Abstract: The rise in illicit financial activities across the South Africa-Zimbabwe corridor, with an estimated annual loss of $3.1 billion (SARB, 2024; RBZ, 2023), demands advanced AI solutions to augment traditional detection methods. This study introduces FALCON, a groundbreaking hybrid transformer-GNN model that integrates temporal transaction analysis (TimeGAN) and graph-based entity mapping (GraphSAGE) to detect illicit financial flows with unprecedented precision. Leveraging data from South Africa’s FIC, Zimbabwe’s RBZ, and SWIFT, FALCON achieved 98.7%, surpassing random forest (72.1%) and human auditors (64.5%), while reducing false positives to 1.2% (AUC-ROC: 0.992). Tested on 1.8 million transactions, including falsified CTRs, STRs, and Ethereum blockchain data, FALCON uncovered $450 million laundered by 23 shell companies, with a cross-border detection precision of 94%. The model's SHAP-based explainability met FAFT standards, yielding 92% court admissibility, and its GDPR-compliant design (e=1.2 differential privacy) ensured data protection without compromising performance. Deployed on AWS Graviton3, FALCON processed 2 million transactions/second, demonstrating real-time scalability. As the first AI framework tailored for Southern Africa’s financial ecosystems, FALCON sets a new benchmark for ethical AML solutions in emerging economies with immediate applicability to CBDC supervision. The transparent validation of publicly available data underscores its potential to transform global financial crime detection.

Abstract: Efficient water use in sanitary systems is essential for sustainability and design competitiveness. This study validates the hydraulic performance of a 4.8L low-consumption toilet using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with OpenFOAM and ANSYS Fluent. The simulation focused on key hydraulic phenomena, including siphon action and water distribution over the bowl, following the INEN 3082 standard. The toilet geometry was developed using CAD and meshed with high refinement to ensure simulation accuracy. Two-phase Volume of Fluid (VOF) models captured the transient behavior of the flushing process, enabling analysis of siphon development and surface cleaning efficiency. Results demonstrated consistency between both software, with acceptable error margins in pressure and velocity fields, and confirmed the development of the siphon effect within five seconds, aligning with empirical expectations. The cost analysis revealed that OpenFOAM offers a highly cost-effective validation method from the first simulation, while ANSYS becomes economically viable with multiple simulations. This approach provides a sustainable alternative to experimental testing in toilet prototyping, reducing water and material waste while accelerating product development in the sanitary industry.

Abstract: The global population is ageing and at a time when the climate is warming. Human populations are susceptible to the health risks generated from climate change, notably older people who are disproportionately impacted and therefore vulnerable. This scoping review explores the existing literature on older people and climate change with a focus on climate related health impacts. The context of urban spaces and community are explored, given increasing global urbanization. A lack of dialogue with older people is noted and the subsequent implication on adaptation is explored. Adopting the PRISMA guidelines, credible databases identified literature that exists within the field of climate change and gerontology within a date range of 2014-2025. The context is on temperature climates and the global north, particularly urban UK. The health risks are identified with implications of risk where adaptation is not harnessed. Interventions are discussed along with the significance of place to an ageing population. Knowledge gaps are identified and research opportunities considered. A conclusion acknowledges and reiterates the importance of effective action at a local level that empowers older people within their context for successful adaptation which may be replicable elsewhere.

Abstract: We show that a single, globally-invertible diffeomorphism 12 July 2025 Φ : xμ 7−→ Xμ(x) (μ = 0,1,2,3) encodes both electromagnetic and gravitational physics. Splitting its Jacobian,μ ∂Xμ μ μ Jν=∂xν =Sν+Aν, Fμν≡2Aμν,the antisymmetric part Aμν is the electromagnetic two-form, while the symmetric part Sμν deforms the metric and sources curvature. Coupled to a Born–Infeld (BI) action, this non-linear mapreduces to Maxwell’s equations in the weak-field limit; cures the classical point-charge divergence; produces topologically protected “wrappings” whose energies define a discrete mass spectrum—the electron (|N| = 1) and proton (|N| = 3) masses emerge without a Higgs sector; predicts only a 1.0 × 10−14 % upward shift in the Schwinger pair-production threshold—negligible at current laser intensities—for a BI scale b ≃ 8.3 TeV, testable at petawatt laser facilities. We present full field equations, a confinement-energy derivation Econf ∝ |N|4/3ΛQCD, a one-loop proof that the BI scale is renormalization-group invariant (β(b) = 0), and experimental signatures from atomic spectroscopy to magnetar light-bending.

Abstract: The concept of the usual environment is a crucial determinant for identifying tourism activities from the demand perspective but its operational use creates numerous challenges in the assessment of the physical and monetary size of tourism. The concept of the usual environment is especially challenging in the context of nautical tourism, particularly in the segment of domestic same-day visitors. Using the example of Croatia, a country in which yachting accounts for a significant part of total tourism physical flows, the paper attempts to fill the research gap by looking at the criteria for assessing domestic nautical same-day trips from a demand perspective. Qualitative research on the population of residents who are recreational boat owners was conducted. The aim of the research was to assess residents’ perception of the usual environment when on a same-day boat trip from the criteria of trip frequency, distance, motives and activities. Data was collected by in-depth interviews with 17 respondents. Analysis indicated that domestic same-day boat trips tend to be underestimated, resulting in recommendations for more precise treatment of nautical tourism in tourism statistics.

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the dynamics of solutions of a class of stochastic parabolic equations with delay and deterministic non-autonomous forcing. Specifically, the existence of random attractors is proven, and the upper semicontinuity of random attractors is shown when the delay approaches zero. The key technique in the proof of the existence results of random attractors is to derive some uniform estimates of solutions, and the most important step in the proof of the upper semicontinuity of random attractors is to establish the convergence of solutions.

Abstract: Urban drainage pipelines are essential components of smart city infrastructure, supporting the safe and sustainable operation of underground systems. However, internal corrosion in pipelines poses significant risks to structural stability and public safety. In this study, we propose an enhanced semantic segmentation framework based on High-Resolution Network Version 2 (HRNetV2) to accurately identify corroded regions in Traditional closed-circuit television (CCTV) images. The proposed method integrates a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to strengthen the feature representation of corrosion patterns and introduces a Lightweight Pyramid Pooling Module (LitePPM) to improve multi-scale context modeling. By preserving high-resolution details through HRNetV2’s parallel architecture, the model achieves precise and robust segmentation performance. Experiments on a real-world corrosion dataset show that our approach attains a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 95.92%, a mean Pixel Accuracy (mPA) of 98.01%, and an overall Accuracy of 98.54%. These results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness in supporting intelligent infrastructure inspection and provide technical insights for advancing automated maintenance systems in smart cities.

Abstract: Background Cellulosimicrobium, formerly known as the Oerskovia genus is a gram positive organism known for it’s characteristic bright yellow colonies. While abundant in nature it is very rarely linked to pathogenesis in humans. These cases tend to be foreign body-related or involving immunocompromised patients. Case presentation A 57-year-old immunocompetent Irish male presented with concomitant neck and lung masses. Notably, this was found to be directly following a recent dental procedure. During extensive investigations, Cellulosimicrobium was isolated from biopsied lung tissue. The patient was treated with long term oral amoxicillin and both masses showed measurable reductions in size on subsequent imaging. Conclusion Should Cellulosimicrobium represent the causative pathological organism in this case, then we believe this to represent a potential novel documented presentation of the organism’s pathogenesis in humans. We provide detailed discussion surrounding the successful management of this patient and the evaluation of the evolving differential diagnosis throughout this case.

Abstract: Fertilization strategies are pivotal in sustainable agriculture, affecting both soil health and crop quality. This study investigated the impact of a circular fertilization approach based on agro-industrial residues—specifically a blend of sulphur bentonite and orange pro-cessing waste (RecOrgFert PLUS)—on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) grown in Mediterranean conditions (Condofuri, Southern Italy). The effects of RecOrgFert PLUS were compared with those of a synthetic NPK fertilizer, an organic fertilizer (horse manure), and an unfertilized control. Results demonstrated that RecOrgFert PLUS signif-icantly improved soil organic carbon (3.37%), microbial biomass carbon (791 μg C g⁻¹), and key enzymatic activities, indicating enhanced soil biological functioning. Broccoli cultivated under RecOrgFert PLUS also exhibited the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds, including total phenols (48.87 mg GAE g⁻¹), vitamin C (51.93 mg ASA 100 g⁻¹), and total proteins (82.45 mg BSA g⁻¹). This work provides novel evidence that combining elemental sulphur with orange processing waste not only re-stores soil fertility but also boosts the nutraceutical and nutritional value of food crops. Unlike previous studies focusing on soil or plant yield alone, this study uniquely inte-grates soil health indicators with bioactive compound accumulation in broccoli, high-lighting the potential of circular bio-based fertilization in functional food production and Mediterranean agroecosystem sustainability.

Abstract: To evaluate the prognostic value of the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS)—a composite inflammation–nutrition index—in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), a disease setting in which its application has been scarcely examined to date. A retrospective analysis was performed on 142 patients diagnosed with ES-SCLC between March 2014 and June 2024. The NPS was calculated using neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), serum albumin, and total cholesterol levels. Patients were classified into three NPS categories (0, 1–2, and 3–4), then dichotomized into low-risk (0–2) and high-risk (3–4) groups. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan–Meier estimates and multivariate Cox regression models. Median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the low-risk group compared to the high-risk group (10.3 vs. 6.3 months; p = 0.012). High NPS remained an independent predictor of reduced OS (HR: 1.45; 95% Cl: 1.02–2.06; p = 0.041). The prognostic strength of the NPS appeared to be primarily driven by two of its components—low LMR and hypoalbuminemia—which were individually associated with worse outcomes. These findings suggest that the NPS may serve as a simple, accessible, and independent prognostic tool in ES-SCLC, potentially aiding in clinical risk stratification and treatment planning.

Abstract: The human gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, is intricately linked to health and aging. While numerous studies have explored age-related changes in the gut microbiome of healthy individuals, the impact of aging on this microbial community in individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions remains largely uncharted. This study aimed to investigate how aging affects the ecological and genetic characteristics of the gut microbiome in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders. Using an in-house bioinformatic pipeline PanOmiQ, we analyzed fecal samples from 54 individuals with gastrointestinal conditions and compared them to a healthy control group. Our results revealed significant ecological differences between age groups and healthy controls, particularly in alpha and beta diversity and relative abundance at the phylum level. However, we found no clear evidence of age-related genetic variation within microbial species. These findings underscore the unique ecological dynamics of the gut microbiome in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders and suggest that aging may play a role in shaping the composition of specific microbial groups, such as Proteobacteria and Archaea. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of these microbial groups in the aging gut and to explore potential therapeutic interventions for improving gut health in gastrointestinal-compromised individuals.

Abstract: Newborn screening is a successful public health program conducted by states that provides screening, confirmatory testing, and access to treatments for millions of babies each year. Federal legislation has outlined activities to support the newborn screening system. This paper summarizes an evaluation of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) investments in the newborn screening system. (2) Methods: A total of 52 participants took part in either an interview or focus group. Participants represented a variety of NBS groups, including federal program grantees, state public health departments, healthcare providers, parents and patient advocacy representatives, newborn screening researchers, and subject matter experts. Data collection sessions were recorded and transcribed. A rapid turnaround analysis approach was used to code the qualitative data. (3) Results: Participants provided feedback on the progress made by the newborn screening system as a result of HRSA’s investments. Although there have been a number of successes, gaps remain. Additional support is needed in the areas of education, training, and technical assistance to enhance and expand screening capacity, conduct short- and long-term follow-up, and improve health equity and outcomes. (4) Conclusions: Newborn screening has maintained a strong tradition as a successful public health program. Continued federal investments are needed to prepare the newborn screening system for systematic changes on the horizon.

Abstract: Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation disorders represent significant dermatological concerns, particularly within populations with skin of color. This clinical review aims to elucidate the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities associated with these pigmentary disorders. Hyperpigmentation, characterized by increased melanin production, often manifests as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and lentigines. Conversely, hypopigmentation disorders, including vitiligo and albinism, result from decreased melanin synthesis and can lead to significant psychosocial impacts. The review comprehensively analyzes the etiology of these conditions, emphasizing the role of genetics, environmental factors, and inflammatory responses in their development. It also highlights the unique presentation of these disorders in darker skin types, which can complicate diagnosis and management. A thorough examination of diagnostic techniques, including dermoscopy and histopathological evaluation, is provided, underscoring the importance of accurate assessment in formulating effective treatment strategies. Treatment options for hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation are discussed in detail, encompassing topical agents, procedural interventions, and lifestyle modifications. The review emphasizes the need for personalized treatment approaches that consider the patient’s skin type, degree of impairment, and individual preferences. Emerging therapies, including laser treatments and novel pharmacological agents, are also explored, alongside their efficacy and safety profiles in diverse populations. In conclusion, this review serves as a critical resource for clinicians, dermatologists, and healthcare professionals, enhancing their understanding of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation disorders in skin of color. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of these conditions, the review aims to improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction through informed, culturally competent care. Future research directions are suggested to address the existing gaps in knowledge and treatment efficacy in these populations, ultimately leading to enhanced therapeutic strategies and improved quality of life for affected individuals.

Abstract: Digital or Technology Strategies are the first step of a Digital Transformation. The main risk is that information and assessments not included in the Strategy and left to be confirmed and managed at later stages have the potential to negatively affect the successful implementation of the Digital Transformation, therefore, negating the sought after business benefits. To mitigate this risk, this article proposes DigStratCon, a Digital or Technology Strategy Framework that generalises the digital Transformation detaching it from its specific functional application, such as marketing, products, Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). Therefore, DigStratCon applies to any area within an organisation or infrastructure including Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI). DigStratCon defines seven key components within a Digital or Technology Strategy, specifically 1) Market research, 2) Digital vision, 3) Current state, 4) Roadmap, 5) Risks, 6) Enablers, and finally 7) Supply Chain. A qualitative analysis of several United Kingdom (UK) government digital strategies assesses their completeness against the DigStratCon model. On average, UK digital strategies score 6/7 being innovative and ambitious in their vision; however, they generally lack a common or standardised structure and wider international benchmark and alignment.

Abstract: Globally, older adults are increasingly facing multiple, overlapping forms of vulnerability, ranging from interpersonal abuse to systemic neglect. In Nigeria and many other low- and middle-income countries, the lived experience of aging is shaped not only by individual and familial factors but by deeper structural determinants such as poverty, institutional underinvestment, gender inequality, and weakened social protection. This perspective paper adopts a multilevel sociological framework to explore how aging, abuse, and structural neglect intersect to produce layered vulnerability in Nigerian society. Drawing on concepts like structural violence, syndemics, and life course theory, the paper argues that elder abuse cannot be understood in isolation from broader historical and institutional failures. Key forms of abuse such as financial exploitation, neglect, emotional maltreatment, and stigmatization are examined alongside their socio-economic and cultural drivers, including high dependency ratios, intergenerational tension, and the erosion of kin-based care systems. Empirical examples from across Nigeria, such as witchcraft accusations against older women and delayed pension disbursements, illustrate how social neglect is operationalized both at the household and policy level. The paper also draws comparisons with other Global South contexts and highlights locally driven coping strategies, including mutual aid groups and religious networks. Ultimately, the paper calls for a shift from charity-based models of elder support to rights-based, age-inclusive policies that recognize older adults as full citizens. A multidimensional response—legal, institutional, and community-driven—is urgently needed to uphold the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of Nigeria’s growing older population.

Abstract: Georg Cantor’s transfinite numbers theory, established in the late 19th century, revolutionized mathematics by formalizing the quantification and comparison of infinite sets. Known as Cantorian formalism, it proposes a hierarchy of actual infinities (e.g., ℵ₀, ℵ₁, the continuum) based on one-to-one correspondence. While foundational to set theory, this abstract framework has faced philosophical challenges. intuitive resistance since its inception. This article posits that fractal geometry, a field largely developed a century after Cantor, offers a potent visual and conceptual counterargument. Fractals—with their infinite self-similarity, non-integer dimensions, and genesis in iterative processes—present an alternative ontology of infinity. This perspective challenges the primacy of Cantorian cardinality by reintroducing a dynamic, process-oriented, and geometrically-grounded vision of the infinite. By contrasting the static, abstract sets of Cantor with the intricate, evolving structures of fractals, we argue that the fractal paradigm reveals dimensions of complexity and structure that Cantorian formalism, in its focus on sheer quantity, necessarily obscures. This suggests not a refutation of Cantor's logic, but a compelling case for a more pluralistic understanding of infinity in mathematics.

Abstract: This paper presents a unified theory demonstrating that quantum uncertainty and relativistic effects are manifestations of the same fundamental phenomenon: the indivisible unity of spacetime coordinates. We show that matter emerges as crystallized coherence patterns in 4D+ spacetime processes, eliminating the need for fundamental particles and providing a natural resolution to quantum gravity. We derive specific quantitative predictions including particle mass ratios (mµ/me = 206.77, mτ /me = 3477.2), coherence crystallization threshold (1019 GeV), and falsifiable experimental signatures. Using both mathematical and PostMath formalizations, we show how standard physics emerges as limiting cases while predicting new phenomena.

Abstract: Thyroid disease is a significant medical condition affecting approximately 20 million Americans. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism through hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), with disorders that typically manifest as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. This study evaluates the performance of various machine learning models in predicting and diagnosing thyroid disease, including logistic regression, decision trees, random forest, XGBoost, support vector machines, neural networks, bagging and stackingmethods. The bagging model that used three decision trees achieved the highest F1 score of 0.9766, outperforming both Random Forest and XGBoost. Furthermore, experiments on class balancing through undersampling and regrouping significantly improved model performance, particularly for stacking models with XGBoost, which attained an F1 Score of 0.9944.

Abstract: In this article‎, ‎we will discuss the relationship between prime numbers and diagonals of polygons‎. ‎In addition‎, ‎we will introduce and investigate two graphs related to the the set of number of diagonals of regular polygons‎.

Abstract: This review investigates the intersection of tissue engineering and 3D printing technologies in the realm of breast reconstruction, underscoring the transformative potential these approaches offer for enhancing post-mastectomy outcomes. It encompasses a detailed examination of current methodologies, focusing on the creation of biocompatible, bioabsorbable scaffolds that adeptly mimic the extracellular matrix to promote tissue integration and regeneration. A significant portion of the analysis draws from a search conducted on PubMed, which aimed to collate relevant preclinical and clinical studies in this domain. This search underscored the nascent stage of many applications, highlighting a critical need for more comprehensive preclinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of these innovative solutions. Our search revealed that many studies have studied alternatives for breast reconstruction using tissue engineering; with a significant proportion of these modalities focusing on using flaps inside 3D-printed chambers. Moreover, although some studies have shown significant adipose tissue growth, their results still do not approximate breast dimensions. Specifically, the review identifies a limited range of polymers that have been explored in preclinical and clinical studies for breast reconstruction, including tissue-engineering chambers and scaffolds for the reconstruction of the breast mound made of poly-lactic acid, poly-glycolic acid, poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid, poly-4-hydroxybutyrate, polycarbonate, and polycaprolactone. For nipple reconstruction, two studies assessed scaffolds made of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and poly-lactic acid. The review highlights the utilization of bioabsorbable materials in these devices, indicating the potential for performing one-stage surgeries. Moreover, it elaborates on the biomechanical properties of these materials, aligning them with the specific goals of breast reconstruction. The review acknowledges the complexity of navigating regulatory landscapes, suggesting that overcoming these obstacles is essential for clinical translation. Despite these challenges, the convergence of 3D printing and tissue engineering is presented as a paradigm shift in breast reconstruction, offering the potential to significantly enhance aesthetic and functional outcomes, minimize post-surgical complications, and improve patients' quality of life.