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Plasma-liquid interactions represent a growing interdisciplinary area of research involving plasma science, fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, photolysis, multiphase chemistry and aerosol science. This review provides an assessment of the state-of-the-art of this multidisciplinary area and identifies the key research challenges. The developments in diagnostics, modeling and further extensions of cross section and reaction rate databases that are necessary to address these challenges are discussed. The review focusses on non-equilibrium plasmas.

COVID-19 can cause a range of complications, including cardiovascular, renal, and/or respiratory insufficiencies, yet little is known of its potential effects in persons exposed to toxic metals. The aim of this study was to answer this question with in silico toxicogenomic methods that can provide molecular insights into COVID-19 complications owed to exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, and chromium. For this purpose we relied on the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD), GeneMANIA, and ToppGene Suite portal and identified a set of five common genes (IL1B, CXCL8, IL6, IL10, TNF) for the six metals and COVID-19, all of which code for pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The list was expanded with additional 20 related genes. Physical interactions are the most common between the genes affected by the six metals (77.64 %), while the dominant interaction between the genes affected by each metal separately is co-expression (As 56.35 %, Cd 64.07 %, Pb 71.5 %, Hg 81.91 %, Ni 64.28 %, Cr 88.51 %). Biological processes, molecular functions, and pathways in which these 25 genes participate are closely related to cytokines and cytokine storm implicated in the development of COVID-19 complications. In other words, our findings confirm that exposure to toxic metals, alone or in combinations, might escalate COVID-19 severity.

The aim of this study was to examine morphometric values of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses. While the hematological and biochemical profiles of horses and donkeys have been previously documented in literature, there are no precise morphometric data regarding erythrocytes in donkeys. Given the increasing presence of donkeys in the world, the need exists to improve knowledge about this species. Balkan donkey is a large autochthonous breed found in Serbia. Blood cell parameters such as red blood cell count (RBC), Mean Corpuscular Volume or Mean Cell Volume (MCV) are well documented in horses. However, papers examining blood morphometry in donkeys, especially erythrocyte size, are scarce. The clinical examination in this study included a total of 72 horses and donkeys. All animals were adults, located in Vojvodina, Northern Province of Serbia. Blood samples were evaluated and analyzed using ImageJ program. Following the analysis of the morphometric diameters of erythrocytes in donkeys and horses, it can be concluded that donkeys have the largest erythrocyte diameters. The precise reason for this phenomenon is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we used autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) transplantation to treat children with cerebral palsy (CP) to improve their motor and cognitive functions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with CP received BMAC. The transplantation of stem cells via the intrathecal route includes three BMAC applications. The patients' examination was before the injection of stem cells, with follow-ups on 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the injections. The assessments included the gross motor function classification scale, the Ashworth scale, and the Learning accomplishment profile-diagnostic scale. RESULTS: This study included 42 patients with CP who received three BMAC intrathecal administrations. A personalized home rehabilitation program was designed and included for each patient in the study. After the treatment, we observed a reduction of spasticity in 58% of patients and significant cognitive improvement in 35% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of this study indicates that stem cell therapy and personalized training can improve the development of children with CP. The crucial goal of this therapeutic intervention is to substitute injured tissue with new tissues by activating the regenerative capacity of stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research analyses the influence of surface roughness on the rate of corrosion penetration into the steel. The test specimens were mechanically treated with fine abrasive jet to make their surface slightly rougher than it was in the initial state. The test specimens were then kept in conditions of atmospheric corrosion for 90 days to be tested afterwards by weighing, i.e. by the mass loss method. The analysis showed that a slight increase in surface roughness facilitated faster development of corrosion mechanisms, thus drastically increasing the rate of corrosion penetration into the material. Changes in surface roughness can be also caused by abrasion or erosion damage, so it is important to choose adequate surface protection technologies for prevention of unwanted wear of the steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rise in mobile device use, m-commerce is becoming the preferred method for electronic transactions. Consequently, models explaining consumer behavior in technology adoption are evolving. Among these, the UTAUT model stands out as one of the most frequently used. The aim of this paper is to determine whether variables such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and trust influence consumers' intention to use mobile commerce services. Additionally, the paper examines whether personal innovativeness significantly moderates the relationship between these variables and the intention to use mobile commerce. The study employs descriptive statistical analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression analysis, and moderation regression analysis. The results show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and trust are drivers of the intention to use mobile commerce. Furthermore, the findings indicate that personal innovativeness significantly moderates the relationship between trust and the intention to use mobile commerce in the future. The research results may be useful for m-commerce service providers in terms of improving system security, promoting the utility value of these services. The originality of this paper lies in testing the moderating role of personal innovativeness in the relationship between the mentioned variables and the intention to use m-commerce.

The link between environmental pollution and obesity is of high importance, because understanding the relationship between the two can provide valuable insights into the complex factors contributing to the obesity epidemic. These chemicals, termed "obesogens," are believed to disrupt lipid metabolism processes, therefore promoting the development of obesity. Human activities such as industrialization, urbanization, agriculture, and transportation have significantly contributed to environmental pollution. Therefore, the main identified obesogens are BPA found in plastics, food packaging, and thermal paper receipts, phthalates, commonly used in plastics, personal care products, and food packaging, toxic metal(oid)s, determined in non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and food packaging, pesticides, used in agriculture, as well as other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and pharmaceuticals (waste). Addressing environmental pollution not only has the potential to improve environmental quality, but also to promote public health and prevent obesity-related diseases. Addressing the causality between pollutants and obesity could be a new and challenging road map for health professionals.

Electronic word-of-mouth recommendation system (eWOM) has been present since the emergence of the Internet, and it was preceded by the long-term use of the traditional recommendation system (WOM). Interaction between consumers can result in a positive and/or negative impact on their further behaviour on the market. Tourism industry attaches particular importance to the analysis of decision-making, given that the intangible nature of services makes the entire process difficult for tourists. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to examine the impact of online recommendations on the behaviour of tourist consumers in the decision-making process during the period of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The subject of the paper is the electronic word-of-mouth recommendation system, with a special focus on tourism. During the pandemic, the consumers' lifestyle was altered enormously, while tourism was affected by restrictions and difficult business operations. Empirical research, conducted on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, included a sample of 268 respondents with different socio-demographic characteristics. The analysis of the obtained data was performed using the statistical software platform IBM SPSS Statistics and the Pearson's Correlation test, after which hypotheses 1, 2, 3 and 4 were accepted.

Background: The objective of this study is to characterize the early infection events using the wild-type virus at the mucosal sytes. We hypothesized that as infection progresses the infected cells will be more heterogeneous due to the recruitment of different immune cell types to the site of infection. Also we hypothesized to see differences in infected cell profiles between stratified squamous tissues of anus and simple columnar epithelia of the rectum. Methods: Twelve female rhesus macaques were challenged rectally with a mixture of a single round luciferase reporter virus and wild-type SIVmac239. Animals were sacrificed either 48-, 72- or 96 h later. Luciferase signal was used to quickly scan large areas of the tissue and hone in on small regions that likely contain infected cells. Infected cells were identified microscopically by staining for SIV viral proteins and were validated by spectral imaging and nested PCR. Results: Comprehensive phenotyping of nearly 2000 SIV infected cells revealed that the Th17 T cells infection rate does not vary much over the first 96 h. However, from 48 h to 96 h, there is a pronounced decrease in immature dendritic cells infection rate and an increase in infection of other T cell subtypes, suggesting immune cell recruitment to the site of infection. Since anorectal tissues are composed of two structurally different tissues- squamous epithelia in the anus and columnar epithelia in the rectum, we compared the infected cell phenotypes in these tissues. Much like in FRT the infected cells in the anus are mostly T cells (75%) while those in the rectum are mostly non-T cells (69%). We are currently in the process of studying if these two cell types are targeted preferentially or if targeting were solely a function of relative abundance. Conclusions: We demonstrated that early infection events at the mucosal sites are very dynamic. While certain cell types are infected at the constant rates others increase or decrease as the infection progresses. In our future work we hope to paint the full picture of the HIV/SIV sexual transmission in time and in space by developing three dimensional imaging techniques to visualize the infected cell foci and immune cell responses., OA22.03 D. Maric; T.J. Hope; M. McRaven; G. Cianci and L. Corbin Northwestern University, Cell and Developmental Biology, Chicago, United States https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25659 Please Note: Illustration(s) are not available due to [...]

Background and aims: Mucosal flattening and epithelial cell apoptosis are typical features of T cell induced inflammatory diseases of the bowel, such as coeliac disease and graft versus host disease. [...]

OBJECTIVE: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex brain disorder and has multiple causes that occur in diverse combinations. There is a need to classify children with ASD at a very young age so that they can access evidence-based intervention that can significantly improve their outcomes. CASE REPORT: In this report we present a case of autism, which underwent intrathecal autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells transplantation along with neurorehabilitation. The primary goal of the treatment is to improve the quality of life of the patient. After the procedure, the child started to speak, therefore, the third communication subscale was scored within the GARS-2 assessment instrument. With these three subscales, a score of 91 has been achieved, representing an autism index of 27%, a significant improvement over the previous score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated evidences to support the safety and effectiveness of BMAC transplantation in the management of autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The new circumstances of life due to the proclamation of the COVID 19 virus pandemic have caused numerous changes both in general people's lives and in consumption. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to identify changes in the degree of consumer ethnocentrism when choosing products during the COVID 19 virus pandemic, compared to the period before its occurrence. In addition, differences in consumer preferences for certain domestic products and services before and during the pandemic were analyzed. The paper also deals with differences in ethnocentric tendencies during the pandemic between different socio-demographic consumer segments. Study design/methodology/approach: The primary data were collected from 176 respondents by using the survey method. A paired samples t test is used for hypotheses testing. Independent samples t test and Anova, post hoc Scheffe test, were conducted for analysing differences in ethnocentric tendencies between observed consumer segments during the pandemic. Findings/conclusions: Higher level of consumer ethnocentrism is confirmed in period during the pandemic, especially when it comes to choice of domestic medical products. On the other hand, lower level of consumer ethnocentrism is observed for fashion products and insurance during the pandemic. Older consumers and pensioners exhibit stronger ethnocentric tendencies during the pandemic. Limitations/future research: The main limitation of the paper relates to the use of only a few of the 17 statements within the CET scale for measuring ethnocentric tendencies before and during the pandemic. Also, the research did not cover all categories of domestic products and services. According to the limitations, future studies are recommended to fully apply the CET scale for measuring consumer ethnocentrism. Also, the recommendation is to observe higher number of categories of products and services, and to break down the categories into several subcategories. Finally, future studies can also include some of the determinants of consumer ethnocentrism in the research model.

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most important environmental pollutants with endocrinedisrupting properties. There is little data from epidemiological studies describing the doseresponse relationship between toxic metal levels and hormone levels. The aim of this study was to use the nearest neighbor matching analysis to determine the difference in Hg concentration in healthy/sick subjects with thyroid disease and to use Benchmark modeling to determine the doseresponse relationship between Hg levels in the blood and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones in serum. Blood samples were collected and used for Hg measurement using the ICP-MS method, and separated serum was used for hormone analysis. The study showed the existence of a statistically significant difference in Hg levels measured in healthy and sick subjects and the existence of a dose-response relationship between Hg and all measured hormones, with a narrow interval obtained for the Hg-TSH pair. The results of this research support the use of the Benchmark dose approach for the purpose of analyzing data from human studies, and our further research will be focused on examining the impact of low doses on animal models in order to determine more precise effects of low doses on the organism.

In this paper, the author precisely defines and analyzes the essence of the term intelligence, especially the derived term "economic/business intelligence", which seems to be of paramount significance today, given the dominance of geoeconomics over geopolitics. To acquire knowledge means to get informed about a certain subject of interest. By acquiring knowledge, the possibility of further development and progress is created, which implies movement towards a predetermined goal, in any area of life and work of an individual, triggering certain actions and activities of the organization to which a person belongs. This refers equally to the whole nation, state, various social organizations, as well as different structures and forms of organization. Noticing the regularity that the overall strength of a state is primarily determined by the degree of economic development of society, knowing the circumstances that contribute or may contribute to a country's economic development is the basis and starting point on which to build influence, place and role of people, state and society in time and space. In modern times, to be informed means to be prepared for an adequate response to all challenges, risks and threats that arise on the path of development. It also means being in the position to create influential and important events. The positioning achieved in this way is a factor of stability of the society, which additionally enables the unhindered development of the entire community. Recognizing the importance of the term intelligence, there is a need to get to know and understand the socio-economic impact of intelligence on the development and security of the state. That is the subject of this research paper, which aims to provide an answer to the following question: What is the significance, place and role of intelligence in modern economic and security circumstances?