Abstract: The standard $\varepsilon$--$\delta$ definition of continuity is inherently quantitative, yet the precise dependence of the admissible radius $\delta$ on the accuracy $\varepsilon$ and the base point $x_0$ is rarely treated as an independent mathematical object. In this paper, we introduce the \textit{radius of continuity} through two variants: the radius of pointwise continuity and the radius of uniform continuity, defined as explicit numerical invariants that capture the maximal symmetric neighborhood on which a real-valued function maintains a prescribed tolerance. We establish the fundamental structural properties of these radii, including their behavior under algebraic operations such as sums, products, and compositions, and demonstrate their inverse relationship to the classical modulus of continuity. Furthermore, we prove that the finiteness pattern of these radii characterizes constant versus non-constant functions. To illustrate the utility of this framework, we derive closed-form expressions for the pointwise radius of quadratic polynomials and the uniform radius of the normal probability density function. These examples highlight how the radius of continuity encodes geometric and probabilistic features, such as local curvature and global scale parameters. Ultimately, this perspective bridges the gap between real analysis and quantitative methods in metric geometry, offering a concrete measure of the stability of a function's continuity.

Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) favors kidney remodeling, leading to diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Kidney histological alterations are identified after DKD installation, but have not been studied in the early stage of DM. We studied renal remodeling in Wistar rats at the early stage of DM, before DKD development, investigating alterations indicating a poor prognosis and whether age is an impact factor. Diabetes was induced with Alloxan. Groups: adult diabetic (DMA), elderly diabetic (DMI), adult sham control (CSA), and elderly sham control (CSI). After 30 days of confirmed diabetes, blood, urine, and kidney were collected. Both diabetic groups presented normal renal function. DMA and DMI showed tubular infiltration and hypertrophy, decreased Bowman's space, and reduced glomerular area. A decrease in the glomeruli number was observed in the DMI. An inverse correlation between the glomeruli number and the ApoB/ApoA ratio was observed on DMA. We conclude that histological changes characteristic of DKD can be observed in the early stages of DM, and age can have a role in the injury intensity. Tubular and glomerular alterations occur during DM installation and continue to evolve as DKD develops. Therefore, targeting the prevention of kidney remodeling could be a good therapeutic approach to prevent DKD.

Abstract: Engine oil degradation critically influences the performance, efficiency, and longevity of internal combustion engines. Conventional mileage or time-based replacement schedules often result in premature oil changes or delayed servicing, both of which compromise engine health and increase costs. This review examines recent advances in real-time oil condition monitoring and evaluates the feasibility of a low-cost microcontroller-based system that integrates physical sensors with machine learning models for continuous on-board oil health assessment. Drawing on established techniques from industrial lubrication monitoring, we propose an experimental framework that leverages electrical engineering principles, including sensor interface, analog front-end design, signal acquisition, and embedded AI deployment to enable accurate, affordable, and scalable oil health diagnostics. The review highlights opportunities for innovation in embedded systems and electrical engineering design, positioning AI-driven monitoring as a practical solution for predictive automotive maintenance.

Abstract: Objective: this mixed methods review aimed to identify and evaluate studies that developed and assessed culturally adapted cardiac rehabilitation programmes for ethnic minority patients. Introduction: Ethnic minorities face several barriers when attending cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Culturally sensitive cardiac education programmes exist and provide evidence of their value. There is a need for review-based research to collate current understanding and evaluate the studies and outcomes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review providing additional insight into the impact of culturally adapted cardiac rehabilitation programmes on ethnic minority patients. Methods: A convergent segregated mixed methods review was undertaken and reported according to JBI methodology. A systematic search was conducted by two blind reviewers assisted by Covidence© software. Nine electronic databases were searched including; Amed, CINAHL Plus, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science from inception to June 2025. Studies were included if they designed interventions for and included adult ethnic minority patients and report on culturally tailored interventions any outcomes related to the tailored cardiac rehabilitation programme. Any type of design was acceptable including mixed methods, qualitative or qualitative. Critical appraisal, narrative synthesis and certainty assessment of evidence was undertaken to summarise findings. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria (3 qualitative, 2 mixed methods, 1 quantitative). Overall study quality was moderate. Cultural adaptations with moderate confidence in benefits included community collaboration, bilingual or culturally matched staff and single-sex classes. Findings suggest culturally adapted cardiac rehabilitation is received positively, with potential to improve physical, social and mental wellbeing among ethnic patients. Conclusions: Culturally adapted cardiac rehabilitation may support engagement and improve health outcomes for ethnic patients, however further high-quality research is needed to confirm effectiveness and guide service development.

Abstract: Contemporary physiotherapy requires technological tools to provide effective therapy to the increasing group of patients, neurological, among others. This can be achieved with rehabilitation robots, which can also be exoskeletons - wearable devices mobilizing multiple joints with complex motions representing activities of daily living. To perform the kinesiotherapy conveniently in home-like environments, the exoskeletons need to be relatively lightweight. The paper presents the methodology of decreasing the mass of the exoskeleton design with the human-in-the-loop simulations of motions, followed by multibody dynamics simulations, and finite element method (FEM) multistep optimization. The process includes sequential initial parametric optimization, topology optimization, and final parametric optimization. The steps are used to set initial dimensional and material parameters, extract new geometrical features, and adjust the final geometry dimensions of a new design. The presented case of the SmartEx-Home exoskeleton resulted in a total mass reduction of almost 50% while meeting the criteria of the minimum safety factor and maximum internal stress and strain for all the components. The final design is being manufactured and will be used within the tests with humans, reflecting almost fully automatic passive and active therapy.

Abstract: Sulfur compounds are extremely toxic and highly corrosive (e.g. mercaptans and hy-drogen sulfide) and are commonly found in natural gas streams and can be damaging even if only minute amounts are present in natural gas streams because it can affect the quality of fuels and cause failure of downstream equipment. Many metal oxides have been used as adsorbent/catalyst for the removal of sulfur compounds from natural gas; however, they vary greatly in how well they can remove sulfur compounds, and the underlying mechanisms of these processes are still not fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the adsorption/removal performance of many metal oxides on halloysite support at the same conditions to identify the relationship between the electronic properties (specifically bandgap energy) and breakthrough time (a measure of removal/adsorption efficiency). The experimental results indicate large differences in the adsorption performance of the studied oxides and some commercial metal oxides had lower than expected adsorption performance. Conversely, all the studied oxides with the lowest bandgap energies showed higher sulfur compound (e.g. ethyl mercaptan) uptake and longer breakthrough times indicating that the electronic properties of the oxides are important in determining the strength of interaction be-tween the sulfur compounds and the metal oxide. The experimental results from this study will provide understanding of why certain metal oxides may not perform as good as others during natural gas desulfurization and assist in developing a systematic method for selecting adsorbents/catalysts that will improve the overall natural gas desulfurization process. Furthermore, incorporating palladium oxides into the base catalyst formulation achieved a maximum breakthrough time of 630 minutes at 25°C 200 psi, and 36 mL/min. These findings provide critical insights for developing catalysts that integrate metal oxides to enhance adsorption efficiency while reducing hazardous byproducts during sulfur compounds (e.g. mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide) removal from natural gas.

Abstract: Ocular diseases – including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration – remain major global causes of irreversible vision loss. Despite therapeutic advances, current interventions that address the convergent metabolic, inflammatory, vascular and neurodegenerative components of these diseases are limited. Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonists (GLP‑1RAs), widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, have emerged as multi-target candidates for ocular therapeutics due to their pleiotropic anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant, vasculoprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Increasing preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that GLP‑1RAs preserve blood–retina barrier integrity, inhibit pathological angiogenesis, reduce inflammation, promote antioxidant responses and protect retinal neurons from degeneration. However, rare ocular adverse events – including nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and “early worsening” of diabetic retinopathy – highlight the need for a balanced and comprehensive consideration of evidence. This review synthesizes mechanistic in-sights, experimental findings, clinical data, and safety considerations to critically assess the potential of GLP‑1RAs as disease‑modifying therapeutics for ocular disorders and outlines translational challenges and research priorities to guide future ophthalmology‑focused investigations.

Abstract: This study constructs a comprehensive philosophical and mathematical framework for understanding perceptual stillness, conscious awareness, and their representations in modern art and music. It integrates contemplative insights from Eckhart Tolle’s notion of the “Power of Now” with neurogeometric and physical models of cognition, drawing parallels between meditative silence and harmonic equilibrium in sound. The inquiry extends across multiple disciplines — phenomenology, cognitive neuroscience, acoustics. The paper proposes that consciousness, in its unconditioned state, can be mathematically described as a limit condition of cognitive curvature Rij = 0, paralleling the zero-curvature manifold in differential geometry. Here, awareness functions as a self-luminous field where perception is no longer mediated by temporal differentiation. This zero-curvature condition finds empirical support in neuroscientific studies of the Default Mode Network (DMN), where meditative absorption produces near-zero entropy. A unique contribution of this paper lies in bridging these contemplative and scientific paradigms with the symbolic and aesthetic expressions found in 20th-century rock music. Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” is interpreted as an acoustic and existential meditation on the ineffable quality of presence, where lyrical and rhythmic minimalism reflect the collapse of cognitive noise into inner quietude. Similarly, Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse,” from The Dark Side of the Moon.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Research indicates that human well-being (WB) involves dynamic interactions and complex feedback loops between diverse life domains. This study applies WB principles within a systemic framework to illustrate how improvements in one domain catalyse advancements in others. The objective is to demonstrate how these interdependencies can be utilised for both domain-specific and "Integrated Well-Being" optimization across an individual’s lifespan. Methods: To model these systemic interdependencies, the study narrows its scope to two primary domains: Financial well-being (F) and Physical well-being (P). The integrated nature of these domains is expressed mathematically using a Cobb-Douglas function, incorporating investment functions and individual resource constraints. This model evaluates an integrated optimisation approach against standard, narrow-scope financial planning to determine how cross-domain investments affect overall flourishing and resource allocation.Results: The equations reveal that an individual’s capacity to improve their financial position extends significantly beyond traditional ways of looking at financial investment returns. The model demonstrates that by improving physical well-being, an individual can enhance financial outcomes without increasing expected financial returns. Furthermore, while focusing solely on direct financial factors eventually leads to diminishing marginal returns, a cross-domain focus leverages interdependent dynamics to lift both F and P simultaneously. This synergy results in higher integrated well-being without the stagnation associated with siloed approaches. Discussion: The study indicates that domain interdependencies should be considered when addressing specific goals. This integrated framework offers a novel pathway for optimisation that transcends traditional financial thinking. Future research should quantify behavioural coefficients and expand the model to include additional domains to further refine lifespan resource balancing.

Abstract: This study presents a dynamic balance control method for CT gantry systems using a high-fidelity multi-body dynamics model with modal coupling effects. The gantry structure was modeled with 14 rigid bodies and 22 flexible modes identified from modal testing data. Unbalance disturbances equivalent to 50–300 g·mm were introduced to evaluate system response. Simulation results show that unbalance-induced vibration amplitudes increased by up to 62% near critical speeds. By integrating modal feedback into the balance control algorithm, the proposed method reduced radial vibration by 38.5% and rotational torque fluctuation by 41.3% across operating speeds from 0.5 to 2.5 r/s, improving mechanical stability and imaging reliability.

Abstract: Utilizing the third-party library, the safe framework integration system resolves the serious problem of dependency risk and license violation in software development. This means that we are trying to place security mechanisms into the framework that works to defend against vulnerabilities that are introduced by third-party components. It also includes Open-Source Software (OSS) governance automation to monitor and enforce compliance and license obligations, and control legal and operational risks. Merging secure integration practices with automated governance allows organizations to reduce security risks as well as license compliance risks. Thus, they can effectively manage and ensure a secure software supply chain. This paper presents a framework to integrate third-party libraries to minimize the security risks related to dependencies, and to prevent the violation of licenses through automation of Open-Source Software (OSS) governance. Their approach involves embedding the automated validation of dependencies, scanning for licensing compliance, assessing for vulnerabilities and monitoring on a continuous basis within DevSecOps pipelines to empower the proactive enforcement of policies defined by the organization. Tests in a controlled testbed show a 75% drop in known vulnerabilities over 3 months and over 95% license compliance in different projects. While it does add moderate build-time overhead, it generally is fine for CI. The study finds that use of automated governance tools helps to secure and comply software supply chain without hindering development productivity. Future research will use artificial intelligence to predict vulnerabilities and enhance the automation of licence interpretation to strengthen the effectiveness of OSS governance further.

Abstract: We construct a complete mathematical theory of gravity as an emergent phenomenon from subcuantic informational oscillations, with rigorous definitions, numerically falsifiable predictions, and experimental validation. The theory addresses three fundamental requirements of modern theoretical physics: (1) complete mathematical formalization, (2) explicit connection to General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, (3) experimental testability. MATHEMATICAL FOUNDATION: The subcuantic vacuum is defined as a mathematical triplet (H_I, G, I) where H_I = L²(ℝ³, ℂ) is the Hilbert space of oscillatory states, G = SO(3,1) × U(1)_Z ⋊ Diff₀(ℝ³) is the symmetry group with generators X_a acting continuously on H_I, and I: H_I → ℝ₊ is the informational density functional. This is not a conceptual metaphor but an operational mathematical definition with well-defined structure (space + symmetries + measure). MASS AXIOM: Mass is defined as a constitutive axiom (not derived from QFT): m = κ ∫_V I[Φ(x,Z)] dV, where Φ(x) = A(x)exp(iZ(x)) is the phase field, V is the support volume of coherent oscillations, and κ = (1.05 ± 0.08) × 10⁻⁸ kg/infobit is an experimentally determined constant from atomic nuclei (C-12: 1.055 × 10⁻⁸, Fe-56: 1.048 × 10⁻⁸, U-238: 1.062 × 10⁻⁸). GRAVITATIONAL DYNAMICS: Informational gravity is derived from the variational principle applied to the action S_inf[Φ] = ∫[|∇Φ|² - V_eff(|Φ|²)] d⁴x. The resulting field equation ΔΦ_G = 4πG_eff(Z)ρ_I recovers exactly the Poisson equation in the limit Z → 0 and weak fields, with G_eff(Z) = G₀[1 + ε cos(Z)], ε = 10⁻³. The informational energy-momentum tensor is T_μν = ⟨J_μ J_ν⟩ where J_μ = Im(Φ*∂_μΦ) is the conserved coherence current (∂_μJ^μ = 0 by Noether's theorem). GENERAL RELATIVITY LIMIT: The effective metric g_μν = η_μν + h_μν(Z, ∂Z) with h₀₀ = -2Φ_G/c², h_ij = (2Φ_G/c²)δ_ij reproduces linearized Einstein equations: R_μν - (1/2)g_μν R = (8πG/c⁴)T_μν. Explicit step-by-step demonstration in Section 5. Validity domain: |Φ_G| << c², |∂Z| << ω₀, ε → 0. Outside this regime, NMSI predicts measurable deviations. QUANTUM MECHANICS LIMIT: In the microscopic regime with ψ_QM = √A exp(iS/ℏ), the phase field reduces to the WKB approximation of the Schrödinger equation. The operator D_Z = -iℏ∇_Z is self-adjoint and generates quantum evolution. Complete derivation in Section 6. FALSIFIABLE PREDICTIONS: (1) Cosmology without metric expansion: Redshift is phase effect, not spatial expansion. Modified distance-redshift relation d_L(z) = d_L^LCDM(z)[1 + δ(z)] with δ(z) = γz², γ = -0.15 ± 0.08. Test: Fit on 1048 type Ia supernovae (Pantheon+ 2022) gives χ²/dof = 1.12 vs 1.09 for LCDM - testable difference with 500+ additional SNe. Falsification: If χ²_NMSI - χ²_LCDM > 50 (3σ) with 1500+ SNe, NMSI is falsified. (2) Stellar mass distribution: NMSI baryonic cycle predicts upper limit m_star < 350 M_☉ (vs Standard Model ~ 500-1000 M_☉). JWST observations at z > 10 detected 0 stars > 350 M_☉ in 127 galaxies (consistent with NMSI!), but LCDM predicts 3-5 such stars. Test: 1000+ galaxies z > 12 will clarify (JWST Cycle 3-4, 2025-2027). Falsification: If 10+ stars > 350 M_☉ are detected, NMSI is falsified. (3) CMB anomalies: NMSI predicts phase correlations (not just amplitude) in multipoles l < 30: C_l^phase ~ 10⁻⁶. Planck 2018 analysis shows 2.3σ excess in C_2^phase vs LCDM simulations. Test: CMB-S4 (2028+) with 10× sensitivity can confirm/refute at 5σ. Falsification: If |C_l^phase| < 10⁻⁷ at 5σ, NMSI is falsified. (4) Laboratory experiments: Informational memory in vacuum produces detectable effects in atomic interferometry. Prediction: Phase shift δφ = (λ_info/L)Φ ~ 10⁻⁸ rad for L = 1 m, λ_info = 10 nm. Feasible experiment with Cs atomic interferometers (current precision 10⁻⁹ rad). Proposed experiment: Cost ~500k EUR, duration 18 months, timeline 2025-2026. Falsification: If |δφ| < 10⁻⁹ rad (10× below prediction), NMSI is falsified. (5) Variation of G_eff: ΔG/G = ε cos(Z) ~ 10⁻³ detectable with ultra-stable Si oscillators. Requires 50× improvement from current stability. Proposed experiment timeline 2026-2028. Falsification: If |ΔG/G| < 10⁻⁴ (10× below prediction), NMSI is falsified. CURRENT VALIDATION: • Mercury perihelion: 43.03"/century (GR exact, NMSI contribution < 0.0001"/century) • NGC 3198 rotation curves: χ²/dof = 1.08, residuals < 0.3σ on 6 data points • Abell 1689 gravitational lensing: θ_E = 47.7" ± 0.9" (observed: 47.5" ± 1.2", consistent!) • LIGO GW150914: observed phase vs NMSI difference < 0.05 rad (below detection threshold) The theory is mathematically COMPLETE, experimentally TESTABLE, and COMPATIBLE with all current data.

Abstract: Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder with substantial heritability, yet pathway-level genetic insights remain limited. Glutamatergic dysregulation and synaptic pruning have been hypothesized, but direct comparisons using large-scale polygenic data are scarce. This study re-analyzed the 2019 PGC AN GWAS to test these pathways and explore causal cognitive influences.Methods: Summary statistics from 16,992 AN cases and 55,525 controls (effective N ≈ 46,321) were examined using MAGMA for gene and competitive gene-set analysis, stratified LD-score regression for partitioned heritability, S-PrediXcan for transcriptome-wide associations in seven GTEx brain regions, and two-sample Mendelian randomization for cognitive traits. Predefined sets included glutamatergic signaling, synaptic pruning (shortened/expanded and pruning-specific excluding glutamatergic overlap), and negative controls.Results: MAGMA revealed 45 genome-wide significant genes and Bonferroni-corrected enrichment in expanded glutamatergic (p = 0.006) and pruning pathways (expanded and pruning-specific; p < 0.003), with pruning signals persisting independently. LDSC confirmed significant heritability partitioning into both pathways. TWAS showed directional effects consistent with excessive pruning (upregulated C4A; downregulated RHOA/CTNNB1) and glutamatergic hypofunction (downregulated PKA/CaMKII signaling). Mendelian randomization indicated causal risk elevation from higher genetically predicted intelligence and educational attainment (ORs 1.16–1.55). Contrasted with parallel obsessive-compulsive disorder findings emphasizing primary pruning dominance, AN exhibited a distinctive dual-pathway profile.Conclusions: These convergent results support a neurodevelopmental model of AN involving excessive adolescent synaptic pruning compounded by primary glutamatergic deficits and amplified by cognitive plasticity predispositions. This framework distinguishes AN from related disorders while suggesting novel targets for intervention.

Abstract: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is triggered by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the lumen of the ER, caused by factors like calcium depletion, oxidative imbalance, or high cellular protein demand. Current evidence suggests that ER stress is involved in the onset of diverse cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. We previously showed that in normotensive and hypertensive animals, endothelins (ETs) regulate norepinephrine transporter (NET) activity and expression through impaired calcium management and oxidative stress. In the present study we sought to establish whether the ER stress was involved in ETs-induced NET impairment in salt-dependent hypertension. Hypertension was induced in rats by DOCA injections and NaCl in the drinking water. At week 4, sulfisoxazole (dual ET receptor antagonist) was orally administered for seven days. Blood pressure and heart rate were weekly monitored. At the end of the experiment, the adrenal medulla was dissected to perform electron microscopy studies and to assess NET expression and activity, ER stress markers, and ER-dependent apoptosis. Hypertensive rats showed elevated systolic blood pressure, reduced NET activity and expression, and significant ultrastructural changes in the adrenal medulla compatible with ER stress that were reversed by sulfisoxazole administration. Markers of ER stress (Bip, pPERK, p-eIF2α, CHOP, XBP1and IRE-1) were enhanced in DOCA-salt rats but decreased by sulfisoxazole. Furthermore, increased ER-dependent apoptosis was attenuated by the ETA/ETB antagonist. Sulfisoxazole treatment reduced blood pressure and ER stress improving NET function. These findings suggest that NET impairment in DOCA-salt hypertension results from ET-induced ER stress and ER-dependent apoptosis.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP®) is a standardized nursing terminology that enables the description of nursing care through diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. An ICNP® Subset is a sub-group of ICNP® terms appropriate for settings of practice, facilitating the direct use of the ICNP® in nursing documentation. As far as we know, there are no Subsets concerning neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) settings. The aim of this study is to develop a Subset of ICNP® NICU and neonatology setting, presenting terms that are validated and harmonized with SNOMED CT nomenclature. Methods: This is a two-phase study. In the first phase ICNP® terms were validated through a qualitative study using a four-round Delphi method and a focus group involving experts in NICU, neonatology settings, and education. The second phase focused on harmonizing the proposed ICNP® Subset with SNOMED CT. Results: A total of 479 ICNP® terms belonging to the Diagnosis/Outcome (DC) and Intervention (IC) axes were validated by the experts. Of these, 99.65% were found to be compatible with SNOMED CT. In addition, 97 new terms (30 Diagnoses/Outcomes and 67 Interventions) were validated and are currently awaiting approval by the International Council of Nurses. Of the newly proposed terms, 93.81% were compatible with SNOMED CT. Conclusions: The proposed Subset consists of 576 ICNP® terms, including 177 Diagnoses/Outcomes and 399 Interventions. Its implementation may support the adoption of electronic health records in neonatal and NICU settings and contribute to improving the quality and standardization of nursing care.

Abstract: Polyglutamine expansion in Ataxin-2 (ATXN2) is responsible for rare, dominantly in-herited Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2). Together with its paralog Ataxin-2-like (ATXN2L), both proteins received much interest since deletion of their yeast and fly orthologs alleviates TDP-43-triggered neurotoxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis models. Their typical structure across evolution combines LSm with LSm-Associated Domains and a PAM2 motif. To understand the physiological regulation and functions of Ataxin-2 homologs, the phylogenesis of sequences was analyzed. Human ATXN2 harbors multiple alternative start codons, e.g. from an intrinsically disordered se-quence (IDR) present since armadillo, or from the polyQ sequence that arose since amphibians, or from the LSm domain since primitive eukaryotes. Multiple smaller isoforms also exist across the C-terminus. Therapeutic knockdown of polyQ expansions in human ATXN2 should selectively target exon 1B. PolyQ repeats developed repeat-edly, usually framed and often interrupted by (poly)Pro, originally near PAM2. The LSmAD sequence appeared in algae as the characteristic Ataxin-2 feature with strong conservation. Frequently, Ataxin-2 has added domains, likely due to transcriptional readthrough of neighbor genes during cell stress. These chimerisms show enrichment of rRNA processing; nutrient store mobilization; membrane strengthening via lipid, protein, and glycosylated components; and cell protrusions. Thus, any mutation of Ataxin-2 has complex effects, also affecting membrane resilience.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Fertility preservation (FP) spans oncological and non‑oncological indications, including gonadotoxic therapies, benign haematological/metabolic disorders, conditions at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency, severe andrological disease, and elective plans to defer childbearing. We provide a sex‑integrated overview of established and emerging FP strategies and their real‑world effectiveness [1–10]. Methods: Narrative synthesis of guidelines and high‑quality studies (to 2025), prioritising ASCO/ESHRE guidance, systematic reviews, and multicentre/registry data covering oocyte/embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), GnRH agonists, ovarian transposition, in vitro maturation (IVM), sperm banking, surgical sperm retrieval (SSR), testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC), and spermatogonial stem‑cell (SSC) approaches [1–10]. Results: For women, oocyte vitrification is the first‑line option when time allows; OTC is established when stimulation is infeasible or in prepubertal girls, with endocrine recovery common and increasing pregnancy/live‑birth reports. For men, sperm cryopreservation before therapy is standard; SSR supports selected cases. Paediatric TTC is feasible but remains experimental, whereas paediatric OTC is clinically implemented. Random‑start COS and letrozole/tamoxifen protocols minimise treatment delay and hormonal exposure; GnRHa co‑treatment preserves ovarian function as an adjunct. Utilisation of banked gametes/tissue remains modest, underscoring the need for pathway optimisation [1–10]. Conclusions: FP should be embedded across oncology and non‑oncology pathways with timely referral, clear counselling on probabilities of live birth, and robust follow‑up. Standardisation, registry‑based evidence and long‑term offspring safety data are priorities to bridge the gap between laboratory potential and clinical effectiveness [1–10].

Abstract: Background/objectives: Diagnostic methods for minimally invasive disease are needed worldwide; Raman spectroscopy is a promising technology. In this study aiming to improve diagnostic technology using Raman spectroscopy, we evaluated a Raman spectroscopic substrate made of a quartz glass fiber sheet to obtain high sensitivity Raman spectra with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Methods: We investigated methods to amplify the intensity of Raman scattered light from humoral biological samples such as serum and urine. We evaluated two methodologies: 1) the needle method (NM) [for capturing Raman spectra by irradiating a droplet of liquid sample at the tip of a fine stainless-steel needle with a laser]; and 2) the quartz sheet method (QSM) [a quartz glass fiber sheet is saturated with a liquid sample, and the sheet surface is irradiated with a laser to obtain Raman spectra]. The Raman spectra of sodium benzoate, sodium sulfate, human serum, and human urine were recorded. Results: The samples crystallized and became concentrated in the quartz glass fiber sheet, allowing Raman spectra with highly intense scattered light to be recorded even from low-concentration samples. The QSM produced scattered light intensity ~7.3 and ~7.8 times higher for serum and urine, respectively, than the NM, which obtains spectra while the sample is still in liquid form. Conclusions: Our QSM enables quick and convenient acquisition of Raman spectra from samples using a very low-cost quartz glass fiber sheet and a standard Raman microscope. The QSM may be useful for obtaining Raman spectra from liquid biological samples with low analyte concentrations.

Abstract: Central banks around the globe are rapidly progressing towards digital currency. However, its adoption rate has been consistently low among both emerging and advanced economies. This study examines the user adoption of Indian digital currency, e₹ based on primary survey conducted between July 2025 to September 2025 of 751 respondents. The study adopted TAM for the first time in the digital currency domain and the study stands novel in blending the nudge theory with stated preference method in finance literature to understand the willingness to shift to e₹ in India. Using binary logit regression, we test two hypotheses. Result show that apart of socio-economic predictors, adoption of e₹ is significantly influenced by digital financial literacy. With respect to willingness to shift to e₹, the study found TAM constructs like perceived convenience, perceived belief in the study as the key predictors. Unlike the current literature, our study finds that, trust is not a significant predictor in e₹ adoption. The findings highlight the importance of digital financial literacy and behavioral intensions, apart from technical viability, as the key factors in digital currency adoption in India.

Abstract: This paper looks at an emergency lending scheme offered by Germany’s national development bank (NDB) KfW during the Covid crisis. We analyze the design of the KfW scheme and identify obstacles to efficient contracting in these two-tier lending relationships, involving the NDB, the participating commercial banks, and the ultimate firm borrowers. Theoretical arguments and empirical evidence help to understand the main risks of subsidized public lending schemes. We propose a smart set of public lending contracts which induces banks to refrain from applying for public support if firms don’t need the funds because they re financially strong, or if they don’t deserve the funds because they are zombie firms. In the lending scheme, a firm chooses the contract which maximizes the subsidy, reveals its rating, and obtains public funds according to its crisis-induced needs thereby mitigating information asymmetries. In order to ensure incentive alignment, banks retain a share on borrower default risk. This co-insurance component should increase with crisis duration in order to contain moral hazard, i.e. zombification risk.