Abstract: Pulse wave propagation through blood vessels is affected by many biophysical parameters that change with aging. The aim of this study was to investigate both theoretically and experimentally how the pulse wave velocity changes in the vertical position and to introduce a new parameter in biophysics - pulse wave acceleration - PWA. On a biophysical model of the cardiovascular system, placed in horizontal and vertical position, pressure waveforms were measured along the arterial tree at several sites at different diastolic pressures and pump frequencies. Blood flow waveforms on the carotid and femoral arteries in the supine and standing position were measured on the subjects. The results showed that the pulse pressure wave accelerates in the direction of gravity and decelerates in the opposite direction both in the model and in humans. A new biophysical parameter - PWA - was defined, and the experimental results are in agreement with the mathematical model. Due to the acceleration of the pulse wave, the reflected wave in the standing position arrives earlier in systole and affects the increase in pressure. The novel biophysical parameter provides a more accurate assessment of the age of the cardiovascular system and a more precise diagnosis of increased blood pressure.

Abstract: For over a century, the distribution of prime numbers has been modeled as a stochastic process. This study presents results from a multi-year computational census that challenges this paradigm. Using a deterministic Sequential Reflection Filter implemented on a decentralized architecture, we analyzed a specific four-prime configuration, “The Southern Cross Constellation", across the range 10¹ to 2.2410¹⁴. The method targets twin-prime seeds and applies the symmetric reflection operator to generate the structure. We identified 6,365,871 unique prime quadruples exhibiting a consistent trailing-digit signature [9,1,9,1] with zero observed deviation. Additionally, we observe an “ironing effect,” characterized by a systematic reduction in relative variance η with increasing magnitude. At 10¹⁴, the relative variance η is reduced by a factor of more than 40 relative to 10⁹, at the level of confidence exceeding 7σ, indicating a transition into a highly regular, symmetric topological structure. These findings indicate the existence of a scale-invariant, deterministic lattice, governing prime distribution. This challenges the assumption of high-entropy randomness in prime-based lattices. The study identified the Golden-Gamma constant as the foundational principle governing the Southern Cross Constellation.

Abstract: Background: Pneumothorax, regardless of its aetiology (traumatic or spontaneous), is diagnosed using imaging modalities, while treatment depends on its type and underlying cause. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, treatment approaches, and healthcare needs of patients with pneumothorax in order to better understand its impact on healthcare resources.Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed pneumothorax cases treated at Varazdin General Hospital between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. Data were extracted from the Hospital Information System and included pneumothorax type, treatment modality, duration of thoracic drainage, and length of hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential methods.Results: A total of 60 patients were included, with a predominance of males (65%) and older individuals (>60 years: 55%). Thoracic drainage was performed in 73% of patients and was associated with an average duration of approximately 7 days. The average hospital stay was 9 days. Statistically significant associations were observed between age and pneumothorax type (P=0.003), as well as between age and treatment modality (P=0.050). Nursing care needs remained largely stable during hospitalisation, with an average dependency category of 1.92 at admission and 1.93 at discharge. A total of 120 nursing diagnoses were recorded, averaging two per patient.Conclusion: Pneumothorax is more common in older patients and males, with treatment strategies varying according to demographic and clinical factors. The findings highlight the importance of tailored management approaches and emphasise the central role of nursing care in ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Abstract: The accelerating diffusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe raises pressing distributional questions about employment, social cohesion, and sustainable development in disadvantaged regions. Research has concentrated on advanced urban economies, leaving the implications of AI for peripheral small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating under weak human capital, thin digital infrastructure, and constrained social capital — underexplored. We examine the interplay between AI adoption, social capital formation, workforce dynamics, and sustainable development in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT), one of the EU's least developed regions. Drawing on Bitsani's Biocultural City framework [11], which treats human, social, and cultural capital as interdependent dimensions of regional sustainability, we thematically analysed twelve semi-structured interviews with SME owners and managers conducted in early 2025 using Atlas.ti, yielding 19 codes grouped into six categories. Knowledge deficits and financial constraints emerge as primary barriers, while external technology partnerships, targeted education, and economic incentives operate as enablers, all mediated by social and human capital availability. AI adoption in peripheral economies is not a purely technological or financial challenge but a social and human capital challenge, embedded in a biocultural environment shaped by brain drain, institutional thinness, and weak civic intermediation. Without parallel investment in digital literacy, organizational culture, and inter-firm networks, AI will reproduce rather than reduce employment inequalities. The study draws policy implications for EU Cohesion programming and Sustainable Development Goals 4, 8, 9, 10, and 17.

Abstract: The Sultanate of Oman enjoys plenty of solar energy and wind energy; both have been exploited successfully in the country. However, geothermal energy has not been exploited yet in Oman. This natural heat source deserves more studies to assess its technical potential and economic feasibility compared to other electricity generation technologies in Oman. The current study fills this gap by presenting a techno-economic assessment (TEA) of a small 30-MW geothermal power plant in Oman, operating on a binary (two-fluid) cycle, with a drilling depth of 2 km. The analysis was performed using the renowned software tool SAM (System Advisor Model) of the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The current results suggest a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 8.68 cents/kWh (0.0868 US$/kWh) or 33.4 baisa/kWh (0.0334 OMR/kWh). When compared with electricity tariff or solar photovoltaic (PV) power purchase agreement (PPA) rates in Oman, it was found that geothermal-based electricity is too expensive. Furthermore, the estimated geothermal LCOE is more than three times the LCOE value of self-owned photovoltaic (PV) power systems in Oman, which is around 10 baisa/kWh (0.010 OMR/kWh). The estimated first-year electricity generation for the geothermal power plant model is 261.268 GWh/year, leading to a specific electricity generation of 8,709 kWh/kW/year. This is about five times the specific power generation from PV power plants. The study is augmented by sensitivity analyses and regression models to help understand the impact of multiple input parameters. The study provides novel results regarding decision-making for geothermal power investment in Oman.

Abstract: Enhancing agricultural economic resilience (AER) is essential for global food security. As a key policy tool for stabilizing agricultural production, policy-based agricultural insurance lacks rigorous causal evidence on its impact on resilience. Using 2012–2023 provincial panel data from China, this study measures AER via the entropy method and identifies policy effects using a multi-timepoint difference-in-differences (DID) model. We find that policy-based insurance for the three major staple crops significantly strengthens AER, primarily by promoting agricultural technological innovation (ATI) and regional industrial structure upgrading (RIS). The improvement effects are more pronounced in central and western regions, non-major grain-producing areas, and regions with higher natural risks. Our findings confirm that the staple crop insurance policy effectively boosts agricultural resilience, suggesting that differentiated implementation can support more sustainable and targeted agricultural risk governance.

Abstract: Road traffic accidents pose a growing public safety challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions of Nigeria, where infrastructure development and traffic management often lag behind increasing vehicle use. This study investigates the spatial distribution and hotspot patterns of road traffic accidents in Jega Local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria, using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) spatial interpolation. Georeferenced accident count data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, spatial visualization, and interpolation on a 200 × 200 grid with an edge buffer to minimize boundary effects. Accident hotspots were delineated using an 80th percentile threshold of interpolated intensity values. The results reveal a strongly clustered spatial structure, characterized by pronounced inequality in accident occurrence, where a small number of locations account for a disproportionate share of recorded accidents. IDW surfaces, contour maps, three-dimensional visualizations, and Google Earth-compatible outputs consistently identify high-risk zones around major junctions and traffic convergence areas. The findings demonstrate that IDW provides a transparent, computationally efficient, and operationally effective approach for accident hotspot identification in data-constrained urban settings. The study offers practical decision-support tools for targeted road safety interventions and contributes to evidence-based traffic management planning in developing urban environments.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a key pathogenic factor in gastric diseases (GDs). Nutraceuticals with antioxidant activity derived from macroalgae represent promising preventive strategies. However, Chilean macroalgae remains poorly explored in the context of GDs, particularly associated with oxidative stress. This study evaluated the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts from green, brown, and red macroalgae collected along the north-central coast of Chile. Methods: Crude extracts were prepared from green, brown, and red macroalgae and evaluated for antioxidant activity via ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Using hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in GES-1 gastric epithelial cells, we assessed cell viability (MTS assay), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (time-lapse confocal microscopy), and apoptosis (active caspase-3 detection). Results: All extracts exhibited antioxidant activity; the red macroalgae Gracilaria chilensis displayed the highest flavonoid content (up to 2.236 mg QE/g dw). Notably, extracts from G. chilensis, S. gaudichaudii, and M. canaliculata preserved GES-1 cell viability under hydrogen peroxide-induced stress, outperforming green and brown species, demonstrating the superior cytoprotective capacity of red macroalgae compared to other groups. Furthermore, G. chilensis extracts significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels and attenuated ROS-induced apoptosis. Conclusions: Red macroalgae extracts, particularly G. chilensis, exhibit strong antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. Our findings demonstrate that these species outperform green and brown macroalgae, addressing a gap in knowledge regarding Chilean marine resources. These results support their potential development as nutraceuticals for the prevention of oxidative stress-related gastric diseases and highlight red macroalgae as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for diet-based preventive strategies.

Abstract: Egan et al. (2026) estimate that interchange fees transfer approximately $30 billionper year from cash and debit card users to credit card users, assuming merchants setuniform prices. We extend their sufficient-statistics framework to incorporate merchantsurcharging and show that it attenuates the pooled cross-subsidy by $1–2 billion (3–7%). The correct aggregation uses transfer-weighted sector shares, not expenditureshares; the naive alternative overstates the correction fivefold. Using transaction-leveldata from the Diary of Consumer Payment Choice (2022–2024), we document thatsurcharging has nearly doubled since 2021 and is concentrated in sectors where smallbusinesses face high interchange costs. At the transaction level, credit card purchasesby consumers with household income below $25,000 are surcharged at twice the rate of1those above $150,000 (p = 0.038, respondent-clustered standard errors with merchant-category fixed effects). However, this gradient is fragile: it does not survive aggregationto the respondent level, is present in 2024 but not in 2022, and is largely absorbed bycontrolling for rewards card status. Surcharging widens inequality in the net benefitsof card use primarily through card segmentation—non-rewards cardholders face highersurcharge rates—rather than through an independent income channel.

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, mainly due to metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTC) act as the biological "seeds" of dissemination, traveling through the bloodstream to colonize distant organs. However, the blood is a hostile environment where CTC must constantly face immune pressure. This review explores the bidirectional interactions between CTC and immune cells in CRC, asking whether CTC are merely vulnerable targets of immunosurveillance or can exploit the immune system for survival and metastasis. We dissect intrinsic and extrinsic immune evasion mechanisms, including MHC-I modulation, immune checkpoint expression (PD-L1, CD47, FasL), platelet cloaking, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). Furthermore, we examine how CTC form heterotypic clusters with monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, creating pro-metastatic niches and promoting phenotypic plasticity. The impact of CTC on systemic immunity, including reprogramming of NK cells, T lymphocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) is discussed. Importantly, we highlight the emerging role of CTC as dynamic biomarkers for immunotherapy, focusing on the predictive value of PD-L1+ CTC and the potential of CTC-derived neoantigens for personalized vaccination. Despite progress, challenges remain in standardization, detection sensitivity, and clinical validation. Understanding the equilibrium between immune elimination and evasion by CTCs is crucial to develop novel interventions that interrupt the metastatic dialogue and improve outcomes for CRC patients.

Abstract: The study investigates the seismic ambient noise within the Campi Flegrei caldera (Na-ples, Italy) to improve the detection capability and reliability of the local earthquake moni-toring system managed by the INGV, Osservatorio Vesuviano. It focuses on the spectral characteristics and spatial variability of the ambient noise field, aiming to identify the dominant frequency bands that control signal detectability and to provide key information for the optimization of the monitoring network. Due to the dense urban environment sur-rounding the caldera, seismic recordings are often contaminated by high anthropogenic noise, which can mask low-magnitude volcanic or seismic signals. Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis was applied to evaluate background noise levels at several broadband sta-tions belonging to both the permanent and temporary seismic networks over the period January 2022 to January 2023. The resulting PSD estimates were compared with the global Peterson noise models to assess station performance and environmental conditions. Re-sults show significant variability among stations, related to local human activity, proxim-ity to infrastructure and different installation settings (buried vs. surface). The study em-phasizes the importance of continuous noise monitoring to ensure high-quality seismic data, support optimal station siting, and refine monitoring strategies in densely populated volcanic regions such as Campi Flegrei, where the reliable detection of low-amplitude seismic and volcanic signals is essential.

Abstract: The rapid adoption of Wide Band Gap (WBG) and Ultra-Wide Band Gap (UWBG) semiconductor technologies, most notably Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN), is reshaping wafer-level electrical testing beyond conventional silicon-based probing infrastructures.[1,2] Modern SiC devices require blocking voltage verification in the 650 V–3.3 kV range, extending beyond 6.5 kV, while GaN HEMTs operate with voltage slew rates exceeding 50–150 V/ns and current slew rates above 1–5 kA/µs. Un-der these conditions, probe cards evolve from passive interconnects into multi-physics systems coupling electrical, thermal, and mechanical domains.[3,4] Vertical MEMS probe card architectures enable high contact density, per-contact currents of 2–10 A (aggregated >1–3 kA), and loop inductance in the single-digit nanohenry range. This work analyzes probe-to-wafer contact physics, including constriction resistance (10–50mΩ) and wear under high current (>10⁵ A/cm²) and high-frequency conditions.[4] Electro-thermal limitations are discussed with focus on insulation integrity, partial discharge, di/dt-induced overshoot, and localized heating (>100–200 °C).[5,6,7] Emerging high-voltage solutions include ceramic insulation, controlled atmospheres, and on-board sensing. Wafer-level testing combines full-wafer screening with burn-in-like stress methodologies, where body diode characterization enables early defect detection in SiC devices. These results highlight the critical role of probe cards in WBG manufacturability and test reliability

Abstract: Quantitative results demonstrate that the 4D stratified model significantly improved soil quality and vertical structural complexity; vegetation density increased from 5 to 35 plants/m², while species richness exhibited a fourfold increase. Beyond biophysical restoration, the intervention catalyzed a "narrative inversion," transitioning the site from a stigmatized wasteland to a socio-ecological hub that fosters collaborative health literacy and community resilience. By integrating agroecological practices with the EcoFoodFertility clinical framework, the project illustrates the potential of localized interventions to function as "preventive infrastructures" within a One Health paradigm. The findings suggest that SAFS represents a scalable laboratory for territorial re-signification, offering transferable insights for aligning ecological restoration with social innovation in degraded peri-urban landscapes, in accordance with Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and European Green Deal objectives.

Abstract: When applying the geometric quantization ansatz that focuses on quantizing the fundamental metric tensor to the reformulation of general relativity, eigencurvatures emerge at low (quantum) scales. They are distinct from the standard curvatures that manifest gravitational sources in conventional general relativity. The analytical and numerical evolution of timelike geodesic congruence expansion in the spacetime surrounding rotating, massive, non-charged, and axially symmetric Kerr black hole is introduced. This facilitates the assessment of whether the space singularity continues to exist or diminishes at low (quantum) scales. Furthermore, the characteristics of the quantum-conditioned curvatures can be defined by means of the Kretschmann invariant scalar. We conclude that the space singularity can be regulated by the proposed quantization approach. Moreover, the quantum-conditioned curvatures that arise in Kerr spacetime are genuinely real, essential, and intrinsic. They cannot be classified as artifacts in any coordinate systems, whether known or yet to be found.

Abstract: Chronic migraine has traditionally been framed as a disabling but self-limited pain disorder. Recent large-scale epidemiology, Mendelian randomisation, and neuroimaging converge on a different reading: midlife chronic migraine, particularly with aura, precedes and predicts Alzheimer's dementia in a manner consistent with a causal direction rather than mere association. We propose a hierarchical model in which recurrent cortical spreading depression initiates a feed-forward network: transient glymphatic closure with stasis of amyloid-β and tau; brain insulin resistance and interictal energy failure; and sustained, TNF-α-centred neuroinflammation, with each level feeding back to lower the threshold for the others. Sleep, mood, and vascular comorbidities are repositioned as bidirectional amplifiers rather than independent confounders. We outline falsifiable predictions, discuss the ambiguous neurocognitive profile of CGRP-pathway blockade, and argue that midlife migraine prevention warrants evaluation as a candidate disease-modifying strategy for Alzheimer's dementia.

Abstract: BACKGROUND For patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we proposed novel pulmonary risk factors identified by machine learning (ML) that have impact on long-term revascularization outcomes. METHODS A total of 1035 consecutive patients with three-vessel disease (3-VD) and/or left main disease (LMD) treated with either CABG or PCI were followed up to 5 years in tertiary cardiovascular care centre that systematically screened their candidates for revascularization. Participants were stratified for the presence of absence of PH (pulmonary hypertension) and /or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the impact of each on revascularization outcomes was examined. RESULTS Five-year mortality in overall cohort was 12.6%. A higher mortality was demonstrated for patients with diagnosis of COPD or PH (n=125) as compared with population who had neither COPD nor PH (n=910) [68.8% vs 4.8%, P< 0.001]. Among the 125 patients in COPD/PH population, a higher 5-year mortality was observed in those who underwent surgery as compared with PCI-group (85.2% vs 64.3%, P=0.04). We observed a significant interaction between COPD and revascularization strategy (P=0.014), but no association between PH and CABG/PCI was found. Cox regression analysis showed outstanding HRs of mortality for PH (6.01 [3.47-10.40]) and COPD (5.65 [3.21-9.96]) as compared with conventional risk factors. CONCLUSIONS In the overall cohort, novel pulmonary risk factors suggested by ML had a huge impact on 5-year mortality, hence a detailed diagnosis of pulmonary disease in the population with MVD has a paramount importance to predict long-term mortality.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Cephalometric analysis remains the principal tool for diagnosing sagittal jaw discrepancies. Its clinical reliability depends on the accuracy of landmark identification and the resulting horizontal and vertical dispersion in the Cartesian system. The aim of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability of 12 cephalometric landmarks and of six measurements used for sagittal discrepancy assessment (ANB, Wits, Tau, Yen, Sar and W) across three skeletal classes. Methods: Twenty-four lateral cephalograms (eight per skeletal class) were assessed twice, seven days apart, by 15 orthodontists trained in a 5-hour calibration course. Landmark coordinates were normalized against a reference value derived from two expert raters. Reliability of horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) coordinates and of the resulting sagittal measurements was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2,1). Between-class differences were tested with Fisher Z-transformed Z-tests; the Benjamini–Hochberg false-discovery-rate (FDR) procedure was applied to control for multiple comparisons. Results: Horizontal coordinates of all landmarks showed excellent inter-rater agreement (ICC 0.91-0.96) regardless of skeletal class. Vertical coordinates showed considerably greater variability (ICC 0.52-0.94). Among sagittal measurements, Wits demonstrated the highest reliability across all classes (ICC 0.87-0.90), followed by Yen (ICC 0.76-0.86). Tau, Sar and W reached near-perfect agreement only in Class III patients (ICC 0.93-0.95). The ANB angle showed the lowest reliability, particularly in Class I (ICC =0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.84). Conclusions: Vertical and horizontal dispersion of cephalometric landmarks materially influences the diagnostic accuracy of sagittal measurements. Wits and Yen are the most reliable parameters across all skeletal classes, whereas Tau, Sar and W are particularly trustworthy in Class III. The traditional reliance on the ANB angle as a gold standard should be reconsidered, as it was the least reproducible measurement in our cohort.

Abstract: Despite the wide palette of clinically available investigative tools, not all deep molecular phenomena governing the cardiovascular system can be studied on living humans. Therefore, a reasonable alternative is to explore such phenomena on animal models, given that the two-circuits centered on a tetra chamber heart practically did not evolve since the crocodilians. This review presents our two decades-long experience with mouse, rat and dog models of Chagas disease, metabolic syndrome, post ischemic heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension. We studied also the transcriptomic consequences of cell treatment of Chagas and ischemic cardiomyopathies, genetic engineering, and exposure to hypobaric hypoxia, oxygen deprivation, low salt and high fructose diets. Among others, the investigations revealed heart transcriptomic sex dichotomy and inter-chamber differences, as well as changes in the subcellular localization of the heart rhythm determinants: connexin43, plakophilin-2, N-cadherin and plakoglobin during the female estrogen cycle. Use of these animal models considerably enriched our understanding of the cardiovascular system pathophysiology.

Abstract: Purpose: Six million people use crutches as mobile aids in the US. Rigid designs with no axial mobility limit sensory feedback and lead to secondary injury on the upper joints. Spring-loaded designs offer compliance but may compromise stability. We designed a biologically inspired tensegrity crutch with a compliant module aiming to achieve favorable mechanical properties. The terminal module was a pre-stressed self-tensile two-cell tensegrity structure. We compared the tensegrity crutch to commercial rigid and spring-loaded crutches in mechanical tests using axial loading, in overground straight and turning walking, and in participant experience.Methods: In human trials, healthy young adults (N=18) with no recent lower-body injury performed straight walking and turning trials at a comfortable self-selected pace. A knee blocker simulated unilateral injury of the dominant leg. After using each type of crutch, participants reported their perceived levels of effort, comfort, pain, stability, and usability.Results: Compared to the rigid design, both spring-loaded and tensegrity conditions reduced peak loading rates. The tensegrity design improved effort, comfort, pain, and usability. Spring-loaded crutches reduced perceived stability and walking speed.Conclusion: The biologically inspired tensegrity crutches were an overall improvement to existing designs. Simulations and mechanical testing suggest that nonlinear stiffness, ground-following, and force feedback are among the beneficial mechanical properties that underlie this improvement.

Abstract: This study aimed to verify a prediction model identifying the causal relationships and paths among factors that affect Korean nursing students’ provision of person-centered care to patients with dementia. This was a covariance structure analysis study to establish a hypothetical model of 313 Korean nursing students located in a metropolitan area. IBM SPSS version 18.0(Chicago, IL, USA) and AMOS version 5.0(Chicago, IL, USA) were used to analyze the data. Structural equation modeling analysis was applied to verify convergent and discriminant validity using higher-order factor analysis in the final model analysis. The model fit indices of the research model were as follows: χ²/df=1.83(p&lt;.001), GFI=.91, AGFI=.88, NFI=.91, CFI=.90, RMR=.04, and RMSEA=.05. The factors affecting person-centered care, clinical practice adaptation (γ=.02, p=.014), nursing professionalism (γ=.45, p=.024), and empathy (γ=.21, p&lt;.001) had direct effects, whereas clinical practice adaptation (γ=.21, p=.013) and nursing professionalism (γ=.08, p=.004) had indirect effects. These factors can explain 40% of the variance in person-centered care. This study is significant because it provides basic data for developing an educational program that can improve the person-centered care capacity of domestic nursing students by confirming that clinical practice adaptation, nursing professionalism, and empathy are essential factors that affect person-centered care.