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The maintenance of cellular function relies on the close regulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and hydrolysis. ATP hydrolysis by mitochondrial ATP Synthase (CV) is induced by loss of proton motive force and inhibited by the mitochondrial protein ATPase inhibitor (ATPIF1). The extent of CV hydrolytic activity and its impact on cellular energetics remains unknown due to the lack of selective hydrolysis inhibitors of CV. We find that CV hydrolytic activity takes place in coupled intact mitochondria and is increased by respiratory chain defects. We identified (+)-Epicatechin as a selective inhibitor of ATP hydrolysis that binds CV while preventing the binding of ATPIF1. In cells with Complex-III deficiency, we show that inhibition of CV hydrolytic activity by (+)-Epichatechin is sufficient to restore ATP content without restoring respiratory function. Inhibition of CV-ATP hydrolysis in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is sufficient to improve muscle force without any increase in mitochondrial content. We conclude that the impact of compromised mitochondrial respiration can be lessened using hydrolysis-selective inhibitors of CV.

This paper evaluates the policies taken by Jordanian tourism sector before and after COVID-19; it is divided into two parts: the first dealt with the period 2011-2019 which followed the events of Arab Spring, the second focused on the postCOVID-19 period. A mixed methodology was used as for the Arab Spring case a quantitative approach that aimed at measuring the satisfaction of 54 travel agents about policies taken by public tourism sector was used. A Structure Equation Modelling analysis was conducted to test the relationship between specific satisfaction about promotional and economic policies as independent variables, and the general satisfaction as a dependent variable. As for the case of COVID-19, a different approach was used where the Tourism National Strategy 2021-2025 and reports on the influence of COVID-19 on Jordanian Economy were referred to make an evaluation of governmental performance. There was an obvious absence of the concept of “Crisis Management" in tourism national strategies (MOTA, 2003 ; 2010 ; 2015) ; where the focus was on diversifying the tourism product, enhancing the image of the country and increasing competitiveness .

This paper introduces a decoupled unknown input observer (DUIO) for Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) systems, designed specifically for the synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM). The proposed DUIO method demonstrates enhanced robustness and accuracy in state estimation by effectively decoupling the influence of unknown inputs from the estimation error dynamics. Furthermore, the DUIO exhibits superior performance compared to the proportional integral observer (PIO) and the proportional multi-integral observer (PMIO) presented in previous studies, without the need for prior knowledge of the unknown input form or assumptions regarding its boundedness. Stability conditions, achieved using the quadratic Lyapunov function, are expressed as linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which ensure asymptotic convergence of the estimation error. The effectiveness of the DUIO method is further validated in various scenarios through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) implementation. This innovative approach significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of SynRM state estimations and unknown input detections.

In mammals, the pregnant female carries many physiological and anatomical changes. Biochemical profiles are very important tools for monitoring gestation progress. This study was designed to investigate pregnancy-related changes of blood metabolites in Ouled Djellal ewes under semi-arid conditions. Blood samples were collected from ten non pregnant multiparous ewes 4 weeks before conception and 4, 12 and 18 weeks of pregnancy age. The pattern of changes of some biochemical parameters were studied. Cholesterol level showed no significant changes during pregnancy, while triglyceride, AST and Ca decreased up to the 12th week of pregnancy, whereas the total protein, albumin, and creatinine increased toward the 12th week of pregnancy. Urea reached maximum levels at the end of the pregnancy, contrary to ALT that was significantly decreased. Glucose concentration showed a continual decrease varying from 2.08 ± 0.78 g.l−1 at the first month of pregnancy to 0.35 ± 0.36 g.l−1 at the 18th week of pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnancy establishment increased significantly the glucose, triglyceride, albumin, and urea, but it decreased significantly the cholesterol and creatinine levels. No differences were observed between pregnant and non-pregnant ewe for the rest of the parameters. These results demonstrated a clear evidence of pregnancy-related distribution of blood biochemical indices of Ouled Djellal ewe under semi-arid conditions. Some substrates and enzymes were mainly higher during the first half of pregnancy (triglyceride, AST and Ca), and some others increased from the mild pregnancy period (total protein, albumin and creatinine), while urea and ALT changes were observed at late pregnancy. The energetic demand increased with advancing pregnancy.

This article presents an innovative method for efficiently synthesizing radiation patterns by combining the Taguchi method and neural networks, validating the results on a ten-element antenna array. The Taguchi method aims to minimize product and process variability, while neural networks are used to model the relationship between antenna design parameters and radiation pattern characteristics. This approach utilizes Taguchi parameters as inputs for the neural network, which is then trained on a dataset generated by the Taguchi method. After training, the network is validated using a real ten-element antenna array. Analytical results demonstrate that this method enables efficient synthesis of radiation patterns, with a significant reduction in computation time compared to traditional approaches. Furthermore, validation on the antenna array confirms the accuracy and robustness of the approach, showing a high correlation between the performance predicted by the neural network model and actual measurements on the antenna array. In summary, our article highlights that the combined use of the Taguchi method and neural networks, with validation on a real antenna array, offers a promising approach for efficient synthesis of antenna radiation patterns. This approach combines speed, accuracy, and reliability in antenna system design.

Abstract National consensus recommendations have recently been developed to standardize colorectal tumour localization and documentation during colonoscopy. In this qualitative semi-structured interview study, we identified and contrast the perceived barriers and facilitators to using these new recommendations according to gastroenterologists and surgeons in a large central Canadian city. Interviews were analyzed according to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) through directed content analysis. Solutions were categorized using the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) framework. Eleven gastroenterologists and ten surgeons participated. Both specialty groups felt that the new recommendations were clearly written, adequately addressed current care practice tensions, and offered a relative advantage versus existing practices. The new recommendations appeared appropriately complex, applicable to most participants, and could be trialed and adapted prior to full implementation. Major barriers included a lack of relevant external or internal organizational incentives, non-existing formal feedback processes, and a lack of individual familiarity with the evidence behind some recommendations. With application of the ERIC framework, common barriers could be addressed through accessing new funding, altering incentive structures, changing record systems, educational interventions, identifying champions, promoting adaptability, and employing audit/feedback processes. Future research is needed to test strategies for feasibility and effectiveness.

Objective(s): The current study was conducted to assess the protective mechanisms of n-BuOH fraction from the aerial part of Genista cephontala (BEGC) on APAP-induced liver injury compared to necrostatine-1 (Nec-1).Materials and Methods: A model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity was created in male rats by injecting a single dose; 1000 mg/kg APAP, the protective effect was performed with (200 mg/kg; 10 days) BEGC compared to Nec-1, (1.8 mg/kg).Results: BEGC or NeC-1 pretreatment significantly abolished impaired effects in APAP-rats, by decreasing the generation of TBARS and ROS in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions and maintaining liver function activities. A marked response was observed in the levels of both GSH and GSH-system enzymes in liver homogenates and mitochondrial fractions to BEGC. BEGC/ Nec-1 successfully regulated the inflammatory mediators (IL-β, TNF-α, HMGB1, and acHMGB1) and MPO levels. During APAP treatment, no caspase-3 or -8 activity was detected, and the level of fk18; M30 was higher than the levels of cck18; M65. Moreover, RIPK3 and MLKL levels were increased in the APAP group. These results suggested that necroptosis predominates during the APAP liver injury model. Interestingly, these necroptotic factors were significantly down-regulated by BEGC treatment. Both biochemical and histopathological findings were consistent with each other.Conclusion: From all these findings, the hepatoprotective effect of BEGC could be due to the abundance of polyphenols identified by LC-MS/MS analysis, as well as the synergistic interactions of all contents.