Our aim was to develop an accurate, highly sensitive method for HBV genotype determination and detection of genotype mixtures. We examined the preS and 5′ end of the HBV X gene (5X) regions of the HBV genome using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The 1852 haplotypes obtained were subjected to genotyping via the Distance-Based discrimination method (DB Rule) using two sets of 95 reference sequences of genotypes A–H. In clinical samples from 125 patients, the main genotypes were A, D, F and H in Caucasian, B and C in Asian and A and E in Sub-Saharan patients. Genotype mixtures were identified in 28 (22.40%) cases, and potential intergenotypic recombination was observed in 29 (23.20%) cases. Furthermore, we evaluated sequence conservation among haplotypes classified into genotypes A, C, D, and E by computing the information content. The preS haplotypes exhibited limited shared conserved regions, whereas the 5X haplotypes revealed two groups of conserved regions across the genotypes assessed. In conclusion, we developed an NGS-based HBV genotyping method utilizing the DB Rule for genotype classification. We identified two regions conserved across different genotypes at 5X, offering promising targets for RNA interference-based antiviral therapies. Full article

Background: Because the regular vaccine campaign started in Guinea one year after the COVID-19 index case, the profile of naturally acquired immunity following primary SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be deepened. Methods: Blood samples were collected once from 200 patients (90% of African extraction) who were recovered from COVID-19 for at least ~2.4 months (72 days), and their sera were tested for IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using an in-house ELISA assay against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike1 protein (RBD/S1-IH kit). Results: Results revealed that 73% of sera (146/200) were positive for IgG to SARS-CoV-2 with an Optical Density (OD) ranging from 0.13 to 1.19 and a median value of 0.56 (IC95: 0.51–0.61). The median OD value at 3 months (1.040) suddenly decreased thereafter and remained stable around OD 0.5 until 15 months post-infection. The OD median value was slightly higher in males compared to females (0.62 vs. 0.49), but the difference was not statistically significant (p-value: 0.073). In contrast, the OD median value was significantly higher among the 60–100 age group (0.87) compared to other groups, with a noteworthy odds ratio compared to the 0–20 age group (OR: 9.69, p-value: 0.044*). Results from the RBD/S1-IH ELISA kit demonstrated superior concordance with the whole spike1 protein ELISA commercial kit compared to a nucleoprotein ELISA commercial kit. Furthermore, anti-spike1 protein ELISAs (whole spike1 and RBD/S1) revealed higher seropositivity rates. Conclusions: These findings underscore the necessity for additional insights into naturally acquired immunity against COVID-19 and emphasize the relevance of specific ELISA kits for accurate seropositivity rates Full article

The critical importance of optimal substation placement intensifies as the world experiences sustained economic expansion and firmly pursues the decarbonization process. This paper develops an integrative approach to determining the optimal location for a new substation considering the evolving power framework. To this end, a projected 2% national load growth is taken into account, in accordance with the foresight of the Romanian authorities, emphasizing the need to place new substations to enhance the grid’s sustainability. Leveraging the Weibull distribution, a dataset is generated to simulate the anticipated load increase, starting from real power datasets in Romania. Two algorithms are designed for optimal substation positioning: geometric (center-of-gravity-based) and machine learning (K-means clustering). The primary comparison criterion is the minimization of power losses during energy distribution. The results reveal the machine learning approach (i.e., K-means clustering) as the superior alternative, attaining a 60% success rate in minimizing the power losses. However, acknowledging computational constraints, the concurrent utilization of both algorithms is advocated for optimal substation location selection, indicating a potential improvement in outcomes. This study emphasizes the critical need for advanced algorithms, stressing their role in mitigating power losses and optimizing energy utilization in response to evolving load patterns and sustainability goals. Full article

The study investigated compounds present in the invasive grass Hordeum murinum L. subsp. murinum and tested the allelopathic potential of this plant against common meadow species Festuca rubra L. and Trifolium repens L. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) performed separately on the ears and stalks with leaves of wall barley revealed 32 compounds, including secondary metabolites, that may play an important role in allelopathy. Two compounds, N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) and diphenylsulfone (DDS), were described for the first time for wall barley and the Poaceae family. The presence of 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one (TMP) has also been documented. Aqueous extracts of H. murinum organs (ears and stalks with leaves) at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% were used to evaluate its allelopathic potential. Compared to the control, all extracts inhibited germination and early growth stages of meadow species. The inhibitory effect was strongest at the highest concentration for both the underground and aboveground parts of the seedlings of the meadow species tested. Comparing the allelopathic effect, Trifolium repens proved to be more sensitive. In light of the results of the study, the removal of wall barley biomass appears to be important for the restoration of habitats where this species occurs due to its allelopathic potential. Full article

Solanum is the largest genus within the Solanaceae family and has garnered considerable attention in chemical and biological investigations over the past 30 years. In this context, lobeira or “fruta-do-lobo” (Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill), a species predominantly found in the Brazilian Cerrado, stands out. Beyond the interesting nutritional composition of the fruits, various parts of the lobeira plant have been used in folk medicine as hypoglycemic, sedative, diuretic, antiepileptic, and antispasmodic agents. These health-beneficial effects have been correlated with various bioactive compounds found in the plant, particularly alkaloids. In this review, we summarize the alkaloid composition of the lobeira plant and its biological activities that have been reported in the scientific literature in the last decades. The compiled data showed that lobeira plants and fruits contain a wide range of alkaloids, with steroidal glycoalkaloid solamargine and solasonine being the major ones. These alkaloids, but not limited to them, contribute to different biological activities verified in alkaloid-rich extracts/fractions from the lobeira, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antigenotoxic, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, and antiparasitic effects. Despite the encouraging results, additional research, especially toxicological, pre-clinical, and clinical trials, is essential to validate these human health benefits and ensure consumers’ safety and well-being. Full article

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

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

(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

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

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

Forage yield estimates provide relevant information to manage and quantify ecosystem services in grasslands. We fitted and validated prediction models of forage yield for several prominent grasses used in restoration projects in semiarid areas. We used field forage harvests from three different sites in Northern Utah and Southern California, USA, in conjunction with multispectral, high-resolution UAV imagery. Different model structures were tested with simple models using a unique predictor, the forage volumetric 3D space, and more complex models, where RGB, red edge, and near-infrared spectral bands and associated vegetation indices were used as predictors. We found that for most dense canopy grasses, using a simple linear model structure could explain most (R² 0.7) of the variability of the response variable. This was not the case for sparse canopy grasses, where a full multispectral dataset and a non-parametric model approach (random forest) were required to obtain a maximum R² of 0.53. We developed transparent protocols to model forage yield where, in most circumstances, acceptable results could be obtained with affordable RGB sensors and UAV platforms. This is important as users can obtain rapid estimates with inexpensive sensors for most of the grasses included in this study. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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