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Future wireless communications are expected to serve a wide range of emerging applications, such as Online Gaming, Extended Reality (XR), Metaverses, Healthcare or Telemetry, where communication from diverse connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices require not only stringent conditions such as ultra-reliability and low-latency communication (URLLC) together with high bandwidth but also concerns about content security as well as copyright protection. To deal with URLLC demands, Short-Packet Communication (SPC) has been recently considered a vital solution. Meanwhile, to meet high spectrum utilization, Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) has emerged as a potential technology in the last decade, for its ability to serve multi-user communication simultaneously by exploiting power-domain rather than time or frequency domains. Especially, incorporating Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) with NOMA/SPC-based systems can further boost the system’s spectral efficiency as well as enhance communication coverage. However, NOMA-based systems hugely demand a reliable user-paring process, which imposes challenges in ensuring secure short-packet delivery for emerging IoT applications. Hence, this paper studies downlink RIS-assisted short-packet NOMA systems with the focus of improving the secure performance of the pairing process with untrusted users. Our primary innovation lies in developing an arbitrary user-pairing strategy for NOMA-based systems to secure short-packet delivery for IoT applications by jointly designing the power allocation policy and RIS’s phase shifter. In this strategy, untrustworthy users will be allocated higher power levels than trustworthy users, while the latter will be configured with sub-optimal phase shift criteria at RIS to maximize its cascaded channel gain. On this foundation, we derive closed-form expressions for the average block-error rate (BLER) to analyze the performance of trustworthy users as well as the average secure BLER to quantify the secure performance when untrustworthy users wiretap trustworthy users’ information using successive interference mechanisms. Moreover, we further develop asymptotic expressions for both cases to measure the diversity gain and induce key parameters. Subsequently, Monte Carlo simulations are provided as a benchmark to corroborate the theoretical findings. This demonstrates that our work can offer a groundbreaking solution for secure and efficient wireless communication, which can also be applied to digital content protection, such as gaming.

Purpose: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a common, but complex problem, with multiple therapeutic options and a lack of clear guidelines. Hence, there is considerable controversy and marked variation in the management of NOA. This survey evaluates contemporary global practices related to medical and surgical management for patients with NOA. Materials and Methods: A 56-question online survey covering various aspects of the evaluation and management of NOA was sent to specialists around the globe. This paper analyzes the results of the second half of the survey dealing with the management of NOA. Results have been compared to current guidelines, and expert recommendations have been provided using a Delphi process. Results: Participants from 49 countries submitted 336 valid responses. Hormonal therapy for 3 to 6 months was suggested before surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) by 29.6% and 23.6% of participants for normogonadotropic hypogonadism and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism respectively. The SSR rate was reported as 50.0% by 26.0% to 50.0% of participants. Interestingly, 46.0% reported successful SSR in

Purpose: Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) represents the persistent absence of sperm in ejaculate without obstruction, stemming from diverse disease processes. This survey explores global practices in NOA diagnosis, comparing them with guidelines and offering expert recommendations. Materials and Methods:Materials and Methods: A 56-item questionnaire survey on NOA diagnosis and management was conducted globally from July to September 2022. This paper focuses on part 1, evaluating NOA diagnosis. Data from 367 participants across 49 coun-tries were analyzed descriptively, with a Delphi process used for expert recommendations. Results:Results: Of 336 eligible responses, most participants were experienced attending physicians (70.93%). To diagnose azoosper-mia definitively, 81.7% requested two semen samples. Commonly ordered hormone tests included serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (97.0%), total testosterone (92.9%), and luteinizing hormone (86.9%). Genetic testing was requested by 66.6%, with karyotype analysis (86.2%) and Y chromosome microdeletions (88.3%) prevalent. Diagnostic testicular biopsy, distinguishing obstructive azoospermia (OA) from NOA, was not performed by 45.1%, while 34.6% did it selectively. Differ-entiation relied on physical examination (76.1%), serum hormone profiles (69.6%), and semen tests (68.1%). Expectations of finding sperm surgically were higher in men with normal FSH, larger testes, and a history of sperm in ejaculate. Conclusions:Conclusions: This expert survey, encompassing 367 participants from 49 countries, unveils congruence with recommended guidelines in NOA diagnosis. However, noteworthy disparities in practices suggest a need for evidence-based, international consensus guidelines to standardize NOA evaluation, addressing existing gaps in professional recommendations.

Abstract The study was conducted on 60 L of suckling piglets out of 775 piglets, of which 227 piglets had diarrhea litres of piglets, and out of 775 piglets, 227 piglets had diarrhoea syndrome. There were 3 interventions in separate trials as follows: 1 and 2 involved antibiotic use (Enrofloxacin and Gentamicin); Trial 3 used the supplement Lectin C (LvCLT3 and LvCLT4) for a treatment period of 3–7 days. Intervention results on 227 piglets with diarrhea showed the highest cure rate when supplemented with Lectin C, with no mortality rate, longer treatment time, and no reinfection rate. While the two antibiotic trials still had lower cure rates, mortality and reinfection rates were higher. After 05 days of recovery, piglets were tested for MCV, MCH, and MCHC, showing an apparent decrease in the group supplemented with Lectin C, while the two groups using antibiotics still had high rates, with a confidence level of P

This paper presents a laboratory study to investigate the wave overtopping over dike on the fringing reef with a large steep fore-reef slope. The experimented models were set up in wave flume, considering three different slopes of dike combined with various wave and still water levels and different roughness cases. The research results indicate that wave overtopping over a dike on the fringing reef depends not only on the relative crest freeboard but also on a synthetic parameter typical for the wave hydrodynamic properties of the fringing reef characteristics and the slope of the dike. An empirical equation of wave overtopping discharge for dike on the fringing reef was derived based on an equation in EurOtop2018 by adding new synthetic parameter, and the comparison of the data from the new empirical formulas with the measured data showed good agreement. The proposed equation of this paper has been applied to estimate wave overtopping discharge over dike on the fringing reef having a large steep fore-reef slope.

Abstract Land surface temperature (LST) monitoring via Earth observation constellation will become optimized and consistent with spatiotemporal‐explicit characteristics. Besides, scientific evidence for the interaction between LST and vegetation biophysical variables remains limited through spatial large‐scale assessment and seamless long‐term tracking. This study addresses this gap by utilizing gap‐filled fine spatial resolution LST products in understanding the dynamic over the period 2000–2023 and the spatiotemporal relationship with leaf area index (LAI). Firstly, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST 1,000 m of both daytime and nighttime were downscaled to a finer resolution of 250 m using the Random Forest algorithm. The Whittaker algorithm was then applied to obtain gap‐free LST products due to the typical cloud cover under tropical monsoon climate. Time series decomposition of gap‐filled fine resolution LST revealed slight warming trends in daytime (0.005°C year−1), nighttime (0.036°C year−1), and mean of all‐day time (0.02°C year−1) over recent 24 years, while seasonal amplitude in daytime (−3.7°C–4.8°C) is more fluctuated than in nighttime (−2.5°C–1.9°C). Spatial correlations of monthly LSTs and LAI indicated a consistent negative correlation (R ranging from −0.717 to −0.45). These findings shed light on the quantitative relationship between vegetation LAI and LST, contributing to a more unified theoretical framework for understanding functional vegetation responses under diverse climatic conditions.

Gross hematuria is one of the most common complications in postrenal transplant patients, accounting for 12% of all renal recipients. The management plan in these cases varies depending on different entities, including infection, renal cell carcinoma, chronic graft rejection, kidney calculus, or recurrence of primary disease. On the other hand, vascular malformation like arteriovenous malformation was less likely to be mentioned due to a lack of consensus in the natural history, pathogenesis, and current management. In this article, we report a 62-year-old man presenting with spontaneous hematuria for a week and 2 days of anuria after 3 years of renal transplantation. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominopelvic computed tomography noted an obstruction of the renal pelvis due to blood clots without signs of vascular injuries. An emergency operation was performed to remove blood clots in the renal pelvis, but after that, hematuria was still recurrence. A digital renal graft subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)in the kidney allograft. This lesion was then successfully selective embolized with glue. Given the high accuracy of DSA, our case highlights the potential role of this imaging modality in diagnosing and treating AVM after failure with other modalities.

Metal and bi-metal catalysts supported by ZSM-5 zeolite (Mn/ZSM-5, Mn-Ag/ZSM-5, and Mn-Cu/ZSM-5 ) were synthesized using a simple impregnation method. Various analytical techniques, including XRD, SEM, and EDS, were employed to evaluate the crystal structure, morphology, and elemental distribution of the materials. Subsequently, different catalysts were used to evaluate the adsorption capacity of isopropanol (IPA) as well as the regeneration efficiency using ozone in-situ. With an initial concentration of isopropanol gas of 2000ppmv, 0.5 g of catalyst, and a flow rate of 100 mL/min, Mn − Ag bimetal-supported zeolite showed the highest notable efficiency of the adsorption process of 89.06mg/g. Furthermore, the manganese metal-supported zeolite preserved approximately 60% and 70% of its ozone regeneration capacity during several consecutive cycles with a 1 L/min ozone flowrate and 10 - and 60 -minute O3 treatments, respectively. Additionally, the catalyst can increase efficiency up to 80% after four cycles when the ozone flowrate is doubled in 10 minutes. This innovative adsorption-regeneration method of gas treatment can benefit the environment by minimizing energy consumption, reducing the need for high-temperature treatments, and lowering overall energy requirements, potentially influencing the future development of metal and bi-metal catalysts for treating various volatile organic compounds.

Droughts are among the most costly hazards in Tay Nguyen (known as Vietnamese Central Highlands), causing significant threats to agriculture and vegetation ecosystems. This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of vegetation-based drought in the Tay Nguyen Provinces of Dak Lak and Dak Nong, using a long-term series of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectro-radiometer (MODIS) Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) from 2000 to 2023. The results exhibited a high positive correlation (R=0.73) between VCI and soil moisture-based drought index in drought-detected areas. Monthly analysis revealed severe drought events during the dry months, notably in 2005, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. In contrast, wetter conditions were primarily observed during 2017-2018 and 2022-2023. Despite temporal variability of drought, larger trends of decreasing and increasing vegetation-based drought were detected during the dry season. These trends remained a relatively stable during the rainy season. Among vegetation types, shrubland exhibited the lowest VCI trends. This research offers valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to develop targeted strategies for sustainable land management and regional drought resilience.

Abstract Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection diagnosis remains a challenge due to its overlapping clinical symptoms with tuberculosis (TB), leading to inappropriate treatment. Herein, we employed noninvasive metabolic phenotyping coupled with comprehensive statistical modeling to discover potential biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of NTM infection versus TB. Urine samples from 19 NTM and 35 TB patients were collected, and untargeted metabolomics was performed using rapid liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The urine metabolome was analyzed using a combination of univariate and multivariate statistical approaches, incorporating machine learning. Univariate analysis revealed significant alterations in amino acids, especially tryptophan metabolism, in NTM infection compared to TB. Specifically, NTM infection was associated with upregulated levels of methionine but downregulated levels of glutarate, valine, 3-hydroxyanthranilate, and tryptophan. Five machine learning models were used to classify NTM and TB. Notably, the random forest model demonstrated excellent performance [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve greater than 0.8] in distinguishing NTM from TB. Six potential biomarkers for NTM infection diagnosis, including methionine, valine, glutarate, 3-hydroxyanthranilate, corticosterone, and indole-3-carboxyaldehyde, were revealed from univariate ROC analysis and machine learning models. Altogether, our study suggested new noninvasive biomarkers and laid a foundation for applying machine learning to NTM differential diagnosis.

Skin defects of the total nasal columella can significantly impact both nasal respiratory function and aesthetics. The reconstruction of total columella is a complex process and represents a significant challenge for plastic surgeons. Various factors can cause the loss of the columella. Numerous columella reconstruction procedures have been proposed, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The main issues to address include the need for regional flaps from the forehead or nasofacial sulcus, a long pedicle to reach the columella, and the double angular folding that causes a risk of malnutrition or venous congestion. Additionally, using horizontal nasolabial flaps may lead to deformation of the upper lip.

Background: Credit risk is most concentrated in the bad debt ratio. Risk is undesirable for state credit management agencies and direct lending financial institutions but challenging to avoid, especially given the many complex economic developments in domestic and foreign macroeconomics in Vietnam in the past and today. Objective: The study aims to explore the critical factors influencing bank credit risk at commercial banks in Vietnam. Methodology: The authors conducted a group discussion with 15 commercial bank managers of 15 commercial banks based on the qualitative method. Also, primary data were collected directly from the sample size of 500 bank staff related to credit risk activities from 100 bank branches from Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai Province, Binh Duong Province of Vietnam. This was done using a random sampling technique and online serving, while the structural equation model was used to analyse the data gathered. Result: The results show that five key factors affect bank credit risk at commercial banks in Vietnam with a significant level of 0.01. These are legal environment and credit policy (LECP), quality of management and internal control processes (QMIC), macroeconomic and political environment (MPE), technology and risk management systems (TRMS) and quality of assets and customer characteristics (QACC). Among these, legal environment and credit policy strongly impact. Conclusion: The researcher concludes that the legal environment and credit policy are essential for sustainable bank development, especially in a volatile world. Unique Contribution: This study's results have provided empirical data for understanding factors that influence credit risk management in the financial sector. Key Recommendation: To improve generalizability, more countries or financial sectors could be included in future studies.

Background: Cooperatives are independent organizations in which members voluntarily collaborate to meet mutual economic, social, and cultural goals through collective ownership and democratic management. The role of cooperatives in socioeconomic development is increasingly being recognized, and they are becoming the target of economic managers. Objective: The study aims to explore the key factors affecting cooperatives' performance in Vietnam. Besides, the authors proposed policy recommendations for enhancing the performance of cooperatives. Methodology: The authors conducted a group discussion of managers experts with ten persons with doctoral degrees in business administration, quantitative methods, and primary data collected directly from the sample size of 400 managers of cooperatives from five major cities and five provinces in Vietnam, using a random sampling technique, offline and online serving. Result: The results show that five main factors affect the performance of cooperatives in Vietnam, with a significance level of 0.05 and a substantial impact on cooperative management capacity. Research results suggest that managers should strengthen and enhance cooperative management capacity to promote cooperative performance. Conclusion: Studying the performance of cooperatives in Vietnam reveals that it depends on many main factors. External factors directly include the socioeconomic environment and support policies for cooperatives. Internal factors are non-economic factors that indirectly contribute to cooperative performance. Unique Contribution: Cooperatives' novelty in performance lies in their unique business model, which emphasises collective ownership, democratic decision-making, and a focus on community and member benefits rather than profit maximisation, especially in offering innovative solutions. Key Recommendation: The study has pointed out the five critical factors affecting cooperative performance. It also helps managers have an overview of cooperative performance to provide directions and policies for cooperative development in the coming time, significantly improving cooperative management capacity.

This study examined the synthesis of an amine-impregnated bead with high content of zeolite X using chitosan as a binding agent. XRD analysis was conducted confirming the intact crystalline structure of zeolite X. The outer surface textures of bare and ethanolamine-treated samples were explored by SEM revealing the uniformly grainy textures of the beads’ outer surfaces. Moreover, specific surface areas investigated from N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms also indicated a declining trend by pore-filling effects of the amine agent. In the meantime, the mechanical and thermal stability of zeolite – chitosan beads were confirmed using force – displacement and TGA/DSC curves which revealed the resistance up to megaPascal scale stress and thermal stability without decomposition over 200 °C. The impregnation of MEA on zeolite - chitosan beads was verified by FTIR for specific functional groups. In addition, the influence of different preparation methods, temperatures and humid conditions on adsorption capacity was also considered for different MEA-loaded samples. The beads with 10 % w.t MEA content exhibited highest CO2 as well as crystal violet adsorption capacities at room temperatures and stably showed its adsorbing ability up to high temperature.

The evidence to date still favors anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction over anterior cruciate ligament repair because ACL repair has a higher failure rate. However, there has recently been a resurgence of interest in primary ACL repair that has the potential to preserve its native tissue and improve its function. This Technical Note describes a double-bundle arthroscopic ACL repair combined with a modified Lemaire procedure. The extra-articular tenodesis improves anterolateral stability to enhance the success of the repair.

A TiO2/graphene quantum dots composite (TiO2/GQDs) obtained by in situ synthesis of GQDs, derived from coffee grounds, and peroxo titanium complexes was used as electrode modifier in the simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine. The TiO2/GQDs material was characterized by photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping. The TiO2/GQDs-GCE exhibits better electrochemical activity for uric acid and hypoxanthine than GQDs/GCE or TiO2/GCE in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. Under optimized conditions, the calibration plots were linear in the range from 1.00 to 15.26 μM for both uric acid and hypoxanthine. The limits of detection of this method were 0.58 and 0.68 μM for uric acid and hypoxanthine, respectively. The proposed DPV method was employed to determine uric acid and hypoxanthine in urine samples with acceptable recovery rates.

Cordyceps militaris, well known for its therapeutic potential in managing type-2 diabetes through the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, was the central focus of this research, which investigated the influence of various cultivation substrates on its enzymatic inhibitory properties and bioactive compound content. Previous studies have primarily focused on the general pharmacological benefits of C. militaris but have not thoroughly explored how different substrates affect its bioactive profile and enzyme inhibitory activities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of substrate selection on the enzyme inhibition activities and the levels of bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine in C. militaris, demonstrating that substrate selection markedly affects both these enzymes’ inhibition activities and bioactive compound levels. Particularly, C. militaris fruiting bodies grown on Brihaspa atrostigmella showed the highest concentrations of cordycepin (2.932 mg/g) and adenosine (1.062 mg/g). This substrate also exhibited the most potent α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 336.4 ± 16.0 µg/mL and the most effective α-amylase inhibition with an IC50 value of 504.6 ± 4.2 µg/mL. Conversely, C. militaris cultivated on the solid residues of Gryllus bimaculatus displayed the strongest xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition, with the lowest IC50 value of 415.7 ± 11.2 µg/mL. These findings highlight the critical role of substrate choice in enhancing the medicinal properties of C. militaris, suggesting that optimized cultivation can enhance the bioactive properties for more effective natural therapies for diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This study not only extends the understanding of C. militaris’ pharmacological potential but also illustrates its applicability in developing customized treatment options.

This study aims to examine how the collision angle affects the Cu-Ta weld generated by the explosive welding method using molecular dynamics modeling. When two blocks collide, the metallic substrates melt rapidly. Subsequently, when heat energy dissipates to the surrounding areas, the weld interface begins rapidly cooling. Eventually, the weld joint’s surface shape and temperature stabilize. A meta-solid solution state between Cu and Ta could develop under extreme collision conditions of explosive welding through a dynamic diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, the plastic deformation process of the face-centered cubic (FCC) matrix after the explosive collision causes twin boundary scattering in the Cu substrate. The stress evolution experiences three stages: quick increasing, spreading out, and stabling. The stress mainly concentrates on the weld joint. Due to its dynamic recrystallization mechanism, the Cu substrate has a lower residual stress level than the Ta substrate. The atomic strain of the Cu-Ta weld joint improves dramatically as the impact angle increases. The high-strain zone extends toward the lower Ta block between 5° and 15°. Furthermore, the atomic strain and amorphous structure rates increase when the impact angles increase from 5° to 15°. After further improvement up to 20°, they then suffer a decrease. The Cu-Ta weld achieves a tensile strength ranging from 6.37 to 8.94 GPa. The Cu/Cu-Ta/Cu welding joint’s interface is coherent, transforming from an amorphous to a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure. Because of the dynamic diffusion mechanism at the interface, which creates an almost identical atomic rate between Cu and Ta atoms, combined with the dynamic recrystallization phenomenon, explosive welding provides the advantage of combining two low-solubility solid-solution metals.

This article uses an integrated model of fuzzy logic and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to evaluate the rationality of sloping land use types in Bac Kan province consisting of planted forests and cropland. Soil samples were taken at 30 locations in Ba Be, Bac Kan, and Na Ri districts on 12-13 January 2024 to analyze soil quality components to get soil quality data for an integrated model of TOPSIS and fuzzy logic. The integrated model has been evaluated objectively and reliably based on the proposed set of criteria, overcoming the limitation of consistency when determining the weight set and the permutation in the ranking results when used separately. 15 criteria to evaluate the rationality of sloping land use types in Bac Kan province are proposed with 11 criteria for environmental values, 2 criteria for economic values, and 2 criteria for social values. Model results prove that the most reasonable land use type for crops is intercropping cereal crops with Glycine max while the most reasonable land use type for forestation is the mixed wood forest with shrubs or legumes. The rankings have been verified by similarity with the opinions of many experts and authors studying sloping land in Vietnam. Thus, the model results can be used for planning purposes and to facilitate decision-making processes and tools in sustainable agriculture and forestry development in the sloping land of Bac Kan province.

Sub-caliber projectiles have been widely used in modern warfare due to their ability to enhance accuracy and ballistic performance. For such projectiles, however, an effective separation of the penetrator from the sabot upon exiting the barrel is extremely important for achieving the desired accuracy and terminal ballistics. In this paper, we present a theoretical model for studying the aspects of the penetrator-sabot separation process for a sub-caliber projectile fired from 7.62mm pistols. The method used in this paper is a combination of analytical and numerical approaches. Firstly, an equation system was analytically established to describe the motion of the sabot and the penetrator in absolute coordinates. Then, the Computational fluid dynamics simulation approach was applied to determine the aerodynamic forces acting on the sabot and the penetrator. Finally, the equation system was solved using Newton’s method to calculate the position of the sabot and the penetrator during the separation process. Based on the proposed model, the effect of some parameters on the separation process was investigated. The investigation results have shown that the initial friction force between the sabot and the penetrator significantly influences the separation process. The findings in this study provide valuable contributions to the design and optimization of sub-caliber projectile-weapon systems.

Abstract Malaria remains a global health challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Despite substantial progress, the emergence of anti-malarial drug resistance poses a constant threat. The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), which includes Cambodia, China’s Yunnan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam has been the epicentre for the emergence of resistance to successive generations of anti-malarial therapies. From the perspective of the World Health Organization (WHO), this article considers the collaborative efforts in the GMS, to contain Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin partial resistance and multi-drug resistance and to advance malaria elimination. The emergence of artemisinin partial resistance in the GMS necessitated urgent action and regional collaboration resulting in the Strategy for Malaria Elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion (2015–2030), advocating for accelerated malaria elimination interventions tailored to country needs, co-ordinated and supported by the WHO Mekong malaria elimination programme. The strategy has delivered substantial reductions in malaria across all GMS countries, with a 77% reduction in malaria cases and a 97% reduction in malaria deaths across the GMS between 2012 and 2022. Notably, China was certified malaria-free by WHO in 2021. Countries' ownership and accountability have been pivotal, with each GMS country outlining its priorities in strategic and annual work plans. The development of strong networks for anti-malarial drug resistance surveillance and epidemiological surveillance was essential. Harmonization of policies and guidelines enhanced collaboration, ensuring that activities were driven by evidence. Challenges persist, particularly in Myanmar, where security concerns have limited recent progress, though an intensification and acceleration plan aims to regain momentum. Barriers to implementation can slow progress and continuing innovation is needed. Accessing mobile and migrant populations is key to addressing remaining transmission foci, requiring effective cross-border collaboration. In conclusion, the GMS has made significant progress towards malaria elimination, particularly in the east where several countries are close to P. falciparum elimination. New and persisting challenges require sustained efforts and continued close collaboration. The GMS countries have repeatedly risen to every obstacle presented, and now is the time to re-double efforts and achieve the 2030 goal of malaria elimination for the region.

Nowadays “green” processes such as room temperature processes are interested in new researches for production of practical-important solid materials. Zeolitic LTA materials are commonly prepared by hydrothermal transformation using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium aluminate (NaAlO2), and sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) at high temperatures (95 – 100 ◦C). In this study, sub-micron zeolite LTA was prepared at ambient temperature from metakaolin which is easily obtained from kaolin mineral. The prepared materials were characterized using various methods, including XRD to identify their structure, SEM and EDX to analyze the shape and proportional components of the elements, and the N2 adsorption–desorption method to determine the surface area and pore volume. Regarding the Cu2+ ion adsorption capability of the synthetic zeolite, the experimental results revealed that the sub-micron zeolite LTA has potential applications in practice because its adsorption rate exceeds that of the commercial zeolite and the rate constant of the second–order kinetics model of the prepared zeolite was 1.7 times higher than that of the commercial zeolite.

Purpose: Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a functional sperm abnormality that can impact reproductive potential, for which four assays have been described in the recently published sixth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. The purpose of this study was to examine the global practices related to the use of SDF assays and investigate the barriers and limitations that clinicians face in incorporating these tests into their practice. Materials and Methods: Clinicians managing male infertility were invited to complete an online survey on practices related to SDF diagnostic and treatment approaches. Their responses related to the technical aspects of SDF testing, current professional society guidelines, and the literature were used to generate expert recommendations via the Delphi method. Finally, challenges related to SDF that the clinicians encounter in their daily practice were captured. Results: The survey was completed by 436 reproductive clinicians. Overall, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) is the most commonly used assay chosen by 28.6%, followed by the sperm chromatin structure assay (24.1%), and the sperm chromatin dispersion (19.1%). The choice of the assay was largely influenced by availability (70% of respondents). A threshold of 30% was the most selected cut-off value for elevated SDF by 33.7% of clinicians. Of respondents, 53.6% recommend SDF testing after 3 to 5 days of abstinence. Although 75.3% believe SDF testing can provide an explanation for many unknown causes of infertility, the main limiting factors selected by respondents are a lack of professional society guideline recommendations (62.7%) and an absence of globally accepted references for SDF interpretation (50.3%). Conclusions: This study represents the largest global survey on the technical aspects of SDF testing as well as the barriers encountered by clinicians. Unified global recommendations regarding clinician implementation and standard laboratory interpretation of SDF testing are crucial.

The spread of tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB, has strongly motivated the research and development of new anti-TB drugs. New strategies to facilitate drug combinations, including pharmacokinetics-guided dose optimization and toxicology studies of first- and second-line anti-TB drugs have also been introduced and recommended. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has arguably become the gold standard in the analysis of both endo- and exo-genous compounds. This technique has been applied successfully not only for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) but also for pharmacometabolomics analysis. TDM improves the effectiveness of treatment, reduces adverse drug reactions, and the likelihood of drug resistance development in TB patients by determining dosage regimens that produce concentrations within the therapeutic target window. Based on TDM, the dose would be optimized individually to achieve favorable outcomes. Pharmacometabolomics is essential in generating and validating hypotheses regarding the metabolism of anti-TB drugs, aiding in the discovery of potential biomarkers for TB diagnostics, treatment monitoring, and outcome evaluation. This article highlighted the current progresses in TDM of anti-TB drugs based on LC-MS bioassay in the last two decades. Besides, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in practical use. The pressing need for non-invasive sampling approaches and stability studies of anti-TB drugs was highlighted. Lastly, we provided perspectives on the prospects of combining LC-MS-based TDM and pharmacometabolomics with other advanced strategies (pharmacometrics, drug and vaccine developments, machine learning/artificial intelligence, among others) to encapsulate in an all-inclusive approach to improve treatment outcomes of TB patients.

Background Lectins are carbohydrate-binding protein domains. The C-type lectin designates a requirement for calcium for binding. Proteins contain C-type lectin domains that have a diverse range of functions, including cell-cell adhesion, immune response to pathogens, and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the characters of LvCTL-encoding genes from white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Central Vietnam. Methods Two PCR products (LvCTL3 and LvCTL4) were cloned and sequenced. The structure and characterization of LvCTL proteins were predicted using bioinformatics tools. Results The results showed that the LvCTL3 gene was 444 nucleotides in length and 98.87% similar to the published LvCTL3 gene (accession number: KF156943). The polypeptide sequence had 147 amino acids, which were 97.28% identical to the reference sequence (AGV68681) and the LvCTL4 gene had a length of 417 nucleotides and homology of 99.52% compared to the published gene (KM387560). The deduced polypeptide sequence had 138 amino acids, and was 100% similar to the reference sequence (AKA64754). The LvCTL3 had a molecular weight of 16.91 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.66, while LvCTL4 had 15.75 and 4.58 kDa, respectively. The structure prediction results showed that LvCTL3 and LvCTL4 had one domain (CTLD), LvCTL3 had two α helices and nine β sheets, and LvCTL4 had two α helices and eight β sheets. Conclusions Our results provide essential information for the heterologous expression and biosynthesis production of C-type lectins.

Targeted metabolomics and lipidomics are increasingly utilized in clinical research, providing quantitative and comprehensive assessments of metabolic profiles that underlie physiological and pathological mechanisms. These approaches enable the identification of critical metabolites and metabolic alterations essential for accurate diagnosis and precision treatment. Mass spectrometry, in combination with various separation techniques, offers a highly sensitive and specific platform for implementing targeted metabolomics and lipidomics in clinical settings. Nevertheless, challenges persist in areas such as sample collection, quantification, quality control, and data interpretation. This review summarizes recent advances in targeted metabolomics and lipidomics, emphasizing their applications in clinical research. Advancements, including microsampling, dynamic multiple reaction monitoring, and integration of ion mobility mass spectrometry, are highlighted. Additionally, the review discusses the critical importance of data standardization and harmonization for successful clinical implementation.

Drought has become one of the most devastating natural risks of agricultural production and the environment in almost all climate regions. Thus, understanding the spatiotemporal characteristics of drought and its associated impacts is crucial in drought early warning management and adaptation efforts. In this study, we used the 3-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-3) obtained from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) to investigate the space–time characteristics of drought conditions. Also, this study examined the impact of the SPI-based drought on vegetation health conditions using the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series data from 1981 to 2020. The results revealed that the region experiences drought primarily between July and September, with the most prolonged drought events lasting up to five months. Morocco suffered from more frequent droughts than other countries in the region. The Mann-Kendall test showed that the trend of drought became drier over the last decade, whereas the period from 1981 to 2010 witnessed either wetting or no trends. This study also found that the response of crops and grasslands showed higher correlation with the SPI-3 and that the response of vegetation to droughts was higher during the dry season. The findings of this study provide useful information to support local and regional drought planning and adaptation programs and enhance the understanding of drought development in the region.

The suspension system for the car seat is an important part of the vehicle that helps to increase comfort and reduce fatigue. The study of suspension systems using magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) has attracted researchers in recent years. MRE is an elastomer material such as rubber. The modulus of the material can change when a magnetic field is applied. In this study, an MRE-based isolator is first developed for a seat car suspension system. The characteristics of the isolator are investigated under the strength of the magnetic field. Based on Lyapunov theory and constraint force, the semi-active controller is then designed. Numerical simulations for the car seat dynamics system show that the developed isolator can reduce vibrations more when compared with the passive approach in the case of bump and random excitations. The results show significant potential for its application in vehicle seat vibration control.

A species of catfish belonging to the Anguilla genus called Anguilla marmorata has long been exploited and grown in Vietnam. Marbled eels are regarded as a specialty seafood species with several therapeutic and nutritive benefits. This study used High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to identify various biochemical and nutritional ingredients in A. marmorata collected in its natural habitat. There was 16 different amino acids analysed in the muscle, skin, and mucus of marbled eels at the rates of 14.01%, 5.48%, and 9.96%, respectively. Twenty-four fatty acids were found in muscle and skin, while only nine fatty acids were detected in the mucus with proportions of 11.93, 25.91, and 0.37 g/100 g, respectively. Six different vitamins (A, B3, B5, D3, C, E) are found in the muscle of the eel; five types of vitamins (A, B3, B5, D3, E) were detected in the skin; and three vitamins (B3, B5, C) are found in mucus. Using HPLC analysis has shown remarkable effectiveness in micronutrient analysis in nutritional research. The results will increase our knowledge of the nutritive benefits of the A. marmorata and point the way toward the creation of functional foods and cosmetics with natural ingredients that may be used on people.

Abstract Background Malaria continues to be a major threat to global public health. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the underlying Plasmodium parasites has provided insights into the genomic epidemiology of malaria. Genome sequencing is rapidly gaining traction as a diagnostic and surveillance tool for clinical settings, where the profiling of co-infections, identification of imported malaria parasites, and detection of drug resistance are crucial for infection control and disease elimination. To support this informatically, we have developed the Malaria-Profiler tool, which rapidly (within minutes) predicts Plasmodium species, geographical source, and resistance to antimalarial drugs directly from WGS data. Results The online and command line versions of Malaria-Profiler detect ~ 250 markers from genome sequences covering Plasmodium speciation, likely geographical source, and resistance to chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), and other anti-malarial drugs for P. falciparum, but also providing mutations for orthologous resistance genes in other species. The predictive performance of the mutation library was assessed using 9321 clinical isolates with WGS and geographical data, with most being single-species infections (P. falciparum 7152/7462, P. vivax 1502/1661, P. knowlesi 143/151, P. malariae 18/18, P. ovale ssp. 5/5), but co-infections were identified (456/9321; 4.8%). The accuracy of the predicted geographical profiles was high to both continental (96.1%) and regional levels (94.6%). For P. falciparum, markers were identified for resistance to chloroquine (49.2%; regional range: 24.5% to 100%), sulfadoxine (83.3%; 35.4– 90.5%), pyrimethamine (85.4%; 80.0–100%) and combined SP (77.4%). Markers associated with the partial resistance of artemisinin were found in WGS from isolates sourced from Southeast Asia (30.6%). Conclusions Malaria-Profiler is a user-friendly tool that can rapidly and accurately predict the geographical regional source and anti-malarial drug resistance profiles across large numbers of samples with WGS data. The software is flexible with modifiable bioinformatic pipelines. For example, it is possible to select the sequencing platform, display specific variants, and customise the format of outputs. With the increasing application of next-generation sequencing platforms on Plasmodium DNA, Malaria-Profiler has the potential to be integrated into point-of-care and surveillance settings, thereby assisting malaria control. Malaria-Profiler is available online (bioinformatics.lshtm.ac.uk/malaria-profiler) and as standalone software ( https://github.com/jodyphelan/malaria-profiler ).

In this study, 54 monoderivatives of 4-mercaptoimidazole (4MC) were screened for their antioxidant activity using computational simulations. It was discovered that the presence of electron-absorbing groups, such as NO2, CN, CF3, COOH, and COOCH3, increases the BDE (S-H) and IE values of 4MC, whereas the presence of electron-donating groups, such as Eti, Ph, Ete, Me, Et, OH, OMe, NH2, NHMe, and NMe2, decreases these values. 5-NH2-4MC has the lowest BDE value (66.6 kcal/mol), while 5-NHMe2-4MC has the lowest IE value (157.1 kcal/mol). Thus, in the gas phase, these derivatives could exhibit the highest radical scavenging activity following the hydrogen transfer and single electron transfer, respectively. The analysis of docking data revealed that 5-Ph-4MC formed strong bonds with the LO and CP450 enzymes, indicating that this compound could inhibit these enzymes.

2‒Mecaptoimidazole (2MC), its tautomer (2MI), and derivatives were evaluated in silico for their antioxidant activity and potential for breast cancer drug development. In this investigation, 14 substituents were placed in various positions on ovothiol rings. 2MC, 2MI, and derivatives, including 5‒NH2‒2MC, 5‒NMe2‒2MC, 5‒NH2‒2MI, 5‒ NMe2‒2MI, have BDE values that are lower than those of prominent antioxidants such as viniferifuran, resveratrol, and puerarin. These outcomes imply that the reaction between these substances and the radical in the gas phase may follow the FHT mechanism. All studied compounds have negative binding energies with ERa (1HVY) and Aromatase (1DNU), and all their ADME parameters meet the requirements of Lipinski's rule. Among them, 4‒COOH‒2MC, 4‒C₆H₅‒2MC, 5‒COOH‒2MC, 5‒C₆H₅‒2MC, 5‒NH₂‒2MC, 1‒C₆H₅‒2MI, 5‒COOH‒2MI, 5‒CH≡C‒2MI and 5‒C₆H₅‒2MI are potential compounds for drug development in breast cancer treatment, similar to the commercially available doxorubicin.

The aim of this study is to assess how different extraction temperatures affect the in vitro antioxidant potential of polysaccharides derived from the leaves of Myxopyrum smilacifolium. The findings indicated that, the polysaccharides exhibit the highest antioxidant activity when extracted at a temperature of 90°C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic absorption groups typically found in polysaccharide structures in the PS-T90 sample. The average molecular weight of the extracted polysaccharides was approximately 9.30×105 Da. The total antioxidant capacity of PS-T90 was determined to be 0.2646 ± 0.0007 mg GA/g or 0.1725 ± 0.0007 mg AS/g. Additionally, the IC50 values for the polysaccharides against 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radicals were measured to be 1.04 mg/mL and 3.37 mg/mL, respectively. These exceptional bioactive properties suggest the potential of PS-T90 as a valuable resource for antioxidant development.

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of potential pathogenic bacteria from surface water samples collected at 30 stations along Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Among 116 bacterial isolates identified, the composition analysis indicated 24 distinct bacterial genera, with Vibrio (29.3%), Pseudomonas (23.3%), Staphylococcus (8.6%), and Bacillus (6.0%) being the most dominant. The taxonomic analysis revealed 61/116 (52.6%) isolates as potential pathogens (risk group 2) belonging to 21 bacterial species. Potential pathogens were detected in 28/30 (93.3%) sampling stations, with the most common pathogens including Vibrio alginolyticus (n=25), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n=5), Enterobacter cloacae (n=3), Pseudomonas mendocina (n=3), Aeromonas hydrophila (n=2), Enterobacter asburiae (n=2), Klebsiella oxytoca (n=2), Bacillus cereus (n=2), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n=2). The selected pathogens were highly resistant to Amoxicillin (100%), Piperacillin (100%), Amoxicillin + Clavulanate (85.7%), Ticarcillin (71.4%), Cefoxitin (54.4%), Kanamycin (50%), and Fosfomycin (50%), and less resistant to Trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole, Fusidic Acid, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Pristinamycin, Dalacin, and Rifampicin (

Abstract Target tracking has a wide range of applications in intelligent transportation, real‐time monitoring, human‐computer interaction and other aspects. However, in the tracking process, the target is prone to deformation, occlusion, loss, scale variation, background clutter, illumination variation, etc., which bring great challenges to realize accurate and real‐time tracking. Tracking based on Siamese networks promotes the application of deep learning in the field of target tracking, ensuring both accuracy and real‐time performance. However, due to its offline training, it is difficult to deal with the fast motion, serious occlusion, loss and deformation of the target during tracking. Therefore, it is very helpful to improve the performance of the Siamese networks by learning new features of the target quickly and updating the target position in time online. The broad learning system (BLS) has a simple network structure, high learning efficiency, and strong feature learning ability. Aiming at the problems of Siamese networks and the characteristics of BLS, a target tracking method based on BLS is proposed. The method combines offline training with fast online learning of new features, which not only adopts the powerful feature representation ability of deep learning, but also skillfully uses the BLS for re‐learning and re‐detection. The broad re‐learning information is used for re‐detection when the target tracking appears serious occlusion and so on, so as to change the selection of the Siamese networks search area, solve the problem that the search range cannot meet the fast motion of the target, and improve the adaptability. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves good results on three challenging datasets and improves the performance of the basic algorithm in difficult scenarios.

Processing heterogeneous microstructures, especially the so-called harmonic structures consisting of soft core and hard shell regions, is an efficient way to achieve a strength-ductility trade-off in classical metallurgy. In this study, two harmonic samples with the same composition of Ti–24Nb–4Zr–8Sn but different microstructures were processed to exhibit different grain size heterogeneities between the core and the shell. Both samples were consolidated from a ball-milled powder using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) but applying two different sintering times, 1 and 60 min. The grain size heterogeneities were higher for the longer SPS sintering time due to the enhanced grain dimension in the core for 60 min consolidation time. The mechanical behavior of the two materials was studied via a monotonic quasi-static compression test. For both harmonic-structured Ti–24Nb–4Zr–8Sn alloys, a high compressive proof stress of about 1 GPa was detected. The strain-hardening rate was higher for the longer SPS time due to the higher grain size differences between the core and shell. A high dislocation density was detected in both materials after compression deformation (several tens of 1014 m−2). The dislocations tend to form cells and LAGBs during compression. The dislocation pile-ups at the core-shell interfaces caused a back stress of about 640 MPa after compression at 2–5% strains. The contributions of the different features of the microstructure (grain size, α phase precipitates, and oxygen concentration) to the proof stress were determined.

The success rate of start-up firms in Vietnam could be low 20.8%. To address this issue, improving start-up performance through technological innovation and business model innovation is crucial. The relationship between technological innovation, business model innovation (BMI), and start-up performance has yet to be widely examined in developing countries like Vietnam. This study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data from 425 entrepreneurs. The findings reveal that technological innovation has a positive impact on business model innovation and start-up performance; business model innovation also has a positive impact on start-up performance; and the study identifies the partial mediating role of business model innovation between technological innovation and start-up performance. The results have practical implications for entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and policymakers. It emphasizes investing in technological and business model innovations to improve start-up performance. Lastly, the study highlights some limitations and suggests future research directions. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2023-04-03-01 Full Text: PDF

Fishing with artificial light has become one of the most advanced, efficient, and common methods for the night-time purse seining in Vietnam. This study evaluated the radiation spectrum, CIE chromaticity coordinates, correlated color temperature (CCT), catch rate, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions when using Light emitting diode (LED) lamps (0.196 kW) in comparison with the use of metal halide (MH) lights (1 kW) in the offshore purse seine fishery in Quang Tri province, Vietnam. The fishing efficiency of the purse seine fishing boats using LED lamps has increased 1.58 times in catch rate than MH lights, although the energy consumption of LED lamp is 4 times smaller. Fuel consumption of boats per trip using LED lamps was one third of that using MH lights. The use of LED reduced the radiation spectrum, especially the intense UV radiation which negatively affects the health of fishermen. This study also showed the potential of CO2 emission reduction up to 1.09 tons of CO2 per trip per boat from the use of LED lamps in the offshore purse seine fishing boats.

Glyptostrobus pensilis (Staunton ex D. Don) K. Koch is a critically endangered species, native to southeastern China and also very locally found in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Essential oil isolated from leaves is a monoterpene-rich oil containing mainly limonene (33.3%), α-pinene (23.4%) and bornyl acetate (9.2%). The composition of G. pensilis wood oil is rather complex and the identification of individual components needed fractionation over column chromatography. The main components, identified by GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR, were cedrol (29.3%), occidentalol (6.6%) and occidentalol isomer (5.9%).

Top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion frequently causes infarction of the midbrain, thalamus, and portions of the temporal and occipital lobes as the vascular supply of these regions comes from the posterior communicating and posterior cerebral arterial tributaries of the basilar artery. Clinical signs include an array of visual, oculomotor, and behavioral abnormalities, usually without prominent motor dysfunction, which makes diagnosis challenging for those inexperienced with these sign. We describe a 59-year-old male presenting with acute ischemic stroke due to top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion. Despite attempting several paraclinical examinations relating the sudden coma with Glasgow Coma Scale of 6 points, the neuroimaging detected the large vessel occlusion that was difficult to recognize. After confirming top-of-the-basilar artery occlusion, the recanalization was realized immediately. The patient was discharged with good clinical recovery.

Abstract Background Despite recent reductions in Vietnam, malaria transmission persists in some areas in forests and farmlands where a high density of Anopheles mosquitoes relative to other environments occurs. To inform effective malaria control measures, it is important to understand vector bionomics and the malaria transmission role of Anopheles spp. in the highland regions of Vietnam. This study was conducted to quantify the abundance, composition and biting behaviour of the Anopheles mosquito population, and the proportion of Plasmodium spp. infected mosquitoes collected from forest and agricultural farm sites in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. Methods Forest and agricultural farm sites in Gia Lai province were selected for mosquito collections (total eight sites). Mosquito collection was performed by Human-baited Double Net Trap (HDNT), animal-baited traps (ABT) using cattle, and CDC light traps. Captured mosquitoes were identified morphologically, and salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes were examined for sporozoites using microscopy. Plasmodium infection was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and identification of blood meal type was determined by PCR and diffuse serum agglutination assay. Results A total of 1815 Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to 19 species were collected by ABT (n = 1169), HDNT (n = 471) and CDC light trap (n = 175). Anopheles abundance and diversity varied by district and environment. Capture by HDNT of Anopheles of vectorial concern was observed between early evening and early morning. Plasmodium vivax infection was determined by PCR in two Anopheles dirus specimens captured by HDNT in forest sites. Blood from a range of hosts could, including human blood, could be detected in species considered primary and secondary vectors An. dirus, and Anopheles aconitus, and Anopheles maculatus, respectively. Conclusions A low number of Anopheles spp. considered primary vectors of concern and very low numbers of Plasmodium spp. infected Anopheles mosquitoes were captured at the end of the rainy season in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. However, capture species of vectorial concern by HDNT throughout the early to late evening demonstrates that use of additional personal protective measures could supplement current preventative measures, such as bed nets to prevent exposure to vectors of concern in this region.

Cordyceps militaris, recognized for its diverse and potent medicinal properties, plays a critical role in herbal medicine. This study investigates the genus Cordyceps, particularly focusing on C. militaris, a species widely utilized in East Asian traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. C. militaris is rich in bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, ergosterol, and mannitol, which contribute to its broad physiological activities. The research aims to explore the diversity of host species in the cultivation of C. militaris and assess their impact on the biological activity and chemical composition of the fungus. The study highlights the variability in the efficacy of bioactive compounds due to different cultivation conditions and host species, emphasizing the need for standardized cultivation practices. Advances in genetic engineering and fermentation technology have significantly enhanced the production of these metabolites, supporting the sustainable scale-up of C. militaris cultivation. Future research should continue to explore the molecular mechanisms of its bioactive compounds, identify new clinical applications, and improve production efficiency and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive review provides insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and cultivators on optimizing C. militaris for medicinal and commercial applications.

The big advantage of refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) is their strength at high temperatures, but their big disadvantage is their brittleness at room temperature, which prevents their machining. There is a great need to classify the alloys in terms of brittle-ductile (B-D) properties, with easily obtainable ductility indices (DIs) ready to help design these refractory alloys. Usually, the DIs are checked by representing them as a function of fraction strain, ε. The critical values of DI and ε divide the DI—ε area into four squares. In the case of a successful DI, the points representing the alloys are located in the two diagonal opposite squares, well separating the alloys with (B-D) properties. However, due to the scatter of the data, the B-D separation is not perfect, and it is difficult to establish the critical value of DI. In this paper, we solve this problem by replacing the fracture strain parameter with new DIs that scale with the old DIs. These new DIs are based on the force constant and amplitude of thermal vibration around the Debye temperature. All of them are easily available and can be calculated from tabulated data.

Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), recognized globally for its substantial nutrient content and health benefits, has been extensively studied; studies have particularly focused on the fruit, while the composition of the stem remains less explored. This research focuses on optimizing fermentation parameters for red dragon fruit wine, specifically examining yeast-strain selection, juice-to-water dilution ratios, and yeast concentrations. Saccharomyces cerevisiae RV002 emerged as the optimal strain due to its robust performance and adaptability under adverse conditions. The study identified a 50% dilution ratio as ideal for maximizing clarity and the sensory attributes of the wine, whereas dilution ratios exceeding 90% significantly reduced ethanol content below acceptable commercial standards. An optimal yeast concentration of 1 g/L was found to balance microbial suppression and alcohol yield effectively; deviations from this concentration led to microbial contamination or impaired fermentation dynamics. Fermentation markedly altered the biochemical properties of Hylocereus polyrhizus, reducing sugar and vitamin C levels while increasing polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, thereby enhancing potential health benefits. These findings underscore the transformative effects of microbial activity on the substrate’s chemical landscape and highlight the potential of tailored fermentation strategies to enhance the utility and value of underutilized fruits in sustainable agricultural practices.

Mesopores and silanol nests are known two technological keys that essentially control the catalytic performance of ZSM-5 zeolite. However, designing and controlling them without using chemicals so that the produced ZSM-5 can have strongly enhanced catalytic properties and more importantly can be applied at industrial scale have still been a big challenge up to now. The present study employed the 10 MeV electron beam (EB) generated from an industrial linear accelerator to introduce both the O-vacancy rich mesopores and stable triad-silanol nests in ZSM-5. The structural modification of irradiated ZSM-5 samples was explored by using SEM and FTIR combined with positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) including positron annihilation lifetime (PAL), Doppler broadening (DB) of electron–positron annihilation energy and electron momentum distribution (EMD). Obtained results indicated that EB irradiation could recover the defective-crystal structure as well as intensively modify the structures of ZSM-5. In particular, the mechanism for the solid-state crystallization and the formation of the O-vacancy rich mesopores (maximum size of ∼4.5 nm) in ZSM-5 under the combined EB irradiation (10−110 kGy) and calcination (600 °C) was, for the first time, proposed. The mechanism for the formation of stable triad-silanol nests in the channels of irradiated and calcined ZSM-5 zeolites was also explored. The present study, therefore, opens a new research path of applying both EB irradiation and calcination to produce ZSM-5 with novel features for industrial catalytic application at large-production scale.

The present paper investigates the impact of pairing correlation on the nuclear level density (NLD) and radiative strength function (RSF) of an odd-odd and rare-earth 166Ho nucleus. By employing the exact thermal pairing (EP) solution in conjunction with both the temperature-dependent independent-particle model (EP+IPM) for the NLD and the phonon damping model (EP+PDM) for the RSF, we achieve good agreement with the experimental NLD and RSF data, which have been recently extracted by using the Oslo method. Notably, without adding any extra parameters, our calculations successfully reproduce the pygmy dipole resonances (PDR) and a portion of the strength around the region of scissor resonance (SR) in the RSF. This suggests that the SR in this nucleus may be less pronounced than that obtained in the previous analysis within the phenomenological model. These features are the consequences of the EP and the couplings of the PDM phonon to all the particle-hole (ph), particle-particle (pp), and hole-hole (hh) configurations within the EP+PDM, thus insisting on the importance of the underlying physics involved in this model. Utilizing the obtained NLD and RSF, we predict the 165Ho(n,γ)166Ho and Maxwellian-averaged cross sections, which exhibit remarkable agreement with all the available experimental data from the Experimental Nuclear Reaction Data and Karlsruhe Astrophysical Database of Nucleosynthesis in Stars. These results reflect the imprint of the pairing correlation on those quantities.

There is an urgent need for better biomarkers for the detection of early-stage breast cancer. Utilizing untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics in conjunction with advanced data mining approaches for metabolism-centric biomarker discovery and validation may enhance the identification and validation of novel biomarkers for breast cancer screening. In this study, we employed a multimodal omics approach to identify and validate potential biomarkers capable of differentiating between patients with breast cancer and those with benign tumors. Our findings indicated that ether-linked phosphatidylcholine exhibited a significant difference between invasive ductal carcinoma and benign tumors, including cases with inconsistent mammography results. We observed alterations in numerous lipid species, including sphingomyelin, triacylglycerol, and free fatty acids, in the breast cancer group. Furthermore, we identified several dysregulated hydrophilic metabolites in breast cancer, such as glutamate, glycochenodeoxycholate, and dimethyluric acid. Through robust multivariate receiver operating characteristic analysis utilizing machine learning models, either linear support vector machines or random forest models, we successfully distinguished between cancerous and benign cases with promising outcomes. These results emphasize the potential of metabolic biomarkers to complement other criteria in breast cancer screening. Future studies are essential to further validate the metabolic biomarkers identified in our study and to develop assays for clinical applications.

In Vietnam, erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent and recognized to be associated with mental disorders; however, societal taboos impede a comprehensive understanding of this connection. Our study aims to investigate the factors related to higher levels of anxiety and/or depression (HAD) in individuals with ED. Between November 2022 and March 2023, a face-to-face survey was conducted at the Center for Andrology of Viet Duc University Hospital, involving 390 patients diagnosed with ED. The survey included 51 questions covering general patient information, the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The stepwise Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method was used to identify factors associated with HAD. The study revealed an average age of 37.63 (11.84) years among participants, with a HAD prevalence of 17.69%. Several factors were associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the HAD group in ED patients. These factors included non-office workers (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: [1.01, 1.21], p = .025), medium and high levels of work-related stress (OR: 1.23; [1.06, 1.44], p = .008; OR: 1.22; [1.04, 1.45], p = .018), multiple shameful experiences related to ED (OR: 1.16; [1.08, 1.25], p < .001), moderate and severe ED (OR: 1.17; [1.03, 1.32], p = .013; OR: 1.31; [1.14, 1.51], p < .001), and dissatisfaction with intercourse skills (OR: 1.09; [1.01, 1.17], p = .028). Our findings suggest a 16% higher likelihood of HAD status in individuals with multiple shameful experiences related to ED, while moderate and severe ED are associated with respective increases of 17% and 31% in the likelihood. These findings emphasize the importance of considering mental health in the care of individuals with ED.