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The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries, promoting job growth, and sustainable economic development. The transition to renewable energy demands social equity, ensuring universal access to affordable energy, and considering community impact. The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint. This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market, which is projected to increase from $112.23 billion in 2022 to $278.43 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%. In addition, the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase, significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions. By 2028, renewables are predicted to account for 42% of global electricity generation, with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in China, the European Union, the United States, and India. These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources, reducing emissions, and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy, setting the stage for a resilient future.

Abstract Background The establishment of stable porcine embryonic stem cells (pESCs) can contribute to basic and biomedical research, including comparative developmental biology, as well as assessing the safety of stem cell-based therapies. Despite these advantages, most pESCs obtained from in vitro blastocysts require complex media and feeder layers, making routine use, genetic modification, and differentiation into specific cell types difficult. We aimed to establish pESCs with a single cell-passage ability, high proliferative potency, and stable in long-term culture from in vitro-derived blastocysts using a simplified serum-free medium. Methods We evaluated the establishment efficiency of pESCs from in vitro blastocysts using various basal media (DMEM/F10 (1:1), DMEM/F12, and a-MEM) and factors (FGF2, IWR-1, CHIR99021, and WH-4-023). The pluripotency and self-renewal capacity of the established pESCs were analyzed under feeder or feeder-free conditions. Ultimately, we developed a simplified culture medium (FIW) composed of FGF2, IWR-1, and WH-4-023 under serum-free conditions. Results The pESC-FIW lines were capable of single-cell passaging with short cell doubling times and expressed the pluripotency markers POU5F1, SOX2, and NANOG, as well as cell surface markers SSEA1, SSEA4, and TRA-1-60. pESC-FIW showed a stable proliferation rate and normal karyotype, even after 50 passages. Transcriptome analysis revealed that pESC-FIW were similar to reported pESC maintained in complex media and showed gastrulating epiblast cell characteristics. pESC-FIW were maintained for multiple passages under feeder-free conditions on fibronectin-coated plates using mTeSR™, a commercial medium used for feeder-free culture, exhibiting characteristics similar to those observed under feeder conditions. Conclusions These results indicated that inhibition of WNT and SRC was sufficient to establish pESCs capable of single-cell passaging and feeder-free expansion under serum-free conditions. The easy maintenance of pESCs facilitates their application in gene editing technology for agriculture and biomedicine, as well as lineage commitment studies.

Studying the history of sports and knowing their achievements is of great importance as it is considered a means of advancement for societies and a measure of their culture and stages of development in all fields. One of the important sports games at the international and local levels is volleyball, which has a long history at the global level. The importance of the research lies in knowing the teams participating in the Asian championships and their most important results and where they were held from the first Asian Championship for men's teams in (1975) until the last championship held in Japan in (2021). Through the teams' participation in the Asian Men's Volleyball Championships, many teams have emerged on the Asian scene. The question here is whether there is documentation of these participations. What are the most important positions that the teams have obtained and also knowing the reasons for their development. And knowing the reasons for the fluctuations in the results and participations of some teams in the Asian Men's Championships. The most important conclusions reached by this research are that there are many achievements and participations for the teams that have not been documented. They have been documented.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. This research aims to investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and early mortality rate among pediatric patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) who were admitted to a hospital in Syria. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the University Children's Hospital in Syria, involving pediatric patients diagnosed with TB between January 2013 and January 2023. Data were collected from medical records and encompassed socio-demographic characteristics, diagnostic methods, clinical presentation, chest radiography findings, and patient outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 129 patients were included in the study, with 26.4 % diagnosed with PTB and 73.6 % with EPTB. The most common types of EPTB were lymphatic (25.6 %) and gastrointestinal (17.1 %). Patients with PTB and EPTB did not differ significantly in terms of age, weight, or gender. Significant cough was more common in PTB cases (67.6 %), while lymphadenopathy was more prevalent in EPTB cases (48.4 %). Chest X-ray abnormalities were found in 58.1 % of patients, with PTB patients more likely to have abnormal findings (97.1 %). Microbiological confirmation was higher in PTB cases (76.5 %) compared to EPTB cases (25.3 %). The overall mortality rate was 14 %, with higher mortality observed in patients with EPTB (16.8 %), particularly in cases of TB meningitis. Conclusion: Our study highlights the epidemiological challenges of TB among hospitalized children, with a focus on the complexities of diagnosing and managing EPTB. We emphasize the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic and management strategies, particularly in conflict zones like Syria, where TB control efforts face significant obstacles. Prompt solutions are imperative to improve outcomes, given the high occurrence of EPTB and its associated mortality rates. Clinical recommendations stress the need for comprehensive contact histories and awareness of varied clinical presentations in pediatric TB diagnosis.

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and rarely presents as renal mucormycosis (RM). Diagnosis can be challenging for many physicians. We report a rare case of primary, unilateral RM which triggered diabetic ketoacidosis in a type 2 diabetic patient. The case was later complicated by a bronchopleural fistula and a meropenem-resistant Klebsiella infection. The patient was ultimately treated with surgical intervention, liposomal amphotericin B, and polymyxine E. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of this life-threatening disease and its complications are significant in reducing mortality.

This paper explores the incorporation of aramid fibers, recognized for their high mechanical flexibility and low thermal conductivity (TC), to serve as reinforcing agents within the highly porous aerogel matrix in order to overcome their fragility and weak mechanical structure that impose limitations on their practical utility especially in piping insulation. The thermal properties are determined using a micromechanical modeling approach that considers parameters such as temperature, fiber volume fraction, thermal conductivity, and porosity of the silica aerogel. For specific conditions, including an Aramid fiber radius of 6 microns, a silica aerogel thermal conductivity of 0.017 W.m-1.K-1, and a porosity of 95%, the resulting AFRA composite exhibits an Effective Thermal Conductivity (ETC) of 0.0234 W.m-1.K-1. Notably, this value is lower than the thermal conductivity of air at ambient temperature. The findings are further validated through experimental and analytical techniques. A response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) is employed. This approach leads to the development of a quadratic equation intricately relating the key parameters to the ETC of the AFRA. The aim is optimization, identifying target optimal values for these parameters to further enhance the performance of AFRA composites.

This paper presents a robust framework for optimally coordinating integrated electricity and gas networks incorporating energy hubs and active loads. The energy hubs contain different sources, converters, and storage units to supply a variety of consumers. The designed system internally exchanges energy and gas using interface equipment and it simultaneously can participate in the day-ahead markets. This study also investigates the influence of various components such as renewable resources and energy storage systems on reactive power management. According to the high penetration of renewable energies and their significant impact on the network operation, a robust method consisting of information gap decision theory and fuzzy approach is applied to handle the uncertainty of wind and solar units. In addition, the role of flexible loads and prosumers is investigated by a time-based strategy, and eventually, a sensitivity analysis is implemented to evaluate the behavior of critical parameters. The presented model is a non-linear type that is linearized utilizing appropriate procedures to guarantee the problem convergence. The results show that the robust optimization with the maximum confidence level increases pollution and cost functions by 14.73% and 49.68%, respectively. In return, active loads decrease the mentioned values by 7.67% and 16.04%, respectively which validates their notable effects. The reactive power control of renewable resources and storage systems reduces the reactive power transferring through tie-lines and consequently improves technical specifications.

Biosensors have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing rapid and accurate diagnosis of diseases. Biosensors are analytical devices that convert molecular recognition of a target analyte into a measurable signal. Older diagnostic techniques, such as immunoaffinity column assays, fluorometric, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are laborious, require qualified personnel, and can be time consuming. In contrast, biosensors offer improved accuracy, sustainability, and rapidness due to their ability to detect specific biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. The review covers various bacterial cellulose (BC)-based biosensors, from SARS-CoV-2 detection to wearable health monitoring and interaction with human-computer interfaces. BC's integration into ionic thermoelectric hydrogels for wearable health monitoring shows its potential for real-time health tracking. Incorporating BC in biosensors for low-noise electrodes, and wearable sensors has been elaborated. The invention of a phage-immobilized BC biosensor for S. aureus detection is a significant contribution to the field, highlighting the biosafety and efficiency of BC in pathogen identification and demonstrating BC's versatility across multiple sensing platforms. Palladium nanoparticle-bacterial cellulose hybrid nanofibers show excellent electrocatalytic activity for dopamine detection, whereas Au-BC nanocomposite biosensors show efficacy in glucose detection, with potential therapeutic applications. The “lab-on-nanopaper” device, utilizing BC nanopaper, not only visually detects human serum albumin but also establishes itself as a new-generation optical biosensing platform with superiority over conventional substrates. This review contributes to the ongoing advancements in biosensor technology, highlighting the potential of BC as a versatile material for developing innovative biosensors. This is crucial for improving the accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency of diagnostic tools in healthcare.

This study thoroughly compares multiple single bidirectional and multiport converters (MPCs), highlighting the significant role of MPCs in multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) systems. MPCs offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution than multiple single converters, especially in applications involving photovoltaic (PV), electric vehicles (EVs) with storage systems, and power grids. This research emphasizes the importance of multi-input converters (MICs) in integrating diverse voltage sources. It notes the rising popularity of multi-output DC-DC converters in portable electronics, owing to their reduced component count, lower costs, and compact design. This paper emphasizes comparisons based on diverse aspects and applications, shedding light on recent developments in basic bidirectional converters. Additionally, it delves into the advancements in MPC topologies, focusing on efficiency, reliability, and modularity improvements. These advancements are crucial for harnessing cost reduction, simplicity, and compactness. Furthermore, this paper introduces an innovative multiport DC-DC converter tailored for integrating and managing renewable sources. This new converter design enhances PV system and battery storage performance by reducing power conversion steps, using fewer components, and improving voltage-boosting capabilities. Its unique bidirectional buck-boost structure allows for versatile connections between sources and loads with varying voltage and power requirements. The performance of this novel converter is evaluated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations under different scenarios. Experimental studies further validate its effectiveness, marking a significant contribution to power conversion and management in integrating renewable sources such as DC microgrids.

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) play a pivotal role in diverse applications such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, healthcare, and smart cities. The motivation behind the development of WSNs stems from their impact in providing real-time data on various environmental parameters. The challenge for WSNs is to achieve strong security and efficient energy saving together. Traditional methods sought to find solutions either through security or energy. In response, this study proposed a secure and energy-efficient framework for enhancing security measures in WSNs while minimizing the impact on energy resources by using the Enhanced Consumed Energy Leach (ECP-LEACH) protocol and the Enhanced Random Forest Classifier for Low Execution Time (ERF-LET) algorithm for attack detection named Security-Enhanced Energy Conservation with ERF-LET (S-2EC-ERF). The integration of the detection algorithm at the node level played a pivotal role in fortifying the security posture of individual nodes by detecting and mitigating potential security threats. Leveraging a comprehensive dataset obtained from NS3 simulations, the ERF-LET algorithm demonstrated its proficiency in differentiating between normal and attack packets, thereby laying a strong foundation for subsequent evaluations, where it achieved an accuracy of 98.193%. The proposed methodology was further validated through real-time simulations conducted on the NS3. The results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed S-2EC-ERF in terms of the packet delivery ratio (PDR), average throughput, end-to-end delay, and mean energy consumption compared to the Security-Enhanced Energy Conservation with Logistic Regression (S-2EC-LR), Security-Enhanced Energy Conservation with Decision Tree (S-2EC-DT), and Security-Enhanced Energy Conservation with AdaBoost (S-2EC-Ada) algorithms.

The Pythagorean fuzzy set and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set are the basis of the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set (IVPFS) which offers an effective approach to addressing the complex uncertainty in decision-analysis processes, making it applicable across a broad spectrum of applications. This paper introduces several aggregation operators within the IVPF framework, such as the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy SS power weighted average operator, and the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy SS power geometric operator using the notion of power aggregation operators through Schweizer and Sklar (SS) operations. The existence of SS t-norms and t-conorms in the IVPF framework for addressing multi-attribute decision-making problems gives the generated operator's ability to make the information aggregation approach more adaptable compared to other current ones. The application of the proposed approach holds the potential to enhance crop yield, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to the overall sustainability of agriculture. Additionally, sensitivity and comparative analyses are provided to clarify the stability and dependability of the results acquired through this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study introduces an innovative approach to multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) aimed at handling decision analysis involving p,qrung orthopair fuzzy (p,qROF) data, where the criteria weights are completely unknown. To achieve this objective, we formulate generalized operational rules referred to as Frank operational rules, tailored for p,qROF numbers (p,qROFNs) utilizing the Frank t-norm and t-conorm. With these newly devised operations as a foundation, we create a variety of p,qROF aggregation operators (AOs) to effectively aggregate p,qROF information. Furthermore, we examine specific instances of these operators and rigorously establish their desirable properties, including idempotency, monotonicity, boundedness, and symmetry. Subsequently, we adapt the SWARA technique to the realm of p,qROF fuzzy data and this adapted technique becomes instrumental in determining criteria weights within the proposed MCDM framework centered around proposed AOs. We furnish a descriptive example to exemplify the practicality of the developed approach. Lastly, the effectiveness and soundness of our approach are underscored through both parameter analysis and a comparative evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder pathologically characterized by the deposition of amyloid beta (Ab) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. The accumulation of these aggregated proteins causes memory and synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. This research study is significant as it aims to assess the neuroprotective properties of vitamin E (VE) analog Trolox in an Ab1-42-induced AD mouse model. Ab1-42 5µL/5min/mouse was injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) into wild-type adult mice brain to induce AD-like neurotoxicity. For biochemical analysis, Western blotting and confocal microscopy were performed. Remarkably, intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment of Trolox (30 mg/kg/mouse for 2 weeks) reduced the AD pathology by reducing the expression of Ab, phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and b-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme1 (BACE1) in both cortex and hippocampus regions of mice brain. Furthermore, Trolox-treatment decreased neuroinflammation by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kB (pNF-kB) and interleukin-1b (IL-1b), and other inflammatory biomarkers of glial cells [ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)]. Moreover, Trolox reduced oxidative stress by enhancing the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO1). Similarly, Trolox-induced synaptic markers, including synaptosomal associated protein 23 (SNAP23), synaptophysin (SYN), and post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and memory functions in AD mice. Our findings could provide a useful and novel strategy for investigating new medications to treat AD-associated neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a metasurface-based reflectarray is designed for X-band applications. The unit cells are equipped with an H-shaped slotted patch for additional resonance and phase range. Linear phase variation by altering the length of the patch is realized with a range exceeding 480 ∘ . The reflectarray is designed and fabricated on a thin and high-quality Rogers 5880 substrate. The Finite Element Boundary Integral (FEBI) method is used to simulate a 23 × 23 element reflectarray and then fabricated to achieve the measured results using an anechoic chamber. The peak gain of the proposed reflectarray is 25.5 dBi recorded with an aperture efficiency of 63.7% at a center frequency of 10 GHz. The cross-polarization and side-lobe levels in the entire band are less than −33 dB and −21 dB, respectively. Moreover, the proposed reflectarray antenna achieves a 20% 1-dB gain bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new triple-band antenna driven indirectly by a feed line for multiple wireless applications. The structure of this antenna is based on the creation of a set of slots and slits on the ground plane mounted on a substrate with relative permittivity of 4.4 and thickness of 1.6 mm. On the other hand, a 50-ohm microstrip feed line has been fixed. It is found that the proposed antenna offers a triple-band fashion with -10 dB impedance bandwidths suitable for most recent wireless applications. The first band extends from 1.6 GHz to 2.8 GHz, which covers LTE bands (1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 23, 24, 25, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39 and 40), 2.4 GHz-Bluetooth, and 2.45 GHz ISM. The second band extends from 3.38 GHz to 3.6 GHz, which covers most WiMAX applications, while the third band reconciles 5.8 GHz-ITS and 2.4/5.8 GHz-WLAN. A prototype of the proposed antenna has been successfully simulated, fabricated, and measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comfort, air-conditioning control over the humidity is essential in applications such as pharmaceutical industries, electronic gadgets manufacturing units, the food sector, paper industries, etc. Relative humidity of nearly 50% can effectively prevent the growth and abidance of biological pollutants. There are several methods using which dehumidification can be achieved. The most common method is subcooling air up to the condensation temperature of the moisture trapped and then cooling again, and the condensate is collected. This method is time-consuming and needs to be more effective. On the other hand, desiccants' dehumidification process is suitable for maintaining humidity in air-conditioning systems and producing dry air. Desiccants with economical materials, high moisture removal rate, low regeneration temperature, and steadiness after many years make a desiccant system more successful in its performance and cost. The effect of change in process air temperature, process air humidity ratio, and regeneration temperature on the system's performance is studied. This research focuses on the functioning of various desiccant dehumidification systems and their applications. A comparative study of the different dehumidification systems found efficiency, low maintenance cost, and high sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In automobiles, the cooling system is essential in increasing engine performance. Conventional coolants like water and ethylene glycol have low thermal conductivity. Nanotechnology allows the development of a high thermal conductivity coolant named 'nanocoolant', a colloidal suspension. This study is focused on the effect of nanocoolant size on the radiator, which is also responsible for fuel consumption. To prepare nanocoolant two-step method was used, in which nanoparticles were prepared separately and dispersed in a base fluid under ultrasonic agitation. This research was carried out for the dispersion of Al2O3 in a water-ethylene glycol mixture with volume concentrations of 0%, 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%. The experimentation was carried out on 180, 216, 288 and 360 mm tube-length radiators. The experiments were conducted at a coolant inlet temperature 65 °C, air velocity of 1.05 m/s, and volume rate of 4 to 9 litres per minute. The result shows that using 0.2% Al2O3 nanoparticles, the overall heat transfer coefficient was augmented by 43% more than the base fluid. It is also seen that for 0.6% volume fraction nanocoolant, approximately 65% reduction in frontal radiator area is possible, which leads to decrement in the drag force and pumping power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global shift toward next-generation energy systems is propelled by the urgent need to combat climate change and the dwindling supply of fossil fuels. This review explores the intricate challenges and opportunities for transitioning to sustainable renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. This transition economically challenges traditional energy sectors while fostering new industries, promoting job growth, and sustainable economic development. The transition to renewable energy demands social equity, ensuring universal access to affordable energy, and considering community impact. The environmental benefits include a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a lesser ecological footprint. This study highlights the rapid growth of the global wind power market, which is projected to increase from $112.23 billion in 2022 to $278.43 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.67%. In addition, the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase, significantly impacting the market with potential cost reductions and making it a critical renewable energy source owing to its affordability and zero emissions. By 2028, renewables are predicted to account for 42% of global electricity generation, with significant contributions from wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, particularly in China, the European Union, the United States, and India. These developments signify a global commitment to diversifying energy sources, reducing emissions, and moving toward cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. This review offers stakeholders the insights required to smoothly transition to sustainable energy, setting the stage for a resilient future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic resistance is the most economical and efficient way to reduce production losses brought on by diseases. Plant breeders continuously incorporate new, dependable sources into their breeding materials to continue developing disease-resistant genotypes. Fourteen certified wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar (Bahawalpur-2000, NIFA-Bathor08, Fareed-2006, Haider-2002, Imdad-2005, Lasani-2008, Marvi-2000, Moomal-2000, Manther-2003, Pirsabak-2006, Iqbal-2000, Pirsabak-2004, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002) seeds from the Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) were grown in pots. DNA obtained from fresh leaves of the wheat cultivars were screened for leaf rust resistance genes (i.e. Lr-51, Lr-47, Lr-46, Lr-37, Lr-36, Lr-35, Lr-34, Lr-28, Lr-25, Lr-19, Lr-13, Lr-9, and Lr-1 using PCR. Results showed that the Lr-47 gene was present in nine wheat cultivars, Lr-1 and Lr-28 in eight, Lr-5, Lr-9, and Lr-13 in three, and Lr-19 and Lr-37 in one cultivar. In the selected wheat cultivars, the resistance genes Lr-25, Lr-35, Lr-36, and Lr-46 were not observed. This study suggests cultivating wheat varieties Haider-2002, Iqbal-2000, Lasani-2008, Manther-2003, Pirsbak-2004, Pirsbak-2006, Shahkar-2013, and Wafaq-2002 for high level of resistance to rust and protection against high production losses. In future studies, phenotypic data alongside genotypic screening will improve the assessment of leaf rust resistance in wheat cultivars, leading to a better understanding of their disease resistance profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]