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“Hills of Activity” as an effective method for mitigating ground surface vibration in sustainable residential development
This paper investigates the vibration mitigation efficiency of a hill and a system of hills. The effects of obstacle height, slope inclination angle, the number of embankments used, and their shape on vibration reduction levels are analyzed. It has been observed that larger, flatter hills reduce the dominant vertical velocity component more effectively than smaller, steeper ones. Multiple rows of obstacles can be employed to improve vibration reduction. The effectiveness of the solution was examined for both low-frequency (20 Hz) and high-frequency (60 Hz) excitations. The vertical component of the velocity vector may be reduced to as low as 30% of its initial value due to the application of the hill(s) or row(s) of hills. The main advantage of the proposed solution, in the form of a convex soil obstacle, is that it reduces both vibrations and noise (factors that often co-occur). Moreover, the system of hills can also function as playgrounds, providing a recreational space for children. Classical concave barriers (such as commonly used open trenches) do not offer such benefits. The proposed solution aligns with an important research direction in sustainable residential development.
Comparative experimental evaluation and empirical modeling of advanced oxidation processes for organic compounds removal from cosmetic wastewater with statistical assessment
Abstract Cosmetic industry wastewater is characterized by high COD, recalcitrant organic compounds, and poor biodegradability, posing significant challenges to conventional biological treatment systems. This study addresses these challenges through a comprehensive evaluation of four advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): UV, UV/H₂O₂, Photo Fenton, and Photo Fenton like, aiming to identify a sustainable and scalable solution for treating real industrial wastewater collected from a cosmetics factory in Badr City, Egypt. Batch experiments were conducted under varied conditions of pH, hydrogen peroxide dosage, catalyst concentration (Fe+2 or Fe+3), and UV irradiation time. Among the tested processes, the Photo-Fenton system showed the highest performance, achieving 95.5% COD removal and enhancing the biodegradability index (BOD₅/COD) from 0.28 to 0.8 under optimized conditions (pH 3, 0.75 g/L Fe+2, 1 mL/L H₂O₂, 40 min). Kinetic modeling was applied to all tested AOPs, and the results indicated that pseudo-first-order kinetics best described the degradation behavior, confirming the role of hydroxyl radicals in organic removal. A multiple linear regression model (R² = 0.851) was also developed to predict COD removal efficiency based on process parameters and statistical analysis confirmed significance of the optimal conditions. Energy and cost evaluations identified the Photo-Fenton process as the most efficient and economically feasible option, with the lowest specific energy consumption and material costs per liter treated. These findings suggest that the Photo Fenton process is a viable pre-treatment option for cosmetics wastewater, particularly in decentralized or industrial treatment systems. Future work should focus on scaling the process and integrating it with biological treatment units to improve sustainability.
Identification of biomarkers and mechanisms associated with palmitoylation in acute kidney injury using transcriptome and single cell data
Predicting chromatin conformation contact maps
Over the past 15 years, a variety of next-generation sequencing assays have been developed for measuring the 3D conformation of DNA in the nucleus. Each of these assays gives, for a particular cell or tissue type, a distinct picture of 3D chromatin architecture. Accordingly, making sense of the relationship between genome structure and function requires teasing apart two closely related questions: how does chromatin 3D structure change from one cell type to the next, and how do different measurements of that structure differ from one another, even when the two assays are carried out in the same cell type? In this work, we assemble a collection of chromatin 3D datasets—each represented as a 2D contact map—spanning multiple assay types and cell types. We then build a machine learning model that predicts missing contact maps in this collection. We use the model to systematically explore how genome 3D architecture changes, at the level of compartments, domains, and loops, between cell type and between assay types.
MIEN1 promoter deletion leads to impaired migration and invasion potential via actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in colorectal cancer
First detection and genetic characterization of atypical Porcine pestivirus in pigs, Thailand
New estimates of the costs of adverse events in patients with cancer
The cost of adverse events (AEs) is a critical component of healthcare economic models for cancer treatment; however, few comprehensive estimates of these costs exist. Previous studies focused on costs related to specific AEs, cancer types, or treatment regimens. This study assesses the incremental costs of AEs across 13 cancer types by applying the most current diagnosis schema (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems [ICD-10]) to patients diagnosed between 2016 and 2022. Data were acquired from US insurance claims and included adult patients who were diagnosed and treated for breast, pancreatic, bladder, lung, prostate, colorectal, skin, liver, head and neck, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or chronic lymphocytic leukemia cancer. We selected 54 AEs for analysis based on their frequency of occurrence, relevance based on severity, and availability of ICD-10 diagnostic codes. We matched patient treatment episodes (the period from initiation of a distinct treatment regimen until discontinuation, change of treatment, or end of data availability) for patients experiencing a specific AE to treatment episodes of similar patients not experiencing that same AE in a 1:1 ratio. We generated estimates for AEs of any severity, severe AEs, and individual tumor types. Our analyses evaluate 392,566 treatment episodes from 110,791 patients. In pooled analyses across tumor types, incremental costs for AEs of any severity (with ≥ 100 treatment episodes) ranged from - $488 for photosensitivity to $29,331 for allergic reaction. Incremental costs for severe AEs (with ≥ 50 treatment episodes) ranged from $16 for dizziness to $18,841 for gastrointestinal bleeding. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic burden of AEs in cancer care and generates a range of estimates to be used as inputs in future economic models.
Combined genomic and phenomic analyses reveals multifunctionality of Paenibacillus polymyxa K16 for plant’s nutrition, growth and health
Abstract The application of beneficial microorganisms with biostimulant, biofertilizer, and/or biopesticide properties represents an alternative to the use of chemicals in agriculture. Nevertheless, bioproducts’ selection and application efficacy under field condition need to be improved. A deeper understanding of the bioinoculant strains at genomic and phenomic level, would advance selection process and field application. The objective of this manuscript was to develop a combined genomic-phenomic approach for the characterization of bioproducts, and to demonstrate its application with a real use-case scenario. At the genomic level, the presence of several functional genes supporting plant nutrition (e.g., nitrate conversion into ammonia, phosphorous solubilization, siderophore production), improving plant growth (e.g., plant hormones) or promoting plant health through antagonism to plant pathogens, pointed to the multifunctionality of the strain. The phenomic analysis showed various carbon, nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur utilization patterns, and confirmed the expression of the associated metabolic pathways. Our analysis approach encompasses as many aspects of the genome and phenome as possible for understanding the complexities of a microorganism, enabling the generation of greater value compared to the individual technologies. The proposed approach unlocks data-driven decision making in bioproduct optimisation, as such should be routinely included in screening programs.
A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial on the effects of acellular dermal matrices on the functional assessment and qualitative satisfaction of split-thickness skin grafts
Abstract Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been widely used in skin grafting to provide a dermal layer for facilitating graft take and mature scarring. This randomized controlled, double-blinded superiority study aimed to quantitatively assess the effects of this technique on the resulting graft sites via functional measurements including elasticity, humidification, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pigmentation, and erythema at 6 months after surgery. A survey was performed to evaluate the satisfaction levels of both patients and surgeons. We considered patients with full-thickness skin defects for whom split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) were used. By random assignment, they were allocated to the ADM group or the STSG-only group. The ADM group received STSG with a ADM layer on the defect, whereas the STSG-only group was reconstructed with only STSG. At 6 months after surgery, patients were evaluated for elasticity, humidification, TEWL, erythema, and pigmentation. Defect areas before and 2 weeks after surgery were traced and measured. Patients and surgeons rated the graft sites as excellent, good, fair or poor at 6 months after the operation. Among the 89 patients who were screened, 54 patients were enrolled in this study. Compared with those in the STSG-only group, defects that were reconstructed with STSG and ADM resulted in significantly greater elasticity, lower TEWL, and less erythema. There were no significant differences in humidification or pigmentation. The ADM co-grafted with STSGs was associated with greater satisfaction among surgeons, whereas patient satisfaction was not significantly different between the two groups. Co-grafting ADM with STSG in full-thickness wounds can lead to favorable wound healing in terms of elasticity, TEWL, and erythema. This approach also has a higher satisfaction rate for surgeons. Registry: Clinical Research Information Service (https://cris.nih.go.kr), Registration number: KCT0007040, Registration date: 24/02/2022.
Estimating heterogeneous impacts Of subsidised health insurance: A causal machine learning approach
The evaluation of social and health policies often necessitates understanding the variations in impacts based on recipients’ observed characteristics, underscoring the value of estimating treatment effect heterogeneity. In this study, we leverage predictive and causal machine learning to assess the impact of the subsidised component of Indonesia’s National Health Insurance Programme (“JKN”) on healthcare utilisation in 2017. We employ causal forests for estimating heterogeneous treatment effects and the super learner algorithm for prediction tasks. Our approach addresses the prevalence of zeros in the utilisation outcomes through a two-part model, which separates the outcome model into zero and non-zero counts. This allows for distinct investigation of policy impacts on the decision to seek care and the quantity of care consumed. We interpret and summarise treatment effect heterogeneity using various approaches, including data-driven subgroup analyses and linear projections, which are grounded in theory. Our results demonstrate a positive average impact on healthcare demand with evident heterogeneity; for instance, the increase in demand varies among recipients. We also find that the effect is modified by a set of theoretically motivated covariates and those identified through our data-driven approach.
Eragrostis curvula cultivars reduce aluminium concentrations and promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in acidic ecosystem soils
Disproportionality analysis of infection associated with antidiabetic drug use patterns
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its predictors among healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Ghana: A cross-sectional survey
Background Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions, but its hesitancy still poses a challenge in achieving acceptable coverage. This study was designed to assess the level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and identify its influencing factors among healthcare workers in a teaching hospital in Ghana. Method A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test of independence, and multiple logistic regression were assessed from the data collected using Stata version 14 software. Results A response rate of 78.55% (n = 216/275) was recorded. The majority of the participants were females (n = 135, 62.50%), aged between 20–39 years (n = 204, 94.44%), and were nurses/ midwives (n = 140, 64.81%) followed by medical doctors (n = 43, 19.91%). COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 19.91% and the commonly cited reasons for this were apathy (n = 8/43, 18.60%) followed by the belief of not being at risk of infection with the virus (n = 7/43, 16.28%). Hesitancy was reduced by participant’s knowledge of the vaccine effectiveness (aOR= 0.01; CI 95%: 0.001–0.0996; p < 0.001), COVID-19 training (aOR= 0.34; CI 95%: 0.13–0.85; p = 0.022), having a past vaccination history (aOR= 0.18, CI 95%: 0.07–0.45; p < 0.001), and increased by those with the view that vaccine intake should be voluntary (aOR= 3.28; CI 95%: 1.08–10.01; p = 0.037). Conclusion COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was recorded among healthcare workers in this teaching hospital with apathy and belief of no risk to being infected by the virus as commonly cited reasons for this. This is a concern as healthcare workers are expected to be well-informed of the benefits and risks of vaccination. Continuous education on vaccine safety and efficacy can improve vaccine uptake among this population.
Discoloration of liquid foundation across the shade color diversity
Thermosolutal convection in a baffled curvilinear porous cabinet filled with magneto radiative hybrid nanofluid
The impact of biofertilizer technology adoption on the faba bean productivity in the central highlands of Ethiopia: The propensity score matching model
Adoption of organic fertilizer technology increases crop productivity through replenishing the soil with natural organic nutrient as compared to in-organic chemical that is costly and damaging the soil fertility in the long run. Few studies have been documented on the contribution of bio-fertilizer on crop productivity on the plots of smallholder households. This study investigates the impact of adoption of bio-fertilizer technology on the faba bean productivity in the central highlands of Ethiopia, particularly in rural districts surrounding Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study is limited to small holder faba bean farmers in the central highlands of Ethiopia due to the diversified agro-ecology, socioeconomic, cultural and institutional factors in the country; it would be difficult to conduct a study on a specific area and generalize for others. A multi-stage sampling method was utilized to select 384 households for the sample. The primary data for the study was collected with a face to face interview using structured questionnaire. Propensity score matching (PSM) technique was employed to evaluate the impact of adoption of bio-fertilizer on faba beans productivity in the study area. The finding of the research revealed that, biofertilizer adoption on average increased faba bean productivity of adopters by about 5.1 quintals ha-1 than the non-adopters. Thus, based on the finding of the study, it is recommendable to strengthen existing extension service to promote the use of biofertilizer.
A hybrid innovation method based on quality by design and agile scrum paradigms for the development of medicinal products
Abstract This study proposes an agile paradigm of the pharmaceutical Quality by Design (QbD) approach initiated and recommended by regulatory agencies to better understand and control their innovative products and processes throughout the development phase. The primary objective of this hybrid innovation method is to improve the structural organization of the QbD approach to simplify its use and expand its application to the early stages of preclinical development. This agile QbD paradigm relies on the incrementation and/or iteration of short studies called sprints indexed according to the Technological Readiness Level (TRL) scale. Each QbD sprint addresses a priority question of development and relies on a hypothetico-deductive scientific method to address it. They are composed of five steps: developing and updating the Target Product Profile, identifying critical input and output variables, designing experiments, conducting experiments, and analyzing the collected data to generalize conclusions through statistical inference. At the end of a sprint, four outcomes are possible: incrementing knowledge on the developed drug, i.e. moving to the next development sprint, iterating the current or previous sprint to reduce decision-making risk, pivoting to propose a new product profile, or stopping the development project. This decision-making process is based on the results of a statistical analysis estimating the probability of meeting the efficacy/safety/quality specifications of the medicinal product to be developed. To illustrate and to assess the practical relevance of this incremental and iterative approach, we applied it to the development of a new radiopharmaceutical for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. The Agile QbD approach was applied over six consecutive sprints to progress from an initial product concept (TRL 2) to a prototype manufactured using a production automation system (TRL 4). The method and results presented in this study provide a new perspective on applying QbD as an efficient tool for managing knowledge during innovation projects.
Enhancing SDN security with deep learning and F-balanced cross-entropy for DDoS detection
Dual S-methoprene and Lysinibacillus sphaericus larvicide use leads to multiple independent, and not cross-resistance in Culex pipiens
S-methoprene, an insect growth regulator, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls), an entomopathogenic bacterium, are important larvicides used to control Culex pipiens [L.] mosquitoes, the primary vector of West Nile virus, in the Chicago, IL USA region. Resistance to both agents has been documented globally including a report of resistance ratios greater than 100 to S-methoprene in the Chicago region. Laboratory studies have suggested the potential for unidirectional cross-resistance between S-methoprene and Ls, despite differing modes of action. Among wild populations of Cx. pipiens in the Chicago area, this study aimed 1) to assess resistance status to Ls, 2) confirm the presence of S-methoprene resistance ratios >100, 3) determine if higher S-methoprene resistance ratios are associated with higher Ls resistance ratios, or whether Ls resistance arises solely from Ls exposure, and (4) determine the relationship between Ls treatment history and resistance levels of that active ingredient. We assessed susceptibility to both S-methoprene and Ls in 32 Cx. pipiens populations: 19 with S-methoprene exposure but no Ls history, and 13 with multi-year exposure to both larvicide active ingredients. Ls susceptibility was evaluated using dose-response bioassays to estimate LC50, LC90, and resistance ratios. Susceptibility to S-methoprene was tested using diagnostic doses corresponding to resistance ratios of 10 and 100 at the LC50. Resistance ratios to S-methoprene exceeding 10 were detected in 30 of 32 sampled populations. Among the 13 sites with prior Ls exposure, 11 were observed with resistance ratios > 5. In contrast, none of the 19 populations without Ls exposure exhibited Ls resistance, despite exhibiting higher S-methoprene resistance ratios. This lack of overlap supports the conclusion that S-methoprene resistance does not confer cross-resistance to Ls in the studied region. Logistic regression revealed a strong association between Ls treatment history and resistance development. The probability of Ls resistance exceeded 80% after 10 Ls applications within an eight-year period. These findings emphasize the need to develop improved resistance management strategies for larvicidal insecticides.