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This paper reviews the historical developments in landfill technology and its drawbacks. It introduces phytocapping, in light of previous research, as a promising, eco-friendly and sustainable technology for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill covers in order to reduce landfill gas and leachate generation. This paper highlights the challenges to successful phytocapping, such as selection criteria for appropriate plants and growth media, and the importance of new research into overcoming these challenges. It also presents a database of plants used in landfill phytocapping studies worldwide. In addition, the performance, economics, and sustainability of phytocapping technology are evaluated in comparison to ordinary MSW landfill methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uterine carcinosarcoma is an aggressive gynecologic malignancy that accounts for 5% of all gynecological malignancies. There is a disproportion in its incidence and mortality among different races. This study describes demographic and clinicopathological factors and racial disparities affecting the survival of patients with uterine carcinosarcoma. Methods: Data on uterine carcinosarcoma patients were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2020. Results: Of the 11,338 patients identified, the median age at diagnosis was 68 years, and the five-year cause-specific survival (CSS) rate was 38.7%. for all races. Compared with Asian patients (39.5%, 95% CI, 36.0–43.4%), Hispanic patients (39.4%, 95% CI, 36.5–42.5%), and White patients (37.9%, 95% CI, 36.7–39.2%), Black patients accounted for 21% of the patients and had a significantly lower 5-year CSS (95% CI, 27.2–31.2%). The CSS rates were 84.4% (95% CI, 83.3–85.6%) for localized tumors, 68.5% (95% CI, 66.9–70.1%) for regional tumors, and 39.0% (95% CI, 36.9–41.2%) for distant tumors. Multimodal treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation improved the overall one- and five-year survival rates by 88.2% (95% CI, 87.0–89.5%) and 52.8% (95% CI, 50.7–55.1%), respectively, across all disease stages. Multivariate analysis identified age >60 years, Black race, tumor size >4 cm, and distant metastases as independent risk factors for mortality (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This large database study presents the most up-to-date epidemiological information regarding cases of uterine carcinosarcoma. The findings suggest that a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may be most efficacious in treating this malignancy, especially in patients with distant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In maize-soybean intercropping systems (ICS), the morphophysiological growth traits and grain yield of component crops (CC), especially of soybean suffer greatly, owing to the dominance of maize in acquiring growth resources and shading effect. Thus, a field trial was conducted entailing maize hybrids (H1= YH-1898 and H2= YH-5427) and defoliation treatments (R1= removal of top two leaves, R2= removal of top four leaves, R3= removal of top six leaves, and R4= no removal of leaves) for boosting soybean (cv. AARI-soybean) growth and yield in maize-soybean ICS. The response variables included plant height (PH), 1000 grains weight, grain yield (GY), and biological yield (BY) along with the physiological growth traits (leaf area index LAI, leaf area duration LAD, crop growth rate CGR, and net assimilation rate NAR) of CC. The H1 hybrid of maize outperformed the other hybrid by recording 8% and 9% higher PH and BY, respectively, while the H2 hybrid depicted 18% and 6% greater 1000 grain weight and GY, respectively, along with NAR. Additionally, R1H2 exhibited the maximum LAI, LAD, and CGR at 30, 60, 90, and 110 days after sowing (DAS). Contrastingly, soybean recorded 11% higher PH in intercropping with the H1 hybrid under R4 defoliation treatment along with significantly higher 1000 grains weight (13%), GY (57%), BY (10%), and NAR (157%). Moreover, soybean exhibited the maximum physiological growth in response to the R4H1 treatment combination. On the basis of the recorded findings, the H2R1 treatment combination could be recommended for boosting maize yield, whereas H1R4 or H1R3 could be adopted to bolster the growth and productivity of soybean intercrop, but at the cost of a significant reduction in maize yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide organic amendments have received much attention to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Partial substitution of inorganic fertilizer through organic manure is a promising approach to decrease chemical fertilizer input while stabilizing or increasing crop yield. Field experiments were conducted in Hubei and Hunan provinces to assess the impact of partial substitution of chemical fertilizer through organic manure on cotton yield and soil properties during 2016 and 2017. The experimental plots (50 m2) were arranged in a randomized block design, with six treatments, and three replicates for each treatment. Our results revealed that the yield of 100% chemical fertilizer treatments was significantly higher than no fertilizer treatment in 2016, and the yield of organic fertilizer substitution treatments was higher than 100% chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer in 2017 in Hubei province. In Hunan province, the yield of replacing part of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer and 100% chemical fertilizer treatment was higher than those of 100% organic fertilizer and no fertilizer treatment over 2 years. Application of 100% organic fertilizer was found to be more beneficial in terms of improving soil fertility in Hubei provinces during both years. The substitution of chemical fertilizer by 50% organic fertilizer was effective to improve soil fertility and exerted a significant effect on soil available phosphorus, potassium in Hunan provinces during both years. Collectively, these results indicate that replace 100% chemical fertilizer through organic fertilizer in Hubei province and substitution of 50% chemical fertilizer in Hunan province could increase the cotton yield, improve soil fertility and reduce inorganic fertilizers, which have a potential impact on sustainable production of cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This retrospective study aims to examine the patient demographics, survival rates, and treatment methods for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of prostate origin while also identifying the main differences between common types of prostate cancer with comparative analysis for survival. Methods: Our analysis utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER), and data was collected from 2000–2020. Cox proportional hazards and chi-squared analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 718 cases of prostate small and large neuroendocrine carcinoma were identified. The median age was 71.5 years, and the median follow-up was 11.0 years (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 9.2–12.8). Most patients were over the age of 80 years (33.8%) and Caucasian (74.4%). The overall 5-year survival was 8.0% (95% CI = 6.8–9.2). The 5-year OS for Caucasians was 7.3% (95% C.I. 6.0–8.3). For Black Americans, the 5-year OS was 11.9% (95% C.I. 7.3–16.5). For Hispanics, the 5-year OS was 12.2% (95% C.I. 7.7–16.7). The 5-year cause-specific survival (CSS) was 16.2% (95% CI = 14.3–18.1). For treatment modality, the five-year survival for each were as follows: chemotherapy, 3.5% (95% CI = 2.1–4.9); surgery, 18.2% (95% CI = 13.6–22.8); multimodality therapy (surgery and chemotherapy), 4.8% (95% CI = 1.7–7.9); and combination (chemoradiation with surgery), 5.0% (95% CI = 1.0–9.0). The prognostic nomogram created to predict patient survivability matched the findings from the statistical analysis with a statistical difference found in race, income, housing, stage, and nodal status. The nomogram also indicated a slight increase in mortality with tumors of greater size. This analysis showed a slight increase in mortality for patients of Asian race. In addition, there was a significant increase in death for patients with stage 3 tumors, as well as patients who underwent surgery and radiation. Furthermore, we performed propensity score matching for survival differences, and no survival difference was found between SCNEC and LCNEC. Conclusions: Asian patients, larger tumor size, and distant disease were associated with worse long-term clinical outcomes. By leveraging insights from registry-based studies, clinicians can better strategize treatment options, improving patient outcomes in this challenging oncology arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explore the impact of the digital marketing strategies ( Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, Content Marketing and Online Advertising) on brand awareness while investigating to what extent does this resulting effect subsequent affects consumer purchase decisions. Understanding these relationships can allow businesses to tailor their marketing programs to produce higher brand visibility and an increased flow of consumers. The study employed quantitative research design and data was collected using online survey questionnaire from 265 respondents. Data analysis was performed using SmartPls software. The results of the study suggest that Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, Content marketing and Online Advertising all have positive relationship in designed model with brand awareness. Moreover, the research demonstrates that consumers are more likely to purchase based on brand recognition. This study found strong relationships between social media, email, content, online advertising, brand awareness, and purchasing decisions. Brand awareness increases purchasing intention and consumer loyalty. A personalized and integrated digital marketing strategy is needed since different digital marketing channels have different effects on brand awareness and buying decisions. This study adds to the literature by showing how digital marketing methods affect brand awareness and purchasing decisions. This study helps marketers optimize their digital marketing strategies and improve brand performance in the digital age by explaining the complex relationship between digital marketing and customer behavior. It also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to digital marketing, since digital channels influence consumer perceptions and buying behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background • Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a renal infection that affects the urinary tract and is global problem related to health and many people are affected each year at some points of their lives. Modern studies about urinary tract infections show that almost one third of the world’s population has been suffering from this ailment. Different antibacterial medicines have been reported to have resistance against pathogens. In order to overcome the problem, exploration for new and dynamic antibacterial agents from natural sources is the emerging trend. Primary Study Objective • The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the polyherbal test drug formulation, “Crano-cure”, as treatment for UTIs. Methods/Design • In the current study, clinical trials were designed to evaluate the effects of the polyherbal formulation “Crano-cure” compared to the standard drug Ciprofloxacin in randomized, controlled multicenter trial of 205 patients, analyzing clinical outcomes and safety profiles. Setting and Participants • Conducted across multiple centers, including Shifa-ul-Mulk Memorial Hospital at Hamdard University Karachi and three other clinics, the study involved 205 patients aged 15-60, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. Intervention • Patients were classified into two groups i.e. control group (ciprofloxacin) and the test group (crane-cure). Polyherbal formulation of 500 mg Crano-cure capsules two times in a day were administered to the test group for 28 days. The control group was administered a control ciprofloxacin tablet 500 mg two times in a day for 28 days. Primary Outcome Measures • The drug was found safe for further clinical study after observing changes or improvements in UTI symptoms, urine culture and blood complete tests. The clinical trial was dully registered on the US National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04575493. The trial was accompanied in the instructions of EC (Ethical Committee). The study plan and procedures were displayed to the BASR (Board of Advance Studies and Research) and board members of the Ethical Committee (EC), which was ERB-2021-9-1. Results • Clinical study results revealed the effectiveness of Crano-cure in the management of UTIs symptoms and hematological and biochemical parameters including blood complete test, liver function tests, renal function tests and lipid profile. Moreover, the test drug Crano-cure revealed a significance level (P ≤ .05) in compliance and cost-effectiveness compared to control ciprofloxacin. Conclusion • In conclusion, Crano-cure is a safe and cost-effective alternate to Ciprofloxacin for treatment of UTIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the impact of scleral lenses (SLs) on higher‑order aberrations (HOAs), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and contrast sensitivity (CS) in pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) eyes. Methods: SLs were fitted in 24 eyes diagnosed with PMD. CDVA, CS, and HOAs were measured at baseline and with the lens on the eye. The HOAs were measured using an i‑Trace aberrometer. Results: A statistically significant improvement was noted in CDVA (P < 0.001) with BSS lenses (0.05 ± 0.04) compared to baseline (0.42 ± 0.06). Front surface eccentricity 1 (FSE1) lens provided the best CDVA in most of the eyes. The baseline CS of 1.24 ± 0.74 improved to 1.58 ± 0.48 with SL and reported a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.001) and a gain of 6 letters. The baseline higher order‑root mean square (HO‑RMS) was 0.89 ± 0.53 µm, which reduced to 0.38 ± 0.24 µm (P < 0.001), and RMS coma of 0.45 ± 0.29 µm improved to 0.20 ± 0.12 µm (P < 0.001). Though there was a marginal reduction from 0.04 ± 0.14 to 0.03 ± 0.07, RMS spherical aberration did not show any statistically significant difference (P = 0.37). RMS secondary astigmatism reduced from 0.17 ± 0.15 µm to 0.08 ± 0.12 µm (P = 0.007), and RMS trefoil reduced to 0.13 ± 0.09 µm from 0.64 ± 0.36 µm (P < 0.001) with SLs and showed statistically significant improvement. Conclusion: SLs can be considered an effective option that corrects a significant amount of HOAs and enhances visual performances in PMD eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we generalize the formalism of gravity's rainbow to complex space-time. The resulting geometry depends on the energy of the probe in such a way that the usual real manifold is the low energy approximation of the Planck scale geometry of space-time. So, our formalism agrees with all the observational data about our space-time being real, as at the scale these experiments are preformed, the imaginary part of the geometry is suppressed by Planck energy. However, the imaginary part of the geometry becomes important near the Planck energy, and so it cannot be neglected near the Planck scale. So, the Planck scale geometry of space-time is described by a complex manifold. Key words: quantum gravity, VSR, BRST, field theory, cosmology. Nous generalisons ici le formalisme de la gravite arc-en-ciel a l'espace-temps complexe. La geometrie qui en resulte depend de l'energie de la sonde d'une telle facon que l'habituelle variete reelle est l'approximation de basse energie de la geometrie de l'espace-temps a l'echelle de Planck. Ainsi, notre formalisme agree avec toutes les donnees d'observation puisque notre espace-temps est reel aux energies ou ces mesures sont faites, la partie imaginaire de la geometrie etant alors supprimee par l'energie de Planck. Cependant, la partie imaginaire de la geometrie devient importante pres de l'energie de Planck et elle ne peut pas etre negligee pres de cette energie. Ainsi, la geometrie de l'espace-temps a l'echelle de Planck est decrite par une variete complexe. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: gravite quantique, RTS/VSR, BRST, theorie de champ, cosmologie., 1. Introduction It is known that the Lorentz symmetry is one of the most important symmetries in physics, as physical fields are studied on space-time with Lorentz symmetry. However, it [...]