Sci, Volume 7, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 35 articles

Measurements of concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) were collected over a period of thirteen years (2011–2023). The data were collected at Giordan Lighthouse atmospheric monitoring and research station on the Island of Gozo, forming part of the Maltese Archipelago, in the Central Mediterranean. Trend analysis shows that NO_x concentrations are decreasing at an annual rate of 0.15 ppbv per year. This is in comparison to what has been recorded across Europe due to stricter regulations and improvements in vehicle technologies. Significant reductions were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the implementation of lockdowns and restrictions on mobility. NO_x concentrations also exhibit an amplitude seasonal variability of 35% with a maximum in October and a minimum in December, while the nitric oxide (NO) component of NO_x presents a broad maximum in May/June and a minimum in February. NO_x concentrations also show a strong diurnal variability with a maximum in the morning and a minimum in the afternoon. The diurnal amplitude of NO_x and NO is 44% and 148%, respectively. With respect to wind direction, the NO_x concentrations exhibit a maximum when the prevailing wind is from the South-East sector and a minimum when the wind is blowing from the West sector. Full article

Saliva is an important fluid related to the maintenance of oral and systemic health, and a decrease in saliva volume causes various adverse effects. Saliva volume should be increased to avoid the adverse effects caused by decreased saliva volume. One method to increase saliva volume is to use a wearable device daily. Wearable devices that increase saliva volume in daily life should have the following features: easy to put on and take off, automatic movement, and no need to put the device in the mouth. To the authors’ knowledge, no such device exists. Therefore, this study aims to design a wearable device that can increase saliva volume in daily life using stimulus. Several previous studies have shown that lemon odor, massage of the lower part of the jaw, and warming of the lower jaw can increase saliva volume. However, it is not known whether these three stimuli can increase saliva volume quickly and under any situation. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate suitable stimuli for increasing saliva volume under situations that may change the effect of the stimuli for the construction of a wearable device. First, we implemented a mask-type experimental wearable device that can provide odor, pressure, and thermal stimulus. Next, a questionnaire survey was administered to confirm the situations under which saliva volume decreases. The results of the questionnaire showed that saliva volume decreased after conversations, after exercise, and upon waking up. Therefore, we investigated which of the three stimuli increased saliva volume quickly under these three situations and the usual situation. The results show that an odor stimulus significantly increased saliva volume in all situations compared to other stimuli. Based on the experimental results, we propose an eyeglass-shaped device that can provide an odor stimulus. The odor stimulus of the proposed device also significantly increased saliva volume. Full article

Background: Clinical High Risk for Psychosis (CHR-P) is a psychopathological condition requiring early prevention, particularly in adolescence. Methods: We enrolled 151 patients to assess the potential of the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) in predicting the course of CHR-P and transitions to psychosis. Adolescents with DSM-5 Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms (APS) at baseline were compared with those diagnosed with Early-Onset Psychosis (EOP) and those with other conditions (non-APS). We also examined whether antipsychotics influenced patients’ performance in the R-PAS. Finally, we analyzed correlations between DSM-5 diagnoses at one-year follow-up and baseline R-PAS indexes. Results: APS and EOP patients exhibited similar R-PAS profiles, with APS showing greater impairments in specific Perception and Thinking Problem indexes. Antipsychotic use did not confound results. A distinct R-PAS profile emerged for individuals at risk of psychosis after one year, with the most significant alterations in the Self and Other Representation and the Stress and Distress domains. Conclusions: This study highlights the R-PAS as a valuable tool for early psychosis risk detection and prevention strategies. Targeted, person-centered interventions (i.e., psychotherapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques) are recommended to address vulnerabilities. Integrating psychological assessment into early intervention frameworks may enhance outcomes and improve patients and families’ quality of life. Full article

This study evaluated the efficiency of catalytic ozonation with magnetite (Fe₃O₄) in degrading recalcitrant organic compounds in leachates from two sanitary landfills in Colombia. The optimum treatment conditions were also analyzed by means of a response surface design, resulting in 6 g O₃/h, 2.5 g/L Fe₃O₄, and pH 9, which resulted in COD removal rates of 85.3% in El Guayabal and 75.8% in La Madera. Moreover, the BOD₅/COD ratio increased from 0.26 to 0.38 and from 0.23 to 0.32, respectively, suggesting increased effluent biodegradability. The most efficient ozone consumption (2.7 g O₃ per gram of COD removed) was obtained under alkaline conditions with a high catalyst concentration. Magnetite demonstrated structural stability, although its catalytic efficiency progressively decreased after three cycles of use, with COD removal decreasing from 85.3% to 73.6%. These findings validate catalytic ozonation with magnetite as an efficient alternative for advanced leachate treatment, with the potential to optimize contaminant removal in industrial effluents and strengthen environmental remediation strategies. Full article

Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) is a common method for spatial interpolation. Still, its accuracy decreases when there is a cluster of measurement stations or when some measuring stations are hidden behind others. This paper introduces Clusters Unifying Through Hiding Interpolation (CUTHI), a simple approach to enhance IDW accuracy. CUTHI calculates a weight for each station that considers its visibility from the interpolation point, reducing the influence of clustered or hidden stations. The method is tested in three cases: elevation data, rainfall measurements, and a mathematical function. Results demonstrate that CUTHI consistently outperforms traditional IDW, especially in areas with clustered measurement stations. CUTHI also treats the bull’s eye problem. This improved accuracy makes CUTHI a valuable tool for various applications requiring precise spatial interpolation. Full article

The development of modern society puts a serious strain on the environment. To protect the future of our planet, it is necessary to develop smarter and more sustainable ways in all industrial sectors for humanity to grow while reducing its impact on nature. Graphic designers can also contribute to a smarter future by designing an environmentally friendly typography. The use of ecofonts is an innovative approach that could potentially have great economic and environmental benefits. However, it also leads to a reduction in the print quality of text compared to standard fonts. This research aims to investigate the efficiency of ecofonts by determining the level of toner savings in laser-printed documents, as well as evaluating the extent to which individuals perceive differences between text printed with ecofonts and their regular font counterparts. This research found that the application of ecofonts can lead to significant toner savings, while visual tests further revealed that the overall visual quality of text printed with ecofonts remains adequate. Full article

The perception of moving speed in navigation video images differs from that in real-world environments due to the reduced availability of sensory cues. Previous studies have indicated that speed perception in first-person perspective videos is more linear in spaces filled with objects than in sparse environments. However, the impact of object density on the linearity of speed perception remains unclear. This study investigates the effect of object density on the perception of moving speed in first-person perspective videos. A user study involving 44 participants was conducted, where they viewed a movie navigating through a hallway, and their speed perception was assessed across six levels of object density using the psychophysical method of magnitude estimation. An analysis based on Stevens’ power law revealed a positive correlation between the object density and perceived speed. In particular, the perceived speeds increased with the object density up to a moderate density level. The highest linearity of speed perception was observed at moderate densities. In contrast, overly dense environments exhibited diminished linearity, similar to conditions with sparse or no objects. These findings suggest the existence of a critical density threshold for maintaining linear speed perception in moving images, providing insights for the design of videos, such as navigation information. Full article

From its inception, cell culture has been a great scientific tool for researchers in many diverse fields. The advancement from monolayer 2D cultures into three-dimensional cellular systems enabled a better experimental tool, as the 3D culture mimics in vivo environments more closely. Cells are aggregated in clusters, allowing for more cell-to-cell interactions, cell migration, and differences in nutrient and oxygen availability. Spheroids and organoids are most commonly used and have proven themselves as models for a large number of analytical purposes. The simplicity of spheroid production is often a good starting point. Because organoids are more complex, they can provide better and more complete data, but they can be difficult to grow and maintain. With increasing concern about the applicability of data obtained from animal studies and questions regarding animal welfare, these can replace a large proportion of these models and provide accurate and rapid results. In this overview, aimed at someone looking for an introductory summary of the requirements and possibilities of different 3D culture approaches, we give the basic information on various uses of spheroids and organoids in different fields of science. Assays based on spheroids and organoids can be adapted for a range of applications, and their use will continue to grow. Full article

Oats are increasingly recognized for their nutritional and industrial significance. Among various bioactive compounds in the oat grain, (1-3)(1-4)-β-D-glucan is a key functional component providing industrial, nutritional, and health advantages. This study investigates the correlation between oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars’ resistance to Fusarium artificial infection and the concentration of β-D-glucan in the grain. Five oat cultivars, including hulled and naked varieties, were artificially inoculated with Fusarium graminearum (FG) and Fusarium culmorum (FC) strains. β-D-glucan content and pathogenic DNA accumulation were analyzed pre- and post-infection. The results show that β-D-glucan content in uninfected grains ranges from 1.97% to 2.53%, with naked varieties generally containing higher levels (2.30%) in comparison with hulled varieties (2.08%). Fusarium infection reduced the concentration of β-D-glucan by 10.60% (FG) and 16.05% (FC). Naked varieties demonstrated greater resilience to infection-induced β-D-glucan loss. Pathogen DNA analysis confirmed higher virulence of FC compared to FG. Our findings suggest β-D-glucan’s dual role as a potential defense mechanism and a pathogen source, emphasizing its complexity in plant–pathogen interactions. Full article

COVID-19-related restrictions disrupted children’s lifestyle habits, leading to significant changes in health behaviours. The ASOMAD study aimed to analyse the consequences of these restriction in lifestyle habits of children aged 8–12 in Madrid over three waves (three academic years). The results showed that approximately 20% of boys were overweight during and after the pandemic, with similar trends observed in girls (14.7% and 18.2%, respectively). Obesity rates for boys were high in the first wave (20.1%) but dropped to less than 10% in subsequent waves, while girls’ rates remained stable. Physical activity levels decreased significantly, with 87.6% of girls failing to meet daily activity recommendations by the third wave. Boys exhibited worse adherence to recommended screen time limits than girls, particularly on weekends, where over 90% of boys exceeded guidelines. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet remained low, with over 50% of the sample categorized in medium- or low-adherence groups across all waves. In conclusion, lockdown may have increased sedentary behaviour, poor diet, and excessive screen time in children. The damage persistency, due to mobility restriction, affected some of the healthy lifestyle variables in our sample three years after. Full article

This study evaluates the potential of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) as an alternative sanitizing solution for the fruit and vegetable industry. Conducted on a near-industrial scale, the experiment used a 300 L solution with 10% AEW, measuring pH, free chlorine concentration, and electro-oxidative potential (EOP). The sanitizing efficacy of AEW was tested against common phytopathogens responsible for post-harvest decay including Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata. With a pH of 7.27, EOP of −0.40 mV, and free chlorine at 5 mg/L, AEW achieved an 85–90% decay reduction in a 2 min wash. Energy consumption for AEW production was notably lower than that for sodium hypochlorite, a widely used industrial sanitizer, and AEW production demonstrated a reduced environmental impact due to its recycling potential and favorable effluent properties. However, free chlorine levels necessitated further treatment before wastewater discharge. Full article

Respiratory infections, particularly of the upper airways, play an important role in human pathologies, with them being the most common cause of disease in both children and adults, with a relevant impact on healthcare systems. Pathogen identification is particularly important in critical patients, with molecular assays being the most used methods. Herein, the molecular epidemiology of respiratory viruses in Northwestern Italy was studied by using an upper respiratory tract syndromic panel over a period of eight years, from January 2016 to December 2023, in order to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this particular geographic area. Overall, over the study period, 22,270 tests were performed; in particular, 12,882 were performed in pediatric patients and 9388 in the adult population. Based on the analysis of the epidemiological trends, the complete disappearance of some viruses during the restriction periods was observed, as well as their resumption soon afterward; in particular, positive rates of Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus decreased at the end of 2020 and during 2021, whereas only Respiratory Syncytial Virus increased at the end of 2021. As expected, this study evidenced the relevant modifications that occurred in the typical epidemiology of respiratory viruses throughout the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the role of syndromic panels in the diagnostic workflow of common respiratory infections. Full article

This research aimed to develop mucoadhesive buccal films incorporating nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with triamcinolone acetonide (TN-films). A Box–Behnken design was employed as a systematic approach to optimize the formulation. Key components of the NLCs—spermaceti, soybean oil, and polysorbate 80—were considered independent variables. The NLCs were prepared and size-reduced using a combination of hot homogenization and ultrasonic probe techniques. Films were cast using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the film-forming agent. The TN-films were characterized based on weight, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, contact angle, and surface free energy. Linear regression showed that spermaceti increased film weight and thickness, while polysorbate 80 decreased them. The mechanical strength of the films was primarily influenced by spermaceti; higher concentrations of spermaceti resulted in decreased film strength. Additionally, all independent variables contributed positively to the lipophilicity of the films. The TN-films were found to sustain drug release via a Fickian diffusion mechanism, exhibiting rapid swelling and favorable mucoadhesive properties. Moreover, the TN-films demonstrated superior drug release and permeation to pastes and films loaded with emulsions. These findings suggest that the TN-films represent a promising and effective approach for the buccal delivery of triamcinolone acetonide. Full article

This bibliometric study examines the evolution of compressed-hydrogen storage technologies over the last 20 years, revealing exponential growth in research and highlighting key advancements in compressed-hydrogen storage, materials-based solutions and integration with renewable energy systems. The analysis highlights the pivotal role of composite material tanks and the filament-winding process in revolutionizing storage technology. These innovations have enhanced safety, reduced weight and facilitated adaptation for use in automotive and industrial applications. Global research efforts are characterized by substantial international collaboration, spearheaded by a small cohort of highly productive researchers and supported by a broader network of contributors. Notwithstanding the ongoing challenges pertaining to safety considerations and cost scalability, the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier and its role in balancing renewable energy systems serve to reinforce its importance in the transition to sustainable energy. Full article

This paper addresses the need to decarbonize built environments by altering community planning and home design. By employing principles of Circular Economy at the community and dwelling levels, the paper argues that having flexible design strategies can contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint of urban areas by minimizing the need for demolition and, as a result, material waste. Currently, depending on location and cultural and economic conditions, large-scale developments might take many years to approve and construct. Moreover, when changes are to be introduced to an initially approved masterplan, the process of obtaining municipal planning approval can be lengthy. By using a case study-based methodology for community and home design, this research argues that, given the rapidly emerging new social challenges, neighbourhoods can be designed to adapt and accommodate changes they may encounter throughout their development and in subsequent years. The proposed approval procedure that this research introduces provides a step-by-step approach to planning that can be readily adjusted based on market demand and newly developing economic and social conditions. To demonstrate his research in partnership with a private developer and the municipality, the author utilized these techniques in the design of a community in La Prairie, a town near Montreal, in Quebec, Canada. The paper also introduces the concepts of adaptability and circularity at the dwelling unit level to minimize demolition and waste. The energy efficient design incorporates demountable partitions and specialized conduits for the installation and improvement of utility lines. By investigating the macro and micro levels, the author concludes that changes to the current system, while considering the needs of key stakeholders, stand to reduce demolition and waste. Full article

Almost two decades have passed since the development of the first (stand-alone) version of the oscilloscope simulator, known as Analogue Oscilloscope Simulator, widely utilized by thousands of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) students at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). Meanwhile, dramatic changes have occurred in students’ learning preferences, digital competences, and expectations, alongside advancements in software architectures, internet accessibility, and Quality-of-Service (QoS). This paper presents the design, implementation and applications of the new version of oscilloscope simulator, named Oscilloscope Web Interface, built from scratch to replicate a real oscilloscope and signal generator. The application offers two operating modes, Simulation Mode and Acquisition & Control Mode, designed to support various use cases, including (i) supporting students’ (e-)learning of oscilloscope basics; (ii) enhancing live in-class teaching and demonstrations; (iii) creating instructional materials; (iv) supporting remote experimentation and circuit signal analysis; and (v) complementing or substituting traditional lab work. Recently, this tool was used by approximately 250 students enrolled in the Circuit Theory (TCIRC) course (ECE degree, first year, second semester). It was initially employed for off-class preparation of a laboratory script focusing on the fundamental operations of the oscilloscope and signal generator and, subsequently, for training ahead of their first laboratory test. Analysis of nearly two hundred questionnaire responses indicates that the overall user experience was highly positive. Beyond immediate classroom applications, the tool offers the potential to expand remote education capabilities, foster self-directed learning, and serve as a benchmark for developing similar tools in other engineering disciplines. Full article

(1) Background: Survival analysis models in clinical research must effectively handle censored data, where complete survival times are unknown for some subjects. While established methodologies exist for validating standard machine learning models, current benchmarking approaches rarely assess model robustness under varying censoring conditions. This limitation creates uncertainty about model reliability in real-world applications where censoring patterns may differ from training data. We address this gap by introducing a systematic benchmarking methodology focused on censoring sensitivity. (2) Methods: We developed a benchmarking framework that assesses survival models through controlled modification of censoring conditions. Five models were evaluated: Cox proportional hazards, survival tree, random survival forest, gradient-boosted survival analysis, and mixture density networks. The framework systematically reduced observation periods and increased censoring rates while measuring performance through multiple metrics following Bayesian hyperparameter optimization. (3) Results: Model performance showed greater sensitivity to increased censoring rates than to reduced observation periods. Non-linear models, especially mixture density networks, exhibited higher vulnerability to data quality degradation. Statistical comparisons became increasingly challenging with higher censoring rates due to widened confidence intervals. (4) Conclusions: Our methodology provides a new standard for evaluating survival analysis models, revealing the critical impact of censoring on model performance. These findings offer practical guidance for model selection and development in clinical applications, emphasizing the importance of robust censoring handling strategies. Full article

The increasing requirement for distillates, accompanied by higher quantities of heavy crude oil in world production, has positioned gas oil hydrocracking as one of the most significant processes in refineries. In the petrochemical industry, hydrocracking is an essential process that converts heavy hydrocarbons into lighter and more valuable products such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), diesel, kerosene, light naphtha, and heavy naphtha. This method uses hydrogen and a catalyst to break down the gas oil feedstock through hydrogenation and hydrocracking reactions. However, the gas oil hydrocracking process faces significant technical, economic, and financial obstacles that must be overcome to reveal its full potential. In this study, a computer-assisted technical–economic evaluation and an evaluation of the technical–economic resilience of the gas oil hydrocracking process at an industrial scale was carried out. Twelve technical–economic and three financial indicators were evaluated to identify this type of process’s current commercial status and to analyze possible economic performance parameter optimizations. The economic indicators listed include gross profit (GP), profitability after taxes (PAT), economic potential (EP), cumulative cash flow (CCF), payback period (PBP), depreciable payback period (DPBP), return on investment (ROI), internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), annual cost/revenues (ACR), break-even point (BEP), and on-stream efficiency at the BEP. On the other hand, the financial indicators proposed by the methodology are earnings before taxes (EBT), earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). The technical–economic resilience of the process was also evaluated, considering the costs of raw materials, the market prices of the products, and processing capacity. The gas oil hydrocracking plant described, with a useful life of 20 years and a processing capacity of 1,937,247.91 tonnes per year, achieved a gross profit (GP) of USD 58.97 million and a return after tax (PAT) of USD 39.77 million for the first year, operating at maximum capacity. The results indicated that the process is attractive under a commercial approach, presenting a net present value (NPV) of USD 68.87 million at the end of the last year of operation and a cumulative cash flow (CCF) of less than one year⁻¹ (0.34 years⁻¹) for the first year at full processing capacity, which shows that in this process, variable costs have more weight on the economic indicators than fixed costs. Full article

This article compares the antibacterial properties of single-layer (Ag) and two-layer (Ag,Cu) coatings deposited onto a polypropylene mesh (endoprostheses for hernioplasty) in various gaseous environments (argon or nitrogen) via magnetron sputtering. The microstructure and elemental composition of the coatings were studied via SEM and TEM. The antimicrobial activity of sterile samples was investigated using the Staphylococcus aureus strain. To prevent the overheating of the polymer samples during the coating process, it is advisable to carry out pulse processing (the total coating formation time is divided into cycles of switching the magnetron on and off for equal periods). All the samples, with both single- and double-layer coatings, exhibited good antibacterial properties; however, the Cu–Ag coating enhanced the antimicrobial effect, increasing it from 97.00 to 99.97%. The glow-discharge plasma etching of the samples with a double-layer coating led to the mixing of the copper and silver layers and an increase in the surface copper content, though this did not affect the antibacterial properties of the samples. Full article

Global food instability is attributable to multiple significant threats, such as climate change, geopolitical instability, emerging trade policies, health crises, and insufficient technological readiness. Agrifood systems are implicated at various and interconnected levels. The international community, along with subordinate entities, is addressing these risks by formulating specific policies and methodologies. This review adopts a holistic approach to understanding the interactions across agrifood systems, encompassing production, processing, transportation, and consumption. The methodology involves an extensive review of the academic literature, case studies, and statistical data from global organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to assess vulnerabilities and identify sustainable practices. Key sectors within agriculture, such as agroecology, organic farming, aquaculture, hydroponics, and precision agriculture are analyzed for their potential to enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact. This analysis also explores widely adopted concepts, policies, and methodologies aimed at monitoring risks and disseminating effective practices across the sector. By integrating emerging technologies and policy frameworks, the review underscores the critical role of climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management, and agronomic practices in supporting resilient and sustainable food systems. The findings provide actionable insights for advancing food security and achieving global sustainability goals and support the decision-making process. Full article

Many efforts have proved that deep learning models are effective for disease prediction using electronic health records (EHRs). However, these models are not yet precise enough to predict diseases. Additionally, ethical concerns and the use of clustering and classification algorithms on small datasets limit their effectiveness. The complexity of data processing further complicates the interpretation of patient representation learning models, even though data augmentation strategies may help. Incomplete patient data also hinder model accuracy. This study aims to develop and evaluate a deep learning model that addresses these challenges. Our proposed approach is to design a disease prediction model based on deep Q-learning (DQL), which replaces the traditional Q-learning reinforcement learning algorithm with a neural network deep learning model, and the mapping capabilities of the Q-network are utilized. We conclude that the proposed model achieves the best accuracy (98%) compared with other models. Full article

This study investigates the viability of incorporating bicycles into the Dhaka Metro system, a groundbreaking urban transit project for Bangladesh. As Dhaka’s inaugural metro rail network, the system signifies a substantial advancement in addressing urban congestion and enhancing transportation alternatives in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. The current design of the metro fails to accommodate bicycles, hindering efficient first- and last-mile connectivity. The investigation utilized data from 382 fully completed questionnaires, obtained through purposive sampling, about metro–cycle integration in Dhaka. The research employed RIDIT and TOPSIS analyses to rank the characteristics deemed most essential for bicycle–metro integration according to user opinions. Research indicates that secure bicycle parking, multi-modal ticketing, route comfort, and safety measures are the foremost objectives for commuters. The high emphasis on secure parking indicates the need for safe and accessible storage options that would make cycling a viable mode for reaching metro stations. A multi-modal ticketing system further enhances convenience, providing seamless transitions between transit modes. Journey comfort and the need to mitigate risks posed by motorized vehicles underscore the importance of safe and user-friendly commuting environments. While features like road and station design were ranked lower in priority, the study emphasizes that a well-integrated bicycle infrastructure is essential to ensure the metro system’s success. With these improvements, Dhaka’s metro system can meet the growing demands for sustainable and inclusive urban mobility, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Full article

Tocilizumab (TCZ) has demonstrated potential efficacy in managing large-vessel (LV) vasculitis such as giant-cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Despite the shared characteristics between the LV-GCA phenotype and TAK, there are differences between both entities that may affect therapeutic responses to TCZ. We aim to assess and compare the effectiveness and safety of TCZ in patients with LV-GCA and TAK. Multicenter, observational study on 70 LV-GCA patients and 57 TAK patients treated with TCZ. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment initiation. The variables analyzed included the following: (a) the achievement of clinical remission and improvement in laboratory markers; (b) imaging-based disease activity; (c) a glucocorticoid (GC)-sparing effect; and (d) side events and a safety profile. At the treatment initiation, TAK patients were younger, exhibited longer disease duration, had received more prior biologics, and were on higher doses of prednisone compared to LV-GCA patients. While TAK patients showed a slower initial clinical response, remission rates at 12 months were comparable between groups (74.5% for LV-GCA vs. 76.9% for TAK). Both groups experienced rapid laboratory marker improvement and a significant GC-sparing effect. However, complete imaging resolution was observed in only 18.9% of LV-GCA patients and 21.1% of TAK patients. The safety profile was similar in both groups, with severe infections leading to TCZ discontinuation in four LV-GCA and three TAK patients. In clinical practice, TCZ demonstrates similar efficacy in promoting remission and reducing GC dependency in both LV-GCA and TAK patients. Nonetheless, discrepancies between clinical outcomes and imaging improvement highlight the need for further investigation into disease monitoring and management strategies. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. We evaluated the health status and quality of life (QoL) in relation to accessibility to primary health care (PHC) units among patients with T2DM in mountainous Greece. We analyzed data obtained from 340 patients with diabetes living in the region of Epirus, Greece. The diabetes-specific quality of life was assessed with the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life questionnaire (ADDQoL-19) and the generic health status with the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Ninety-three percent of the respondents reported that diabetes had a negative impact on their QoL. Lower scores were seen in relation to “leisure activities” (−1.200 ± 1.251) and “freedom to eat” (−1.088 ± 1.058). The mean physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores were 45.6 ± 8.0 and 43.9 ± 8.0, respectively. According to the linear regression analysis, health status was related to the accessibility to the nearest hospital or health care unit, exercise, blood glucose level, and HbA1c level. The QoL was related to the accessibility to the nearest hospital and diet. T2DM has a negative impact on patients’ QoL. Accessibility to PHC units and hospitals as well as the efficient management of patients with diabetes by said PHC units are imperative to control T2DM’s course and improve patients’ generic health status. Full article

Skin Conductance Response (SCR) is a physiological index associated with arousing emotions. Previous studies have not explored the relationship between SCR signals and emotions in situations where multiple emotions dynamically fluctuate. Moreover, methods suitable for analyzing such conditions have not yet been established. In this study, we recorded the temporal changes in multiple emotions as subjectively reported by participants using the Temporal Dominance of Emotions (TDE) method. We then matched these subjective reports with the evolving SCR signals through regression analysis. This approach reveals which emotions contribute to increased SCR signals in prolonged, emotionally charged scenarios, such as watching videos or playing video games. To validate our method, we recorded SCR signals while participants played a video game. Participants then performed the TDE task to recall their emotions while viewing recorded footage. This study involved 20 participants. Our analysis showed that emotions such as excitement, tension, and frustration significantly covaried with the physiological signals. These arousing emotions are known to evoke SCR, supporting the validity of our method. This approach introduces a novel experimental methodology for comparing subjective reports and high-responsive physiology signals in settings where multiple emotions dynamically change. Full article

Depression and chronic pain are prevalent and often co-occurring conditions that pose substantial treatment challenges and economic burdens in the developed world. Research suggests that depression and chronic pain share overlapping pathways, particularly within the anterior cingulate cortex, which plays a critical role in emotional regulation and pain perception. Research indicates that exercise may alleviate depression. Given the shared neurobiology between depression and chronic pain, it is plausible that exercise could improve outcomes for individuals experiencing depression and chronic pain. Therefore, this review aims to provide clinicians with evidence-based tools to assess the role of exercise in the management of patients with coexistent pain and depression. Full article

Accurate surface area data are imperative for the development of meaningful property–function relationships. Nitrogen gas (N₂) adsorption/Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area analysis is a widely used technique for surface area characterization of materials because of straightforward sample preparation, automation, and low cost. However, iron disulfide (FeS₂) does not typically exhibit quantifiable N₂ monolayer formation in BET measurements. FeS₂ has been applied in fields such as batteries, catalysis, and adsorption, all of which would benefit from techniques that reliably assess surface area (SSA) of the active material. To address this, we evaluated FeS₂ samples by combining alternative surface characterization techniques to quantify SSA. Ten different FeS₂ samples from various manufacturers are characterized via BET, laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, non-contact profilometry, and liquid dye adsorption. Compared to BET, which resulted in a wide range of SSAs between 0.049–1.213 m² g⁻¹, liquid dye adsorption was found to be accurate for pyrite samples at low sample masses (<50 mg), with SSA values between 0.99–10.20 m² g⁻¹. Using an optical characterization approach, which combined particle size and surface roughness data, we readily estimated SSA of the particles and found these values correlated linearly with liquid adsorption but not BET values. This work serves to help researchers choose a more fitting method for examining low surface area materials like FeS₂ and can easily be applied to other minerals for quantitative and qualitative surface area comparisons. Full article

The inherent challenges of financial time series forecasting demand advanced modeling techniques for reliable predictions. Effective financial time series forecasting is crucial for financial risk management and the formulation of investment decisions. The accurate prediction of stock prices is a subject of study in the domains of investing and national policy. This problem appears to be challenging due to the presence of multi-noise, nonlinearity, volatility, and the chaotic nature of stocks. This paper proposes a novel financial time series forecasting model based on the deep learning ensemble model LSTM-mTrans-MLP, which integrates the long short-term memory (LSTM) network, a modified Transformer network, and a multilayered perception (MLP). By integrating LSTM, the modified Transformer, and the MLP, the suggested model demonstrates exceptional performance in terms of forecasting capabilities, robustness, and enhanced sensitivity. Extensive experiments are conducted on multiple financial datasets, such as Bitcoin, the Shanghai Composite Index, China Unicom, CSI 300, Google, and the Amazon Stock Market. The experimental results verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed LSTM-mTrans-MLP network model compared with the benchmark and SOTA models, providing important inferences for investors and decision-makers. Full article

This study aims to contribute to the physical understanding of the behavior of nanoparticles in lipid–nanoparticle composite systems. Therefore, composite films were formed on hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces through the sequential adsorption of liposomes and silica nanoparticles. The process was performed using dispersions with different pHs by using optical fixed-angle reflectometry. In the first step, liposomes were deposited on the surface, resulting in a lipid monolayer or bilayer depending on the surface’s properties. The kinetic experiments indicated that the adsorption of liposomes is a diffusion-limited process that depends on the pH and the properties of the substrate. In the second step, negatively charged nanoparticles were adsorbed on the membrane as a result of the electrostatic interactions with the positively charged domains on the membrane. The amounts of liposomes and particles adsorbed depend on the charge density of the particles and net charge density of the membrane: an increase in the pH and hydrophobicity of the surface leads to a decrease in the amounts adsorbed because of the increase in the electrostatic repulsion between particles and lipids. The procedure was supplemented with the formation of two liposomes/nanoparticles bilayers. Full article

This paper discusses the combined application of the Acoustic Emission (AE) technique and a Lattice Discrete Element Method (LDEM) to study the damage process in cement mortar specimens subjected to three-point bending tests. The experimental work was carried out in a previous study by the research team. The specimens contain macro-capsules filled with a polyurethane resin that promotes a self-healing mechanism upon crack formation. The numerical model here developed provides an estimate of the fracture energy of the resin, which is difficult to obtain by relying purely on experimental results. Furthermore, this study includes the analysis of both fracture energy and Acoustic Emission energy based on experimental tests using the same specimens. Through the comparison of experimental and numerical results, a correlation between the toughness of the specimens and AE activity is established. The findings indicate that, for the self-healing specimens, there is a decrease in fracture energy as the emitted Acoustic Emission (AE) energy increases. Full article

A study of the antifriction properties of suspension solid-lubricating coatings based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) at high temperatures depending on the type of substrate, binder, additives, and load parameters was carried out. The solid lubricants were sprayed on two different substrates, high-temperature alloy (Inconel X-750) and stainless steel (AISI 430), tested under 10 N and 23 N loads at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 800 °C. For comparison, different types of solid lubricants were used. In this work, it was established that the antifriction properties of solid lubricant suspension coatings at high temperatures significantly depend on the type of solid lubricant and the binder used. Moreover, it was shown that the use of Inconel X-750 as a substrate can lead to an increase in the critical operating temperature of coatings containing MoS₂, graphite, and titanate as solid lubricant, additive, and binder, respectively. For instance, at load 23 N, the operating temperature increased from 480 °C to 496 °C. On the other hand, the coating based on graphite, containing ceramic as an additive, and an inorganic binder showed the best performance in terms of a combination of properties (low coefficient of friction and longer operation with a coefficient of friction below 0.3 under increasing temperature) when it was applied on the Inconel X-750 substrate. In addition, it was established that the coefficient of friction of graphite-based coatings gradually increases as they lose their antifriction properties due to their failure, while the coatings based on molybdenum disulfide show the opposite behavior, where the coefficient of friction increases sharply when it loses its lubricating properties. Full article

The conversion of betulinic acid (BA) to organic salts is a strategic approach to modulate its physicochemical properties and biological activity. In our previous study, we demonstrated the enhanced cytotoxicity of certain amino acid ethyl ester betulinates ([AAOEt][BA]) compared to BA against hormone-dependent breast cancer cells (MCF-7). In this study, we extended our investigation to evaluate the cytotoxic response and thermodynamic properties of hormone-independent breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) following 72 h of treatment with the same series of betulinates. Our data reveal a lower cytotoxic response in MDA-MB-231 cells, indicated by higher half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values, which ranged between 31 and 109 μM. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis supported these findings, showing negligible changes in the thermodynamic parameters of the treated MDA-MB-231 cells. However, consistent with our previous observations, [LysOEt][BA]₂, exhibited the highest cytotoxicity and induced the most pronounced morphological alterations in the cancer cells. Overall, our results suggest that MDA-MB-231 cells are less sensitive to [AAOEt][BA] compared to MCF-7 cells, likely due to their distinct phenotypic and genotypic profiles and differences in oncogenic signalling pathways. Nonetheless, the fact that [LysOEt][BA]₂ enhances the cytotoxic activity of BA even in hormone-independent breast cancer cells underscores its therapeutic potential and warrants further investigation, particularly in the context of adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Full article

The multielement pyrochlore of the composition Bi_1.57Mn_1/3Cr_1/3Cu_1/3Nb₂O_9−Δ (sp. gr. Fd-3m:2, 10.4724 Å) containing transition element atoms—chromium, manganese and copper in equimolar amounts—was synthesized for the first time using the solid-phase reaction method. The microstructure of the ceramics is grainless and has low porosity. The sample is characterized by reflection in the red (705 nm) color region. The band gap for the direct allowed transition in the sample is 1.68 eV. The parameters of the Bi5d, Nb3d, Сr2p, Mn2p, and Cu2p X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra for the mixed pyrochlore are compared with the parameters of transition element oxides. For the complex pyrochlore, a characteristic shift in the Bi4f and Nb3d spectra to the region of lower energies by 0.15 and 0.60 eV, respectively, is observed. According to the XPS Cu2p and Mn2p spectra of pyrochlore, copper, and manganese cations are in a mixed charge state; they mainly have an effective charge of +2/+3, and the Cr2p spectrum is a superposition of the spectra of chromium ions in the charge state of +3, +4, +6. At 24 °С, the permittivity of the sample in the frequency range (10⁴–10⁶ Hz) weakly depends on the frequency and is equal to ~100, the dielectric loss tangent is 0.017. The activation energy of conductivity is equal to 0.41 eV. The specific electrical conductivity of Bi_1.57Cr_1/3Cu_1/3Mn_1/3Nb₂O_9−Δ increases with the temperature increasing from 1.8 × 10⁻⁵ Ohm⁻¹·m⁻¹ (24 °С) to 0.1 Ohm⁻¹·m⁻¹ (330 °С). Nyquist curves for the sample are modeled by equivalent electrical circuits. Full article