arthur Schopenhauer as a proto-phenomenologist whose metaphysics of the will—once divested of its ontological commitments—provides thick descriptions of embodied agency, self-structure, and intersubjective resonance. This article validates this thesis through a four-stage naturalized reconstruction: (1) Schopenhauer’s "world-knot" and the unity of body and will are interpreted as phenomenal facets of minimal self-models within the framework of the Free Energy Principle (Friston, 2010). (2) His fragmented theory of the self is situated within Gallagher’s Pattern Theory of Self (2013). (3) His ethics of compassion is framed as a precursor to a Pattern Theory of Compassion. (4) Finally, affective criticality is employed to explain Schopenhauer's diagnosis of pessimism as a form of predictive dysregulation. Methodologically, the paper circumvents the pitfall of superficial analogies by adopting a weak methodological naturalism, utilizing cognitive models as a functional grammar for phenomenal material without reductively truncating the metaphysical deep structure.

Abstract: Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) in a sample of university students from Ecuador Method: This instrumental research examines the construct validity through confirmatory factor analysis and the reliability of the AMS. Sample: 1007 subjects (n=403 women, 39.9%) from the Salesian Polytechnic University of Ecuador. Results: Regarding the construct validity of the AMS, confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model demonstrated a good fit to the data, with CMIN or χ2(303) = 1171.948, p ¡ 0.001, CFI = 0.987 (robust), RMSEA = 0.053 (confidence interval between 0.050 and 0.057), and SRMR = 0.047. The Cronbach’s Alpha (α) and McDonald’s Omega (ω) reliability coefficients were ≥0.80. Conclusion: Given the psychometric properties presented, the use of the AMS-E is recommended for evaluating factors of academic motivation in the Ecuadorian population.

Abstract: This study analyzes four Indonesian presidential elections (2009-2024) as a time series analysis within the event study framework on IHSG volatility. We examine the influence of macroeconomic, trading activity, and VIX channels, as well as whether their impact differs between pre-election and post-election periods. The methodology employs Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to construct channel variables and multiple linear regression with interaction terms on a baseline 5-month window before and after election month. The results consistently show that global risk sentiment (VIX) is the only significant positive driver of volatility. There is no significant interaction effects were found in either the 5-month, indicating that the influence of these channels is not statistically different between the pre-election and post-election periods. We conclude that Indonesian stock market volatility around presidential elections is predominantly driven by global risk sentiment, which overshadows domestic political transitions and associated local market dynamics.

Abstract: Background: Post-stroke upper-limb spasticity can cause pain, hinder passive care, and lead to secondary musculoskeletal complications. Current minimally invasive treatments have important limitations. Cryoneurolysis, which creates a controlled cold lesion of peripheral nerves, may offer a partially reversible focal denervation alternative. Methods: We conducted a feasibility case series in the outpatient department of a rehabilitation center. Three adults with chronic post-stroke hemi-paresis and a non-functional spastic upper limb underwent ultrasound- and nerve stimula-tion-guided cryoneurolysis of the musculocutaneous, median, and/or ulnar nerves. All had demonstrated a positive response to diagnostic nerve blocks beforehand. Feasibility outcomes in-cluded completion of planned nerve targets, tolerability under local anesthesia, absence of serious adverse events, and completion of 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were Modified Ash-worth Scale (MAS), qualitatively assessed passive joint mobility (video-documented), pain meas-ured by visual analogue scale, sensory testing, and electroneuromyography (ENMG). Results: All procedures were completed as planned. Treatment was well tolerated under local anesthesia, and no serious adverse events occurred. MAS decreased by at least 2 points in targeted patterns, with immediate improvement in passive mobility; these effects persisted at 6 months. Pain remained unchanged in two participants and improved in one. Sensory testing at 6 weeks was stable. ENMG findings were heterogeneous, including reduced ulnar sensory action potential amplitude and biceps denervation activity in one participant. Conclusions: In this small series, cryoneurolysis for post-stroke upper-limb spasticity was feasible and associated with sustained tone reduction and improved passive mobility. Larger controlled studies are required to better define safety, optimize targeting strategies, and assess patient-centered outcomes.

Abstract: This study investigates the structural performance of a redesigned AAR Type E knuckle coupler using finite element analysis (FEA). The modified knuckle incorporates geometric reinforcement in critical load-bearing regions together with a hollow internal structure aimed at reducing component weight while maintaining structural integrity. Two numerical models were developed: a component level model, in which the knuckle was analyzed independently, and an assembly-level model that integrates the knuckle with the coupler body to capture realistic load transfer through contact interactions. Both models were subjected to a tensile draft load of 650,000 lbs (2670 kN) in accordance with Association of American Railroads (AAR) standards. The component-level analysis predicted peak von Mises stresses of approximately 1050 MPa, primarily concentrated near the pivot pin hole and curved pulling face regions. When contact interactions between the knuckle and coupler body were included in the assembly model, the representative peak stress decreased to approximately 950 MPa, corresponding to a stress reduction of about 10% due to load redistribution across the assembly interfaces. Highly localized stress peaks at sharp geometric edges were identified as numerical stress singularities and were excluded from engineering interpretation. The results demonstrate that assembly-level finite element modeling provides a more realistic representation of load transfer mechanisms in railway coupler systems and is essential for accurately predicting stress distribution and identifying critical fatigue-prone regions. These findings provide valuable insights for improving the structural reliability and design optimization of freight rail coupler components.

Abstract: The paper presents the cutting tool-life of uncoated and DLC-coated inserts used for machining of aluminum-lithium components used in the structure of Airbus A350 aircraft. Based on the collected data, a feed-forward artificial neural network with two hidden layers was created, trained using the Bayesian Regularization (trainbr) algorithm in MATLAB. The obtained results indicate a high performance of the model, with a low mean square error (MSE) and a correlation coefficient R &gt; 0.98, which reflects an excellent generalization capacity and a close correlation between the actual and estimated values. The regression plot and error analysis confirmed the accuracy of the predictions made by the network. The internal parameters of the algorithm, such as the gradient and μ, provided additional information regarding the optimization process.

Abstract: For a prime p>2, let N(p):=#{{q,r}⊂P:q≤r, q+r=p+1}, counting Goldbach representations of p+1 when p is itself prime. We study the arithmetic, computational, and heuristic behaviour of N(p) on the shifted-prime subsequence {p+1:p∈P}.Our principal result proves that the Euler product S_∞ := ∏_(l>2,l∈P)^( 1+1/((l-1)(l-2)))=1.74273… converges absolutely and equals the limiting Cesàro mean of the Hardy–Littlewood singular factor S(p+1) on this subsequence. This value, strictly greater than 1, reflects a divisibility bias from Dirichlet’s theorem and explains why the empirical constant differs structurally from 2C_2.We verify N(p)≥2 for every prime 11<p<10^7 (664 574 primes, zero violations) and classify primes into Mirror, Anchor-3, and Orphan types, proving two congruence theorems. Law 3 achieves RMSE 13 times smaller than the classical formula. Five disjoint ranges support α_∞=1/S_∞≈0.5738 over the alternative α_∞=1/2.

Abstract: This study examines how market leadership in Indian equities has structurally shifted away from Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) toward Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) and Mutual Funds (MFs), and evaluates the systemic risks created by this rebalancing. Using monthly transaction data from April 2007 to January 2026, we analyze evolving investment patterns among FIIs, DIIs, and MFs through trend analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlations, and phase decomposition. Since 2021, FIIs have recorded cumulative net outflows exceeding ₹8.68 lakh crore (US$ 95.36 billion), while DIIs—led by Mutual Funds financed largely through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)—have made net purchases of over ₹19.37 lakh crore (US $212.67 billion) , effectively absorbing FII selling and helping to maintain elevated index levels. The SENSEX remained above 80,000 points through 2025 despite persistent FII disengagement. We find that DII flows are positively and significantly correlated with SENSEX levels (r = 0.686, p < 0.001), whereas FII flows are significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.365, p < 0.001). The DII share of total market purchases increased from roughly 39% in 2017 to more than 54% by January 2026, highlighting a growing structural reliance of Indian equity markets on domestic liquidity. Drawing on Minsky’s financial instability hypothesis and behavioral finance perspectives, we argue that prolonged, sentiment‑driven domestic absorption of FII exits, in the absence of corresponding gains in corporate fundamentals or earnings, represents an emerging source of systemic vulnerability, with important implications for retail investors, fund managers, and regulators.

Abstract: We conducted this study to identify a correlation between the coraco-humeral distance (CHD) and the subscapularis tendon tears (SSCTs) in a single-institution setting. A total of 670 patients (n = 670) were included in the current study; they comprise 488 men (72.8%) and 182 (27.2%), whose mean age was 59.32 ± 12.58 years old. Depending on the presence of the SSCT and supraspinatus tendon tear (SST), they were divided into three groups: the control group (n = 179; the patients without SSCT and SST), the SSCT group (n = 133; those with SSCT only) and the SSCT+SST group (n = 358; those with both SSCT and SST). This is followed by comparison of the CHD between the three groups. The CHD was significantly greater in the control group as compared with the SSCT group and the SSCT+SST group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicate that there is a possible relationship between the CHD and SSCT. But further large-scale, multi-center studies are warranted to establish our results.

Abstract: The Trace & Trajectory Framework (TTF) offers a non-representationalist approach to meaning, cognition, and selfhood grounded in dynamical systems theory and radical enactivism. Rather than treating meaning as something stored in mental representations, TTF proposes that meaning is enacted—it emerges through temporally extended navigational patterns called trajectories traversing dynamic structures called ribbons. The framework’s layered ontology comprises traces (probabilistic preconditions), threads (pre-navigational filamentary configurations emerging as the first semiotic coherence structure over trace sets), ribbons (coordinated thread-bundles whose fold dynamics generate navigational positions), and trajectories (meaning-events). The dual-parameter architecture (λ for structural granularity, σ for epistemic access) combines with ribbon dynamics to handle phenomena typically addressed through separate, domain-specific machinery. This version foregrounds the toroidal topology (T² _H) of navigational space. The Gaussian saturation profile—previously presented as a hill with a terminal apex—is reconceived as a cross-section of an asymmetric torus: the upper half carries the saturative convergence gradient (from maximal thread differentiation toward autosimilar collapse through Θ); the lower half maps the dissolutive gradient (decreasing dissociative awareness toward NET substrate). Autosimilar collapse (A) is redefined as a navigational-epistemic function rather than a structural property. The ontological stack from threads upward is grounded in semiotic coherence (SC)—the structural tendency of configurations to maintain consistency across differential positions—rather than temporal accumulation; threads are reconceived as SC structures (filamentary coherence-tracking) rather than cumulative functions, and ribbons as second-order SC morphisms. A three-factor convergence model (architectural predisposition, mimetic fold dynamics, emergent navigation) replaces single-factor accounts of how configurations stabilize, positioning TTF against stochastic, nativist, and social-constructivist alternatives. The framework retains ribbon dynamics as its primary organizational level, with the Hx namespace, QRS-CONFIG, stratified epistemic barriers, hex bands, and Macro-α providing analytical instruments. The framework dissolves rather than solves classical problems—including symbol grounding, the scalability challenge, and the tension between embodied and abstract cognition—by rejecting the representationalist premises that generate them.

Abstract: Soybean (Glycine max) is relatively recalcitrant to genetic manipulations, hence is often interrogated with transient means such as virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). We earlier modified cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) to develop a soybean-friendly VIGS system referred to as QUIN-FZ. Here we report additional calibrations of this system. We enhanced the intra-bacterial stability of plasmid QUIN, which contained a CPSMV RNA1 cDNA embedded with four introns, by adding a fifth intron, resulting in PENTIN. We separately upgraded the plasmid FZ, which contained a modified CPSMV RNA2 cDNA with a cloning site in the middle of the viral polyprotein, by creating another cloning site within the 3’ untranslated region, leading to ZY. We next used the new PENTIN-ZY system to investigate a putative soybean protein kinase designated QL18. Virus-mediated overexpression of two allelic, 147-amino-acid (aa) protein fragments, derived from two different QL18 orthologs, elicited drastically different responses in soybeans. While the fragment derived from soybean accession OX20-8 prevented the cognate virus from infecting top young leaves in at least 50% of inoculated seedlings, its allelic counterpart derived from soybean accession PI427105B elicited apical necrosis in 100% of soybean seedlings. By examining progeny viruses as well as viruses encoding chimeras of the two fragments, we identified more than a dozen mutations that abrogated these unique phenotypes. Our findings establish the PENTIN-ZY system as a versatile tool for overexpressing small proteins and protein fragments, accelerating their functional characterization.

Abstract: Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous leg ulcers, remain a global healthcare burden due to persistent inflammation, impaired tissue repair, and high susceptibility to infection. The rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the prevalence of biofilms in these wounds have limited the effectiveness of conventional therapies, highlighting the need for advanced strategies that simultaneously control infection and promote healing. Biomaterial-based approaches have emerged as promising solutions, offering multifunctional platforms that combine antimicrobial activity with regenerative support. Natural and synthetic polymers, antimicrobial peptide-loaded scaffolds, metal oxide nanoparticles, bacteriophages-loaded biomaterials and hybrid composites have demonstrated the ability to disrupt biofilms, deliver targeted therapeutics, and create environments favorable for cell proliferation and tissue repair. Recent innovations emphasize “smart” biomaterials that respond to wound-specific stimuli, controlled-release systems for sustained drug delivery, and bioinspired materials that mimic native tissue architecture. The integration of electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, and surface functionalization has further advanced the design of next-generation wound dressings. This comprehensive review explores how biomaterials combat infection in chronic wounds, evaluates their clinical translation, and discusses barriers such as cytotoxicity, scalability, and regulatory challenges. Finally, it outlines future directions for personalized, biomaterial-based wound care that supports antimicrobial stewardship and improved patient outcomes.

Abstract: Background: Population-level evidence on delivery of neuro-oncology care is essential for evaluating access, equity, and quality of treatment pathways. However, real-world data describing how patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, especially with glioblastoma, are managed across healthcare systems remain limited. This study aimed to characterize treatment pathways using linked registry and administrative data within a regional care network. Methods: All adult CNS tumors diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 were identified in the Veneto Cancer Registry. Tumor grading was derived using a validated text-mining algorithm, and surgical, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments were captured through linkage with regional healthcare utilization databases. Patterns of care were evaluated by tumor subtype, grade, and diagnostic pathway. Results: Among 1,634 histologically confirmed tumors, glioblastoma represented the largest group. Surgical intervention was widely implemented, with high resection rates in glioblastoma and meningioma. Combined chemoradiotherapy constituted the primary adjuvant approach for glioblastoma and high-grade diffuse gliomas, whereas management of lower-grade tumors showed greater variability. Approximately one third of patients received no oncologic therapy, primarily associated with older age or diagnostic uncertainty. Analysis of recurrent glioblastoma showed heterogeneous systemic treatment use, reflecting evolving therapeutic practice. Conclusions: Linking population-based registry and administrative data provides actionable insight into real-world delivery of neuro-oncology care, in particular for glioblastoma patients. This approach enables monitoring of treatment variability, identification of potential access gaps, and evaluation of system-level performance, supporting data-driven planning of multidisciplinary services and future quality improvement initiatives.

Abstract: The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), ratio between triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, has been associated with cardiovascular (CV) events, metabolic syndrome and hypertension (HT)-related vascular organ damage. However, the majority of the published studies suffer from important limitations, such as the cross-sectional or retrospective nature and the performance in selected Asian populations only. To overcome these limitations, we performed an analysis of the data collected in the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni (PAMELA) study, providing longitudinal information on the relationships between AIP, diabetes mellitus (DM), HT and left ventricular hypertrophy LVH) in a western european general population. At the study entry baseline data were collected in 2035 subjects, while longitudinal data were obtained in 1412 subjects examined for a median follow-up time amounting to 10.7 years. 50.6% of the subjects were males. aged 50.9±13.7 (mean±SD) years. During the follow-up AIP did not significantly change (from -0.11±0.3 to -0.12±0.29 a.u., P=NS), while systolic BP and plasma glucose significantly increased with a significant relationship with HT, DM and LVH development (P <0.0001). At multivariable analysis, AIP significantly and independently predicted all the above-mentioned outcomes, with the exception of HT development based on home BP. The same significant association was detected for fatal and non-fatal CV events. These data provide evidence that in a general European population characterized by a low CV risk AIP significantly and independently predicts HT, DM and LVH development and is significantly associated with the composite outcome of CV morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: Over the last 20 years Deep-Eutectic-Solvents (DES) have been making a significant impact in the field of chemistry, with applications in nanotechnology, biomass transformation, electrochemistry pharmaceuticals and a host of other applications that includes catalysis. Considering the importance of chiral organocatalysis for the selective synthesis of drugs, pharmaceuticals and fragrances etc. DESs were quickly harnessed as the media for carrying out organocatalytic transformations. In this review, we discuss some of the most important examples from the literature that have made an impact in the field over the last 5 years. A more recent development has been the incorporation of DESs in structured and self-organized gel-like assemblies that are known as EutectoGels. These soft structures offer a more defined and compact environment that can influence stereoselectivity by pre-organizing the reactants in three-dimensional space, and potential control the types of transition states that can be formed.

Abstract: As the generation of data in the life and health sciences expands rapidly, there is a growingneed for professionals and students in these fields to master core bioinformatics skills,particularly those relating to Unix-like systems, most commonly used in bioinformatics. Thispaper introduces two key contributions to address this need: (1) A Unix curriculum for lifescientists with little or no command line experience, based on progressive Unix skill levels forbioinformatics and (2) An implementation of this curriculum into a series of interactive onlinetutorials deployed through Sandbox.bio - an open-source platform for learning bioinformaticsthat embeds a command line in the browser, which removes barriers related to softwareinstallation and access. We performed an overall evaluation of this teaching framework indifferent contexts. This inclusive, sustainable approach provides widespread access toessential bioinformatics skills for Life Science students and professionals alike.