Background: Follow-up after radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer can be divided into oncological and functional surveillance. It remains unclear how follow-up after RC should ideally be scheduled. The aim of this report was to gain insight into the organization of follow-up after RC in Europe, for which we conducted a roundtable inventory within the EAU Young Academic Urologists Urothelial Cancer working group. Methods: An inventory semi-structured survey was performed among urologists of the EAU Young Academic Urologists Urothelial Cancer working group to describe the organization of follow-up. The surveys were analyzed using a deductive approach. Similarities and differences in follow-up after RC for bladder cancer were described. Results: The survey included 11 urologists from six different European countries. An institutional follow-up scheme was used by six (55%); three (27%) used a national or international guideline, and two (18%) indicated that there was no defined follow-up scheme. Major divergent aspects included the time points of follow-up, the frequency, and the end of follow-up. Six centers (55%) adopted a risk-adapted follow-up approach tailored to (varying) patient and tumor characteristics. Laboratory tests and CT scans were used in all cases; however, the intensity and frequency varied. Functional follow-up overlapped with oncological follow-up in terms of frequency and duration. Patient-reported outcome measures were only used by two (18%) urologists. Conclusions: Substantial variability exists across European centers regarding the follow-up after RC for bladder cancer. This highlights the need for an international analysis focusing on its organization and content as well as on opportunities to improve patients’ needs during follow-up after RC. Full article

High-feed milling (HFM) represents a progressive manufacturing technology that has recently found widespread application across various industries. HFM is characterized by high machining speed, reduced cycle times, increased overall productivity, and increased tool life. Due to its versatility, HFM is a suitable technology for the application of various materials. The study deals with experimental analysis of cutting forces, machined surface integrity, and statistical evaluation in high-feed machining. In the present study, nickel-copper-based alloy (Monel) was chosen as the machined material, employing HFM with a monolithic ceramic milling cutter. The Monel material is characterized by its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance in harsh environments. During machining, cutting forces were recorded in three mutually perpendicular directions. This paper delves into the analysis of the impact of the depth of cut (a_p), width of cut (a_e), and lead-in angle (ε). The chosen evaluation characteristics encompass the tool load, primary profile, and the attained roughness of the machined surface. It is noteworthy that the technology under consideration predominantly aligns with the roughing phase of the manufacturing process. Additionally, the investigation incorporates a statistical analysis of the response surface pertaining to the cutting force components, namely Fx, Fy, Fz, and the resultant cutting force F. Full article

Deciding what to make of secular, religious, and spiritual speculations about AI and digital technologies can be overwhelming, and focusing on the extreme utopic or dystopic outcomes may be obscuring the larger facts. Is this technology a beautiful blessing or a damning curse? What can paying close attention to these technologies and the discourse surrounding them show? How founded are our anxieties? By following the apocalyptic throughline in this rhetoric across fields in recent years, this essay seeks to consider the effect of apocalyptic thought on recent developments in tech, and consider how this worldview orients our future. The deterministically utopic, dystopic, and apocalyptic rhetoric surrounding these technologies obscures their function and efficacy, giving agency to what is functionally still just a tool, the use for which depends on its designers and users. Full article

Understanding soil phosphorus (P) distribution and its key drivers is fundamental for sustainable P management. In this study, a 21-year fertilization experiment on black soil was carried out, setting up five fertilization treatments: unfertilized control (CK), nitrogen and potassium (NK), nitrogen, P and potassium (NPK), NPK plus straw (NPKS), and NPK plus manure (NPKM). The distribution and effecting factors of P pools within soil aggregates were investigated. Compared to CK, the NK and NPK treatments decreased calcium-associated P concentration in all aggregate fractions. Meanwhile, the NPK treatment significantly increased the organic P extracted from NaOH in unaggregated particles (<0.053 mm). This was mainly due to the reduction in soil pH. The NPKS and NPKM treatments increased almost all P forms in aggregates, especially Ca-P. For the NPKM treatment, inorganic P extracted from resin, NaHCO₃, and NaOH increased as aggregate size increased. This was mainly because straw or manure addition promoted soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in aggregates, creating more sorption sites via association with amorphous metallic minerals, and, thus, facilitating P accumulation. In conclusion, decreasing soil pH by chemical fertilizers is an effective strategy for mobilizing soil P, whereas increasing SOC by straw or manure facilitates P accumulation. Full article

Nanotechnology advancements have resulted in many sensors and devices for biomedical applications. Among the various nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), due to their size, shape, biocompatibility, and unique plasmonic property, are an excellent candidate for many biomedical applications. AuNPs, known for their easy surface modifications, robust nature, and photothermal activities, find application in drug delivery and cancer treatment studies. In this review, we are highlighting the recent trends in using AuNPs as nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer immunotherapy not only eliminates the primary tumors but also allows for the treatment of metastasis along with the recurrence of the tumor. AuNPs possess tissue-specific delivery functions that depend on the tunability in size and surface functionalization of AuNPs. AuNPs can be used to activate the tumor’s immune defense ability, or they can be used to enhance the anti-tumor immune response. Understanding the interaction of the tumor environment and nanobiomedicine is very important. In the present review, we give an idea of the mode of action of AuNPs and various combinations of therapies for cancer immunotherapy. Full article

The threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by an epidemic of misinformation, causing confusion and mistrust among the public. Misinformation about COVID-19 whether intentional or unintentional takes many forms, including conspiracy theories, false treatments, and inaccurate information about the origins and spread of the virus. Though the pandemic has brought to light the significant impact of misinformation on public health, mathematical modeling emerged as a valuable tool for understanding the spread of COVID-19 and the impact of public health interventions. However, there has been limited research on the mathematical modeling of the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19. In this paper, we present a mathematical model of the spread of misinformation related to COVID-19. The model highlights the challenges posed by misinformation, in that rather than focusing only on the reproduction number that drives new infections, there is an additional threshold parameter that drives the spread of misinformation. The equilibria of the model are analyzed for both local and global stability, and numerical simulations are presented. We also discuss the model’s potential to develop effective strategies for combating misinformation related to COVID-19. Full article

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) holds great promise for in-memory computing, which is considered the most promising strategy for solving the von Neumann bottleneck. However, there are still significant problems in its application due to the non-uniform performance of RRAM devices. In this work, a bilayer dielectric layer memristor was designed based on the difference in the Gibbs free energy of the oxide. We fabricated Au/Ta₂O₅/HfO₂/Ta/Pt (S3) devices with excellent uniformity. Compared with Au/HfO₂/Pt (S1) and Au/Ta₂O₅/Pt (S2) devices, the S3 device has a low reset voltage fluctuation of 2.44%, and the resistive coefficients of variation are 13.12% and 3.84% in HRS and LRS, respectively, over 200 cycles. Otherwise, the bilayer device has better linearity and more conductance states in multi-state regulation. At the same time, we analyze the physical mechanism of the bilayer device and provide a physical model of ion migration. This work provides a new idea for designing and fabricating resistive devices with stable performance. Full article

Throughout the Caribbean region, coastal areas are of vital importance for national incomes from the tourism industry. However, accelerated coastal development has impacted the coastal ecosystems, including the beaches, and deterioration of the shore results from cumulative impacts on both marine and coastal ecosystems. It is essential to identify the areas that need special attention for targeted management plans and actions, especially in areas with high anthropogenic pressure. This research proposes an integrated assessment of the conservation state of shore and coastal ecosystems in the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park (PNAPM) in the Mexican Caribbean, through the spatial monitoring of key parameters. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed to analyze the land use on the shore, foredune condition, morphological characteristics of the beaches, shoreline evolution, and the condition of coral reefs and seagrass meadows. The analysis identified the most critical areas in relation to shore deterioration and priority areas for the preservation of ecosystems. The spatial data obtained for the PNAPM can serve as a basis for ongoing shore monitoring, and targeted management actions through the designation of areas that require either preservation or ecosystem restoration practices. This methodology can be applied to other reef systems in the Caribbean. Full article

The olive oil sector is a fundamental food in the Mediterranean diet. It has been demonstrated that the consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with a high content of phenolic compounds is beneficial in the prevention and/or treatment of many diseases. The main objective of this work was to study the relationship between the content of phenolic compounds and the in vitro neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity of EVOOs from two PDOs in the province of Granada. To this purpose, the amounts of phenolic compounds were determined by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) and the inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes by spectrophotometric and fluorimetric assays. The main families identified were phenolic alcohols, secoiridoids, lignans, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The EVOO samples with the highest total concentration of compounds and the highest inhibitory activity belonged to the Picual and Manzanillo varieties. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between identified compounds and AChE and COX-2 inhibitory activity, except for lignans. These results confirm EVOO’s compounds possess neuroprotective potential. Full article

Although several studies have found disparities in health outcomes between heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB)-identifying individuals, few studies have focused on subjective well-being and protective factors for health and well-being. The purpose of this work is twofold: (1) to examine the relevance of sexual orientation to health and well-being in women and men; (2) to identify protective and risk factors for psychological distress, self-rated health, and well-being for gay men, lesbian women, bisexual women and men, and heterosexual women and men. The sample consisted of 908 women and 586 men from the general Spanish population aged 16–64, half of whom identified themselves as LGB and half as heterosexual. All were assessed using eight questionnaires and inventories. The results showed that differences varied depending on the health indicator considered. In general, bisexuals had the poorest health, with lower self-rated health and lower self-esteem. In all groups, self-esteem was a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with better health and well-being. To a lesser extent, social support served as a protective factor against psychological distress and was associated with greater well-being in all groups. It is concluded that although sexual orientation is relevant to the health and well-being of individuals, there are differences among sexual minorities, with bisexuals having lower self-esteem than homosexuals. Full article

This study investigates the rationale behind the combination of Buddha mahāstūpas (mahācetiyas) and cetiyas (caityas) within a Buddhist monastery. In integrating a broader intellectual program, the universality of the concept is exemplified, wherein “mahācetiya and cetiya” are combined to symbolize the life of Buddha through architectural arrangements. Adopting a broader intellectual program grounded in the causality principle signifies an inclination toward universality. These combinations represent sacred places and events in Buddha’s life, from birth to Mahaparinirvana. They encompass significant moments, such as great departures, meditation, enlightenment, and preaching. The synthesis of mahācetiyas and apsidal shrines was a pivotal moment at the site, guided by the Mahāsaṅghika School, representing an innovative invention in the pursuit of narrative framing of Buddha’s biography. Full article

The objective of this study was to verify the genetic dissimilarity and validate image phenotyping using RGB (red, green, and blue) sensors in tropical carrot germplasms. The experiment was conducted in the city of Carandaí-MG, Brazil, using 57 tropical carrot entries from Seminis and three commercial entries. The entries were evaluated agronomically and two flights with Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) were conducted. Clustering was performed to validate the existence of genetic variability among the entries using an artificial neural network to produce a Kohonen’s self-organizing map. The genotype–ideotype distance index was used to verify the best entries. Genetic variability among the tropical carrot entries was evidenced by the formation of six groups. The Brightness Index (BI), Primary Colors Hue Index (HI), Overall Hue Index (HUE), Normalized Green Red Difference Index (NGRDI), Soil Color Index (SCI), and Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI), as well as the calculated areas of marketable, unmarketable, and total roots, were correlated with agronomic characters, including leaf blight severity and root yield. This indicates that tropical carrot materials can be indirectly evaluated via remote sensing. Ten entries were selected using the genotype–ideotype distance (2, 15, 16, 22, 34, 37, 39, 51, 52, and 53), confirming the superiority of the entries. Full article

Affected by economic uncertainty, the success rate of sustainable entrepreneurship is not optimistic at present. Effectively improving the success rate of sustainable entrepreneurship is of great significance for ensuring and maintaining sustainable development for long-term socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. Based on social network theory, entrepreneurial capital theory, psychological capital theory, and the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship, this study explores the influence mechanism of online social network relationships on sustainable entrepreneurial success from the perspective of those relationships, dividing entrepreneurs’ abilities into an online relationship-building ability and online relationship coordination ability. We used an empirical study with 346 valid questionnaires. The results of a PLS-SEM analysis show that online social network relationships have a significant impact on sustainable entrepreneurial capital, in which online relationship-building capacity has a similar impact on both sustainable entrepreneurial resource integration and acquisition; online relationship-building capacity can positively affect both transactional and interpersonal psychological capital; sustainable entrepreneurial resource integration can be more effective than resource acquisition in promoting sustainable entrepreneurial success through the use of social media; and transactional psychological capital has a more significant impact on sustainable entrepreneurial success than does interpersonal psychological capital. This study provides new insights into how entrepreneurs can fully utilize their online social network relationships to achieve entrepreneurial success. Full article

This study presents an extensive collection of data on the aerodynamic behavior at a low Reynolds number and geometric coefficients for 2900 airfoils obtained through the class shape transformation (CST) method. By employing a verified OpenFOAM-based CFD simulation framework, lift and drag coefficients were determined at a Reynolds number of 10⁵. Considering the limited availability of data on low Reynolds number airfoils, this dataset is invaluable for a wide range of applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and wind turbines. Additionally, the study offers a method for automating CFD simulations that could be applied to obtain aerodynamic coefficients at higher Reynolds numbers. The breadth of this dataset also supports the enhancement and creation of machine learning (ML) models, further advancing research into the aerodynamics of airfoils and lifting surfaces. Full article

Alterations in intraocular and external pressure critically involve the pathogenesis of glaucoma, traumatic retinal injury (TRI), and other retinal disorders, and retinal neurons have been reported to express multiple mechanical-sensitive channels (MSCs) in recent decades. However, the role of MSCs in visual functions and pressure-related retinal conditions has been unclear. This review will focus on the variety and functional significance of the MSCs permeable to K⁺, Na⁺, and Ca²⁺, primarily including the big potassium channel (BK); the two-pore domain potassium channels TRAAK and TREK; Piezo; the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC); and the transient receptor potential channels vanilloid TRPV1, TRPV2, and TRPV4 in retinal photoreceptors, bipolar cells, horizontal cells, amacrine cells, and ganglion cells. Most MSCs do not directly mediate visual signals in vertebrate retinas. On the other hand, some studies have shown that MSCs can open in physiological conditions and regulate the activities of retinal neurons. While these data reasonably predict the crossing of visual and mechanical signals, how retinal light pathways deal with endogenous and exogenous mechanical stimulation is uncertain. Full article

Background: Exercise and the consumption of sugars result in a dysfunction of the intestinal barrier (IB). Here, we determined the effect of sugar in a natural matrix on the intestinal barrier after moderate (A) and intensive endurance exercise (B). Method: The IB function was determined before (pre) and after running (post), and 120 and 180 min after consuming the drink by measuring serum endotoxin concentrations (lipopolysaccharides—LPS), IL-6, CD14, and i-FABP. In study A, nonspecifically trained participants (n = 24, males and females, age 26 ± 4) ran for one hour at 80% of their individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). After finishing, the runners consumed, in a crossover setup, either 500 mL of water, diluted cloudy apple juice (test drink), or an identical drink (placebo) without the fruit juice matrix (FJM). In study B, the participants (n = 30, males and females, age 50 ± 9) completed an ultra-marathon run, were divided into groups, and consumed one of the above-mentioned drinks. Results: Study A: Exercise resulted in a significant increase in serum LPS, i-FABP, and IL-6, which decreased fast after finishing. No impact of the different drinks on LPS i-FABP, or IL-6 could be observed, but there was an impact on CD14. Study B: The ultra-marathon resulted in a strong increase in serum LPS, which decreased fast after finishing in the water and test drink groups, but not in the placebo group. Conclusions: The consumed drinks did not affect the kinetics of IB regeneration after moderate exercise, but impacted CD14 serum concentrations, indicating possible beneficial effects of the FJM on the immune system. After an ultra-marathon, IB function regenerates very fast. The intake of sugar (placebo) seems to have had a negative impact on IB regeneration, which was diminished by the presence of the FJM. Full article

This work presents the research results on the development of an innovative, hydrometallurgical technology for the production of manganese(II) perrhenate dihydrate from recycled waste. These wastes are scraps of Ni-based superalloys containing Re and scraps of Li–ion batteries containing Mn—specifically, solutions from the leaching of black mass. This work presents the conditions for the production of Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O. Thus, to obtain Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O, manganese(II) oxide was used, precipitated from the solutions obtained after the leaching of black mass from Li–ion batteries scrap and purified from Cu, Fe and Al (pH = 5.2). MnO₂ precipitation was carried out at a temperature < 50 °C for 30 min using a stoichiometric amount of KMnO₄ in the presence of H₂O₂. MnO₂ precipitated in this way was purified using a 20% H₂SO₄ solution and then H₂O. Purified MnO₂ was then added alternately with a 30% H₂O₂ solution to an aqueous HReO₄ solution. The reaction was conducted at room temperature for 30 min to obtain a pH of 6–7. Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O precipitated by evaporating the solution to dryness was purified by recrystallization from H₂O with the addition of H₂O₂ at least twice. Purified Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O was dried at a temperature of 100–110 °C. Using the described procedure, Mn(ReO₄)₂·2H₂O was obtained with a purity of >99.0%. This technology is an example of the green transformation method, taking into account the 6R principles. Full article

Research has shown that general educators may lack the competencies to effectively include students with disabilities, thus widening the gaps in outcomes between students with disabilities and their peers. In this study, we outline the development and implementation of a competency-based continuing education program, designed to equip general educators to effectively include students with disabilities (SWDs) and earn special education certification. This paper presents the results of a program evaluation conducted using both validated measures and author-developed instruments. Participants included general education teachers, instructional coaches, and those in similar roles. Results indicated that participants significantly increased their knowledge of professional standards, demonstrated knowledge in high-leverage practices, and showed high levels of self-efficacy to implement inclusive practices. We discuss these results, emphasizing the timeliness of this nontraditional approach and its implications for teacher preparation, research, and policy amid the troubling national special education teacher shortage. Namely, this approach epitomizes a model that allows leaders to strategically utilize their existing workforce to address vacancies in special education and emphasizes that the responsibility to support SWDs rests squarely upon all educators. Full article

The concurrent seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HBs has been described among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but its prevalence is variable. HBV S-gene mutations can affect the antigenicity of HBsAg. Patients with mutations in the ‘α’ determinant region of the S gene can develop severe HBV reactivation under immunosuppression. In this study at a tertiary liver center in the United States, we evaluated the frequency and virological characteristics of the HBsAg mutations among CHB patients with the presence of both HBsAg and anti-HBs. In this cohort, 45 (2.1%) of 2178 patients were identified to have a coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs, and 24 had available sera for the genome analysis of the Pre-S1, Pre-S2, and S regions. The frequency of mutations in the S gene was significantly higher among those older than 50 years (mean 8.5 vs. 5.4 mutations per subject, p = 0.03). Twelve patients (50%) had mutations in the ‘α‘ determinant region of the S gene. Mutations at amino acid position 126 were most common in eight subjects. Three had a mutation at position 133. Only one patient had a mutation at position 145—the classic vaccine-escape mutation. Despite the universal HBV vaccination program, the vaccine-escape mutant is rare in our cohort of predominantly Asian patients. Full article

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are commonly encountered problems in clinical settings. The range of symptoms can be from asymptomatic to palpitations, fatigue, or heart failure symptoms. A higher burden of PVCs is a risk factor for development of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy (PIC). Rhythm evaluation by 12-lead ECG and an ambulatory monitoring device are essential. Currently, several imaging modalities, such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, are utilized to evaluate the underlying structure that may be related to PIC. Beta blockers and antiarrhythmic drugs are typically part of the initial management strategy. If these fail, catheter ablation of PVCs is typically the next step. The purpose of this article is to summarize the current evidence/knowledge about PIC. Full article

Beneficial health effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are partly attributed to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which promote inflammation resolution. Strategies to improve n-3 PUFA conversion to SPMs may, therefore, be useful to treat or prevent chronic inflammatory disorders. Here, we explored a synbiotic strategy to increase circulating SPM precursor levels. Healthy participants (n = 72) received either SynΩ3 (250 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) lysine salts; two billion CFU Bacillus megaterium; n = 23), placebo (n = 24), or fish oil (300 mg EPA plus DHA; N = 25) capsules daily for 28 days in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled parallel 3-group design. Biomarkers were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 28 days of intervention. The primary analysis involved the comparison between SynΩ3 and placebo. In addition, SynΩ3 was compared to fish oil. The synbiotic SynΩ3 comprising Bacillus megaterium DSM 32963 and n-3 PUFA salts significantly increased circulating SPM precursor levels, including 18-hydroxy-eicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) plus 5-HEPE, which was not achieved to this extent by fish oil with a similar n-3 PUFA content. Omega-3 indices were increased slightly by both SynΩ3 and fish oil. These findings suggest reconsidering conventional n-3 PUFA supplementation and testing the effectiveness of SynΩ3 particularly in conditions related to inflammation. Full article

The rapid growth of Natural Fiber Laminate (NFL) innovation is a direct response to environmental challenges, positioning these materials as superior alternatives to synthetic fiber composites. This paper delved into the outcomes of an extensive experimental study investigating the influence of sisal fiber (SLF), banana fiber (BF), and glass fiber (GF) on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of concrete. The water absorption curves were established for sisal fiber concrete (SLFC), banana fiber concrete (BFC), and glass fiber concrete (GFC). Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observations were conducted to perform microanalysis and failure analysis of the tested specimens. The results revealed significant improvements in the concrete containing fibers compared to its counterpart in fiber-free concrete. For mixtures with a water-to-binder (W/B) ratio of 0.3, the most optimal mix (GF-30-135) showed improvements in compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strengths by 4.13%, 8.93%, and 10.10%, respectively. On the other hand, for W/B of 0.4, mix GF-30-135 showed improvements of 5.05%, 8.55%, and 11.60%, respectively. Furthermore, as the fiber content increased, microscopic analyses revealed a weakening of the bond between the fibers and the rest of the matrix, contributing to the deterioration of the mechanical properties. Full article