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In this paper, we study the location and stability of the collinear Lagrangian points for the RTBP case in which one of the primary bodies radiates and the other is oblate. We consider the effect of Poynting–Roberson drag and investigate how the location and stability of the Lagrangian points change with changes in the radiation parameter β and oblateness a. We apply our results to ten exoplanet systems: CoRoT-2 b, TOI-1278 b, HAT-P-20 b, Kepler-75 b, WASP-89 b, TIC 172900988 b, NGTS 9 b, LP 714-47 b, WASP-162 b and XO-3 b, data of which has been taken from NASA exoplanet archives, to find locations in these exoplanet systems where one can detect asteroids, primordial material or seeds where planet formation can take place. We find that the location of the collinear Lagrangian points changes with variations in radiation pressure and oblateness. Further, for all the ten planetary systems studied in this paper, the Lagrangian points are unstable and can be locations where we expect to find minor planets, asteroids or debris. The unstability of the Lagrangian points can be a possible cause of relocation and migration of planetesimals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we have calculated the structural, mechanical, elastic anisotropy, electronic, optical, and thermal properties of Ba3SbI3 perovskite using first-principles-based DFT calculations. We have computed the crystal structure and lattice parameters (a = 7.05 Å) which consisted with previous theoretical and experimental results. The Ba3SbI3 is stable as checked by the standards of mechanical stability criteria, ductile in nature, and elastically anisotropic. Semiconductor feature of Ba3SbI3 is ensured from the band structure, total density of states (TDOS) and partial density of states (PDOS) calculations as the difference of conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) in the Fermi level. From the electron charge density mapping, it exhibits ionic bond nature. Furthermore, optical properties have investigated in details. The Debye temperature (123.776 K), thermal conductivity (0.247 Wm−1 K−1), and melting temperature (123.776 K) of the Ba3SbI3 compound were calculated and analyzed, which is potential candidates of thermal barrier coating (TBC) material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that can arise at any age and is often present as a co-occurring illness in different illnesses. There is a high comorbidity rate between major depressive disorder and personality disorders (PDs). The current study aimed to investigate the significant impact of personality disorders on depression severity, functional impairment, and suicidal tendencies in individuals with depression. Methods: The researchers conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 120 patients, with an age range from 18 to 56 years of both genders, recruited from Okasha's Institute of Psychiatry in Cairo, Egypt. Their major depressive disorder diagnosis was verified through the use of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Participants underwent evaluations using the SCID-II to evaluate personality disorders, the Hamilton Depression-Rating Scale (HAM-D) to assess the severity of depression, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to investigate suicidal ideation, and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) to determine functional level. Results: Borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder were the predominant personality disorders in the sample, with prevalence rates of 55.8% and 40.8%, respectively. Sixty-six percent of the participants reported experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point in their lifetime, whereas only 17.5% had actually attempted suicide. Borderline personality disorder showed a strong correlation with more severe depression (P value 0.043), a decline in functioning (P value 0.001), the existence of suicidal thoughts (P value 0.001), and a past of suicide attempts (P value 0.038). Conclusions: Personality disorders are highly prevalent in patients with depression, borderline PD, and narcissistic PD were the most common PDs. Borderline PD showed a significant effect on depression severity. PDs, mainly borderline, avoidant, depressive, and narcissistic PDs contribute to more impairment of functioning of the MDD patients. There is a significant effect of the presence of co-morbid personality disorder on suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts, mainly depressive and borderline PDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although low estrogen is considered to suppress uterine endometrial carcinoma, the most cases occur in the postmenopausal stage. After menopause, the production of androgen level also declines. Therefore, to resolve the above enigma, we hypothesize that the postmenopausal decline of androgen is a trigger of its progression. In the present study, to validate this hypothesis, we examine the pathological roles of androgen/AR by analyzing clinical data, culturing endometrioid cancer cell lines, and using murine models. Clinical data show that androgen receptor (AR) expression and serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are associated with lower disease-free survival (DFS). DHT suppresses malignant behaviors in AR-transfected human endometrial cancer cells (ECC). In ovariectomized Ptenff/PRcre/+ mice, DHT decreases the proliferation of spontaneously developed murine ECC. In AR-transfected human ECC and Ptenff/PRcre/+ mice, DHT suppresses FOXP4 expression. FOXP4-overexpressed human ECC increases, while FOXP4-knocked-down ECC shows decreased malignant behaviors. DHT/AR-mediated ECC suppression is restored by FOXP4 overexpression. The high FOXP4 expression is significantly correlated with low postoperative DFS. These findings indicate that the androgen/AR system suppresses the malignant activity of endometrial carcinoma and that downstream FOXP4 is another target molecule. These findings will also impact developments in clinical approaches to elderly health. This study indicates that the androgen/AR system suppresses the malignant activity of endometrioid carcinoma through the downregulation of FOXP4 which will impact new developments in clinical approaches to elderly health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement. Although there is some considerable evidence with conventional drugs for PD, treating patients becomes increasingly difficult due to their short- and long-term adverse effects and other restrictions. This dire circumstance emphasizes the need for an innovative, strong alternative treatment for PD. Plants and natural products are considered one of the most important sources of bioactive molecules against a wide range of health disorders. With mechanistic insights, this systematic review explains the efficacy of clinically proven natural products in managing PD. This review is based on comprehensive literature searches from PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords- "plants or natural products in Parkinson's", "plants or herbs used in Parkinson's treatment", or keywords that are similar to those. Natural products that have been clinically proven for their anti-Parkinson effect have only been selected for this study, and the products are- Mucuna pruriens, Caffeine, Camellia sinensis or green tea leaves, and a traditional Chinese herbal called Jiawei-Liujunzi Tang. In comparison to currently available medications, we firmly feel that the mentioned clinically proven natural products would be more effective at treating PD while having fewer adverse effects. However, further study is required to confirm their exact mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of current study was to prepared zinc oxide nanofertilzers by ecofriendly friendly, economically feasible, free of chemical contamination and safe for biological use. The study focused on crude extract of Withania coagulans as reducing agent for the green synthesis of ZnO nano-particles. Biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR and GC–MS analysis. However, zinc oxide as green Nano fertilizer was used to analyze responses induced by different doses of ZnO NPs [0, 25, 50,100, 200 mg/l and Zn acetate (100 mg/l)] in Triticum aestivum (wheat). The stimulatory and inhibitory effects of foliar application of ZnO NPs were studied on wheat (Triticum aestivum) with aspect of biomass accumulation, morphological attributes, biochemical parameters and anatomical modifications. Wheat plant showed significant (p < 0.01) enhancement of growth parameters upon exposure to ZnO NPs at specific concentrations. In addition, wheat plant showed significant increase in biochemical attributes, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, carbohydrate and protein contents. Antioxidant enzyme (POD, SOD, CAT) and total flavonoid content also confirmed nurturing impact on wheat plant. Increased stem, leaf and root anatomical parameters, all showed ZnO NPs mitigating capacity when applied to wheat. According to the current research, ZnO NPs application on wheat might be used to increase growth, yield, and Zn biofortification in wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were to determine the present state of use of eco-friendly crop production practices by the beneficiaries of "safe crop production through eco-friendly approaches" project and non-beneficiary smallholder farmers and to explore the factors that may influence their use. The study's population was the smallholder farmers of 2 villages (Darirampur and Birrampur Uzanpara) of Rampur union under Trishal upazila (sub-district) of Bangladesh. 60 beneficiaries and 60 non-beneficiaries were randomly selected as samples from a population of 270 beneficiaries and 585 non-beneficiaries. Thus, the total sample was 120 smallholder farmers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The respondents were asked to give responses regarding their use of 21 practices following a 4-point rating scale. The highest proportion (95%) of the beneficiaries had medium extent of use, whereas highest proportion (85%) of the non-beneficiaries had low extent of use. The multiple linear regression analysis showed educational level, annual income, training experience, extension media contact, knowledge, and attitude toward eco-friendly crop production practices were the influential variables for the beneficiaries explaining 81.8% variation. However, for the non-beneficiaries, annual income, training experience, organizational participation, and credit received were the influential variables explaining 78.1% variation. The beneficiaries are more environmentally conscious than the non-beneficiaries, which highlights the need for authorities to involve more farmers in future projects to ensure safe crop production and better environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses a critical issue: the deterioration of concrete structures due to fine-grained cracks, which compromises their strength and longevity. To tackle this problem, experts have turned to computer vision (CV) based automated strategies, incorporating object detection and image segmentation techniques. Recent efforts have integrated complex techniques such as deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) and transformers for this task. However, these techniques encounter challenges in localizing fine-grained cracks. This paper presents a self-supervised 'you only look once' (SS-YOLO) approach that utilizes a YOLOv8 model. The novel methodology amalgamates different attention approaches and pseudo-labeling techniques, effectively addressing challenges in fine-grained crack detection and segmentation in concrete structures. It utilizes convolution block attention (CBAM) and Gaussian adaptive weight distribution multi-head self-attention (GAWD-MHSA) modules to accurately identify and segment fine-grained cracks in concrete buildings. Additionally, the assimilation of curriculum learning-based self-supervised pseudo-labeling (CL-SSPL) enhances the model's ability when applied to limited-size data. The efficacy and viability of the proposed approach are demonstrated through experimentation, results, and ablation analysis. Experimental results indicate a mean average precision (mAP) of at least 90.01%, an F1 score of 87%, and an intersection over union threshold greater than 85%. It is evident from the results that the proposed method yielded at least 2.62% and 4.40% improvement in mAP and F1 values, respectively, when tested on three diverse datasets. Moreover, the inference time taken per image is 2 ms less than that of the compared methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic sign language recognition (SLR) stands as a vital aspect within the realms of human–computer interaction and computer vision, facilitating the conversion of hand signs utilized by individuals with significant hearing and speech impairments into equivalent text or voice. Researchers have recently used hand skeleton joint information instead of the image pixel due to light illumination and complex background-bound problems. However, besides the hand information, body motion and facial gestures play an essential role in expressing sign language emotion. Also, a few researchers have been working to develop an SLR system by taking a multi-gesture dataset, but their performance accuracy and time complexity are not sufficient. In light of these limitations, we introduce a spatial and temporal attention model amalgamated with a general neural network designed for the SLR system. The main idea of our architecture is first to construct a fully connected graph to project the skeleton information. We employ self-attention mechanisms to extract insights from node and edge features across spatial and temporal domains. Our architecture bifurcates into three branches: a graph-based spatial branch, a graph-based temporal branch, and a general neural network branch, which collectively synergize to contribute to the final feature integration. Specifically, the spatial branch discerns spatial dependencies, while the temporal branch amplifies temporal dependencies embedded within the sequential hand skeleton data. Further, the general neural network branch enhances the architecture’s generalization capabilities, bolstering its robustness. In our evaluation, utilizing the Mexican Sign Language (MSL), Pakistani Sign Language (PSL) datasets, and American Sign Language Large Video dataset which comprises 3D joint coordinates for face, body, and hands that conducted experiments on individual gestures and their combinations. Impressively, our model demonstrated notable efficacy, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.96% for the MSL dataset, 92.00% for PSL, and 26.00% for the ASLLVD dataset, which includes more than 2700 classes. These exemplary performance metrics, coupled with the model’s computationally efficient profile, underscore its preeminence compared to contemporaneous methodologies in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to answer what explains the perceived trustworthiness of female civil servants in three South Asian countries using a country-representative survey (n = 6240; 2,740 in Bangladesh; 2,256 in Nepal and 1,244 in Sri Lanka). The study finds that efficiency, level of corruption, life satisfaction, and generalized trust seem to have varied levels of impact in determining the trustworthiness of female civil servants. Perceived efficiency level is closely associated with the degree of trust in female civil servants in Bangladesh and Nepal, whereas corruption seems to have a significant influence in Sri Lanka. Life satisfaction affects all three countries, gender affects Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, whereas education has a positive association in Nepal and Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crisismanship performance is an acid test of governance. Legitimate policies can significantly contribute to the crisismanship performance because they can ensure the willing obedience of public stakeholders and citizens. Therefore, a key research question is how a government can frame crises and pertinent policies to ensure its legitimacy and crisismanship performance? To legitimate policies, this study proposes a contingent model which is based on matching the legitimation strategies (i.e., input, throughput, and output) with different types of value decisions involved in a crisis (i.e., taboo, routine, and tragic trade-offs). This study provides three main propositions. First, in the most salient crises, characterized by taboo trade-offs, the vital role of the input legitimacy (i.e., the responsiveness of a government) can rule out the throughput (i.e., the quality of policy-making process) and the output legitimacy (i.e., the quality of policy outcome). Second, regarding the moderately salient crises, characterized by tragic trade-offs, the throughput legitimacy plays a significant role in determining the crisismanship performance. Finally, in the least salient crises, characterized by routine trade-offs, the output legitimacy can make up for the lack of input and throughput legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adequate antipsychotic treatment intensity is required before diagnosing resistant schizophrenia and initiating clozapine treatment. We aimed to investigate potential rapid drug metabolism underlying low dose-adjusted serum concentration (CD) of non-clozapine atypical antipsychotics preceding clozapine treatment. Methods: Patients using non-clozapine, atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole, risperidone, olanzapine, or quetiapine) within 1 year before starting clozapine were included in this study from a therapeutic drug monitoring service in Oslo, Norway, between 2005 and 2023. Patients were assigned into low CD (LCD) and normal CD (NCD) subgroups. Using a reference sample with 147,964 antipsychotic measurements, LCD was defined as CDs below the 25th percentile, while patients with NCD exhibited CDs between the 25th and 75th percentile of the respective reference measurements. Metabolic ratios, doses, and frequency of subtherapeutic levels of non-clozapine antipsychotics were compared between LCD and NCD groups. Results: Preceding clozapine treatment, 110 out of 272 included patients (40.4%) were identified with LCD. Compared with the NCD group, LCD patients exhibited higher metabolic ratios of olanzapine (1.5-fold; p < 0.001), quetiapine (3.0-fold; p < 0.001), and risperidone (6.0-fold; p < 0.001). Metabolic ratio differences were independent of smoking and CYP2D6 genotype for olanzapine (p = 0.008) and risperidone (p = 0.016), respectively. Despite higher doses of olanzapine (1.25-fold; p = 0.054) and quetiapine (1.6-fold; p = 0.001) in LCD versus NCD patients, faster metabolism among the former was accompanied by higher frequencies of subtherapeutic levels of olanzapine (3.3-fold; p = 0.044) and quetiapine (1.8-fold; p = 0.005). Conclusion: LCD and associated rapid metabolism of non-clozapine antipsychotics is frequent before starting clozapine treatment. For olanzapine and quetiapine, this is associated with significantly increased risk of having subtherapeutic concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fallopian tube (FT) plays a crucial role in the reproductive process by providing an ideal biomechanical and biochemical environment for fertilization and early embryo development. Despite its importance, the biomechanical functions of the FT that originate from its morphological aspects, and ultrastructural aspects, as well as the mechanical properties of FT, have not been studied nor used sufficiently, which limits the understanding of fertilization, mechanotrasduction, and mechanobiology during embryo development, as well as the replication of the FT in laboratory settings for infertility treatments. This paper reviews and revives valuable information on human FT reported in medical literature in the past five decades relevant to the biomechanical aspects of FT. In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge concerning the morphological, ultrastructural aspects, and mechanical properties of the human FT. We also investigate the potential arising from a thorough consideration of the biomechanical functions and exploring often neglected mechanical aspects. Our investigation encompasses both macroscopic measurements (such as length, diameter, and thickness) and microscopic measurements (including the height of epithelial cells, the percentage of ciliated cells, cilia structure, and ciliary beat frequency). Our primary focus has been on healthy women of reproductive age. We have examined various measurement techniques, encompassing conventional metrology, 2D histological data as well as new spatial measurement techniques such as micro-CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges arise in accessing archived signal outputs due to proprietary software limitations. There is a notable lack of exploration in open-source mandibular EMG signal conversion for continuous access and analysis, hindering tasks such as pattern recognition and predictive modelling for temporomandibular joint complex function. To Develop a workflow to extract normalised signal parameters from images of mandibular muscle EMG and identify optimal clustering methods for quantifying signal intensity and activity durations. A workflow utilising OpenCV, variational encoders and Neurokit2 generated and augmented 866 unique EMG signals from jaw movement exercises. k-means, GMM and DBSCAN were employed for normalisation and cluster-centric signal processing. The workflow was validated with data collected from 66 participants, measuring temporalis, masseter and digastric muscles. DBSCAN (0.35 to 0.54) and GMM (0.09 to 0.24) exhibited lower silhouette scores for mouth opening, anterior protrusion and lateral excursions, while K-means performed best (0.10 to 0.11) for temporalis and masseter muscles during chewing activities. The current study successfully developed a deep learning workflow capable of extracting normalised signal data from EMG images and generating quantifiable parameters for muscle activity duration and general functional intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic callosotomy has emerged as a promising and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. This paper aims to review the clinical outcomes and advancements associated with endoscopic callosotomy as a therapeutic option. Materials and methods: This study includes 14 Paediatric patients diagnosed and managed at Al-azhar university hospitals. Those 14 patients were studied over 2 years. All patients underwent a corpus callosotomy using the bimanual endoscopic technique. Results: Endoscopic anterior corpus callosotomy was done in 13 patients while one case underwent endoscopic complete callosotomy. The most frequent complication was transient disconnection syndrome followed by transient Urinary incontinence and one case had minor CSF leak. As regard seizure freedom outcome (Engel's Outcome Scale): 4 cases (28.6%) became seizure free (Engle class I), 5 cases (35.7%) with Engle class II, 1 case (7.1%) with Engle class III and 4 cases (28.6%) classify as Engle class IV. Conclusion: As a minimally invasive technique with a favorable impact on cognitive function, less complications and a significant reduction in seizure frequency and severity in the majority of paediatric patients, endoscopic corpus callosotomy offeres substantial benefits in managing refractory epilepsy in paediatric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plan of the paper is to study autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children as complex conditions that affect cognitive, emotional, social, and physical health. Broadly tracing the medical journey of the condition, it addresses the challenges faced by parents as they make sense of, and navigate their way through the appearance of early symptoms, impediments in correct diagnosis, acceptance, and adapt to live with the condition. The paper attempts to understand autism in medical and neurological terms, as well as the challenges faced by children and parents through the case study of Kyari (meaning a flower bed), a lone centre providing accessible autism care in about 150 km around Moradabad (west UP, India), which has been instrumental in raising an awareness of autism and has a reach that is unprecedented in the city in bringing sensitive autism intervention. It further comprehensively studies the symptoms of ASD, and the role of augmentative and alternative communication, behaviour modification, and the work of organisations like the Centre for Autism, CBSE mandate for inclusive education as applied in the case and Indian government policy for autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the morphometric properties of the internal carotid artery (ICA) by measuring the diameters and angles of its segments and exploring variations related to sex and the presence of aneurysms. Methods: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images were utilized from 130 aneurysm patients and 75 non-aneurysm individuals to create 3D ICA models using 3D Slicer software. Segment diameters were measured via Autodesk Meshmixer 3.5.474 and angles were evaluated using ImageJ software. Results: In total, DSA images of 130 aneurysm patients and 75 individuals with normally reported carotid systems were evaluated. It was found that the intracranial aneurysms (IAs) were predominantly formed on the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) in males (%43), whereas in females IAs were frequently localized in the C6 segment (31.7%) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) (30.2%). In the control group, the evaluation of gender differences in segment diameters and angles revealed that males had significantly larger C4 and C5 segment diameters (4.62 vs. 4.32 mm and 4.41 vs. 4.09 mm, respectively) and a greater C6 angle (146.9° vs. 139.7°) compared to females. Comparisons between patients with an aneurysm at the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and the control group revealed that the ACA group had wider diameters in the C1 (4.88 vs. 4.53 mm), C3 (4.65 vs. 4.4 mm), C5 (4.51 vs. 4.25 mm), and ACA (2.36 vs. 2.06 mm) segments. Additionally, the ACA group had wider angles in the ACA (104.1° vs. 94.1°) and C6 segments (147.7° vs. 143.3°), whereas the control group exhibited wider angles in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) segment (141.5° vs. 135.5°) compared to the ACA aneurysm group. Patients with anterior cerebral artery (ACA) aneurysms exhibited larger diameters in C1, C3, C5, C6, and ACA segments compared to the control group. Additionally, while the control group had larger MCA angle, patients with ACA aneurysms had larger angles in C6 segment and ACA. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that formation of aneurysms is affected by anatomical configuration of the ICA as well as sex characteristics, particularly regarding the ACA and MCA bifurcation angles, which showed associations with aneurysms in the respective branches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on perioperative and post-operative outcomes in laparoscopic hysterectomies (LHs) performed for benign gynecological diseases. Methods: This prospective study was conducted with randomized 100 participants who underwent LH between 1 January and 31 December, 2022. A standard care protocol was applied to 50 participants (Group 1, control) and the ERAS protocol to the other 50 (Group 2, study). Length of hospitalization was compared between the groups as the primary outcome, and the duration of the operation, the amount of bleeding, post-operative nausea-vomiting, gas discharge time, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and complications as the secondary outcomes. Results: No statistically significant difference was seen between the groups in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, operation indications, surgical procedures applied in addition to hysterectomy, operative time, pre-operative and post-operative hemoglobin levels, amount of bleeding, or drain use (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference was observed in terms of nausea (60% vs. 26%, p = 0.001), vomiting (28% vs. 10%, p = 0.040), duration of gassing (17.74 ± 6.77 vs. 14.20 ± 7.05 h, p = 0.012), length of hospitalization (41.78 ± 12.17 vs. 34.12 ± 10.90 h, p = 0.001), analgesic requirements (4.62 ± 1.36 vs. 3.34 ± 1.27 h, p < 0.001), or VAS scores at the 1st (5.86 ± 1.21 vs. 4.58 ± 1.31, p < 0.001), 6th (5.16 ± 1.12 vs. 4.04 ± 1.08, p < 0.001), 12th (4.72 ± 1.12 vs. 3.48 ± 1.12, p < 0.001), 18th (4.48 ± 1.21 vs. 3.24 ± 1.34, p < 0.001), and 24th (4.08 ± 1.29 vs. 3.01 ± 1.30, p < 0.001) hours. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the ERAS protocol has a positive effect on peri- and post-operative outcomes in LH. Further prospective studies are now needed to confirm the validity of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pride parades, serving as platforms for celebrating diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, often operate within a society that upholds and reinforces heteronormative norms. This commentary intends to argue how these activities are shaped by the presence of restrictions and censorship and the prevalence of ignorance surrounding queer experiences. By conducting ethnographic observations at Pride parades in Turkey and Spain, I delve into participants' lived experiences within these contexts. This approach sheds light on Pride parades' positive and negative aspects. Through an analysis of the interplay between heteronormative influences, restrictions, censorship, and ignorance within the context of Pride parades, I aim to provide insight into the complexities and nuances that shape the experiences of queer individuals. This commentary contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced and the progress made in the ongoing struggle for queer liberation and acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is posing major challenges for the healthcare systems of many countries, particularly in the Asia–Pacific Region, in which T2D can present at younger ages and lower body mass index when compared with Western nations. There is an important role for insulin therapy in the management of T2D in these nations, but available evidence suggests that insulin is under-utilized and often delayed, to the detriment of patient prognosis. The authors of this article gathered as an advisory panel (representative of some of the larger Asia–Pacific nations) to identify their local barriers to insulin use in T2D, and to discuss ways in which to address these barriers, with their outputs summarized herein. Many of the key barriers identified are well-documented issues of global significance, including a lack of healthcare resources or of an integrated structure, insufficient patient education, and patient misconceptions about insulin therapy. Barriers identified as more innate to Asian countries included local inabilities of patients to afford or gain access to insulin therapy, a tendency for some patients to be more influenced by social media and local traditions than by the medical profession, and a willingness to switch care providers and seek alternative therapies. Strategies to address some of these barriers are provided, with hypothetical illustrative case histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a leading cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This nationwide study aims to describe real world treatment characteristics and assess survival rates of patients with SSc-PAH. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with SSc-PAH were identified from Turkish Ministry of Health National Electronic Database (from January 2016 to September 2022), using ICD-10 codes. Data on demographics, treatment characteristics, and death was collected. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to calculate cumulative probabilities of survival at 1, 3, and 5 years. Results: Five hundred forty-seven patients (90.7% female) with SSc-PAH were identified. Median age at PAH diagnosis was 59.9 (50.0–67.4) years. During a median follow-up duration of 3.2 (1.5–4.8) years, 199 (36.4%) deaths occurred. Estimated survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 90.2%, 73.2%, and 56.6%, respectively. Survival was similar among patients with and without interstitial lung disease (p = 0.20). Patients who used immunosuppressives had better survival than those who did not (p < 0.001). No difference was observed in survival rates according to initial PAH-specific treatment regimen (monotherapy or combination) (p = 0.49). Conclusion: Compared to most of historical cohorts, higher survival rates for SSc-PAH were observed in this study. Early diagnosis of PAH may have contributed to these findings. The impact of immunosuppressive therapy on prognosis of SSc-PAH needs to be further investigated in prospective studies. Key Points • Early diagnosis is pivotal for better outcomes in SSc-PAH. • Implementation of PAH treatment guidelines in routine clinical practice is still poor and should be improved. • Effect of immunosuppressive therapies on disease course has to be defined in SSc-PAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerostin (SOST) is produced by osteocytes and is known as a negative regulator of bone homeostasis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium, phosphate as well as vitamin D metabolism, and is a strong inhibitor of SOST synthesis in vitro and in vivo. PTH has two methionine amino acids (positions 8 and 18) which can be oxidized. PTH oxidized at Met18 (Met18(ox)-PTH) continues to be bioactive, whereas PTH oxidized at Met8 (Met8(ox)-PTH) or PTH oxidized at Met8 and Met18 (Met8, Met18(di-ox)-PTH) has minor bioactivity. How non-oxidized PTH (n-oxPTH) and oxidized forms of PTH act on sclerostin synthesis is unknown. The effects of n-oxPTH and oxidized forms of PTH on SOST gene expression were evaluated in UMR106 osteoblast-like cells. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship of SOST with n-oxPTH and all forms of oxPTH in 516 stable kidney transplant recipients using an assay system that can distinguish in clinical samples between n-oxPTH and the sum of all oxidized PTH forms (Met8(ox)-PTH, Met18(ox)-PTH, and Met8, Met18(di-ox)-PTH). We found that both n-oxPTH and Met18(ox)-PTH at doses of 1, 3, 20, and 30 nmol/L significantly inhibit SOST gene expression in vitro, whereas Met8(ox)-PTH and Met8, Met18(di-ox)-PTH only have a weak inhibitory effect on SOST gene expression. In the clinical cohort, multivariate linear regression showed that only n-oxPTH, but not intact PTH (iPTH) nor oxPTH, is independently associated with circulating SOST after adjusting for known confounding factors. In conclusion, only bioactive PTH forms such as n-oxPTH and Met18(ox)-PTH, inhibit SOST synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising clean energy carrier for automobile applications. Magnesium hydride (MgH2) has garnered significant attention as a potential H2 storage material due to its high capacity and low cost. Nonetheless, its practical use is hindered by unfavorable H2 sorption kinetics and operating temperatures. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the H2 storage properties of MgH2 by adding graphene oxide (GO) supported tin dioxide (cSnO2) nanoparticles. The as-prepared catalysts (GO/SnO2) were synthesized through modified chemical methods followed by ball-milling with MgH2 characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The catalytic effect of GO-SnO2 nanoparticles on MgH2 was investigated through systematic H2 sorption studies as well as thermal analysis. Results demonstrate that the onset temperature for H2 desorption was significantly reduced, and the dehydrogenation kinetics were substantially enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) machines are being increasingly used in several applications owing to their outstanding features. Most importantly, they are characterized by a high power-to-weight ratio, compactness, and high efficiency. Designers of AFPM generators seek to achieve the required performance and ensure the proper operation of the machine for the targeted application. Among many other parameters, the performance of the machine is highly dependent on the air gap magnetic flux density and no-load induced voltage. Accurate computation of such parameters helps minimize the overall design process. Therefore, the estimation of flux density plays a vital role in determining many other dependent parameters in AFPM machines. This manuscript provides a robust Correlated Analytical Method (CAM) for calculating the air gap magnetic flux density and no-load induced voltage of Coreless Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generators (CAFPMG). CAM is an extended version of the Simplified Analytical Method (SAM) that is adjusted using correlated coefficients derived from an experimentally validated Three-Dimensional (3D) Finite Element Model (FEM). A complete procedure for the calculations is provided. The results showed the integrity of the CAM compared to the results obtained from the validated FEM. Such a technique will help designers of CAFPM machines perform parametric analysis and optimization in a fast and reliable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique based on the principle of forced extrusion. It is the most commonly used 3D printing processes, subjected to its ease of utilization. With the increase in product customizations, the use of 3D printing technique for manufacturing of the end-use product is on the rise. Therefore, the strength and other mechanical properties of the 3D-printed finished component are of great importance. These mechanical properties of an FDM-produced part are greatly affected by the selection of different values for printing parameters. Due to operational simplicity and low cost, FDM is widely researched, and a number of scholars have examined the effects of varying the values of parameters on the mechanical properties of the FDM-printed specimens. Where tensile strength of the 3D-printed parts is the mostly studied property among all mechanical properties. However, the effect of changing values of parameters on the tensile strength in relation to build time is least researched. The objective of this research is not only to examine the influence of printing parameters such as layer thickness, print angle, and infill density on the tensile strength of the 3D-printed components and optimize them but also to achieve the desired strength in a faster and timely manner. In this study, tensile test specimens were printed and tested according to ISO-527–2 standards. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is also performed to check the significance of print parameters. The results suggested that an increase in layer thickness has an inverse impact on the tensile strength, whereas an increase in print angle and infill density has a direct impact on the tensile properties of the FDM produced specimens. Furthermore, the print time is reduced with an increase in layer thickness and a decrease in infill density, as both lead to fewer passes required to print the part. However, print time has variable relationship with the print angle, with the least value at a 90° print angle and the maximum value at a 15° print angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation examines the effect of clamshell ash (CSA) and lime additives on the physico-mechanical characteristics of kaolinite clay soil stabilized at the optimum silica fume content. Laboratory tests were performed to assess plasticity, shrink-swell characteristics, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear strength characteristics, mineralogical and morphological microstructure characteristics of stabilized soil specimens. The kaolinite clay soil was stabilized at its optimum silica fume content (6%) to produce the highest strength and was altered with three non-identical proportions of clamshell ash and lime (3%-9%). Cylindrical soil specimens, 76 mm in height and 38 mm in diameter, were moulded and treated for curing periods of 1, 7, 14, and 30 days to examine the strength of the altered soil. The findings revealed that, adding clamshell ash and lime significantly alters the plasticity, shrink-swell, maximum dry unit weights, and optimum moisture contents of the silica fume-stabilized soil. In terms of strength, the beneficial effects of CSA and lime additives were found to be more significant with more extended curing periods. Incremental increases in curing periods resulted in further enhancements in UCS, cohesion, and internal friction angle, indicating continued strength development over time. Microstructural analysis using field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction provided insights into the interparticle bonding mechanisms and microstructural changes induced by the addition of CSA and lime. The emergence of cementitious phases and pozzolanic responses between soil particles and stabilizers contributed to the densification and strengthening of the stabilized soil matrix. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential of clamshell ash and lime additives to enhance the engineering properties of kaolinite clay soil stabilized with silica fume. These results have implications for sustainable soil stabilization practices, offering a promising approach to improve the performance of soils for various engineering applications, including construction and geotechnical projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotics administration on clinical status and metabolic profiles in diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 72 DR patients. Subjects received probiotics including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium langum, Bifidobacterium lactis daily (2 × 109 CFU/each strain) (n = 36) or placebo (starch) (n = 36) and were instructed to take one capsule daily for 12 weeks. Finally, 55 participants [probiotic group (n = 30) and placebo group (n = 25)] completed the study. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to determine metabolic profiles. To determine the effects of probiotic supplementation on clinical symptoms and biochemical variables, we used one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Results: After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation significantly decreased means serum insulin concentrations (Probiotic group: -4.9 ± 6.5vs. Placebo group: 3.0 ± 7.7 µIU/mL, Ptime×group<0.001), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (Probiotic group: -2.5 ± 3.8 vs. Placebo group: 1.1 ± 2.7, Ptime×group<0.001) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) (Probiotic group: -0.4 ± 0.7 vs. Placebo group: -0.02 ± 0.2%, Ptime×group=0.01), and significantly increased the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (Probiotic group: 0.02 ± 0.03 vs. Placebo group: -0.03 ± 0.04, Ptime×group<0.001). There was no significant effect of probiotic administration on other metabolic profiles and clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, probiotic supplementation after 12 weeks in DR patients had beneficial effects on few metabolic profiles. This study was registered under the Iranian website for clinical trials as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20130211012438N29. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Diabetes has become a leading cause of mortality in both developed and developing countries, impacting a growing number of individuals worldwide. As the prevalence of the disease continues to rise, researchers have diligently worked towards developing accurate diabetes prediction models. The primary aim of this study is to utilize a diverse set of machine learning algorithms to detect the presence of diabetes, particularly in females, at an early stage. By leveraging these methods, this research seeks to provide physicians with valuable tools to identify the disease early, enabling timely interventions and improving patient outcomes. Methods: In this study, some state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, such as random forest classifiers with gridsearchCV, XGBoost, NGBoost, Bagging, LightGBM, and AdaBoost classifiers, were employed. These models were chosen as the base layer of our proposed stacked ensemble model because of their high accuracy. Before feeding the data into the models, the dataset was preprocessed to ensure optimal performance and obtain improved results. Results: The accuracy achieved in this study was 92.91%, which demonstrates its competitiveness with the existing approaches. Moreover, the utilization of the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) facilitated the interpretation of machine learning models. Conclusion: We anticipate that these findings will be beneficial to healthcare providers, stakeholders, students, and researchers involved in diabetes prediction research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose two modified proximal point algorithms for computing the solutions of the inclusion problems in the setting of Hadamard manifolds. In the first algorithm, we use line search method, whereas in the second algorithm, we use simple self adaptive stepsize rule. We study the convergence analysis for both the algorithms under mild assumptions. We present a numerical example to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to assess the bond-slip performance of fire exposed high strength concrete (HSC) and SD 550 (super ductile) steel. The SD (super ductile) bars are comparatively more ductile and suited for fire hazards. Bond tests were conducted following RILEM specifications on both HSC and NSC. The samples were fire exposed to steady-state mode following the ISO-834 temperature–time graph. The load-slip response was used to analyze and understand the mechanism of bond NSC and HSC with SD bars exposed to various temperatures. A correlation between the load-slip behavior and the bond-temperature relationship is provided based on test findings. High-strength concrete (HSC), after exposure to 450°C, showed greater bond strength reductions than its normal strength counterpart. The distinctions in the bond response of normal and high-strength concrete (HSC) and characterize the load-slip response on account of exposure to various levels of extreme temperatures have been discussed. Predictive models have been suggested for the degradation of bonds and corresponding slip as well as models to demonstrate the overall response in terms of bond-slip of high-strength concrete exposed to various temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective was to identify the fetal hippocampus and fornix using 2D and to measure the C-shaped length of fornix and hippocampus. Methods: This study was designed in cross-section. Healthy singleton and between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation pregnant women who applied to the perinatology outpatient clinic for second-level ultrasound scanning between December 2022 and February 2023 were included in the study. Patients were screened consecutively. Demographic information of the participants was obtained and an ultrasound scan was performed. The fetal fornix–hippocampus' length and hippocampal height were measured in the sagittal section. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, median (min, max), or number (percent). Results: A total of 92 patients were included in the study. Fetal fornix and hippocampus measurements were taken in % 97.8 (90/92) patients. The mean of the fetal fornix–hippocampus length and fetal hippocampus height of 90 patients were measured as 35.6 ± 3.0 and 4.7 ± 3.9, respectively. Conclusion: Fetal fornix and hippocampus can be visualized in easily with two-dimensional ultrasound during anomaly scanning in the second trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have introduced a variety of synchronization techniques that involve many structures. However, since the majority of synchronization methods influence or increase the system states from a stability perspective, these methods necessitate retuning the controller parameters, reconstructing a converter controller, or employing a different control construction. This paper proposes a novel, yet simple and straightforward, method for implementing a synchronization technique concept based on the conventional synchronization method known as the "dark lamp" process. Since the proposed method is based on logic functions, there is no additional state in the entire system of the model, which is the cornerstone of this paper. The proposed method is validated and studied in a time–domain simulation environment, specifically a PSCAD/EMTDC. The proposed new synchronization technique in this paper overcomes the discussed synchronization techniques in the literature by dispensing with the need either to use a phase-locked loop (PLL) or to retune the controller parameters and, furthermore, does not increase the system state equation. Meanwhile the proposed techniques in the literature increase the system state equation by at least two states, which affects the entire system performance and stability. The results of this paper show promising and important outcomes that will further the study of the synchronization technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an emerging view that the increased availability of energy-dense foods in our society is contributing to excessive food consumption which could lead to food addiction-like behavior. Particularly, compulsive eating patterns are predominant in people suffering from eating disorders (binge-eating disorder, bulimia and anorexia nervosa) and obesity. Phenotypically, the behavioral pattern exhibits a close resemblance to individuals suffering from other forms of addiction (drug, sex, gambling). Growing body of evidence in neuroscience research is showing that excessive consumption of energy-dense foods alters the brain circuits implicated in reward, decision-making, control, habit formation, and emotions that are central to drug addiction. Here, we review the current understanding of the circuits of food addiction-like behaviors and highlight the future possibility of exploring those circuits to combat obesity and eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc telluride (ZnTe) is considered as a favorable photovoltaic (PV) material for its desirable absorption coefficient, improved conversion efficiency, and consequently inexpensive production material requirements. The principal objective of this research is to improve the performance of newly designed Al/ZnO/CdS/ZnTe/In2Te3/Pt solar cell and to investigate the influence of the Indium telluride (In2Te3) back surface field (BSF) layer on the performance parameters of open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE). This simulation analyses the performance of the baseline structure Al/ZnO/CdS/ZnTe/Pt which is considered as without BSF and the proposed structure Al/ZnO/CdS/ZnTe/In2Te3/Pt with BSF. The thicknesses and doping density have been used are 30, 30, 500, and 100 nm and 1019, 1018, 1019, and 1021 cm−3 for ZnO, CdS, ZnTe, and In2Te3 layer, respectively, with bulk defect density of 1014 cm−3 for each layer of the proposed cell. The PCE has been achieved 18.40 and 20.20% with VOC of 1.860 and 2.008 V, JSC of 10.79 and 10.99 mA cm−2, as well as FF of 91.87 and 91.92% for the baseline and proposed solar cell, correspondingly. The present study provides the guidelines for the realization of high efficiency and thin ZnTe-based solar cell in cost-effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fatty infiltration (FI) of the paraspinal muscles may associate with pain and surgical complications in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). We evaluated the prognostic influence of MRI-assessed paraspinal muscles' FI on pain or disability 2 years after surgery for LSS. Methods: A muscle fat index (MFI) was calculated (by dividing signal intensity of psoas to multifidus and erector spinae) on preoperative axial T2-weighted MRI of patients with LSS. Pain and disability 2 years after surgery were assessed using the Oswestry disability index, the Zurich claudication questionnaire and numeric rating scales for leg and back pain. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses (adjusted for preoperative outcome scores, age, body mass index, sex, smoking status, grade of spinal stenosis, disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis) were used to assess the associations between MFI and patient-reported clinical outcomes. In the logistic regression models, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for associations between the MFI and ≥ 30% improvement of the outcomes (dichotomised into yes/no). Results: A total of 243 patients were evaluated (mean age 66.6 ± 8.5 years), 49% females (119). Preoperative MFI and postoperative leg pain were significantly associated, both with leg pain as continuous (coefficient − 3.20, 95% CI − 5.61, − 0.80) and dichotomised (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.17, 1.95) scores. Associations between the MFI and the other outcome measures were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Preoperative FI of the paraspinal muscles on MRI showed statistically significant association with postoperative NRS leg pain but not with ODI or ZCQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of office bleaching of teeth bonded with Transbond XTTM (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA) (TRXT) and the use of color change resistant Orthocem (FGM, Joinville, Brazil) in bracket bonding on coffee-induced enamel discoloration. Materials and methods: Eighty premolars were distributed in equal numbers (n = 20) to group 1 (TRXT + distilled water), group 2 (TRXT + coffee solution), group 3 (TRXT + coffee solution + bleaching), and group 4 (Orthocem + coffee solution). Color was measured using a SpectroShade Micro (MHT, International, Verona, Italy) device at the beginning (T0), after coloring (T1), after bleaching (T1B), and after debonding (T2). ΔE color change values were calculated as T1-T0, T1B-T0 and T2-T0 differences. The conformity of the data to the normal distribution was examined with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Multiple comparisons were made with Tamhane’s T2 test and Tukey’s HSD test using one-way analysis of variance in the comparison of normally distributed data, and multiple comparisons were made with Dunn’s test using the Kruskal–Wallis H test for comparison of non-normally distributed data. The significance level was set at p < 0.050. Results: A statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was found between the T1-T0 and T2-T0 stages for group 1–4 ΔE values. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was also found when the T1B-T0 ΔE values of group 3 were compared with the T1-T0 ΔE values of groups 1, 2, and 4. Conclusions: After coffee-induced enamel discoloration, bleaching of teeth bonded with TRXT produced acceptable color difference of the incisal, middle, and gingival regions of the crown. In teeth bonded with Orthocem, acceptable color difference was seen only in the middle of the crown. Clinical relevance: The presented study will guide the clinician on how enamel discoloration side effect of fixed orthodontic appliance can reduce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The efficacy and safety of bivalirudin when used concurrently with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) is uncertain. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus heparin in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to explore the impact of differential use (greater and balanced) of GPI. Methods: Online databases were queried from inception to March 2023 to identify eight randomized controlled trials (n = 22,483) for inclusion. The primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, major bleeding, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and net adverse clinical events (NACE). Secondary efficacy endpoints included cardiac death, reinfarction, stent thrombosis (ST), and stroke. Data were pooled using a random-effects model to derive risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: When compared to heparin, bivalirudin was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.72–0.97; P = 0.02), major bleeding (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.57–0.93; P = 0.01), cardiac death (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.66–0.94; P = 0.01), and NACE (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.72–0.89; P < 0.0001). However, while the bivalirudin arm showed an increased likelihood of ST in the greater GPI subgroup (RR 1.70; 95% CI 1.13–2.56; P = 0.01), it was associated with a decreased likelihood of ST in the balanced GPI subgroup (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.24–0.65; P = 0.0003). Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that bivalirudin may be a more efficacious intervention than heparin for reducing certain adverse events in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An existing approach to dynamic hand gesture recognition is to use multimodal-fusion CRNN (Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks) on depth images and corresponding 2D hand skeleton coordinates. However, an underlying problem in this method is that raw depth images possess a very low contrast in the hand ROI (region of interest). They do not highlight the details which are important to fine-grained hand gesture recognition details such as finger orientation, the overlap between the fingers and the palm, or overlap between multiple fingers. To address this issue, we propose generating quantized depth images as an alternative input modality to raw depth images. This creates sharp relative contrasts between key parts of the hand, which improves gesture recognition performance. In addition, we explore some ways to tackle the high variance problem in previously researched multimodal-fusion CRNN architectures. We obtained accuracies of 90.82 and 89.21% (14 and 28 gestures, respectively) on the DHG-14/28 dataset and accuracies of 93.81 and 90.24% (14 and 28 gestures, respectively) on the SHREC-2017 dataset, which is a significant improvement over previous multimodal-dusion CRNNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal behaviors of land surface temperature (LST) coupled with its associated parameters play a crucial role in determining the microclimate at the city scale. The increasing pattern of LST and consequent changes in biophysical parameters (parameters specify the amalgamation of living system with their physical characteristics including vegetation, water, built-up, bareness and drought parameters) at monthly, seasonal and annual time spans and from regional to global scale need to be comprehensively evaluated. The present study deals with LST estimation along with other spectral indices including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), Normalized Difference Bareness Index (NDBaI), and Normalized Multi-band Drought Index (NMDI) using Landsat series datasets from 1991 to 2022 of Aligarh city, Uttar Pradesh, India. The spatial pattern of LST indicates that the areas having water bodies and dense vegetation are colder such as the Aligarh Muslim University Campus and the catchment of Ganga canal areas, whereas the areas of high urbanization and bare grounds reflect high LST trends. Study finds a positive correlation of LST with NDBI (R2-0.56), NDBaI (R2-0.22) and NDWI (R2-0.22), whereas a negative correlation with NDVI (R2-0.35), MNDWI (R2-0.36) and NMDI (R2-0.41). Land use land cover (LULC)-based change detection in land cover classes was found consistent with the obtained results for spectral indices and LST patterns in the study area. Finally, the cross-validation using Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalysis-based products of earth skin temperature and rainfall showed a good fit between observed and reanalysis products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a power balance between generation and demand is generally acknowledged as being essential to maintaining a system frequency within reasonable bounds. This is especially important for linked renewable-based hybrid power systems (HPS), where disruptions are more likely to occur. This paper suggests a prominent modified “Fractional order-proportional-integral with double derivative (FOPIDD2) controller” as an innovative HPS controller in order to navigate these obstacles. The recommended control approach has been validated in power systems including wind, reheat thermal, solar, and hydro generating, as well as capacitive energy storage and electric vehicle. The improved controller’s performance is evaluated by comparing it to regular FOPID, PID, and PIDD2 controllers. Furthermore, the gains of the newly structured FOPIDD2 controller are optimized using a newly intended algorithm terms as squid game optimizer (SGO). The controller’s performance is compared to benchmarks such as the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and jellyfish search optimization. By comparing performance characteristics such as maximum frequency undershoot/overshoot, and steadying time, the SGO-FOPIDD2 controller outperforms the other techniques. The suggested SGO optimized FOPIDD2 controller was analyzed and validated for its ability to withstand the influence of power system parameter uncertainties under various loading scenarios and situations. Without any complicated design, the results show that the new controller can work steadily and regulate frequency with an appropriate controller coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of the reaction's kinetics is one of the most crucial aspects of the design of a commercial process. The current research investigates the kinetics of Fischer–Tropsch synthesis using a perovskite catalyst. The LaFe0.7 Co0.3 O3 perovskite catalyst was prepared via the thermal sol–gel technique and characterized using BET, XRD, SEM, and H2-TPR techniques. According to operating conditions (e.g. H2/CO: 1–2, pressure: 10–20 barg, temperature: 240–300 °C, and GHSV: 3000 1/h), Fischer–Tropsch reaction kinetics (CO conversion) were carried out in a fixed-bed reactor. Using the framework of Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) theories, 18 kinetic expressions for CO conversion were derived, and all were fitted to experimental data one by one to determine the optimum condition. The correlation was derived from experimental data and well-fitted using LHHW form (according to the enol mechanism, carbon monoxide and dissociated hydrogen atoms are adsorbed and reacted on the surface of the catalyst) −rCO = kpbCOPCO(bH2PH2)0.5/(1 + bCOPCO + (bH2PH2)0.5)2. Finally, the activation energy of the optimum kinetic model was determined with respect to the Arrhenius equation under various operating conditions. The activation energy of perovskite catalyst is about 106.25 kJ/mol at temperatures 240–300 °C, pressures 10–20 barg, and H2/CO ratios 1–2, which is lower than other types of catalyst. Therefore, the catalyst was activated at a high temperature and demonstrated stable performance without any temperature runaway and coking issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the comparative analysis performance of three environmentally friendly refrigerants, R1270, R290, and R600a, in the context of flow boiling heat transfer (FBHT) and pressure gradients. The experiments employ copper microfin and smooth tubes, operating under varying conditions, including saturation temperatures (Tsat) of 6 and 15 °C, heat fluxes (HF) ranging from 13 to 30 kW.m−2, mass fluxes (MF) spanning 187 to 427 kg.m−2.s−1, and vapor quality from 0.1 to 1.0. Both tube types share identical dimensions - an outer diameter, inner diameter, and length of 7 mm, 6.14 mm, and 500 mm, respectively - facilitating a focused investigation into the impact of microfins on flow boiling characteristics. The results highlight noteworthy differences among the refrigerants, with the microfin tube exhibiting substantial enhancements in heat transfer coefficient (HTC), particularly pronounced with R1270 and R290. At the same time, the R600a demonstrates more HTC improvements than the smooth tube. Additionally, the microfin tube increases pressure gradients. The average enhancement factor (EF) for R600a, R290, and R1270 are 2.15, 1.95, and 1.9, respectively, while the average penalty factor (PF) for R600a, R290, and R1270 are 1.25, 1.3, and 1.35, respectively. Comparative analyses with established literature correlations validate the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease with a global prevalence of 70 million people. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 5 million new cases are diagnosed every year. Anti-seizure drugs are the treatment of choice. However, in roughly one third of the patients, these drugs fail to produce the desired effect. As a result, finding novel treatments for epilepsy becomes inevitable. Recently, angiotensin receptor blockers have been proposed as a treatment to reduce the over-excitation of neurons in epilepsy. For this purpose, we conducted a review using Medline/PubMed and Google Scholar using the relevant search terms and extracted the relevant data in a table. Our review suggests that this novel approach has a very high potential to treat epilepsy, especially in those patients who fail to respond to conventional treatment options. However, more extensive and human-based trials should be conducted to reach a decisive conclusion. Nevertheless, the use of ARBs in patients with epilepsy should be carefully monitored keeping the adverse effects in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial leaf blight, sometimes known as BLB, is one of the most damaging diseases that may jeopardize the world’s supply of rice. It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). It has caused sharp decline in production in regions of the globe that produce rice. More than 40 previously characterized resistance (R) genes enable host tolerance for diverse Xoo strains. In this study, three BLB resistant genes, including xa5, xa13, and Xa21, which have been crucial in disease prevention in Bangladesh, were introgressed into populations. These populations were created by crossing IRRI 154, a popular rice variety with a modern genetic background, with IRBB66 (resistant to BLB). Fifteen virulent bacterial isolates were used for BLB infection, and promising recombinants from the F5 and BC2F4 generations were found to be resistant. Using marker assisted selection (MAS) with gene-specific primers on generations F5 and BC2F4, we were able to find that 60 recombinant introgressed lines (RILs) had a pyramiding of BLB resistance genes. In terms of agronomic performance, the RILs outperformed both their donor and recipient parents, demonstrating that the RILs had pyramided three resistance genes, therefore conferring broad-spectrum BLB resistance. The produced BLB-resistant RILs offer substantial future development potential, either as cultivable crops or as BLB resistance donor material for use in boosting the yields of other rice lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-care behavior covers individual's health, life and well-being to maintain the necessary activities. The aim of this study is to examine the self-care and possible anxiolytic effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT). Eight-week-old Wistar Albino male rats were divided into Control (n = 8), and Exercise (n = 8). Rat exercised for 38 min a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks The animals were then subjected to open field test and splash test, and the behaviors were video recorded. Student t test and Shapiro–Wilk test were used as statistical tests. In the exercise group, spray-induced grooming behavior increased significantly in terms of duration and frequency (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in the latency of grooming (p > 0.05). In the open-field test, the total distance traveled, which is a locomotor activity parameter, did not change between the groups. Anxiolytic-like behaviors such as total rearing behavior, unsupported rearing, central time, and central region entries increased remarkably in the exercise group vs. control (p < 0.0001). Freezing as an anxiogenic behavior decreased in the exercise group positively (p < 0.0001). Intermittent high-intensity exercise improved and increased self-care behaviors. Further, the present study shows that HIIT has beneficial effects on different aspects of behaviors such as exploratory behaviors, increasing anxiolytic behaviors, and reducing anxiogenic behavior. The present study is a preclinical study that will pave the way for new studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzymes are often required to function in a particular reaction condition by the industrial procedure. In order to identify critical residues affecting the optimum pH of Staphylococcal lipases, chimeric lipases from homologous lipases were generated via a DNA shuffling strategy. Chimeric 1 included mutations of G166S, K212E, T243A, H271Y. Chimeric 2 consisted of substitutions of K212E, T243A, H271Y. Chimeric 3 contained substitutions of K212E, R359L. From the screening results, the pH profiles for chimeric 1 and 2 lipases were shifted from pH 7 to 6. While the pH of chimeric 3 was shifted to 8. It seems the mutation of K212E in chimeric 1 and 2 decreased the pH to 6 by changing the electrostatic potential surface. Furthermore, chimeric 3 showed 10 ˚C improvement in the optimum temperature due to the rigidification of the catalytic loop through the hydrophobic interaction network. Moreover, the substrate specificity of chimeric 1 and 2 was increased towards the longer carbon length chains due to the mutation of T243A adjacent to the lid region through increasing the flexibility of the lid. Current study illustrated that directed evolution successfully modified lipase properties including optimum pH, temperature and substrate specificity through mutations, especially near catalytic and lid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a potent, competitive and selective sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor that ameliorates blood glucose with the insulin-independent manner. EMPA reduces weight and blood pressure of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without developing hypoglycemic risk. To the best of our knowledge, its safety profiling has not been evaluated on human blood cell cultures yet. Again, the embryotoxicity potential by EMPA is still unclear. Therefore, in this investigation we aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic, genotoxic and embryotoxic damage potential as well as antioxidative/oxidative effects by EMPA in cultured human blood and human pluripotent embryonal carcinoma NT2 cells for the first time. Cell cultures (n = 5) were exposed to different concentrations ranging from 3.25 to 100 mg/L of EMPA for 48 and 72 h. Cell viability was measured by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. The alterations in antioxidant/oxidant activity were monitored via measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels. For evaluating the genotoxicity of EMPA chromosomal aberration (CA) assay was performed. The present results revealed that EMPA did not induce cytotoxic or genotoxic damage on healthy human blood cells. Moreover, EMPA exerted non-embryotoxic property and supported antioxidative capacity and decreased the oxidative stress in cultured human blood cells. Our results supported the safe and advantageous use of EMPA for the treatment of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the impact of WGP on the resistance of mortar to sulfuric acid solution attack, with specimens containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% WGP produced as cement substitutes. Some fundamental properties of mortar mixtures were evaluated, such as the pozzolanic activity index assessment, fresh density, water absorption, and compressive strengths during water curing times. Subsequently, the behavior characteristics of mortars when subjected to sulfuric acid solutions were assessed, including mass loss, residual compressive strength, visual inspection, and microstructure features during eight weeks of immersion in sulfuric acid. The results of the study indicated that the incorporation of WGP led to improved sulfuric acid resistance in the mortar. Furthermore, an increase in WGP content resulted in a reduced reduction in compressive strength against sulfuric acid attacks as the ages progressed. The study revealed that the mortar containing 5% WGP as a cement substitute had the highest compressive strength compared to other specimens, and using 10% WGP as a supplementary cementitious material was comparable to the control mixture. Finally, the microstructure tests indicated that the sample containing 5% WGP had a lower intensity of CH peaks than the reference sample. The study suggests that the optimum amount of GWP for strength and economic parameters is 5%, and 10% substitution, respectively. However, when considering acid solution resistance, 25% GWP cement replacement is the ideal content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses into the critical issue of drought as a natural disaster, especially in regions characterized by arid and semi-arid climates like Turkey. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the historical occurrences of meteorological drought events in Turkey, focusing on their past frequency, intensity, and spatial distribution. The study employs the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) method and utilizes 50 years of monthly temperature and precipitation data collected from 222 meteorological stations across the country. Drought severity is assessed using the run theory method, and trends in drought patterns are analyzed through the Mann–Kendall trend test. Additionally, the text explores the connection between elevation and the geographical distribution of drought events. The study's findings reveal a noticeable increase in the occurrence of drought periods over time. Among the selected periods, the most widespread drought event was observed in the year 2001. The Bozcaada meteorology station exhibited the highest frequency of drought with a value of 223, while the Ispir meteorology station recorded the lowest frequency with a value of 151. Over the course of the 50-year analysis, no significant correlation was found between drought and elevation, although a gradual increase was noted in the last 10 years. The results also indicate a gradual north-to-south increase in drought intensity in Turkey. The study identifies four distinct drought hotspots in the country: the Western Anatolia Region, Central and Southern Anatolia Region, Southeastern Anatolia Region, and Eastern Anatolia Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, montmorillonite clay (MT) was modified for the first time with CuFe2O4 spinel ferrite nanoparticles and assessed as a recyclable catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones under solvent-free microwave irradiation conditions with a high to excellent yield. The morphology and chemistry of the CuFe2O4@MT (CuF@MT) nanocomposite were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images, transmission electron microscope images, and vibrating sample magnetometer curve analyses. The results indicated the presence of CuFe2O4 with a tetragonal structure, a consistent distribution, and no aggregation at MT. The findings further indicated that CuF@MT's superior magnetic characteristics led to its use as a heterogeneous catalyst in manufacturing 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. This technique offers various advantages, including mild reaction conditions, high efficiency, and fast recovery of the nanocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]