Search Results (113,971)

This study aims to demonstrate how mathematics, especially calculus concepts, can be expanded to include semi-entities and how these can be applied to sampling activities. Here, the multivalued logic uses pseudo-complemented lattices, instead of Boolean algebras. Truth values can express the intensity of a property: for example, the property of being heavy intensifies as weight increases. They can also express the state-of-the-art knowledge of an individual about a certain thing. To express that a number 𝑥 approaches 𝑎 is to say that the statement “𝑥 = 𝑏” is not fully true but approaches the full-true value as 𝑏 − 𝑎 approaches zero. This approach generalizes the concept of a limit and the concepts derived from it, such as differentiation and integration. A Monte Carlo algorithm replaces one function with another with finite domain, preferably its finite part, by sampling the domain and calculating its map. The discussion extends to integration over an unbounded interval, integral transforms, and differential equations. This study then covers strategies for producing Monte Carlo estimates of respective problems and determining their crucial truth values. In the discussion, a topic related to axiomatizing set theory is also suggested. 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

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) affects approximately 8500 individuals annually in the United States. The 5-year relative survival rate has improved to 88.5%, driven by transformative advances in immunotherapy and precision oncology. The integration of Brentuximab vedotin (BV) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has redefined treatment paradigms. The phase III SWOG S1826 trial established nivolumab plus doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (N + AVD) as an emerging new standard for advanced-stage HL, achieving a 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 92% compared to 83% for BV plus AVD (HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.33–0.70), with superior safety, particularly in patients over 60. In relapsed/refractory HL, pembrolizumab outperforms BV, with a median PFS of 13.2 versus 8.3 months (HR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48–0.88), as demonstrated in the KEYNOTE-204 trial. Emerging strategies, including novel ICI combinations, minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring via circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, promise to further personalize therapy. This review synthesizes HL’s epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic innovations, and therapeutic advances, highlighting the role of precision medicine in addressing unmet needs and disparities in HL care. Full article

Background/Objectives: We aimed to identify questionnaire items associated with an increased risk of developing hepatic steatosis in the general population. Methods: A total of 15,063 individuals aged ≥20 years who underwent general health checkups and had no hepatic steatosis at baseline were included. The relationship between questionnaire data at baseline and hepatic steatosis incidence over a median 4.2-year follow-up was investigated across body mass index (BMI) categories. Results: Among 15,063 individuals (mean [SD] age, 47.1 [10.2] years; 6769 [44.9%] male; mean [SD] BMI, 21.4 [2.6] kg/m²), 1889 individuals (12.5%) developed hepatic steatosis during follow-up. After adjusting for age, sex, and factors related to metabolic diseases and liver injury, the strongest questionnaire-based risk factor for hepatic steatosis was self-reported weight gain of 10 kg or more after the age of 20 across all BMI categories: total population (hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90–2.34; p < 0.001), Category 1 (BMI < 22) (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.86–2.91; p < 0.001), Category 2 (BMI 22 to <25) (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.25–1.63; p < 0.001), and Category 3 (BMI ≥ 25) (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.12–1.77; p = 0.003). Conclusions: In this cohort study, self-reported weight gain of 10 kg or more after the age of 20 was associated with an increased risk of hepatic steatosis, independent of baseline BMI. Questionnaires capturing weight gain history may support universal screening efforts to identify individuals at elevated risk. Full article

This study presents the validation of the Player Personality and Dynamics Scale (PPDS), designed to identify player profiles in educational gamification contexts with narrative elements. Through a sample of 635 participants, a questionnaire was developed and applied, covering sociodemographic data, lifestyle habits, gaming practices, and a classification system of 40 items on a six-point Likert scale. The results of the factorial analysis confirm a structure of five factors: Toxic Profile, Joker Profile, Tryhard Profile, Aesthetic Profile, and Coacher Profile, with high fit and reliability indices (RMSEA = 0.06; CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.91). The resulting classification enables the design of personalized gamified experiences that enhance learning and interaction in the classroom, highlighting the importance of understanding players’ motivations to better adapt educational dynamics. Applying this scale fosters meaningful learning through the creation of narratives tailored to students’ individual preferences. Full article

Accurate streamflow forecasting at fine temporal and spatial scales is essential to manage the diverse hydrological behaviors of individual catchments, particularly in rapidly responding mountainous regions. This study compares three forecasting models ARIMAX, LSTM, and HEC-HMS applied to the Posina River basin in northern Italy, using 13 years of hourly hydrological data. While recent literature promotes multi-basin LSTM training for generalization, we show that a well-configured single-basin LSTM, combined with a rolling forecast strategy, can achieve comparable accuracy under high-frequency, data-constrained conditions. The physically based HEC-HMS model, calibrated for continuous simulation, provides robust peak flow prediction but requires extensive parameter tuning. ARIMAX captures baseflows but underestimates sharp hydrological events. Evaluation through NSE, KGE, and MAE shows that both LSTM and HEC-HMS outperform ARIMAX, with LSTM offering a compelling balance between accuracy and ease of implementation. This study enhances our understanding of streamflow model behavior in small basins and demonstrates that LSTM networks, despite their simplified configuration, can be reliable tools for flood forecasting in localized Alpine catchments, where physical modeling is resource-intensive and regional data for multi-basin training are often unavailable. Full article

Zoological environments aim to promote natural behaviours and optimal welfare conditions. Over the past decade, research on the use of artificial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure has improved vitamin D₃ levels and reduced incidences of metabolic bone disease in diurnal primates; however, this has not been investigated in nocturnals. Aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), nocturnal lemurs often housed indoors in zoos with little to no exposure to natural sunlight, have been reported to have low vitamin D₃ levels. This study aims to investigate the impacts of artificial UV-B as a supplemental healthcare strategy for aye-ayes, examining its influences on vitamin D₃ levels and positional sleeping behaviour. The 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) blood levels were tested before and after exposure to different levels of artificial UV-B and heat sources. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between UV-B and 25OHD₃ at group parameter levels. However, one individual showed a positive correlation. Sleeping position duration analysis showed a potential basking behaviour with the use of increased ear exposure and other thermoregulatory responses. Despite representing 8.06% of the European captive aye-aye population, these findings highlight the need for further research on vitamin D₃ parameters and responses to UV-B to optimise captive conditions and support the species’ long-term health. Full article

Analysis of the EPR of dilute transition-ion complexes and metalloproteins in random phases, such as frozen solutions, powders, glasses, and gels, requires a model for the spectral ‘powder’ shape. Such a model comprises a description of the line shape and the linewidth of individual molecules as well as a notion of their physical origin. Spectral features sharpen up with decreasing temperature until the limit of constant linewidth of inhomogeneous broadening. At and below this temperature limit, each molecule has a linewidth that slightly differs from those of its congeners, and which is not related in a simple way to lifetime broadening. Choice of the model not only affects precise assignment of g-values, but also concentration determination (‘spin counting’), and therefore, calculation of stoichiometries in multi-center complexes. Forty years ago, the theoretically and experimentally well-founded statistical theory of g-strain was developed as a prime model for EPR powder patterns. In the intervening years until today, this model was universally ignored in favor of models that are incompatible with physical reality, resulting in many mistakes in EPR spectral interpretation. The purpose of this review is to outline the differences between the models, to reveal where analyses went astray, and thus to turn a very long standstill in EPR powder shape understanding into a new start towards proper methodology. Full article

Organoids allow to model healthy and diseased human tissues. and have applications in developmental biology, drug discovery, and cell therapy. Traditionally cultured in immersion/suspension, organoids face issues like lack of standardization, fusion, hypoxia-induced necrosis, continuous agitation, and high media volume requirements. To address these issues, we developed an air–liquid interface (ALi) technology for culturing organoids, termed AirLiwell. It uses non-adhesive microwells for generating and maintaining individualized organoids on an air–liquid interface. This method ensures high standardization, prevents organoid fusion, eliminates the need for agitation, simplifies media changes, reduces media volume, and is compatible with Good Manufacturing Practices. We compared the ALi method to standard immersion culture for midbrain organoids, detailing the process from human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) culture to organoid maturation and analysis. Air–liquid interface organoids (3D-ALi) showed optimized size and shape standardization. RNA sequencing and immunostaining confirmed neural/dopaminergic specification. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that immersion organoids (3D-i) contained 16% fibroblast-like, 23% myeloid-like, and 61% neural cells (49% neurons), whereas 3D-ALi organoids comprised 99% neural cells (86% neurons). Functionally, 3D-ALi organoids showed a striking electrophysiological synchronization, unlike the heterogeneous activity of 3D-i organoids. This standardized organoid platform improves reproducibility and scalability, demonstrated here with midbrain organoids. The use of midbrain organoids is particularly relevant for neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, due to their high incidence, opening new perspectives in disease modeling and cell therapy. In addition to hPSC-derived organoids, the method’s versatility extends to cancer organoids and 3D cultures from primary human cells. Full article

While the Ankom RF system facilitates efficient high-throughput in vitro fermentation studies, its high cost and limited flexibility constrain its broader applicability. To address these limitations, we developed and validated a low-cost, modular gas monitoring system (FerME), assembled from commercially available components. To evaluate its performance and reproducibility relative to the Ankom RF system (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY, USA), in vitro rumen fermentation experiments were conducted under strictly controlled and identical conditions. Whole rumen contents were collected approximately 2 h post-feeding from individual mid- or late-lactation dairy cows and immediately transported to the laboratory. Each fermenter received 50 mL of processed rumen fluid, 100 mL of anaerobically prepared artificial saliva buffer, and 1.2 g of the donor cow’s diet. Bottles were sealed with the respective system’s pressure sensors, flushed with CO₂, and incubated in a 50 L water bath maintained at 39 °C. FerME (New Taipei City, Taiwan) and Ankom RF fermenters were placed side-by-side to ensure uniform thermal conditions. To assess the effect of filter bag use, an additional trial employed Ankom F57 filter bags (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY, USA; 25 μm pore size). Trial 1 revealed no significant differences in cumulative gas production, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), NH₃-N, or pH between systems (p > 0.05). However, the use of filter bags reduced gas output and increased propionate concentrations (p < 0.05). Trial 2, which employed filter bags in both systems, confirmed comparable results, with the FerME system demonstrating improved precision (CV: 4.8% vs. 13.2%). Gas composition (CH₄ + CO₂: 76–82%) and fermentation parameters remained consistent across systems (p > 0.05). Importantly, with 12 pressure sensors, the total cost of FerME was about half that of the Ankom RF system. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FerME is a reliable, low-cost alternative for real-time rumen fermentation monitoring and could be suitable for studies in animal nutrition, methane mitigation, and related applications. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking the central nervous system, leading to demyelination and neurodegeneration. This work investigates the relationship between specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms and MS, aiming to reveal the immunogenetic background of this disease for more individualized management approaches. This study employed a case–control design, analyzing HLA allele frequencies in 179 MS patients and 200 control subjects using next-generation sequencing, The key findings indicate significant associations between several HLA Class I and II alleles and MS, including HLA-B*35:03:01:03, HLA-C*04:01:01:14, HLA-DRB1*15:01:01:26, and HLA-DQA1*05:05:01:02. These findings emphasize the critical role of HLA molecules in MS Romanian patients. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) needs to be controlled, and prevention of the spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV) is dependent on enhanced surveillance and early disease detection. Commercial swine operations, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia, are characterized by comparatively large numbers of pigs, and sampling individual pigs, which represents the main strategy for current ASF surveillance, can be both costly and labor intensive. A study performed in Ghana was designed to estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of pen-based aggregate oral fluid testing for ASFV in infected pigs in a pen of 30 animals and to evaluate its utility as a tool to support surveillance of ASF in the US. This study was performed in three phases: (i) virus (Ghana ASFV24) amplification in a target host species to generate the challenge inoculum; (ii) titration of the inoculum (10% spleen homogenate) in target host species to determine the minimum dose inducing acute ASF in pigs with survival up to 5–6 days post-inoculation (dpi); and (iii) the main study, involving 186 pigs, consisting of 6 replicates of 30 pigs per pen and one seeder pig inoculated with wildtype ASFV (highly virulent genotype II) per pen. Daily sampling of aggregate oral fluids, uncoagulated blood, oropharyngeal swabs, fecal and water nipple swabs, and recording of rectal temperatures and clinical observations was carried out. The seeder pigs were each inoculated intramuscularly with 0.5 mL of the 10% spleen homogenate, which induced the desired clinical course of ASF in the pigs, with survival of up to 6 dpi. ASFV DNA was detected in the seeder pigs as early as 1 dpi and 2 dpi in the blood and oropharyngeal swabs, respectively. Transmission of ASFV from the seeder pigs to the contact pig population was detected via positive amplification of ASFV DNA in aggregate oral fluid samples at 3 days post-contact (dpc) in 4 out of 6 pens, and in all 6 pens, at 4 dpc. Testing of oropharyngeal swabs and blood samples from individual pigs revealed a variable number of ASFV-positive pigs between 3 and 5 dpc, with detection of 100% positivity between 6 and 18 dpc, the study endpoint. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of aggregate oral fluid sampling for sensitive and early detection of ASFV incursion into naïve swine herds. It also demonstrates that testing of environmental samples from the premises could further enhance overall ASF early detection and surveillance strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Impairment in self-awareness (ISA) is one of the common consequences of an acquired brain injury (ABI) and is associated with anosodiaphoria. Collectively, these co-occurring neuropsychological disorders pose significant obstacles in the neurorehabilitation of moderate-to-severe ABI patients. Individuals who recover from ISA may present with anxiety and/or depression as adaptive reactions to the ABI, along with related functional disabilities. The present study investigated whether the level of metacognitive self-awareness (SA) is associated with the presence of anxiety and depression, apathy, or anosodiaphoria in patients with moderate-to-severe ABI. It aimed also at investigating the possible relationship between the severity of disability and both psycho-emotional diseases and the presence of PTSD symptoms in patients with high metacognitive SA. Methods: Sixty patients with moderate-to-severe ABI and different levels of metacognitive SA completed a series of questionnaires, which assessed their self-reported metacognitive SA, anosodiaphoria, anxiety and depression, apathy, and PTSD symptoms. Results: Low-metacognitive-SA patients showed lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher anosodiaphoria than high-metacognitive-SA patients. Patients with high metacognitive SA and high levels of disability showed significant higher states of anxiety and PTSD symptoms than patients with high metacognitive SA and low levels of disability. Conclusions: The neurorehabilitation of individuals with moderate to severe ABI should address, in particular, the complex interaction between ISA and anxiety and depression in patients during the rehabilitation process. Full article

In the original randomised Dietary Intervention to Stop Coronary Atherosclerosis (DISCO-CT) trial, a 12-month Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) project led by dietitians improved cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and reduced platelet chemokine levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is unclear whether these benefits are sustained. Objective: To determine whether the metabolic, inflammatory, and clinical benefits achieved during the DISCO-CT trial are sustained six years after the structured intervention ended. Methods: Ninety-seven adults with non-obstructive CAD confirmed in coronary computed tomography angiography were randomly assigned to receive optimal medical therapy (control group, n = 41) or the same therapy combined with intensive DASH counselling (DASH group, n = 43). After 301 ± 22 weeks, 84 individuals (87%) who had given consent underwent reassessment of body composition, meal frequency assessment, and biochemical testing (lipids, hs-CRP, CXCL4, RANTES and homocysteine). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed. Results: During the intervention, the DASH group lost an average of 3.6 ± 4.2 kg and reduced their total body fat by an average of 4.2 ± 4.8 kg, compared to an average loss of 1.1 ± 2.9 kg and a reduction in total body fat of 0.3 ± 4.1 kg in the control group (both p < 0.01). Six years later, most of the lost body weight and fat tissue had been regained, and there was a sharp increase in visceral fat area in both groups (p < 0.0001). CXCL4 decreased by 4.3 ± 3.0 ng/mL during the intervention and remained lower than baseline values; in contrast, in the control group, it initially increased and then decreased (p < 0.001 between groups). LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP levels returned to baseline in both groups but remained below baseline in the DASH group. There was one case of MACE in the DASH group, compared with four cases (including one fatal myocardial infarction) in the control group (p = 0.575). Overall adherence to the DASH project increased by 26 points during counselling and then decreased by only four points, remaining higher than in the control group. Conclusions: A one-year DASH project supported by a physician and dietitian resulted in long-term suppression of the proatherogenic chemokine CXCL4 and fewer MACE over six years, despite a decline in adherence and loss of most anthropometric and lipid benefits. It appears that sustained systemic reinforcement of behaviours is necessary to maintain the benefits of lifestyle intervention in CAD. Full article

Adulteration detection in medicinal plant powders remains a critical challenge in quality control. In this study, we propose a hyperspectral imaging (HSI)-based method combined with deep learning models to quantitatively analyze adulteration levels in Anoectochilus roxburghii powder. After preprocessing the spectral data using raw, first-order, and second-order Savitzky–Golay derivatives, we systematically evaluated the performance of traditional machine learning models (Random Forest, Support Vector Regression, Partial Least Squares Regression) and deep learning architectures. While traditional models achieved reasonable accuracy (R² up to 0.885), their performance was limited by feature extraction and generalization ability. A single-channel convolutional neural network (CNN) utilizing individual spectral representations improved performance marginally (maximum R² = 0.882), but still failed to fully capture the multi-scale spectral features. To overcome this, we developed a multi-channel CNN that simultaneously integrates raw, SG-1, and SG-2 spectra, effectively leveraging complementary spectral information. This architecture achieved a significantly higher prediction accuracy (R² = 0.964, MSE = 0.005), demonstrating superior robustness and generalization. The findings highlight the potential of multi-channel deep learning models in enhancing quantitative adulteration detection and ensuring the authenticity of herbal products. Full article