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A referee has a role to determine the quality and the comfort of a match. Therefore, a referee is expected to have a good self-efficacy and interpersonal communication. This study was aimed to examine the correlation between self-efficacy and interpersonal communication with the performance of badminton referees. This study involved 30 referees and used a questionnaire for measuring self-efficacy and interpersonal communication. The referee appraisal form provided by the Executive Board of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PB PBSI) was used to measure the performance of badminton referees. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between self-efficacy (X1) and interpersonal communication (X2) with the performance of badminton referees (Y) as indicated by the value of Fcount = 61.49 which is greater than Ftable = 3.34 and a coefficient value correlation of Ry1-2 = 0,91. The coefficient of determination was (Ry1-2)2 = 0,83, meaning that self-efficacy and intrapersonal communication had a contribution of 83% to the referee performance, whereas the 17% was influenced by other factors. This study showed that there was a correlation between self-efficacy and interpersonal communication with the performance of badminton referees. For this reason, to improve the performance of badminton referees, the elements of self-efficacy and communication should be included as materials in referee trainings.

Salt marshes are crucial eco-geomorphic features of tidal environments as they provide important ecological functions and deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. Being controlled by the interplay between hydrodynamics, geomorphology, and vegetation, the contribution of both organic matter (OM) and inorganic sediments drives salt marsh vertical accretion. This allows marshes to keep pace with relative sea level rise and likewise capture and store carbon, making them valuable allies in climate mitigation strategies. Thus, soil organic matter (SOM), i.e. the organic component of the soil, plays a key role within salt marsh environments, directly contributing to soil formation and supporting carbon storage. This study aims at inspecting spatial patterns of OM in surface salt marsh soils (top 20 cm), providing further insights into the physical and biological factors driving OM dynamics that affect salt marsh survival and carbon sink potential. Our results reveal two scales of variations in SOM content in marsh environments. At the marsh scale, OM variability is influenced by the interplay between surface elevation and changes in sediment supply linked with the distance from the marsh edge. At the system scale, OM content distribution is dominated by the gradient generated by marine and fluvial influence. The observed variations in SOM are explained by the combination of inorganic and organic input, preservation conditions, and sediment grain size. Our results highlight the importance of marshes as carbon sink environments, further emphasising that environmental conditions within a tidal system may generate strongly variable and site-specific carbon accumulation patterns, enhancing blue carbon assessment complexity.

Abstract Salt marshes are intertidal coastal ecosystems shaped by complex feedbacks between hydrodynamic, morphological, and biological processes. These crucial yet endangered environments provide a diverse range of ecosystem services but are globally subjected to high anthropogenic pressures, while being severely exposed to climate change impacts. The importance of salt marshes as “blue carbon” sinks, deriving from their primary production coupled with rapid surface accretion, has been increasingly recognized within the framework of climate mitigation strategies. However, large uncertainties remain in salt marsh carbon stock and sequestration estimation. In order to provide further knowledge in salt marsh carbon assessment and investigate marsh carbon pool response to management actions, we analyzed organic matter content in salt marsh soils of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) from 60 sediment cores to the depth of 1 m and estimated organic carbon stock and accumulation rates in different areas. Organic carbon stocks and accumulation rates were highly variable in different marshes, being affected by organic and inorganic inputs and preservation conditions. Our estimates suggest that the studied marshes store 17,108 ± 5,757 tons of carbon per square kilometer in top 1‐m of soil and can accumulate 85 ± 25 tons of carbon per square kilometer per year. However, flood regulation may reduce the annual marsh CO2 sequestration potential by more than 30%. Our results contribute valuable information for regional carbon assessments, reinforcing the need for integrated coastal management policies to preserve the ecosystem services of coastal environments, and underscore the importance of considering local variability and methodological variations.

Introdução: A quantificação de linfócitos T, B e Natural Killer (NK) por citometria de fluxo é o confiável para avaliar a imunocompetência do organismo, crucial para a homeostase e defesa contra patógenos e células danificadas. Alterações nas populações de linfócitos no sangue periférico estão associadas a diversas doenças, incluindo imunodeficiências primárias e secundárias, doenças autoimunes, infecções e câncer. A citometria de fluxo, utilizando anticorpos monoclonais conjugados a fluorocromos, permite a detecção e quantificação dessas subpopulações celulares. Esta tecnologia está em constante avanço, com melhorias contínuas nos equipamentos e procedimentos laboratoriais que aumentam a eficiência e precisão das análises. No entanto, é crucial que os resultados das análises laboratoriais sejam comparáveis independentemente da metodologia e da instrumentação diagnóstica utilizadas. Objetivo/Justificativa: Este estudo teve como objetivo validar e comparar a consistência e a precisão dos resultados da análise de linfócitos T, B e NK utilizando os citômetros de fluxo BD FACSCanto II e BD FACSLyric. Essa validação é fundamental para assegurar que a introdução do novo citômetro BD FACSLyric não comprometa a precisão diagnóstica e o acompanhamento do tratamento clínico, mantendo a qualidade dos diagnósticos realizados. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa experimental utilizando amostras de sangue periférico de 20 pacientes. As amostras foram marcadas com anticorpos para detecção de linfócitos T, B e NK e suas subpopulações, adquiridas simultaneamente em ambos os citômetros de fluxo. A análise da porcentagem parcial das populações celulares foi realizada utilizando o software Infinicyt. Foram conduzidas análises de correlação e de Bland-Altman. Resultados/Discussão: Todos os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson (r) na Análise de Correlação mostraram-se muito próximos de 1, indicando uma correlação positiva perfeita entre as medições dos dois citômetros de fluxo, com valor de p < 0,001 em todos os casos, o que indica significância estatística. A análise de Bland-Altman revelou pequenas diferenças nas medições entre os equipamentos, demonstrando alta concordância entre as medições dos dois citômetros para a quantificação das células. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são consistentes com a maioria dos estudos comparativos realizados em outros contextos, evidenciando forte correlação e excelente comparabilidade entre os resultados obtidos na avaliação das subpopulações de linfócitos pelos dois citômetros de fluxo analisados. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstrou que os equipamentos BD FACSCanto II e BD FACSLyric são capazes de fornecer resultados consistentes e comparáveis para a maioria das subpopulações analisadas. Esses achados são cruciais para a validação e padronização dos métodos de análise, especialmente em ambientes clínicos e de pesquisa.

A Leucemia Linfoide Aguda (LLA) é uma neoplasia hematológica caracterizada pela proliferação descontrolada de células progenitoras linfoides B ou T, comprometendo o processo de hematopoese. Representando mais de 80% das leucemias agudas, a LLA de linhagem B é responsável por aproximadamente 85% dos casos, sendo mais comum em crianças. A imunofenotipagem por citometria de fluxo multiparamétrica (CFMP) desempenha um papel crucial na identificação e caracterização das leucemias, permitindo a detecção precisa de marcadores de diferenciação celular. Compreender os perfis de imunofenotipagem em LLA-B pode orientar o desenvolvimento de novas terapias direcionadas. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil de pacientes com LLA-B utilizando a CFMP. A análise de coorte retrospectiva foi realizada por meio da revisão dos prontuários eletrônicos dos pacientes, onde foram coletados dados demográficos e resultados da CFMP no momento do diagnóstico. Este estudo retrospectivo analisou os perfis de imunofenotipagem em 116 pacientes com LLA-B, coletando dados demográficos e de CFMP ao diagnóstico ao longo de cinco anos (jan/2018 a jan/2023). A análise da expressão de CD45 revelou intensidades dim, dim/negativo e negativo em 57, 52 e 6 pacientes, respectivamente. Entre os subtipos de LLA-B, a positividade para CD34 foi associada ao subtipo Comum. Todos os pacientes apresentaram positividade para CD19, e outros marcadores comumente expressos, como CD79a (97,4%), CD22 (81,8%) e CD10 (83,6%), foram positivos na maioria dos casos, ressaltando a importância da identificação alternativa das células B leucêmicas para terapias alvo-específicas. A análise dos subtipos revelou uma prevalência do tipo Comum (75,7%), seguido pelo subtipo Pró-B (14,8%) e Pré-B (9,6%). Observou-se uma predominância do sexo masculino nos subtipos Pró-B e Comum. No subtipo Pré-B, 54,5% dos pacientes eram do sexo feminino, enquanto 45,5% eram do sexo masculino. No subtipo Pró-B, 64,7% dos pacientes eram adultos e 35,3% eram pediátricos. Para o subtipo Comum, 37,9% eram adultos e 62,1% eram crianças. No subtipo Pré-B, associado a uma maior maturação das células leucêmicas, houve uma incidência de 45,5% de adultos e 54,5% de crianças. A variabilidade na expressão de CD45 e a associação de CD34 com o subtipo Comum sublinham a necessidade de uma identificação precisa para o desenvolvimento de estratégias terapêuticas personalizadas. A capacidade da CFMP em detectar e caracterizar de maneira detalhada os marcadores de diferenciação celular oferece uma base sólida para a criação de terapias direcionadas. A interpretação dos resultados reforça a importância clínica da investigação dos marcadores por CFMP, fornecendo informações valiosas para o avanço das estratégias terapêuticas e sugerindo novas direções para pesquisas futuras. A continuidade da pesquisa na área é essencial para aprimorar o tratamento e melhorar os desfechos clínicos para os pacientes com LLA-B.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) alters immune profiles of T and NK cells, suppressing cell-mediated responses and potentially aiding tumor evasion. NK cells are crucial in anti-tumor defense by eliminating malignant cells without specific antigens. However, immunosuppressive cytokines in the tumor microenvironment can impair NK cell function, allowing neoplastic cell survival and progression. NK cell activity is regulated by a complex network of receptors and ligands (NKRLs). NK receptors interact with HLA class I molecules on target cells, providing inhibitory signals or allowing tumor cell elimination in their absence. The prognostic impact of NKRL expression in AML blasts and the combined effect of NKRLs still require thorough investigation. We aimed to investigate how receptor and ligand expression influences NK cell function in AML pathogenesis. In silico approaches were used to analyze immune cell transcriptomic signatures with bulk RNA-seq data from BeatAML 1.0. The analysis focused on mononuclear cell transcriptomic profiles from AML patient samples at diagnosis, emphasizing gene modulation. Statistical analysis was performed on the R platform using the limma-voom algorithm with Benjamini-Hochberg adjustment. The analysis revealed that variable expression of NKRLs significantly influenced critical clinical outcomes in AML. In the overall survival analysis, high expression levels of ULBP1 were associated with improved survival compared to lower levels (p = 0.016). The interaction between ULBP1 and receptors such as NKG2D on NK cells and T cells can trigger anti-tumoral immune responses, enhancing the elimination of tumor cells. Additionally, some tumor cells express HLA class I ligands like HLA-C, binding inhibitory receptors such as KIR2DL on NK cells, inhibiting their anti-neoplastic activity. Decreased NKG2D ligand expression or increased HLA class I ligand expression may promote leukemogenesis and disease aggressiveness, aiding tumor survival. These findings highlight the complexity and adverse effects of immune response modulation in AML, stressing the importance of understanding NKRLs’ mechanisms and clinical implications for personalized treatment. The study identified high expression of genes like HLA-E, HLA-C, MICAB, KLRK1, KLRC1, KIR2DL2, CD226, MICA, and PVRL2, associated with inflammation-related gene enrichment in AML samples. A coordinated pattern of inflammatory gene expression was often seen in AML samples with high gene expression, suggesting a potential causal relationship that needs further functional investigation. Heatmap analysis indicated that samples with high MICA and PVRL2 gene expression showed negative enrichment relative to genes positively enriched in other samples, implying complex molecular interactions influencing NKRL expression in AML. These results show how inflammatory gene expression patterns influence NK cell behavior and the immune response against AML, offering valuable insights for understanding this hematological disease. The findings suggest that assessing NKRL expression may serve as a prognostic biomarker in AML. Understanding this interaction is crucial for developing therapies to reverse immune escape and improve outcomes in myeloid leukemias.

Normal karyotype in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (NK-AML) occurs in 40-50% of patients. Leukemic Stem Cells (LSC) persistence is known to trigger relapse, but the prognostic impact of their identification is understudied. We correlated LSC frequency at diagnosis with mutational profile and clinical outcomes in a Brazilian NK-AML cohort. Bone marrow samples (n = 93) were submitted to LSC quantification by multiparametric flow cytometry (MPFC). Patients were categorized based on LSC percentage as lower (LSClow) or higher (LSChigh) than 0.1%. Regarding risk stratification, the LSClow group was composed by 19 favorable, 13 intermediate and no adverse-risk. In the LSChigh group, the patients were classified as 25 favorable, 28 intermediate, and 6 adverse, thus suggesting that lower LSC frequency is associated with favorable risk, although statistical significance was not reached. In the LSClow group, 12.5%had the FLT3 mutation whereas in 33.3% of the LSChigh samples FLT3 mutation was detected. Of note, LSChigh samples presented lower FLT3allelic ratio as compared to LSClow (0.47 ± 0.28 vs 0.87 ± 0.53). When associating LSC frequency with NPM1 gene status, 65.62% of LSClow group and 40% of LSChigh group were NPM1 mutated. When the co-mutational status was considered, among individuals with LSClow, 81.8% (n = 18) was FLT3 wtNPM1 mut, 13.64% (n = 3) was FLT3 mutNPM1 mut, and 4.56% (n = 1) FLT3 mutNPM1 wt. In the LSChigh group, 37.5% (n = 12) was FLT3 wtNPM1 mut,37.5% (n = 12) was FLT3 mutNPM1 mut, and 25% (n = 8) FLT3 mutNPM1 mut. Overall, complete remission (CR/CRi) rate was 64.5% (n = 60) after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. No significant difference was observed between groups:59.4% (n = 19) in the LSClow and 67.2% (n = 41) in the LSChigh group achieved CR. After remission, 15.6% (n = 5) of the patients relapsed in the LSClow group as compared to 16.2% (n = 16) of the LSChigh patients. The LSClow group had a mean overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of 568 and 541days, respectively, whereas the LSChigh group had both mean OS and EFS of466 days. We also assessed outcomes according to ELN2017 risk stratification. Favorable-risk patients with low LSC levels had a mean OS of 130 days, compared to 182 days for those with high LSC levels. Intermediate-risk patients with low LSC levels had a mean OS of 174 days, while the high LSC group had a mean OS of 228 days. Adverse-risk patients with low LSC levels had no measurable mean OS, whereas those with high LSC levels had a mean OS of 216 days. No significant differences in survival distributions between the groups. Our data indicated that FLT3 mutation was more prevalent in patients with higher frequency of LSCs indicating that cases with high LSC content at the flow cytometry initial examination should be quickly assessed for FLT3 mutation, especially considering that target therapy with FLT3 inhibitors can be included in the induction regimen. In agreement, ELN2017 favorable-risk patients had lower LSC quantification at diagnosis. The implication of LSC quantification in survival was not statistically demonstrated due to technical limitations including the number of patients with available data, but remission and survival rates suggested that LSChigh group present worse outcomes. The findings suggest that LSC identification is a potential biomarker that can guide clinicians, particularly for assessment of AML with out karyotypic abnormalities that rely only on mutational profiles, not always available in low and middle-income countries.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a severe hematopoietic disorder marked by uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid progenitors due to differentiation arrest, with significant immunophenotypic diversity. FLT3-ITD mutations’ prognostic impact varies with NPM1 mutation presence and the FLT3 allelic ratio. While cytogenetic and molecular features are well-established for risk stratification by European LeukemiaNet (2017 ELN), the role of leukemia arrest stages in prognosis remains unclear. This study classified the maturation arrest stages of leukemic blasts in a Brazilian AML cohort, analyzing its association with genetic risk and clinical data. Bone marrow from 148 de novo AML patients (Sep-2015-Jul-2024) was evaluated for FLT3 and NPM1 mutations, FLT3 allelic ratio, and immunophenotyping. MPO cytochemistry stains and phenotypic markers by flow cytometry defined six stages of leukemia arrest (SLA): Hematopoietic Stem Cells-like (HSC-L:CD34+ CD117±CD13-CD33-HLA-DR+MPO-); Multipotent Progenitors-like (MPP-L:CD34+CD117+CD13±CD33±HLA-DR+MPO-); Common Myeloid Progenitors-like (CMP-L:CD34±CD117+CD13+CD33± HLA-DR+MPO+); Granulocyte-Monocyte Progenitors-like (GMP-L:CD34±CD117±CD13±CD33+HLA-DR+MPO+); Monocyte Progenitors-like (MP-L:CD34-CD117±CD13+CD33+HLA-DR+MPO+); and Granulocyte Progenitors-like (GP-L:CD34-CD117±CD13+ CD33+HLA-DR-MPO+). SLA showed highest frequency in MP-L (n = 57, 38.5%) and GP-L (n = 53, 35.8%), followed by GMP-L (n = 23, 15.5%), CMP-L (n = 7, 4.7%), MPP-L (n = 6, 4.1%), and HSC-L (n = 2, 1.4%). Predominance of FLT3wt/NPM1mut patients (n = 80, 54.1%) was observed, with similar distribution among FLT3mut patients (FLT3mut /NPM1mut:n = 32, 21.6%; FLT3mut/NPM1wt:n = 36, 24.3%). CMP-L and GMP-L frequencies were increased in FLT3low/NPM1wt and FLT3high/NPM1wt vs. FLT3wt/NPM1mut (CMP-L:13.33%, 14.28% vs 1.25%, p < 0.05; GMP-L:40%, 42.85% vs 7.5%, p < 0.05). GP-L frequency was decreased in FLT3low/NPM1wt and FLT3 high/NPM1wt vs. FLT3wt/NPM1mut (0%, 9.52% vs 43.75%, p < 0.05). Response to treatment (CR/CRi, CR/CRiMRD+ and PD–Persistence disease) was evaluated after 1st and 2nd cycles of Induction of Remission (1IR, 2IR). GMP-L was increased in PD after 1IR (OR:6.09, 95% CI:1.22–30.19, p < 0.05). Immature (HSC+MPP+CMP) SLA was higher in MRD+ patients compared to MRD- (OR:6.81, 95% CI:0.86–47.05, p < 0.05). Overall survival (p = 0.81) and relapse-free survival (p = 0.27) analyses showed that GMP-L patients relapsed sooner. In 2017 ELN risk assessment, FLT3-ITD stratification was based on allelic ratio and NPM1 mutation status. A high FLT3-ITD allelic ratio with NPM1 mutation indicated intermediate risk, and with wild-type NPM1, it indicated unfavorable risk. The 2022 ELN guidelines classify FLT3-ITD alone as intermediate risk, regardless of NPM1 status. Mutated NPM1 is favorable only when FLT3-ITD is absent. Supporting these findings, FLT3 mutation, regardless of allelic ratio, in the absence of NPM1, led to immature SLA and increased GMP-L frequency. This SLA was linked to PD after the 1IR. Immature SLA significantly impacts prognosis with lower survival rates, higher relapse risks, and increased post-induction remission failure. Our findings enhance the understanding of the cell of origin in AML, and further investigation of the SLA-dependent mechanisms that contribute to leukemia resistance are warranted.

Myelofibrosis (MF), driven by JAK/STAT signaling mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, has the worst survival rates among myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), worsening from pre-fibrotic MF (PFMF) to overt MF (OMF) that often precedes acute myeloid leukemia. Natural Killer (NK) cells have phenotypical alterations that predominate in MF when compared to other MPNs, suggesting that the immune content may contribute to disease burden. We hypothesized that the cytotoxic immune cell profile, along with fibrosis and mutations, drives MF progression. Aiming test this, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 9 PFMF and 9 OMF, and 9 healthy donors (controls: CT) were analyzed by flow cytometry to profile: NK cell frequency and subtypes (CD45hiCD3-CD19-CD56brightCD16-; CD45hiCD3-CD19-CD56dimCD16+; NK maturation [CD11b-CD27- tolerant (DN), CD27+CD11b- immature secretory (IS), CD27+CD11b+ mature secretory (MS), CD11b+CD27- cytotoxic]; T lymphocytes (CD45hiCD3+) frequency and subtypes (CD4, CD8) and maturation [CD45RO-CD45RA+CD27+ Naïve (N), CD45RO+CD45RA+CD27+ intermediate (INT), CD45RO+CD45RA+CD27- Central Effector (CE), CD45RO+CD45RA-CD27+ Central Memory (CM)]. Immune evasion was assessed by CD62L, and Treg cells (CD4+CD25hiCD127lowFOxp3+) were also quantified. NK cytotoxic capacity was measured by quantifying dead/K562 target cells and NK degranulation (CD107a) after PBMC co-culture. Top of FormBottom of Form Total NK frequency was similar in MF vs CT or OMF vs PFMF. CD56bright (CT 3.4 ± 2.6%, MF 17.7 ± 17.9%, p < 0.05) were increased and CD56dim (CT 82.7 ± 7.6%, MF 53.4 ± 25%, p < 0.05) decreased in MF vs CT. MF showed higher DN (CT 4.5 ± 3.5%, MF 13.9 ± 8.7%, p < 0.05) and IS (CT 0.2 ± 0.3%, MF 1.2 ± 1.2%, p < 0.05), and lower cytotoxic NK cells (CT 92.1 ± 3.8%, MF 77.3 ± 11.2%, p < 0.05). When compared to PFMF, OMF presented higher frequency of cytotoxic NK cells (PFMF 72.2 ± 12%, OMF 82.4 ± 7.9%, p = 0.09). In agreement, reduced NK cytotoxic capacity was observed despite no degranulation changing in MF (death: CT 81.8 ± 4.2%, MF 30.1 ± 7.76%, p < 0.05) and slightly increased cytotoxicity (PFMF 28 ± 6.4%, OMF 31.4 ± 9.9%, p = 0.7) and degranulation (PFMF 10.1 ± 8.8%, OMF 32.17 ± 9.9%, p = 0.1) accompanied fibrosis. No changes in total T lymphocytes or CD4/CD8 frequencies were seen between CT and MF or PFMF and OMF. However, INT and CE reduced in MF (CT 19.8 ± 9.9%, MF 7.3 ± 12.2%, p < 0.05; CT 19.1 ± 16.4%, MF 8.1 ± 13.8%, p < 0.05) and CM decreased in OMF (PFMF 18.9 ± 11.9%, OMF 10.6 ± 9.5%, p < 0.05). CD62L+ CM decreased in MF (CT 21.5 ± 12.8%, MF 6.8 ± 6.8%, p < 0.05) and in OMF (PFMF 9.4 ± 8%, OMF 3.9 ± 3.7%, p = 0.2). Treg frequency decreased in MF (CT 1.9 ± 1.7%, MF 0.25 ± 0.22%, p < 0.05) but increased in OMF (PFMF 0.2 ± 0.13%, OMF 0.3 ± 0.2%, p = 0.5). More advanced MF has a higher degree of fibrosis, which leads to an inflammatory profile. This, in turn, may activate NK cells and result in a more mature but cytotoxic-deficient profile probably due to exhaustion. On the other hand, increased Treg cells found in OMF negatively regulate cytotoxic T cells and its memory compartment, specifically leading to immune evasion via a decrease in CD62L+ CM (associated with better anti-tumor response). The results shed light on the mechanisms involved in MF progression, suggesting that changes in the maturation profile of cytotoxic cells is associated with disease progression, thus inspiring new therapies that target antitumoral cells from the leukemic environment.

Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) who achieve sustained deep molecular response (DMR) to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are eligible for treatment discontinuation, but only 50% of those achieve long-term treatment-free remission (TFR). Current biomarkers that predict resistance to TKIs as well as loss of the molecular response after TKI interruption have not been defined. We hypothesized that antitumoral immunity mediated by Natural Killer (NK) and T cells may contribute to TFR success and result in distinct responses during treatment and after discontinuation. NK and T cells phenotype were correlated with BCR::ABL1 kinetics and TFR success in a cohort of CML Brazilian patients included in the DES-CML study (Study of treatment discontinuation in CML treated at the Unified Health System), multicenter, prospective, open-label, single-arm, phase 2, non-randomized, ongoing trial, with current data from two Brazilian centers. Using flow cytometry, we evaluated frequency, subtypes, maturation, and receptors expression of NK and T cells from diagnosis to TKI discontinuation. Peripheral blood samples from 20 healthy controls and 68 CML patients were analyzed at different time points: 14 diagnosis (DX), 13 Imatinib failure (F), 7 major molecular response (MMR), 9 DMR, 20 TFR and 5 TFR loss (TFRL). Patients in discontinuation cohort had TKI dose reduced to 50% for 6 months before total suspension. NK cell subtypes were defined as secretory (CD56brightCD16-) or cytotoxic (CD56dimCD16+). We assessed NK maturation markers (CD57 and NKp80), activation (NKG2D,NKp46,DNAM-1), and inhibition receptors (KIR2DL1,TIGIT,NKG2A). PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor was assessed in CD8 T cells. The frequencies of cytotoxic (p < 0.05) and mature (CD57+ and NKp80 p < 0.05) NK cells as well as NKG2D and DNAM-1 (p < 0.05) were lower in the DX, F, and TFRL groups as compared to patients under TKI treatment with DMR, TFR, and healthy individuals. Patients in TFR exhibited a distinct immune profile from TFRL patients that were not influenced by gender, TKI drug, ELTS or SOKAL score. TFR patients presented higher frequency of cytotoxic (p < 0.05) and mature (CD57+ p < 0.05) NK cells, and also NKG2D, DNAM-1,NKp46 (p < 0.05) compared with TFRL. Frequency of PD-1 (p < 0.05) in T cells was decreased in TFR. At the TKI dose reduction timepoint,TFRL patients already had decreased frequency of cytotoxic (p < 0.05) and mature (CD57+ p < 0.05) NK cells as well as of the activating receptor NKG2D (p < 0.05) compared with TFR cases. Conversely, T-cell PD-1 (p < 0.05) expression was higher in TFRL than in TFR patients at the dose reduction point. In conclusion, our study indicates that impaired NK cell function and PD-1 T-cell inhibition are major contributors to molecular responses in CML. Patients with sustained TFR exhibit higher frequencies of cytotoxic, mature and activated NK cells, along with lower PD-1 expression in T cells. These profile contrasts with patients who have persistent disease or lose molecular response post-treatment suspension, who demonstrate impaired NK cell function and increased PD-1 expression. Monitoring parameters such as mature NK content and activating receptors, particularly NKG2D, and PD-1 expression during the de-escalation phase of TKI potentially predicts TFR relapse and can be useful for decision-making in TKI interruption.

Summary: Despite extensive global research into genetic predisposition for severe COVID-19, knowledge on the role of rare host genetic variants and their relation to other risk factors remains limited. Here, 52 genes with prior etiological evidence were sequenced in 1,772 severe COVID-19 cases and 5,347 population-based controls from Spain/Italy. Rare deleterious TLR7 variants were present in 2.4% of young (

This article presents an analysis method based on lumped-parameters (LP) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to evaluate the behavior and calibrate the lubrication (LUB) circuit in an agricultural dual-clutch transmission. Gearbox LUB is crucial because it affects reliability, life, and transmission efficiency. The transmission’s hydraulic circuit consists of the higher pressure power transmission control and actuation circuit and the low pressure LUB circuit. The former was analyzed with LP approach, instead the latter was modeled with CFD approach due to its geometric complexity. The results will be contextualized by commenting on the advantages and limitations of LP and CFD analysis, finally outlining a mixed analysis methodology. The simulations are solved for different engine speed. The results are used to calibrate a comprehensive LP model (model) and to optimize the LUB circuit by adjusting some critical design parameters. As an experimental approach, simplified tests are usually performed ignoring the action of the centrifugal force, which has a great impact on the flow regime inside the LUB ducts. This work aims to develop a methodology for analyzing LUB in all parts of the gearbox, which can help designers test various combinations within industrial timeframes and obtain reliable and the most efficient configuration.

Abstract Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic skin disorder characterized by painful inflammatory nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts involving intertriginous areas and has an adverse impact on patient quality of life. Over the past decade, the therapeutic options of HS have increased significantly to comprise multiple modalities, including topical medication, systemic therapies (mainly antibiotics, retinoids, and biologics), surgical approaches, and lifestyle modifications. Biologics alone or in combination with surgery remain the treatment of choice for moderate to severe disease. However, non-biologic therapies (including retinoids) may be used as monotherapy for mild disease and in combination with biologics and surgical treatment in moderate to severe disease. Retinoids, specifically isotretinoin, acitretin, and alitretinoin, are historically used in the management of HS, supported by anecdotal evidence and with variable treatment response. Although the current American and European guidelines offer different recommendations on the use of retinoids in HS, retinoids remain a valuable ally in HS management. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific literature on retinoid therapy (topical and systemic) in HS, highlighting disparities in mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety to clarify their role in HS treatment.

The effect of coating a flat blade surface with titanium nitride nano coatings (TiN), nano tantalum carbide (TaC), Fiberglass (Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) (GFRP), Galvanized Steel (GAS), and St37 (SST37) was investigated in order to decrease the adhesion of soil on tilling tools, external friction and, ultimately, the draft force. The soil tank, which was filled with soil of the desired conditions, was pulled on the bearing on the rail. A S-shaped load cell was used to measure the draft force. Tests were conducted at a distance of 2 m and speeds of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m·s−1 at a depth of 10 cm. A model based on input factors, including blade travel speed, rake angle, and cohesion and adhesion of soil–blade, was developed in an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and draft force was the output parameter. To verify the performance of the developed model using ANFIS, a relative error(ε) of 6.1% and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.956 were computed. It was found that blades coated with Nano (TiN-TaC), due to its hydrophobic surface, flatness, and self-cleaning properties, have considerable ability to decrease adhesion in wet soils and showed a linear relationship with draft force reduction.

The Magic project (MArine Geohazard along Italian Coasts), a large coordinated initiative that involved the whole marine geological research community in Italy in 2007–2013, produced a series of maps of the Geohazard features of the Central-Southern Tyrrhenian Seamounts. The features derive from multibeam surveys and therefore mainly rely on the morphological expression of seafloor and shallow sub-surface processes and events. Potential geohazards related to eruption and flank instability of the volcanic seamounts of the Tyrrhenian Sea are discussed and compared.

The MaGIC project (Marine Geohazard along the Italian Coasts) had the aim of mapping the geohazard in the Italian seas and resulted in numerous maps. In this paper, we present the maps: ‘Maps of Geohazard features of the eastern Sardinian Margin’. The Eastern Sardinia margin has mainly a narrow shelf, which reaches a width of 20 km only to the north. At the base-of-slope, a series of intra-slope basins sits in the structural depressions formed during the opening of the Tyrrhenian back-arc system. Submerged, coastal depositional bodies are present in the Olbia area where the continental shelf is large. They most likely represent the remnants of coastal environments formed during the last rise in sea level. They can represent important geo-resources for application in the issue of coastal erosion management. They are also the site of ecosystems hosting a specific biodiversity, which need to be preserved. In the central and southern part of the mapped area, the shelf is very narrow with an average width of about 4 km. Here, many canyon heads are very close to the coastline. They develop through retrogadational processes. Particularly in those canyons, where the canyon heads reach the coast, sediment instability represents an important source of geohazards to the coastal regions.

ABSTRACTThe MaGIC project (Marine Geohazard along the Italian Coasts) had the aim of mapping the geohazard in the Italian seas and resulted in the production of numerous maps covering parts of the Italian Seas. In this paper, we present the maps: ‘The submerged portions of the Aeolian volcanic islands and the north-eastern Sicilian margin’, located in the south-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea. Both areas are affected by active geological processes, which represent important geohazards elements. Inthe submarine parts of the Stromboli volcanoremobilization of volcaniclastic deposits occur along the Sciara del Fuoco, where small-scale instabilities may represent a source of geohazard. Hydrothermal activity occurs on Enarete and Enaretino conical seamounts. The north-eastern Sicilian margin has a narrow continental shelf. Numerous canyon heads indent the shelf and, sometimes, reach close to the coast. Canyons have often a retrogradational trend and further eventual landward shift through sliding can iendangeri coastal or offshore infrastructures. Many of the canyons connect with leveed channels with widespread sediment instability. In the Gioia Basin, some of the channels connect to form the Stromboli slope Valley. Volcanic unrest or local and regional earthquakes are proven to have caused submarine landslides and tsunamis.

Underreporting is the main limitation of spontaneous reporting systems. This cohort-event monitoring study aims to examine the potential of short message service (SMS)-based surveillance compared to traditional surveillance systems. Using VigiVax software, parents of vaccinated children aged two years or younger, in the period March 2021–May 2022, received a single SMS inquiry about adverse events following immunization (AEFI). Responses were collected, validated by health operators and integrated with the information on electronic immunization registries. AEFI reports were automatically submitted to the Italian Pharmacovigilance system. Among 254,160 SMS messages sent, corresponding to 451,656 administered doses (AD), 71,643 responses were collected (28.2% response rate), and 21,231 of them (8.3%) reported AEFI. After a seriousness assessment based on clinical criteria, 50 reports (0.24%) were classified as serious. Among these, a causality assessment identified 31 reports at least potentially related to the vaccination (RR: 6.86/100,000 AD). Febrile seizures following MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccination accounted for 11 of these 31 cases, with an incidence of 32 per 100,000 AD. No fatal outcomes were reported. Our findings support the highly favorable risk profile of pediatric vaccinations and the possibility to improve spontaneous reporting through the integration of digital technologies.

Buscamos reconhecer como conhecimentos feministas contribuem para (re)interpretações teórico-metodológicas, a partir da produção de pesquisas/intervenções relacionadas à gênero no contexto da cultura física. Alicerçados numa abordagem qualitativa, selecionamos textos feministas dos Estudos Culturais Físicos. Como resultado, argumentamos que os textos exploram formas de teorizar gênero e as múltiplas operações do poder social a partir da radicalidade do corpo como local central dessas relações; apontam para a autorreflexidade exercida pelas pesquisadoras ao narrarem suas experiências em pesquisas; e, acenam para o imperativo político como base para a mudança social progressiva, engajando-se com questões que transcendem a categoria “gênero”.

Dalam upaya tata laksana fibriasi atrium (FA) untuk mencegah risiko stroke, antikoagulan seperti warfarin dapat digunakan. Indeks terapi yang sempit mendukung bahwa pengawasan selama penggunaan warfarin diperlukan untuk mencegah risiko perdarahan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan status risiko perdarahan pada sekelompok pasien FA yang menggunakan warfarin berdasarkan nilai HAS-BLED di RS ABC Gianyar, Bali. Penelitian observasional deskriptif dilakukan dengan pendekatan retrospective case study terhadap data pasien rawat jalan di RS ABC Gianyar. Penelitian ini mengikutsertakan seluruh pasien FA penerima warfarin berdasarkan riwayat selama periode Januari 2022-Mei 2023. Pencatatan dan asesmen risiko perdarahan mencakup komponen penilaian HAS-BLED yang diilustrasikan dalam bentuk tabel dan gambar sesuai profil pasien keseluruhan. Dari sejumlah delapan pasien FA, lima pasien (62,5%) memiliki risiko perdarahan sedang (nilai 1-2), dan sisanya berada dalam kategori risiko rendah (nilai 0). Mayoritas proporsi pada stratifikasi risiko perdarahan sedang dipengaruhi oleh parameter usia lanjut >65 tahun (50,00%), penggunaan antiplatelet atau antiinflamasi nonsteroid (NSAID) (25,00%), dan nilai INR yang tinggi (12,50%). Meskipun tidak ditemukan risiko perdarahan tinggi, pemantauan selama penggunaan warfarin diperlukan dengan berfokus pada faktor risiko yang dapat dimodifikasi. Keterbatasan jumlah sampel dan beberapa parameter laboratorium pada penelitian ini dapat menjadi masukan untuk kemajuan praktik klinis maupun pengembangan penelitian selanjutnya

Seagrass meadows are a highly productive and economically important shallow coastal habitat. Their sensitivity to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, combined with their importance for local biodiversity, carbon stocks, and sediment dynamics, motivate a frequent monitoring of their distribution. However, generating time series of seagrass cover from field observations is costly, and mapping methods based on remote sensing require restrictive conditions on seabed visibility, limiting the frequency of observations. In this contribution, we examine the effect of accounting for environmental factors, such as the bathymetry and median grain size (D50) of the substrate as well as the coordinates of known seagrass patches, on the performance of a random forest (RF) classifier used to determine seagrass cover. Using 148 Landsat images of the Venice Lagoon (Italy) between 1999 and 2020, we trained an RF classifier with only spectral features from Landsat images and seagrass surveys from 2002 and 2017. Then, by adding the features above and applying a time-based correction to predictions, we created multiple RF models with different feature combinations. We tested the quality of the resulting seagrass cover predictions from each model against field surveys, showing that bathymetry, D50, and coordinates of known patches exert an influence that is dependent on the training Landsat image and seagrass survey chosen. In models trained on a survey from 2017, where using only spectral features causes predictions to overestimate seagrass surface area, no significant change in model performance was observed. Conversely, in models trained on a survey from 2002, the addition of the out-of-image features and particularly coordinates of known vegetated patches greatly improves the predictive capacity of the model, while still allowing the detection of seagrass beds absent in the reference field survey. Applying a time-based correction eliminates small temporal variations in predictions, improving predictions that performed well before correction. We conclude that accounting for the coordinates of known seagrass patches, together with applying a time-based correction, has the most potential to produce reliable frequent predictions of seagrass cover. While this case study alone is insufficient to explain how geographic location information influences the classification process, we suggest that it is linked to the inherent spatial auto-correlation of seagrass meadow distribution. In the interest of improving remote-sensing classification and particularly to develop our capacity to map vegetation across time, we identify this phenomenon as warranting further research.

In this letter we present a current mode gate based on differential pair as an application of carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs). The proposed circuit has two output logic gates: one is NAND, and the other is AND. To simplify the circuit realization we use all CNTFETs of the same type, all with the same lengths and carbon nanotube symmetry indices (n, m). Complex circuits could be obtained in current mode replicating the differential pair CNTFET along the current path. The proposed procedure allows simulation of transfer characteristics from voltage input to current output but also from voltage input to voltage output. Moreover, we can measure simulated power dissipation and delay times.

Klebsiella pneumoniae strains that are resistant to multiple drugs (KPMDRs), which are often acquired in hospital settings and lead to healthcare-associated infections, pose a serious public health threat, as does hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp), which can also cause serious infections in otherwise healthy individuals. The widespread and often unnecessary use of antibiotics seen during the recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in clinical settings. There is growing concern that hypervirulent (hvKp) strains may acquire genes that confer antimicrobial resistance, thus combining an MDR profile with their increased ability to spread to multiple body sites, causing difficult-to-treat infections. This study aimed to compare resistance and virulence profiles in KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae isolates collected over four years (2020–2023). A genome-based surveillance of all MDR CRE-K. pneumoniae was used to identify genetic differences and to characterize the virulence and resistance profiles. Our results provide a picture of the evolution of resistance and virulence genes and contribute to avoiding the possible spread of isolates with characteristics of multi-drug resistance and increased virulence, which are thought to be one of the main global challenges to public health, within our hospital.

This study aims to determine the effect of learning models and IQ on knowledge of a healthy balanced nutritious diet. Used an experimental research method with a treatment design by level 2x2. The results of study (1) there is a difference in the increase in knowledge of students who are given a jigsaw type cooperative learning model and guided inquiry learning model based on the value of F(OA) = 50.109 and p-value = 0,000 < 0,05. (2) There is an interaction between the learning model (factor A) and IQ (factor B) towards increasing knowledge of a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet based on the value of F(OAB) = 18.12 and p-value = 0,000 < 0,05. (3) there are differences in the knowledge of students who have a high IQ with a balanced, healthy, nutritious diet using the jigsaw cooperative learning model and the guided inquiry learning model. Based on Qhitung = 3,10 > Qtabel (0,05;4:30) = 2,89. (4) there is no difference in the knowledge of students who have a low IQ with the cooperative learning type of jigsaw and guided inquiry learning models based on the value of Qcount = 0.47 < Qtabel (0,05;4:30) = 2,89

Summary: Background: Pre-exposure vaccination with MVA-BN has been widely used against mpox to contain the 2022 outbreak. Many countries have defined prioritized strategies, administering a single dose to those historically vaccinated for smallpox, to achieve quickly adequate coverage in front of low supplies. Using epidemiological models, real-life effectiveness was estimated at approximately 36%–86%, but no clinical trials were performed. Few data on MVA-BN immunogenicity are currently available, and there are no established correlates of protection. Immunological response in PLWH in the context of the 2022 outbreak was also poorly described. Methods: Blood samples were collected from participants eligible for pre-exposure MVA-BN vaccination before (T1) receiving a full course of vaccine (single-dose for vaccine-experienced or smallpox-primed and two-dose for smallpox vaccine-naïve or smallpox non-primed) and one month after the last dose (T2 and T3, respectively). MPXV-specific IgGs were measured by in-house immunofluorescence assay, using 1:20 as screening dilution, MPXV-specific nAbs by 50% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50, starting dilution 1:10), and IFN-γ-producing specific T cells to MVA-BN vaccine, by ELISpot assay. Paired or unpaired t-test and Wilcoxon or Mann–Whitney test were used to analyse IgG and nAbs, and T-cell response, as appropriate. The probability of IgG and nAb response in vaccine-experienced vs. vaccine-naïve was estimated in participants not reactive at T1. The McNemar test was used to evaluate vaccination's effect on humoral response both overall and by smallpox vaccination history. In participants who were not reactive at T1, the proportion of becoming responders one month after full-cycle completion by exposure groups was compared by logistic regression and then analysed by HIV status strata (interaction test). The response was also examined in continuous, and the Average Treatment Effect (ATE) of the difference from baseline to schedule completion according to previous smallpox vaccination was estimated after weighting for HIV using a linear regression model. Self-reports of adverse effects following immunization (AEFIs) were prospectively collected after the first MVA-BN dose (T1). Systemic (S-AEFIs: fatigue, myalgia, headache, GI effects, chills) and local (L-AEFIs: redness, swelling, pain) AEFIs were graded as absent (grade 0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3). The maximum level of severity for S-AEFIs and L-AEFIs ever experienced over the 30 days post-dose by vaccination exposure groups were analysed using a univariable multinomial logistic regression model and after adjusting for HIV status; for each of the symptoms, we also compared the mean duration by exposure group using an unpaired t-test. Findings: Among the 164 participants included, 90 (54.8%) were smallpox vaccine-experienced. Median age was 49 years (IQR 41–55). Among the 76 (46%) PLWH, 76% had a CD4 count >500 cells/μL. There was evidence that both the IgG and nAbs titers increased after administration of the MVA-BN vaccine. However, there was no evidence for a difference in the potential mean change in humoral response from baseline to the completion of a full cycle when comparing primed vs. non-primed participants. Similarly, there was no evidence for a difference in the seroconversion rate after full cycle vaccination in the subset of participants not reactive for nAbs at T1 (p = 1.00 by Fisher's exact test). In this same analysis and for the nAbs outcome, there was some evidence of negative effect modification by HIV (interaction p-value = 0.17) as primed people living with HIV (PLWH) showed a lower probability of seroconversion vs. non-primed, and the opposite was seen in PLWoH. When evaluating the response in continuous, we observed an increase in T-cell response after MVA-BN vaccination in both primed and non-primed. There was evidence for a larger increase when using the 2-dose vs. one-dose strategy with a mean difference of −2.01 log2 (p ≤ 0.0001), after controlling for HIV. No evidence for a difference in the risk of developing any AEFIs of any grade were observed by exposure group, except for the lower risk of grade 2 (moderate) fatigue, induration and local pain which was lower in primed vs. non-primed [OR 0.26 (0.08–0.92), p = 0.037; OR 0.30 (0.10–0.88), p = 0.029 and OR 0.19 (0.05–0.73), p = 0.015, respectively]. No evidence for a difference in symptom duration was also detected between the groups. Interpretation: The evaluation of the humoral and cellular response one month after the completion of the vaccination cycle suggested that MVA-BN is immunogenic and that the administration of a two-dose schedule is preferable regardless of the previous smallpox vaccination history, especially in PLWH, to maximize nAbs response. MVA-BN was safe as well tolerated, with grade 2 reactogenicity higher after the first administration in vaccine-naïve than in vaccine-experienced individuals, but with no evidence for a difference in the duration of these adverse effects. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term duration of immunity and to establish specific correlates of protection. Funding: The study was supported by the National Institute for Infectious Disease Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS “Advanced grant 5 × 1000, 2021” and by the Italian Ministry of Health “Ricerca Corrente Linea 2”.

The discovery of the interactome of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid from Cannabis sativa L., has been here performed on chronic myelogenous leukemia cancer cells, using an optimized chemo-proteomic stage, which links Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability with Limited Proteolysis Multiple Reaction Monitoring approaches. The obtained results showed the ability of CBD to target simultaneously some potential protein partners, corroborating its well-known poly-pharmacology activity. In human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cancer cells, the most fascinating protein partner was identified as the 116 kDa U5 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein element called EFTUD2, which fits with the spliceosome complex. The binding mode of this oncogenic protein with CBD was clarified using mass spectrometry-based and in silico analysis.

Resumo Este artigo explora o Physical Cultural Studies (PCS) como potente campo de investigação relacionado ao corpo e à cultura física, desenvolvido no Brasil por pesquisadores/as em contextos locais. O texto aborda o surgimento do PCS como desdobramento do Cultural Studies, as lutas disciplinares nos departamentos de cinesiologia norte-americanos e a virada para a cultura física no interior da sociologia do esporte. Ao mesmo tempo, o estudo discute o PCS a partir das dimensões empírica, contextual, transdisciplinar, teórica, política, qualitativa, autorreflexiva e pedagógica, articulando-as a práticas locais de pesquisa e de intervenção de pesquisadores/as brasileiros/as. Por fim, o estudo lança desafios à construção de um PCS com tons brasileiros, quiçá, latino-americanos.

As valuable and vulnerable blue carbon ecosystems, salt marshes require adaptable and robust monitoring methods that span a range of spatiotemporal scales. The application of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based remote sensing is a key tool in achieving this goal. Due to the particular characteristics of tidal wetlands, however, there are challenges in obtaining research and management relevant data with the requisite level of accuracy. In this study, the spatial patterns in uncertainty stemming from scan angle, binning method, vegetation structure and platform surface morphology are examined in the context of UAV light detection and ranging (LiDAR) derived digital elevation models (DEM). The results demonstrate that overlapping the UAV flight paths sufficiently to avoid sole reliance on LIDAR data with scan angles exceeding 15 degrees is advisable. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of halophyte species and marsh morphology has a clear influence on DEM accuracy. The largest errors were associated with sudden structural transitions at the marsh channel boundaries. The DEMmean was found to be the most accurate for bare ground, while the DEMmin was the most accurate for channels and the middle to high marsh vegetation (MAEs = −0.01m). For the low to middle vegetation, all the trialled DEMs returned a similar magnitude of mean error (MAE = ± 0.03m). The accuracy difference between the two vegetation associations examined appears to be connected to variations in coverage, height and biomass. Overall, these findings reinforce the link between salt marsh biogeomorphic complexity and the spatial distribution and magnitude of LiDAR DEM error.

ABSTRACTIn this article, the time to calculate the optimal height of the UAV is investigated as an important factor in determining the total flight time, energy consumption and total delay. In particular, in this paper, the calculation of the optimal height of the UAV, reducing the time of calculating the optimal height, reducing the energy consumption, reducing the total flight time and reducing the total delay is done. First, using the average path loss and UAV transmitted power functions, we present the optimal height of the UAV in the form of an optimization problem with a convex altitude range. Then, using the golden section search (GSS) algorithm and based on the condition of the function being unimodal, we calculate the optimization problem and obtain the optimal height value, which is the minimum of the average functions of the path loss and the transmitted power of the UAV. Also, using the convexity principle, we show that the average path loss function is convex in the mentioned interval. Next, using the relationship between the time to calculate the optimal height of the drone and the total flight time, we calculate the amount of energy consumed and the total delay. The simulation results using MATLAB show that the time to calculate the optimal height with the proposed algorithm is much faster than other methods. The time to calculate the optimal height in the proposed method is 0.03 s. The energy consumption using the proposed method is 53 kJ, and the flight time is 37 s, considering the stop on the way, which is the lowest value compared to other methods. Also, the total delay in the proposed method is less than in other methods.

This research aims to obtain facts, data, and information about the results of the evaluation of the achievement coaching program for the women's softball sports of DKI Jakarta Province. This study used evaluative methods with the CIPP model. Data collection techniques use questionnaires, documentation, observations, and interviews. The subjects of this study are The Core Board, Coach, and Athlete. The results revealed that the context component of the Pengprov Perbasasi DKI Jakarta already has a long-term, medium, and short-term plan. However, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Women's Softball Team was only able to achieve the goal of the achievement coaching program at the 2018 Softball National Tournament. The input components, facilities, equipment, and equipment provided are enough to meet the needs of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Women's Softball Team. However, the need for supplements and vitamins for new athletes ahead of the implementation of PON. In the process component, the coaching staff implements a walking selection system and promotes and degrades athletes based on batting average data, left on base, running base in, accumulation of errors, & success in sacrifice. The training process was carried out face-to-face and virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the product component, the results obtained by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Women's Softball Team during the period 2018 to 2022 were finalists in the 2018 Softball National Tournament. However, in the 2019 PON Qualification and PON XX Papua in 2021, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Women's Softball Team was only able to rank fifth

Abstract How does urban expansion interact with pastoral climate change adaptation? This article explores pastoral adaptation strategies at the rural-urban interface. It examines how Maasai pastoralists in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya, respond to climate hazards in the context of urban expansion, land use change, and land privatisation. Using mixed-method research, the study is informed by a household survey (n = 72), 38 qualitative interviews, and 12 focus group discussions. Drawing on the literature on climate change adaptation, pastoral change, and peri-urban dynamics, we find that while urban expansion provides significant challenges for pastoral livelihoods in the study area, pastoralists also engage new opportunities in the peri-urban context and employ them in their adaptation strategies. We show how adaptation strategies related to mobility, diversification, market exchange, and storage are employed through a variety of efforts including engagement with urban land markets and demand for livestock products, and by capitalising on proximity to transport, trading facilities, water, and commercial fodder. Communal pooling, another adaptation strategy, is less used and perceived to be in decline. We further find that historical land ownership patterns play a significant role in adaptation strategies, as pastoralists who have benefitted from rangeland privatisation are able to convert high peri-urban land values into private rural land access and investments in, e.g. diversification. Poor households are in a more precarious position but draw on informal agreements to access land as part of their adaptation strategies. Our findings highlight how pastoral households at the rural-urban interface may draw actively on peri-urban opportunities in their adaptation strategies as part of their efforts to enhance livelihoods, and in so doing bridge peri-urban and rural space. More broadly, our study highlights the importance of understanding pastoral climate change adaptation in the context of wider changes in livelihoods, land use, and land rights, rather than as isolated actions. Graphical Abstract

Estimating future short-duration extreme precipitation in mountainous regions is fundamental for risk management. High-resolution convection-permitting models (CPMs) represent the state of the art for these projections, as they resolve convective processes that are key to short-duration extremes. Recent observational studies reported a decrease in the intensity of extreme hourly precipitation with elevation. This “reverse orographic effect” could be related to processes which are subgrid even for CPMs. To quantify the reliability of future projections of extreme short-duration precipitation in mountainous regions, it is thus crucial to understand to what extent CPMs can reproduce this effect. Due to the computational demands however, CPM simulations are still too short for analyzing extremes using conventional methods. We use a non-asymptotic statistical approach (Simplified Metastatistical Extreme Value: SMEV) for the analysis of extremes from short time periods, such as the ones of CPM simulations. We analyze an ERA-Interim-driven Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling (COSMO-crCLIM, convection-resolving Climate Modelling) simulation (2000–2009; 2.2 km resolution), and we use hourly precipitation from 174 rain gauges in an orographically complex area in northeastern Italy as a benchmark. We investigate the ability of the model to simulate the orographic effect on short-duration precipitation extremes, as compared to observational data. We focus on extremes as high as the 20-year return levels. While overall good agreement is reported at daily and hourly duration, the CPM tends to increasingly overestimate hourly extremes with increasing elevation, implying that the reverse orographic effect is not fully captured. These findings suggest that CPM bias-correction approaches should account for orography. SMEV's capability of estimating reliable rare extremes from short periods promises further applications on short-time-period CPM projections and model ensembles.

Tobacco use is one of the main risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Avoiding youth initiation and treating addiction are fundamental public health issues to ensure better health. Among tobacco control policies, increasing tobacco price is the single most effective intervention. It reduces tobacco consumption, especially among youths, while representing a government financing source. This study aimed to assess the agreement with the proposal of a one-euro increase in tobacco price earmarked to health issues among students at Sapienza University. Two convenience samples were surveyed, five years apart, on World No Tobacco Days. Smoking habits, agreement with the proposal and reasons for it were collected. Results from the 208 questionnaires (107 in 2014, 101 in 2019) showed 46.6% of agreement with the proposal (53.3% in 2014, 39.2% in 2019, p = 0.044). Main predictive factor for agreement was being a non-smoker (OR = 6.33 p < 0.001), main reason (64.8%) was it could trigger smokers to quit or reduce consumption. Several factors might have influenced this finding, including the introduction of novel tobacco products and their increased advertisement on social media. In 2024, European Union is planning to update the Tobacco Taxation Directive which could greatly contribute to the reduction of non-communicable diseases and premature deaths.

Human motion tracking is a valuable task for many medical applications. Marker-based optoelectronic systems are considered the gold standard in human motion tracking. However, their use is not always feasible in clinics and industrial environments. On the other hand, marker-less sensors became valuable tools, as they are inexpensive, noninvasive and easy to use. However, their accuracy can depend on many factors including sensor positioning, light conditions and body occlusions. In this study, following previous works on the feasibility of marker-less systems for human motion monitoring, we investigate the performance of the Microsoft Azure Kinect sensor in computing kinematic and dynamic measurements of static postures and dynamic movements. According to our knowledge, it is the first time that this sensor is compared with a Vicon marker-based system to assess the best camera positioning while observing the upper body part movements of people performing several tasks. Twenty-five healthy volunteers were monitored to evaluate the effects of the several testing conditions, including the Azure Kinect positions, the light conditions, and lower limbs occlusions, on the tracking accuracy of kinematic, dynamic, and motor control parameters. From the statistical analysis of the performed measurements, the camera in the frontal position was the most reliable, the lighting conditions had almost no effects on the tracking accuracy, while the lower limbs occlusion worsened the accuracy of the upper limbs. The assessment of human static postures and dynamic movements based on experimental data proves the feasibility of applying the Azure Kinect to the biomechanical monitoring of human motion in several fields.