Search Results (180,017)

Agave species are plants with great economic value and multiple possibilities of use as ornamentals, medicinal plants, and fibers, as well as being significant sources of bioethanol. However, their long life cycles hinder their conventional breeding. Therefore, biotechnology tools are the most effective means for clonal propagation and genetic improvement. In vitro micropropagation of A. sisalana via axillary shoot proliferation from bulbil explants was attained using Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with cytokinins (CKs), such as 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), or thidiazuron (TDZ). The optimum significant shoot proliferation (14.67 shoots/explant) was achieved on 1.0 mg L⁻¹ TDZ. The carry-over effect of CKs on subsequent rooting could be detected. Control and KIN treatments could enhance the rooting of shoots on shoot proliferation media. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized directly with 100% survival. To mitigate this carry-over effect, that causes hindering further root growth and development, and promote healthy growth of roots, subculturing shoots onto a CK-free medium is a recommended practice. The shoots induced on all BA treatments, and TDZ at 0.5 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ could be rooted after two subcultures on CK-free medium, then they were acclimatized with 100% survival. However, the higher concentrations of TDZ inhibited in vitro rooting even after two subcultures on CK-free medium, and the acclimatization percentage was reduced by increasing the TDZ concentration recorded from 10 to 0%. Full article

Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT are reshaping educational practice, yet first-year teacher-education students often lack the prompt-engineering skills and confidence required to use them responsibly. This pilot study examined whether a concise three-session clinic on prompt engineering could simultaneously boost AI literacy and reduce technology anxiety in prospective teachers. Forty-five freshmen in a Peruvian teacher-education program completed validated Spanish versions of a 12-item AI-literacy scale and a 12-item technology-anxiety scale one week before and after the intervention; normality-checked pre–post differences were analysed with paired-samples t-tests, Cohen’s d, and Pearson correlations. AI literacy rose by 0.70 ± 0.46 points (t (44) = −6.10, p < 0.001, d = 0.91), while technology anxiety fell by 0.58 ± 0.52 points (t (44) = −3.82, p = 0.001, d = 0.56); individual gains were inversely correlated (r = −0.46, p = 0.002). These findings suggest that integrating micro-level prompt-engineering clinics in the first semester can help future teachers engage critically and comfortably with generative AI and guide curriculum designers in updating teacher-training programs. Full article

Sperm count, motility, and morphology are semen parameters that directly affect male fertility. The presence of cytokines in seminal plasma negatively or positively influences these parameters. Interleukins and prostaglandins are proinflammatory cytokines present in human seminal plasma and play crucial roles in fertilization, in general and after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures. This study aimed to investigate the possible influence of interleukins IL-17 and IL-18, and prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2α on male infertility. Semen samples were collected from 58 males who underwent the ICSI procedure. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of IL-17, IL-18, PGE2, and PGF2α, and these concentrations were then correlated with semen parameters and the rate of fertilization. Furthermore, the chromatin integrity of the sperm was evaluated with an Acridine Orange (AO) assay. The results showed an inversely proportional relationship between the AO binding intensity and fertilization rate (r = −0.394; p ≤ 0.002). Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between the IL-18 concentration and positive AO (p ≤ 0.021). Moreover, the IL-18 concentration was positively correlated with the fertilization rate (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, IL-17 did not significantly correlate with any semen parameters or with the fertilization rate. Seminal PGE2 levels were significantly correlated with embryo cleavage at 72 h (p ≤ 0.05). To conclude, this study revealed that denaturation of sperm nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contributes to low fertilization rates. In addition, this study proposed a potential role for IL-18 in fertilization. PGE2 likely influences embryo development, but further studies are needed to examine the impact of seminal PGE2 on the oocyte to fully elucidate its contribution to this complex biological process. Full article

The electrical power system is composed of three essential sectors, generation, transmission, and distribution, with the latter being crucial for the overall efficiency of the system. Enhancing the capabilities of active distribution networks involves integrating various advanced technologies such as distributed generation units, energy storage systems, banks of capacitors, and electric vehicle chargers. This paper provides an in-depth review of the primary strategies for incorporating these technologies into the distribution network to improve its reliability, stability, and efficiency. It also explores the principal metaheuristic techniques employed for the optimal allocation of distributed generation units, banks of capacitors, energy storage systems, electric vehicle chargers, and network reconfiguration. These techniques are essential for effectively integrating these technologies and optimizing the active distribution network by enhancing power quality and voltage level, reducing losses, and ensuring operational indices are maintained at optimal levels. Full article

Introduction: A validated clinical decision tool predictive of favorable functional outcomes following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains elusive. We performed a retrospective case series of patients at our regional Comprehensive Stroke Center, over a four-year period, who have undergone EVT to elucidate patient characteristics and factors associated with a favorable functional outcome after EVT. Methods: We reviewed all cases of EVT at our institution between February 2018 and February 2022 in the extended time window from 6–24 h. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and procedure co-variates were included. A favorable clinical outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale of 0–2. We included patients with M1 or internal carotid artery occlusion treated with EVT within 6–24 h after symptom onset. We used a univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify patient factors associated with a favorable clinical outcome at 90 days. Results: Our study included evaluation of 121 patients who underwent EVT at our comprehensive stroke center. Our analysis demonstrates that a higher recanalization score based on the modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scale (2B-3) was a strong indicator of a favorable outcome (OR 7.33; CI 2.06–26.07; p = 0.0021). Our data also showed that a higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p = 0.0095) and the presence of pre-existing hypertension (p = 0.0035) may also be predictors of an unfavorable outcome (mRS > 2) per our multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Patients without pre-existing hypertension had more favorable outcomes following EVT in the expanded time window. This is consistent with other multicenter data in the expanded time window that demonstrates greater odds of a poor outcome with elevated pre-, peri-, and post-endovascular-treatment blood pressure. Our data also demonstrate that the mTICI score is a strong predictor of favorable outcome, even after controlling for other variables. A lower baseline NIHSS at the time of thrombectomy may also indicate a favorable outcome. Furthermore, the presence of clinical or radiographic mismatch based on the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) and NIHSS per DAWN and DEFUSE-3 criteria did not emerge as a predictor of favorable outcome, which is congruent with recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Full article

We consider the problem of data poisoning attack detection in a federated learning (FL) setup with differential privacy (DP). Local DP in FL ensures that privacy leakage caused by shared gradients is controlled by adding randomness to the process. We are interested in studying the effect of the Gaussian mechanism in the detection of different data poisoning attacks. As the additive noise from DP could hide poisonous data, the effectiveness of detection algorithms should be analyzed. We present two poisonous data detection algorithms and one malicious client identification algorithm. For the latter, we show that the effect of DP noise decreases as the size of the neural network increases. We further demonstrate this effect alongside the performance of these algorithms on three publicly available datasets. Full article

Objective: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a Neglected Tropical Disease caused by Leishmania donovani, remains insufficiently addressed by current therapies due to high toxicity, poor efficacy, and immunosuppressive complications. This study aimed to identify and characterize repurposed drugs that simultaneously target parasite-encoded and host-associated mechanisms essential for VL pathogenesis. Methods: Two complementary in silico drug repurposing strategies were employed. The first method utilized electron–ion interaction potential (EIIP) screening followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations targeting two L. donovani proteins: Rab5a and pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1). The second approach employed network-based drug repurposing using the Drugst.One platform, prioritizing candidates via STAT3-associated gene networks. Predicted drug–target complexes were validated by 100 ns MD simulations, and pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed via ADMET profiling using QikProp v7.0 and SwissADME web server. Results: Entecavir and valganciclovir showed strong binding to Rab5a and PTR1, respectively, with Glide Scores of −9.36 and −9.10 kcal/mol, and corresponding MM-GBSA ΔG_bind values of −14.00 and −13.25 kcal/mol, confirming their stable interactions and repurposing potential. Network-based analysis identified nifuroxazide as the top candidate targeting the host JAK2/TYK2–STAT3 axis, with high stability confirmed in MD simulations. Nifuroxazide also displayed the most favorable ADMET profile, including oral bioavailability, membrane permeability, and absence of PAINS alerts. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of guanine analogs such as entecavir and valganciclovir, and the nitrofuran derivative nifuroxazide, as promising multi-target drug repurposing candidates for VL. Their mechanisms support a dual strategy targeting both parasite biology and host immunoregulation, warranting further preclinical investigation. Full article

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article

Background: In high-risk and frail patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (MV CAD), guidelines indicated complete revascularization with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) bears a high morbidity and mortality risk. In cases where catheter interventions were deemed unsuitable and conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) posed an unacceptable perioperative risk, patients were scheduled for minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) grafting or minimally invasive multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS-CABG). We called this approach “palliative revascularization.” This study assesses the safety and impact of palliative revascularization on clinical outcomes and overall survival. Methods: A consecutive series of 57 patients undergoing MIDCAB or MICS-CABG as a palliative surgery between 2008 and 2018 was included. The decision for palliative surgery was met in heart team after carefully assessing each case. The patients underwent single or double-vessel revascularization using the left internal thoracic artery and rarely radial artery/saphenous vein segments, both endoscopically harvested. Inpatient data could be completed for all 57 patients. The mean follow-up interval was 4.2 ± 3.7 years, with a follow-up rate of 91.2%. Results: Mean patient age was 79.7 ± 7.4 years. Overall, 46 patients (80.7%) were male, 26 (45.6%) had a history of atrial fibrillation and 25 (43.9%) of chronic kidney disease. In total, 13 patients exhibited a moderate EuroSCORE II, while 27 were classified as high risk, with a EuroSCORE II exceeding 5%. Additionally, 40 patients (70.2%) presented with three-vessel disease, 17 (29.8%) suffered an acute myocardial infarction within three weeks prior to surgery and 50.9% presented an impaired ejection fraction. There were 48 MIDCAB and nine MICS CABG with no conversions either to sternotomy or to CPB. Eight cases were planned as hybrid procedures and only 15 patients (26.3%) were completely revascularized. During the first 30 days, four patients (7%) died. A myocardial infarction occurred in only one case, no patient necessitated immediate reoperation. The one-, three- and five-year survival rates were 83%, 67% and 61%, respectively. Conclusions: MIDCAB and MICS CABG can be successfully conducted as less invasive palliative surgery in high-risk multimorbid patients with MV CAD. The early and mid-term results were better than predicted. A higher rate of hybrid procedures could improve long-term outcome in selected cases. Full article

This study examines the hydrodynamic and acoustic performance of plain NACA0018 hydrofoil and modified NACA0018 hydrofoils (foil with a cavity on suction surface) at a Reynolds number ($Re$) of $40,000$, which is indicative of small-scale turbines and marine applications. A cavity was created on suction side surface at 40–50% of the chord length, which is chosen for its efficacy in cavitation control. The present analysis examines the impact of the cavity on lift-to-drag-ratio ($L/D$) and cavity length at three cavitation numbers ($1.7$, $1.2$, and $0.93$) for plain and modified hydrofoils. Simulations demonstrate a significant enhancement of 7% in the lift-to-drag ratio relative to traditional designed foils. Contrary to earlier observations, the cavity length increases instead of decreasing for the modified hydrofoil. Both periodic steady and turbulent inflow conditions are captured that simulate the complex cavity dynamics and flow–acoustic interactions. It is found that a reduction in RMS velocity with modified blade suggests flow stabilization. Spectral analysis using Mel-frequency techniques confirms the cavity’s potential to reduce low-frequency flow-induced noise. These findings offer new insights for designing quieter and more efficient hydrofoils and turbine blades. Full article

For the precise description of gas physical processes in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission, an advanced and robust numerical framework for the simulation of transient particle densities in the course of corona discharges is developed in this work. The aim is the scalable and consistent modeling of the space charge density under realistic conditions. The core component of the framework is a discontinuous Galerkin method that ensures the conservative properties of the underlying hyperbolic problem. The space charge density at the electrode surface is imposed as a dynamic boundary condition via Lagrange multipliers. To increase the numerical stability and convergence rate, a homotopy approach is also integrated. For the experimental validation, a measurement concept was realised that uses a subtraction method to specifically remove the displacement current component in the signal and thus enables an isolated recording of the transient ion current with superimposed voltage stresses. The experimental results on a small scale agree with the numerical predictions and prove the quality of the model. On this basis, the framework is transferred to hybrid HVDC overhead line systems with a bipolar design. In the event of a fault, significant transient space charge densities can be seen there, especially when superimposed with new types of voltage waveforms. The framework thus provides a reliable contribution to insulation coordination in complex HVDC systems and enables the realistic analysis of electrohydrodynamic coupling effects on an industrial scale. Full article

The intensification of anthropogenic pressures, particularly those related to agriculture driven by increasing demands for food and cash crops, generates negative environmental externalities. Assessing these externalities is essential to better identify and implement measures that promote the environmental sustainability of rural landscapes. This study aims to develop a multi-criteria assessment method of the negative environmental externalities of rural landscapes in the northern Benin agricultural basin, based on satellite-derived data. Starting from a 12-class land cover map produced through satellite image classification, the evaluation was conducted in three steps. First, the 12 land cover classes were reclassified into Human Disturbance Coefficients (HDCs) via a weighted sum model multi-criteria analysis based on nine criteria related to the negative environmental externalities of anthropogenic activities. Second, the HDC classes were spatially aggregated using a regular grid of 1 km² landscape cells to produce the Landscape Environmental Sustainability Index (LESI). Finally, various discretization methods were applied to the LESI for cartographic representation, enhancing spatial interpretation. Results indicate that most areas exhibit moderate environmental externalities (HDC and LESI values between 2.5 and 3.5), covering 63–75% (HDC) and 83–94% (LESI) of the respective sites. Areas of low environmental externalities (values between 1.5 and 2.5) account for 20–24% (HDC) and 5–13% (LESI). The LESI, derived from accessible and cost-effective satellite data, offers a scalable, reproducible, and spatially explicit tool for monitoring landscape sustainability. It holds potential for guiding territorial governance and supporting transitions towards more sustainable land management practices. Future improvements may include, among others, refining the evaluation criteria and introducing variable criteria weighting schemes depending on land cover or region. Full article

 Galectin-3 is a multifunctional protein that is associated with diseases of the chorioretinal interface, in which the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a central role in disease development and progression. Since galectin-3 can function extracellularly as well as intracellularly via different mechanisms, we developed an immortalized human RPE cell line (ARPE-19) with a knockdown for galectin-3 expression (ARPE-19/LGALS3^+/−) using a sgRNA/Cas9 all-in-one expression vector. By Western blot analysis, a reduced galectin-3 expression of approximately 48 to 60% in heterozygous ARPE-19/LGALS3^+/− cells was observed when compared to native controls. Furthermore, ARPE-19/LGALS3^+/− cells displayed a flattened, elongated phenotype with decreased E-cadherin as well as enhanced N-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin mRNA expression, indicating an epithelial–mesenchymal transition of the cells. Compared to wildtype controls, ARPE-19/LGALS3^+/− cells had significantly reduced metabolic activity to 86% and a substantially decreased proliferation to 73%. Furthermore, an enhanced cell adhesion and a diminished migration of immortalized galectin-3 knockdown RPE cells was observed compared to native ARPE-19 cells. Finally, by Western blot analysis, reduced pAKT, pERK1/2, and β-catenin signaling were detected in ARPE-19/LGALS3^+/− cells when compared to wildtype controls. In summary, in RPE cells, endogenous galectin-3 appears to be essential for maintaining the epithelial phenotype as well as cell biological functions such as metabolism, proliferation, or migration, effects that might be mediated via a decreased activity of the AKT, ERK1/2, and β-catenin signaling pathways.  Full article

Ternary chalcogenide-based sulfide materials with distorted morphologies such as BaZrS₃, CaZrS₃, and SrZrS₃, have recently gained much attention in optoelectronics and photovoltaics due to their high structural and thermal stability and compatibility with low-cost, earth-abundant synthesis routes. However, their relatively large bandgaps often limit their suitability for near-infrared (NIR) photodetectors. Here, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of SrHfSe₃, a ternary chalcogenide with an orthorhombic crystal structure and distinctive needle-like morphology, as a promising candidate for NIR photodetection. SrHfSe₃ exhibits a direct bandgap of 1.02 eV, placing it well within the NIR range. Its robust structure, high temperature stability, phase stability and natural abundance make it a compelling material for next-generation, self-powered NIR photodetectors. An in-depth analysis of the SrHfSe₃-based photodetector was performed using SCAPS-1D simulations, focusing on key performance metrics such as J–V behavior, photoresponsivity, and specific detectivity. Device optimization was achieved by thoroughly altering each layer thickness, doping concentrations, and defect densities. Additionally, the influence of interface defects, absorber bandgap, and operating temperature was assessed to enhance the photoresponse. Under optimal conditions, the device achieved a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 45.88 mA/cm², an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.7152 V, a peak photoresponsivity of 0.85 AW⁻¹, and a detectivity of 2.26 × 10¹⁴ Jones at 1100 nm. A broad spectral response spanning 700–1200 nm confirms its efficacy in the NIR region. These results position SrHfSe₃ as a strong contender for future NIR photodetectors and provide a foundation for experimental validation in advanced optoelectronic applications. Full article

In October 2021 the Swedish government committee of inquiry, the Adoption Commission, was appointed, which presented its final report in June 2025. The Adoption Commission investigated irregular and unethical adoptions to Sweden from the 1950s until today, and it was a part of an ongoing global process of coming to terms with past concerning transnational adoptions. This qualitative media text study examines how the Adoption Commission was perceived by the Swedish adoption world’s three stakeholders, the adoptive parents, the adoption organizations, and the adoptees, between 2021 and 2024 and in relation to transitional justice theories, with a focus on the issues of retributive and restorative justice. Full article