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This review was focused on global data analysis and risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 from different countries, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Central Eastern Europe, Egypt, India, Iran, Pakistan, and South Asia, Africa, Turkey and UAE. Male showed higher confirmed and death cases compared to females in most of the countries. In addition, the case fatality ratio (CFR) for males was higher than for females. This gender variation in COVID-19 cases may be due to males cultural activities, but similar variations in the number of COVID-19 affected males and females globally. Variations in the immune system can illustrate this divergent risk comparatively higher in males than females. The female immune system may have an edge to detect pathogens slightly earlier. In addition, women show comparatively higher innate and adaptive immune responses than men, which might be explained by the high density of immune-related genes in the X chromosome. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 viruses use angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter the host cell, and men contain higher ACE2 than females. Therefore, males may be more vulnerable to COVID-19 than females. In addition, smoking habit also makes men susceptible to COVID-19. Considering the age-wise distribution, children and older adults were less infected than other age groups and the death rate. On the contrary, more death in the older group may be associated with less immune system function. In addition, most of these group have comorbidities like diabetes, high pressure, low lungs and kidney function, and other chronic diseases. Due to the substantial economic losses and the numerous infected people and deaths, research examining the features of the COVID-19 epidemic is essential to gain insight into mitigating its impact in the future and preparedness for any future epidemics.

COVID-19 caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) originated in Wuhan (Hubei province, China) during late 2019. It has spread across the globe affecting nearly 21 million people with a toll of 0.75 million deaths and restricting the movement of most of the world population during the past 6 months. COVID-19 became the leading health, economic, and humanitarian challenge of the twenty-first century. In addition to the considerable COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in humans, several cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animal hosts (dog, cat, tiger, lion, and mink) have been reported. Thus, the concern of pet owners is increasing. Moreover, the dynamics of the disease requires further explanation, mainly concerning the transmission of the virus from humans to animals and vice versa. Therefore, this study aimed to gather information about the reported cases of COVID-19 transmission in animals through a literary review of works published in scientific journals and perform genomic and phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from animal hosts. Although many instances of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 have been reported, caution and further studies are necessary to avoid the occurrence of maltreatment in animals, and to achieve a better understanding of the dynamics of the disease in the environment, humans, and animals. Future research in the animal-human interface can help formulate and implement preventive measures to combat the further transmission of COVID-19.

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) offer a clean and sustainable alternative to traditional engines. PEMFCs play a vital role in progressing hydrogen-based energy solutions. Accurate modeling of PEMFC performance is essential for enhancing their efficiency. This paper introduces a novel reinforcement learning (RL) approach for estimating PEMFC parameters, addressing the challenges of the complex and nonlinear dynamics of the PEMFCs. The proposed RL method minimizes the sum of squared errors between measured and simulated voltages and provides an adaptive and self-improving RL-based Estimation that learns continuously from system feedback. The RL-based approach demonstrates superior accuracy and performance compared with traditional metaheuristic techniques. It has been validated through theoretical and experimental comparisons and tested on commercial PEMFCs, including the Temasek 1 kW, the 6 kW Nedstack PS6, and the Horizon H-12 12 W. The dataset used in this study comes from experimental data. This research contributes to the precise modeling of PEMFCs, improving their efficiency, and developing wider adoption of PEMFCs in sustainable energy solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contain a diverse array of microbes, underscoring the need for regular monitoring to ensure treatment efficacy and protect health. However, detailed studies on waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) are scarce. This study evaluates a full-scale WSP, located in Giza Governorate, Egypt, including anaerobic, facultative, and maturation ponds, examining an array of parameters such as enteric viruses, microeukaryotes (protozoa and algae), bacterial indicators, bacterial pathogens, and physicochemical characteristics. Utilizing multivariate statistical models, we identified significant distinctions in physicochemical parameters and microbial communities, primarily driven by treatment stages rather than temporal variations. In addition, seven viruses (human rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A virus, polyomavirus, and papillomavirus) were detected during the different stages (inlet, anaerobic, facultative, and outlet) of the WSP, except norovirus and papillomavirus were absent in the outlet stage. The viral log means reductions ranged from 1.24 to 5.94, depending on the stage and virus type. The removal efficiency of bacterial pathogens was more than 99%. High throughput 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing indicated the dominance of animal parasitic Apicomplexa species and Vermamoeba spp. in the WSP. Network analysis indicated significant roles for Ciliophora in virus reduction. Notably, the maturation pond's outlet was dominated by Spirulina maxima, whose mat-forming tendencies may inhibit pathogen removal by providing protective shelters. Although the WSP effectively reduced pathogen levels, the high initial loads resulted in considerable concentrations in the final effluent, posing ongoing public health concerns. This study highlights the imperative of including pathogen standards in national regulations for wastewater reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The normal course of the body's disintegration after death, starting at the cellular level, is known as postmortem changes. The changes that start right after death last for a long time to different organs at varying speeds. Many internal and external factors influence the start and severity of these changes. The rates are imprecise, vary across different geographic regions, and fluctuate seasonally within a single geographic location. One of the main goals of the forensic autopsy is to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI), or time since death, and understanding postmortem changes is crucial for this purpose. Aim: The current review provides a view of understanding postmortem changes, their classifications, their time of onset, their rate, and the factors influencing them. Conclusions: In summary, researchers have classified postmortem changes according to their order of appearance and they emphasize the value of understanding postmortem changes in the forensic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace elements in native gold provide a 'fingerprint' that tends to be unique to individual gold deposits. Fingerprinting can distinguish gold sources and potentially yield insights into geochemical processes operating during gold deposit formation. Native gold grains come from three historical gold ore deposits: Hollinger, McIntyre (quartz-veined ore), and Aunor near Timmins, Ontario, at the western end of the Porcupine gold camp and the southwestern part of the Abitibi greenstone belt. Laser ablation--ductively coupled plasma--ss spectrometry (LA--ICP--MS) trace element concentrations were determined on 20-25 [micro] 300 [micro]m long rastor trails in ~60 native gold grains. Analyses used Ag as an internal standard with Ag and Au determined by a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive spectrometer. The London Bullion Market AuRM2 reference material served as the external standard for 21 trace element analytes (Al, As, Bi, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Te, Ti, Zn; Se generally below detection in samples). Trace elements in native gold associate according to Goldschmidt's classification of elements strongly suggesting that element behaviour in native Au is not random. Such element behaviour suggests that samples from each Timmins deposit formed under similar but slightly variable geochemical conditions. Chalcophile and siderophile elements provide the most compelling fingerprints of the three ore deposits and appear to be mostly in solid solution in Au. Lithophile elements are not very useful for distinguishing these deposits and element concentrations may be controlled by microinclusions such as tourmaline. The deposits show low Ag contents, which is consistent with mesothermal Au. Hollinger and McIntyre deposits have similar trace element abundances with higher Ag, Pb, Bi, Sb, and Pd and generally low Cu; however, Cu concentrations in McIntyre are higher than in Hollinger. In contrast, Aunor shows comparatively low Ag, Bi, Sb, Pb, and Pd and higher Au/Ag consistent with higher hydrothermal fluid temperatures. Gold grain signatures reflect the chemical characteristics of the host rock superimposed on a chemical signature inherited from the mineralizing fluid. The association of Pb--Bi--Cu bearing phases such as galena and chalcopyrite with gold apparently enriched in these elements supports precipitation from hydrothermal fluids carrying the elements. Key words: native gold, mesothermal, ore deposit, trace elements, LA--ICP--MS, Abitibi, greenstone, Archean, McIntyre, Hollinger, Aunor. Les éléments en traces dans l'or natif fournissent une << empreinte digitale >> généralement propre au gisement aurifère. Ces empreintes digitales peuvent distinguer les sources d'or et potentiellement fournir des renseignements sur les processus géochimiques actifs durant la formation du gisement aurifère. Des grains d'or natif proviennent de trois gisements aurifères historiques, les gisements Hollinger, McIntyre (minerai de filons de quartz) et Aunor, près de Timmins (Ontario), à l'extrémité ouest du camp minier de Porcupine et dans le secteur sud-ouest de la ceinture de roches vertes de l'Abitibi. Les concentrations d'éléments en traces ont été obtenues par spectrométrie de masse à source à plasma inductive jumelée à l'ablation au laser (LA--ICP--MS) le long de trames de balayage de 20 à 25 [micro]m de largeur et 300 [micro]m de longueur sur environ 60 grains d'or natif. L'argent (Ag) a été utilisé comme étalon interne pour les analyses, les concentrations d'Ag et Au étant mesurées par spectrométrie à dispersion d'énergie au microscope électronique à balayage. Le matériau de référence AuRM2 du London Bullion Market a servi d'étalon externe pour 21 éléments traces analysés (Al, As, Bi, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Te, Ti, Zn, les concentrations de Se dans les échantillons étant généralement sous la limite de détection). Les associations des éléments en traces dans l'or natif suivent fortement la classification des éléments de Goldschmidt, ce qui indiquerait que le comportement des éléments dans l'or n'est pas aléatoire. Un tel comportement donne à penser que les échantillons de chaque gisement de Timmins se sont formés dans des conditions géochimiques semblables, mais légèrement variables. Les éléments chalcophiles et sidérophiles produisent les empreintes digitales les plus convaincantes pour les trois gisements et semblent pour la plupart être en solution solide dans l'Au. Les éléments lithophiles ne sont pas très utiles pour distinguer ces gisements et les concentrations de ces éléments pourraient être contrôlées par des micro-inclusions de minéraux comme la tourmaline. Les gisements présentent de faibles teneurs en Ag, ce qui concorde avec une origine mésothermale pour l'or. Les gisements Hollinger et McIntyre présentent des abondances semblables d'éléments en traces avec des teneurs en Ag, Pb, Bi, Sb et Pd relativement élevées et en Cu généralement faibles; les concentrations de Cu au gisement McIntyre sont toutefois plus élevées qu'à Hollinger. En revanche, le gisement Aunor présente des teneurs plus faibles en Ag, Bi, Sb, Pb et Pd et des rapports Au/Ag plus élevés, ce qui indiquerait des fluides hydrothermaux de plus hautes températures. Les signatures des grains d'or reflètent les caractéristiques chimiques de l'hôte superposées sur une signature chimique héritée du fluide minéralisateur. L'association de phases à Pb--Bi--Cu comme la galène et la chalcopyrite avec de l'or apparemment enrichi en ces éléments appuie l'interprétation de leur précipitation à partir de fluides hydrothermaux transportant les éléments. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés : or natif, mésothermal, gisement de minerai, éléments en traces, LA--ICP--MS, Abitibi, roches vertes, Archéen, McIntyre, Hollinger, Aunor., Introduction Mesothermal gold deposits, and the deposits associated with Archean greenstone belts, contribute a major portion of worldwide gold production. One of the most productive camps has been the Timmins, [...]

Offshore wind farms (OWFs) play a crucial role in producing renewable energy in modern electrical power systems. However, to ensure that these facilities operate smoothly, they require robust control systems. As a result, this paper employed the newly developed Walrus Optimization algorithm (WaOA) to optimize the design parameters of fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controllers in the power electronic interface circuits of the studied wind energy conversion system (WECS). In contrast to conventional optimization techniques like GA and PSO, the suggested approach proves more effective. The paper validates the WaOA application in optimizing FOPID controllers within a WECS comprising two, onshore and offshore, VSC stations at the two ends of an HVDC transmission system connecting OWFs to the mainland. The study shows that the WaOA outperforms GA and PSO, improving system stability and enabling quick recovery after disturbances. The study carried out using MATLAB/Simulink highlights the significance of newly recently introduced optimization techniques to ensure efficient and reliable operation of offshore wind energy systems, thereby expediting the transition to sustainable energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) affects over 80% of premature babies & 60% of fullterm babies in the first week of life. There are two forms of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: conjugated & unconjugated. Unconjugated forms can cause bilirubin encephalopathy & kernicterus in extreme cases, while conjugated forms are thought to be a result of a systemic sickness. Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of hyperbilirubinemia due to bilirubin-induced brain damage compared to their term counterparts. Aim and objectives: The study aims to assess the effect of phototherapy on liver enzymes, renal functions, in NH patients before and after phototherapy. Subjects and methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study that was performed at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) Al-Hussein university hospital. It included 100 term infants of both sex that received phototherapy for management of neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. When indicated according to Bhutani Nomogram curve. Result: There is no statistically significant difference was found between group I that treated by conventional phototherapy only and group II that treated by intensive then conventional phototherapy regarding maternal age, ABO blood groups and Rh status maternal comorbidities like gestational HTN or diabetes, gestational age, onset of jaundice. Also Both therapy groups reduced total and direct bilirubin significantly (Paired sample t test, P = 0.000). Group II had a greater total bilirubin reduction than group I (Independent sample t test, P = 0.001). Both therapy groups had significant ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine reductions (Paired sample t test, P = 0.000). Conclusion: As regard the effect of Phototherapy on liver enzymes and kidney functions, our results showed a statistically significant reduction in ALT, AST, ALP, urea and creatinine in both treated groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]