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The north and south of the Alps, as well as the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, are hot spots of severe convective storms, including hail and lightning associated with deep convection. With advancements in computing power, it has become feasible to simulate deep convection explicitly in climate models by decreasing the horizontal grid spacing to less than 4 km. These kilometer-scale models improve the representation of orography and reduce uncertainties associated with the use of deep convection parameterizations. In this study, we perform km-scale simulations for eight observed cases of severe convective storms (seven with and one without observed hail) over the Alpine-Adriatic region. The simulations are performed with the climate version of the regional model Consortium for Small-scale Modeling (COSMO) that runs on graphics processing units (GPUs) at a horizontal grid spacing of 2.2 km. To analyze hail and lightning we have explored the hail growth model (HAILCAST) and lightning potential index (LPI) diagnostics integrated with the COSMO-crCLIM model. Comparison with available high-resolution observations reveals good performance of the model in simulating total precipitation, hail, and lightning. By performing a detailed analysis of three of the case studies, we identified the importance of significant meteorological factors for heavy thunderstorms that were reproduced by the model. Among these are the moist unstable boundary layer and dry mid-level air, the topographic barrier, as well as an approaching upper-level trough and cold front. Although COSMO HAILCAST tends to underestimate the hail size on the ground, the results indicate that both HAILCAST and LPI are promising candidates for future climate research.

Abstract Antibiotics target key biological processes that include protein synthesis. Bacteria respond by developing resistance, which increases rapidly due to antibiotics overuse. Mupirocin, a clinically used natural antibiotic, inhibits isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS), an enzyme that links isoleucine to its tRNAIle for protein synthesis. Two IleRSs, mupirocin-sensitive IleRS1 and resistant IleRS2, coexist in bacteria. The latter may also be found in resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates. Here, we describe the structural basis of mupirocin resistance and unravel a mechanism of hyper-resistance evolved by some IleRS2 proteins. We surprisingly find that an up to 103-fold increase in resistance originates from alteration of the HIGH motif, a signature motif of the class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases to which IleRSs belong. The structural analysis demonstrates how an altered HIGH motif could be adopted in IleRS2 but not IleRS1, providing insight into an elegant mechanism for coevolution of the key catalytic motif and associated antibiotic resistance.

The increase in computing power and recent model developments allow for the use of global kilometer-scale weather and climate models for routine forecasts. At these scales, deep convective processes can be partially resolved explicitly by the model dynamics. Next to horizontal resolution, other aspects such as the applied numerical methods, the use of the hydrostatic approximation, and time step size are factors that might influence a model's ability to resolve deep convective processes. In order to improve our understanding of the role of these factors, a model intercomparison between the nonhydrostatic COSMO model and the hydrostatic Integrated Forecast System (IFS) from ECMWF has been conducted. Both models have been run with different spatial and temporal resolutions in order to simulate 2 summer days over Europe with strong convection. The results are analyzed with a focus on vertical wind speed and precipitation. Results show that even at around 3 km horizontal grid spacing the effect of the hydrostatic approximation seems to be negligible. However, time step proves to be an important factor for deep convective processes, with a reduced time step generally allowing for higher updraft velocities and thus more energy in vertical velocity spectra, in particular for shorter wavelengths. A shorter time step is also causing an earlier onset and peak of the diurnal cycle. Furthermore, the amount of horizontal diffusion plays a crucial role for deep convection with more diffusion generally leading to larger convective cells and higher precipitation intensities. The study also shows that for both models the parameterization of deep convection leads to lower updraft and precipitation intensities and biases in the diurnal cycle with a precipitation peak which is too early.

To make sound decisions in the face of climate change, government agencies, policymakers and private stakeholders require suitable climate information on local to regional scales. In Switzerland, the development of climate change scenarios is strongly linked to the climate adaptation strategy of the Confederation. The current climate scenarios for Switzerland CH2018 - released in form of six user-oriented products - were the result of an intensive collaboration between academia and administration under the umbrella of the National Centre for Climate Services (NCCS), accounting for user needs and stakeholder dialogues from the beginning. A rigorous scientific concept ensured consistency throughout the various analysis steps of the EURO-CORDEX projections and a common procedure on how to extract robust results and deal with associated uncertainties. The main results show that Switzerland’s climate will face dry summers, heavy precipitation, more hot days and snow-scarce winters. Approximately half of these changes could be alleviated by mid-century through strong global mitigation efforts. A comprehensive communication concept ensured that the results were rolled out and distilled in specific user-oriented communication measures to increase their uptake and to make them actionable. A narrative approach with four fictitious persons was used to communicate the key messages to the general public. Three years after the release, the climate scenarios have proven to be an indispensable information basis for users in climate adaptation and for downstream applications. Potential for extensions and updates has been identified since then and will shape the concept and planning of the next scenario generation in Switzerland.

IntroductionAgricultural mechanization plays a crucial role in driving agricultural development and is considered one of the most capital-intensive inputs in the agricultural sector. Effective supply chain management is a crucial necessity for improving the quality of agricultural machinery and reducing operational expenses in agricultural mechanization. This is imperative for the advancement of agricultural mechanization. The present research aims to identify the primary structures of the supply chain for rice agricultural machinery in the provinces of Gilan and Mazandaran in Iran. The study also examined the important functional aspects of the chain members, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and farmers who serve as the ultimate consumers of the chain's products. Furthermore, the research delved into the processes that govern the supply chain.Materials and MethodsMeasuring supply chain performance involves utilizing the Supply Chain Operations Reference model (SCOR) with five distinct dimensions: cost (12 questions), responsiveness (22 questions), flexibility (16 questions), assets (13 questions), and reliability (30 questions). The study data were analyzed using SPSS software. Additionally, latent variables were generated at each level of the hierarchy by using the variables from the aforementioned model. The normality of the variables was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The evaluation of normal variables was conducted through a one-sample t-test, while abnormal variables were evaluated with a one-sample Wilcoxon test. Furthermore, descriptive analysis of the expectations and constraints of manufacturers and importers regarding rice machines was carried out.Results and DiscussionThe Wilcoxon test results indicate the impact of commitment, cost management, and communication on the average test value. The variables of normal distribution such as human resource management, quality management, strategic organization, flexibility, responsiveness, performance, and reliability in stores, exhibit significant deviation from the mean value. The majority of store managers and agricultural rice machinery dealers lack formal education in the field of agricultural machinery. Including individuals with educational backgrounds in agricultural machinery at various stages of the supply chain will likely improve the dissemination of information throughout the chain. Employing dependable techniques for transmitting accurate information regarding consumers' quality requirements can assist suppliers in manufacturing or importing superior-quality machinery. This approach not only minimizes uncertainty in the supply chain and streamlines inventory management but also reduces the lead time for meeting consumer demands.ConclusionThe continuous demand for rice agricultural machinery in Iran has resulted in the bullwhip effect phenomenon being perceived as a less significant challenge in the supply chain. Currently, local manufacturing enterprises have relatively limited knowledge regarding the market and technical needs of rice farmers compared to their foreign counterparts. It is advisable for manufacturing companies to broaden their comprehension of consumer behavior and needs by diversifying their market evaluation techniques.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is frequently used in a variety of biomedical applications especially in orthopedics and dental because of its outstanding bioactivity and biocompatibility. On the other hand, HA lacks inherent antibacterial properties, shows poor mechanical strength, and infection issues are still one of the main causes of implant failure. Consequently, antibacterial HA may be a potential material for HA applications. For any potential uses of modified hydroxyapatite, such as in medicine or environmental protection, magnetite (Fe3O4) may be a crucial element because it has good mechanical properties and is preferred in biomedical systems. Moreover, Fe3O4 is biocompatible and basically nontoxic to humans. Therefore, the present study aims to find a novel approach that may improve the antibacterial activity of HA and HA-Fe3O4 nanocomposites and provide low toxicity to humans. The synthesized HA and HA -Fe3O4 nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and Zeta potential analyzer. Moreover, antibacterial activity tests confirmed that the utilization of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as a reaction medium in HA and HA-Fe3O4 nanocomposites synthesis improved antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This research demonstrates the green synthesis of HA and HA-Fe3O4 nanocomposites using Ocimum sanctum leaf extract by hydrothermal method, opening the door for potential applications in biomedical fields.

This paper explores the integration of 3D documentation within a living lab framework for the renovation of the Gunsan Civic Cultural Center. The study emphasizes the importance of architectural renovation in contemporary sustainability and social resilience, highlighting the unique challenges of adapting existing structures. Our approach combines advanced 3D scanning techniques, such as drone filming, photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and hybrid modeling, with the living lab methodology, enabling real-world experimentation and stakeholder engagement. Our showcase on the Gunsan Civic Cultural Center illustrates the practical application of these techniques in material reuse and cultural performance planning, emphasizing community participation and collaborative decision-making. The living lab approach, central to our methodology, fosters dynamic interaction among architects, builders, community members, and local authorities, enhancing communication and project outcomes. This study contributes to the field by showcasing how concurrent 3D documentation in a living lab setting can revitalize heritage sites, ensuring their sustainable future while actively involving the community. The lessons and discussions drawn from this project highlight the potential of this approach in broader architectural and urban development contexts.

Introduction Individuals with co-occurring mental and physical health issues have worse health outcomes in both domains. Integration improves outcomes and aligns with patient preference, but health services tend to be siloed. The Mental Health in Medicine Clinic (MHiM) supports patients receiving inpatient or outpatient medical or surgical care at a tertiary academic hospital in Toronto, Canada. The predominantly virtual clinic has an interdisciplinary team offering services via stepped care, matching patient need with service intensity. Measurement-based care (MBC), the systematic evaluation of patient reported outcomes, was not initially used routinely in the clinic, but its implementation may improve treatment decision-making and may be useful in allocating patients within a stepped care model. Objectives 1) To describe the stepped care model, referral patterns, diagnoses, and level of care provided since implementation of stepped care. 2) To conduct a quality improvement initiative to implement MBC in the clinic, with a goal of 50% of patients completing at the time of first assessment and prior to discharge from the clinic. Methods We reviewed the electronic medical record for referral source, diagnoses, and level of stepped care within the clinic. We conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (clinicians, administrative staff, patients) to explore barriers to implementation of MBC. Interviews were analyzed for themes around barriers and facilitators to MBC. Plan, Do, Study, Act cycles were carried out around change concepts informed by stakeholder interviews and relevant literature. Results The MHiM clinic began operations in August 2020. The clinic operated on a physician-only model until March 2022 and then shifted to a stepped care model with an interdisciplinary team. The most frequent referral sources were internal medicine, COVID19 clinics, consultation-liaison psychiatry, red blood cell disorders clinic and cardiology. Since the implementation of stepped care, 250 referrals were assessed. 58% of new referrals were assessed by the psychiatrist, 42% were managed by the NP, and 25% consulted with the social worker. Referrals consisted of trauma and stress-related disorders (32%), depression (21%) or anxiety disorders (20%). Personality, substance use, and psychotic disorders accounted for less than 10% of referrals combined. Some patients did not have any diagnosis (6%). Results from the quality improvement initiative to implement MBC will also be presented. Conclusions The MHiM clinic provides an integrated care pathway addressing comorbid mental and physical health conditions. We describe a novel stepped care model and the implementation of MBC. Future directions include ongoing quality improvement of MBC and its integration within the clinic to assess and re-assess service intensity. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Abstract Macroalgae is an under-utilised tool as a bioindicator of anthropogenic nitrogen loading to the coastal environment in the UK. This study compared two island systems—Jersey (Channel Islands) and St Mary’s (Isles of Scilly) to assess how differing sewerage infrastructure affects nitrogen loading. A total of 831 macroalgae samples of Fucus vesiculosus and Ulva sp. were analysed for nitrogen isotopes (δ15N). Elevated δ15N values were recorded for Jersey (> 9‰) in St Aubin’s Bay—caused by the outflow of the Bellozanne Sewerage Treatment Works (STW). δ15N isoplots maps indicate low diffusion of nitrogen out of St Aubin’s Bay. St Mary’s produced a varied δ15N isoplot map in comparison. δ15N was typically lower and is attributed to a smaller population and inefficient STW. Outflow of sewage/effluent at Morning Point, Hugh Town and Old Town produced elevated δ15N values in comparison to the island average. St Mary’s inefficient sewerage treatment and reliance on septic tanks/soakaways complicates δ15N interpretation although it still indicates that nitrogen pollution is an island-wide issue. Future sewerage development and upgrades on islands are required to prevent similar effluent environmental issues as recorded in St Aubin’s Bay. This study advocates the use of macroalgae as a bioindicator of nitrogen effluent in the marine environment.

Objective: Stomach cancer ranked sixth among the most common cancers in 2020, with approximately 1.1 million new cases and approximately 76,900 deaths. Therefore, estimations of the incidence and mortality, and burden of stomach cancers are needed to plan for cancer control. In this study, the updated distribution of incidence, mortality, and global burden of stomach cancer based on different classifications was investigated according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 Study. Materials and Methods: Epidemiological data have been derived from the study of the GBD in 2019. Data were extracted globally for 204 countries and groups based on a sociodemographic index (SDI), world health organization (WHO) regions, continents, World Bank regions, and 21 GBD regions. The correlations with SDI were investigated by Spearman's rho correlation coefficient and SPSS 2016 software. Results: The global distribution of incidence, mortality, and burden of stomach cancers varies in different geographical areas. Mortality and burden of stomach cancer are related to sociodemographic indicators of countries. No correlation was detected between the incidence of stomach cancer and SDI. Gender is also one of the effective factors in the death and incidence of stomach cancer. Conclusions: Estimating the cancer burden, taking into account both mortality and morbidity, is a key step in prioritizing research and policy. It can also be used to prioritize when combined with data on the cost of cancer interventions.

Introduction. COVID-19 has become a global impediment by bringing everything to a halt starting from January 2020. India underwent the lockdown starting from 22nd March 2020 with the sudden spike in the number of COVID-19 patients in major cities and states. This study focused on how metabolites play a crucial role in SARSCoV-2 prognosis.Materials and methods. Metabolome profiling of 106 plasma samples and 24 swab samples from symptomatic patients in the Indian population of the Mumbai region was done. COVID-19 positive samples were further segregated under the non-severe COVID-19 and severe COVID-19 patient cohort for both plasma and swab.Results. After analyzing the raw files, total 7,949 and 12,871 metabolites in plasma and swab were found. 11 and 35 significantly altered metabolites were found in COVID-19 positive compared to COVID-19 negative plasma and swab samples, respectively. Also, 9 and 23 significantly altered metabolites were found in severe COVID-19 positive to non-severe COVID-19 positive plasma and swab samples, respectively. The majorly affected pathways in COVID-19 patients were found to be the amino acid metabolism pathway, sphingosine metabolism pathway, and bile salt metabolism pathway.Conclusion. This study facilitates identification of potential metabolite-based biomarker candidates for rapid diagnosis and prognosis for clinical applications.

Active packaging films based on gelatin with silver-kaolinite (Ag-Kln) were developed and their effects on the quality and microbial growth of beef meat stored in different packaging systems (cling film, vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging) at 4 °C for 13 days were evaluated. The analysis revealed that Ag-Kln packaging films had no adverse effects on the pH and colour of the beef samples irrespective of the packaging system used. Beef meat in packaging with active films lost more weight (P < 0.05) than without active films for meat in the vacuum and modified systems on day 13. In general, these gelatin films with Ag-Kln showed the potential as antibacterial films and could enhance the shelf life of food products, however, further studies are required to establish the release rate of silver from packaging films, as well as test the efficiency of these materials under different storage conditions. In conclusion, this study revealed that gelatin film with silver-kaolinite is a promising antibacterial agent and preservation material for food shelf life extension.

We report the investigation of the electrical and optical properties of hybrid nanocomposite which could help to prepare the solution processable and tunable OLEDs. The hybrid nanocomposite was used for the preparation of OLEDs, for which the external quantum efficiency was analyzed to optimize their electro-optical properties. The fluorescence and electroluminescence spectra demonstrated that the color quality and color temperature of the OLEDs can be tuned from cool to warm light. Furthermore, the results suggest that the external quantum efficiency of the PFO-based OLEDs may be increased by 46% when introducing ZnO nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. These hybrid nanocomposites are compatible with low-cost printing electronics technology which could provide high-performance OLEDs for novel applications.

Background. The detection of neoplastic transformation and prediction of the thera­peutic response are very important for effective cancer therapy. Current assessment of tumor treatment efficacy relies on evaluating changes in the tumor size or volume, weeks to months after the assumption of a therapeutic protocol. The tissue perfusion is one of the most important parameter to estimate the neoplastic progress and the efficacy of antitumor therapy. 1H-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective tool that provides distinctive information related to structural, cellular, apoptotic, and necrotic changes in tumor tissue. The technique can be used widely for tumor detection and monitoring of the response to treatment. Methods. Dynamic contrast enhanced 1H-MRI was used for the assessment of tumor perfusion parameters in normal muscle and in subcutaneous Radiation Infused Fibrosarcoma – 1 (RIF-1) developed under the skin in C3H mice. Gadolinium (20 mM) was used as a capillaries perfusion tracer. Therapy of RIF-1 was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg). MRI experiments were performed before and 3 days after the treatment. Results. Dynamic contrast enhanced 1H-MRI has shown a much lower perfusion rate in RIF-1 tumor compared to skeletal muscle. 5-fluorouracil caused a significant decrease in subcutaneous RIF-1 volume on days 2 and 3 post-treatment, as well as an increase in tumor inflow measured by Dynamic contrast enhanced 1H-MRI. An increase in tumor tissue perfusion correlated with an increase in tissue apparent diffusion coefficient and total Na+ concentration following 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy reflect an increase in extracellular space and vasodilatation. On the other hand, as it was shown in our previous publications, the lower intracellular Na+ concentration and glucose uptake in treated by 5-fluorouracil tumors compared with control tumors suggest a shift in tumor metabolism from glycolysis to oxidation and/or a decrease in cell density. Conclusions. Method of dynamic contrast enhanced 1H-MRI in combination with other NMR methods, positron emission tomography, histology, etc. should prove useful in assessment of neoplastic transformation of tumor capillaries and efficacy of chemotherapy.

In order to make correct diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) and prevention of complications, especially infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), there were made a wide range of examinations of people with abdominal pain and appropriate anamnesis. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination methods were carried out in dynamics during the first 5-7 days of illness. Attention was paid to some laboratory methods (levels of procalcitonin (PCT), amylase, diastasis, ALT, AST) due to results of correlation analysis in our previous researches.

Abstract. The cleansing of the Ukrainian banking system, performed in 2014—2016, showed the purpose of the National Bank to break the old models of banking and ensure sustainable development of the banking system and Ukraine as a whole. At the same time, the cleansing of the banking system was revolutionary, affecting not only the owners but also the broad sectors of society and the business entities, who suffered losses. Due to high relevance and social impact, discussions about the root causes, methods, and consequences arose. This article aims to establish the compliance of cleansing the banking system of Ukraine with the goals of sustainable development. In this study, we considered the provisions of economic theory and the theory of banking systems, taking into account the spirit, ideals and principles of sustainable development. This study has the structure as follows. Firstly, we performed a theoretical analysis of the evolutionary and revolutionary types of banking reforms. Then we conducted a historical-economic analysis of the events that preceded the beginning of the cleansing of the banking system. In the central part, we analyzed the generalized causes and specific problems that led to the withdrawal of banks from the market in the primary wave of cleansing. Finally, we singled out three groups of NBU’s comments on the liquidation of specific banks. We established their close connection with the implementation of task 8.3 of the eighth Sustainable Development Goal. We pointed out some discrepancies between the reasons for the liquidation of individual banks and the comments of the NBU. Therefore, we have suggested combining comments into groups which more clearly reflect liquidation reason. Such groups include non-compliance with stakeholders, lack of bank recovery strategy and resources, and misbehaviour by shareholders, insiders, and related parties. Finally, we reaffirmed the revolutionary nature of the reform. We proved that, despite the losses, its absence, in the longrun, could have made it impossible to meet Task 8.3 of the Eighth Sustainable Development Goal. Promising are as of further research are comparing the procedure and results of cleansing the banking system in Ukraine and foreign countries. Keywords: banking system, cleansing, liquidation, banking reform, sustainable development. JEL Classification Q01, G21 Formulas: 0; fig.: 0, tabl.: 0, bibl.: 28.