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High amounts of dyes in receiving waters are dangerous to the ecosystem due to their specific properties, such as high alkalinity, high organic compound content, and robust structure. The present article aims to investigate the efficiency of the Fe3O4/zeolite process in removing methylene blue dye (MB) from aqueous solutions, as well as to optimize the factors influencing the efficiency of removal. Initially, a Fe3O4/zeolite nanocomposite was prepared and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The impact of various parameters such as pH of the aqueous solution, nanocomposite dosage, contact time, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption efficiency was systematically investigated. FTIR shows presence of iron disrupts the hydrogen bonds in the zeolite structure. Additionally, SEM analysis reveals the pronounced microporosity of the Fe3O4/zeolite nanocomposite. Optimal conditions were determined to be a pH of 9.0, an adsorbent dosage of 0.75 g/L, a contact time of 45 min, and a methylene blue concentration of 50 mg/L, resulting in a removal efficiency of 96.92%. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process of methylene blue followed the Freundlich isotherm (R2 > 0.984) and pseudo-second-order kinetic models (R2 > 0.9958), respectively. The qm (sorption capacity) of the Fe3O4/zeolite nanocomposite was 113.64 mg/g. Furthermore, the reusability of the adsorbent was assessed through five consecutive experiments, demonstrating only a marginal decrease (approximately 7.9%) in methylene blue removal efficiency. These findings underscore the potential of the magnetic nanocomposite based on zeolite as a highly effective adsorbent for methylene blue removal applications.Highlights: A zeolite-based magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized using FT-IR and SEM techniques for the removal of methylene blue dye from water. The study determined optimal conditions for dye removal as a pH of 9.0, an adsorbent dosage of 0.75 g/L, a contact time of 45 min, and an initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L, achieving a removal efficiency of 96.92%. The adsorption process followed the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, with high correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.984 and R2 > 0.9958, respectively). The adsorbent demonstrated good reusability with only a 7.9% decrease in removal efficiency over five consecutive uses, highlighting its effectiveness for repeated applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new moving bed membrane bioreactor (MBMBR) configuration was developed for the treatment of real municipal wastewater. A regular membrane bioreactor (RMBR) and an integrated moving bed membrane bioreactor (IMBMBR) were operated to evaluate carbon and nutrient removal, nitrification and denitrification, microbial community, kinetics behavior, and membrane fouling. The results showed that the quality of the effluent was significantly better with the IMBMBR. The removal efficiencies of COD and BOD5 with the IMBMBR were 90.94 ± 4.4% and 95.39 ± 3.96%, respectively, compared to 87.65 ± 4.8% and 93.84 ± 3.52%, with the RMBR. The IMBMBR configuration membrane showed less fouling than the RMBR. The attenuation of membrane fouling in IMBMBR is likely due to the lower concentrations of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In terms of biokinetics, modified Stover-Kincannon and second-order models fitted the experimental data more smoothly than the first-order model did. The results of this research indicate that the wastewater treatment sector can achieve a more acceptable effluent quality by replacing RMBR with IMBMBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the quest to engineer advanced biomaterials for orthopedic implant applications, this study presents a meticulous exploration into the biocompatibility of TiZrNbCrV, TiZrNbFeCr, and TiZrNbFeV alloys. The research endeavors to unveil the intricate interplay between material attributes and cellular responses, offering nuanced insights into the development of biocompatible implant materials. A salient discovery emerges as the investigation scrutinizes the role of adhesion patches residing within enriched areas, yielding a profound impact on cellular spreading dynamics. This phenomenon, previously observed in Bio-HEA alloys, accentuates the pivotal role of surface characteristics as architectural orchestrators of cellular behavior. Central to cellular functionality, cell proliferation governs a spectrum of vital processes, including gene expression, migratory dynamics, and protein synthesis. The alloy samples under scrutiny reveal distinctive cell morphologies, with the TiZrNbFeCr alloy mirroring the morphology of Bio-HEA. In contrast, the TiZrNbCrV and TiZrNbFeV samples portray a diminutive osteoblast phenotype, signaling variances in cytoskeletal organization. The study underscores a compelling correlation between low cytotoxicity profiles and the tandem attributes of robust corrosion resistance and the formation of stable oxide passivation layers. Remarkably, the TiZrNbFeCr alloy emerges as a standout, characterized by augmented cell adhesion and an early commitment to ossification, as evidenced by the proliferation of larger cells. Furthermore, this research underscores the prospect of elevating biocompatibility by strategically integrating titanium and zirconium oxide layers into alloy design, shedding light on a promising avenue for enhancing biomaterial performance. While corrosion resistance remains a foundational criterion, the conspicuous absence of deleterious elements, notably nickel and vanadium in specific alloy compositions, emerges as a cardinal contributor to the heightened biocompatibility profiles observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower, derived from the power of flowing water, is a valuable and sustainable source of clean energy. It offers affordable electricity from local resources for multiple generations. However, the production of hydropower is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study aims to assess how climate change affects the potential production of hydropower at Dez Dam in Western Iran. To do this, we used five General Circulation Models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to project future temperatures and precipitation. We applied the Quantile Mapping (QM) method to correct any biases in the GCMs' output for two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs): SSP245 and SSP585, during the periods 2025–2054 and 2071–2100. We calibrated, validated, and used a regional Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to simulate future reservoir inflow. Next, we employed the River Basin Management Decision Support System (MODSIM-DSS) to quantify hydropower production in response to changing inflow. Our findings indicate that (1) temperatures are expected to increase in both future periods and SSPs, (2) different GCMs project different precipitation patterns, and (3) according to the average results from the five GCMs, reservoir inflow and hydropower generation are projected to decrease by 4% and 7% in 2025–2054, and by 8.6% and 13.8% in 2071–2100 under the worst-case scenario SSP585, respectively. These results provide valuable insights for long-term management planning and decision-making processes for the Dez hydropower plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The incidence of prediabetes has been on the rise, indicating a growing public health concern, as individuals with prediabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to determine the effects of simple interventions on the regression of pre-diabetes status into normoglycemia and also prevent progression to diabetes in a pragmatic community trial. Methods: A total of 2073 (761 intervention; 1,312 controls) participants with pre-diabetes were included in the present secondary data analysis; cases with diabetes or normoglycemia were identified during nine years of follow-up. We utilized multinomial logistic regression to calculate relative risk reductions (RRR, 95% CIs) for educational interventions targeting lifestyle changes in both men and women. Additionally, we employed a linear regression model that considered the ordinal outcomes ranging from normal to prediabetes and diabetes. Results: In men, after adjusting for confounders, the intervention group had a 53% (95% CI = 1.11–2.10) more significant chance of returning to normoglycemia than the control group after three years of follow-up. In addition, men in the intervention group also had an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes than men in the control group (RRR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.02–2.31) after three years of follow-up. These findings among men remained consistent even after a six-year follow-up period. In women, after adjusting for age, the chance of returning to normoglycemia after three years in the intervention group was 1.30 times higher than in women in the control group (95% CI = 1.00-1.69), which disappeared after adjusting for other covariates or after six years of follow-up. The results of the regression analysis showed that the intervention had no effect on changing the status of the outcome from normal to prediabetes and diabetes. Conclusion: We could not demonstrate any effect of a simple intervention in improving prediabetes. This high-risk population may require more gender-specific intensive interventions and attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a subgradient-based algorithm for constrained nonsmooth convex optimization that does not require projections onto the feasible set. While the well-established Frank–Wolfe algorithm and its variants already avoid projections, they are primarily designed for smooth objective functions. In contrast, our proposed algorithm can handle nonsmooth problems with general convex functional inequality constraints. It achieves an ϵ -suboptimal solution in O (ϵ - 2) iterations, with each iteration requiring only a single (potentially inexact) Linear Minimization Oracle call and a (possibly inexact) subgradient computation. This performance is consistent with existing lower bounds. Similar performance is observed when deterministic subgradients are replaced with stochastic subgradients. In the special case where there are no functional inequality constraints, our algorithm competes favorably with a recent nonsmooth projection-free method designed for constraint-free problems. Our approach utilizes a simple separation scheme in conjunction with a new Lagrange multiplier update rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabaceae, one of the largest flowering plant families, comprises several subfamilies and genera. Fabaceous plant species host a large number of powdery mildew species belonging to the genus Erysiphe. The affiliation of these species to Erysiphe is readily possible, but they represent a morphologically and taxonomically complicated complex of closely related, morphologically similar species with overlapping traits. Precise morphological examinations along with phylogenetic analyses, including type collections and other representative samples, are needed to solve the complexity of Erysiphe spp. on legumes. In this study, we sequenced a number of collections of powdery mildews on Pisum, Lathyrus, Vicia and Ononis spp., with a special focus on specimens from Iran, to clarify species delimitations within the Erysiphe pisi complex and other Erysiphe species complexes on legumes. Sequences retrieved from powdery mildew on Pisum and Ononis fall into separate, well supported clades. Hence, the original status of E. cruchetiana as a species of its own on Ononis spp. is reinstated instead of E. pisi var. cruchetiana. Ten species, viz., E. astragali, E. bremeri, E. caulicola, E. cruchetiana, E. iranica, E. medicaginis, E. pisi, E. rayssiae, E. sesbaniae and E. trifoliorum were confirmed for Iran, redescribed and illustrated on the basis of Iranian collections. Erysiphe astragali, E. bremeri, E. coluteae and E. crispula form a genetically little differentiated clade in ITS/LSU analyses, which is referred to as E. astragali clade (complex), comparable to the E. trifoliorum clade (complex). Based on our results, E. coluteae and E. crispula are reduced to synonymy with E. astragali and E. sophorae is considered a synonym of E. bremeri. Sequences of the North American E. intermedia on Lupinus species form a small clade nested within the big E. astragali clade. DNA of the holotype of E. sesbaniae was sequenced for the first time in this study. To use the sequences obtained from some new collections as reference sequences for phylogenetic-taxonomic purposes, we propose, for the interim, reference sequences for E. bremeri, E. caulicola, E. cruchetiana, E. pisi and E. viciae-unijugae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted significant attention due to their considerable capacity for delivering effective energy storage. As LIBs are the predominant energy storage solution across various fields, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, advancements in production technologies directly impact energy efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The fast-growing demand for improved battery performance, such as higher energy densities and reduced costs, necessitates continuous innovation to meet these requirements. Furthermore, LIBs play a pivotal role, making it crucial to track and adopt emerging manufacturing techniques that contribute to cleaner and more efficient energy solutions. This review surveys multiple aspects of LIB manufacturing, beginning with electrode-level advancements in novel materials and process optimization and extending to the cell-level and innovative cell designs. It further investigates automotive battery production, the significance of battery management systems, and the interdisciplinary aspects of battery pack design. The emerging domain of all-solid-state technologies is also scrutinized, focusing on criteria, architectural designs, manufacturing processes, and the innovative application of 3D printing technology. Finally, this paper emphasizes the transformative potential of digitalization in LIB manufacturing, elucidating its advantages, challenges, and future prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and accurate method has been developed for detecting and quantifying polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) in food samples using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with a simple preparation process. The method is designed to effectively detect and quantify mixtures of these polymers in varying ratios within the food matrix. By employing gold-silver core–shell nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs) as the enhancing substrate, the SERS method demonstrated superior sensitivity in detecting trace amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs). For 1-µm PS microparticles, the limit of detection (LOD) values range from 12 to 50 mg/L or mg/kg in water, spinach, and kale, while for 100-nm PS nanoparticles, the LOD values range from 18 to 47 mg/L or mg/kg. For 1-µm PE microparticles, the LOD values range from 173 to 416 mg/L or mg/kg in the same matrices, whereas for 65-nm PE nanoparticles, the values range from 446 to 744 mg/L or mg/kg. The mixtures of PS and PE in varying ratios were also tested, with both plastics detectable even at trace levels, emphasizing the method's precision in detecting plastic contaminants. These findings highlight the potential of SERS as a powerful tool for monitoring MNP contamination in food products by detecting both individual plastics and their mixtures, enabling precise quantification of contamination and contributing to improved food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research is the fabrication of an effective corrosion-resistant vinyl ester (VE) coating with active corrosion inhibition properties. This research deals with the synthesis of functionalized graphene oxide by the polyamidoamine dendrimer (GO/PAMAM) and the loading of zinc ion (Zn2+) on GO/PAMAM at several different pHs (2–6) in vinyl ester coating. Then, 0.2%w GO in VE, 0.2%w GO-PAMAM in VE, and 0.2%w GO-PAMAM/Zn2+ in VE were applied to carbon steel sheets by stretch film and spread at room temperature for 24 h. FTIR, SEM–EDX, TGA, BET, and EIS analysis were employed to check the physical and chemical properties of the samples. The consequence of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed that the presence of 0.2%w GO-PAMAM/Zn2+ in the VE coating provided an effective corrosion preventative system with remarkably enhanced barrier and inhibition properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious disease is the result of interactions between host and pathogen and can depend on genetic variations in both. We conduct a genome-to-genome study of paired human and Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes from a cohort of 1556 tuberculosis patients in Lima, Peru. We identify an association between a human intronic variant (rs3130660, OR = 10.06, 95%CI: 4.87 − 20.77, P = 7.92 × 10−8) in the FLOT1 gene and a subclavaluee of Mtb Lineage 2. In a human macrophage infection model, we observe hosts with the rs3130660-A allele exhibited stronger interferon gene signatures. The interacting strains have altered redox states due to a thioredoxin reductase mutation. We investigate this association in a 2020 cohort of 699 patients recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the prevalence of the interacting strain almost doubled between 2010 and 2020, its infection is not associated with rs3130660 in this recent cohort. These findings suggest a complex interplay among host, pathogen, and environmental factors in tuberculosis dynamics. Here, the authors conduct a paired genome analysis of humans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a cohort from Lima, Peru. Their research reveals that genetic variations in both the host and pathogen significantly influence the progression to tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anal fissures, tears in the epithelium of the anal canal that cause pain and bleeding, have a lifetime prevalence of 11%. While surgical treatments, such as lateral internal sphincterotomy are traditional, they pose postoperative complications. Recent studies investigated less invasive options involving botulinum toxin injection, showing promise with fewer adverse effects. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of botulinum toxin injection to lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissures. Method: Up to October 2023, an extensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant papers. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the comparative effectiveness of lateral internal sphincterotomy and botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of chronic anal fissures. The methodology adheres to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria, and the study protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF). Results: A total of 1,839 patients from 18 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Patients undergoing lateral internal sphincterotomy had higher healing compared to botulinum toxin injection (pooled effect = 0.77; 95% CI= [0.69– 0.83]; I2 = 90.95%; P = 0.00). Conclusion: Our study revealed the efficacy of lateral internal sphincterotomy over botulinum toxin injection in promoting healing for chronic anal fissures. These findings emphasize the clinical advantage of traditional surgical interventions in the management of this condition. However, further studies with long-term follow-up are required to confirm our observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Type 1 diabetes is associated with excess coronary artery disease (CAD) risk even when known cardiovascular risk factors are accounted for. Genetic perturbation of haematopoiesis that alters leukocyte production is a novel independent modifier of CAD risk. We examined whether there are shared genetic determinants and causal relationships between type 1 diabetes, CAD and leukocyte counts. Methods: Genome-wide association study summary statistics were used to perform pairwise linkage disequilibrium score regression and heritability estimation from summary statistics (ρ-HESS) to respectively estimate the genome-wide and local genetic correlations, and two-sample Mendelian randomisation to estimate the causal relationships between leukocyte counts (335,855 healthy individuals), type 1 diabetes (18,942 cases, 501,638 control individuals) and CAD (122,733 cases, 424,528 control individuals). A latent causal variable (LCV) model was performed to estimate the genetic causality proportion of the genetic correlation between type 1 diabetes and CAD. Results: There was significant genome-wide genetic correlation (rg) between type 1 diabetes and CAD (rg=0.088, p=8.60 × 10−3) and both diseases shared significant genome-wide genetic determinants with eosinophil count (rg for type 1 diabetes [rg(T1D)]=0.093, p=7.20 × 10−3, rg for CAD [rg(CAD)]=0.092, p=3.68 × 10−6) and lymphocyte count (rg(T1D)=−0.052, p=2.76 × 10−2, rg(CAD)=0.176, p=1.82 × 10−15). Sixteen independent loci showed stringent Bonferroni significant local genetic correlations between leukocyte counts, type 1 diabetes and/or CAD. Cis-genetic regulation of the expression levels of genes within shared loci between type 1 diabetes and CAD was associated with both diseases as well as leukocyte counts, including SH2B3, CTSH, MORF4L1, CTRB1, CTRB2, CFDP1 and IFIH1. Genetically predicted lymphocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil counts were associated with type 1 diabetes and CAD (lymphocyte OR for type 1 diabetes [ORT1D]=0.67, p=2.02−19, ORCAD=1.09, p=2.67 × 10−6; neutrophil ORT1D=0.82, p=5.63 × 10−5, ORCAD=1.17, p=5.02 × 10−14; and eosinophil ORT1D=1.67, p=5.45 × 10−25, ORCAD=1.07, p=2.03 × 10−4. The genetic causality proportion between type 1 diabetes and CAD was 0.36 ± 0.16 (pLCV=1.30 × 10−2), suggesting a possible intermediary causal variable. Conclusions/interpretation: This study sheds light on shared genetic mechanisms underlying type 1 diabetes and CAD, which may contribute to their co-occurrence through regulation of gene expression and leukocyte counts and identifies cellular and molecular targets for further investigation for disease prediction and potential drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Displaced abomasum (DA) usually occurs in the early postpartum period and can negatively affect production and welfare of dairy cows. The objective of this research was to identify predictors for the occurrence of DA in Iranian Holsteins. Therefore, we analyzed data collected from six commercial dairy farms in Iran (calving between January 2011 and October 2020). We used generalized linear mixed-effects model to identify predictors based on estimates of odds ratios (ORs). Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were then calculated, as these are expected to more accurately prioritize risk factors on population level by considering the association between the risk factor and the its prevalence in the population. Over the 6 herds, the average percentage of DA was 2.5% (range 1.1–3.4% across herds). The results showed that calving during winter increased the odds of DA 1.4 times. Cows with high milk fat-to-protein ratio before the occurrence of disease, abnormal calving (including dystocia, stillbirth, and twinning) and long pregnancy length (≥ 280 d) showed increased odds of DA with ORs of 1.52, 1.31 and 1.30, respectively. Milk yield was also positively associated with DA in next lactation. Among the modifiable predictors of DA, the highest PAF was for the ratio of milk fat-to-protein (11.0%); other PAFs were retained placenta (4.1%), metritis (3.1%), abnormal calving (2.7%), and ketosis (2.7%). The results of the present study can provide managers with the a helpful strategy to reduce the occurrence of DA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac Disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disorder with various symptoms upon gluten exposure. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in gliadin-induced inflammation. Vitamin A (retinol; Ret) and its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), along with tryptophan (Trp) and its metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA), are known to influence the immune function of DCs and enhance their tolerogenicity. This research aims to assess the impact of gliadin on DC maturation and the potential of vitamin A and tryptophan to induce immune tolerance in DCs. The monocyte cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of celiac disease patients were differentiated into DCs in the absence or presence of Ret, RA, Trp, KYNA, and then stimulated with peptic and tryptic (PT) digested of gliadin. We used flow cytometry to analyze CD11c, CD14, HLA-DR, CD83, CD86, and CD103 expression. ELISA was carried out to measure TGF-β, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α levels. qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) and integrin αE (CD103). The mRNA and protein levels of Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that PT-gliadin enhances the expression of maturation markers, i.e. CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR and promote the secretion of TNF-α and IL-12 in DCs. Interestingly, vitamin A, tryptophan, and their metabolites increase the expression of CD103, while limiting the expression of HLA-DR, CD83, and CD86. They also enhance RALDH2 and IDO expression and promote the secretion of TGF-β and IL-10, while limiting IL-12 and TNF-α secretion. These findings suggest that vitamin A and tryptophan have beneficial effects on PT-gliadin-stimulated DCs, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents for celiac disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand their underlying mechanisms of action in these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are disappearing globally at alarming rates; since 1900, 71% of wetlands have changed into other forms of land cover. The CA-Markov model is one of the most effective methods for forecasting LULC change. In order to predict LULC changes of Shadegan wetland in 2050, images for the years 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were classified based on segmentation and artificial neural networks (ANNs), and three classes were considered, including vegetation, bare land, and water. To assess accuracy of classification and prediction, the Kappa coefficient was calculated. Results indicate that CA-Markov has moderate predictive capability for future changes. Results of the image classification show that most of the changes occurred in vegetation from 2000 to 2020. So, about 170,000 hectares of this class have been converted to bar land. By comparing the LULC map in 2020 and 2050, if the current trend in the region is continued, in the 2050 year, 79.6% of the total area will be covered by the bare land. Increasing the amount of dry land in the area can create dust sources. During the last years, with the intensification and continuation of drought, dried parts of wetlands such as Shadegan became the most active dust sources in the southwest of Iran. The aerosol optical depth time series data were used to verify the model’s prediction findings. The result of the Mann-Kendall (MK) test shows the positive trend in the AOD time series, indicating an increasing trend in dust concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is a destructive skin disease with few therapeutic options in the developed stage and therefore there is a critical need for reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. In this context, microRNAs could play an important role as diagnostic biomarkers. Three datasets with accession numbers GSE31568, GSE61741 and GSE20994 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. MATLAB software was used to analyze differentially expressed miRNAs between cutaneous melanoma plasma samples and normal plasma samples (control). Plasma levels of miR-193b, miR-146b-3p and miR-483-3p were evaluated by the RT-PCR method. Furthermore, linear regression followed by receiver operating characteristic analyses was performed to estimate whether selected plasma miRNAs were able to distinguish between cases and controls. Finally, the data were analyzed by unpaired Mann–Whitney U test using Graph pad prism 8 computer software. Specifically, miR-193b and miR-146b-3p were downregulated in the plasma of melanoma patients compared with control groups which were decreased 5 × 10 6 -fold in miR-193b and 58-fold in miR-146b-3p, while miR-483-3p was upregulated 3.5-fold. After receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, miR-193b with the most area under the curve (AUC: 1.00, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.00, p < 0.0001) had the best discriminatory power, and miR-146b-3p had the large area under the curve (AUC: 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.96–1.00, p < 0.0001) and consequently the high discriminatory power. Between these three miRNAs, miR-193b and miR-146b-3p had a high capacity to distinguish between melanoma patients and control groups that are appropriate to be applied in melanoma diagnosis as an early and noninvasive method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to treatment of high organic matter concentration in leachate produced by municipal waste in developing countries. The average properties of the raw leachate were investigated, including chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and total suspended solids (TSS), which were found to be 55,058.7, 34,500, and 8080 mg/L, respectively. The study evaluated the performance of integrated systems consisting of modified septic tanks (MST) and horizontal flow subsurface flow constructed wetland (HF-SFCW) to treat this type of leachate. The maximum removal efficiencies for COD, BOD5, and TSS were 61.18%, 55.07%, and 64.6% for MST, and 67.93%, 61.90%, and 71.11% for HF-SFCW. Also, the percentage phosphorus removal was 35.41% for MST and 54.16% for HF-SFCW, while the efficiency of nitrogen compound removal was reported differently for the two methods. MST showed an increase in ammonium concentration due to anaerobic conditions and denitrification, while HF-SFCW showed a significant decrease in ammonium concentration and a slight increase in nitrate and nitrite concentrations. The study concluded that MST and HF-SFCW planted with Phragmites australis exhibited good phytoremediation performance in heavily polluted leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel coordination CuCl2(L)2 complex was synthesized by complexation of the 2-thiophenimidazoline ligand with CuCl2.2H2O in less than 10 min. The synthesis was done using ultrasound irradiation in an ethanol solvent. The complexation was confirmed using CHN and FT-IR analysis and linked to the theoretical IR and DFT calculations. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction approach was employed to figure out the arrangement of atoms in the crystal structure of the CuCl2(L)2 complex. The copper ion is coordinated by two symmetry-related non-chelating 2-thiophenimidazoline ligands and two symmetry-related chlorine atoms. 2-Thiophenimidazoline ligands coordinate with the metal center by N-atom, whereas S-atom does not coordinate with the metal center. The X-ray results revealed a square planar coordination geometry, as evident from the respective bond angles around the Cu(II) ion. Hirshfeld surface analysis was done to learn more about intermolecular contacts. Theoretical calculations were carried out using DFT employing the B3LYP/Def2-TZVP level of theory, which showed that theoretical conclusions were reliable with experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omentin-1 has been acknowledged as an anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing marker, which is mainly expressed in adipose tissue. Exercise training is a therapeutic intervention that can possibly improve and modify circulating Omentin-1 levels. Objective: To determine the effects of exercise training on circulating Omentin-1, glycemic control, and body composition in adult population. Data sources: Four electronic databases and reference lists of included articles were searched until February 5, 2023. The effect size of outcomes was summarized by calculating the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Ten RCTs comprising 385 participants were included. The overall model revealed that exercise training increased Omentin-1 compared to the control (MD = 3.57 ng.ml; 95% CI, 1.80 to 5.34 ng.ml; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis by exercise modalities revealed significant increases in Omentin-1 after isolated aerobic (p = 0.002) and resistance (p < 0.001) training but not after combined training. Subgroup analysis by sex indicated a significant improvement of Omentin-1 in women (p = 0.015) and men (p = 0.007). Furthermore, a significant increase was found in both healthy (p = 0.035) and non-healthy (p = 0.002) participants. Analysis of other outcomes indicated that exercise training significantly reduced glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, body weight, body mass index, and body fat, as well as improved lipid profiles. Conclusion: These findings reveal that isolated aerobic and resistance exercises resulted in an increase in serum levels of Omentin-1 in adults. More high-quality studies are required to clarify the mechanisms underlying the influence of exercise training on Omentin-1 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of oral theophylline on stent-related syndrome (SRS) after Double-J insertion. Background: Double-J stent is widely using in many urological procedures. Infection, hematuria, and discomfort are some of common complication after stenting. Theophylline is a dimethylated xanthine that inhibits phosphodiesterase and blocks adenosine receptors. To relaxing effect of theophylline on smooth muscles and its effects on the urinary system, it seems it could reduce complications after inserting Double-J stent especially ureteral stent syndrome. Method: In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 67 patients were enrolled. Mean (SD) age of control and theophylline group was 51.8 (12.5) and 43.9 (10.4) years old, respectively. Patients were randomized into two groups of control and theophylline. All patients were stenting with silicon Double J. Theophylline group received 100 mg of theophylline, twice daily for 30 days, while control group received placebo. Stent symptoms were assessed by questionnaire and urine culture was performed before stent removal at removal day. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-squared test and t test with P < 0.05 considered significant. Logistic regression models were fitted, crudely and adjusted for age and sex. Result: Of 67 eligible patients, 60 completed the study. Theophylline significantly decreased percentages of gross hematuria (P < 0.001), dysuria (P < 0.001), and urinary frequency (P < 0.001). Microscopic hematuria (P = 0.042) and chills (P = 0.042) also decreased after theophylline. Conclusion: Theophylline could be an effective and safe choice for reducing SRS among patients undergoing Double-J stent insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluates the color wastewater treatment in the textile industry by the persulfate/ dithionite (PS/DTN) process. This study was performed on a laboratory scale in a reactor with a batch system. The wastewater was taken from the textile industry, and the efficiency of the PS/DTN process in the treatment and removal of COD of this wastewater was optimized by the operational parameters of pH, PS, DTN, and reaction time. Optimal values of these parameters were obtained at pH = 3, PS = DTN = 1.5 g/L, and reaction time = 90 min. Although in optimal condition, the removal efficiency of COD and TOC reached 64.9 and 54.5%; it does not meet the required discharge conditions and standards. On the other hand, it was observed that this process has a good ability to improve the biodegradability properties of textile wastewater, and the results showed a good increase in BOD5/COD and average oxidation state (AOS) and carbon oxidation state (COS) indexes to 0.47, 0.7, and by 2.4. Dominant radical contributed to the system for oxidation was found to be SO 4 ∙ - based on the scavenger radical test. According to the findings, it can be suggested that this system can be proposed as a pre-treatment step to reduce the toxicity of wastewater and reduce the input COD load to the biological system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we introduce virtual versions of H-supplemented modules and NS-modules. These modules are defined by replacing the condition of being a "direct summand" with being "isomorphic to a direct summand". The paper explores various equivalent conditions for a module to be virtually H-supplemented and investigates their fundamental properties. It is discovered that over a right V-ring for a module, the concepts virtually H-supplemented, virtually semisimple and VNS, coincide. Additionally, it is proven that each right R-module is VNS if and only if every noncosingular right R-module is injective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the dynamic nature and limited resources in wireless networks, attack occurrence is inevitable. These attacks can damage or weaken the transmitted packets and threaten the entire system's efficiency. As a result, in such a situation, great and sometimes irreparable damage will be done to the business. Thus, security and attack prevention in wireless networks become a necessity and are very important. Essence intrusion detection systems determine whether a user's performance and behavior under the control or activity of a network traffic load is malicious. Since the characteristics of user behavior and network traffic are diverse and numerous, Selecting some features is necessary to improve the classification accuracy. Therefore, in this idea, a new model for estimating the penetration of wireless network-based networks is proposed based on a combination of feature subset selection based on firewall algorithm and fast neural learning networks. In this paper, the proposed idea will use the training set from the data set collected to test intrusion detection systems called KDD Cup to determine network intrusion detection methods and evaluate the proposed model. The proposed idea, based on the results obtained from the simulation and its performance in various experiments, has shown that it has improved significantly in terms of multiple criteria such as accuracy, F-criterion rate, and efficiency compared to the neural network pattern. In other words, the proposed idea performs better than the neural network method in identifying healthy nodes and new malicious intrusions in the target network. The simulation outputs also indicate that the proposed idea has a better classification rate and F-criteria than the FLN methods based on HSO, ATLBO, GA, and PSO. Vector backup machine, multilayer perceptron network, DBN, and S-NDAE have less time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-covalent interactions play an important role for the framework formation of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks. Until now, π–π interactions and hydrogen bonding are the main reported forces facilitating the stacking of framework layers. Here, we present a two-dimensional anionic covalent organic framework based on tetratopic borate linkages, where layers are connected by ionic interactions between the linkage site and counter cations. The crystalline covalent organic framework is accessed through the formation of an amorphous borate-based polymer and subsequent solvothermal treatment. The progress of crystallization is investigated, revealing the crystallite growth and morphological change from agglomerated dense particles to hollow crystallite spheres. Due to the pillared nature, the crystallites can be exfoliated into nanosheets by sonication of the material in the presence of methanol. The crystallization and ordered arrangement of the lithium ions in the interlayer space is shown to benefit the conductivity tenfold compared to the amorphous material. Non-covalent interactions facilitate the stacking of framework layers in two dimensional covalent organic frameworks playing an important role for the framework formation. Here, the authors describe a covalent organic framework with tetratopic borate linkages whose counter cations promote the framework layer interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores nitrate reduction in aqueous solutions using carboxymethyl cellulose loaded with zero-valent iron nanoparticles (Fe0-CMC). The structures of this nano-composite were characterized using various techniques. Based on the characterization results, the specific surface area of Fe0-CMC measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis were 39.6 m2/g. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy images displayed that spherical nano zero-valent iron particles (nZVI) with an average particle diameter of 80 nm are surrounded by carboxymethyl cellulose and no noticeable aggregates were detected. Batch experiments assessed Fe0-CMC’s effectiveness in nitrate removal under diverse conditions including different adsorbent dosages (Cs, 2–10 mg/L), contact time (t, 10–1440 min), initial pH (pHi, 2–10), temperature (T, 10–55 °C), and initial concentration of nitrate (C0, 10–500 mg/L). Results indicated decreased removal with higher initial pHi and C0, while increased Cs and T enhanced removal. The study of nitrate removal mechanism by Fe0-CMC revealed that the redox reaction between immobilized nZVI on the CMC surface and nitrate ions was responsible for nitrate removal, and the main product of this reaction was ammonium, which was subsequently completely removed by the synthesized nanocomposite. In addition, a stable deviation quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm (SD-QPSO) and a least square error method were employed to train the ANFIS parameters. To demonstrate model performance, a quadratic polynomial function was proposed to display the performance of the SD-QPSO algorithm in which the constant parameters were optimized through the SD-QPSO algorithm. Sensitivity analysis was conducted on the proposed quadratic polynomial function by adding a constant deviation and removing each input using two different strategies. According to the sensitivity analysis, the predicted removal efficiency was most sensitive to changes in pHi, followed by Cs, T, C0, and t. The obtained results underscore the potential of the ANFIS model (R2 = 0.99803, RMSE = 0.9888), and polynomial function (R2 = 0.998256, RMSE = 1.7532) as accurate and efficient alternatives to time-consuming laboratory measurements for assessing nitrate removal efficiency. These models can offer rapid insights and predictions regarding the impact of various factors on the process, saving both time and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody-associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an antibody-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. We have undertaken a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain the sex ratio and mean age of onset for AQP4 antibody associated NMOSD. We have also explored factors that impact on these demographic data. Methods: A systematic search of databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting sex distribution and age of onset for AQP4 antibody-associated NMSOD were reviewed. An initially inclusive approach involving exploration with regression meta-analysis was followed by an analysis of just AQP4 antibody positive cases. Results: A total of 528 articles were screened to yield 89 articles covering 19,415 individuals from 88 population samples. The female:male sex ratio was significantly influenced by the proportion of AQP4 antibody positive cases in the samples studied (p < 0.001). For AQP4 antibody-positive cases the overall estimate of the sex ratio was 8.89 (95% CI 7.78–10.15). For paediatric populations the estimate was 5.68 (95% CI 4.01–8.03) and for late-onset cases, it was 5.48 (95% CI 4.10–7.33). The mean age of onset was significantly associated with the mean life expectancy of the population sampled (p < 0.001). The mean age of onset for AQP4 antibody-positive cases in long-lived populations was 41.7 years versus 33.3 years in the remainder. Conclusions: The female:male sex ratio and the mean age of onset of AQP4 antibody-associated NMOSD are significantly higher than MS. The sex ratio increases with the proportion of cases that are positive for AQP4 antibodies and the mean age of onset increases with population life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) is a necessary step in transitioning into the desired gender for male-to-female transgender individuals. This study focuses on a rare complication developed following SRS, aiming to highlight potential complications associated with this procedure. Case presentation: This report describes a 49-year-old transgender woman with a history of SRS who developed bloody diarrhea and neovaginal bleeding 10 years later. A colonoscopy revealed features compatible with ulcerative colitis, which was confirmed by a biopsy. Conclusions: The unpredictable clinical course of this phenomenon may prompt surgeons to reconsider the use of a rectosigmoid colon to create a neovagina. This case report underscores the necessity of long-term monitoring for gastrointestinal complications in transgender women post-SRS when a rectosigmoid colon segment is utilized for neovaginal construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize the removal of tannic acid (TA) from simulated wastewater by applying the electrocoagulation (EC) process and the alum nanoparticles (Al NPs) generated during the EC process, using the response surface method (RSM) methodology based on the central composite design (CCD). The structure and state of Al NPs were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analyses. We used four independent factors: current–voltage (20.83, 41.66, 62.49, 83.32, and 104.16 A/m2)/Al NPs dosage (0.1, 0.325, 0.55, 0.775, and 1 g/L), initial pH (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9/ 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11), initial TA concentration (10, 35, 60, 85, and 110 mg/L), and treatment time (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min). In addition, the total TA removal percentage was taken as a response variable. The analysis of the responses was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) as a statistical method. The quadratic model was proposed, and the ANOVA and model fitness were produced through RSM, with the coefficient of determination (R2) above 0.94 and 0.96 for all two responses representing the high importance of the suggested model. The EC process and the Al NPs removed TA with a maximum efficiency of 89.79% and 96.33%, respectively, in the optimal condition. The results indicated that the EC process and the Al NPs were effective and readily available methods for TA removal from aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was an integrative assessment of heavy metals associated with urban dust data in Iran (Ahvaz, Isfahan, and Shiraz). Samples of urban dust from four sites (traffic, industrial, residential, and Greenland) were collected, and ten heavy metal concentrations were determined using ICP_MS in each sample. The highest average concentrations of metals were at the traffic site for the Mn, Zn, and Cr metals. The PMF model indicates a higher percentage of Pb participation, which shows the importance of traffic resources. The highest non-carcinogenic risk (HI) was for the Cr and the carcinogenic risk was tolerable. To evaluate aerosol and its effects on urban dust, Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data were used during 2003–2023. According to the Mankendall test, the trend of AOD has been increasing in Esfahan (p_value < 0.05) and Shiraz. Although Ahvaz’s AOD is about two times greater than other cities, the aerosol trend in Ahvaz is decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with autoimmune bullous diseases are at an increased risk of infection, both from the underlying skin disease and from immunosuppressive treatments. Limited information is available on vaccine beliefs and behaviors in dermatology patients and adults with autoimmune bullous diseases in particular. To understand vaccine decision making, identify perceived risks and benefits of vaccinations, and discuss individual experiences in patients with autoimmune bullous diseases in the United States. A qualitative study was performed utilizing semi-structured interviews, and analysis was conducted on NVivo. Patterns were identified in the coded data, and representative quotations were recorded for each major theme. Interviews were conducted between February 15, 2022 and September 15, 2022. Twenty patients with a diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, or pemphigus foliaceous were interviewed. Of the 20 participants, 14 (70%) were female, with a mean (SD, range) age of 64.8 (13.2, 34–83) years. Key themes that emerged from qualitative analysis of the interviews included patient concerns regarding their increased susceptibility to infection, potential exacerbation of skin disease following vaccination, and the effect of immunosuppressive medications on humoral response to vaccines. Lack of appointment availability, difficulty accessing vaccines, and cost were commonly identified barriers to vaccination. These findings provide valuable knowledge for dermatologists in regard to providing counseling specific to patient concerns and to improve communication surrounding vaccination in the dermatology setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of pore pressure and minimum horizontal stress are the first steps in geomechanical studies, and they are critical for hydrocarbon exploration, drilling, and production operations. The right quantity of pore pressure and minimum horizontal stress can enhance the quality of decisions taken and the economics of the oil and gas industry operations. Recent studies indicate that machine learning methods can be suitable for estimating the pore pressure and minimum horizontal stress, but it still needs to analyze different datasets, especially complex data to emphasize the accuracy of the results. Thus, the purpose of this article is to provide a robust machine-learning method to estimate the pore pressure and minimum horizontal stress using well-log data. The machine learning method includes multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF). The performance of the MLP and RBF is dependent on the number of hidden layers and the number of neurons. To overcome this problem, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to compute the number of hidden layers and number of neurons in each layer. A dataset of nine wells with 75,123 data points on the Volve oil field with various reservoir rocks is used to develop the predicted models. The results show the reliability of the machine learning methods to estimate the pore pressure and minimum horizontal stress from well-log data. It shows similar prediction accuracy when using unseen data. The comparison of MLP and RBF models presents that the MLP model for predicting and estimating pore pressure and minimum horizontal stress has higher accuracy than the RBF model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire destroys annually thousands of hectares of Hour al Azim wetland, and changes the biological diversity and socio-economic value of this wetland. The present study tries to identify the areas with the highest fire potential by integrating remote sensing data and machine learning in Hour al Azim wetland. This research used Sentinel-2 and MODIS images to determine the burned areas. The MODIS fire product from 2000 to 2022 was extracted from the Google Earth Engine system, and a fire probability map was prepared in the wetland in a 22-year period. also, Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR), Difference Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR), Burn Area Index Sentinel2 (BAIS2) and Difference Burn Area Index Sentinel2 (dBAIS2) were applied on Sentinel2 summer images in a period from 2017 to 2023. Sampling of burned and unburned points was done in the summer of 2023 in order to increase the accuracy of the fire map, and then a map with a spatial resolution of 10 m was prepared for the fire through fire detection indicators and machine learning methods of Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Minimum Distance (MD) and MODIS fire product. The RF method has ultimately the highest accuracy in preparing the fire map among the classification methods. High intensity class of fire is more widespread in the northern and northeastern areas and shows that the Hour al Azim wetland in these areas has experienced the highest amount of burning. These results help the managers to control the adverse effects of fire in the wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthopedic surgeons face a significant challenge in treating critical-size femoral defects (CSFD) caused by osteoporosis (OP), trauma, infection, or bone tumor resections. In this study for the first time, the application of photobiomodulation (PBM) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BM-MSC-CM) to improve the osteogenic characteristics of mineralized bone scaffold (MBS) in ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic (OVX) rats with a CSFD was tested. Five groups of OVX rats with CSFD were created: (1) Control (C); (2) MBS; (3) MBS + CM; (4) MBS + PBM; (5) MBS + CM + PBM. Computed tomography scans (CT scans), compression indentation tests, and histological and stereological analyses were carried out after euthanasia at 12 weeks following implantation surgery. The CT scan results showed that CSFD in the MBS + CM, MBS + PBM, and MBS + CM + PBM groups was significantly smaller compared to the control group (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, and p = 0.000, respectively). Moreover, the CSFD size was substantially smaller in the MBS + CM + PBM treatment group than in the MBS, MBS + CM, and MBS + PBM treatment groups (p = 0.004, p = 0.04, and p = 0.01, respectively). The MBS + PBM and MBS + CM + PBM treatments had significantly increased maximum force relative to the control group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). Bending stiffness significantly increased in MBS (p = 0.006), MBS + CM, MBS + PBM, and MBS + CM + PBM treatments (all p = 0.004) relative to the control group. All treatment groups had considerably higher new trabecular bone volume (NTBV) than the control group (all, p = 0.004). Combined therapies with MBS + PBM and MBS + CM + PBM substantially increased the NTBV relative to the MBS group (all, p = 0.004). The MBS + CM + PBM treatment had a markedly higher NTBV than the MBS + PBM (p = 0.006) and MBS + CM (p = 0.004) treatments. MBS + CM + PBM, MBS + PBM, and MBS + CM treatments significantly accelerated bone regeneration of CSFD in OVX rats. PBM + CM enhanced the osteogenesis of the MBS compared to other treatment groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although an abundant number of studies have investigated the predictability of the commonly used functional screening tests and despite their popularity and applicability, the relationships between these tests have rarely been studied and have not been well established. This study aimed to examine the potential association between the Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y Balance Test (YBT), and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Six hundred twenty-seven Iranian collegiate athletes (347 males, age = 22.63 ± 4.07, weight = 75.98 ± 13.79, height = 181.99 ± 10.15, BMI = 22.84 ± 3.16; and 280 females, age = 22.22 ± 3.37, weight = 60.63 ± 9.58, height = 166.55 ± 6.49, BMI = 21.81 ± 2.84) participated in this study. Following a 5-min warm-up, each participant underwent a standardized screening battery including the FMS, YBT, and LESS, and the scores were recorded and live coded for the statistical analysis, except for the LESS. The LESS tests were video recorded and scored by one expert examiner using an open-source 2D video analysis software (Kinovea- version 0.9.5), afterwards. The Spearman correlation was utilized as a measure for the correlation, and the Mann‒Whitney U test with a significance level of 0.05 was used to check the differences between male and female athletes. The statistical analysis was performed with RStudio 2023.03.0 using R 4.3.1. A small correlation (0.364) was observed between the FMS composite score and the YBT in male athletes. All other pairwise correlations were negligible among male and female athletes, ranging from − 0.096 to 0.294. Reducing the FMS to the component scores targeting the lower extremities did not alter the correlation to the other screening scores. The median FMS composite score in female athletes was significantly higher than that in males (p < 0.001). Negligible correlations exist between the FMS, LESS, and YBT; they do not measure the same values and therefore are irreplaceable with one another. A combination of these tests as a standardized screening battery may potentially better identify injury-predisposed athletes than the application of each test as a stand-alone screening test. Females outperformed males in the FMS test significantly, so sex must be considered a key variable in the FMS studies. Males had slightly higher LESS scores (median difference = 0.5) than females, but this difference is not clinically meaningful. Future research should continue to explore the relationships between various functional screening tests and identify the most effective combinations for comprehensive assessment in different populations and sports disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, an upgraded and environmentally friendly process involving WO3/Co-ZIF nanocomposite was used for the removal of Cefixime from the aqueous solutions. Intelligent decision-making was employed using various models including Support Vector Regression (SVR), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Simulation Optimization Language for Visualized Excel Results (SOLVER), and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). SVR, ANN, and RSM models were used for modeling and predicting results, while GA and SOLVER models were employed to achieve the optimal conditions for Cefixime degradation. The primary goal of applying different models was to achieve the best conditions with high accuracy in Cefixime degradation. Based on R analysis, the quadratic factorial model in RSM was selected as the best model, and the regression coefficients obtained from it were used to evaluate the performance of artificial intelligence models. According to the quadratic factorial model, interactions between pH and time, pH and catalyst amount, as well as reaction time and catalyst amount were identified as the most significant factors in predicting results. In a comparison between the different models based on Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Coefficient of Determination (R2 Score) indices, the SVR model was selected as the best model for the prediction of the results, with a higher R2 Score (0.98), and lower MAE (1.54) and RMSE (3.91) compared to the ANN model. Both ANN and SVR models identified pH as the most important parameter in the prediction of the results. According to the Genetic Algorithm, interactions between the initial concentration of Cefixime with reaction time, as well as between the initial concentration of Cefixime and catalyst amount, had the greatest impact on selecting the optimal values. Using the Genetic Algorithm and SOLVER models, the optimum values for the initial concentration of Cefixime, pH, time, and catalyst amount were determined to be (6.14 mg L−1, 3.13, 117.65 min, and 0.19 g L−1) and (5 mg L−1, 3, 120 min, and 0.19 g L−1), respectively. Given the presented results, this research can contribute significantly to advancements in intelligent decision-making and optimization of the pollutant removal processes from the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermonuclear rate of the 7 Be( p , γ ) 8 B reaction was calculated using the effective field theory (EFT) and coupled-channel formalism, considering the contribution of the excited nuclei 7 Be* up to the N 2 LO. We also investigated how the 1 + resonance affects the reaction rate. Our conclusions from this process were consistent with the known experimental data and the results of other theoretical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Hypothesis: The world including Iran is facing population aging. Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common health concerns of older women that can be accompanied by an increased sense of loneliness, social restrictions, and disruption in activities of daily living in addition to the regular challenges of old age. This study was aimed at explaining the concerns of community-dwelling older women living with UI. Methods: This study used the conventional, qualitative, content analysis approach with purposive sampling. Twenty interviews were conducted with 18 participants, including 15 community-dwelling older women with UI and three family members (a husband and two daughters), over the span of 14 months (from August 2021 to October 2022). The data were collected via semi-structured, face-to-face interviews until data saturation was achieved, and were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's method. Results: The findings revealed that the concerns of older women with UI include the impasse of UI, being powerless in life, distorted social identity, and marital frustration, which fell under the main theme of sense of inadequacy. Conclusions: Recognizing the concerns of older women with UI can make health care teams more sensitive to the importance of resolving these concerns and can offer some insight into how best to provide targeted training, support, and counseling services at individual, family, and society levels, to eventually resolve the older adult's sense of inadequacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1965, Penrose introduced the idea of a trapped surface which became an essential concept in proving the first singularity theorem. In this work, some neglected aspects of trapped surfaces are considered. Specifically, I discuss that the existence of such a surface in space-time may result in an undesirable consequence: either space-time is singular, or chronology violation arises. Although a trapping region often implies a singularity in space-time, but a singular space-time may not contain any trapped region. Finally, I show that noncosmological trapped surfaces are observer-dependent. It means that some observers in a trapped region may not observe trapped surfaces! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As programming emerges as a critical skill in the digital age and digital tools continue to evolve, understanding students' perspectives on the integration of such technologies into their education is crucial. This empirical study explores the perspectives of students in Sweden and Taiwan on the use of digital tools in their programming courses. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including correlation analysis and inductive content analysis, to understand students' perceptions of the usefulness and challenges involved in the application of different digital technologies. The study reveals the importance of immediate feedback, visualization of concepts, online discussion platforms, and programming tools' tutorials. However, concerns about potential bias in AI grading systems and the need for more time and guidance to become familiar with new technologies are also highlighted. The study provides valuable insights that can guide the development of more user-centered tools for supporting programming education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing robust methodologies, including principal component analysis, autoregressive moving average, Fourier bootstrap dynamic autoregressive distributed lag, error correction model, and the Breitung–Candelon spectral Granger causality test, this study scrutinizes the impact of export diversification (EXD) on Iran's ecological footprint (EF) from 1997 to 2020, considering economic sanctions (ESI), trade openness (TOP), energy consumption per capita (ECpc), globalization (KOF), and real GDP per capita (RGDPpc). Findings consistently affirm a positive environmental impact of EXD, revealing a nuanced temporal pattern. Notably, the short-term impact (− 0.645) is more pronounced than its long-term counterpart (−.020). Increased industrial activities due to globalization (10% rise) lead to 4.26% and 1.64% EF degradation in the long and short term. Conversely, due to Iran's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, a 10% rise in ECpc correlates with 1.63% and 3.81% long- and short-term environmental quality reduction. ESI demonstrates a dual impact, improving short-term environmental quality but contributing to long-term degradation. Frequency-domain causality analysis highlights EXD and KOF as short- and long-term causes of EF, ESI, and TOP as medium- to long-term causes and RGDPpc as a long-term cause. These findings emphasize the need for sustainable policies, stringent environmental standards, and a balanced approach to fostering economic growth while preserving the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tandem solar cells owing to their layered structure in which each sub-cell utilizes a certain part of the solar spectrum with reduced thermal losses, are promising applicants to promote the power conversion efficiency beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells. This study delves into the performance and optimization of 4-terminal organic/silicon tandem solar cells through numerical simulations using SCAPS-1D software. The tandem architecture combining organic, perovskite, and silicon materials, shows potential in enhancing light absorption across the solar spectrum with complementary absorption spectra. Through innovative material exploration, optimization techniques are explored to advance the performance boundaries of organic/silicon tandem solar cells. The study employs the Beer–Lambert law to assess the impact of varied physical parameters on tandem solar cell efficiency, aiming to propose optimal configurations. Results indicate a maximum efficiency of 25.86% with P3HT:PC70BM organic active layer (150 nm thickness) and 36.8% with Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6 active layer (400 nm thickness) in the studied 4-terminal tandem structures. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex physics of these tandem solar cells, for developing high-performance and commercially practical photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we attempt to solve Einstein field equations minimally coupled to a ϕ 2 scalar field in closed, flat, and open FLRW space-time during the inflationary era. To achieve this, we introduce an auxiliary function of cosmic time and derive the Hubble parameter, scalar field, and scale factor in terms of it. The universe undergoes remarkable accelerating expansion when the auxiliary function reaches a specific value. Additionally, we determine a lower bound on the scale factor at the onset of inflation for both open and closed cases. Finally, we estimate the mass of the inflaton and Hubble constant numerically. Our findings suggest that the scalar field oscillates after the inflationary period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have exhibited cardioprotective properties in diabetes patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Empagliflozin on changes in echocardiographic parameters. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the EMPA-CARD trial which was a multicenter, triple-blind randomized controlled trial. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with concomitant history of coronary artery disease were randomized on a 1:1 ratio into two groups receiving either 10 mg/day Empagliflozin or placebo. Patients with a history of heart failure (NYHA class 3–4) and ejection fraction (EF) < 40% were excluded. Trans-thoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and at 26 weeks of intervention. Results: A total of 69 (Empagliflozin = 39 and placebo = 30) patients underwent echocardiography. Significant changes were observed for left ventricular ejection fraction [standard error (SE) = 0.76; beta (95% correlation interval (CrI)] = -5.558 (-7.25; -4.18) and left ventricular end-systolic volume (SE = 1.38; beta (95% CrI) = 3.915 (1.2; 0.66). Other echocardiographic parameters relating to right ventricular or atrial function did not change significantly. Conclusion: Empagliflozin can have cardioprotective benefits in subjects without HF. Further studies are required to determine the effect of Empagliflozin in non-HF patients. Trial registration: The original EMPA-CARD study has been registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. www.IRCT.ir, Identifier: IRCT20190412043247N2. Registration Date: 6/13/2020. Registration timing: prospective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis worldwide. Although various anti-leishmanial regimens have been considered, due to the lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse reactions, design and development of novel topical delivery systems would be essential. This study aimed to prepare artemether (ART)-loaded niosomes and evaluate their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major. ART-loaded niosomes were prepared through the thin-film hydration technique and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-leishmanial effect of the preparation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The prepared ART-loaded niosomes were spherical with an average diameter of about 100 and 300 nm with high encapsulation efficiencies of > 99%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that ART-loaded niosomes had significantly higher anti-leishmanial activity, lower general toxicity, and higher selectivity index (SI). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ART, ART-loaded niosomes, and liposomal amphotericin B were 39.09, 15.12, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Also, according to the in vivo study results, ART-loaded niosomes with an average size of 300 nm showed the highest anti-leishmanial effects in animal studies. ART-loaded niosomes would be promising topical drug delivery system for the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's context, the adoption of sustainable wastewater treatment methods is crucial. River estuaries have the potential to offer an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution for wastewater treatment through the flocculation of pollutants. This study investigates the role of river estuaries flowing into the southern part of the Caspian Sea in the treatment of heavy metals. Two sets of experiments were designed for this purpose. The first set involved adjusting a series of discrete aquaria in various salinity regimes, while the second set utilized only one aquarium. The results from the first set indicate the capacity of the studied estuaries to remove heavy metals through the flocculation process in the following order: Zn (70%) > Mn (60%) > Cu (49%) > Pb (24%) > Ni (19%). However, the removal rates in the second set were reduced as follows: Zn (57%) > Mn (56%) > Cu (40%) > Pb (20%) > Ni (17%). It was observed that the flocculation process exhibits an unstable nature. Furthermore, the findings reveal that heavy metals flocculation primarily occurs upstream of the estuary. However, instability in the flocculation process occurs downstream, where water parameters undergo drastic changes. Statistical analyses indicate that an increase in pH plays a significant role in the destabilization of flocs. Conversely, the initial concentration of heavy metals, dissolved oxygen, and redox potential have a positive impact on the flocculation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]