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Abstract A positive association between pubertal maturity as assessed by skeletal development, and specific cognitive abilities has recently been demonstrated in a cohort of adolescent girls. The current study explores the impact of chronological age and relative pubertal maturity on executive function within the same cohort. Relative maturity, determined by the difference between chronological age and skeletal age, establishes the criteria for enrolling participants into average, advanced, or delayed relative maturity subgroups. Performance is assessed using the Numerical Stroop test and analyzed across four conditions, each with varying task requirements related to inhibition and task switching. The effects of chronological age and relative maturity on executive functions are tested by a linear mixed model. Within the examined age-range (12–15 y), a more protracted development was found for inhibition as compared to switching. In line with the previous findings, the results reveal significant development in executive performance as a function of chronological age, and relative maturity also demonstrated significant effect on the development of executing functioning. The significant interaction effect between Chronological Age and Relative Maturity suggests that the degree of interplay between these factors varies across the examined age range. Specifically, relative maturity may have a more noticeable impact on EF functioning in middle adolescence compared to early adolescence.

Abstract Background Bernstein’s heuristic model of personal strengths describes 16 positive attributes of the healthy adult self, grouped into four higher-order factors: self-directedness (identity, self-reflection, self-confidence, self-assertion, imagination/creativity), self-regulation (emotional balance, resilience, self-control, self-care, reality testing), connection (empathy, compassion, humour, responsibility), and transcendence (gratitude and wisdom). The study aimed to explore the factorial validity of Bernstein’s Strengths Scale developed for the assessment of these constructs. Furthermore, we explored the association of strengths with attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and mental health in a nonclinical sample using a network approach. Methods Five hundred and twenty-eight adults filled out an online questionnaire, including Bernstein’s Strengths Scale (BSS), the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form (MHC-SF), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Results Though our data showed an acceptable fit to the 16-factor model, the Self-control subscale and item 28 of the Compassion subscale were excluded because of reliability issues. The final model with 15 factors and 44 items showed excellent fit, χ2(797) = 1130.149, p

Abstract With climate change, population growth and the resulting escalating water shortage, humanity is increasingly turning to non-renewable and even fossil groundwater resources, which poses a major challenge to sustainable water management. In this study, 2D basin-scale numerical simulations were carried out on the COMSOL Multiphysics® finite element numerical platform to identify non-renewable water resources in the Central Pannonian Basin (Central Europe, Hungary) based on the lack of hydraulic connection to recharge areas. The concept and boundary conditions (fixed water table configuration at the top, pressure-elevation profiles on the lateral sides, and constant pressure on the bottom) were derived from a previous basin-scale hydraulic data evaluation study, while the hydrostratigraphic subdivision was based on seismic and well log interpretations. As a result, topography-driven groundwater flow systems fed by meteoric water infiltration were separated from a transition zone, which contains non-renewable groundwater resources and covers 85% area of the simulated 110 km long and roughly 1600 m deep cross-section what was previously thought to be fully renewable. Such complex flow pattern and re-interpretation of the renewable and non-renewable groundwater resources can be expected in any terrestrial sedimentary basin with over-pressured flow domains.

Abstract While expression profile of muscle-specific miRNAs following endurance training is well-characterized, information about exercise-induced changes of metabolism-regulating miRNAs is limited, especially in female and junior athletes. Major aim of this study was to examine a set of miRNAs related to mitochondrial function and metabolism in highly professional junior female athletes. The Hungarian National Junior Triathlon Team (n = 4), completed standardized running and cycling sessions. Expression levels of miR-133a, miR-210, miR-494 and miR-127-3p were determined by RT-qPCR in whole blood and serum samples, withdrawn directly before, and after the exercise, and 24 and 48 h later. The expression of miR-494, miR-127-3p and miR-210 showed strong correlation with each other. In serum, nearly significant increment of miR-127-3p levels was detected, that may be a novel biomarker of exercise adaptation. Its expression was significantly higher than that of miR-210. In whole blood, significantly higher miR-210 than miR-494 and miR-127-3p levels were observed. MiRNA expression profile of the youngest athlete was markedly different compared to others. Our results suggest that miRNAs related to mitochondrial function and metabolism are involved in exercise adaptation. The present study may facilitate further research with larger potential participant pools, contributing to improved prevention and treatment of chronic diseases of civilization.

Abstract The imperative need for sensitive and precise tools is underscored in cancer diagnostics, with biomarkers playing a pivotal role in facilitating early detection and tumor diagnosis. Despite their classical pathological classification, testicular tumors lack valuable markers, emphasizing the necessity to identify and apply serum tumor markers in clinical management. Unfortunately, existing biomarkers exhibit limited sensitivities and specificities. Recent years have witnessed the discovery of novel RNA molecules, presenting a potential breakthrough as diagnostic tools and promising biomarkers. This report presents compelling evidence supporting the detection of early testicular cancer by applying a set of nine microRNAs (miRNAs), establishing them as valuable serum biomarkers for diagnosis. We developed a standardized serum-based measurement protocol and conducted comprehensive statistical analyses on the dataset to underscore the diagnostic accuracy of the miRNA pool. Notably, with a sensitivity exceeding 93%, miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-106b surpass classical serum tumor markers in the context of testicular cancer. Specifically, these miRNAs are poised to enhance clinical decision-making in testicular cancer detection and hold the potential for assessing tumor growth in monitoring chemotherapy outcomes.

Freshwater biodiversity in the Maghreb region remains largely unexplored, providing significant opportunities for further discovery. Algerian caddisflies have received relatively little attention. The present study aims to fill gaps in caddisfly taxonomy and distribution by conducting a comprehensive survey of rivers and streams in northeastern Algeria, with a focus on collecting adult caddisflies. Through our research, we identified a total of 28 species from Algeria, and a new caddisfly species, Hydropsyche tenerifa, collected in the Canary Islands, expanding our knowledge of the caddisfly fauna in North Africa. Among these discoveries, we describe 15 new species (H. cherfa, H. makhloufa, H. seybousa, H. algirica, H. dbabcha, H. farrahae, H. guitna, H. chenioura, H. edougha, H. louara, H. vinconi, H. linae, H. nardjissae, Agapetus ferrerasi, A. yasminae) from Algeria and reclassify three subspecies or varieties as distinct species (Wormaldia numidica, Thremma africanum, Mesophylax hoggarensis). In addition, our surveys led to the discovery of three previously unrecorded caddisfly species (Lype reducta, Lepidostoma kumanskii, and Adicella syriaca) in Algeria, as well as the expansion of the known range of seven additional species. These results underscore the importance of the Maghreb's freshwater biodiversity and highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of caddisfly taxonomy in the region. By providing a clearer taxonomy and distributional framework for caddisflies, our research establishes a solid foundation for future monitoring and conservation initiatives targeting these important aquatic insects and the ecosystems they inhabit.

In this work we describe 47 new Trichoptera species most of them from Georgia: Wormaldia kala sp. nov., W. khizabavra sp. nov., W. kokoa sp. nov., W. kulbaka sp. nov., W. lopota sp. nov., W. varjanulia sp. nov., Tinodes abana sp. nov., Plectrocnemia zekaria sp. nov., Hydropsyche adjaria sp. nov., H. gouria sp. nov., H. svanetica sp. nov., Rhyacophila aragva sp. nov., R. chakvistskala sp. nov., R. kakhetia sp. nov., R. kokoa sp. nov., R. namona sp. nov., Agapetus kintrisha sp. nov., Thremma balcanum sp. nov., T. svaneticum sp. nov., Martynomyia svanetia sp. nov., M. zazai sp. nov., Apataniana bakhmara sp. nov., A. gouria sp. nov., Drusus stephantsmind sp. nov., Badukiella markha sp. nov., Kelgena bakhmara sp. nov., K. bellae sp. nov., K. goderdza sp. nov., K. lapankura sp. nov., K. levani sp. nov., K. samtskha sp. nov., K. tetnulda sp. nov., K. tobara sp. nov., K. vekona sp. nov., Rizeiella keda sp. nov., R. sashuala sp. nov., R. tbetia sp. nov., R. varjana sp. nov., Stenophylax almat sp. nov., S. kulbak sp. nov., Ernodes bakhmarensis sp. nov., E. mingreliensis sp. nov., Schizopelex akhalchala sp. nov., S. mingrelia sp. nov., S. jvaria sp. nov., S. masula sp. nov., S. nazhala sp. nov. Moreover, 9 other species are new for Georgia: Wormaldia hoska Oláh, 2020, W. obola Oláh, 2020, W. sakaorum Oláh, 2020, Diplectrona robusta Martynov, 1934, Rhyacophila kora Oláh, 2020, Agapetus caucasicus Martynov, 1913, Lepidostoma iranicum Schmid, 1959, Grammotaulius nigropunctatus (Retzius, 1783) and Ernodes ordubadensis Oláh & Kerimova, 2020. The family Uenoidae and the genus Thremma are new for Georgia.

Abstract With the advance of climate change and the local effects of human activity, it has become of utmost importance to sense spatially extended natural and artificial physical phenomena to predict, monitor, and mitigate hazardous events. Wireless sensor networks are suitable for observing such phenomena, for example, wildfires, floods or landslides, without human supervision. This is due to affordable devices, independent power sources, wireless communication, and a broad range of sensors. During normal operation a few, while during the occurrence of an event a multitude of devices can fail. This leads to further disconnected devices, degrading the network's sensing capabilities. The communication requirements of such applications are difficult to fulfil with general routing protocols. The monitored event is rare compared to the network's lifetime, while its occurrence results in multiple, gradual node failures, still demanding the network to perform reliably. Available routing protocols fail to address every aspect of such application, thus the authors propose the Reliable Resilient Multipath Routing Protocol, designed to construct multiple disjoint paths from each device to a distinguished one, called the sink. The protocol employs proactive and reactive network management techniques to increase connection redundancy and maintain connectivity during failures. To verify the proposed protocol end‐to‐end, we evaluated the supported parameters, performed comparative simulations with routing algorithms known from the literature, and provided estimates of a realistic deployment.

ABSTRACTBackground Sufficient protein intake is essential for adequate physical condition and athletic performance. However, numerous factors can influence the absorption of consumed protein, including timing, type of protein intake, and gut microbiota. In the present study, elite male water polo players consumed a plant-based, vegan protein supplement with (n = 10) or without (n = 10) pre- and probiotics daily during the 31-day study period.Methods We determined the anthropometric characteristics and body composition, dietary habits, gut microbiota composition, and blood parameters of the players at the beginning and at the end of the study. Body composition parameters were analyzed using the InBody 970 bioimpedance analyzer. Gut microbiome composition was determined from stool samples by metagenome sequencing. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to determine differences between body composition and blood parameters within the groups and between the two groups at the two different sampling times. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine the change in bacterial composition during the study. Correlations between changes in body composition, blood parameters, and taxonomic groups were analyzed using a linear correlation calculation.Results Skeletal muscle mass (p

Abstract Breast cancer is a prevalent and significant cause of mortality in women, and manifests as six molecular subtypes. Its further histologic classification into non-invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma (ILC or IDC) underscores its heterogeneity. The ubiquitin–proteasome system plays a crucial role in breast cancer, with inhibitors targeting the 26S proteasome showing promise in clinical treatment. The Cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases, including CUL3, have direct links to breast cancer. This study focuses on CUL3 as a potential biomarker, leveraging high-throughput sequencing, gene expression profiling, experimental and data analysis tools. Through comprehensive analysis using databases like GEPIA2 and UALCAN, as well as TCGA datasets, CUL3's expression and its association with prognostic values were assessed. Additionally, the impact of CUL3 overexpression was explored in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, revealing distinct differences in molecular and phenotypic characteristics. We further profiled its expression and localization in breast cancer tissues identifying prominent differences between luminal A and TNBC tumors. Conclusively, CUL3 was found to be associated with cell cycle progression, and DNA damage response, exhibiting diverse roles depending on the tumor's molecular type. It exhibits a tendency to act as an oncogene in triple-negative tumors and as a tumor suppressor in luminal A types, suggesting a potential significance in breast cancer progression and therapeutic directions.

Abstract Studies show that Pakistan has made significant advancements in financial technology. However, the costs that prevent a client from using fintech are still unclear. This study aims to analyze the perceived transaction cost-related factors that affect their intention to fintech while having the moderating effects of situational factors. The data collected from an online questionnaire was used to test a structural equation model with Smart PLS 3 analysis. The survey included a two-part form with five-point Likert scales, receiving 276 replies from diverse backgrounds during a three-month online survey. This paper, which is based on Transaction Cost Economics, Innovation Diffusion Theory, and Belk’s Theory, hypothesizes that five antecedents influence consumers’ perceived transaction cost (PTC) of fintech, including dependability (β = −0.223), uncertainty (β = 0.204), asset specificity (β = 0.203), convenience (β = −0.186), complexity (β = 0.181). The intention of consumers to use fintech for online shopping or service utilization is negatively correlated with PTC. When acting as a moderator, situational factors such as the pandemic and impending police, and environmental and physical surroundings are found to be necessary. Customers have difficulty connecting specific reasons for not utilizing fintech to financial concerns. A negative association exists between perceived transaction cost and intention to use fintech. It is discovered that environmental and physical surroundings entirely counteract perceived transaction costs’ detrimental effects on intention to use.

The rare and beautifully colourful old-world Parasetodes is a so-called set-aside genus with unsettled taxonomy. For instance, a recent survey (Malicky 2006) has synonymised all the Palaearctic and Oriental species to the type species Parasetodes respersellus (Rambur, 1842). The diverse forewing pattern, as a potential diagnostic character state is liable to disappear rapidly in alcohol or denuded and faded even on dry pinned specimens. In this revision we have delineated species by the ventral, surface-perpendicular profile of the dorsal arm of gonopod, the titillating plate, as well as by the lateral profile of the phallic organ and increased the species number of the genus from 12 to 45 describing 33 new species from the Palaearctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical fauna regions. Palaearctic fauna region: Parasetodes temirlik Oláh & Salokannel, sp. nov., Oriental fauna region: P. bali Oláh, sp. nov., P. baoloc Oláh, sp. nov., P. borneo Oláh & Mey, sp. nov., P. dalat Oláh, sp. nov., P. gunung Oláh & Mey, sp. nov., P. hoang Oláh, sp. nov., P. indicus Oláh, sp. nov., P. kambait Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. lamdong Oláh, sp. nov., P. madacus Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. maechaem Oláh & Mey, sp. nov., P. maehong Oláh & Mey, sp. nov., P. namgen Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. nokrek Oláh & Mey, sp. nov., P. pahang Oláh, sp. nov., P. ratnapur Oláh, sp. nov., P. sinicus Oláh, sp. nov., P. tumbang Oláh & Me,y sp. nov., P. umran Oláh & Mey, sp. nov. Afrotropical fauna region: P. amboas Oláh, sp. nov., P. ambovom Oláh, sp. nov., P. barnardi Oláh, Johanson, Mey & Salokannel, sp. nov., P. caprivi Mey & Oláh, sp. nov., P. ikeleng Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. kindam Oláh, sp. nov., P. mahajan Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. meyan Oláh, sp. nov., P. rwandicus Oláh & Me,y sp. nov., P. sikasso Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. tinko Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov., P. weytus Mey & Oláh, sp. nov., P. zambicus Oláh & Johanson, sp. nov. We have reinstated the species status of P. aquilonius Yang & Morse, 1997 stat. restit., P. ussuriensis Martynov, 1935 stat. restit., P. bakeri (Banks, 1913) stat. restit., P. kiangsinicus (Ulmer, 1932) stat. restit., P. maculatus (Banks, 1911) stat. restit., raised the taxonomic status from subspecies to species rank of Parasetodes tanganicanus Marlier, 1956 stat. nov., and transferred Triaenodes demoulini Jacquemart, 1966 to Parasetodes as P. demoulini (Jacquemart, 1966) comb. nov.

Abstract Species composition of forests is a very important component from the point of view of nature conservation and forestry. We aimed to identify 10 tree species in a hilly forest stand using a hyperspectral aerial image with a particular focus on two invasive species, namely Ailanthus tree and black locust. Deep learning‐based training data augmentation (TDA) and post‐classification techniques were tested with Random Forest and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers. SVM had better performance with 81.6% overall accuracy (OA). TDA increased the OA to 82.5% and post‐classification with segmentation improved the total accuracy to 86.2%. The class‐level performance was more convincing: the invasive Ailanthus trees were identified with 40% higher producer's and user's accuracies (PA and UA) to 70% related to the common technique (using a training dataset and classifying the trees). The PA and UA did not change in the case of the other invasive species, black locust. Accordingly, this new method identifies well Ailanthus, a sparsely distributed species in the area; while it was less efficient with black locust that dominates larger patches in the stand. The combination of the two ancillary steps of hyperspectral image classification proved to be reasonable and can support forest management planning and nature conservation in the future.

The concept of circular economy-based performance has gained significant interest within the highly competitive business arena and environment-concerned stakeholders. This study assumes that environment oriented HRM practices have significant effects on circular economy-based performance. This study aims to investigate the contributory effect of five selected components of green HRM on the circular economy-based performance of environment-concerned banking organizations. A total of 418 managers of commercial banks are the unit of analysis, and data were derived using a structured questionnaire from the respondents who are working in managerial positions in banking organizations in Bangladesh. The gathered data has been encoded by SPSS and analyzed through PLS-SEM 4. The results of this study reveal that all components of green HRM, i.e., green employment design, planning, staffing, training, and benefits significantly contribute to the circular economy-based performance of the banking sector. Thus, green HRM effectively promotes the circular performance of banks to provide a distinctive perspective for adding value to the environmental concerns in an emerging economy. AcknowledgmentThe authors appreciate the support in preparing the article provided by the University of Debrecen Program for Scientific Publication.