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This paper investigates the asymmetric effects of fossil fuels, foreign direct investment (FDI), and globalization on the ecological footprint (EFP) in Mexico from 1975 to 2020. To this end, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL), and the wavelet coherence approach are conducted. Based on the outcomes of the ARDL method, economic growth and fossil fuel consumption lead to ecological degradation, while foreign direct investment improves environmental conditions. Globalization has no impact on the environment. The NARDL approach illustrates that a positive shock to fossil fuels, FDI, and globalization degrades the environment. The wavelet coherence results emphasize the adverse environmental influence of economic growth and fossil fuels. These results imply that the Mexican government should conduct its economic expansion considering the principle of sustainable development. In this context, policymakers should propagate carbon taxes and similar instruments to promote clean energy sources that can replace fossil fuels and are compatible with sustainable development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights The objective of this study is to improve the properties of polylactic acid (PLA), a biopolymer produced from renewable resources, without compromising its environmentally friendly “natural composite” properties. The aim was to expand the application range of PLA by making it suitable for the production of high performance composites. With this in mind, it was decided to use inorganic and environmentally friendly materials such as basalt fiber (BF) and boric acid (BA) as reinforcements. Adhesive wear and tensile tests were used to investigate the tribological and mechanical performance of the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dimensional stability analysis (DSA) methods were used to investigate the thermal properties. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also used to investigate the morphological properties of the samples. In addition, a matrix modification process using Joncryl®, an epoxy‐based chain extender chemical, was applied to enhance the interfacial interaction between the composite components and improve the composite properties by improving the dispersion of reinforcing materials. As a result of the characterization tests, it was observed that a significant improvement in the properties of the material type containing 10 wt% BF, 0.25 wt% BA and 2 wt% Joncryl® was achieved. A 19% increase in tensile strength of this type of material was observed compared with unreinforced PLA, while the sharp peak increase in the coefficient of friction (COF) curve was shifted from 20 m to 60 m. As a result, it has been presented that environmentally friendly and inorganic materials such as BF and BA can be used to produce composite materials that will serve sectors where the need and use of high performance materials is intense, especially in the automotive, aerospace and aviation sectors. The properties of PLA matrix composites were improved by the simultaneous use of BF and BA and the addition of Joncryl®. The structural properties of PLA, an environmentally friendly polymer, have been improved without compromising this characteristic. PLA matrix natural composites with performance that can be used in the automotive, aerospace and aviation sectors have been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tragopogon coelesyriacus is a pharmacotherapeutic herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and consumed as a vegetable. Here, the methanolic and water extracts of T. coelesyriacus were obtained from its aboveground parts (stem, leaves, and flowers), and the phytochemical potentials were investigated by LC‐HRMS (liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry) analysis for the first time. The antibacterial, antifungal, and anticarcinogenic activities of T. coelesyriacus extracts were investigated using experimental and in silico methods. T. coelesyriacus methanol extract revealed remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia (MICs = 0.83, 1.67, and 1.67 mg/mL, respectively) compared to Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes (MIC = 53.3 mg/mL). Inhibitory effects of T. coelesyriacus methanolic extracts were also observed in all Candida species tested, with the highest inhibition on Candida krusei (MIC = 0.83 mg/mL), whereas no inhibitory effect was identified from the water extract. Additionally, both T. coelesyriacus methanolic (IC50 = 86 μg/mL) and water (IC50 = 92 μg/mL) extracts revealed significant selective anticarcinogenic effects on AR42J pancreatic cancer cells. HeLa and MDA‐MB‐231 cells were, however, more resilient to methanol and water extract, respectively. In silico analyses further elucidated the noteworthy antibacterial potential of keracyanin chloride on S. aureus MurB enzyme and the remarkable inhibitory potential of naringin on FYN kinase specific for pancreatic cancer (AR42J) development. In conclusion, T. coelesyriacus phytochemicals with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties were revealed for the first time, and molecular docking studies on potential targets confirmed good agreement with experimental findings. Therefore, the current studies on T. coelesyriacus provide the basis for investigating new pharmaceutical potentials of other Tragopogon members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychoactive substances obtained from botanicals have been applied for a wide variety of purposes in the rituals of different cultures for thousands of years. Classical psychedelics from N,N′‐dimethyltryptamine, psilocybin, mescaline and various lysergamides cause specific alterations in perception, emotion and cognition by acting through serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor activation. Lysergic acid diethylamide, the first famous breakthrough in the field, was discovered by chance by Albert Hoffman in the Zurich Sandoz laboratory in 1943, and studies on its psychoactive effects began to take place in the literature. Studies in this area were blocked after the legislation controlling the use and research of psychedelic drugs came into force in 1967, but since the 1990s, it has started to be a matter of scientific curiosity again by various research groups. In particular, with the crucial reports of psychotherapy‐assisted psilocybin applications for life‐threatening cancer‐related anxiety and depression, a new avenues have been opened in the treatment of psychiatric diseases such as treatment‐resistant depression and substance addictions. An increasing number of studies show that psychedelics have a very promising potential in the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases where the desired efficiency cannot be achieved with conventional treatment methods. In this context, we discuss psychedelic therapy, encompassing its historical development, therapeutic applications and potential treatment effects—especially in depression, trauma disorders and substance use disorders—within the framework of ethical considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Conclusion Poor oral conditions in the elderly may have numerous effects on general health, including physical fitness and performance.This study aimed to determine the relationship between oral health and physical function in elderly people.Physical function and oral health parameters were compared using parametric comparison tests and Pearson correlation analyses. In addition, principal components analysis, hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling analysis clustered the patients' physical and oral health scores. The relationship between the groups was also determined using decision tree analysis.A total of 112 elderly patients participated in the study. Grip strength (GS) was higher in patients with high chewing ability, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores were lower in the high oral health group (p < .05). GS was correlated with Decay, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and the number of remaining and functional teeth (p < .05). According to principal component analysis, it was seen that there were three components (oral, functional and quality of life (QoL) parameters), and the features that were related to each other were gathered together. TUG and GS showed the highest relative importance among physical function criteria in the classification based on chewing ability. They were GS and physical activity for oral health‐related QoL.In the elderly, higher physical function parameters, especially GS may be an indicator of a better oral health and oral health‐related QoL. Preventive physical rehabilitation practices, in addition to oral treatments, may be effective in improving oral health in the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the viability of women's participation in women's cooperatives in Turkey. The prospects are evaluated by focusing on the sustainability of the cooperatives' economic activities as well as the recruitment and continued participation of individual women members. Taking a feminist social reproduction perspective, the article seeks to understand the underlying dynamics of women's participation in cooperatives, as this perspective enables us to analyze this participation as a process and captures the permeability between women's social reproduction duties, women's relationship with the state, and the economic market. Based on countrywide, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with members of women's cooperatives in Turkey, we find that familial constraints as well as governmental policies and practices challenge women's economic development aspirations in the cooperatives, while social class deeply informs the challenges faced as well as the resources available to and strategies developed by women. The resulting analysis demonstrates that familial, social, and political issues related to social reproduction need to be addressed prior to focusing on the impact of cooperatives on women's empowerment. This is essential to ensuring the success of women's cooperatives and the continued provision of meaningful opportunities for women's participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterygium is a frequent eye surface condition that is characterized by a high rate of proliferation, fibrovascular development, cellular migration, corneal infiltration, and angiogenesis. We investigated that ex vivo primary pterygium and conjunctival cell cultures were generated to analyze the effect of trehalose on cellular proliferation. After trehalose treatment, we performed microarray analysis to evaluate changes in the mRNA profile. We analyzed gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways to identify hub genes that changed expression levels after treatment and were associated with pterygium development. We selected three genes to verify their expression levels using qRT–PCR. The study also evaluated the impact of trehalose treatment on cell migration through a wound‐healing assay. Our results suggested that pterygium cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner by trehalose. 2354 DEG were identified in pterygium and conjunctiva cells treated with trehalose compared to untreated groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs are involved in proliferation, vasculature development, and cell migration. We identified ten hub genes including upregulated (RANBP3L, SLC5A3, RERG, ANKRD1, DHCR7, RAB27B, GPRC5B, MSMO1, ASPN, DRAM1) and downregulated (TNC, PTGS2, GREM2, NPTX1, NR4A1, HMOX1, CXCL12, IL6, MYH2, TXNIP). Microarray analysis and functional investigations suggest that trehalose affects the pathogenesis of pterygium by modifying the expression of genes involved in crucial pathways related to cell function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids are integral to power grids; they enhance grid reliability by integrating distributed generators (DGs) to fulfill the local load requirements, lowering energy generation costs, and providing eco‐friendly energy resources to reduce carbon emissions. Despite their benefits, new capabilities also introduce protection‐related complexities, including bidirectional power flow, varying fault currents, false tripping, relay reach limitations, coordination issues, and the requirement for proper grounding. This article offers a detailed review of protection issues in AC, DC, and hybrid AC–DC microgrids, investigating existing approaches to address these issues. Furthermore, the constraints and hurdles associated with these approaches and the future trends and intelligent approaches required to develop a reliable and efficient protection strategy are also identified in this article. This article is categorized under:Energy and Power Systems > MicrogridsEnergy and Power Systems > Distributed Generation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erdheim‐Chester disease is a non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis syndrome characterised by histiocytic infiltration of different organs and systems in the body. Erdheim‐Chester disease with isolated central nervous system (CNS) involvement causes diagnostic difficulties due to the absence of systemic findings and may result in misdiagnosis and inaccurate treatment choices. The case discussed in this report exemplifies how challenging it is to diagnose Erdheim‐Chester disease with isolated CNS involvement. This case, which presented with progressive pyramidocerebellar syndrome, was clinically and radiologically resistant to all immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory treatments administered. The presence of false negative results in repeated histopathological investigations and the absence of evidence for systemic disease hindered the diagnosis and treatment work‐up. In this study, we reviewed and discussed the prominent features of the presented case in light of the relevant literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wearable energy harvester (EH) incorporating a face mask with a thermoelectric generator is demonstrated. The function of this device is to generate electrical power from the heat produced by the human body, particularly breath, with the specific aim of powering wearable sensor applications. A prototype was built using a commercially available N95 face mask, a thermoelectric generator, and a heatsink. The performance of this EH device was assessed using experimental and numerical methodologies. The experimentally tested power output of the prototype was found to be ≈100 µW, with a corresponding power density of ≈30 µW/cm3, for a temperature difference of 7°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of financial and technological innovations on India's ecological footprint—a comprehensive indicator of environmental degradation. Although previous research has addressed the individual impacts of these innovations, their collective influence has not been thoroughly investigated. Using data from 1973 to 2018 and employing ARDL Bounds and Bayer‐Hanck cointegration tests, we find a long‐run relationship between innovations, economic growth, energy consumption, and the ecological footprint. Notably, while the short‐term impact of innovations appears detrimental, both financial and technological innovations demonstrate a long‐term beneficial effect on the environment, which suggests that initial investments in innovation may have short‐term environmental costs, but ultimately contribute to environmental improvement. Additionally, this study confirms the harmful long‐term effects of energy consumption and economic growth on the environment. These findings underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing robust environmental policies to foster sustainable development in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality is an indispensable requirement in medical laboratories, where controls are performed at different phases of the laboratory processes. In the following, we consider the internal quality control activities during the analytical phase of medical laboratories for verifying the test results prior to their release. To monitor the measurement process for errors in the test results, one approach that is considerably attracting the health professionals is patient‐based real‐time quality control. In this respect, real‐time patient test results are monitored, commonly by implementing the Moving Average (MA) control chart with truncation limits. A usual practice is the use of truncation limits to exclude abnormal patient test results from the MA calculations. However, an open issue in the literature is how to determine the width of the truncation limits and the window size in the MA calculations. Furthermore, the distributions of the test results are often nonnormal and difficult to model by personnel having insufficient training in statistics. Consequently, robustness of the performance of the MA control chart to non‐normal distributions of test results is another open topic in the literature. In this study, a detailed robustness analysis is performed by considering various distributions having different shapes. Performance of several MA control chart designs constructed by altering the truncation limits and window sizes are investigated. Based on our simulation results with selected distributions, we conclude that the truncation limits should not be used and a window size of 20 is recommended. Under such a setting, the MA control chart performs similar to its intended performance in terms of false alarms and in detecting systematic errors, hence being robust to non‐normality of the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) metal parts with added silicone polymer can lead to the development of hybrid materials with enhanced damping characteristics. This study aims to develop composite structures by hybridizing additively manufactured TPMS metal parts with added silicone polymers for vibration applications. Central to this investigation is the quest to ascertain the most efficacious damping mechanism. In this context, the finite element method (FEM)‐based model of the primitive TPMS structure, consisting of cobalt–chrome (CoCr) and the concomitant hybrid structure integrated with silicone polymer, is meticulously developed. The damping characteristics of the FEM‐based models are obtained by modal analysis. The models are also validated using experimental modal tests. The findings show a significant improvement in damping characteristics thanks to the hybrid TPMS structure. Specifically, the damping ratios derived from the hybrid TPMS structure exhibit a sixfold increase in time‐domain damping and up to a 30‐fold increase in frequency‐based analysis across two distinct damping calculation methodologies. Overall, this study highlights the potential of additively fabricated primitive TPMS metal parts with added silicone polymer as a promising structure for improving damping properties in various engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron‐nitrogen‐carbon (Fe‐N‐C) single‐atom catalysts are promising sustainable alternatives to the costly and scarce platinum (Pt) to catalyze the oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, Fe‐N‐C cathodes for PEMFC are made thicker than Pt/C ones, in order to compensate for the lower intrinsic ORR activity and site density of Fe‐N‐C materials. The thick electrodes are bound with mass transport issues that limit their performance at high current densities, especially in H2/air PEMFCs. Practical Fe‐N‐C electrodes must combine high intrinsic ORR activity, high site density, and fast mass transport. Herein, it has achieved an improved combination of these properties with a Fe‐N‐C catalyst prepared via a two‐step synthesis approach, constructing first a porous zinc‐nitrogen‐carbon (Zn‐N‐C) substrate, followed by transmetallating Zn by Fe via chemical vapor deposition. A cathode comprising this Fe‐N‐C catalyst has exhibited a maximum power density of 0.53 W cm−2 in H2/air PEMFC at 80 °C. The improved power density is associated with the hierarchical porosity of the Zn‐N‐C substrate of this work, which is achieved by epitaxial growth of ZIF‐8 onto g‐C3N4, leading to a micro‐mesoporous substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Though headache is commonly observed after stroke and may affect survivors' quality of life, it has rarely been studied after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In a cohort of ICH survivors, we assessed the long‐term prevalence and determinants of headache. Methods: We screened consecutive ICH survivors enrolled in the prospective, single‐centre Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage study for headache 1, 3, and 6 years after ICH, according to the International Headache Society's criteria. Depressive and anxiety symptoms severity was measured at 1‐year follow‐up. Variables associated with the presence of headache 1 year after ICH were analyzed using univariate and multivariable models. Results: Among the 146 patients included in this study, 31 (21%), 25 (19%), and 14 (20%) patients reported headache at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐year follow‐up, respectively. In an age‐adjusted model, patients with headache at ICH onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.75; 95% CI 1.02–7.42) and previous history of headache (aOR 4.60; 95% CI 1.74–12.1) were associated with headache at 1‐year follow‐up. Patients with headache were more likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up (both p < 0.02). Conclusions: One in five ICH survivors suffered from headache and patients who reported headache at ICH onset were especially at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, given the critical role and importance of the energy transition, the effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) is researched and the levels of energy‐related research and development (R&D) investments on the energy transition index (ETI), controlling for human capital (HC), energy consumption (EC), and income (gross domestic product [GDP]) are disaggregated. Therefore, in this study, the United States of America (USA) is focused on as the world's leading economy, a total of five machine learning (ML) algorithms are performed, and the data from 2000/Q1 to 2021/Q4 are used. In the outcomes, it is shown that: 1) the multivariate adaptive regression splines approach is the best estimation algorithm among the ML approaches based on the coefficient of determination (R2), which has 85% estimation capacity for ETI; 2) ICT and EC are the most important factors for ETI, followed by renewable energy R&D investments, energy efficiency R&D investments, HC, GDP, and nuclear energy R&D investments, in that order; and 3) R&D investments in carbon capture and storage has no significant effect on ETI. In the overall results of the study, it is suggested that technological progress is central to energy transition in the USA and that environmental policies implemented for energy transition should be closely linked to technological progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel oxide (NiOx) has received a lot of attention as an inorganic hole transport material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) during the last decade, owing to its high hole mobility, chemical stability, good optical transparency, and suitable energy levels that align with the valance band of the perovskite absorber methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). This study explores Li and Mg co‐doped NiOx thin films physically‐deposited from developed sputtering targets obtained through cold isostatic pressing and sintering. After sputtering, the structural, elemental, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the layers are investigated by XRD, XPS, SEM, AFM, UV–vis spectrophotometer, and Hall‐effect; revealing that crystalline, homogeneous, and smooth films are obtained. In particular, improvements in mobility and conductivity values are observed with Li and Mg doping, which contribute to enhanced PSC performance when used as an HTM layer in the glass‐indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiOx‐based HTM/MAPbI3/phenyl butryic acid methyl ester (PCBM)/bathocuproine (BCP)/Ag architecture. The champion solar cell achieves PCE of 15.52%. In addition, the average values of all samples are boosted, JSC (from 13.21 to 15.60 mA cm−2) and FF (from 59.32% to 67.7%), relative to pristine HTM, resulting in a pronounced PCE increment of up to 30% with the HTM film sputtered by a single target of co‐doped material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study explores left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) as a safe and effective alternative to anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at high bleeding risk. Complications, such as cardioembolic events due to left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT), highlight the need for alternative stroke prevention strategies. Aims: This research assesses LAAC's safety and efficacy in patients with LAAT, aiming to offer valuable insights into its potential as a viable option for stroke prevention in such cases. Methods: The study included 205 patients who underwent LAAC using specific devices between September 2015 and February 2023. Among them, 32 patients had persistent LAAT. Baseline characteristics, antithrombotic medications, risk scores, and LAAC indications were documented. Patients were followed to monitor significant clinical events like stroke, cardiovascular mortality, and all‐cause mortality. Results: The mean age was 71.9 and mostly female. Indications for LAAC were ischemic cerebrovascular events (CVE) despite anticoagulation (25%), bleeding complications (major/minor, 37.5% each), or both. Successful LAA closure was achieved in all cases, with minimal pericardial effusion in one. One‐month follow‐up showed no major events or device‐related issues. Median follow‐up of 16.5 months saw 21.9% non‐cardiac deaths. The study underscores LAAC's efficacy for stroke prevention in patients with persistent LAAT. Conclusions: The LAAC in cases of LAAT, whether pursued initially or as a deferred approach, demonstrates feasibility and safety, exhibiting notable procedural success and minimal incidence of periprocedural complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae have emerged as a promising source of renewable energy and natural bioproducts since they show high biomass productivity, offer carbon dioxide fixation, and exhibit a rich content of compounds. Recent efforts have focused on green extraction technologies that utilize green solvents to further promote sustainability and minimize the environmental impact of the microalgal process. At this point, life cycle analysis (LCA) provides valuable insights into the environmental impacts of specific products and techniques. A comprehensive overview of the life cycle environmental and energy assessments conducted for the extraction of metabolites from microalgae is presented. Special attention is given to using green extraction technologies, i.e., supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, and pulsed‐electric field extraction, and solvents to ensure sustainability. Additionally, the main principles, historical development, tools, and challenges of LCA are discussed. By addressing these aspects, the paper attracts attention to the environmental impacts associated with green extraction techniques for obtaining microalgal metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we construct a novel family of fractional‐type integral operators of a function f$$ f $$ by replacing sample values (f(k/n))k=0n$$ {\left(f\left(k/n\right)\right)}_{k=0}^n $$ with the fractional mean values of that function. We give some explicit formulas for higher order moments of the proposed operators and investigate some approximation properties. We also define the fractional variants of Mirakyan–Favard–Szász and Baskakov‐type operators and calculate the higher order moments of these operators. We give an explicit formula for fractional derivatives of proposed operators with the help of the Caputo‐type fractional derivative Furthermore, several graphical and numerical results are presented in detail to demonstrate the accuracy, applicability, and validity of the proposed operators. Finally, an illustrative real‐world example associated with the recent trend of Covid‐19 has been investigated to demonstrate the modeling capabilities of fractional‐type integral operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The augmented resource consumption, higher demand for resources, and limited supply promote a major resource crisis in a number of the largest economies. This crisis upsurges the ecological footprint (EF) augmenting the process of resource depletion and enhancing ecological degradation. Against this backdrop, this investigation aims to apprehend the interplay between environmental policy, socioeconomic conditions (SEC), financial globalization (FG), renewable energy (RN), and the EF within the top 10 economies. Driven by their massive economic growth, the top 10 economies have become entangled in a vicious cycle of resource consumption and environmental degradation. To understand these relationships, the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MM‐QR) is adopted, which helps to identify the impacts of regressors on EF from 2000 to 2021. The findings of this analysis denote that environmental taxes (ETX) reduce the EF in the context of top economies without much variation. RN bolsters reductions in the EF, displaying an escalating impact that ranges from the 10th to the 90th quantiles. FG reduces the EF across various quantiles, with its effects stimulating from lower to upper quantiles. The findings did not reveal any statistically significant effects of SEC on the EF. Additionally, the study observed a U‐shaped relationship between EF and economic growth, indicating a potential escalation of environmental issues with further development in the upcoming years. The study provides in‐depth policy directions for increasing the utilization of renewables and enhancing the FG to enhance environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing penetration of grid‐scale wind energy systems, accurate wind power forecasting is critical to optimizing their integration into the power system, ensuring operational reliability, and enabling efficient system asset utilization. Addressing this challenge, this study proposes a novel forecasting model that combines the long‐short‐term memory (LSTM) neural network with two signal decomposition techniques. The EMD technique effectively extracts stable, stationary, and regular patterns from the original wind power signal, while the VMD technique tackles the most challenging high‐frequency component. A deep learning‐based forecasting model, i.e. the LSTM neural network, is used to take advantage of its ability to learn from longer sequences of data and its robustness to noise and outliers. The developed model is evaluated against LSTM models employing various decomposition methods using real wind power data from three distinct offshore wind farms. It is shown that the two‐stage decomposition significantly enhances forecasting accuracy, with the proposed model achieving R2$R^2$ values up to 9.5% higher than those obtained using standard LSTM models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While wave energy is regarded as one of the prominent renewable energy resources to diversify global low‐carbon generation capacity, operational reliability is the main impediment to the wide deployment of the related technology. Current experience in wave energy systems demonstrates that operation and maintenance costs are dominant in their cost structure due to unplanned maintenance resulting in energy production loss. Accurate and high performance simulation forecasting tools are required to improve the efficiency and safety of wave converters. This paper proposes a new methodology for significant wave height forecasting. It is based on incorporating swarm decomposition (SWD) and multi‐strategy random weighted grey wolf optimizer (MsRwGWO) into a multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) forecasting model. This approach takes advantage of the SWD approach to generate more stable, stationary, and regular patterns of the original signal, while the MsRwGWO optimizes the MLP model parameters efficiently. As such, forecasting accuracy has improved. Real wave datasets from three buoys in the North Atlantic Sea are used to test and validate the forecasting performance of the proposed model. Furthermore, the performance is evaluated through a comparison analysis against deep‐learning based state‐of‐the‐art forecasting models. The results show that the proposed approach significantly enhances the model's accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cornelian cherry (CC) is a source of bioactive compounds such as phenolics, melatonin and, vitamin C and used as traditional food and in folk medicine. In this study, we analyzed and compared the variation of some bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in CC fruits depending on ripening and genotype. CC fruit was sampled at different ripening times (unripe, semi‐ripe and ripe) and the contents of sugars, vitamin C, melatonin and phenolic compounds were analysed by ultra‐fast liquid chromatography (UFLC‐PDA). The results showed that the fruits at the unripe samples had a significantly higher chemical components and antioxidant capacity. Chlorogenic acid, catechin, gallic acid and rutin were the four major phenolic compounds identified in all genotypes. Melatonin concentration of unripe fruits was found to be high in all genotypes (ranged from 1664.78–114.60 ng/mL) and a decrease was detected in ripe fruits. Significant increases in vitamin C and individual sugar contents (glucose and fructose) occurred with advancing maturity. The highest vitamin C concentration was determined as 77.38 mg/100 g during the full ripening period. Antioxidant capacity results determined by both methods showed a decreasing tendency with the ripening of the fruits. Concerning antioxidant activity, DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity were maximal at unripe in all CC genotpes. During the development and maturity periods of fruits, important physiological and biochemical changes occured that affect antioxidant capacity, nutritional and chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germany has set an ambitious goal of meeting the recommendations of COP‐26 and reducing its carbon intensity to zero by 2045. Germany is a leader in environmental patents after the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and the environmental implications of Germany's leadership in eco‐innovation hold important clues for achieving net zero goals. In particular, the European Union is one of the global communities making the greatest efforts to combat emissions, and the success of the leading role of environmental patents in this Union in reducing CO2 emissions is an important research topic for scholars. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of environmental patents on CO2 emissions under the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in Germany. To this end, the study applies Bayer–Hanck and Fourier ADL approaches from 1970 to 2019. The main findings do not confirm the EKC hypothesis, while environmental patents play an active role in CO2 reduction. Based on these outcomes, Germany should consider a long‐term green policy to decouple economic growth and emissions. At the same time, German policy should promote the development and application of environmental patents to achieve the net zero targets for 2045. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a true three‐dimensional dot‐shaped beamforming, in which the transmitted energy in a spatial region (azimuth, elevation, and range) is focused is performed with the nonuniform time‐modulated concentric circular frequency diverse array (NUTM‐CCFDA). The CCFDA structure with a radially outward increasing frequency offset between the rings has structural symmetry that provides the advantage of full scanning in the azimuth plane without any significant change in beam shape. Moreover, the NUTM, where the antenna elements are simply excited with a different modulation frequency in each ring, uses the in‐phase/quadrature channel modulator to realize a single sideband. The proposed NUTM‐CCFDA structure exhibits efficient beam scanning with the switch time‐on instant without using variable phase shifters to steer the dot‐shaped beam. Thus, NUTM‐CCFDA not only realizes a true dot‐shaped beam with better angle resolution on the first harmonic components but also has a simpler configuration than the conventional frequency diverse arrays with sophisticated variable frequency/phase shifters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of breast cancer has increased considerably in recent years. Many efforts have been made to develop various nano‐drug delivery systems with specific properties to achieve effective and specific therapy. The stealthy nanoliposomes are the most successful and promising candidates for providing targeted tumor therapy. In this paper, a synthesized PEtOx‐DOPE (poly(2‐Ethyl 2‐Oxazoline)‐Dioleoyl Phosphatidylethanolamine) copolymer was equipped with a breast cancer‐recognizing tumor‐homing peptide to achieve cell‐specific delivery. The prepared liposomes provided stability for 6 months, and their hydrodynamic diameters are around 100 nm. Targeted liposomes remarkably exhibited 8 times higher cellular internalization in comparison with the nontargeted cells in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, liposome constructs displayed slight toxicity on HaCaT cells when treated with high doses. Hence, Peptide 18‐conjugated PEtOx‐DOPE liposome systems can serve as favorable candidates in breast cancer‐targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the integration of left atrial posterior wall isolation (LAPWI) and the emerging pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology in catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). Topics discussed include the mixed evidence regarding the efficacy of combining LAPWI with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), the initial success and safety of using PFA for LAPWI, and the call for standardized procedures and further research to support these advanced ablation techniques.

This article explores the concept of global political legitimacy and argues for the inclusion of the structural power of the Transnational Capitalist Class (TCC) in theories of political legitimacy. The author criticizes existing accounts of global political legitimacy for being too narrow and proposes a broader conception that includes the power of various social actors, not just formal political institutions. The article discusses the limitations of decision-making power as the subject matter of global political legitimacy and presents the concept of public power as a more comprehensive approach. The author supports their argument with an examination of the structural power of the TCC and its impact on global governance. Overall, the article aims to expand the understanding of political power and its relation to legitimacy in the context of global politics. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Nucleic acid‐based assays provide an opportunity to screen for genetically encoded diseases like spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), before the onset of symptoms. Nowadays, such assays could be easily utilized as high‐throughputs in SMA to detect a homozygous deletion of exon 7 of the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1) that is responsible for >95% of SMA patients. Methods: We developed a new line method (NLM) as a direct real time PCR test procedure without nucleic acid extraction in dried blood spots (DBS) to screen for homozygous deletion of exon 7 of the SMN1 gene. Performance of this setup was evaluated on 580 DBS newborn samples and air dried 50 DBS from whole blood including 20 samples for homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene detected earlier with MLPA. Results: We found all 580 newborn DBS samples as wild type. DBS prepared from 50 whole blood samples also including 20 affected people were correctly identified as homozygous deletions and 30 wild types of exon 7 of SMN1 as before with MLPA. When the MLPA method was taken as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the NLM test were found 100% for the detection of SMN1 exon 7 homozygous deletion. Conclusion: In the NLM, the total test duration has been reduced to less than 75 min without requiring any extra process such as DNA extraction step and sample plate preparation after the punching step. Thereby, newborn SMA screening with the NLM has gained an environmentally friendly feature with not requiring additional tedious steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate stem cell collection is essential for successful stem cell transplantation. Heparin enhances stem cell mobilization by competing with heparin sulfate proteoglycans. Heparin is also used as an anticoagulant before leukapheresis. Here, we evaluated the effects of heparin on stem cell mobilization in patients who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Methods: We evaluated patients who underwent ASCT. Patients were divided into two groups: those who received heparin plus citrate (heparinized patients) and those who received citrate only (nonheparinized patients) for anticoagulation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were also performed. The collection efficiency 2 (CE2) for CD34+ cells was calculated and compared between heparinized and nonheparinized patients. Results: This study included 1017 patients. There were 478 (47%) heparinized and 539 (53%) nonheparinized patients. The number of collected CD34+ cells was significantly higher in heparinized patients (P <.00001). The multivariate analyses showed that using heparin was an independent positive factor for collected CD34+ cells (adj‐R2 = 0.744; F = 369.331, P <.00001). CE2 was significantly higher in heparinized patients than in nonheparinized patients (66.8% vs 52.1%; P <.00001). The rate of collecting at least 2 × 106/kg CD34+ cells was 3.3 times higher for heparinized patients in poor mobilizers (P <.00001). Heparinized patients had significantly higher total nucleated and mononuclear cell counts (P <.00001 and <.00001, respectively). Conclusion: Heparin enhances stem cell collection and increases CE2. The use of heparin may reduce the need for other strategies to increase stem cell mobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9) is a programmable gene editing tool with a promising potential for cancer gene therapy. This therapeutic function is enabled in the present study via the non-covalent delivery of CRISPR ribonucleic protein (RNP) by cationic glucosamine/PEI-derived graphene quantum dots (PEI-GQDs) that aid in overcoming physiological barriers and tracking genes of interest. PEI-GQD/RNP complex targeting the tumor protein 53 (TP53) gene mutation overexpressed in ~50% of cancers successfully produces its double-stranded breaks in solution and in prostate cancer (PC-3) cells. Restoring this cancer "suicide" gene can promote cellular repair pathways and lead to cancer cell apoptosis. Its repair to the healthy form performed by simultaneous PEI-GQD delivery of CRISPR RNP and a gene repair template leads to a successful therapeutic outcome: 40% apoptotic cancer cell death, while having no effect on non-cancerous (HeK293) cells. The translocation of PEI-GQD/RNP complex into PC-3 cell cytoplasm is tracked via GQD intrinsic fluorescence, while enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged RNP is detected in the cell nucleus, showing the successful detachment of the gene editing tool upon internalization. Using GQDs as non-viral delivery and imaging agents for CRISPR-Cas9 RNP sets the stage for image-guided cancer-specific gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tortuosity in the coronary arteries is a very common entity encountered during angiography. The effect of coronary artery tortuosity (CAT) on the myocardium has not been completely investigated. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of CAT on left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) myocardial functions by 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography (3D‐STE). Methods: Seventy‐five patients with CAT and 80 age‐ and gender‐matched controls who proved to have normal coronary angiograms (CAG) were enrolled into the study. Following CAG, the 2D images were obtained first, and then 3D images were obtained for strain analysis. Results: The LAS‐r, LAS‐active, and LV‐GLS were significantly depressed in the CAT (+) group (p <.001, p <.001, p =.012, respectively). The multivariate regression models demonstrated that LAS‐r (p <.001), LAS‐active (p =.009), and LV‐GLS (p =.024) were found to be independent factors predicting CAT. Conclusion: The current study is the first to focus on the assessing both LA and LV myocardial dynamics in CAT (+) patients by strain echocardiography. The results of our study support the patients with CAT may have subclinical LA and LV myocardial involvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9‐ 30% Na2CO3 (Sm doped ceria (SDC)‐30N) nano‐composite electrolytes were densified in a single step via cold sintering process (CSP). At 200°C and 450 MPa of uniaxial pressure, samples up to 97% of their theoretical density could be obtained. The effect of processing parameters, such as temperature, uniaxial pressure, processing duration, and moisture content, on the densification of the nano‐composite electrolytes was investigated. The thermal, microstructural, and electrical properties of nano‐composites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and EIS analysis. SDC crystallite sizes were found to be around 25 nm, barely coarsened after CSP by which the true nano nature of the nano‐composite could be preserved. Because, by conventional processing high density values could not be attained and high processing temperatures in excess of 600°C had to be used, promoting particle coarsening. The highest total electrical conductivity was found to be 2.2 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 600°C, with an activation energy of 0.83 eV for SDC‐30N nano‐composites. The present investigation revealed that the implementation of cold sintering technique resulted in significant enhancements in the densification of nano‐composite electrolytes, thereby rendering them suitable for efficient utilization in SOFC applications, as compared to the conventional production methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant Na+/H+antiporter (NHX) genes enhance salt tolerance by preventing excessive Na+ accumulation in the cytosol through partitioning of Na+ ions into vacuoles or extracellular transport across the plasma membrane. However, there is limited detailed information regarding the salt stress responsive SlNHXs in the most recent tomato genome. We investigated the role of this gene family's expression patterns in the open flower tissues under salt shock in Solanum lycopersicum using a genome‐wide approach. A total of seven putative SlNHX genes located on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, and 10 were identified, but no ortholog of the NHX5 gene was identified in the tomato genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes are divided into three different groups. SlNHX proteins with 10–12 transmembrane domains were hypothetically localized in vacuoles or cell membranes. Promoter analysis revealed that SlNHX6 and SlNHX8 are involved with the stress‐related MeJA hormone in response to salt stress signaling. The structural motif analysis of SlNHX1, −2, −3, −4, and −6 proteins showed that they have highly conserved amiloride binding sites. The protein–protein network revealed that SlNHX7 and SlNHX8 interact physically with Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway proteins. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the SlNHX2 and SlNHX6 genes were substantially expressed in the open flower tissues. Moreover, quantitative PCR analysis indicated that all SlNHX genes, particularly SlNHX6 and SlNHX8, are significantly upregulated by salt shock in the open flower tissues. Our results provide an updated framework for future genetic research and development of breeding strategies against salt stress in the tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon emissions is critical to achieving a carbon‐neutral world according to the Glasgow Climate Pact, but production, and thus carbon emissions, must continue to meet the needs of the world's growing population. Minimizing carbon emissions per production, that is, increasing carbon efficiency is one way to support the Sustainable Development Goals. Therefore, studying the determinants of carbon efficiency for China, the largest global polluter, is important for zero carbon goals. To this end, this study examines the effects of the shadow economy, globalization, trade openness and urbanization on carbon efficiency using novel dynamic autoregressive‐distributed lag simulations for China during 1990–2018. The empirical results illustrate that (i) the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is not valid; (ii) Shadow economy, trade openness and urbanization reduce carbon efficiency and (iii) Globalization enhances carbon efficiency. Based on these results, it is suggested that the Chinese government should combat the shadow economy to increase carbon efficiency, regulate unplanned and polluting urbanization in a green manner, reduce carbon intensity in foreign trade, and benefit from environmental technologies provided by globalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To investigate the link between pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and the incidence of radiation‐induced trismus(RIT) in parotid gland cancers(PGC) patients after postoperative radiotherapy(PORT). Method: Data of PGC patients who had oral examinations before and after PORT were reviewed retrospectively. We comprised patients who had maximum mouth opening (MMO) assessments before and after PORT and complete blood count test on the first day of PORT. MMO of ≤35 mm was considered as RIT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to search for an ideal NLR threshold value that might be linked to RIT rates. Results: Fifty‐one patients were included, with a RIT incidence of 15.7%. The NLR cutoff that showed a link with the prevalence of RIT in the ROC curve analysis was 2.7[Area under the curve (AUC):82.0%; sensitivity:87.5%; specificity:74.4%]. The patients were divided into groups based on this value:Group 1: NLR≤2.7 (N = 34) and;NLR >2.7 (N = 17). In comparative analysis, the incidence of RIT was found to be statistically higher in the NLR >2.7 than counterpart (35.2%vs.5.8%;rs:0.79; p <.001). Also, a mean temporomandibular joint dose ≥51.0Gy was linked to increased RIT rates (p <.001). Conclusion: This study showed that high pre‐PORT NLR levels were a robust and independent predictor of significantly elevated rates of RIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The significance of pre‐hemoglobin‐to‐platelet ratio (HPR) in predicting the occurrence of radiation‐induced trismus (RIT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (LA‐NPC) who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C‐CRT). Methods: The records of LA‐NPC patients with oral examination before and after C‐CRT were analyzed. Maximum mouth openings (MMO) were measured before and after C‐CRT to confirm RIT status, with an MMO of ≤35 mm defined as RIT. HPR values were calculated on the first day of C‐CRT. The relationship between the HPR values and RIT status was discovered using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: A total of 43 patients RIT cases among 198 individuals were diagnosed. The optimal HPR cutoff that stratified the patients into two groups was 0.54. RIT incidence was found to be significantly higher in the HPR ≤0.54 group than its HPR >0.54 counterpart(p < 0.001). Univariately T3‐4 stage, mean masticator apparatus dose>57.2Gy, and pre‐C‐CRT MMO ≤40.7 mm were found as the other significant correlates of increased RIT rates(p < 0.05). All four variables seemed to be independently connected to greater RIT incidence in multivariate analysis (p < 0.05, for each). Conclusion: The risk of post‐C‐CRT RIT may be significantly increased when pre‐treatment HPR levels are low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Children with genetic skeletal disorders have variable conditions that can lead to sleep‐disordered breathing, and polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosing this condition. We aimed to review polysomnography findings, to assess the severity of sleep apnea, and to investigate the clinical variables predictive of sleep‐disordered breathing in these patients. We retrospectively collected the medical records of patients with genetic skeletal disorders who underwent polysomnography for 5 years. Twenty‐seven children with various genetic skeletal disorders, including achondroplasia (14), Crouzon syndrome (3), acromesomelic dysplasia Maroteaux type (3), Apert syndrome (2), osteopetrosis (1), Jeune dysplasia (1), Desbuquois dysplasia (1), acrodysostosis (1), and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (1) were enrolled. The median age at the first polysomnography was 58 (1st–3rd quartile: 31–113) months. The overall sleep‐disordered breathing results were: 19 (70.3%) had obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) (4 mild, 6 moderate, 9 severe), 2 (7.4%) had central apneas, 4 (14.8%) had nocturnal hypoventilation. There was a significant correlation between non‐ambulatory status with both total AHI and OSA (p < 0.001, rho: −0.66/p = 0.04, rho: 0.38, respectively). Nine patients received positive airway pressure titration, and the oAHI values of all returned to the normal range. These patients were started with positive airway pressure treatment. Our cohort showed that the majority of the patients with skeletal dysplasia had sleep apnea syndrome characterised mainly by OSA, highlighting the importance of polysomnography screening for sleep disorders. Positive airway pressure therapy represents an effective treatment for sleep‐disordered breathing in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]