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This study was designed to investigate the effects of individual and combined application of protein hydrolysate (PH) and humic-like substances (HLS) along with the reduction of fertilizer on the growth, physiological and biochemical parameters and mineral nutrition of tea nursery plants. Individual and combined effects of biostimulants were evaluated in a randomized complete block factorial experimental design with three replications. The experiment consisted of three levels of fertilizer (100%, 75% and 50%) and four biostimulant treatments (Control, PH, HLS and PH + HLS). Combined (PH + HLS) and individual application of biostimulants increased the leaf count and number of active buds by 44.8% and 52.3% respectively, compared to untreated plants. PH and combined treatments produced significantly higher and comparable total plant biomass under 75% and 100% fertilizer levels compared to control + 100% fertilizer. Positive effect exerted by HLS alone on total plant biomass was comparatively lower than PH and PH + HLS while significantly higher than control. PH application significantly increased the net photosynthetic rate (+ 30%), stomatal conductance (+ 48%) and concentration of CO2 in intracellular space (+ 36%) compared to control plants. All the biostimulant treatments positively affect the chlorophyll, total soluble sugars and proline contents in tea leaves, where higher values were recorded in PH treatment. Leaf N concentration was significantly increased by individual application of PH and HLS, while leaf P concentration was enhanced by PH and combined treatments. Leaf K, Mg and Ca concentrations were not influenced by biostimulant treatments. PH and combined treatments produced higher and similar effects on the growth of tea nursery plants with 75% and 100% fertilizer levels while HLS alone showed comparatively lower positive effects. It can be concluded that foliar application of PH alone or combining PH with HLS enhanced the growth performance of tea nursery plants along with a saving of chemical fertilizer by 25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic acid (HA) is widely used in agriculture as a biostimulant to enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake. Studies on the early growth promotion of agarwood seedlings using plant biostimulants have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract and characterize peat-derived HA and to determine the optimum rate that would exert biostimulant action on the early growth of agarwood seedlings at the nursery stage. HA was extracted from peat soil using a modified rapid alkaline hydrolysis method. Produced peat humic acid (PHA) was compared with commercial humic acid (CHA) for its chemical and spectroscopic characteristics. One-month-old agarwood seedlings were treated with PHA at different rates (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg kg−1) before the commencement of the experiment. The study was conducted for four months. The C/N ratio of both PHA and CHA were 25.85 and 26.93, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra observation reveals that PHA and CHA have similar surface morphology and functional groups respectively. Results revealed that agarwood seedlings treated with 80 mg kg−1 of PHA significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, the number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter weight, N and P concentrations in plant tissues, and N, P and K uptakes. Based on the findings, incorporation of PHA at the rate of 80 mg kg−1 with planting medium could be used as an optimum rate to enhance the growth of agarwood seedlings in the nursery stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droughts are increasing in frequency and severity globally due to climate change, leading to changes in resource availability that may have cascading effects on animal ecology. Resource availability is a key driver of animal space use, which in turn influences interspecific interactions like intraguild competition. Understanding how climate‐induced changes in resource availability influence animal space use, and how species‐specific responses scale up to affect intraguild dynamics, is necessary for predicting broader community‐level responses to climatic changes.Although several studies have demonstrated the ecological impacts of drought, the behavioural responses of individuals that scale up to these broader‐scale effects are not well known, particularly among animals in top trophic levels like large carnivores. Furthermore, we currently lack understanding of how the impacts of climate variability on individual carnivore behaviour are linked to intraguild dynamics, in part because multi‐species datasets collected at timescales relevant to climatic changes are rare.Using 11 years of GPS data from four sympatric large carnivore species in southern Africa—lions (Panthera leo), leopards (Panthera pardus), African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)—spanning 4 severe drought events, we test whether drought conditions impact (1) large carnivore space use, (2) broad‐scale intraguild spatial overlap and (3) fine‐scale intraguild interactions.Drought conditions expanded space use across species, with carnivores increasing their monthly home range sizes by 35% (wild dogs) to 66% (leopards). Drought conditions increased the amount of spatial overlap between lions and subordinate felids (cheetahs and leopards) by up to 119%, but only lion‐cheetah encounter rates were affected by these changes, declining in response to drought.Our findings reveal that drought has a clear signature on the space use of multiple sympatric large carnivore species, which can alter spatiotemporal partitioning between competing species. Our study thereby illuminates the links between environmental change, animal behaviour and intraguild dynamics. While fine‐scale avoidance strategies may facilitate intraguild coexistence during periodic droughts, large carnivore conservation may require considerable expansion of protected areas or revised human‐carnivore coexistence strategies to accommodate the likely long‐term increased space demands of large carnivores under projected increases in drought intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC 111) materials show promise as cathodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, their widespread use is hampered by various technical challenges, including rapid capacity fading and voltage instability. The cathode materials synthesized using the combustion method were annealed at various temperatures ranging from 650 to 900 °C for 24 h. In this study, we identified an optimal annealing temperature of 750 °C for LiNi0.3Mn0.3Co0.3Ti0.1O2 (NMCT) materials. NMCT‐750 exhibits an initial discharge capacity of about 140.1 mAh g−1 and retains the capacity of 91 % after 30th cycles. The good performance of NMCT‐750 is directly attributed to reduced cation mixing and the establishment of a stable structure with small particle sizes. In contrast, higher annealing temperatures (850 °C) lead to a rapid increase in primary particle size and result in poor cycling stability. Therefore, NMCT‐750, annealed at 750 °C, holds great potential as a cathode material for the next generation of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollination is one of the most fascinating aspects of insect-plant interactions. Pollen is the male reproductive element of flowering plants, gathered by foraging Honeybees from the male parts of flowering plants called the anther. Guizotia abyssinica (L.f) is an important oilseed crop cultivated in Ethiopia and India, which belongs to the family Asteraceae. Although self-incompatibility is found in Guizotia abyssinica, a higher seed set is experienced in places with an active Honeybees population. Agricultural practices usually focus on inputs such as fertilizer application to improve seed yield of Guizotia abyssinica. However, these practices have little effect on yield if the availability of insect pollination is too low. To fill this gap, an experiment was carried out at Dandi district, West Shao zone, Oromia, Ethiopia to see the effect of Honeybees pollination management as an agronomic input. Pollination management of Honeybees was tested under feeding and non-feeding of colonies management. Pollen was trapped with and without sugar syrup feeding. The results discovered that Honeybees fed sugar syrup collected much more pollen than colonies not fed sugar syrup. The proportion of Guizotia abyssinica pollen collected through sugar syrup feeding of the colony was greater (62.2%), compared to the proportion of Guizotia abyssinica pollen trapped without sugar syrup feeding (37.8%). This indicates that sugar syrup feeding enhances the collection of pollen and probably enhances the pollination efficiency of Honeybees since they visit frequently to fulfill their daily protein requirement of pollen. Therefore, Honeybees pollination services should be included as one of the agronomic inputs with sugar syrup feeding as pollination management that might increase the yield of Guizotia abyssinica since it increases visiting frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The body produces fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) to maintain normal phosphate levels when hyperphosphatemia occurs. Production of FGF-23 indirectly causes hypocalcemia. Phosphate and calcium disturbances also occur in chronic kidney disease (CKD), therefore this adaptation mechanism applies. This situation; however, only manifests in the early stages of CKD; if the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is less than 30% of normal. This adaptation is no longer adequate and levels of calcium-phosphate (Ca×P) products and FGF-23 still rise. Objectives: In this study, the correlation between both the serum levels of FGF-23 and Ca×P products in CKD was analyzed. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study including 78 subjects with CKD stages 3 to 5 dialysis was conducted. Serum FGF-23 levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and Ca×P product levels were calculated using the formula calcium (mg/dL) × phosphate (mg/dL). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Spearman's test were conducted in the statistical study. If the P value is less than 0.05, the statistical findings are significant. Results: Serum FGF-23 levels and Ca×P product levels were shown to be significantly correlated. This analysis of the two correlations was independent of age and diabetes mellitus (DM). Based on stages of CKD, serum FGF-23 levels and Ca×P product levels were discovered to be significantly correlated only at stage 5 of non-dialysis. Conclusion: Increasing serum FGF-23 levels were correlated with increased Ca×P product levels, particularly in CKD stage 5 non-dialysis subjects. This correlation was independent of age and DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-onset sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and timely diagnosis is, therefore, of paramount importance. As there is a lack of literature regarding early alteration of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in neonatal sepsis, our study aimed to appraise changes in the CBF velocities and Doppler indices in neonates with early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and to assess its diagnostic accuracy.A total of 99 neonates were recruited in the study; 56 neonates with EONS, and the age-matched 43 neonates without any manifestations of sepsis. A Transcranial Doppler examination and cerebral hemodynamics were assessed in neonates during the first seventy-two hours of life. Doppler indices and CBFV were measured in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), and middle cerebral artery (MCA), of either side. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were calculated.A significantly lower resistance in Resistivity (RI) and Pulsatility (PI) indices, a significant high end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and relatively higher peak systolic velocity (PSV) in both ACA and MCA have been documented within 72 hours of birth in neonates with EONS compared to the control group of neonates without sepsis.Our Study revealed that assessment of CBF at early hours of birth by Transcranial Doppler examination showed alteration in cerebral hemodynamics in neonates with EONS with an increase in the CBF and a decrease in the resistance. It can be adopted as a bedside, noninvasive tool with immediate diagnostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the storage of strawberries under LED lights on 'Albion' strawberry quality. The treatments were applied as follows; (1) storage under continuous blue, red, and ultraviolet-A (UVA) LED light, (2) storage in the dark conditions (control), and (3) storage in the dark conditions after 1 h UVA (UVAh) LED lighting. Strawberries were stored at a temperature of 4±1oC with 85-90% relative humidity for 10 days. In the study, analyses were conducted on the total anthocyanin content, color (L*, hue angle, redness index), total soluble solids (TSS), fructose, glucose, total sugar content, titratable acidity (TA), fruit firmness (N), and weight loss at the start of the experiment and at 2-day intervals during storage. According to the results, the storage of strawberries under continuous red-LED light was successful in improving the anthocyanin and TSS contents, while preserving fruit firmness and reducing weight loss. Moreover, UVA treatment was effective in maintaining the L*, a*, and b* color values, whereas UVAh was effective on the hue angle and redness index. Furthermore, UVAh treatment caused a decrease in the glucose, fructose, and total sugar content and, in the titratable acidity of the strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regional Wall Motion Abnormality (RWMA) serves as an early indicator of myocardial infarction (MI), the global leader in mortality. Accurate and early detection of RWMA is vital for the successful treatment of MI. Current automated echocardiography analyses typically concentrate on peak values from left ventricular (LV) displacement curves, based on LV contour annotations or key frames during the heart's systolic or diastolic phases within a single echocardiographic cycle. This approach may overlook the rich motion field features available in multi-cycle cardiac data, which could enhance RWMA detection. Methods: In this research, we put forward an innovative approach to detect RWMA by harnessing motion information across multiple echocardiographic cycles and multi-views. Our methodology synergizes U-Net-based segmentation with optical flow algorithms for detailed cardiac structure delineation, and Temporal Convolutional Networks (ConvNet) to extract nuanced motion features. We utilize a variety of machine learning and deep learning classifiers on both A2C and A4C views echocardiograms to enhance detection accuracy. A three-phase algorithm—originating from the HMC-QU dataset—incorporates U-Net for segmentation, followed by optical flow for cardiac wall motion field features. Temporal ConvNet, inspired by the Temporal Segment Network (TSN), is then applied to interpret these motion field features, independent of traditional cardiac parameter curves or specific key phase frame inputs. Results: Employing five-fold cross-validation, our SVM classifier demonstrated high performance, with a sensitivity of 93.13%, specificity of 83.61%, precision of 88.52%, and an F1 score of 90.39%. When compared with other studies using the HMC-QU datasets, these Fig s stand out, underlining our method's effectiveness. The classifier also attained an overall accuracy of 89.25% and Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 95%, reinforcing its potential for reliable RWMA detection in echocardiographic analysis. Conclusions: This research not only demonstrates a novel technique but also contributes a more comprehensive and precise tool for early myocardial infarction diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of the yellowfin tuna caught by small-scale fishers is heavily influenced by how the catches are handled and stored on board. One effective method that small-scale fishers can use to maintain the quality of their catch is by cooling it with ice. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria in the fish, which can cause sensory, physical, microbiological, and chemical damage. Such damage can result in poor catch quality and lower market value. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of the yellowfin tuna catches by small-scale fishermen in Bone Bay, specifically at the Lonrae fish landing site. This assessment involved conducting sensory, physical, microbiological, and chemical tests on the catch. The results indicated that the catch had high quality, as evidenced by a sensory score of 8. The fish had a pH ranging from 5.7 to 5.8 and a temperature close to 0°C. The average total bacteria count was 1.1 x 104 colonies/g, and there were no traces of Salmonella or Escherichia coli (<3 MPN/g). The histamine values ranged from 6.99 to 7.31. Heavy metals, specifically mercury, lead, and cadmium, were measured at 0.05, 0.0166, and 0.0049mg/ k, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comparative analysis of various Machine Learning (ML) techniques for predicting water consumption using a comprehensive dataset from Kocaeli Province, Turkey. Accurate prediction of water consumption is crucial for effective water resource management and planning, especially considering the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on water usage patterns. A total of four ML models, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM), were evaluated. Additionally, optimization techniques such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and the Second-Order Optimization (SOO) Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm were employed to enhance the performance of the ML models. These models incorporate historical data from previous months to enhance model accuracy and generalizability, allowing for robust predictions that account for both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends. The performance of each model was assessed using cross-validation. The R2 and correlation values obtained in this study for the best-performing models are highlighted in the results section. For instance, the GBM model achieved an R2 value of 0.881, indicating a strong capability in capturing the underlying patterns in the data. This study is one of the first to conduct a comprehensive analysis of water consumption prediction using machine learning algorithms on a large-scale dataset of 5000 subscribers, including the unique conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the strengths and limitations of each technique, providing insights into their applicability for water consumption prediction. This study aims to enhance the understanding of ML applications in water management and offers practical recommendations for future research and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four novel lanthanide La (III), Ce (III), Nd (III), and Dy (III) complexes with (Z)‐4‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylamino)‐3‐((benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylimino)methyl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (L) were prepared and characterized. The novel compounds' structural compositions were elucidated by the application of analytical and spectroscopic methodologies. From physical and chemical measurements, the general formula for the [LnLCl3]2H2O complexes (C1‐C4) was proposed, which was proven by theoretical measurements. Using cisplatin, gentamicin, ampicillin, and ascorbic acid as standards, the compound's anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant qualities were assessed, and activities followed the order: Ce (III)L(C2) > Nd (III)L(C3) > Dy (III)L(C4) > La (III)L(C1) > L where the Ce (III) complexes exhibited the highest activity followed by Nd (III) complexes. Molecular docking studies were performed using the MOA2022 software to identify putative binding mechanisms for the methionine adenosyl‐transferases in liver cancer (PDB ID: 5A19) and the most active site of the Bacillus subtilis receptor (PDB ID: 5e6k), where the strength of the interaction increases with the negative binding energy L ˂ [LaLCl3] ˂ [DyLCl3] ˂ [NdLCl3] ˂ [CeLCl3]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa rejuvenation is important to maintain high productivity. The rejuvenation mainly uses seedlings; thus providing high-quality seedlings is important. This research aimed to determine the effect of various doses of cow manure compost and the density of Bacillus subtilis bacteria on the growth of cocoa seedlings. The research was implemented at the Teaching Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar City, from 2021 to 2022. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot was the dose of cow manure (without compost, 1.25 kg per polybag, and 2.5 kg per polybag). The subplot was the density of Bacillus subtilis(without bacteria, 104 CFU.mL-1, 108 CFU.mL-1, and 1012 CFU.mL-1). The results showed an interaction between the dose of cow manure 2.5 kg per polybag and the bacterial density 1012 CFU.mL-1 on chlorophyll a (347.91 mol.m-2), chlorophyll b (158.33 mol.m-2), total chlorophyll (444.57 mol.m-2), and leaf area of cocoa seedlings (813.96 cm²). A compost dose of 2.5 kg per polybag showed the best results for plant height (8.98 cm) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the patterns of political attitudes, and support among first-time young voters (18-years-old voters) towards the integrity of candidates and political parties contesting in the 15th General Election (GE15). The main objectives of this article are: to identify the level of acceptance towards 18-yearold voters and their willingness to vote; to identify the patterns of voter attitudes based on the values of candidate and party integrity; to understand the patterns of attitudes based on the current political realities; and to evaluate perceptions towards the integrity of the coalitions of political parties contesting in GE15. The research data was obtained through a random cluster survey, conducted online involving more than 40 youth groups nationwide before the GE15. Based on the analysis of 370 samples, the findings show that more than 80% of respondents have a positive view (agree and strongly agree) of the government's decision to approve the 18-year-old voting policy and consider it right. The respondents' willingness to vote is also very high, between 86.7-88.6%. Most respondents (68-97%) show a pattern of political attitudes that desire leaders and political parties with high integrity. However, the majority know that not all candidates and political parties are clean and will make the best voting choices in GE15. The findings also show that the majority of firsttime voters have a partisan political attitude and tend to vote for the party they are affiliated with. The assessment of the integrity of the political party coalitions shows that the PN coalition is rated as the most integral, followed by PH, GTA, and BN. The article concludes that first-time voters desire a fair and responsible government. They also constantly observe and analyze the country's political developments and have their assessments of the candidates and parties contesting in GE15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, which act as natural bioactive compounds to help plants enhance abiotic tolerance and promote growth. Therefore, plant extracts are considered to have great potential as environmentally friendly biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds and quantify nutrients present in three plant extracts, namely Euphorbia hirta, Polygonum minus, and Eleusine indica, as well as to explore the effect on the growth of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.). The plant powder was extracted using methanol, followed by a solid-liquid extraction procedure. The phytocompounds were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, while mineral nutrients were quantified using inductively coupled plasma. Five concentrations of plant extracts, i.e., 5, 15, 25, 50, and 100%, were designed to evaluate seed germination and priming. The result showed that 53, 45, and 39 phytocompounds were identified from E. hirta, P. minus, and E. indica, respectively, and classified into different chemical groups (such as flavonoids and amino acids) and rich nutrients (for example, N, P, and K). Besides, P. minus and E. hirta extracts with lower concentrations (5 and 15%) showed a positive effect on germination, shoot length and fresh weight, and the Highest concentration (100%) of E. hirta and E. indica extracts exhibited strong toxicity. This study emphasizes that weed extracts containing abundant secondary metabolites and nutrients can be used as natural biostimulants for maize seed priming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of foliar application of different concentrations of Elusine indica extract (EIE) on growth, photosynthesis, and osmoprotectant contents in maize under drought stress. The weed powder was extracted using methanol, followed by a solid-liquid extraction procedure. Plants were sprayed with three different concentrations of EIE at 1, 3, and 5 g/L and morphological parameters, chlorophyll, relative water content (RWC), soluble sugar, proline, protein, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined. The results showed that drought stress led to a decline in morphological characteristics, RWC and soluble sugar and increased proline, protein, GSH, and MDA contents. However, foliar application of EIE significantly improved plant height, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll content, RWC, soluble sugar, and GSH, while the proline level was diminished compared to drought treatment. Soluble sugar showed a significant positive correlation with fresh and dry weight (r = 0.742 and 0.783, p < 0.01) and a strong negative correlation with MDA (r = -0.459, p < 0.05). Therefore, this result indicated that EIE can be used as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly biostimulant to help plants enhance tolerance to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New half‐sandwich dinuclear arene ruthenium complexes of the general formula [(η6‐p‐cymene)Ru(k2‐S‐arylthiourea)Cl] (1–3) have been synthesized. The structural characterization of the ruthenium complexes has been established using analytical and various spectroscopic techniques. The bidentate coordination of the ligands and pseudo‐octahedral geometry around the ruthenium(II) ion are confirmed by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. In vitro antiproliferative activity of the complexes has been studied by MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay against lung (A549), breast (MCF‐7), cervical (HeLa), ovarian (A2780) cancer cells, and non‐cancerous NIH‐3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. The results show that all the complexes exhibit excellent cytotoxicity towards all the cancer cells, with a low IC50 concentration compared with cisplatin. Further, the mode of cancer cell death has been examined by AO–EB (acridine orange/ethidium bromide), and DAPI (4',6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole) staining studies demonstrate the apoptosis‐associated cell morphological changes. Furthermore, the quantitative differentiation of late apoptosis has been elucidated by flow cytometry employing dual staining of Annexin V‐FITC and propidium iodide, which involves the transfer of phosphatidylserine to the external leaflet of the cytoplasmic membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, allergic inflammatory skin disorder that lacks a definite cure. Using a mouse DNCB-induced AD-like skin lesions model, this study evaluated the potential therapeutic utility of tHGA as an oral and topical treatment for AD. Male BALB/c mice were sensitised and challenged with 1% and 0.5% DNCB on their shaved dorsal skin. Mice in the treatment group were administered tHGA (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) orally three times per week for 2 weeks, or tHGA (0.2%, 1%, and 5%) topically once daily for 12 days. On day 34, the mice were euthanized, and blood and dorsal skin samples were obtained for analysis. All doses of orally and topically administered tHGA significantly improved scratching, epidermal thickness, blood eosinophilia and mast cell infiltration. There was a minor discrepancy between the two routes of administration, with orally treated tHGA showing significant reductions in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), tissue eosinophil infiltration, serum IgE and skin IL-4 levels with treatment of 40 and 80 mg/kg tHGA, whereas topically applied tHGA showed significant reductions in all dosages. These findings suggest that tHGA exhibited therapeutic potential for AD as both oral and topical treatment ameliorates AD-like symptoms in the murine model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought about unique challenges in healthcare and nutrition, particularly for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Understanding their dietary patterns and nutritional status is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving health outcomes. Therefore, this study assessed the dietary diversity and nutritional status of PLHIV during the COVID-19 era. Methods: We adopted a facility-based cross-sectional study design to enroll 220 PLHIV from two hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-hour recall. Anthropometric and body composition data were collected with a stadiometer and a body composition monitor. Dietary diversity was evaluated using the FAO's Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS). Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 20. Significance level was set p-value less than 0.05. Results: A significant proportion (33.2%) of PLHIV had low dietary diversity, with the majority (55.5%) categorized as needing dietary improvement. Approximately 2 out of every 10 of the participants were identified as underweight. Participants aged 40 to 59 years were more likely to exhibit higher dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.966, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.045–4.987). Participants who consumed meals at least three times daily were more likely to have a high IDDS (AOR = 1.641, 95% CI: 1.221, 8.879). Employed participants (public sector and private sector) were also more likely to have a high IDDS compared to unemployed participants (AOR = 1.448, 95% CI: 1.028–3.042; AOR = 1.165, 95% CI: 1.030–9.329, respectively). Factors associated with undernutrition included being female (AOR = 1.829, 95% CI: 1.294, 3.872) and first-line antiretroviral therapy ART (AOR = 1.683, 95% CI: 1.282–2.424). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for nutritional interventions for PLHIV, particularly during crises. It advocates for a policy collaboration to address food insecurity and promote resilient health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyze the relationship between genetic variations in the MTHFR gene at SNPs (rs1801131 and rs1801133) and the therapy outcomes for Iraqi patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study was conducted on a cohort of 95 RA Iraqi patients. Based on their treatment response, the cohort was divided into two groups: the responder (47 patients) and the nonresponder (48 patients), identified after at least three months of methotrexate (MTX) treatment. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) technique was employed to analyze the MTHFR variations, specifically at rs1801133 and rs1801131. Overall, rs1801131 followed both codominant and dominate models, in which in the codominant model, GG [OR (95% CI) 0.11 (0.022–0.553)] and TG [OR (95% CI) 0.106 (0.021–0.528)] predict responders compared to the TT genotype; meanwhile, for the dominate model, the presence of both GG and TG genotypes [OR (95% CI) 0.108 (0.023–0.507)] together predict responders compared to the TT genotype. The Ars1801133Grs1801131 haplotype was significantly associated with responders [OR (95% CI): 0.388 (0.208–0.723)], while the Grs1801133Trs1801131 haplotype was associated marginally with nonresponders [OR (95% CI) 1.980 (0.965–4.064)]. In the final multivariate analysis, GG/TGrs1801131 genotypes were independently related to responders after adjustment for patients, disease, and treatment characteristics, while TTrs1801131 genotypes were associated with nonresponders. The Iraqi RA patients showed genetic polymorphism in MTHFR gene rs1801131 with T carrier allele associated with nonresponders to MTX therapy. The rs1801131 followed both codominant and dominant models. The G-carried allele for rs1801131 showed an independent association with responder to MTX therapy after adjustment for patients, disease, and treatment characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the critical issue of detainee protection in the complex landscape of contemporary non-international armed conflicts and counterterrorism operations. It examines the interplay between international humanitarian law and international human rights law, highlighting the challenges in their application and interpretation. The article delves into the contemporary challenges faced in protecting detainees, including the involvement of non-state armed groups, extraterritorial detention practices, administrative detention, and the impact of counterterrorism measures. It proposes a multifaceted approach to enhancing detainee protection, encompassing strategies for strengthening compliance with the legal framework, addressing the specific needs of vulnerable groups, and promoting best practices and capacity-building. The article argues that a comprehensive and contextualised approach, grounded in the principles of humanity and human dignity, is essential to effectively safeguard the rights and well-being of detainees in these challenging contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of phenolics and flavonoids in fruits and vegetables is well recognized for their potent preventative effects against agerelated disorders, mostly owing to their abundant hydroxyl groups. This study examined the potential enhancement of neuromuscular function and anti-aging effects of a diet supplemented with a fraction rich in polyphenols from Terminalia catappa in Drosophila melanogaster model. Three-day-old flies of both sexes were supplemented with a diet rich in polyphenols for seven days. Upon establishment of the effective doses, an experiment was performed to assess the impact of the fraction on the lifespan, antioxidant capacity, and the process of aging of the flies. The procedures consist of the lifespan determination assay, the behavioral assay, and the biochemical assay. The study found that D. melanogaster flies that were fed a diet with a phenolics-rich fraction at concentrations of 2.0 mg/g and 4.0 mg/g lived longer and emerged more often than the control group. Additionally, these flies exhibited significantly reduced activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathiones- transferase (GST) in the experimental flies was also elevated by the fraction-supplemented diet in a concentration-dependent manner. The phenolics derived from T. catappa, exhibited robust biological activities and caused the experiment's discernible changes. The fraction strengthened the flies' antioxidant system by increasing the activities of several phase II antioxidant enzymes in D. melanogaster. The present research provides a better understanding of the wider society's viewpoints on the possible use of plant-derived natural chemicals to avert aging and age-related ailments, thereby enhancing the well-being and standard of living for both animals and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a system with one robot and n safety units (one of which works while the others remain on standby), which is described by an integro-deferential equation. The system can fail in the following three ways: fails with an incident, fails safely and fails due to the malfunction of the robot. Using the C 0 – semigroups theory of linear operators, we first show that the system has a unique non-negative, time-dependent solution. Then, we obtain the exponential convergence of the time-dependent solution to its steady-state solution. In addition, we study the asymptotic behavior of some time-dependent reliability indices and present a numerical example demonstrating the effects of different parameters on the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphid-borne viral infection is a major limiting factor for groundnut production in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study aimed to elucidate the effectiveness of integrated management packages (IMP) in controlling aphid-borne viruses infecting groundnut in the field. Field trials were conducted in a plot without (M0) and with plastic mulch and maize as a plant barrier (M1), while two different groundnut varieties, Bougainvillea leaf extract, and insecticides were incorporated as the subplot treatments. The treatments in M1 plot significantly reduced the aphid population (17.4-79.9%) and AUDPC incidence (51.7-87.3%), and severity (61.0-92.9%), respectively. The treatments increased dry pod production by 11.9-63.3% depending on subplot treatment compared to treatments in the M0 plot (p>0.05). Bean common mosaic virus strain PSt and Cowpea Polerovirus 2 were positively detected in groundnuts as well as in aphids using RT-PCR. Further, nine weed species in the vicinity of the field trial were found to be positively infected with BCMV-PSt, indicating their crucial role as reservoir hosts. Interestingly, the effectiveness of Bougainvillea leaf extract treatment in the M1 plot was comparable to that of the insecticide treatment, indicating that this IMP is a more cost-effective, eco-friendly groundnut virus control than the currently used method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the formation and collapse of the first global food regime of capital, focusing on the impact of tropical colonies like India. It also explores the role of anti-imperialist movements in this transition. While the literature on food regimes has shed light on the evolution of a worldwide food system, it has overlooked the contribution of South Asia to the first food regime or its struggles against colonialism. This study analyses the Ghadar Party in Punjab, British India, in the context of changes in the global wheat market. By incorporating a Gramscian conjunctural analysis, this article offers a refined understanding of transitional moments. It investigates why Punjab shifted from being a significant wheat exporter to Britain in the 1870s to primarily producing for the Indian domestic market by the 1920s. The article concludes that the colonial state implemented targeted policies to mitigate resistance from anti-imperialist movements, such as the Ghadar Party. These policies aimed to delink domestic wheat production from the global market due to subsistence crises related to the global food system. Lastly, the article outlines a method to analyse the link between place-based struggles and structural crises in a global food regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing literature has extensively explored the causes of farmer–herder conflicts in Ghana. However, there has been limited investigation into the relationship between royal hegemony over customary lands and the persistent nature of farmer–herder conflicts in the country. This study contributes to the understanding of agrarian conflicts in Ghana by examining the interconnectedness of cultural and social practices of land access with the intractability of farmer–herder conflicts in Agogo. The study utilised a qualitative research approach, involving 33 participants recruited through maximum variation purposive sampling. Data was gathered through interviews and focus group discussions. Inductive thematic analysis revealed that social practices of land access hold greater influence than legal provisions, granting significant power over lands to traditional authorities in Agogo. We argue that the on-going intransigence of traditional rulers regarding land access, coupled with the persistent resistance from smallholder farmers through attempts to evict Fulani herders, as well as the resistance demonstrated by the Fulani herders themselves, are key factors contributing to the intractable nature of farmer–herder conflicts in Agogo. This study emphasises the need for a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dimensions underlying land access practices and their impact on farmer–herder conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Anemia has a negative impact on school children, including poor physical growth and reduced mental performance. Children show poor attentiveness, behavior, and memory and reduced school performance. There is limited evidence of the magnitude of anemia and associated factors in school-age children in Ethiopia, including the study area. Objective. To assess the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among public elementary school children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Asella Town from April 5 to May 5, 2022. A total of 442 school children aged 7–14 years were included in the study using the multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a pretested and semistructured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview technique. The hemoglobin concentration was determined by using the HemoCue 301+ analyzer. Anthropometric data and stool examinations were collected from participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6, transported, and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence interval were used, and a p value of ≤0.05 was used for declaring statistical significance. Results. A total of 435 students with a mean age and standard deviation of 10.77 ± 2.21 years participated in the study. The magnitude of anemia was 78 (17.9%), with a 95% CI (14.3, 21.47). Of the participants, 63 (14.5%) were mild anemic and 15 (3.4%) were moderately anemic. Children whose mothers have no formal education (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.89, 8.21), underweight children (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.98, 7.40), and parasites in their stool (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.50, 9.20) were significantly associated with anemia in school-age children. Conclusion. Anemia among school-age children was found to be a mild public health problem. Uneducated mothers, intestinal parasite infections, and underweight children were found to be determinants of anemia among school-age children. Health professionals should provide health education for mothers about child-feeding practices and the consumption of dietary sources of iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the synchronization problem of impulsive stochastic bidirectional associative memory neural networks with a diffusion term, specifically focusing on the fixed-time (FXT) and predefined-time (PDT) synchronization. First, a number of more relaxed lemmas are introduced for the FXT and PDT stability of general types of impulsive nonlinear systems. A controller that does not require a sign function is then proposed to ensure that the synchronization error converges to zero within a predetermined time. The controllerdesigned in this paper serves the additional purpose of preventing the use of an unreliable inequality in the course of proving the main results. Next, to guarantee FXT and PDT synchronization of the drive–response systems, this paper employs the Lyapunov function method and derives sufficient conditions. Finally, a numerical simulation is presented to validate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a member of the phylum Apicomplexa. In people with impaired immune systems, it can result in opportunistic infections. Diabetes mellitus is regarded as a metabolic disease that raises the host's vulnerability to and risk from several infections, including T. gondii infection. The main object of this study is to ascertain the toxoplasmosis seroprevalence and correlation among Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. The level of Toxoplasma antibodies IgG, IgM, and IgA was measured in 109 samples of Iraqi diabetes type 2 patients using immunochromatography rapid test, CMIA, and ELISA. Eighty samples, considered to be a healthy control group, were collected from a private laboratory in Baghdad, Iraq, between March 2022 and June 2022, with an age range of 15 to 85 years. Results. Comparing the diabetes patient group to the non-diabetic control group, the results showed that the diabetic patient group had the highest mean glucose levels in their fasting test (174.55 ± 3.96 mg/dL), random test (216.89 ± 4.96 mg/dL), and HbA1C (7.1 ± 0.178), respectively. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that, in an immunochromatography fast test, the group of diabetic patients had the largest distribution of IgG anti-Toxoplasma when compared to the non-diabetic control group. Additionally, all samples were seronegative for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgA, with significant differences in CMIA and ELISA. However, 51/109 (46.79%) and 30/80 (37.5%) of the diabetes group and the non-diabetic group, respectively, showed seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Conclusion. This study found that no acute toxoplasmosis detected in the studied cases while chronic toxoplasmosis detected among diabetic type 2 patients [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with high prevalence, caused by an obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an atypical form or insufficient amount of hemoglobin. The condition results in great numbers of red blood cells being damaged which causes to anemia. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and hematological changes among thalassemic patients. Methods. Samples were collected during March to June 2022 from Al-Karama Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. After doctors’ diagnosis, necessary blood tests were performed to detect thalassemia in a group of 165 thalassemic patients and 80 healthy controls. Serum specimens were investigated for Toxo IgM and IgG antibodies using the immunochromatography test and chemiluminescent (CIMA) test, age range from 2-45 years. Results. The immunochromatography test showed 44/165 (26.67%) in thalassemic patients who had positive response for anti-Toxo IgG antibodies comparative with non-thalassemic control groups 33/80 (41.25%) samples that had a positive response at this test. The percentage infection with toxoplasmosis in thalassemia patients: 60/165 (36.36%) patients who had a positive response for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, as well as 25/80 (31.25%) of non-thalassemic control group patients that had a positive response in chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). However, the result of the CBC test showed low significant levels in the group of thalassemic patients with toxoplasmosis with mean of Hb(8.286±0.128g/dl), MCV(62.027±2.146Fl), MCH(23.111±0.327pg) and MCHC (26.888±0.385 g/dl) respectively in comparison with the control group [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the field of virtue and vice epistemology open-mindedness is usually considered an archetypal virtue. Nevertheless, there is ongoing disagreement over how exactly it should be defined. In this paper I propose a novel definition of open-mindedness as a process of impartial belief revision and use it to argue that we should shift our normative assessments away from the trait itself to the context in which it is exercised. My definition works by three sequential stages: not screening new claims, impartially weighing the evidential strength of claims, and updating beliefs accordingly. Using this definition I argue for a focus on agents' particular circumstances to determine what degrees of credulity, open-, or closed-mindedness are appropriate in any given situation. As well as providing conceptual clarity regarding the concept of open-mindedness this paper indicates the benefits of this contextual approach for our everyday epistemic attitudes. In particular it enables us to recognise, without stigma, when ourselves or others deviate from open-mindedness for appropriate reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propranolol is a pharmaceutical organic drug used for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart problems and anxiety diseases. The disposal of the expired drug threatens the environment, but still, it contains active components. The potentiality of the active components of the expired propranolol drug (EPD) has utilized to protect the mild steel corrosion in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid medium. Weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization, ac-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the expired propranolol drug's capacity to defend mild steel surfaces against corrosion in 1 M HCl medium. The outcomes of the studies demonstrate that expired propranolol drug efficiently inhibits the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl medium at various temperatures and inhibitor concentrations. The maximum inhibition efficiency obtained by the weight loss method was 89.81% at 0.01 M EPD concentration at 303 K. EPD has been determined to follow the Temkin's adsorption isotherm model. The SEM–EDX and AFM images were indicated that the formation of protective layer on the surface of mild steel against the acid attack. Potentiodynamic polarization studies showed that the inhibition mechanism is mixed mode and predominantly cathodic control. The observed values of ∆G0ads, indicated that the inhibitive effect is exothermic and spontaneous. Furthermore, the determined thermodynamic parameters suggest that the adsorption process is spontaneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of illumination on the electronic and optoelectronic properties of Al/hydroxymethyl functionalized Zn(II)Pc/p-Si/Al photonic device have been investigated under dark and various lighting conditions. The diode's electronic parameters have been extracted from the current–voltage characteristics. It is observed that the dark current value increases when the light is illuminated on the device, and thus, the photocurrent is formed, and this result has shown that the studied device exhibits a photoconductive behavior. The photoresponse properties of the fabricated device have been examined by transient photocurrent measurements under 100 mW/cm2 illumination, and they have also been analyzed using photocapacitance and photoconductivity measurements at different frequencies (100 kHz, 500 kHz, and 1 MHz). However, the capacitance data that may occur between the poles of the produced device have also been investigated, and it is thought that the device can also be developed as a capacitor. These results confirm that the hydroxymethyl functionalized Zn(II)Pc and p-silicon semiconductor-based device can be used particularly in electro-optic and photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic differentiation represents a paradigm shift in scientific programming, where evaluating both functions and their derivatives is required for most applications. By removing the need to explicitly derive expressions for gradients, development times can be shortened and calculations can be simplified. For these reasons, automatic differentiation has fueled the rapid growth of a variety of sophisticated machine learning techniques over the past decade, but is now also increasingly showing its value to support ab initio simulations of quantum systems and enhance computational quantum chemistry. Here, we present an open-source differentiable quantum chemistry simulation code and explore applications facilitated by automatic differentiation: (1) calculating molecular perturbation properties, (2) reoptimizing a basis set for hydrocarbons, (3) checking the stability of self-consistent field wave functions, and (4) predicting molecular properties via alchemical perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Propofol and bupivacaine are commonly used anesthetics for cesarean section (CS), and they might modulate plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity and oxidative stress during the last stage of pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the in vitro effects of propofol and bupivacaine on plasma ChE activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in pregnant women before undergoing elective CS. Methods: The plasma samples of 20 women set for elective CS were pooled for the in vitro determination of the effects of propofol and bupivacaine separately on plasma ChE activity (10 minutes of incubation with different concentrations at 37°C) and the MDA level after the in vitro exposure of plasma samples containing different anesthetic concentrations to H2O2 (100 μM, incubated for 1 hour at 37°C). Results: Bupivacaine at 1.1 and 2.2 μM significantly inhibited plasma ChE in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner by 13% and 20%, respectively. Propofol at 25 and 50 μM did not affect plasma ChE. A unique finding in this study was that both propofol and bupivacaine revealed an antioxidant effect, as both propofol at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 μM and bupivacaine at 1.1, 2.2, and 4.4 μM reduced the MDA level in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro after the incubation of plasma samples with H2O2 as a source of oxidant. Conclusions: The in vitro findings suggest that bupivacaine exerts anti-ChE activity that should be taken into consideration in CS anesthesia, and both propofol and bupivacaine possess antioxidant properties that need additional clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has the advantage of wide-bandgap (WBG) devices with high switching frequencies, which includes a T-type three-phase inverter topology for an electric vehicle application. The WBG device, such as, GaN HEMT-based T-type inverter topology operating at a switching frequency of 100 kHz, is rated at 600 V, 22.5 A, with Rds(on) of 50 m-ohm. It has the lowest power loss benefits to achieve high power density throughout the system. At each switching state, the comparison results of WBG devices are accumulated at different operating load currents under various junction temperatures to evaluate the overall inverter's efficiency. The GaN HEMT's minority carriers are not significantly involved, which allows high switching devices with low on-resistance. Also, the bidirectional switches are connected in parallel to avoid short-circuit distortion and voltage stress across the switches. There is no need of freewheeling diodes to provide reverse recovery charge since the GaN device, in particular, has the better capacity of zero reverse recovery. This leads to the breakdown of a reliable 10 kW DC-AC three-phase T-type three-level inverter system. Analysing and comparing the turn-on losses and turn-off losses, conduction losses, and power loss of the GaN HEMT with the conventional SiC MOSFET-based T-type inverter. The results of loss estimation at the same interval of time obtained from MATLAB and OPAL-RT are similar to the system configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse gases can cause acid rain, which in turn degrades soil chemical properties. This research was conducted to determine the effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on the chemical properties of Nyalau series (Typic paleudults). A 45-day laboratory leaching and incubation study (control conditions) was conducted following standard procedures include preparing simulated acid rain with specific pH levels, followed by experimental design/plan and systematically analyzing both soil and leachate for chemical changes over the 45-day period. Six treatments five of which were SAR (pH 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5) and one control referred to as natural rainwater (pH 6.0) were evaluated. From the study, the SAR had significant effects on the chemical properties of the soil and its leachate. The pH of 3.5 of SAR treatments decreased soil pH, K+, and fertility index. In contrast, the contents of Mg2+, Na+, SO42−, NO3−, and acidity were higher at the lower SAR pH. Furthermore, K+ and Mg2+ in the leachate significantly increased with increasing acidity of the SAR. The changes in Ca2+ and NH4+ between the soil and its leachate were positively correlated (r = 0.84 and 0.86), whereas the changes in NO3− negatively correlated (r = − 0.82). The novelty of these results lies in the discovery of significant alterations in soil chemistry due to simulated acid rain (SAR), particularly impacting soil fertility and nutrient availability, with notable positive and negative correlations among specific ions where prolonged exposure to acid rain could negatively affect the moderately tolerant to acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Acid rain can negatively affect soil fertility and the general soils ecosystem functions. Long-term field studies are required to consolidate the findings of this present study in order to reveal the sustained impact of SAR on tropical forest ecosystems, particularly concerning soil health, plant tolerance, and potential shifts in biodiversity and ecological balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional risk assessment tools often lack accuracy when predicting the short- and long-term mortality following a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or Unstable Angina (UA) in specific population. Objective: To employ machine learning (ML) and stacked ensemble learning (EL) methods in predicting short- and long-term mortality in Asian patients diagnosed with NSTEMI/UA and to identify the associated features, subsequently evaluating these findings against established risk scores. Methods: We analyzed data from the National Cardiovascular Disease Database for Malaysia (2006–2019), representing a diverse NSTEMI/UA Asian cohort. Algorithm development utilized in-hospital records of 9,518 patients, 30-day data from 7,133 patients, and 1-year data from 7,031 patients. This study utilized 39 features, including demographic, cardiovascular risk, medication, and clinical features. In the development of the stacked EL model, four base learner algorithms were employed: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), and Random Forest (RF), with the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) serving as the meta learner. Significant features were chosen and ranked using ML feature importance with backward elimination. The predictive performance of the algorithms was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) as a metric. Validation of the algorithms was conducted against the TIMI for NSTEMI/UA using a separate validation dataset, and the net reclassification index (NRI) was subsequently determined. Results: Using both complete and reduced features, the algorithm performance achieved an AUC ranging from 0.73 to 0.89. The top-performing ML algorithm consistently surpassed the TIMI risk score for in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year predictions (with AUC values of 0.88, 0.88, and 0.81, respectively, all p < 0.001), while the TIMI scores registered significantly lower at 0.55, 0.54, and 0.61. This suggests the TIMI score tends to underestimate patient mortality risk. The net reclassification index (NRI) of the best ML algorithm for NSTEMI/UA patients across these periods yielded an NRI between 40–60% (p < 0.001) relative to the TIMI NSTEMI/UA risk score. Key features identified for both short- and long-term mortality included age, Killip class, heart rate, and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin (LMWH) administration. Conclusions: In a broad multi-ethnic population, ML approaches outperformed conventional TIMI scoring in classifying patients with NSTEMI and UA. ML allows for the precise identification of unique characteristics within individual Asian populations, improving the accuracy of mortality predictions. Continuous development, testing, and validation of these ML algorithms holds the promise of enhanced risk stratification, thereby revolutionizing future management strategies and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse gases can cause acid rain, which in turn degrades soil chemical properties. This research was conducted to determine the effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) on the chemical properties of Nyalau series (Typic paleudults). A 45-day laboratory leaching and incubation study (control conditions) was conducted following standard procedures include preparing simulated acid rain with specific pH levels, followed by experimental design/plan and systematically analyzing both soil and leachate for chemical changes over the 45-day period. Six treatments five of which were SAR (pH 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5) and one control referred to as natural rainwater (pH 6.0) were evaluated. From the study, the SAR had significant effects on the chemical properties of the soil and its leachate. The pH of 3.5 of SAR treatments decreased soil pH, K+, and fertility index. In contrast, the contents of Mg2+, Na+, SO42−, NO3−, and acidity were higher at the lower SAR pH. Furthermore, K+ and Mg2+ in the leachate significantly increased with increasing acidity of the SAR. The changes in Ca2+ and NH4+ between the soil and its leachate were positively correlated (r = 0.84 and 0.86), whereas the changes in NO3− negatively correlated (r = − 0.82). The novelty of these results lies in the discovery of significant alterations in soil chemistry due to simulated acid rain (SAR), particularly impacting soil fertility and nutrient availability, with notable positive and negative correlations among specific ions where prolonged exposure to acid rain could negatively affect the moderately tolerant to acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Acid rain can negatively affect soil fertility and the general soils ecosystem functions. Long-term field studies are required to consolidate the findings of this present study in order to reveal the sustained impact of SAR on tropical forest ecosystems, particularly concerning soil health, plant tolerance, and potential shifts in biodiversity and ecological balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization has become a major locoregional treatment option for several primary and secondary liver cancers. Understanding the various factors that contribute to optimal tumor coverage including sphere count, embolization techniques, and catheter choice is important for all interventional radiologists while planning Y90 dosimetry and delivery. Here, we review these factors and the evidence supporting current practice paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]