Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and its progression still represent a great medical challenge worldwide. Clinical evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) on HPV clinical manifestations; however, evidence of the effect of this molecule on HPV viral load is still lacking. In this in vitro study, 13 ThinPrep Papanicolaou (Pap) tests were treated with a PHMB solution (0.10 g/100 mL) for 2 h. We observed no cytological changes but a significant reduction in the viral load of high-risk (HR) HPV after PHMB treatment, also revealing a dose-dependent antiviral effect. In addition, by stratifying the obtained results according to HR-HPV genotype, we observed a significant reduction in the viral load of HPV 16, P2 (56, 59, 66), 31, and P3 (35, 39, 68) and a strong decrease in the viral load of HPV 45, 52, and P1 (33, 58). Overall, 85% of the analyzed cervical cell samples exhibited an improvement in HPV viral load after PHMB exposure, while only 15% remain unchanged. For the first time, the data from this pilot study support the activity of PHMB on a specific phase of the HPV viral lifecycle, the one regarding the newly generated virions, reducing viral load and thus blocking the infection of other cervical cells. Full article

(1) Background: The interplay between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and laryngeal cancer represents a substantial challenge for both patients and healthcare. To garner information on recent mortality data for laryngeal cancer, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyzed real-world data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2) Methods: We searched the CDC WONDER online database 2018–2022 using the ICD-10 code for laryngeal cancer (C32; malignant neoplasm of the larynx). We also performed a sub-analysis between genders and across ten-year age groups. The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. (3) Results: The trend of age-adjusted mortality ×100,000 did not change significantly between the years 2018 and 2022 (p = 0.553). Males had higher age-adjusted mortality rates (M/F ratios between 4.6 and 5.0), but no significant variation was found in both genders (males: p = 0.676; females: p = 0.596). Although the mortality rate remained unchanged in people aged 35–84 years, the variation reached statistical significance in those aged 85 or older (p = 0.004), displaying a significant increase in 2021 compared to 2018 (p = 0.006) and 2019 (p = 0.039). (4) Conclusions: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality for laryngeal cancer seems to be relatively modest in the general US population. Nevertheless, closer attention must be paid to older people, for whom the unfavorable consequences of misdiagnosis or mistreatment of this and other types of cancers can be exacerbated. Full article

Urinary tract infections are defined as the presence of microorganisms in any part of the urinary system, with the exception of the distal urethra. A majority of them are uncomplicated infections that are resolved on an outpatient basis, with empirical therapy. The objectives of this work were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, analyze associated strains and examine the response of the main microorganisms to antibiotics. A retrospective observational study of all positive urine cultures between 2018 and 2022 was carried out at an institution (8340 samples). Sociodemographic data were also collected. In total, 61.3% were women, with an average age of 63.4 years, and 43.2% were from the Emergency Department. A total of 13.5% were fitted, 56% of whom were women. Also, 95.9% were not taking any antibiotics, and among the individuals who were taking antibiotics, 50% were injected. Escherichia coli (53.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.8%) are identified as the most prevalent strains. In the time periods analyzed, Escherichia coli decreased its resistance to 11 antibiotics and increased to 5 antibiotics, while Klebsiella pneumoniae decreased to 7 and increased to 7, with emphasis on the presence of 3 antibiotics with a resistance rate of 100% to all Klebsiella pneumoniae strains identified in 2022. Full article

The gut–brain axis (GBA) represents a complex, bidirectional communication network that intricately connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding and intervening in this axis opens a pathway for therapeutic advancements for neurological and gastrointestinal diseases where the GBA has been proposed to play a role in the pathophysiology. In light of this, the current review assesses the effectiveness of neuromodulation techniques in treating neurological and gastrointestinal disorders by modulating the GBA, involving key elements such as gut microbiota, neurotrophic factors, and proinflammatory cytokines. Through a comprehensive literature review encompassing PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, this research highlights the role played by the GBA in neurological and gastrointestinal diseases, in addition to the impact of neuromodulation on the management of these conditions which include both gastrointestinal (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)) and neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and neuropsychiatric disorders). Despite existing challenges, the ability of neuromodulation to adjust disrupted neural pathways, alleviate pain, and mitigate inflammation is significant in improving the quality of life for patients, thereby offering exciting prospects for future advancements in patient care. Full article

In recent years, the rapid growth of air traffic has intensified pressure on the air transport system, leading to congestion problems in airports and airspace. The projected increase in demand exacerbates these issues, necessitating immediate attention. Additionally, there is a growing concern regarding the environmental impact of the aviation sector. To tackle these challenges, the adoption of advanced methods and technologies shows promise in expanding current airspace capacity and improving its management. This paper presents an overview of sustainable aviation, drawing on publications from academia and industry. The emphasis is on optimizing both flight and ground operations. Specifically, the review delves into recent advancements in airline operations, airport operations, flight operations, and disruption management, analyzing their respective research objectives, problem formulations, methodologies, and computational experiments. Furthermore, the review identifies emerging trends, prevailing obstacles, and potential directions for future research. Full article

In this review article, we summarize the most common clinical manifestations of Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): pruritus, fatigue, osteoporosis, and dyslipoproteinemia and discuss their impact of the patients’ quality of life. More than half of PBC patients suffer from pruritus or fatigue at the time of diagnosis. We discuss the pathophysiological aspects of the PBC clinical manifestations and treatment options. The pathophysiology of pruritus and fatigue is not adequately elucidated, but IL-31 is associated with the severity of pruritus and could be used to objectify the subjective reporting by questionnaires. Although PBC patients suffer from atherogenic dyslipidemia, they do not seem to have a higher cardiovascular risk; however, this observation needs to be clarified by further clinical studies. The second-line of PBC treatment affects pruritus severity: Obeticholic acid (OCA) worsens pruritus while fibrates improve it. Itching can be alleviated by both non-pharmacological and pharmacological approach, however the are multiple barriers to pharmacological treatment. There is no adequate treatment for fatigue today. Treatment of osteoporosis and dyslipidemia is similar for non-PBC patients; stage of liver disease should be considered in treatment. Further research to clarify the pathophysiology and to eventually discover an effective treatment to improve survival and quality of life (especially pruritus and fatigue) in PBC patients is needed. Full article

There has been emerging research linking per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to gamete viability and fertility. PFAS, prevalent in the environment and water supplies, undergo slow degradation due to their C-F bond and a long half-life (2.3–8.5 years). In females, PFAS inhibit the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, reducing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, leading to the inhibition of androgen and estradiol production. PFAS have been found to cause detrimental effects on egg quality through impairing folliculogenesis. In males, PFAS can impair sperm motility and morphology: two fundamental qualities of successful fertilization. PFAS exposure has been proven to inhibit testosterone production, sperm capacitation, and acrosomal reaction. After fertilization, the results of PFAS exposure to embryos have also been investigated, showing reduced development to the blastocyst stage. The aim of this review is to report the main findings in the literature on the impact of PFAS exposure to gamete competency and fertilization capability by highlighting key studies on both male and female fertility. We report that there is significant evidence demonstrating the negative impacts on fertility after PFAS exposure. At high doses, these environmentally abundant and widespread compounds can significantly affect human fertility. Full article

With escalating global regulatory pressure for countries to adhere to emission laws, repurposing existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen-based commodities stands to be an economical solution. However, the effects of hydrogen embrittlement must be thoroughly considered for this application to avoid the unexpected catastrophic failure of these pipelines. The literature proposes several physicochemical embrittlement models. This paper reports one aspect of hydrogen embrittlement that remains to be quantified: the recovery of ductility (embrittlement) of mild steel specimens subjected to artificially accelerated hydrogen absorption via electrochemical charging as a function of time. The effects of charging duration and particularly the delay period between charging and mechanical tensile testing were investigated. Unsurprisingly, longer charging time shows a greater loss of elongation; however, a more extensive recovery of ductility correlated with longer charging time in the first few days after charging. The data also show that while the uncharged mild steel met all minimum required values for strength and elongation for the specified grade, there was a substantial variability in the elongation to failure. The same trends in variability of elongation translated to the hydrogen-charged specimens. Due to this extensive variability, failure to meet the elongation specification of the grade is reported based on the worst-case scenario obtained for a given set of samples for each exposure condition. These results have practical implications for the monitoring and testing of infrastructure exposed to hydrogen, particularly as this relates to industry planned operational shutdown schedules. Full article

Efficient irrigation water use directly affects crop productivity as demand increases for various agricultural products due to population growth worldwide. While technologies are being developed in various fields, it has become desirable to develop automatic irrigation systems to reduce the waste of water caused by traditional irrigation processes. This paper presents a novel approach to an automated irrigation system based on a non-contact computer vision system to enhance the irrigation process and reduce the need for human intervention. The proposed system is based on a stand-alone Raspberry Pi camera imaging system mounted at an agricultural research facility which monitors changes in soil color by capturing images sequentially and processing captured images with no involvement from the facility’s staff. Two types of soil samples (sand soil and peat moss soil) were utilized in this study under three different scenarios, including dusty, sunny, and cloudy conditions of wet soil and dry soil, to take control of irrigation decisions. A relay, pump, and power bank were used to achieve the stability of the power source and supply it with regular power to avoid the interruption of electricity. Full article

Understanding exit choice behaviour is essential for optimising safety management strategies in building evacuations. Previous research focused on contextual attributes, such as spatial information, influencing exit choice, often using utility models based on monotonic functions of attributes. However, during emergencies, evacuees typically make rapid, less calculated decisions. The choice of context can significantly impact the evaluation of attributes, leading to preference reversals within the same choice set but under varying context conditions. This cognitive psychological phenomenon, known as context effects, encompasses the compromise effect, the similarity effect, and the attraction effect. While researchers have long recognised the pivotal role of context effects in human decision making, their incorporation into computer-aided evacuation management remains limited. To address this gap, we introduce context effects (CE) in a social force (SF) model, CE-SF. Evaluating CE-SF’s performance against the UF-SF model, which considers only the utility function (UF), we find that CE-SF better replicates exit choice behaviour across urgency levels, highlighting its potential to enhance evacuation strategies. Notably, our study identifies three distinct context effects during evacuations, emphasising their importance in advancing safety measures. Full article

Electron beam–powder bed fusion (PBF-EB) is an additive manufacturing process that utilizes an electron beam as the heat source to enable material fusion. However, the use of a charge-carrying heat source can sometimes result in sudden powder explosions, usually referred to as “Smoke”, which can lead to process instability or termination. This experimental study investigated the initiation and propagation of Smoke using in situ high-speed synchrotron radiography. The results reveal two key mechanisms for Smoke evolution. In the first step, the beam–powder bed interaction creates electrically isolated particles in the atmosphere. Subsequently, these isolated particles get charged either by direct irradiation by the beam or indirectly by back-scattered electrons. These particles are accelerated by electric repulsion, and new particles in the atmosphere are produced when they impinge on the powder bed. This is the onset of the avalanche process known as Smoke. Based on this understanding, the dependence of Smoke on process parameters such as beam returning time, beam diameter, etc., can be rationalized. Full article

In traditional injection molding, each level of the process has its own monitoring and improvement initiatives. But in the upcoming industrial revolution, it is important to establish connections and communication among all stages, as changes in one stage might have an impact on others. To address this issue, digital twins (DTs) are introduced as virtual models that replicate the entire injection molding process. This paper focuses on the data and technology needed to build a DT model for injection molding. Each stage can have its own DT, which are integrated into a comprehensive model of the process. DTs enable the smart automation of production processes and data collection, reducing manual efforts in supervising and controlling production systems. However, implementing DTs is challenging and requires effort for conception and integration with the represented systems. To mitigate this, the current work presents a model for systematic knowledge-based engineering for the DTs of injection molding. This model includes fault detection systems, 3D printing, and system integration to automate development activities. Based on knowledge engineering, data analysis, and data mapping, the proposed DT model allows fault detection, prognostic maintenance, and predictive manufacturing. Full article

The phenomenon of discontinuous shear thickening (DST) is observed in suspensions of solid particles with a very high-volume fraction. It is characterized by an abrupt decrease in the shear rate for critical stress during a ramp of stress. This behavior can be reproduced in numerical simulations by introducing a local friction between two particles above a given local force. We present experimental results showing this DST behavior obtained with suspensions of magnetic (iron) and nonmagnetic (calcium carbonate) particles and different amounts of a superplasticizer molecule used in the cement industry. For both types of particles, the same behavior was observed with first an increase in critical stress with the amount of plasticizer followed by a decrease at higher concentrations but with a larger viscosity before critical stress was reached. At a low concentration of plasticizer, the low critical stress is interpreted by the local sliding of plasticizer molecules on the surface of particles. At higher concentrations, when total coverage is achieved, the critical stress is higher since it has to remove the molecules out of the surface. At still higher concentrations, the increase in viscosity is explained by the formation of multilayers of molecules on the surface of the particles. This interpretation is supported by the measurement of the adsorption isotherm of the plasticizer on the surface of the particles. Full article

In this article, deployable cylindrical vaults of reciprocal linkages with frustoconical ends are analysed. Deployable cylindrical vaults with quadrangular scissors modules have low stiffness in the longitudinal direction, which requires the use of stiffening bars after deployment. The truncated cone-shaped ends improve their stiffness but do not prevent bracing. However, if reciprocal knots are used, the mesh performance improves considerably. This article studies the design conditions of these vaults and their resistance to gravity, wind suction and wind loads in the transverse and longitudinal directions. We also study the different resistance behaviour of the mesh, depending on whether the roof is supported on the upper or lower joints. In all cases, model tests are carried out to check the validity of the proposed solutions. Both theoretical calculations and experimental tests demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of this type of structure. Full article

Pavement construction practices have evolved due to increasing environmental impact and urban heat island (UHI) effects, as pavements, covering over 30% of urban areas, contribute to elevated air temperatures. This study introduces heat-reflective pavements, by replacing conventional black bitumen with a clear binder and pigment-modified clear binders. Titanium dioxide white, zinc ferrite yellow, and iron oxide red pigments are used to give asphalt corresponding shades. The asphalt and bitumen specimens were subjected to thermal analysis in heat sinks, under varying solar fluxes. The pigment dosage was maintained at 4%, according to the weight of the total mix, for all pigment types. The samples were heated and cooled for 3 h and 2 h, respectively. Mechanical testing was conducted to ascertain the impact of temperature variations on both the neat clear binder (C.B) and pigmented C.B and asphalt mixture samples. Wheel tracking and dynamic modulus tests were conducted to evaluate their performance under high temperatures. The results indicate that non-black asphalt mixtures exhibit significant temperature reductions, up to 9 °C, which are further enhanced by pigmented binders, up to 11 °C. It was found that asphalt with a clear or transparent binder demonstrated lower temperatures and faster heat dissipation in extreme conditions. Moreover, C.B asphalt mixtures displayed a rut resistance of 15%, with the pigmented C.B asphalt mixture showing a remarkable rut resistance of 73%, outperforming conventional asphalt. Non-black mixtures, especially C.B + zinc ferrite, showed improved resistance to permanent deformation in dynamic modulus tests. Full article

The ability to make on-field, split-second decisions is critical for National Football League (NFL) game officials. Multiple principles in visual function are critical for accuracy and precision of these play calls, including foveation time and unobstructed line of sight, static visual acuity, dynamic visual acuity, vestibulo-ocular reflex, and sufficient visual field. Prior research has shown that a standardized curriculum in these neuro-ophthalmic principles have demonstrated validity and self-rated improvements in understanding, confidence, and likelihood of future utilization by NFL game officials to maximize visual performance during officiating. Virtual reality technology may also be able to help optimize understandings of specific neuro-ophthalmic principles and simulate real-life gameplay. Personal communication between authors and NFL officials and leadership have indicated that there is high interest in 3D virtual on-field training for NFL officiating. In this manuscript, we review the current and past research in this space regarding a neuro-ophthalmic curriculum for NFL officials. We then provide an overview our current visualization engineering process in taking real-life NFL gameplay 2D data and creating 3D environments for virtual reality gameplay training for football officials to practice plays that highlight neuro-ophthalmic principles. We then review in-depth the physiology behind these principles and discuss strategies to implement these principles into virtual reality for football officiating. Full article

PbF₂ single crystals are usually grown in the temperature gradient region by the Bridgman–Stockbarger method. Temperature distribution during the growth process is particularly important for the preparation of high-quality crystals. In this study, the temperature field during the growth of the PbF₂ single crystals was simulated based on the finite element method. The temperature distribution and temperature gradient changes in the crucible were investigated at different growth stages, including the seeding, shouldering, and iso-diameters stages. The calculated results show that as the crucible position continues downward during the growth process, the axial temperature gradient increases and then decreases from the bottom to the top of the crucible, with almost flat isotherms near the solid–liquid interface where the axial temperature gradient is larger. At the shoulder below the crucible, the solid–liquid interface was improved by adjusting the tilt angle. Furthermore, based on a novel design of the heat-insulating baffle, the concave solid–liquid interface in the iso-diameter stage can be effectively adjusted to realize a lower radial temperature gradient. This study provides theoretical guidance for the optimization of the growth of high-quality PbF₂ crystals by the Bridgman method. Full article

This study explores the visibility of phosphorescent-netting pots to snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) using visual modeling techniques. Light emitted from such pots increases catch per unit effort, yet little is understood about the factors driving these higher catch rates. In this study, we measure pot light emission and snow crab visual acuity. Combining these data with estimates obtained in the literature for other biotic and abiotic factors, we model snow crab vision in relation to the pots. Utilizing these factors and environmental conditions, we derive a contrast ratio between the pot light and the ambient light. Findings reveal that the visibility of pot lights at 200-m depth depends primarily on solar angle (time of day) and time elapsed post-deployment. Additional factors influencing the vision of the pots include water column quality and benthic boundary layer turbidity. This study is the first to model the visual ecology of snow crab and the first to estimate snow crab visual acuity. These insights into snow crab visual ecology can potentially enhance fishing techniques, promote catch efficiency and sustainability, and help provide a path forward for visual ecology research in the fisheries science field. Full article

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a valuable pelagic migratory fish with potential for aquaculture. Despite this, there is limited understanding of the biological and physiological characteristics of this species, particularly regarding sex differences in growth performance. The liver, a crucial organ for digestion and metabolism, plays a significant role in regulating fish growth. This study aimed to compare liver enzyme activities and transcriptome profiles between female and male yellowfin tuna to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying difference between the sexes. The results revealed that female yellowfin tuna exhibited higher amylase and lipid metabolism enzyme activities, while male yellowfin tuna showed higher glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and antioxidant enzyme activities. Additionally, through Illumina sequencing technology, the study generated 37.74 Gb of clean data and identified 36,482 unique genes (UniGenes) in the liver transcriptome. A total of 2542 differentially expressed genes were found, with enriched Gene Ontology terms and pathways related to metabolic processes, particularly lipid metabolism and transport. These findings suggest that female yellowfin tuna have superior digestive enzyme activities and lipid metabolism, while male yellowfin tuna excel in sugar metabolism, ATP production, and antioxidant defense. This study provides valuable insights into sex differences in yellowfin tuna and could aid in advancing full-cycle aquaculture practices for this species. Full article

Intestinal macrophages have been poorly studied in fish, mainly due to the lack of specific molecular markers for their identification and isolation. To address this gap, using the zebrafish Tg(mpeg1:EGFP) transgenic line, we developed a fluorescence-activated cell sorting strategy (FACS) that allows us to isolate different intestinal macrophage subpopulations, based on GFP expression and morphological differences. Also, we achieved the purification of high-quality total RNA from each population to perform transcriptomic analysis. The complete strategy comprises three steps, including intestine dissection and tissue dissociation, the isolation of each intestinal macrophage population via FACS, and the extraction of total RNA. To be able to characterize molecularly different macrophage subpopulations and link them to their functional properties will allow us to unravel intestinal macrophage biology. Full article

Plant polyphenols are potential inhibitors for the anaerobic treatment of wastewater from the wood processing, pharmaceutical, and leather industries. Tannic acid (TA) was selected as a model compound to assess the inhibitory effect of plant polyphenols in simulated wastewater in this study. The influences of TA on methanogenic activity, sludge morphology, and the microbial community were investigated under glucose and sodium acetate as carbon substrates, respectively. The results show that a threshold concentration of TA above 1500 mg·L⁻¹ that triggers significant methanogenesis depression and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation. In addition, granules might be weakened by TA addition, reflected in changes in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within the granules and an increase in floc in the effluent. The anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS) fed with sodium acetate was more sensitive than the presence of glucose as the substrate when facing the challenge of TA. The concentration of the mcrA gene in granular sludge decreased markedly in response to TA stress, providing direct evidence that a high concentration of TA caused the inhibition of specific gene expressions. This study provides details about the adverse impacts of TA stress on methane production, the microbial community, and granule integrity, deepening our understanding of the anaerobic treatment of plant polyphenols contained in wastewater. Full article

This research investigates the connection between dividend policy, third-party funds, financial performance, and company value, with a focus on IT Innovation as a moderating factor. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach, utilizing Commercial Banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange categorized as BUKU 4 Banks during the period of 2016–2022. This study employed Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis with WarpPLS 6.0 software as the tool for data analysis. This research concludes that dividend policy does not significantly impact financial performance and company value, while third-party funds have a significant positive effect on both financial performance and company value. Although dividend policy does not directly affect company value, its impact may occur through the mediation of financial performance. Additionally, IT Innovation serves as a moderating factor that strengthens the positive relationship between third-party funds and financial performance towards company value. The novelty of this research lies in the development of a more comprehensive model or concept regarding dividend policy, third-party funds, financial performance as a mediating variable, and company value when considering IT Innovation as a moderating variable. Full article