Abstract: Orthographic depth varies across alphabetic writing systems and plays a central role in spelling acquisition. In immersion education, a second language (L2) is used as a language of instruction for part of the curriculum, such that learners are primarily confronted with its writing system during the initial stages of literacy development. This early exposure may shape the spelling strategies subsequently deployed in the first language (L1), which also corresponds to the dominant language of the surrounding community. This article provides a structured review of key mechanisms involved in spelling acquisition, orthographic depth, and cross-linguistic influence in bilingual and immersion contexts. On this basis, it proposes a conceptual and predictive framework specifying how the orthographic depth of the instructional language modulates spelling strategies and spelling error profiles in L1. Focusing on French-speaking pupils enrolled in immersion programmes with L2s characterised by either predominantly phonemic or opaque orthographies, the framework integrates strategy-based models of orthographic development. The model distinguishes phonological, lexical, and morphographic components of orthographic knowledge and predicts that immersion in phonemic-dominant orthographies favours phonographic dominance and regularisation patterns, whereas immersion in opaque orthographies promotes greater reliance on lexical-orthographic strategies, resulting in distinct and systematic spelling error profiles in French.

Abstract: The investigation into the effects of wind and radiation pressures emitted by OB-type stars on star-forming molecular clouds constitutes a crucial area of research within astrophysics. As OB stars expel mass and release radiative energy, they exert pressure on nearby molecular clouds. This paper explores the impact of both wind and radiation pressure from OB stars on molecular clouds, examining how these forces influence the critical mass of the clouds in question. The approach taken involves a theoretical or mathematical framework, complemented by numerical analysis that utilizes a range of parameters associated with OB stars and molecular clouds. The findings indicate that an increase in wind and radiation pressure from OB stars leads to a reduction in the critical mass of the molecular cloud. This suggests that these pressures can have a dual effect, either dispersing or compressing the molecular cloud they affect. Furthermore, it was determined that the combined influence of wind and radiation pressure is more pronounced than the effects of either force acting independently, with radiation pressure demonstrating a somewhat greater impact than wind pressure based on the results obtained.

Abstract: Baja California is the second-highest state in Mexico for hospital discharges attributed to coccidioidomycosis (CM), yet epidemiological information on population-level exposure remains limited. To estimate exposure to Coccidioides and assess its association with environmental factors, we conducted intradermal coccidioidin skin testing among 416 residents across nine regions of Baja California. We analyzed 24 environmental variables, including bioclimatic, topographic, and land use indicators. Overall, 31.9% of participants tested positive. Higher odds of exposure were observed in Valle de las Palmas and La Morita. Differences between high- and low-positivity localities were observed in annual precipitation, precipitation during the wettest month, and elevation. High-positivity areas were characterized by annual precipitation ranging from 243 to 311 mm, wettest-month precipitation from 55 to 79 mm, and elevations between 125 and 276 meters above sea level. These findings indicate heterogeneous exposure to Coccidioides across Baja California and highlight the role of environmental factors in shaping transmission risk, supporting the need for strengthened epidemiologic surveillance in high-positivity areas.

Abstract: Dissolved oxygen (DO) management is a primary challenge in intensive aquaculture, where conventional aeration often suffers from high energy costs and low efficiency in decentralized systems. Oxygen transfer kinetics were investigated under oxygen-depleted conditions (initial DO = 2.4 mg L⁻¹) using the dynamic method. The system's performance was characterized through the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa), Specific Oxygen Transfer Efficiency (SOTE), and dimensionless analysis (Reynolds, Schmidt, and Sherwood numbers). After 1 hour of operation, the DO concentration increased to 6.2 mg L⁻¹, achieving a net oxygen transfer of 9.55 ± 0.46 g. The system yielded a kLa of 1.44 h⁻¹ (R² = 0.97) and a SOTE of 76.4 ± 7.8 gO₂ kWh⁻¹. Dimensionless analysis (Re ≈ 2 x 10⁴, Sc ≈ 500, Sh ≈ 682) confirms that oxygen transfer is governed by hydrodynamic-induced interfacial area generation rather than molecular diffusion. Biological validation demonstrated that fish (catfish) grown under nanobubble-assisted conditions achieved a 43% higher growth rate over 17 days compared to non-assisted groups. These findings demonstrate that hydrodynamically controlled nanobubble spray systems provide an energy-efficient and scalable solution for decentralized aquaculture aeration.

Abstract: Epiderm is composed by specific layers, functions and implications in the life The purpose of the study is to analyse and to identify structural characteristics reffering to melanocytic nevi, in youth patients. Congenital melanocytic nevi are pigmented lesions that are usually present a birth. They are generally benign, but a small percentage (especially the larger ones) can potentially transform into malignant melanoma. Using both optical and electronic microscope, could be possible a better describtion related specificity in melanocytic nevi characteristics. Future trends, are important key points in management, including preventive and prophylactic methods.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of regrinding on the interfacial properties of sulfide minerals and the flotation performance of weathered copper-porphyry tailings. The feed material is characterized by a low copper grade (0.17%) and a high proportion of oxidized species (53.84%), which contributes to its inherent chemical stability and poor flotation kinetics. The findings indicate that regrinding serves a dual role: facilitating the liberation of mineral intergrowths and inducing mechanical surface renewal. This renewal is characterized by a significant decrease in the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and an intensification of the surface reactivity. Experimental results identify an optimal grinding fineness of 77-81% passing -0.045 mm, yielding a copper recovery of 16.26% in the absence of a sulfidizing agent. The integration of sodium sulfide (400 g/t) with regrinding significantly enhances recovery to 36.37%, driven by the establishment of a reducing environment (ORP ≈ -150 mV) and the chemisorption-mediated activation of mineral surfaces. While ultrafine grinding (90-100% passing -0.045 mm) further increases recovery to 51.47%, it is accompanied by deleterious sliming effects and a subsequent loss of process selectivity. The study confirms that mechanical surface rejuvenation and the optimization of electrochemical conditions are critical for improving the processing efficiency of anthropogenic resources, providing a theoretical framework for establishing rational beneficiation regimes.

Abstract: Contemporary leadership theories have largely emphasized performance optimization, decision-making efficiency, and structural coordination. While these approaches have contributed to organizational effectiveness, they insufficiently account for the role of human perception in shaping sustainable leadership outcomes. This limitation becomes increasingly significant in complex, diverse, and technologically mediated environments, where differences in interpretation directly influence coordination, trust, and decision quality. This paper introduces the Saudi School of Conscious Leadership, a perception-centered framework that reconceptualizes leadership as a dynamic process of maintaining perceptual balance across three interdependent dimensions: the individual, societal systems, and temporal transformation. Rather than positioning leadership as a function of authority or control, the framework defines it as the alignment of meaning, trust, justice, and collective awareness within a coherent interpretive system. The model is informed by long-term civilizational principles emphasizing continuity, balance, and relational coherence, and integrates key constructs including perceptual alignment, perceptual integrity, and meaning-based coordination into a unified explanatory structure. It proposes that leadership effectiveness emerges from the capacity to align diverse perceptual frameworks, thereby transforming cognitive differences into integrative outcomes rather than fragmentation. By shifting the analytical focus from external performance metrics to internal coherence, this study advances leadership theory in three ways: it introduces perception as a central analytical dimension, provides a mechanism-based explanation for the dual effects of diversity, and generates testable propositions for future empirical research. The framework offers both a conceptual foundation and a practical lens for understanding how leadership systems can sustain human meaning and organizational adaptability in increasingly complex environments.

Abstract: This study investigates hybrid brake-pad composites made by adding different percentages of silicon carbide (15% and 20% SiC) and zinc oxide (10%, 15%, and 20% ZnO). The goal was to find a composite that improves brake working efficiency. Wear and hardness tests were carried out according to ASTM standards. The experimental results were analyzed using Design of Experiments method to study how wear changes over time under different loads. Time-series trend analysis visualizes how the specific wear rate developed. The results showed that sample A5 had the best wear resistance and certified A5 as the optimum structural stability over time composite sample. The hardest samples were A2 and A5. The best composite was selected for a static structural analysis using ANSYS 2022-R1 to evaluate stress, strain, deformation, and elastic energy. The thermal analysis examined heat distribution, heat generation, and heat flux in the hybrid composite material. The numerical results showed that stress levels are lower at outer surfaces compared to the inner regions. The outer surfaces exhibit a uniform distribution heat flux. Directional heat flux showed a slight increase near the inner radius, the disk protrusions and edges. These findings clarified how the optimal composite behaves under braking conditions.

Abstract: While skeletal imagery appears across various ancient Andean traditions, the Wari Empire (c. 600–1000 CE) developed a uniquely standardized and widespread skull motif—the uma tullu—distributed throughout its former territory. Through an analysis of 63 artifacts spanning ceramic, textile, and metal media, this study identifies key diagnostic markers of the motif: the representation of the metopic suture and the application of red pigment. By cross-referencing these stylistic features with bioarchaeological data, the research posits that the uma tullu served as a central communicative device. In the absence of a formal script, this motif encoded imperial values and ancestral cult practices, facilitating ideological expansion and state identity. Ultimately, this work demonstrates how standardized iconography functioned as a system of graphic communication and ideological cohesion in the Middle Horizon Andes.

Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of Existential Resistance Literature as an emerging interdisciplinary framework positioned at the intersection of philosophy, leadership theory, and socio-technical systems. The study responds to accelerating technological developments that increasingly frame human behavior through algorithmic, predictive, and data-driven models. While such systems enhance efficiency and coordination, they simultaneously risk reducing human agency, meaning, and interpretive depth.Building on a perception-centered perspective, the paper proposes that contemporary systems face a fundamental challenge: not merely optimization, but the preservation of human coherence. In response, Existential Resistance Literature is conceptualized as a human-centered intellectual and narrative approach that resists reductionist interpretations of human identity. Central to this framework is the concept of perceptual integrity, which explains how individuals and systems maintain meaning, trust, and continuity under conditions of complexity and technological mediation.The study integrates recent research on cognitive diversity, collective intelligence, and human–AI interaction to demonstrate that sustainable systems depend not only on structural efficiency but on interpretive alignment. By reframing resistance as a constructive process of preserving meaning rather than opposing technology, the paper advances a novel paradigm for understanding the relationship between human systems and algorithmic environments.

Abstract: The challenge of context-free validity arises from the common belief that rigorous methodology ensures research credibility in various contexts, despite variations in epistemic foundations, institutional capacity, cultural norms, and operational conditions. This assumption is clear in Global South contexts, where research tools and evaluation frameworks from other regions are applied without proper adaptation, highlighting the limitations of claims to universal validity. The challenge is especially evident in socioeconomic research, where tools and frameworks are often applied across contexts without accounting for institutional capacity, cultural norms, or resource limitations. This paper presents the Contextual Research Validity Index (CRVI), a framework for evaluating how well a research design fits the epistemic, institutional, cultural, and operational aspects of its intended context. The CRVI views contextual validity as a form of legitimacy, emphasising that a method’s credibility relies not only on technical precision but also on how well its assumptions align with the realities of the environment. The framework includes four dimensions—epistemic alignment, institutional fit, cultural resonance, and operational feasibility—combined into a composite index for systematic assessment. By focusing on contextual alignment, the CRVI addresses shortcomings in existing validity frameworks and provides researchers, evaluators, and practitioners with a tool to anticipate misfits, adapt designs, and enhance interpretive robustness. By redefining validity as a relational outcome and treating contextual coherence as a quantifiable aspect of rigour, the CRVI provides a systematic framework for assessing the legitimacy of research across diverse contexts.

Abstract: Fatigue is a frequent, disabling and difficult to treat symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Low grade inflammation and energetic dysfunction have been proposed as mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this symptom. Owing to its anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties, there is a rational for ketogenic diet (KD) application in this setting. We conducted a single arm open label interventional study on a strictly selected group of 16 non-obese patients with multiple sclerosis who were prescribed KD for three months. With respect to baseline, at 3 months we observed a significant reduction of fatigue severity scale (5.18 ± 1.02 vs. 4.16 ± 0.98; p = 0.042), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (5.64 ± 2.46 vs. 8.46 ± 3.05; p < 0.001), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (5.64 ± 3.53 vs. 7.62 ± 2.59; p = 0.009), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 depression (3.18 ± 2.93 vs. 6.15 ± 3.81; p = 0.036) and anxiety (5.15 ± 4.10 vs. 1.55 ± 1.92; p = 0.019) sub-scales, and an improvement in energy sub-scale of Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (52.49 ± 12.83 vs. 37.43 ± 14.26; p = 0.042). These findings suggest that KD might be useful for the treatment of fatigue and they raise the interest for the use of KD in the treatment of other symptoms frequently encountered in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: In cluster-merger analyses, the dominant gravitating component is often modeled as effectively history-independent after several dynamical times, even if the gas retains thermodynamic signatures of past perturbations. Recent weak-lensing work by HyeongHan et al. (2025) complicates that expectation for the Perseus Cluster by reporting a massive sub-halo, centered on NGC 1264, and a connecting mass bridge in a cool-core system long treated as a benchmark relaxed cluster. Perseus is already known from X-ray studies to host large-scale sloshing and an ancient cold front that preserve evidence of past perturbation on Gyr (gigayear) timescales. Taken together, these results motivate a re-examination of how merger history can remain observationally relevant in nominally relaxed clusters. This paper advances a deliberately modest claim. Rather than treating Perseus as a standalone falsification of ΛCDM or of conventional hydrodynamical explanations, this paper treats it as an especially informative case in which a remnant stress-energy interpretation becomes interesting enough to warrant further study. In this interpretation, long-lived gravitational structure is represented phenomenologically by a coarse-grained remnant stress-energy TμνRem, motivated by a covariant closure construction. The principal contribution of the paper is a falsifiable observational program rather than a claim of proof. After controlling for instantaneous merger parameters, residual lensing-gas centroid offsets in nominally relaxed clusters should correlate with independent merger-history proxies if such remnants are physically relevant. Existing lensing and X-ray archives already permit a pilot test, while upcoming wide-field surveys can extend the sample.

Abstract: Ordinary differential equations are fundamental tools for modeling dynamic systems in science, engineering, and applied mathematics. Solving these equations accurately and efficiently is crucial, particularly in cases where analytical solutions are challenging or impossible to obtain. This paper presents a method for solving inhomogeneous linear ordinary differential equations using an artificial neural network. The network is composed of a single input layer with one neuron, one hidden layer with three neurons, and a single output layer with one neuron. A multiple regression model is employed to determine the weights from the input layer to the hidden layer, while radial basis functions are used to compute the weights from the hidden layer to the output layer. The bias values are chosen within the range of -1 to 1 to optimize learning behavior. A trial solution is constructed as a sum of two parts. One part satisfies the initial condition, and the other part is the output of the network to approximate the function. The neural network is trained to minimize the mean squared error of the residuals obtained by doing the substitution of the trial solution into the given ordinary differential equation. The methodology is tested on first-order and second-order ordinary differential equations to evaluate its accuracy, stability and how its capability can be generalized. The results show that the method can approximate the exact solutions of these ordinary differential equations with high accuracy.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: WHO has identified Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) and carbapenem-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) as the “critical priority” group of MDR organisms for which new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Here, we evaluated in vitro synergistic activity of eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in combination with β-lactams, gentamicin, or colistin against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Methods: We selected seven MDR-GNB clinical isolates inclining CRAb, ESBL-producing and CPE clinical isolates displaying different antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The genomes of clinical isolates were characterized by whole-genome sequencing and synergy testing was performed with checkerboard assay. Results: Our results demonstrated that eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in combination with colistin exhibited high synergistic activity against MDR-GNB clinical isolates (37.5-50%), while the effect was almost indifferent in combination with different β-lactam molecules or gentamicin (87.5-100%). Synergistic interaction of eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol with colistin induced a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) of the MIC values compared with the molecules tested alone. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated showed that this synergistic interaction was not affected by different antimicrobial resistance genes and/or different antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. In conclusion, our results suggest that eugenol, cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in combination with colistin represents a potential strategy for treatment of MDR-GNB pathogens and limit their diffusion.

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) applications increasingly exceed the limits of centralized cloud processing because they require low latency, privacy preservation, scalability, and operational resilience. This review synthesizes distributed intelligence across the edge–fog–cloud continuum through a structured integrative methodology comprising multi-stage literature search, two-stage filtering, and thematic synthesis of more than 100 sources. The analysis covers four representative domains—industrial IoT, smart cities, connected healthcare, and smart agriculture—to identify recurring architectural patterns and shared deployment challenges. The review organizes these challenges around power and computational constraints, data management, security and privacy, interoperability, and model lifecycle management. Building on this synthesis, the paper formalizes an Edge–Fog–Cloud distributed intelligence model and develops a workload-placement taxonomy based on latency, privacy, power, and model complexity. Comparative analysis shows that on-device TinyML is best suited to ultra-low-latency and privacy-sensitive inference, edge and fog layers provide an effective compromise for localized near-real-time intelligence, and cloud infrastructures remain essential for large-scale analytics and model training. Across domains, the evidence supports hybrid multi-layer architectures as the most robust strategy for advanced AIoT deployments. The review also identifies key future directions, including human-in-the-loop AIoT, multimodal sensor fusion, energy-harvesting devices, federated learning, and the Tactile Internet.

Abstract:

Chordoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of the axial skeleton, arising from notochordal remnants. No approved systemic therapies exist and a 10-year overall survival is below 60%. Accurate molecular and pathological classification is a prerequisite for improved prognostication and identification of actionable therapeutic targets, yet molecular classification of chordoma remains significantly less advanced than in other neoplasms. This article reviews and synthesizes proposed classification frameworks for chordoma across histological, radiological, surgical, genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic domains. PubMed and CENTRAL were searched on 1 February 2026 using five queries: ‘chordoma classification’, ‘chordoma DNA sequencing’, ‘chordoma RNA sequencing’, ‘chordoma methylation’, and ‘chordoma copy number’. Original research articles describing more than one patient and reporting a classification or subtyping framework were included; review articles, case reports, and non-English publications were excluded. Sample size and utilization of validation dataset were identified for each dataset to mitigate risk of bias. Results were synthesized qualitatively. 108 studies encompassing 6,349 individuals were included. Across six domains, four cross-cutting themes with prognostic and potential theranostic value emerged: copy number alterations — particularly CDKN2A/B loss; SWI/SNF complex dysfunction; TGF-β signaling; and immune microenvironment heterogeneity.

Abstract: Background: Posterior segment eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are preeminent causes of vision loss worldwide. Effective drug delivery to the retina poses an ongoing therapeutic difficulty due to the presence of the anatomical and physiological barriers. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems represent a promising strategy to overcome those limitations. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications published between 2020 and 2026. Publications evaluating nanoparticles for the treatment of the vitreoretinal disorders, including pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies, were analyzed. Results: Nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and lipid-based systems, established improved drug bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. The analyzed systems facilitate sustained drug release and potentially reduce the prevalence of invasive intravitreal injections. The nanocarriers’ effectiveness is primarily influenced by their physicochemical properties, such as particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency. Nonetheless, the production costs and safety aspects, including cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, remain as significant limitations. Conclusions: Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems serve as an auspicious therapeutic approach for posterior segment eye diseases. However, further standardized preclinical and clinical research is required to assure long-term safety, and enable successful clinical transition.

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently manifests with profound language impairments, particularly in verb morphology processing, which hinges on fronto-temporal connectivity for grammatical rule application. This study pioneers the use of graph neural networks (GNNs) to map these deficits, analysing task-based fMRI data from 72 children (36 ASD, 36 controls). Fronto-temporal graphs were constructed with nodes representing key regions (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus) and edges capturing dynamic Pearson correlations during an auditory verb tense judgment task. A three-layer GraphSAGE model, incorporating message passing and temporal embeddings, achieved 91.7% classification accuracy (AUC=0.95), outperforming traditional classifiers by 14%. Attention maps revealed hypo-connectivity in the arcuate fasciculus pathway (p<0.001), correlating with ADOS language scores (r=-0.62), alongside compensatory frontal hyperconnectivity. Ablation studies confirmed the model’s reliance on task-evoked dynamics. These findings elucidate the neural substrates of morphology impairments, offering interpretable biomarkers for early ASD diagnosis and personalized interventions. By bridging graph theory with cognitive neuroscience, this work advances precision psychiatry, with implications for neurofeedback therapies targeting syntactic networks. Future extensions to multi-modal data promise enhanced generalizability across ASD heterogeneity.

Abstract: This study introduces the R-index as a novel framework for quantifying the economic impact of risk through realized deviations from expected performance. In contrast to traditional risk measures that rely on probabilistic or volatility-based approaches, the proposed index captures risk as an outcome-based phenomenon directly linked to firm-level performance. The R-index is constructed as a normalized measure of deviation between actual and expected values and is further extended to a multidimensional setting, allowing for aggregation across different performance indicators. The empirical analysis is conducted using longitudinal financial data from three firms operating in distinct sectors of the Montenegrin economy—telecommunications, retail, and tourism—over the period 2015–2024. The results reveal substantial heterogeneity in the realization of risk across firms, even under identical macroeconomic conditions. While some firms exhibit stable performance and limited deviations, others demonstrate pronounced volatility and sensitivity to external shocks, particularly during the COVID-19 period. These findings suggest that risk is not uniformly transmitted but is instead shaped by firm-specific characteristics, including operational structure and adaptive capacity. The study contributes to the literature by redefining risk as a realized economic phenomenon and by proposing a scalable and interpretable metric that bridges risk measurement and performance evaluation. The R-index offers practical relevance for managerial decision-making and provides a foundation for future research on the relationship between risk and firm value.