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The exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has boosted connectivity across various sectors, such as Industry 4.0 and smart cities. However, this expansion has also exposed IoT devices to critical vulnerabilities, including spoofing, DoS attacks, and unauthorized access. Traditional security solutions, based on centralized architectures, are neither scalable nor efficient enough to handle the increasing complexity and number of IoT devices, leading to high latencies, increased energy consumption, and inadequate intrusion detection. In this work, we propose a hybrid solution that combines Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve security and operational efficiency in IoT networks. Blockchain ensures device authentication and data integrity through a lightweight consensus protocol, while AI enables real-time intrusion detection using deep learning models. The simulations demonstrate that the proposed system improves the precision of detecting phishing attacks by up to 95.2%. At the same time, the authentication latency is reduced to 15 ms in networks with 1000 connected devices, 66.6% faster than traditional solutions. In addition, the energy consumption of the hybrid system is 31.8% lower than that of conventional approaches, validating its scalability and efficiency in large-scale IoT networks.

Abstract Background Geographical factors can affect infectious disease transmission, including SARS-CoV-2, a virus that is spread through respiratory secretions. Prioritization of surveillance and response activities during a pandemic can be informed by a pathogen’s geographical transmission patterns. We assessed the relationship between geographical factors and SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Zambia. Methods We did a cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in six districts in July 2020, which was during the upslope of the first wave in Zambia. In each district, 16 Standard Enumeration Areas (SEAs) were randomly selected and 20 households from each SEA were sampled. The SEA PCR prevalence was calculated as the number of persons testing PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the SEA times the individual sampling weight for the SEA divided by the SEA population. We analysed SEA geographical data for population density, socioeconomic status (SES) (with lower scores indicating reduced vulnerability), literacy, access to water, and sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors. Gaussian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models and Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to measure adjusted prevalence Ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SARS-CoV-2 prevalence with geographical factors, after adjusting for clustering by district, in R. Results Overall, the median SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the 96 SEAs was 41.7 (Interquartile range (IQR), 0.0-96.2) infections per 1000 persons. In the multivariable CAR analysis, increasing SES vulnerability was associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR) = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.94). Conversely, urban SEAs and poor access to WASH were associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.46–2.03, No soap: aPR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05–2.05, households without piped water: aPR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.65, 30 min to fetch water: aPR = 23.39, 95% CI: 8.89–61.52). Findings were similar in the multivariable GEE analysis. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was higher in wealthier, urban EAs, with poor access to WASH. As this study was conducted early in the first wave could have impacted our findings. Additional analyses from subsequent waves could confirm if these findings persist. During the beginning of a COVID-19 wave in Zambia, surveillance and response activities should be focused on urban population centres and improving access to WASH.

Background: Patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) typically present with heterogeneity in the extent of cardiac dysfunction and extra-cardiac comorbidities, which play a decisive role for survival after transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI). Objectives: This aim of this study was to create a survival tree-based model to determine the cardiac and extra-cardiac features associated with 2-year survival after TTVI. Methods: The study included 918 patients (derivation set, n = 631; validation set, n = 287) undergoing TTVI for severe TR. Supervised machine learning-derived survival tree-based modelling was applied to preprocedural clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic data. Results: Following univariate regression analysis to pre-select candidate variables for 2-year mortality prediction, a survival tree-based model was constructed using 4 key parameters. Three distinct cluster-related risk categories were identified, which differed significantly in survival after TTVI. Patients from the low-risk category (n = 261) were defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure ≤28 mm Hg and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide ≤2,728 pg/mL, and they exhibited a 2-year survival rate of 85.5%. Patients from the high-risk category (n = 190) were defined by mean pulmonary artery pressure >28 mm Hg, right atrial area >32.5 cm2, and estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤51 mL/min, and they showed a significantly worse 2-year survival of only 52.6% (HR for 2-year mortality: 4.3, P < 0.001). Net re-classification improvement analysis demonstrated that this model was comparable to the TRI-Score and outperformed the EuroScore II in identifying high-risk patients. The prognostic value of risk phenotypes was confirmed by external validation. Conclusions: This simple survival tree-based model effectively stratifies patients with severe TR into distinct risk categories, demonstrating significant differences in 2-year survival after TTVI.

La educación escolarizada ecuatoriana busca formar sociedades con valores y conciencia ambiental para enfrentar los problemas relacionados con el medio ambiente. El abordaje de estos problemas se realiza desde las diversas disciplinas que constituyen el currículo a través de proyectos inter y transdisciplinares. En este escenario, la propuesta del arte como medio pedagógico plantea trabajar el arte visual con un enfoque ecológico, de esta manera, se fomenta la motivación y la creatividad de los estudiantes. El objetivo es analizar la función del arte visual como medio pedagógico en el proceso educativo para motivar el aprendizaje y estimular la creatividad, fomentando una conciencia ambiental en los estudiantes. Los resultados teorizan y argumentan técnicas artísticas visuales que pueden ser utilizadas en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje con el propósito de fortalecer el vínculo entre los estudiantes y la naturaleza, construyendo así una educación que ofrezca respuestas a los desafíos contemporáneos a partir de la articulación de las diversas áreas del conocimiento.

Background: Melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal skin cancer that affects thousands of people worldwide. Ruthenium complexes have shown promising results as cancer chemotherapeutics, offering several advantages over platinum drugs, such as potent efficacy, low toxicity, and less drug resistance. Additionally, anthraquinone derivatives have broad therapeutic applications, including melanoma. Objectives: Thus, two new ruthenium complexes with 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone were obtained: trans-[Ru(HQ)(PPh3)2(bipy)]PF6 (1) and cis-[RuCl2(HQ)(dppb)] (2), where HQ = 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone, PPh3 = triphenylphospine, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, PF6 = hexafluorophosphate, and dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane. Methods: The complexes were characterized by infrared (IR), UV–vis, 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies, molar conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and elemental analysis. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. Results: Compound (2) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which confirms the bidentate coordination mode of HQ through the carbonyl and phenolate oxygens. Additionally, DNA-binding experiments yielded constants of 105 M−1 (Kb = 6.93 × 105 for (1) and 1.60 × 105 for (2)) and demonstrate that both complexes can interact with DNA through intercalation, electrostatic attraction, or hydrogen bonding. Conclusions: The cytotoxicity profiles of the compounds were evaluated in human melanoma cell lines (SK-MEL-147, CHL-1, and WM1366), revealing greater cytotoxic activity for (1) on the CHL-1 cell line with an IC50 of 14.50 ± 1.09 µM. Subsequent studies showed that (1) inhibits the proliferation of CHL-1 cells and induces apoptosis, associated at least in part with the pro-oxidant effect and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition.

Background and Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The current standard of care involves neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by radical gastrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in comparison to chemotherapy alone for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies examining the addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to neoadjuvant therapy for LAGC. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for binary outcomes, such as pathological complete response (pCR), with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Seven studies were included, encompassing a total of 1772 patients. Baseline median age ranged from 31 to 75 years. Most patients had an ECOG performance status score of 0 (942 patients), while 294 had an ECOG score of 1. The estimated pCR (OR 5.94, 95% CI 3.98–8.87; p < 0.000001) significantly favored the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy over chemotherapy alone. Additionally, the incidence of certain adverse events increased significantly in the intervention group, including any-grade hypothyroidism (OR 4.55, 95% CI 2.27–9.10; p = 0.000019) and rash (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10–2.76; p = 0.017). Conversely, the control group showed a statistically significant lower incidence of grade ≥ 3 fatigue (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.15–6.85; p = 0.024) compared to the intervention group. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that the addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with a higher pathological complete response rate compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geographical factors can affect infectious disease transmission, including SARS-CoV-2, a virus that is spread through respiratory secretions. Prioritization of surveillance and response activities during a pandemic can be informed by a pathogen's geographical transmission patterns. We assessed the relationship between geographical factors and SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Zambia. Methods: We did a cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in six districts in July 2020, which was during the upslope of the first wave in Zambia. In each district, 16 Standard Enumeration Areas (SEAs) were randomly selected and 20 households from each SEA were sampled. The SEA PCR prevalence was calculated as the number of persons testing PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the SEA times the individual sampling weight for the SEA divided by the SEA population. We analysed SEA geographical data for population density, socioeconomic status (SES) (with lower scores indicating reduced vulnerability), literacy, access to water, and sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors. Gaussian conditional autoregressive (CAR) models and Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to measure adjusted prevalence Ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for SARS-CoV-2 prevalence with geographical factors, after adjusting for clustering by district, in R. Results: Overall, the median SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in the 96 SEAs was 41.7 (Interquartile range (IQR), 0.0-96.2) infections per 1000 persons. In the multivariable CAR analysis, increasing SES vulnerability was associated with lower SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR) = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78–0.94). Conversely, urban SEAs and poor access to WASH were associated with a higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (aPR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.46–2.03, No soap: aPR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05–2.05, households without piped water: aPR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05–1.65, 30 min to fetch water: aPR = 23.39, 95% CI: 8.89–61.52). Findings were similar in the multivariable GEE analysis. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was higher in wealthier, urban EAs, with poor access to WASH. As this study was conducted early in the first wave could have impacted our findings. Additional analyses from subsequent waves could confirm if these findings persist. During the beginning of a COVID-19 wave in Zambia, surveillance and response activities should be focused on urban population centres and improving access to WASH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the role of the Pinas Sarap TV show as a travel motivation tool in promoting Filipino cuisine, as perceived by selected Tourism and Hospitality Management students at a private university in Manila. It investigates how the program influences various factors in travel, including accessibility, attractions, culture, education, and gastronomy. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed there were 60 respondents in this study. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire. The statistical methods employed in this study were the percentage, weighted mean, and T-test used to analyze the findings. The results indicate that Pinas Sarap motivates viewers to explore Filipino gastronomy and travel destinations. Respondents reported a higher motivational level after watching the show, particularly in seeking cultural knowledge, experiencing authentic cuisines, and appreciating the history of Filipino food. There was also a notable impact on their awareness of food-related travel opportunities, with a significant difference observed in travel motivations before and after viewing the program. The study underscores the potential of culinary travel shows as effective mediums for boosting local tourism. It recommends further investment in such programs to enhance their reach and influence, ultimately supporting the promotion of local destinations and cuisines. Future researchers are encouraged to examine the impact of other digital platforms, such as blogs and travel documentaries, on tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although micron‐sized microgels have become important building blocks in regenerative materials, offering decisive interactions with living matter, their chemical composition mostly significantly varies when their network morphology is tuned. Since cell behavior is simultaneously affected by the physical, chemical, and structural properties of the gel network, microgels with variable morphology but chemical equivalence are of interest. This work describes a new method to produce thermoresponsive microgels with defined mechanical properties, surface morphologies, and volume phase transition temperatures. A wide variety of microgels is synthesized by crosslinking monomers or star polymers at different temperatures using thermally assisted microfluidics. The diversification of microgels with different network structures and morphologies but of chemical equivalence offers a new platform of microgel building blocks with the ability to undergo phase transition at physiological temperatures. The method holds high potential to create soft and dynamic materials while maintaining the chemical composition for a wide variety of applications in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological complexes are characterized by different degrees of damage related to both natural events and anthropogenic triggers. The damage may be assessed through direct observation or remotely acquired data. Here, we present a morphometric analysis of a digital surface model (DSM) obtained from an orthophotogrammetric survey at the Sanctuary of Pachacamac Archaeological Complex, Peru (2nd to 16th centuries AD), which includes temples, enclosures, huacas, and roads. We determine different morphometric parameters to quantitatively describe the architectural layout of the site. These are aspect, slope, range, and topographic position index (TPI). We applied a modified TPI classification to measure the different degrees of preservation of the walls of the archaeological structures and recognize preserved, partly preserved, partly destroyed, and destroyed walls. The walls of the site show different degrees of preservation related to the damage associated with earthquakes and El Niño destructive events. The architectural layout of the archaeological site is defined by NW-SE and NE-SW striking walls. This is due to buildings constructed along the two main NW-SE and NE-SW striking roads of the Qhapac–Ñan road network. The prevailing El Niño wind direction may also explain the observed architectural layout. Morphometric parameters can be used to estimate the degree of conservation of archaeological sites. Our analytical approach can be applied to modern buildings damaged by natural events or human activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To our knowledge, no studies have been published on systematic screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in all newly diagnosed head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients irrespective of cancer stage and primary tumor location. This knowledge gap has led to uncertainty regarding the prevalence of OD within this population. Moreover, the prevalence of OD and its relationship with demographic and oncological characteristics can guide us to more effective screening and management of a patient's risk profile before the start of cancer treatment. This study unveiled that approximately one-fifth of all newly diagnosed HNC patients are at risk of OD before the start of cancer treatment, with advanced-stage cancer and malnutrition emerging as significant risk factors. These findings equip health professionals to prioritize closer monitoring and tailored interventions to prepare patients with a risk of OD and OD-related complications for their entire cancer treatment trajectory. Background: Head-and-neck cancer (HNC) can cause oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Early identification of OD in newly diagnosed HNC patients is important to better prepare patients for their cancer treatment trajectory. The aim of this study is (1) to assess the prevalence of OD in HNC patients within three weeks before the start of cancer treatment and (2) to investigate which demographic and oncological characteristics may be risk factors associated with the risk of OD at baseline. Methods: Patients (N = 225) completed the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) and Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between OD versus demographic and oncological characteristics. Results: A total of 21.3% (proportion 0.213; 95% CI 0.163–0.274) of the patients were at risk for OD. After correction for age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) grade, and primary tumor location, a significant association was found between advanced-stage cancer versus the risk of OD. Additionally, post hoc analysis revealed a significant association between the risk of malnutrition versus the risk of OD. Conclusions: Approximately one-fifth of all newly diagnosed HNC patients are at risk of OD, with advanced-stage cancer and malnutrition emerging as significant risk factors of OD. These findings empower health professionals toward more effective screening and management of a patient's risk profile before the start of HNC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal skin cancer that affects thousands of people worldwide. Ruthenium complexes have shown promising results as cancer chemotherapeutics, offering several advantages over platinum drugs, such as potent efficacy, low toxicity, and less drug resistance. Additionally, anthraquinone derivatives have broad therapeutic applications, including melanoma. Objectives: Thus, two new ruthenium complexes with 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone were obtained: trans-[Ru(HQ)(PPh3)2(bipy)]PF6 (1) and cis-[RuCl2(HQ)(dppb)] (2), where HQ = 1-hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone, PPh3 = triphenylphospine, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, PF6 = hexafluorophosphate, and dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane. Methods: The complexes were characterized by infrared (IR), UV–vis, 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopies, molar conductivity, cyclic voltammetry, and elemental analysis. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed. Results: Compound (2) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which confirms the bidentate coordination mode of HQ through the carbonyl and phenolate oxygens. Additionally, DNA-binding experiments yielded constants of 105 M−1 (Kb = 6.93 × 105 for (1) and 1.60 × 105 for (2)) and demonstrate that both complexes can interact with DNA through intercalation, electrostatic attraction, or hydrogen bonding. Conclusions: The cytotoxicity profiles of the compounds were evaluated in human melanoma cell lines (SK-MEL-147, CHL-1, and WM1366), revealing greater cytotoxic activity for (1) on the CHL-1 cell line with an IC50 of 14.50 ± 1.09 µM. Subsequent studies showed that (1) inhibits the proliferation of CHL-1 cells and induces apoptosis, associated at least in part with the pro-oxidant effect and cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]